Happy Blog Day!

Today is the kick-off for International Babywearing Week, and we couldn't be more excited for what we have planned for y'all this week. Meetings nearly every day this week, joint ventures with BWI Columbia, giveaways, online only events . . . there is a way for every one of our 400+ members to take part.

Recent BotM Zoo Invasion

 

The theme this year is Share the Adventure. This really hits home for me, and I think, should, hit home for most of you. If we were all in a room together and I asked you to stand up if the generosity of a friend or stranger helped you to begin or further your babwearing journey, I would bet big money that not one of you would be sitting down. Somewhere along the line, someone introduced you to the idea of babywearing. Along the line, another someone probably helped you perfect the use of that carrier, or introduced you to a different one that you liked even better. And another person perhaps showed you a different way to wear that carrier. We don't exist in a vacuum, and babywearing is such a community effort. If you haven't already, please check out this fantastic video a local mama made featuring our local babywearing groups:






Babywearing connects us, as parents, with total strangers, all because of a tool in our parenting toolbox. I'm reminded of myself, a few years ago, when I bought my first new car. It was a Toyota Scion XB. The cars weren't all that common then, and still aren't now (which is a shame. They are AWESOME cars). Whenever I'd see another one on the road, we'd wave and honk at each other. Completely silly, of course, but just the fact that we owned the same vehicle forged a connection, albeit brief, between total strangers. Babywearing is much the same - you see a babywearer out in public and nudge your spouse or companion, "Look, honey, she's wearing a Kinderpack!" and shyly wave, or even approach this complete stranger, gushing like you are meeting a celebrity, "I love your carrier! It's a Kinderpack, right? Your baby looks like they love it. Do you like it?" Maybe you invite them to a babywearing meeting. Maybe you never see them again, but for that moment in time, you know you met a kindred spirit, and that is always a remarkable thing.

Rachel, Sharing the Adventure at Finley Park

Now, if I were to ask you how many of you have shared a carrier, or knowledge of carriers with someone (friend, family, stranger) - would all of you still be standing? I know most of the 400 of you, at least in passing, and I'd wager to say yes. Since the first month we launched Babywearers of the Midlands, we've heard stories and seen how generous each of you has been with your personal carriers, loaning them to friends, even giving away, for free or very cheaply, your own carriers to friends or strangers you knew needed them.

Jennifer shared the adventure
 with her husband

You've shared your knowledge within our Facebook group, answering questions, posting pictures, meeting one on one with people that can't make it to a meeting. This sort of peer-to-peer help is what the babywearing community is based on. Historically, that's how it has been done. None of us here are professional babywearers. We don't "do" certifications. But I, and the rest of the admin team, believe each of you has expertise to share. You are experts in how to use the carriers you have. You are the expert when it comes to your own baby and what they prefer. (another analogy, if you'll forgive the churchiness of it, is the idea of the priesthood of believers - that is, in our case, just by being a babywearer, you are an expert, just as by being a believer, you are a priest, and all believers are equal under God). It also means that each one of us, no matter if we have been wearing for a week or a decade, has more to learn. New carriers are being developed, there are new safety standards to figure out, there are new manufacturers and cottage businesses cropping up all over the place. Babywearing is a hot topic right now, and that is truly amazing.

Me, with borrowed Green Wool Fish

One more personal anecdote before I get into what's coming up this week. A few days ago, I posted a blog on how great wool is. Confession: I've never owned it, or really had the chance to play with it for more than a few minutes. I've played with wool wraps owned by friends, and wrapped with the lending library Snowflake wrap, but I've never really tried to really get to know wool. I've been terrified of felting (at one of my very first babywearing meetings, I saw a felted wool wrap. It was devastating). But, since doing the blog post, I've decided to take the plunge and at least give it a shot.

On a different Facebook group, I asked for suggestions for wraps for my nearly 3 year old daughter that loves green.  Many people chimed in with their suggestions (Everything from Yew Indio, to Kokoskaa Fern, to Didymos Pfau in various shades of green), but one person, who used to live here in Columbia but has since moved to Nashville, actually said she'd let me try hers, and mailed to me a wrap a couple days later. So, as a result, Green Wool Fish is visiting, and I have learned something else new.

What have I learned? It really is the smooshiest fiber. And yet, it threw me for a loop when I first tried to get my youngest up, because it has a stretch and moldability to it that I'm not used to (both are wonderful things, by the way) but I had to re-wrap several times (which is not something I do much of anymore) before I finally got both him and I in a semi-reasonable carry. I can't wait until my daughter gets home from visiting her Nana and I can wrap her up in its smooshy greenness! Hooray for generous friends, and Sharing the Adventure!

Upcoming Events

please see the event links for complete details

 

Monday, October 6th - Join us at the Richland County Public Library (downtown, on Assembly Street) for Storytime. In between the two stories, we'll be discussing the benefits of babywearing and will be available to answer questions. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of one of RCPL many free events, meet new friends, and share a bit of babywearing knowledge.

 

 

Tuesday, October 7th - Join us at the LDS church on Broad River Rd where fellow babywearer Kara will lead us in a Crossfit workout, all while babywearing. Wear comfortable clothes, bring your carriers, and babies, and get fit together! There will be toys and room for older children to play as well.

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 8th - Join us for an afternoon playdate - we'll be at the Clemson Children's Garden at 4:00 p.m. until . . . If you've never been to the Children's Garden, it's across from Sandhills, buried at the back of the Clemson University complex. Grab a beverage from Starbucks drive-thru, and join us at this adorable play area. There is a sandbox, kid size houses and gardens, and lots of open space.

 

Thursday, October 9th - Join us for Lunch at the State Fair - your $5.00 admission fee is refunded when you leave before 2:00 p.m.

