Confession: I’ve never been able to wear a pouch sling. They just don’t fit me right. Something about there not being enough room for both a baby and my boobs. I love me a ring sling, though, and have found another great one to share with you.

Baby Bean is a mom-run business out of Hong Kong that makes some super cool jewelery that we can’t get it we’re not in Hong Kong and the Bean Pod sling that’s available worldwide. I was sent the the orange and brown dots for review and love it. Not only is it super cute, but it’s SO light & airy. 100% cotton is the way to go if you’re carrying a child in the heat. It’s 30+ degrees here right now and there’s no sweating. Well, no extra carrier-induced sweating, anyway.

They’re padded on the shoulder to cushion the weight of the baby and reduce the strain on the carrier’s shoulder, and even with my 25 lb kids it’s pretty darn comfortable. One side of the sling is sewn in green thread to make it easy to know which side to pull/release in order to adjust the tension of the sling. It comes in a pouch which is equipped with a clip that can be easily hooked on the rings or the eye inside the shoulder pad for easy access of keys, wallets, or soothers. Quite brilliant, I’d say! The rings are no-weld constructed solid aluminum and are tested to hold up to 250 pounds. If you’re carrying someone that heavy, you’ve got bigger problems than your carrier holding.

Win it! Choose your sling and leave a comment before noon mst on Aug 31, 2009 to enter.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Having never used a frame carrier before but having seen a ton of them, I was utterly shocked to find out they don’t all come from MEC and that I don’t have to look like I’m headed out for a full day hike with a kid on my back when wearing one. The classic carrier from Kokopax ($179.99) is a super hip & fresh take on the frame carrier. It’s made with 100% cotton canvas over an anodized aluminum frame. The shoulder straps are way more comfortable than I imagined they’d be, and the frame is adjustable in order to easily fit any user. It features a padded waist support, a handy storage pocket and a kickstand for easy loading. Your child is very secure in a 5 point harness, and being next to you will make them happier than any stroller ever would. It weights under three pounds and fits in the overhead bins of airplanes for easy travel. It’s intended for kids 6 months to to 2 years or up to 35 pounds, and each carrier comes with a carry bag that’s great for storage or travel. It comes in the same great six colours as the Blakely ring tote.

When new parent discussions turn to baby carriers it is almost always the more modern pack-style baby carriers that first come to mind despite the great variety of baby carriers available today. There is no denying that pack-style baby carriers are one of the most popular options, and there are many reasons why parents opt to purchase a structured carrier.
Soft-structured baby carriers are essentially mei tai baby carriers with buckles. They consist of a main body and four straps that attach to the wearer and hold baby close. Rather than wrapping or tying the carrier to your body, quick-release buckles are used. Buckle carriers lack the versatility that wraps and mei tai’s offer as you are limited to strap and buckle placement when it comes to securing the carrier to your body, however the addition of buckles make for a very convenient option when it comes to a baby carrier.

As Many Unique Pack Carriers as There Are Babies

Unlike simple baby slings or wraparound baby carriers that have a very basic and similar construction between brand names, soft-structured baby carriers vary widely from one model to the next. There seems to be as many unique styles of structured carriers as there are babies, each with its own distinctive features. Differences between soft-structured baby carriers can be found in the number of carrying positions offered, whether or not a waist belt has been used for dispersing weight more ergonomically over the wearer, how a baby is suspended in the carrier, the angle at which buckles, belts and straps are placed as well as how much of your baby is supported by the body of the baby carrier itself, depending on the size of the panel.

This aspect of varying styles and features is important to keep in mind when selecting a buckle-style baby carrier. If one brand does not seem to be working well for you or your baby, you are experiencing discomfort, or a carrier lacks the versatility you are after in its design, there are many others to choose from that will fit and feel differently.

When selecting a soft-structured baby carrier one of the most important features to look for is a carrier that makes use of back-packing technology. Wider shoulder straps, padding in all the right places, and a supportive waist belt to help distribute baby’s weight to your hips and upper thighs for maximum comfort will aid in preventing strain on your neck, back and shoulders.

In-Arms Parenting – for Toddlers too!

Many parents are looking for a baby carrier to use with their older or heavier children. A soft-structured baby carrier is ideal for this. Because a structured baby carrier of the highest standards will adequately distribute a heavier child’s weight to the wearer’s hips and not put strain on the neck and shoulders, you can easily (and comfortably!) carry a child up to 40 or more pounds in many soft-pack carriers.

Advantages of Soft-Structured Baby Carriers:

• Easy for most parents to learn how to use as their concept is similar to that of a standard backpack.
• Ergonomic design in many carriers is more comfortable for wearers offering balanced weight distribution across both shoulders (choose brands carefully!).
• One of the best carriers for older babies & toddlers (40+ lbs), most parents find they can carry a baby the longest in a soft-structured carrier.
• Many can be worn on the front and back, with some brands offering more flexibility than others in carrying positions.
• An excellent option for the active parent that hikes or walks often or for longer periods of babywearing.
• Some carriers are designed primarily for “hip” carrying, a natural position for many parents when carrying an older, heavier baby or toddler.
• Convenient to put on and off quickly and easily.
• No wrapping, knots to tie or dragging fabric.
• A one-size fits most baby carrier, soft-structured carriers can easily be shared by different users.
• Mainstream look and ease of use is highly appealing to dads.
• These carriers usually have the highest resale value.

Disadvantages of Soft-Structured Baby Carriers:

• Buckles and the adjustment of belt straps have a learning curve many parents are unprepared for. Carrier may be uncomfortable if adjusted incorrectly.
• Not usually recommended for newborns without head control (less than 4 months old), although some carriers may have additional accessories to accommodate infants.
• Not the easiest or most discrete for nursing an infant. Some may require additional accessories for nursing.
• Structured baby carriers don’t offer the same “hug” or hold some other carriers are well known for, so they are less than ideal for cuddling with an infant or young baby.
• Usually these are the most expensive baby carriers due to the great deal of extra hardware and workmanship involved in manufacturing.
• Buckles make this a bulkier baby carrier so it’s not as compact for travel and may not fit in a diaper bag.

