tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154043082024-03-19T05:13:22.169-04:00The Baby CarrierWhat do I do with my baby carriers? Real stories from the life of a dedicated babywearer! Learn about a month in the life of my New Generation Ergo Baby Carrier which got me through airports, subways and buses and left my hands free for luggage and my older daughter. Follow the saga of the Ultimate Hip Carrier (the EllaRoo Mei Hip) or the Patapum or any other baby carrier!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-20038677104992276802010-08-10T20:56:00.003-04:002010-08-10T21:03:59.926-04:00Babywearing is in Danger! Please join the BCIARecent CPSC reports have led the public to believe that all baby carriers are unsafe. This is partly due to their misuse of the industry accepted term "sling" to describe the recalled Infantino product. It is also due to their advice that certain baby carriers not be used in the first few months. They are attacking some companies with safe products who have had the misfortune to have had a baby die in their product. This would be like recalling a mattress because someone died in their sleep. Okay, perhaps not exactly, but the cause of death would have been related to misuse of the product or other extenuating circumstances. Hotslings, a major manufacturer of safe baby carriers, has announced they are closing, in no small part to the public misconception of babywearing being unsafe. Nothing could be further from the truth.<br /><br />Vendors, babywearing advocates, and supporters from around the world are scrambling to try to change this trend. An organization called the <a href="http://babycarrierindustryalliance.memberlodge.org/">Baby Carrier Industry Alliance</a> has formed and is actively seeking members at this time. Please, please join this organization and find out how you can help <span style="font-weight: bold;">save the future of babywearing</span>. Yes, the need is <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> dramatic.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-57090314669509078012010-04-01T22:04:00.003-04:002010-04-01T22:09:50.070-04:00Where did mamatoto.org go?Oh no! I was at a babywearing meeting two months ago and I was sharing a resource that I've always shared. It's where I learned how to wrap. It was the start of everything for me!<br /><br />We were at Ruth's house and she pulled out her laptop to bring up the website. And it was.....gone! What? Must be something not right. I knew there were two sites, the other being WearYourbaby.org, but for some reason I could never remember that name so I wasn't able to share that link with the group until later.<br /><br />A few days later, I had occasion to share again. Only this time, <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> links were gone! Aaagh! What gives?<br /><br />I immediately contacted Tracy Dower, and she said that she'd let the registrations expire but that there was no longer a need for these sites as youtube has lots of videos now.<br /><br />Say <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span>???? I, and lots of others, immediately offered to lend a hand. I would so hate for these amazing resources to have gone away.<br /><br />Well I just got this lovely email from Tracy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">As you may know, Mamatoto.org and WearYourBaby.org expired while I was drowning in morning sickness (expecting triplets at end of summer). I no longer own the old domain names (Mamatoto.org, WearYourbaby.org), but the web host will recover all the content and place it at this new domain name. If you could spread the word, that would be great.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thanks. :-D</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">-- </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tracy Dower</span><br /><br />And so, you may now find the information here: <a href="http://SimplePiecesOfCloth.com">SimplePiecesOfCloth.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-83163750376852760772009-12-09T22:56:00.003-05:002009-12-09T23:11:51.275-05:00Review: A Gift for Baby by Jan HuntI love getting packages in the mail! I never get tired of ripping them open, even if I already know what's inside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd0U-u1T4yUoGKMt5L1OcHs4t48b3AplkF1_Wcmb3HbajHPoq3HYdMg5-ia3adLPbYz8RolW21syzby8grwRX1JxNwnyo1aMGwmJxCRG5XFPg32mbOu46rrJkE126_poUrd19fg/s1600-h/gift_for_baby_150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd0U-u1T4yUoGKMt5L1OcHs4t48b3AplkF1_Wcmb3HbajHPoq3HYdMg5-ia3adLPbYz8RolW21syzby8grwRX1JxNwnyo1aMGwmJxCRG5XFPg32mbOu46rrJkE126_poUrd19fg/s400/gift_for_baby_150.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413455376970298562" border="0" /></a>Today, I tore into "<a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/gift_for_baby/">A Gift for Baby/Un Regalo para Bebe</a>" by Jan Hunt and immediately gathered my babies around me to have a read. My babies, by the way, are five and ten, but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy a good read! It's' always a treat to cuddle together and share a story.