 

Friday, October 10th - Join us in Downtown Lexington. We are going to meet at the 9/11 monument for a quick photo op, walk down Main Street, and around to Virginia Hylton Park. Bring a friend and a picnic lunch.

 

Saturday, October 11th - Join us as we join forces with BWI Columbia and other SC babywearing groups to invade the zoo, a favorite babywearing destination.

Make it Work!

Good Morning, Babywearers!

It's been a busy weekend, and I'm sure many of you have been out and about babywearing - I've seen you at the Greek Festival, Chinese Moon Festival, Soda City, and all the other usual places like soccer games, grocery stores, Target and the Mall. Well, you know what I mean. I saw posts on Facebook - there's no way in the world I can manage to hit all that stuff in one weekend, even if I wanted to! But I love seeing the variety of carriers each of us use every day.

That's one thing I really, really love about Babywearers of the Midlands - we have parents that use SSC/Buckle carriers all the time, others that are all about wraps, we have moms that love their Mei Tai, and still others that can't get enough ring slings. And yes, we have families that own and use a variety of these carriers, depending on the situations (yours truly, for example). That's one thing that I think is really important about this group as it grows - we see that all carriers are welcome and we can geek out about just about anything. If you are prone to geekery, at any rate.

Update: 09/27/2015: As you can see, this post was originally written and published a little over a year ago. In that year, a lot has changed in the babywearing community regarding recommended safety practices and regulations. The most commonly given  new rule of thumb is: if it is not in manufacturer's instructions, don't do it!

 

Therefore I'm updating this post with some caveats to safety, and when these Make It Work Tricks are ok to do, and when they are not.

 

For ALL OF THESE TIPS - they are not long term solutions. They are things you can do to make a carrier work for a wear or two, not more than that.

Make it Work!

All of us have done it. Bought a carrier slightly too big for our baby. Maybe the baby was smaller than you thought, or the carrier bigger. Or perhaps you were gifted a carrier and you can't get a good fit. I'm going to focus on three "tricks" you can use to make a carrier work for you and your baby, at any size. You may have heard of them, but wondered what they were. They have become so common in the babywearing world that they have become part of the lingo, and often not given much explanation. They are: The Hair Tie Trick, The Blanket Trick, and The Scarf Trick. I'm hear to break it down for you, so you can make these carriers work for you!

Updated Caveat: If your baby and carrier size are serious mismatch - they baby won't fit in for weeks or months - sell or trade your carrier for one that's the proper size. Under each of these tips I'll explain why they are short-term solutions.

The Hair Tie Trick

Who? This trick is used to make carriers work for smaller babies and newborns. It can also be used on a toddler carrier to make it work more like a standard.

What? Used primarily on Mei Tai, because it doesn't usually place unusual stress on the seams. On Buckle Carriers/SSC, this is a short term, do once or twice solution.

Where? At the base of panel, above the waistband.

When? Use this when the panel of the Mei Tai or SSC appears to swallow your baby. Especially with newborns, you want to follow TICKS:

• T: Tight - carrier needs to fit baby snugly to your body
• I: In View at All Times
• C: Close Enough to Kiss
• K: Keeps Chin off Chest - need that airway open!
• S: Supported Back - you want baby upright, with back in C position when they are tiny.

Why? Because a carrier that is too large for your baby means that following TICKS is impossible; a too large body panel means that it fits your baby too loosely. Baby can slump down, out of view, and compromise her airway. It is of utmost importance that baby carriers, like car seats, fit your baby and are used properly at all times. This trick narrows and shortens the body panel making it work for a newborn or smaller baby. It makes it possible to keep baby in view and follow all the rules of TICKS.

How? Easy Peasy. Using a hair band, ribbon, or other loop of elastic, slip it over the waist band (the ties if using a Mei Tai, the webbing if using a SSC), and onto the lowest part of the body panel, above the waistband. This shortens and cinches the panel, making it comfortable for a newborn to be legs out, in an M Position. For more on Ergonomics (like M Position, C shaped Spine, TICKS, and other alphabet soup awesomeness, see HERE. )




an uncinched Mei Tai
See how it does not follow the rules
of TICKS?
(this was Demo Dolly. She was in no danger)



If you look closely,
you can see the hairband at
the base of this Mei Tai

See how well it fits, when it's cinched?



Using a hair elastic to cinch the base
of a Mai Tai







Using a Kinderpack's Storage loop
to cinch the base of a standard carrier



 

Updated Caveat - using the roll up strap to cinch the base of the carrier was a recommendation that even the manufacturer, Kinderpack endorsed not all that long ago. They no longer recommend this particular use of the storage strap, as it places undue and unusual stress on the seams that have not been tested to safety standards.  

The Blanket Trick

Updated Caveat: Only use this trick at the manufacturer recommendation. The only manufacturer that endorses this method is Lillebaby.  Why? most infant inserts sold with carriers not only boost baby up, they also support your newborn around the sides, to prevent slumping and leaning which helps protect that precious airway.  Furthermore, blankets smoosh more than the foam pillows used in infant inserts and can easily become dislodged.  Final recommendation: use this with a Lillebaby if your baby is not ready to be legs out in the narrow base setting. Other wise,  you may want to try and borrow, trade, or buy a carrier better sized for your newborn until they fit properly in the one you have.

 

Who? This trick is used to make carriers work for smaller babies and newborns.

What? Used on SSC/Buckle Carriers.

Where? At the base of panel, above the waistband.

When? Use this when the panel SSC appears to swallow your baby. Especially with newborns, you want to follow TICKS:

• T: Tight - carrier needs to fit baby snugly to your body
• I: In View at All Times
• C: Close Enough to Kiss
• K: Keeps Chin off Chest - need that airway open!
• S: Supported Back - you want baby upright, with back in C position when they are tiny.