Because of their unique design and the ability to transfer most of a child’s weight to the hips, structured carriers are among the most comfortable baby carriers with even the heaviest of children. Parents that plan to use their baby carriers for a long walks, hiking, back-carrying, or for extended babywearing with an older baby or child, may find a soft-structured baby carrier suits their needs best.

Soft-structured baby carriers are comfortable, relatively simple to use and stylish with mainstream appeal. If you’re looking for a way to get started with babywearing but traditional baby carriers make you nervous, using a soft-structured baby carrier would be a great choice. With their longevity and easy back-carrying options, pack-style baby carries offer a value in a baby carrier that is hard to match. Pair this style of baby carrier with a popular infant option such as a baby sling or wraparound and you’ll have a perfect baby carrying combination from birth to toddler and beyond.

WIN IT! Parenting by Nature is giving one T.O.P. reader their choice of in stock soft-structured carriers from their site. Canada and US addresses only please. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing the carrier & fabric you’ll be choosing if you’re selected as the winner before noon mst on April 20, 2009.

This is part six and the final installment (so sad – we’ve loved them!) in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires!

Thanks so much, Tamara, for your very educational articles and amazingly generous giveaways. All of us, readers and writers, have loved them and think you’re the bomb!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

If you love the versatility of a wrap-style baby carrier but find the actual art of “wrapping” to be too confusing, or more complex than you are ready for, you may find the perfect solution in a mei tai baby carrier (pronounced “may tie”). A simple, sleek baby carrier that is easy to use and beautiful to wear, it’s no wonder that the mei tai is quickly gaining in popularity among parents nationwide.

A mei tai baby carrier, also know as an Asian baby carrier (or ABC), is traditional to the Chinese culture and has only gained notice in North America since the early 2000’s. The design is simple – a rectangular piece of fabric (called the body) with four straps extending from each of it’s four corners. The design has been updated over the years and you will now find a large variety of mei tais with many features such as padded shoulders, straps of varying length and widths, and the addition of a headrest to support the head and neck of an infant or sleeping toddler.

The long straps, basic rectangular body and sash-style tying method remains the constant feature of all mei tai baby carriers.

The Perfect Combination of Ease & Versatility

We’re often asked if using a mei tai baby carrier is difficult. Securing the carrier involves only two “ties”, and so using a mei tai is as easy as (1) tying a sash around your waist, (2) holding baby in place with the body of the carrier, and (3) securing the two shoulder straps by tossing them over your shoulders and tying them around you and baby. It really can be as easy as 1, 2, 3! For many parents they will accomplish this with their first try, while others may need a bit more practice to feel confident when starting out with a mei tai. Before long, putting on and taking off a mei tai can be done in seconds.

A mei tai baby carrier offers the flexibility of unlimited carrying options, similar to that of wrap-style baby carriers with the added advantage of a baby carrier that can be tied on and taken off quickly and with ease. Your comfort & baby’s positioning can vary considerably, based on how your mei tai is tied. Suitable for front carrying (facing in and facing out), hip carrying and back carrying, a mei tai can truly be used from birth to toddler.

A mei tai is also one of the only baby carriers that offers complete head and neck support when carrying a very young baby on a caregiver’s back. This may be a very important feature for parents expecting baby #2. Successfully securing a young baby to your back makes life much easier while you are also chasing a toddler around all day. Tending to your older child’s needs when a new baby is on the scene is a breeze with a mei tai baby carrier.

You’ll find mei tai’s today in a wide variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, most of which are also reversible to solid colours. This is yet another reason why the mei tai appeals to both moms and dads alike!

Advantages of a Mei Tai Baby Carrier:
• Easy to use baby carrier with shallow learning curve.
• A favorite for back carrying, can also be used with a young baby on the back (especially helpful when there is a second child to attend to!).
• Unlimited number of carrying positions including front, hip and back carrying.
• Discreet and hands-free nursing.
• Suitable from infant to toddler (up to 40+ lbs).
• Baby’s weight is distributed across both shoulders & upper back so there is less neck & back strain.
• Less structured than a backpack carrier.
• No snaps, buckles, rings or clips to bother with or get in the way of you or baby.
• One-size fits most! Great for mom, dad & caregivers to share.
• A very lightweight, compact carrier, perfect for traveling or stashing in a diaper bag.

Disadvantages of a Mei Tai Baby Carrier:
• Hands-free nursing is in upright position only (can be tricky with a newborn).
• Not as heavily padded as most structured carrierS (but this can be an advantage for a parent that wants less “bulk!”).
• Straps are long and may drag on ground while learning to tie (can be messy in the rain or snow).

With the more mainstream appeal of a mei tai baby carrier and no limit in it’s flexibility, it is with a mei tai that many parents find babywearing bliss. As well, a mei tai baby carrier is enduringly practical and considering it’s longevity of use, a great value. With their ease of use, unlimited carrying positions, ability to use one carrier from birth to toddler and fabulous prints, with a mei tai baby carrier you really can have it all.

WIN IT! Parenting by Nature is giving one T.O.P. reader their choice of in stock Mei Tai Baby Carrier from their site. Canada and US addresses only please. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing the mei tai & fabric you’ll be choosing if you’re selected as the winner before noon mst on April 13, 2009.

This is part five in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires! Be sure to come back next week for another of Tamara’s educational features and another chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

When parents first start talking baby carriers, it’s easy to understand why they might get confused. Many parents consider the most basic of all baby carriers to be the baby sling, but what exactly is meant by this term? There are ring slings and pouch slings, and considering ring slings have pouches and pouches are often called slings…well, I think you can see why someone might become overwhelmed! Let’s start by defining what we mean by the terms baby sling, pouches and ring slings.

What is a Baby Sling?

The Wikipedia encyclopedia’s definition of a baby sling is a piece of cloth that “supports an infant or child from a caregivers’ body”. So in actuality, any fabric that is used to carry a baby can be considered a baby carrier or “baby sling”. However, the term “baby sling” has really become synonymous with pouch slings and ring slings – a baby carrier that is used over only one-shoulder with a “pocket” that baby is supported in.

Pouch slings and ring slings are twists on traditional wraparound baby carriers. A short wrap can be transformed when the ends are sewn together or rings are added for a modern spin on this age-old carrying method.