<br /><br />This beautifully illustrated book for little ones is told from the point of view of a sweet toddler who loves mom, dad, and simply to be with them. Each page has just one line of text, in both English and Spanish. I particularly love this as we are a bilingual family and reading both languages helps my girls pick up new vocabulary (much of which was new to me as I have had no occasion to learn words such as stroller, soother, baby bottle and playpen in Spanish).<br /><br />There is a stunning illustration of the family strolling through nature and the dad is babywearing. How lovely to share such images with our children.<br /><br />This is sure to be a favorite both with parents, babies, toddlers, and children of any age! As a mom, I came away pleased with the gift in the story. I don't always stop and realize the full value of what I do as I strive to practice Attachment Parenting. Shifting to the child's perspective helps me, as a parent, refocus. Seeing my girls' reactions to the story helped validate the rightness of how we live.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-28634706201892860162009-12-09T22:06:00.007-05:002009-12-09T22:19:16.100-05:00Baby Sling Video: Baby Mamas (Put a Sling On 'EmHave you seen this totally awesome new video? If not, have a look and pass it forward!<br /><br />Baby Mamas (Put a Sling On 'Em)<br /><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PU84rDbdu8Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PU84rDbdu8Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object><div> <a href="http://baby-carrier.blogspot.com/2009/12/baby-sling-video-baby-mamas-put-sling.html">Baby Mamas (Put a sling on 'em</a> Baby Sling Video:</div><div> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyHVQT8aIBM"></a> ;)<br /><br />And here is the <a href="http://marvelouskiddo.blogspot.com/2009/12/behind-scenes-of-baby-mamas.html">fun back story</a> of how this video came to be.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-17681367919453030112009-11-19T12:26:00.004-05:002009-11-19T12:32:06.013-05:00New Ergo Infant Insert: Heart 2 HeartErgo has totally redesigned their infant insert! The new design is called the <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/heart-2-heart-p-590.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 52px; height: 22px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15R_1bGIAuYUNy7Po66kvZjGHvFlrxgY-sE4GQSg5IiY_dc8indH-h_tMx338TSpwZ3VOHQuF6lk2QxwpMa5XEao9tPi_Mmo6K9f-4uyPa2f5a9m2SGbDxsTRLtCHm4hbbfpnzg/s200/ergo-baby-carrier-heart-2-heart-infant-insert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405868018306311346" border="0" /></a>(<a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/heart-2-heart-p-590.html">Heart 2 Heart</a>) and is much easier to use than the previous model.<br /><br />Have a look!<br /><br /><br /><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --> <a href="http://addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&pub=theergolady" class="addthis_button"><img style="border: 0pt none ;" alt="Bookmark and Share" src="http://s7.addthis.com/static/btn/v2/lg-share-en.gif" height="16" width="125" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pub=theergolady"></script><!-- AddThis Button END --> <br /><br /><div style="width: 100%;"><br /><div id="productDescription2" class="productGeneral biggerText">Ergo has come out with an infant insert that strives to assure safe, proper spine positioning for your newborn. The Heart 2 Heart supports your baby properly.<br /><br /><br /><br />Note that Ergo only endorses using the Heart 2 Heart in a tummy to tummy positioning (see * below), and that is fine, but Jennifer was more comfortable with the baby sitting sideways and found this positioning made it easier to assure proper positioning for her little baby. He is four weeks old and 13 pounds in this video. The Heart 2 Heart is designed to be used from newborn to around 4-5 months, and by using the side-sit positioning demonstrated, it will more easily accomodate a larger baby who may not yet be long enough or ready for the legs opening positioning. Most babies hit that milestone at around 3-5 months.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ergo Heart 2 Heart<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y7BsH8KfByM"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y7BsH8KfByM" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div><br /><em> *ERGO does NOT recommend that the Heart2Heart be used in any position but the upright - hence the name "Heart to Heart". The most recent research has indicated that this upright position is optimal for supporting baby's developing spine, hips, and pelvis, and ensures that no weight or pressure is put on these important areas as they grow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-85082243509257635772009-07-25T12:01:00.000-04:002009-07-31T12:09:41.114-04:00Putting a Scootababy Through its PacesMy daughter is now 5 1/2! Can you believe it? I've been babywearing for close to ten years. I guess you can't call it babywearing any more with a five year old! And I can only get away with it because she is a peanut. My older daughter was out of the weight limits for comfortable carrying by around 4 1/2.