Why? Because a carrier that is too large for your baby means that following TICKS is impossible; a too large body panel means that it fits your baby too loosely. Baby can slump down, out of view, and compromise her airway. It is of utmost importance that baby carriers, like car seats, fit your baby and are used properly at all times. This trick boosts baby higher in the body panel, and makes a narrower seat for baby, making it work for a newborn or smaller baby. It makes it possible to keep baby in view and follow all the rules of TICKS.

How? Buckle or tie the waist of your carrier in your preferred location. Most parents tend to do this a bit higher than their belly buttons when using carriers with a newborn, in order to get baby in a higher position. Roll a flannel receiving blanket, and place on top of the waist band. Hold the roll with one hand while placing baby sitting on it with the other. Bring the back of the carrier up, and put your arms through the straps and fasten the chest clip. Many people prefer this method rather than the manufactured infant inserts (like Ergobaby's) because it is not padded and therefore less hot. But please, if your carrier comes with an infant insert, use it, rather than this method. Or let us help hook you up with a cooler carrier! There are a lot of great options out there that are more breathable and work wonderfully for newborns.

Side view of Jackie and H, blanket roll

Front view - placing baby on roll



All done - Baby H is
 Snug, Kissable, Viewable, and Comfortable
and adorable, too!



 

 Scarf Trick

Who? Have a narrow based carrier (made by Baby Bjorn, Snuggli, Evenflo, etc)? This trick is for you!

What? This trick will turn your less than ergonomic carrier into one more comfortable - for both you and baby, by bringing baby's legs up into an M position, and securing baby more snugly to your torso.

Where? Like most of these tricks, around baby's seat.

When? This can be used for babies of any age or size that fit the weight limits of your narrow based carrier.

Why? Contrary to what some of you may have heard, using a Narrow Based Carrier is not going to cause your baby to develop Hip Dysplasia. However, if your baby is prone to this condition due to other medical factors, using a Narrow Based Carrier (NBC, from here. I'm a lazy typist), will certainly not help. This trick brings your baby into a more ergonomic position - that is, a position that is far more comfortable and natural for them, while at the same time, securing them more snugly to your torso, which makes it more comfortable for YOU, the wearer.

Why does it work?  In most narrow based carriers, even when baby is facing you, they are harnessed such that they are really hanging in front of your body, only connected by the shoulder straps (and maybe waist band, if your NBC has one). The baby's weight is pulling away from your center of gravity which in turn, pulls on your shoulders and can hurt your back. This is especially evident if they are up for a long period of time. As far as your baby goes, ever notice - particularly with a newborn - how when you hold them upright, their tiny legs tuck in and up, like a frog? When you are holding them, your hand or arm is almost always under their bottom, supporting this frog-legged position, so that it almost looks like an M with the baby's knees being the top points of the M? You want your carrier to mimic the position you would hold them, in arms, as it feels most natural and comfortable for both of you.

How? There are two ways you can do this. The first, and most common, is to use any scarf that you could comfortably tie around you and baby. Bringing babies legs up into an ergonomic position, use the scarf around the both of you to secure the baby's legs in that M position, tying the scarf in the back.  The second method, you need a couple yards of a narrow strip of cloth. With baby in the NBC, you use the strip tied almost like you would a Moby wrap, bringing baby's legs up into the M position, and the fabric crossed behind your back. This method might be a bit cooler than using a scarf, and may overall feel more supportive than the scarf alone, since it also helps distribute the weight of baby better across your torso and shoulders.

Ashleigh, using the 1st scarf trick
She tucks the scarf up under baby's bottom
to create an ergonomic seat before tying in back.

Chris, using the 2nd scarf trick
She starts like the first scarf trick,
creating the seat, then bringing the ends of the fabric
crossed in back and over her shoulders
before tying under S's bottom.




 

 

Hopefully, this has helped you find ways to make your carriers work for you, or perhaps you can take this knowledge out in your community to help your friends, family, and neighbors use their carriers in a way that makes them more comfortable.  I know so many people give up babywearing because they can't find a way to make the carriers they have work for them, and they don't want to spend more money on another carrier without knowing if they can make it work. If you, or someone you know, wants to try out some options, please invite them, come with them, drag them to, one of our meetings. Ok, maybe not drag them. We are so blessed with what we've been able to add to our Lending Library, and we want to share the love! Plus we love seeing new faces and getting to know each one of you better.

 

Our Lending Library has grown so much over the last year since this was originally published! please contact one of our Librarians, and we will be happy to help you find a carrier that fits and works best for you and your little one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



. . . Have You Any Wool?

Happy Blog Day!

First, I want to apologize for my hiatus, I was thinking about new, fantastic, and hopefully wonderfully helpful blog topics to write about this fall. Coming up, I'm going to talk about different wrap fiber blends, what you should have in your stash (short answer - whatever you want!), pricing (retail and market value) of carriers, and much more! If there are particular topics you'd like me to explore, do not hesitate to suggest them in our Facebook group. Do you consider yourself an expert within your particular babywearing niche? or perhaps you just want to share your babywearing journey? Borrowed one of our Lending Library carriers - write a review! I'd love to plug some guest posts into the rotation.

Apple picking Fall 2013

Fall brings with it so many awesome babywearing opportunities: apple picking, pumpkin patch exploring, corn maze wandering, farmer's markets, State and County Fair going, Renaissance Faire trekking, and so much more. The (hopefully) cooler weather, makes babywearing a much more pleasurable experience, and many of these venues are difficult for stroller navigation. With cooler weather approaching, you'll see many more wool wraps available, and might be curious about them - I'm here to break it down for you.