Difference between Pouches and Ring Slings

A pouch sling is a single, continuous tube of fabric whereas a ring sling is a long piece of fabric with rings sewn onto one end. The tail, or opposite end of the fabric, is then threaded through the rings. The basic anatomy of both pouch slings and ring slings is similar. Both types of slings have a “pouch” which is essentially a pocket where baby is placed. They both are worn over one shoulder, and caregivers will be able to carry their baby in multiple positions from birth to toddler in both styles of slings.

While a main difference between a pouch and a ring sling is the addition of rings sewn into the latter, this leads to another very notable difference – adjustability.

Pouch Slings

A standard pouch sling does not have the ability to adjust to various sizes. This means that sizing is essential for the comfort of the wearer. A pouch sling that is sized too large will hang low causing strain on the back and shoulders of the wearer. A sling that is too small could make for a much more difficult time getting baby in and out of the baby sling, and could also be uncomfortable as baby grows. However, when sized correctly, a pouch sling is one of the easiest types of baby carriers you’ll find. It’s difficult to go wrong with a well-fitted pouch. With no belts, loops, snaps, rings or buckles, you can toss a pouch sling over your shoulder, slide your little one into the pocket folds and you’re on your way.

Ring Slings

Rings on the standard baby sling allow for the adjustment of sizing in this style of baby carrier. The “tail” on a ring sling is the piece of fabric that hangs down from the rings. Pulling down on the tail will tighten the sling, bringing baby higher. Alternately, you can loosen this tail to bring baby to a lower position. These quick and easy adjustments make a ring sling one of the most popular baby carriers for a mother that plans to nurse her baby. The adjustability allows a mother to provide an infant with easy access to the breast, and then the baby sling can be re-adjusted quickly when their nursling is done.

The best ring sling baby carriers are fully adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit no matter who is wearing the baby. An open tail is not only beautiful, but functional. It can serve many purposes such as a nursing cover-up, sun shade, lightweight blanket and more.

Advantages of Baby Slings:

• Have a short learning curve and most parents find baby slings to be one of the easiest baby carriers to use.
• Provides a swaddled feeling for baby making the transition from snug security of womb to new environment an easier one.
• Allows for hands-free, discreet breastfeeding and easy access to breast for newborns that nurse frequently.
• Easy on and easy off make a baby sling perfect for a fussy baby or one that likes to be up & down often throughout the day.
• Excellent for newborns and young babies, as well as quick trips with older babies & toddlers.
• Carrier will grow with your child (birth to 35 lbs) and allow for comfortable cradle carry, front carrying or hip carrying.
• Folds flat and very compact for traveling or diaper bag.
• Relatively inexpensive, most parents can find a baby sling at an affordable price.

Disadvantages of Baby Slings:

• Support for a young baby without head control is in cradle position only.
• Sizing is imperative for the most comfort. Ring slings make this easier, but some parents find the rings more difficult to adjust.
• Weight is carried on only one shoulder which can be tiring for longer periods of wearing.
• The asymmetrical weight distribution can make carrying a heavier child more challenging.
• Lack of ergonomic support may be an issue for caregivers with back problems.
• Size of baby will dictate baby’s position in the carrier.
• Less versatile for carrying positions. Back carrying is not as easy to achieve.

The Simplicity of a Sling-Style Baby Carrier

Baby slings are compact, sleek, easy to use, and their simplistic design make them one of the most popular baby carriers. Baby slings are particularly useful for the newborn and young baby stage, as well as for the toddler “up and down” phase – just leave the carrier on and pop your baby in and out throughout the day. Also a favorite baby carrier for nursing mothers, breastfeeding is generally easily accomplished in a sling. This does take patience and practice like any new skill, but once learned, being able to breastfeed in a sling can be extremely liberating for any mother.

A simple baby sling makes a wonderful addition to a baby layette and is always a welcome new baby or shower gift.

WIN IT! Parenting by Nature is giving one T.O.P. reader their choice of in stock pouch or ring sling from their site. Canada and US addresses only please. To enter, leave a comment on this post listing the sling you’ll be choosing if you’re selected as the winner before noon mst on April 5, 2009.

This is part four in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires! Be sure to come back next week for another of Tamara’s educational features and another chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

Infant carriers allow you to keep your baby close and secure while your hands are free. They make it easy for caregivers to bond with baby while accomplishing daily tasks. Despite the incredible variety of baby carriers on the market today, nearly all fall into one of four basic styles – Baby Wraps, Baby Slings, Mei Tai Baby Carriers and Soft Pack Baby Carriers. Today we’ll explore Baby Wraparound Carriers.

Baby Wraparound Carriers (aka. Baby Wraps)

A wraparound baby carrier is one of the most traditional styles of baby carriers. Baby wraps – also called simple cloths or wrap-style baby carriers – have been used for generations due to their simple yet incredibly versatile nature. No more than a large piece of fabric, a baby wrap carrier is wrapped around baby and the wearer to create a pocket for baby to lay or sit inside. The carrier is then secured with a series of tucks, ties or knots.

Available in a variety of fabrics, the most common are stretchy wraps (such as The CuddlyWrap) or woven wraps (such as an EllaRoo Wrap). A stretchy wrap is popular for infants as they are slightly easier to tie and generally “give” more than a woven wrap, so it’s easy to get an infant in and out of the wrap quickly. Woven wraps can be more supportive with less bounce than a stretchy wrap, so they are a popular choice for parents looking for a wrap to use from birth through to toddler hood.

So versatile!

With a wraparound baby carrier you have the ability to carry your baby in an unlimited number of carrying positions. While most parents use the wrap over two shoulders, you can also tie a wrap over one shoulder and use it “sling” style with an infant or on your hip with an older baby. Your baby can be on your front facing in or facing out, and back carrying is easily accommodated with a wrap-style baby carrier. The possibilities really are endless because with a baby wrap you aren’t limited to the placement of buckles, rings or straps.

A baby wrap also has uses beyond that of carrying your baby. A wrap can be used as a lightweight blanket on a cooler day, for protection against the sun or wind, or used as a safe and clean place to lay your baby down on in a pinch. We’ve even used ours as a seatbelt harness when we found ourselves without a highchair at a restaurant!

