Before we dive in on this beautiful day of babywearing I wanted to remind you all that you can make one comment per post. That means that you can also comment on the posts from earlier in the week to be entered there as well. Six chances to win something groovy!
Comments on all posts will close on Saturday at Midnight CST. Happy babywearing!
Togetherness by Marguerite Moon
When I carry my daughter around with me we do things together. Whether we are making dinner, washing diapers, exploring a mossy tree, helping build a greenhouse watching some auto repair, walking the dog, dancing, carrying firewood we are together both experiencing these activities. She is gaining an understanding of the world of work and play in our lives.
I feel a connection with women of Africa and Asia who do not have the luxury of putting their working lives on hold while they are pregnant and have a baby. Who need to bring their babe with them where ever they go and whatever they do. These women carry their babes to keep them close and safe from harm while they take care of their lives.I choose and need to live in a similar way; to carry my child so we can be together as a family safely. When she is in her carrier I can actively take part in our off the grid independent life. I have no worries when she sleeps in her carrier I simply pause for a moment and feel her belly breathing into my back then continue with my work. She awakens calmly knowing I am still with her. Her father takes a moment to smile at her and ask how her nap was. Then we continue working together, babe on my back watching.
Find Your Mentor
We've talked a great deal about quality carriers this week. But something that keeps coming up is this: find a mentor. Find someone who is more experienced (or more laid back) than you and get some babywearing help. There was a time in our collective history that we as women were surrounded by a community who supported us through our transition into motherhood. We birthed with them, had their support as we learned to nurse, they held our babies so we could bathe, eat, rest. And they taught us how to wear our children.
While most of us no longer live within such a vital, supportive community or tribe, we can still find those kindred spirits to help guide our journey. Mentors may be found through a local La Leche League group, a Babywearing group, a new mama group, or a retail store. I once recommend to an isolated urban friend to "stalk the babywearing mamas" she saw around her city.
The Giveaways
Today is our big day - three carriers plus a babywearing DVD. One winner will receive an ERGObaby carrier. A second winner will receive a Kozy Carrier Mei Tai. A third winner will receive a Catbird Baby Mei Tai from Happy Bambino. And finally, our fourth winner will receive a copy of the Tummy 2 Tummy babywearing DVD. (Whew!)
Thanks to all donors for making this such an incredible week. To be entered in today's drawing, leave a comment on today's post. Include a benefit (or challenge) you see in finding your community as a parent.
Remember - you can enter once per day all week long to increase your odds at winning the carrier of your (and your baby's) dreams!
Comments are closed. I'll announce winners later this week!
Happy Bambino Interview
Because they sell my organic baby care products in their retail store, I've been working with the women of Happy Bambino since they opened 5 1/2 years ago. I've seen first hand the positive impact their resource center has on parents in their Madison, Wisconsin community. Each time my farmer's market conversation turns to the ups and downs of nursing, cosleeping, or babywearing I find myself drawing them a map to Happy Bambino. Thanks, Happy Bambino for the Catbird Baby Mei Tai donation!
Happy Bambino: We research every carrier we sell and we work with parents daily to offer in-depth support of baby carriers. We are using the carriers with customers and with our own children. We also teach classes on babywearing & baby-soothing for more in-depth information.
Clean: Any babywearing tips for beginners?
Happy Bambion: Being confident yourself with a carrier is crucial to getting the baby to feel comfortable and happy in it. So pick a high-quality easy to use carrier as your first carrier. Make sure you can get help if you need it from someone who is competent with that carrier.
Clean: What else should we know about your company or babywearing in general?
Happy Bambino: Check out our babywearing page for tips, videos, and a history of babywearing: www.happybambino.com/babywearing
ERGObaby Interview
You've heard me extol the virtues of the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder. You've heard me gush over the Moby Wrap. The Ergo is my third and final non-negotiable baby carrier.
Lupine is 3 1/2 and just today we were on a wild edible hike. On the steep hills she climbed up into the Ergo when she (or I) was worried she might take a tumble. It is still comfortable, still calming for her, and still holding up beautifully. Even now (with my last baby already 3 1/2 years old) if I lost my Ergo I think I'd buy another one. It's that worth it.
Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?
Ergo: The ERGObaby Carrier’s ergonomic design supports your baby’s natural seated position, eliminating compression of his/her hips and spine. The carefully researched design also supports your posture by distributing your baby’s weight between your shoulders and hips, thus allowing you to comfortably carry your baby for hours at a time. Additionally, it can be worn on the front, back, and hip position, making it one of the most versatile carriers on the market. Finally, since you can carry babies from newborn (with the Infant Insert) to 40 lbs, it is truly the only baby carrier you will ever need!
Clean: Why do you believe caregives should wear their babies?
Ergo: Babies love to be close to their parents, and Babywearing enables busy parents to continue with their daily lives while supporting their baby in a natural, comfortable, and safe way.
Clean: Any babywearing tips for beginners?