Wool: it's not just for cool weather

While the advent of cooler weather brings out the woolie love, wool is not just for cold weather. It's a natural, animal fiber that breathes amazingly well. It will insulate you in the winter months, for sure, but many of the thinner weight wool wraps do an excellent job wicking away moisture and keeping you and baby cool when the weather gets hot.

Emily - Linuska butterflies
size 2 woolie

For all woven wraps, not just woolies, check out this chart for what wrap geeks mean by "thin" and "thick" - it's actually a measurement, and not just a guesstimate. Most of the wool blend Didymos Indios are on the thinner side of the spectrum, while Didymos wool blend India, Artipoppe (this is a brand), and Oschas are on the heavier end of the spectrum. Heaviness/Thickness is measured in grams per square meter. You can find this out yourself by weighing a wrap on a postal scale in grams, and figuring out then the square meter size of your wrap - there are more detailed instructions HERE, or of course, you can find most wraps in the www.wovenwrapsdatabase.com chart, which is searchable by blend, colorway, release date, and more. Many of the smaller wrap companies, like Linushka and Woven Wings offer wool and cashmere blends as well, and are very popular.

What's to love about wool

Rachael in her new wool wrap

Wool, how do I love thee, let me count the ways!
Thou art cushy, and soft,
Moldable to a fault,
Wick away moisture, there is no doubt
You stretch just right and even bounce!
There is no fiber quite like you -

Forgive my not-so-fabulous poetry skills, but really, there is a lot to love about wool. You will find
no other fiber with as much cush on the shoulders - I don't think even the thinner wools get very diggy in the shoulders. It has a surprising stretch and bounce to it, which is especially nice when wrapping larger babies and toddlers. It's supportive, soft, and molds to even the smallest newborn like a second skin. Wool is truly an amazing fiber.






I sense some hesitation . . . .

Why doesn't everyone own wool, then, if it's so amazing? Two reasons really. Fear, and allergies. I can't really help the allergies, but the fear . . . let's see what we can do about that.

 

The care of wool

Wool is a picky fiber, when it comes to washing. Mostly it comes down to two things (again, I know!)

Handwashing

I know your washer has a delicate or handwash setting. I KNOW it does. I don't care how gentle it agitates, it is just not the same as washing actually by hand. The scary thing about wool is that it can be ruined in just one badly handled wash. So please. Use your sink or tub and give it a quick lukewarm bath. By Hand. Use a wool friendly detergent, you don't need much. Whenever you wash your wraps, however you wash them, unless they really were the object of a poop-splosion, followed by a spit-up bath, and then rolled around in the mud, they really do NOT need (not even your easy to care for 100% cotton wraps) heavy duty or frequent washing. Really. In fact, I'd wager to say that the less you wash them, the better.

Dry flat

Have any wool sweaters? wool scarves? they have this same instruction - dry flat. Hanging to dry stretches out the fibers in a way that wool doesn't like. Find a clear table, an ironing board or two, and dry your lovely soft woolie on a flat surface.

What about FELTING??

Why does felting happen? Felting can happen whenever the wool fibers get dried to quickly, or with too much heat. Sometimes it happens if the fibers are agitated too much in water that is too cold. If you follow these easy to follow washing and drying instructions, your wool will not felt and you will love it the more you wear it. Promise!

More on wool care from Babywearing 102:

Wool: Many people are intimidated by wool, but taking the plunge is well worth it. It is surprisingly breathable and one of the cushiest fibers. Some wool can be on the scratchy side, but there are many wool wraps out there that are kitten belly soft and not “wool-like” at all. Caring for wool isn’t as hard as it seems. Most people opt to hand wash wool. Make sure to avoid felting your wrap by using only lukewarm water, avoiding extreme temperature changes, always laying flat when wet, and never roughly agitating it. Simply fill a tub with lukewarm water, add a dime sized amount of wool wash or baby shampoo, gently swish, and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then very carefully lay the wrap flat on a towel, being careful to support its weight in all places. Fill the tub up again with water the same temperature as the water you just drained. Add the wrap and swish gently to rinse it. Let it sit for a few minutes. Then carefully sandwich the wrap in between two towels, roll up the towel, and squeeze to remove excess water. Lay it flat to dry. For more information, check out TheBabywearer for information on washing, conditioning, and ironing wool.

How do you know if a wrap is felted?

Check for fuzzies, waviness, and puckering are the primary signs of felting. Felting destroys many of the great wrapping qualities of wool, including give, stretch, cush, and bounce. Felted wraps are not safe for babywearing anymore, but can be used in wrap scrap crafts, like bags, shoes, toys, and other goodies.  www.thebabywearer.com has a great thread for more information, including pictures, HERE.

Now, not all wool is created equal. Some wool wraps come softer than others. If your woolie is a bit scratchy, try a bath (for it, not you! - though if you are so inclined, add bubbles and a glass of wine - I won't tell) in Eucalan, a special wool wash that will help add lanolin back to the wool. It will smooth and soften the fibers.

Emily - Woven Wings Geo

Chris - Natibaby Snowflakes
Lending Library Wrap!



What are you waiting for? Check out the wonderfulness that is wool! You can look at locally owned woolies and even check out one from our Lending Library during one of our upcoming events.

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

 

September 13 - Our monthly Saturday Meeting - 10 a.m. at the LDS Institute on Assembly Street. We'll be talking about tips and tricks for wearing during those precious newborn days when baby may not weigh much, but you'd still like to be hands free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 25 - Our monthly Thursday Meeting - 10 a.m. at the LDS church on Broad River Rd. We'll be talking about Sharing the Babywearing Love - ideas and tips on how to approach Babywearers (or wannabe Babywearers or potential Babywearers) in the wild, as well as some how-to's for becoming an even better babywearing advocate. This will be a great opportunity to learn about teaching others about babywearing safely, using the carriers they have, as well as how to use carriers new to them.