Advantages of a Wraparound Baby Carrier:

• Hands-down the most versatile baby carrier with unlimited carrying positions.
• Will easily accommodate any sized baby or wearer – ideal for sharing between partners.
• Ergonomic support for both baby and adult.
• One of the easiest carriers for hands-free nursing.
• Very comfortable with no buckles, rings or snaps to get in the way of wearing.
• Provides excellent support for a new baby’s head and neck and for a sleeping older baby, even when used for back carrying.
• Grows with your child – an ideal baby carrier to use from infancy up to 40+ lbs.
• Wraparound carriers are particularly suited for kangaroo care, the practice of holding premature and full-term newborns skin-to-skin for optimal neurological development.
• Folds flat and is compact for travel or diaper bag.

Disadvantages of a Wraparound Baby Carrier:

• Steeper learning curve than most other baby carriers – requires practice to become efficient in tying the baby carrier and adjusting to you and your baby.
• Extensive length fabric can be somewhat confusing to many parents.
• Not as easy to pop baby in and out of the carrier in a hurry (hungry newborn? fussy toddler?) unless you keep the carrier on at all times.
• Can be hot in the summertime (but keeps baby warmer in cooler weather!).

While the skill of wrapping may take some time to master, don’t let this scare you off of giving a baby wrap baby carrier a try. The “hug” that results from successfully securing your little on in a wrap is wonderful feeling. If you are really intimidated by the challenge they may present, there are now hybrid wrap carriers on the market. A great way to achieve the wrapping feeling without the fuss!

WIN IT! We’re giving one randomly selected T.O.P. reader their choice of any in stock wraparound carrier from Parenting by Nature! To enter, head over to choose your potential new carrier and leave a comment telling us your choice before noon mst on Monday, March 30, 2009. Canada and US mailing addresses only please.

This is part three in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires! Be sure to come back next week for another of Tamara’s educational features and another chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (Congratulations Amelia!)

Ask ten parents which baby carrier they like best, and you will likely receive ten different answers. There are so many fabulous and innovative selections on the market today, how does a parent choose? We’ve compiled a few basic questions to help you narrow down your choices. The road to finding a carrier you and your baby will enjoy for many months to come is shorter than you think!

What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Carrier

Who will be using the baby carrier?

Your own personal comfort should come first and foremost when deciding on a baby sling or baby carrier. There are just as many babywearing options available as there are body shapes and sizes among caregivers. The first question you will need to ask yourself is whether you need baby’s weight to be balanced over both shoulders or whether you would prefer a one-shoulder design. Many parents prefer how quick and easy one-shoulder baby slings can be to use, whereas other parents find that they need the weight of their baby to be distributed evenly over both shoulders.

Also important to keep in mind is that some baby carriers are sized to fit the wearer. So if more than one parent will be using the carrier, you may need to ensure you are looking at a carrier that offers flexibility in sizing and that adjusts quickly and easily.

How old is your baby?

If you have a newborn or young baby, would you like a sling or baby carrier that will be suitable for carrying an older baby or toddler as well? Or would you prefer to invest in a different style of baby carrier in the future, that may be more suitable for carrying an older baby? One style of baby carrier may be more suitable for you during the early days with a newborn, and yet another carrier that distributes weight differently or allows for back-carrying may work best as your baby grows. Some carriers are more flexible than others, and many will offer various carrying positions designed for use from birth through toddler hood.

What will you be using your carrier for?

Are you looking for a carrier to accomplish hands-free nursing? A baby sling may be your best choice. A sling may also be more appropriate for short trips such as running an errand or picking up an older child from school. However if you are an active parent and you plan to carry your child during longer periods such as hiking, traveling or while you work, a carrier that supports your child’s weight over two-shoulders or one that displaces some of this weight to the hips and upper thighs may be a more comfortable option. You might also consider a more compact and portable baby carrier – perfect for the parent on the go!

A baby carrier for any budget!

How much you have budgeted for your baby gear may be a deciding factor for many parents when choosing a baby carrier. A smaller budget does not mean you can’t have a great baby carrier! A simple, adjustable ring sling may be found at a much lower cost than specialty ergonomic baby carriers and the benefits of carrying your baby will be no less than if you were using a more expensive sling. If your budget allows for something extra special, you may choose from luxury prints and fabrics, or you might even consider purchasing more than one baby carrier, depending on your baby’s age or stage. This may sound extravagant but when you consider the high cost of many luxury baby strollers, two baby carriers is only a fraction of that cost! More importantly, many parents find they end up using their baby carrier much more than expected, and for some, even more so than their stroller. This is an important item for you and your baby – you don’t want to cut corners!

Which style of sling or baby carrier appeals to you?

There are many styles of carriers to choose from and one may simply be the most appealing to you based on style, fabric or print. If you don’t like the fancy tying techniques a wraparound carrier uses you may opt for a buckle carrier. If you prefer the traditional look of a mei tai baby carrier, there are many different styles and prints to choose from. The good news is that you can easily find a baby carrier today that will work from newborn to toddler that’s not only comfortable but will look great too.

The PERFECT Baby Carrier?

Each style of baby carrier has its advantages and disadvantages and unfortunately no one carrier is complete in serving all purposes perfectly. A parent must consider their own needs and then select a baby carrier that meets these needs the best. Try not to get too hung up on finding the “perfect baby carrier”. It’s been said that there are as many ways to wear a baby as there are ways to make a baby smile. Relax and enjoy this time with your baby. The benefits of wearing your baby close will last a lifetime.

Join us next week when we will begin to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each style of carrier from the most basic pouch sling to the traditional wrap-style baby carrier. Part one of our Babywearing 101 Series featured last week with an article on the Benefits of Babywearing.

This is part two of a series of articles presented by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires!

If a mother told you they knew a secret to help your baby sleep better, cry less and be self-soothed while your hands were free to accomplish personal tasks throughout the day, would you be interested? Less crying, better sleeping and more time for ME? Of course you’d want to know what they were talking about! Mothers across the globe have known this secret for centuries. The answer is the ancient practice and art and called babywearing.

Introducing Babywearing!