Ergo: Don’t wait until baby is crying to pick her up – when you are around the house, put her in the carrier while you do chores. Go for a walk with baby. Let baby rock to sleep with the familiar rhythm of your body. Let Babywearing simplify your life.
Kozy Carrier Interview
I'm familair with the Kozy Carrier from several friends who've enjoyed their immensely. But I didn't anticipate how much I would enjoy my interview with founder and owner Kelley. She's my kind of mama. I love that her interview is not so much talking up her own product as talking up babywearing in general.
I've tried to edit down all of the interview to just a few brief paragraphs. Her's breaks the mold (and is totally worth the read.)
Thanks so much, Kelley for your thoughtful words.
Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?
Kozy: There are so many great carriers out there, way more than there were when I started babywearing back in 2000, and more than there were when I designed the Kozy in 2002. So Kozy is just one in a large 'stash' of wonderful carriers!
The Kozy was the first "modern" mei tai to have padded straps, a padded curved top, and a pocket. It has often been referred to as the "Gold Standard" of mei tais. I think the beauty is in it's simplicity. No buckles, no added gadgets, no clasps or elastic or frills or loop or cinches. We keep it simple, easy to use and versatile. The large body means that it fits the smallest baby to the largest toddler. The fabric is flexible so it can be manipulated, the wide base can be scrunched together to allow a little baby to ride with legs out, yet it is wide enough to support the long legs of an older child. It is tall to provide head support to a sleeping baby yet you can fold it to make it shorter if needed. Of course the overall mei tai design makes it very user friendly for all body types and sizes.
(Photo above borrowed from the Kozy Carrier website... because I couldn't resist the "mochi dolls", as Lupine says.)
Clean: Why do you believe caregivers wear their babies?
Kozy: I think a lot of moms wear their babies because it is just easier to meet their needs that way and get things done at the same time, especially if you have a baby (like all 5 of mine) who doesn't like to be put down. We have busy lives and when you have a baby that needs to be carried 24/7 and other children or other work that needs to be done then wearing them is the perfect solution. We know our babies need to be kept close, and even if my babies weren't as high needs, I would still wear them. They become bonded to us and when we wear them on our bodies there is better communication and we can meet their needs easier. Of course I wear them too because I think it is the most natural way to care for them. It is also wonderful for breastfeeding. I babywear constantly, in fact, I have 5 kids and we don't even own a stroller.
Clean: Any babywearing tips for beginners?
Kozy: Babywearing is an art and for some it comes naturally and they and their babies just "get it" but for others it takes some time and practice to get the techniques down and that is OK. It is perfectly normal. Some babies don't take to new things well and if we are anxious about them then they pick up on that. It is best to start when your baby is happy and fed and for us to start with carries that we are comfortable with and to have a spotter or whatever we need to make us feel more confidant. It is OK if baby fusses a little when you are putting them on, it is normal for them to protest new things. Once they are on and secure and mom starts moving and talking to them (a walk outside helps a ton) then they usually settle right down and enjoy the ride, and usually end up loving being worn. Customers often e-mail us asking what we sprinkle on the Kozy that makes their babies fall asleep so easily in them. I know it is because the baby is comfortable and feels comfy and secure on mom . . . what better environment for restful sleep.
Some babies prefer one type of carrier or one carry over another, so being able to try different carriers or ways to carry them helps. And just because one carrier doesn't work well for you or your baby doesn't mean another won't.
There are SO many wonderful carriers out there, and just because one person can't get a particular type of carrier to work for them does not mean it won't work well for you. I highly recommend searching to see if you can find a local babywearing group or store where you can go and try several different types of carriers as well as getting help from people who know what they are doing if you have any wearing questions. And if you buy a carrier and you and your baby are having issues getting it to work for you ALWAYS contact the manufacturer to get help!! Most of the issues people have had with the Kozy are simple things that I could have helped with if only I was contacted and able to troubleshoot with them.
Clean: What else should we know about your company or babywearing in general?
Kozy: Babywearing is in my opinion one of the most important tools of mothering. I say all a new mom really needs is a set of lactating boobs and a good sling (or 3, LOL, though even a bedsheet will work in a pinch). There is no better way to ensure your baby's safety than to have them close to your body. If you are using a good sling (it should mimick your arms, how you would hold your baby) and using it properly, then babywearing is absolutely safe.
Some people view babywearing as some 'hippy trend' or something. But that is an unfortunate cultural view in some areas (thankfully not all). In other cultures babywearing is seen as the norm, perhaps one day we will get to that point as well. But for now, it matters little to me what others think about it. I care more about what I feel is best for my baby, and if people look at me like I have 2 heads then so be it! The more people see babywearing the more acceptable it will become . . . so I encourage others to join with me in wearing their babies if they too feel it is best, sharing the positives aspects of babywearing with others, and helping to make babywearing more acceptable in our society!
Kozy Carrier is offering free shipping on any US orders during the month of April ($12 off shipping for international orders). Mention in the comments field of your order that you heard about them on Clean and your shipping fees will be refunded!