 

We have lots planned for October in honor of International Babywearing Week! Stay Tuned!

Yes, You Can! Borrow From our Lending Library

Happy Blog Day!

International Babywearing Week is fast approaching  - it's October 5th through 11th - and we have so much fun in store for you! You will be hearing a lot about fundraising efforts in the weeks before, and during the week itself. We have T-shirt sales already in progress, a refreshed logo and more t-shirts in the works, and some fantastic prizes that we are working on how to raffle off . . . I mean, really. It's going to be a week-long blitz of babywearing awesomeness.

 

I know all of you are curious about why we fund raise and where money goes. The majority of all proceeds are used to purchase carriers for the Lending Library. Some funds are used to purchase business cards. Others are used for miscellaneous things that the group needs to get the word out about us, like printing fliers, or other advertising costs (a few publications are free, but many charge a nominal fee to print anything about our events or the group itself).  Unlike other groups, we are independent of any larger organization (we are not a Babywearing International Chapter, and International Babywearing Week is not a week sponsored solely by BWI). Since we are independent, we do not charge any membership fees. No portion of the funds we raise is dedicated to a larger body. It all stays local, to benefit existing members and grow our group.

The Lending Library

Shakespeare is often quoted:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.
Hamlet, Act I scene 3

Melissa and H borrowed this wrap from Jackie.
H loved it so much, Melissa had to get one of her own.

But you know what? Shakespeare is wrong. Yes. Wrong. At least when it comes to loaning baby carriers. We have gained so many friends through the loaning and borrowing of baby carriers. It's this generosity of spirit that I think has really helped to grow our local babywearing community. I have heard so many parents, close to giving up on babywearing, say: What I have doesn't work for me. My back hurts. My baby hates it! Help! And a babywearing friend steps in, says, hey: try THIS, or this, or this,  and somewhere along the way, the different carrier clicks, and the parent, once so close to giving up, is now a babywearing convert and outspoken advocate. That, my friends, is why I love our group.


So what is the Lending Library, exactly?

The Lending Library is a group of carriers "owned" by the group, for the sole purpose of having members try them, borrow them, and return them. Our particular library started mostly from personal donations of the leaders and a few generous members. We've solicited major brands for donations and discounts, and a few have graciously responded. Tula offered us a discount, and thanks to our last fundraiser, we were able to add both a standard and a toddler sized Tula to the Library. Boba generously donated a Boba 4G to our Lending Library just in the last month. We've also won or had donated a few woven wraps. Slowly, our Library is growing.

How does it work?

Can anyone borrow a carrier? Just about. We do require you to attend at least two meetings, or play dates, or a combination of both. Why? We want to get to know you! We also have a responsibility to make sure that you are borrowing a carrier that will work for you (i.e. not borrowing the Toddler Tula when you have a 4 month old), and that you know how to use it before you take it home. We certainly don't expect you to be an expert in its use prior to borrowing it, but we do need to know that you can use it safely, and we expect you to get better as you practice.

How much does it cost? Your first rental is FREE. Subsequent rentals cost $5.00. Whether it's your first or fourteenth rental, you do need to leave a deposit for the replacement value of the carrier. This can be in the form of a check (which is not cashed) or other means (we've done debit card numbers, for example). The check (or other form of deposit) is returned to you intact, when we receive the carrier back.

How long can a carrier be loaned? Right now, the loan term is one month. 30 days to play with, explore, familiarize yourself with a carrier. To figure out if you want to buy one of your own. To determine what does, and does not, work for you. For example, maybe you borrowed the Tula, but after a couple weeks, you realize you don't really like how the shoulder straps fit. Or maybe you took the Kinderpack home and discovered that no matter how hard you try, you just can't get it comfortable. In other words, enough time to really know the carrier and make some solid decisions.

Why do people do more than one loan? Well, for some, because the first thing they tried didn't work for them. Others are just curious. Some parents borrow our carriers as they work to save up for one of their own. Yes, you can buy some carriers more cheaply (like any one of the Infantino line), but often times, after trying on something different, a parent may realize that it really is worth the extra money to get a more expensive carrier.

What's available in the Lending Library?

A view of our lending library
(plus a few additions from our leaders)

The list below is the full list of what is in our Lending Library.

Woven and Stretchy Wraps:

from top left: Hybrid stretch, NB Feathers, Didymos Jonas
NB Snowflakes, Little Frog woolie (not LL), NB Raspberry (not LL),
dark purple wrap, and Didymos Geckos

Moby-(Chocolate)
• Sleepy Wrap-(Off White)

Both the Moby and the Sleepy Wrap are very similar. These carriers are best for newborns through up to about 15 lbs. If you are very deliberate with your wrapping, you can comfortably carry even a toddler in stretchy wrap. The main complaint I hear about either is that they are hot to wear, due to the material content (it is not very breathable) and the fact that a supportive carry is several layers of not-very-breathable fabric. For Front Carries Only.










Wrapsody Hybrid Stretch- (Brigid/green)

The Wrapsody Hybrid Stretch is one of my favorite options for those on a budget. These are soft, moldable, with just enough stretch, in the right direction, to make for a comfortably supportive carry, yet not so much stretch that they get saggy at a certain weight point. Also, unlike the Moby or Sleepy Wrap, the Hybrid Stretch is thin and breathable, making it much more comfortable to wear in our South Carolina heat. This is the only wrap with stretch that is safe to use in a back carry.