“Babywearing” is actually a relatively new term, coined by Martha Sears and popularized by her husband Dr. William Sears, a well-known pediatrician and author of child rearing books. Research supports numerous advantages of babywearing such as strong bonding between baby and caregivers, better sleep and development, and reduced crying. Ronald Barr, professor of paediatrics at the University of British Columbia first discovered the link between babywearing and a reduction in crying in a 1986 study where it was found that an extra two hours of carrying baby each day reduced crying in young infants by as much as 43%! (1) Now he works to help educate the parents in his practice about the advantages of babywearing, as well as dispelling the misconception that carrying your baby can lead to spoiling a child. Contrary to western cultural myths, independence is actually established earlier when babies are worn in a sling or baby carrier. (2)

Practical & Convenient

There is extensive medical support for babywearing as it benefits your baby, but lets not forget the benefit to parents, as well. Babywearing not only allows caregivers to get on with their day hands free, accomplishing tasks that may otherwise not have been attended to, but it also allows for an easier time for new parents to get out and about without having to worry about lugging around a bulky stroller or car seat attachment wherever they go. For parents with more than one child, babywearing keeps your hands free to attend to an older child, while baby is well out of harm’s way, content and secure.

Babywearing is healthy for baby, we know this without a doubt, but it is also practical and convenient for mom and dad. How many times have you seen a new mom with their young baby in their arms while pushing their stroller? Baby is going to want to be carried – being in arms against mom or dad is the most comfortable, warmest and most secure spot to be! So the question becomes not why carry your baby, but HOW to carry your child without causing undue stress, strain and pain. How do we make the experience of babywearing as comfortable for the wearer possible? The answer lies in finding the right baby carrier among the vast selection available on the market today.

Check back with us next week when we discuss the most important questions parents need to ask themselves to help narrow down the selection of baby carriers available, and we’ll try our best to help you find the perfect baby carrier for your family’s needs. If you follow along with our Babywearing 101 series over the next several weeks, you’ll also get the opportunity to win a few baby carriers along the way!

This is the first of a series of articles presented by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires!

(1) Hunziker UA, Garr RG. (1986) Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics 77:641-648.
(2) Morris, D. (1992). What Comforts a Baby? In Babywatching (pp 80-82). New York: Crown Publishers Inc.

As an opinionated baby (and toddler and preschooler) wearing and organic wannabe-eco-mama, I was thrilled to discover a Canadian company that is committed to helping parents across North America learn that traditional parenting techniques and practices like baby wearing and cloth diapering are a viable, easy and fun way to raise a baby.

Parenting By Nature carries a HUGE selection of the best baby carriers (with their personal reviews included!), cloth diapers, and a variety of products for baby and mama.

Among the huge selection of carriers, I found a gem. I’ve mentioned before that I’m an Ergo girl, and I continue to love my Ergo passionately. The only issue I have with it is that a child cannot face outward. Normally that’s not an issue, but there are those few children that reach a certain age and can’t stand facing inward any more. I just flipped my children to my back when that happened and that solved the problem, but for parents who aren’t comfortable with back carries the Pikkolo Carrier by CatBird Baby would be an awesome solution. It features all of the great features of the Ergo but adds the forward facing option. It has a unique cinching drawstring mechanism on the bottom that allows the narrowing or widening of the fabric between baby’s legs for smaller newborn babies to sit comfortably or larger babies to sit facing forward. The waist belt is thick, but completely un-padded (in contrast to my beloved Ergo) to allow for precise adjustment. I personally prefer the Ergo waist band, but that’s the only thing I prefer. Everything else is equal or better on the Pikkolo. Like the deluxe memory foam padded shoulder straps. Mmmm, comfort. And the easy transition to a hip carry is pretty fab too. Honestly, the first person to design a combination of the two carriers will make a mint. The perfect carrier for everyone. And it would surely be available from Parenting By Nature!

Win it! We’re giving away a $100 gift certificate to Parenting By Nature to be used toward ANY product(s) you like! US and Canada only. To enter, visit the Parenting By Nature site and browse around (make sure you have a few minutes – there’s lots to look at!). Come back and let us know via comment what you’d spend your $100 on. Contest closes at noon mst on March 14, 2009.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

As a collector of all things babywearing, it’s not too often I get excited about a carrier that is only suited for one position and has no head support. I’d never say never, though, and it’s a good thing because I am loving my Belle Baby Carrier. For babies 8 – 30 lbs to be worn on your belly facing either toward or away from you, the Belle allows for essential (in my never-humble opinion) direct contact and discrete nursing. The tightness of the waist belt affects the height of your baby in the carrier…loose belt = low baby.

It doesn’t have any head support hidden in there, which makes it sleek and small enough to toss in a large purse but not all that comfortable for a baby who falls asleep in it once their head is over the top and they’re facing outward. There’s no extra padding at all, and very little even on the shoulder straps, which can be a downer if you’re used to that. However, for a baby who just loves to be carried – cushioned or not – the Belle gives you a hands-free option sans bells and whistles that is actually rather gorgeous. I’ve gotten tons of compliments on my ‘cherry deco’ pattern (pictured) and greener parents can choose from organic fabrics in sand, black or denim. As a warm-ish mama at the best of times, I appreciate the lack of padding and lack of sweat that accompanies it. I love my Belle for short trips on which I can hold my daughter’s head in my hands if she falls asleep and for which shoulder strain isn’t an issue, and I particularly love that I am never without a carrier because the Belle rolls up into a little ball and fits anywhere – even in my coat pocket!

Cooler than cool – the Belle was designed by two dads and named after their daughters. Way to go, guys.

Win it! Belle is giving away a carrier of choice to a randomly selected T.O.P. reader, valued at $90-$100! To enter, visit the Belle Baby Carriers site and choose your fave. Leave a comment on this post letting us know what we’ll be shipping if you’re the big winner before 11:59 mst on October 12, 2008.

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED

It’s no secret that we’re baby-wearers around here. We’ve told you about some great babywearing options in the past and will continue to do so. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to tell you about the wrap that finally converted me to a wrapper.