Brady using the Breeze

• Wrapsody Breeze- (Kimber)

The Wrapsody Breeze is a sturdy gauze wrap. It is very breathable and a great choice in the summer. This wrap is never going to be as soft as the Hybrid Stretch (which feels like a well-loved t-shirt), but it is incredibly supportive, even with heavier toddlers. Safe for front, hip, and back carries.

Ellevil Jade long 4 -

Ellevill Jade is a 100% cotton wrap, so it is easy to care for, on the thinner side, and is well broken in (read: soft). Ellevill wraps are known for having long tapers (tapers are the ends of a wrap, often cut at an angle. When laid out, most wraps are shaped like a parallelogram). The longer tapers make for smaller knots when you are tying, which some people do prefer.

Natibaby Graphite Feathers 4-

Emily in Feathers

Natibaby Feathers is a linen blend wrap. Linen is slightly pickier to care for (but don't worry - you don't need to do anything regarding care/washing for wraps while they are in your home), but it's incredibly supportive and breathable. Linen is a top choice for parents with heavier kids who live in hot climates, and this is fantastic addition to the Library for that reason alone. Natibaby wraps in general have a dense, flat weave which makes them a bit slippery, but the linen in this wrap gives it enough grip to make sure that your passes stay in place.

What you can probably do with a size 4 wrap. Note that the mama in the link is a tiny 114 lb person. I'm size 16 and I can actually do most of what's on her list with a size 4, too, albeit with shorter tails.

Hoppediz Acapulco 6-

Hoppediz Acapulco

Hoppediz is a less well known European brand that makes sturdy cotton wraps.

Natibaby Winter 6

Chris, in Winter

Natibaby Winter is a wool blend wrap. Don't let the wool scare you away! Wool isn't just for winter;
this is not a super thick wrap, and the inherent properties of wool make it a great choice for all seasons, since it wicks away moisture and breathes well. Wool is also notoriously smooshy and comfortable on the shoulders. It does require special care and handling while washing, so please, please, do NOT wash this wrap.

What you can do with a size 6 wrap - for the average parent, this is the base size; in other words, what you can do beginner multi layer carries like Front Wrap Cross Carry and Double Hammock in.

 

Didymos Geckos 7-

Katrina, in Geckos

Didymos is one of the oldest woven wrap manufacturers, and Geckos is one of their famous jacquard weaves. Jacquard weaves are great, because they are sturdy, not prone to pulls or snags, and are very supportive. A size 7 is great length for most plus size moms and some dads to start with. It's my preferred size to do a Front Wrap Cross Carry, Double Hammock, and Tandem Wrap in.
 
What you can do with a size 7 wrap.
 




Ring Slings:

Emily in the SBP linen

I love Ring Slings. They are my favorite carrier choice for newborns, due to how easy they are to use, and I am loving ring slings again with my 24 lb 17 month old, who wants front snuggles and to get up and down a lot to explore. We have 2 very different ring slings available to try.

• Sakura Bloom Double silk (orange and Brown) -

Sakura Bloom slings have a gathered shoulder, are very classy and comfortable. This is a natural/raw silk so has a dull sheen and a bit of grip to it. The double layers make it supportive, but may also make it less breathable.

Sleeping Baby natural Linen-

Sleeping Baby is the gold standard in compliant WAHM businesses. This sling has her standard pleated shoulder and is made of oatmeal colored linen, which is a great choice for it's breathability and light weight.

Katrina in Ellaroo MT

Mei Tai:

• Kozy mei tai- (echino owl/tiger)
• Baby Hawk mei tai (star trek)
• Ellaroo- (blue and tan striped)
• Infantino Sash-

All regular Mei Tai are an affordable option that many parents prefer as a go-to carrier. Less expensive than woven wraps, but with similar versatility, and as easy to use as a buckle carrier/SSC, but without the adjusting of clips and buckles. Mei Tai can be used newborn through toddler.



Pouches:

• Hotslings pouch- (Brown with white polka dots, size 4)
• Peanut Shell pouch - size small aqua with brown dots

Pouches are a convenient option for many parents because they fold up small and easily fit in any diaper bag. They are sized though, and must fit the wearer in order to be used safely. These are best used in upright tummy-to-tummy carries with newborns or in a hip carry with older infants and toddlers.


Soft-Structured Carriers:

All of the SSC available in our Lending Library

We have quite a few SSC to choose from, and are always looking for more; they are by far one of our most popular Lending Library items. Why so many? because different carriers fit different bodies and babies differently. What a tall, fluffy mama might find incredibly comfortable, may not fit a petite mama as well, and vice versa. Each carriers shoulder straps and waist fits differently, making trying these before buying one imperative, in my opinion, especially since many of these can't be found in big box stores.

• Ergo (tan with bugs and butterflies, matching infant insert and belt extender)

The original Ergo is a gateway carrier for many parents. The newborn insert is generally used from birth to 3 or 4 months. The purpose is to lift the baby up inside the carrier and provide a narrower seat for a smaller baby. Ergo can be used for front, back, and hip carries for most infants and toddlers, though many parents choose to "size up" to a different carrier in toddler-hood due the short back of the Ergo being problematic for leaners.

• Ergo Sport (Black)-

Like the original Ergo, the Sport is usable as a front, back and hip carrier. What makes it different from the original is more breathability in our hot climate.

Justin, in the Angelpack

• AngelPack--(animal print)

AngelPack is a smaller SSC, some would call it more of a buckle-tai in that the shape of the body is
not as structured as most SSCs, it is more flat and rectangular like a standard mei tai.

• Standard Tula (Spotted Love)-

This Standard Tula is a popular lending item due to the brand's increasing popularity. Tulas are known for their slender shoulder straps and structured waist bands. Standard Tulas fit beginning around age 3 months until sometime close to a year, give or take, depending on your baby.

• Toddler Tula (Prepster) -

The Toddler Tula will fit most 2 year olds, on up, and is popular for many of the same reasons as the Standard size. The main drawback I personally find with the Tula line is that the shoulder straps are sewn onto the body of the carrier, making crossing the straps in back when front carrying impossible.

• Boba 4G

The Boba is a new addition, generously donated by the company. I personally owned a 3G and loved
it - it had a higher back than my previous Ergo making it a good fit for my toddler. I also liked that the waist and shoulder straps were longer, making it a more comfortable fit for my plus size self and extra-tall husband.

Things we are looking to add to the Lending Library:

A Kinderpack - many of you have them, have seen or heard of them, and want to try out their awesomeness. Unfortunately the company itself no longer does Lending Library discounts, so we are on the look out for one at a killer price. If you know of one, please message one of the leaders on Facebook. We did have one in our Library, but it is an older version that has seen a lot of love and is no longer available for lending. We are trying to keep the Library as current as possible, so when you try something and love it, you know what you are buying is very similar to what you already know and love. Ideally, we would love to have both a standard and a toddler sized Kinderpack in our Library.

Woven Wraps: Right now we are on the look out for good shorty wraps. So far our requirements seem to include: different colored rails for ease of use and be made of a sturdy cotton, hemp, or linen blend.

Ring Slings: Ring Slings are also very popular. Any carrier we include in our Library must be made by CPCIA compliant company, so we can not offer any DIY ring slings for loan.

If you have other suggestions of things you'd like to see added to the library, let us know!

Upcoming Events:

 

Thursday, August 28th - Ring Slings and Rebozos - Join us at 10:00 a.m at the LDS Church on Broad River Rd to learn about, troubleshoot, and tweak your Ring Sling and Rebozo knot skills.

 

Saturday, September 6th - Ergonomics of Babywearing - Join us for a special joint event at Capital City Chiropractic. This is a great event to invite new or potential babywearing friends. This starts a little earlier at 9:00 a.m.

 

Saturday, September 13th - Our usual monthly meeting at the LDS Institute on Assembly St. Join us at 10:00 a.m. - You won't want to miss what we have in store!

 

Thursday, September 25th - Our usual monthly weekday meeting at the LDS Church on Broad River Road. We can't wait to share with you what we are planning!

 

International Babywearing Week - October 5th - 11th - We have several events planned, some in person, some will be online only. This is going to be a great opportunity to share the babywearing love, you won't want to miss a thing!

Yes, You Can - Wear Your Baby Facing Out

Happy Blog Day!

As summer draws to a close and many of us look forward to crisp, cooler weather and sending children off to school again, or for the first time, or gather homeschool supplies, I find myself looking backwards - reminiscing over moments from this summer and summers past. It always feels like I did not do enough with my children over the summer. Time goes by so quickly, and the long list of activities I had planned often does not get anywhere near half way done.

Me, wearing two of my three kids

When I am out and about with my three, often wearing one, or sometimes two, of them, there are two questions I get frequently that are hard to answer, yet no matter how often I'm asked, they don't get any easier to respond to. The first question: "where did you get that?" is challenging because the answer is not simple. I vaguely answer "The internet . . ." because explaining Facebook buy/sell/trade groups and various European and American baby carrier makers is not a succinct reply or at all what the curious parent expects to hear. I wish I could say Target. Or Babies R Us. or BuyBuyBaby. These stores do, in fact, sell baby carriers, I just haven't ever bought one there. (But I did try them on! see reviews of the ones available HERE).

The second question I am almost always asked by new parents is, "can you face the baby out in that?" and for the carriers I have owned, the answer, generally speaking, is NO. Which 90% of the time, turns the new parent off entirely. They are no longer curious about what I have to offer, because they insist that their baby loves facing out, and hates facing in. I'll be honest. In the past, I rolled my eyes a bit. I have three kids and have never worn them facing out. Why haven't I? A few reasons.

1) It looks uncomfortable to me, both for me and for the baby.
2) In most carriers where the baby faces out, they are leaning away from the wearer, which really changes your center of gravity and takes a good bit of adjusting to.
3) Until recently, in most carriers where facing out is an option, when baby is facing in towards you, their seat is no more ergonomic than it was facing out.
4) My babies, and toddlers, have all been perfectly content to ride facing me, and once they were older, they were happiest on my back.

The top reasons I hear why parents want a facing out carrier:

1) Baby wants to see and interact with their environment
2) Baby doesn't like and/or seems uncomfortable facing in.
3) Economics - they were given or found one inexpensively and it works for them.

Before I get in to the facing out options, let me give you my ergonomic spiel first. Ergonomics is about comfort, both for you as the wearer, and for your baby or toddler, the wearee. Having a carrier that provides a good seat - that is, it is supportive for your little one across their pelvis and most of their thighs, so that their weight is distributed over a wider base - is far more comfortable for your little one. It's also more comfortable for you, because when baby faces in, their weight is distributed across your torso and hips, and makes wearing your baby for longer periods more comfortable for you, the wearer. A carrier with a wider base of support will also last you longer as your child grows and continues to want to be held or worn. There are tons of other Ergonomic things I could talk about, but I'll link you here for further reading.

What's in a name?



Baby T looks happy to me

You might have heard them called Crotch-Danglers, Front-Packs, or the newer Narrow Based Carrier. I like Narrow Based Carrier (NBC) the best, as it's descriptive without being judgey or having other negative connotations. Nearly all carriers you buy in a big box store fall in this category. Baby Bjorn is the most well known, but other NBCs are made by Chicco, Infantino, Evenflo, and other brands. They all work basically the same, with an X across your back, and a front pack that you slide baby into and snap on the support. Many of the newer versions include a waist belt to help distribute baby's weight better across your hips and torso, so that baby's weight isn't just pulling on your shoulders.