The CuddlyWrap™ from Canadian based family company Peapod Creations is an incredibly long piece of awesomely soft organic cotton that I first tied on when my youngest child was just a few days old. I had watched the accompanying DVD which took a lot of the fear away, but it was still slightly intimidating at first. Once I did it once, though, my little girl lived in that thing. With a tiny little newbie it was my most comfortable option. She was snug as a bug in there and was completely supported. I got many compliments on wearing my baby in a wrap and just as many questions. Most of them were either “Is it comfortable?” or “Is it hard to tie?” In a word, yes and no. My standard answer to the former question was “It feels like I’m wearing a t-shirt with a baby inside it” and that’s the truth. For a young baby I have never worn a more comfortable carrier. There was no pressure anywhere. The CuddlyWrap is designed for use from birth to 30+ lbs but it was most comfortable for me from birth to about 15 lbs. After that the fabric started to sag a bit and needed to be retied and washed a little more often. Not a big deal, but when I can easily throw on an Ergo for a larger baby I probably will do that rather than wrapping. As for the ease of tying, there’s really nothing to it once you either watch the DVD, have a seasoned pro show you the ropes or check out one of the many online wrapping tutorials.

I’m not much of a pouch sling user myself – I’ve just never found that they work great with gigantic nursing boobs. The few that I do use I chose because they fit me perfectly, and that means they don’t fit anyone else. If your baby loves to be worn and you’re not exactly the same size as your husband, mother and babysitter you’re going to end up with a few different carriers. (Not that there’s a problem with that – I love my collection.)

If you’re a pouch person and you’d rather invest in one fab sling that will fit everyone, I suggest you make the investment in an amazingly gorgeous Baby Bee Sling™ from Honeywear, a company founded upon the nurturing of children and the environment, our two most important and precious resources.

Made from the most pure and exquisite all natural fabrics and lined with soft organic cotton, the Baby Bee Sling is truly one size fits all and offers complete adjustability for many different holds. It’s created with an innovative quick release buckle and a toggle tightening system unlike anything else on the market.

At $120, it is an investment, but one that you’ll find well worth it when you open the box and see the beauty. A Baby Bee Sling doesn’t need to match your outfit – it IS the outfit. Nobody’s going to notice what’s underneath.

Win it! We’re giving away an organic cotton sateen Baby Bee Sling in the eyes of the world pattern. (Value: $120.) To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us which of the other ten fabrics available you like best. Contest closes at noon MST on May 23, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED

I’m a baby wearer. (Is there an echo in here? I wonder how many times I’ve typed those words.)

It’s definitely an addiction. I love the closeness and the hands-free parenting while still parenting, and am always excited to find more great carriers to share with you.

Not every carrier works for every parent, but I love the wrap style carrier for the comfort level. It’s like sticking your child inside a t-shirt. The wrapping takes a few tries to become easy, but once you’ve got it, it’s like riding a bike. I am loving the baby wrap carrier from Picara. It’s the only one I’ve seen that’s made from ribbed cotton so it only stretches one way – comfortable, but it never sags! I was in shock when I clicked through from the reader email recommending it and it was only $45. That’s a steal, even without a discount! (But you get a discount, because you’re special.)

Save 15% at Picara when you shop through this link.

If you read TOP regularly (and why wouldn’t you?) you know we’re all dedicated child wearers. There’s no shortage of great carriers out there, and each one serves it purpose and different carriers work for different people.

For the last few days I’ve been wearing my new Scootababy and have fallen in love. So has my 2 year old son. When it arrived, my baby was sleeping and he, who hasn’t been worn in almost a year because he’s refused since he learned to walk and became Mr. Independent, insisted in hopping right in. For being a 35 pound kid, he was surprisingly easy to carry! And it’s a good thing because he now considers it his so I haven’t had a chance to try it with my little one yet. When I want to wear her, she’s in the Ergo because he’s staked his claim on the new one.

The Scootababy, designed by babywearing mama Audra Meng, has a very comfortable padded waist strap that places most of the child’s weight on your hips and an easily adjustable shoulder strap with a fleece insert on the section that’s actually on your shoulder so there aren’t any of the usual pressure points that you often feel with a one sided carrier. It was notably easy to get on. Simply fasten the waist belt, pick up your child in their natural position at your hip and flip the body of the carrier up behind them. The shoulder strap then pops over their head and yours, and you can easily adjust it to support your child and be comfortable for both of you. Nothing to it!

It’s made of sturdy black denim, with your choice of a fleece or cotton liner, matches any outfit (like that matters when you’re that comfortable) and is machine washable.

I especially like the comfortable side carry position. It feels very natural and yet takes no effort to carry even a large child. I have other carriers, such as the Ergo, which allow for a side carry position but it takes so much work to adjust the straps that I never bother. It’s front, back, or not at all. Sometimes, though, the back isn’t ideal and you need the space in front of your belly for other things (and, honestly, once they hit a certain weight they don’t feel great centered in the front). With the Scootababy, it’s just like picking up your child as you always would, but they’re infinitely lighter and your hands are free. I love it!

Win it! Audra is giving one lucky TOP reader their very own Scootababy carrier, valued at $107! The winner will have their choice of the fleece or cotton jellybean lining. To enter, leave a comment on this post telling us why you want it. Contest closes April 14, 2008.

Get up to two additional entries into this contest!

1. Blog about this contest using one of the top three images found here.

2. Leave a comment with the direct link to your post (not to your main page, and in a separate comment from your other entry).

AND/OR

Subscribe to our RSS feed. Leave an additional comment to let us know that you did this for your extra entry. Be sure to leave a valid email address so we can confirm your new subscription.

Maximum three entries total per person.

CONTEST CLOSED

Long time T.O.P. readers know how we feel about wearing babies. We love it, and many of us are carrier connoisseurs and collectors.

We’ve featured and will continue to feature some fabulous standard carriers, but today we bring you one of the coolest and comfiest carriers we’ve seen in a long time.

My Baby Nest is a soft cotton carrier featuring the comfort of a wrap without any of the actual wrapping and tying – the very two features that often scare parents away from the fabulous wrap carrier.

My Baby Nest consists of two large cotton loops and an easy buckle belt, and is incredibly easy to wear in five different positions, with or without the accompanying belt. It’s incredibly easy to nurse in and is comfortable to carry children from newborn up to and beyond my big two year old. Each Baby Nest comes with a matching carry bag to keep it clean and convenient. The carrier is currently available in four colours, with four more available for pre-order.

If you’ve always wanted to try a wrap carrier but are a little or a lot scared of the actual wrapping, My Baby Nest is made for you.