 

Dispelling Myths

Mr. Robinson and Baby B

You might have heard a bit about hip dysplasia and these NBCs. Using a Narrow Based Carrier will not cause your little one to develop hip dysplasia. If your baby already has, or has a medical condition that pre-disposes them to hip dysplasia, you may want to avoid Narrow Based Carriers so that the issue is not exacerbated. But there hasn't been, to my knowledge, any studies proving that hip dysplasia is CAUSED by the use of NBC's.

 

Caveats:

I would not use a NBC in the facing out position for long periods of wearing, especially once your little one is asleep. You and baby will be much more comfortable if baby is facing you, and able to curl into your body to rest.

Mr. S and Baby E enjoying the zoo

I would not use a NBC in the facing out position for a newborn without good head control. Facing out, there is nothing supporting the newborn's head and neck. The instructions in any NBC will agree with me on this.

I would use a NBC in the facing out position for an older baby who wants to see things, especially if I was not yet ready to try back carries.

Ashleigh and Emily demo'ing the NBC

I would use a NBC in the facing out position if I was going to be sitting a lot, like on a bus or train. In my experience, my babies do not like being worn facing in when I'm sitting.

This reads a bit like a Dr. Suess book, but you get the idea There are times and places and situations where facing out can be preferable. So what are your options?

What to buy:

If you want a carrier that can face out, I would get one that is as ergonomic as possible in other positions. This means that there will be some adjustments you will need to make to the panel to get it to fit best depending on how you are wearing it. This may be a pain, but I think you'll appreciate the versatility and longevity of a carrier that is more ergonomic for both of you.

Carriers that meet this criteria: Lillebaby, Beco Gemini, Ergo 360, and the Bjorn ONE. Of these, my favorite (and I've tried them all on, except for Beco) is the Lillebaby. It's the most affordable, at right around $100 brand new, and was by far the most comfortable to put on and easy to figure out. The Ergo 360 is not bad, the main deterrent is a wrap around Velcro waistband. There is nothing positive to say about that waistband. NO.THING. The Bjorn was surprisingly comfortable, once I figured it out. I mostly just found it unnecessarily complicated after the relative ease of the Lillebaby and the Ergo.

Bjorn ONE. decent carrier, price could be better

Ergo 360 - note the waistband -

Stokke - over $200 of unnecessary complications

Chicco NBC - Not our favorite

Can you face out in other carriers?

Stretchy wraps. I've seen this done, and generally I would not advise doing it. When I've seen it done, baby is often very low, the fabric is far too loose, and it just does not look safe. If you can manage a high, snug carry. . .maybe. But mostly I'm going to say, NO.

Woven wraps. I've seen posts. And there is this YouTube video.  (Even Babywearing Faith, who is a well known guru puts this caveat on her video: "I do not normally recommend outward-facing carries; hip carries and high back carries are better options for babies who want to look around. If you REALLY want to do an outward-facing carry in a woven wrap, this is a good way to do it.") I tried it with my 17 month old. He was not a fan, and neither was I, but if you were desperate to have a baby facing out? Maybe . . .  but if your baby wants to see things, come to a meeting and let us help you with hip and back carriers. You and baby will be much happier. Not to mention more comfortable.

Mei Tai.  You would need to cinch the base like you would for a newborn or young baby, but sure, you can forward face in a Mei Tai.

cinched mei tai with hairband

cinched Kinderpack

SSC/Buckle Carriers. Again, you'd need to cinch the base, but it can be done.








Bottom Line: If your baby really wants to face out, I'd buy a carrier designed for that purpose. I've tried, or had friends try the make shift versions, and their babies and mine were not nearly as happy or comfortable as they were in carriers designed for forward facing.


I know many parents whose first carrier was a narrow based carrier, and some of them look back on that purchase with regret. I hear "when you know better, you do better" quite often. If you are one of those parents, take heart. You were wearing your baby. In a safe carrier! You reaped all the benefits of babywearing: you got to bond with your baby, you were hands free, you had a happier baby, you were able to get things done, you might have even figured out how to nurse in your NBC. These are all good things. No. These are GREAT things. Fantastic, even. You, my friend, are a babywearer; no matter if you were using a narrow based carrier, a cut up table cloth, a hand-me down ring sling, an Ergo, a Tula, a Didymos woven wrap, a handwoven woven wrap, or a gorgeous custom creation made by elves in Poland. Babywearing is about wearing your baby. It's not about the carrier.

For those of us that have owned or started with a narrow based carrier and then moved on to other things, that's fabulous! I know you and baby are more comfortable in a more ergonomic carrier. I know you want to get the most out of your babywearing experience. I know other parent-baby dyads that have tried more ergonomic options and keep coming back to the NBC because that is what their baby is happiest in. Who am I to argue with a safe and happy baby?

Did you start with a NBC? What did you love about it? What did you hate about it? Share your experiences in the comments, and upload your pics in our Facebook Group. We love pictures!

Upcoming Events:

 

Ring Slings and Rebozos, Thursday, August 28th and 10 a.m. Read more on how to use Ring Slings here, and Rebozos, here.

 

Ergonomics of Babywearing - a joint event with Capital City Chiropractic - at 9 a.m.

 

As always, we will continue to have online chat on Wednesday evenings, time is variable. Generally between 8 and 9 p.m. is when we start, and we continue until no one is chatting anymore. Join the conversation! It's a great way to catch up midweek.

 

Play dates happen whenever and wherever people want to meet. Mention it in the Facebook group, and we will make it happen. If you need a leader there, or have a specific question you want help with in person, let us know, and we'll figure it out.