My Baby Nest is available in several retail and online locations or directly from their online store.

Save 10% on your own Baby Nest with the code opinion.

You’ll find My Baby Nest in the TOP Shops!

As an avid baby wearer and a baby carrier collector, I’ve become very – ahem – opinionated when it comes to the devices that I’ll recommend to parents wanting to carry their offspring. And while it would be nice if we all had a third arm, we don’t and wearing your baby is the next best (better?) option.

Professionally sewn with two layers of lusciously thick fabric and smart reversibility, Chic Papoose pouch slings are definitely on my “yes list.” They’re pre-washed to prevent shrinkage and are sized to fit pretty much anyone with petite, regular and plus sizes available. Every design has one print side and one solid side to match pretty much any outfit.

Owner and work at home mom Holly Nelson has great policies too – returns or exchanges within 30 days and always free gift wrapping!

I’ve told you before about EcoBaby Canada and nothing has changed in regard to how excited I am that they exist. Naturally. In Alberta. It’s awesome!

I also directed you once before to the great selection of slings available from Ecobaby Canada and now am so excited to share with you the Child Size Hotsling! Available on the pouch sling page for just $18, your child can carry their own dolls, toys or a random selection of items from your back yard in their very own sling with the perfect fit. Kids love to copy their parents and kids also often get jealous of the attention that a young baby gets. When you’re slinging or nursing your own baby, how great would it be if your older children could simulate doing the same thing with their “babies?” This is a product that makes it easy and fun to do. Truly fabulous!

EcoBaby Canada is giving away a child size hotsling in the colour of your choice to one lucky Canuck T.O.P reader! (Please note that this one’s only open to Canadian readers.) To enter, send an email to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com before midnight MST on 1/10/08 with EcoBaby Kid Sling in the subject line and include which of the four available colours you’d choose for your prize as well as your full name and mailing address. Incomplete entries will not be eligible. Congratulations Angie!

An important note to all readers: Please remember to copy the subject line for our contests correctly as these are filtered automatically and if you make up your own title or submit a typo you may not be entered correctly.

By Chelle

I love wearing my babies. My firstborn was so tiny and cute and cuddly, I never wanted to put her down. Carrying her everywhere was getting tougher with every pound she gained. I was introduced to the art of babywearing when she was about three months old.

I wore that girl until she was just over two, when I got pregnant with her brother. I have had the opportunity to try a few different carriers, and definitely have my preferences depending on the age of the baby. When I got the opportunity to try out the Premaxx carrier from JJ Cole USA for T.O.P., I was totally excited!

Along came baby number two. Not too tiny, just right. Already an avid babywearer, our little boy was in a carrier by the second day! I have to admit that I have never been any good at the cradle carry. Our first was already beyond that stage and well once you have things figured out one way it is hard to change.

This is where I ran into difficulties with the Premaxx. The design is truly amazing. They took in every consideration when making this carrier. However, it takes some time to get used to it, especially if you have used other baby carriers. I was unable to wear our son in it cradle carry, but note I am unable to do so in any carrier (I have four different styles!) Once his head control was good the Premaxx has been wonderful for outings!

I wear our four month old in the front and off to the side a tad. I can store all my essentials in the pockets, so that my husband can take off with the diaper bag (that normally acts as my purse as well). The carrier itself is comfortable to wear, styling and our son does not fuss in it.

I am more of a traditional baby carrier mom. I adore my ring sling for quick outings, my mei tai for hikes and my Ergo for older toddlers. Yet there is definitely a spot for the Premaxx in my addiction to baby carriers. Once my husband perfects it, he too will wear my son more often (he is not one to wear a sling unless absolutely necessary!) and I really like the sporty look to the Premaxx. I would totally recommend the Premaxx to a parent that is not totally convinced that baby wearing is for them, or the parent that fears the soft carriers like the sling are not sturdy enough.

The Premaxx is a styling, comfortable and sturdy way of keeping your baby close, a parenting style I truly advocate.

The Premaxx Baby Carrier (as seen on Grey’s Anatomy!) is intended for use from birth to 18 months. Use it as a sling from 0-5 months and as a hip carrier from 5-18 months. There are several convenient pockets for a diaper, your wallet and other necessities. The wide strap adjusts to fit both mom and dad and the sides are easily adjustable with simple drawstrings. It’s machine washable (very important!) and comes in sporty black/grey and burgundy/orange colour combinations.

Check the JJ Cole USA store locator to find retailers in Canada, the US and online in both countries.

Win it! We’ve got the black and grey Premaxx up for grabs. Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Premaxx in the subject line and tell us one of the “essentials” products available from JJ Cole. Contest closes 8/30/07 at midnight MST. Congratulations Lisa!

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Guest review by T.O.P. reader Heather.

I never felt a need for a baby sling until I was pregnant with baby #3. I knew I didn’t want to stop going out and doing all the fun stuff I took the boys to because I had my hands too full with a 3rd baby. So I looked at all the many choices and decided on buying a Hotsling. I shopped around and got one that was a little cheaper on a website I can’t remember now (it was a discontinued pattern but I liked the polka dots and its reversible). They’re also available from Amazon. It still seemed very pricey for a seemingly simple piece of fabric but it may have been the best baby item I’ve purchased. I love that its easy to put on and has no clips, snaps or adjustments to make (instead they come in sizes). It is so easy to fold up small and put in my bag. Jamie loved it as a newborn and at 13 months and 21 lbs she still goes in it happily. I bring it everywhere. If she gets tired of sitting in the shopping cart I put her in it while I grocery shop. I just took her blueberry picking in it and she loved being able to reach the berries from it. We both REALLY do love it! I would HIGHLY recommend one of these slings to anyone but especially moms with a 3rd baby. How else could I go to the playground and simultaneously push the 2 boys on the swings while holding the baby!

Ed. Note:
Huge thanks to everyone who helped out during this crazy moving week with guest reviews. Keep ‘em coming and we’ll keep them on hand for “one of those days” that are happening way too often now. You know how it is, right? We’ll be back with more reviews & contests next week!

The Opinionated Parents are strong believers in baby wearing and we all do it. Mom of two, Rachel Panush, is the same. She began making slings for herself before the arrival of her first child, and she never stopped. She decided to turn her hobby into a web business and Posh Papoose was born.

Rachel’s aim is to make well made, useful, user-friendly, fun, and stylish slings to encourage baby wearing by all. She has definitely succeeded in all respects. Her selection of gorgeous prints and limited edition fabrics is very impressive. Each sling is made from three yards of limited edition highest quality cotton, making them comfortable, easy to maneuver and extremely functional. I started out my mothering life with a custom made ring sling that I thought was fine until I tried a Posh Papoose Ultra. Not only was it much more stylish but so much more practical. It has a long tail that I have used as both a nursing cover and a sunshade, and the tail has two very large pockets for essentials like diapers, a wipes case and…lipstick! There are two matching strings on the tail that are intended to allow it to be tied up shorter, which is great, but it also works to tie the handle of a water bottle, a pacifier or a treasured lightweight toy to the sling to prevent the dreaded ‘floor drop.’ I put my keys in my pocket, everything else in the sling pocket and off I went, hands free to play with and cuddle my son.

Posh Papoose offers your choice of padded, semi padded and unpadded slings and they match the rings to the fabric. Speaking of rings, the Posh Papoose was WAY easier to adjust than my previous sling. They feature the largest available sling rings that have passed an impact test and a 250 lb pull test. I’ll wear out long before my Posh Papoose does!

TOP readers save 10% at Posh Papoose with the code OP407.
You’ll find Posh Papoose in the TOP Shops,
where we feature permanent discounts exclusively for TOP readers.
When you’re bitten by the shopping bug, always check the TOP Shops first!

Do you think Posh Papoose slings are as great as I do? Then enter to win the sling of your choice! Send an email to theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Posh Papoose in the subject line, and tell us the one non-sling item available at Rachel’s site. Get your entries in by midnight MST on 4/30/07. Congratulations Harry!

I’m a fairly dedicated wearer of the child, but up here in the great white north it gets a little chilly at times. The very awesome Nori Peekaru Vest designed by par.entrepreneur Melissa Radcliffe & her company Together Be is a great solution.

The Peekaru is a fleece vest that zips over a soft baby carrier to keep you and your child warm. It fits comfortably over all carriers, including Baby Bjorns, Hotslings, Ergos, Mei Tais, and Wraps. We tested the Peekaru with a Bjorn, a ring sling & a mei tai and it worked perfectly over all of them. Available in five colours, the Nori Peekaru is a perfect accessory for the baby wearing crowd. It’s made of comfortable stretchy fleece (which I noticed makes it easy for the squirmy child to squirm comfortably) and has a hole for baby’s entire head or face to peek out of. The Peekaru can be worn with the carrier on your front or back. It can be worn with a coat over top (undone) to add warmth, and even in Canada I’ve found that an open coat is enough because the Peekaru did such a great job of keeping both mine and my baby’s body heat in.
It hugs the body in a rather flattering way (if I do say so myself *ahem*) and covers even my tall toddler’s long legs if he wraps them around me. I also love the small pocket – just big enough for a phone & keys.

Putting on the vest is pretty simple. It feels a little awkward at first but it gets easier every time. Simply place your child securely in your carrier of choice, pull the vest on, with your head and your baby’s head going through separate holes. The left side of the vest is completely open. Next, close the left side of the vest with a zipper and pull a drawstring at your child’s feet for a little more warmth if you like. My only suggestion would be an adjustable head opening for the child – perhaps a zipper or some soft Velcro to make it a little easier to pull over their head or to leave loose for those kids who don’t like things around their necks. It’s minor – I still love the Peekaru – but it would be a nice addition.

Enter to win a grey Nori Peekaru Vest in your own size. Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Peekaru in the subject line and the correct answer to the question What are the five available colours of the Peekaru? Contest closes 4/23/07 @ midnight MST. Congratulations, Katalin!

At TOP we, as you may have gathered, LOVE babywearing and all that it represents. We also love trying out new carriers and supporting those we love, even if it means we each have a collection large enough to carry a whole brood.

Ellaroo is a great mother-run company that produces all sorts of carriers – wraps, ring slings, podaegis, mei tais and their trademarked mei hip carrier.

We’ve been reviewing the Ellaroo Mei Tai deluxe carrier. Having never used a mei tai myself, I and three other new-ish mothers all blindly gave it a shot. Without fail, we were all sold on the Ellaroo mei tai deluxe within minutes for several reasons.

If you hadn’t already guessed, this is a TOP highly recommended carrier!

Ellaroo products can be purchased from any of their retailers around the world.

Want to see if you like it as much as we do? Enter to win a Ellaroo Mei Tai Deluxe in the good n’ plenty print (shown – reverses to black) by emailing theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Ellaroo in the subject line and tell us the one non-carrier item that Ellaroo sells. Contest closes at midnight MST on 4/9/07. Congratulations Glennia!

The Opinionated Parents are exuberant baby wearing advocates and we’re always on the lookout for fashionable and functional ways keep baby close.

Sweet Fletcher is a mom owned and run company. Ashley Waldvogel Gaddy started Sweet Fletcher Designs after the birth of her son in 2003. She launched the company with her simple & stylish pouch style slings and has since expanded into several other great products.

Everything at Sweet Fletcher is sewn to perfection from their stylish signature fabrics and their slings are no exception.

Large enough to be supportive, sleek enough to not add unnecessary bulk and stylish enough to be completely embarrassment free in public, Sweet Fletcher slings are a great accessory for the new mom. They wash up beautifully and the cotton fabrics are lively and light. The last thing you want is a sweaty baby plastered against a sweaty mommy. My two favourite things about them? The perfectly rounded seam which is comfortable for any child from a newborn right up to, and probably well over, my 25 pounder and the reversible design. Every funky sling reverses to a solid colour to match pretty much any outfit.

Babywearing is one of the best things you can do to help with colic, bonding and so much more. Why not look stylish at the same time?

Enter to win a Sweet Fletcher sling in the summer planets fabric (pictured, size extra small for a petite woman 5′2″ & under). Simply email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Sweet Fletcher in the subject line and tell us the name of one other fabric that Sweet Fletcher slings are available in. Contest closes at midnight MST on 4/5/07. Congratulations Louise!