<br /><br />A few days ago, she asked for a ride in a pink baby carrier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2_23yRoM5wQ87kId3Dt5ogS1LncVzsfGlNFidcFZquQbUdD_BfuTazD2ASI0Xe0hFdLS7jtwq3dDuPnSp_id1qwJVSAK7JSd3f9DaaOEdDzjDFAppjqNr7pgzgMwc-ChGfdeHw/s200/scootababy-baby-carrier-versailles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364655786424530722" border="0" /></a><br />Yep, we have some of those! She chose the <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html">Scootababy</a>. On the way to our first errand, she requested a true hip carry.<br /><br />On the way to our second errand (the grocery store), she requested a front carry. I think it's funny that she still knows her way around each baby carrier well enough to be able to make selections like this.<br /><br />While shopping, she surprised me, requesting a back carry. This is actually the most convenient for me and it's super easy to do with the Scootababy. In fact, a back carry with the Scootababy is arguably one of the easiest ways for a novice babywearer to do a back carry. You just put baby in properly and then slide them around (or bounce them around). There is perhaps a bit of untangling of limbs but most anyone can manage without coaching.<br /><br />I rarely get to wear my daughter any more, but each time, I savor it. It is always at her request and it means she needs to be close to me. For the same reasons I've always loved babywearing, I am grateful. I get to nurture my daughter while being able to get on with my life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-14822542153107678212009-04-20T22:39:00.004-04:002009-04-20T22:45:50.745-04:00How shallow should I be?My youngest is going to be 5 in about 2 weeks. And for the last few months, she is requesting to go in a "carrier" every morning. Before bed, she often reminds me that she wants me to scoop her up and pop her in a baby carrier first thing in the morning. I usually oblige (so long as I haven't twisted an ankle or anything like that).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHFpcdYao2B5ezsoUArowWWiAojl4RtKGMbOr9n1Owj5Xdgl4r-KEJYtUPsKWKCaQGryZjj4HwcgN628AoOgrBTFM_jhbcR1XF6RdRuiw5m9ryVKa1sCeqB_uHCyDcZrwJEIk5A/s1600-h/ergo-heart-rose.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHFpcdYao2B5ezsoUArowWWiAojl4RtKGMbOr9n1Owj5Xdgl4r-KEJYtUPsKWKCaQGryZjj4HwcgN628AoOgrBTFM_jhbcR1XF6RdRuiw5m9ryVKa1sCeqB_uHCyDcZrwJEIk5A/s320/ergo-heart-rose.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326970078359426162" border="0" /></a>She likes pink. I do too. But my absolute favorite baby carrier is my Ergo and it's a few years old.<br /><br />Should I get myself a pink Ergo, now that there is one available? Is that totally nuts?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__5tadFIMrz2idBgctEzTg1gKvLz9Zl_1di0ZLpjmxDT2XQlpS2zGAFHr7oDxPmYqWQ9E3Eg2irjoIVPf9cRnMbVUX5yGnoVPTXiooyf10PVGDmWh8LFPBYu_cNRB96Jb4kJVXg/s1600-h/ergo-sport-baby-carrier1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__5tadFIMrz2idBgctEzTg1gKvLz9Zl_1di0ZLpjmxDT2XQlpS2zGAFHr7oDxPmYqWQ9E3Eg2irjoIVPf9cRnMbVUX5yGnoVPTXiooyf10PVGDmWh8LFPBYu_cNRB96Jb4kJVXg/s200/ergo-sport-baby-carrier1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326970258324011618" border="0" /></a>On the other hand, if I'm going to get a new <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-baby-carrier-p-182.html">Ergo</a>, why not try out the <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-sport-baby-carrier-p-568.html">Ergo Sport</a> that everyone is raving about? I'm super curious about the fit and extended padding and all the nifty new features.<br /><br />Oh but this is so silly! She's going to be five! I don't need any new baby carriers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-8104754895133352452009-04-07T14:59:00.004-04:002009-04-07T15:08:54.903-04:00Babywearing, again, after all these yearsMy second daughter was early (by my standards) to quit babywearing. She was just three.<br /><br />I know many people think their babywearing careers are over at 6-9 months when the baby starts crawling and walking, but not so! Once they get over the driving need to be on the floor and master these skills, babies are right back up on your hip, and your babywearing career is back on target for years to come.<br /><br />With my first daughter, it was me who ended the relationship. She was 4. I was hugely pregnant. She was huge. I just could not manage to pick up a 45 pound child any more. It was awful and if I could have, I would have. But I couldn't. I didn't know about back carries in those days. If I had it to do over again, she'd have been on my back right the way through because it's clearly what she needed. Now I know better.<br /><br />My second daughter has always been an independent soul. I wasn't ready for her to stop because it's just easier to keep a child out of trouble if they are attached! She certainly challenged me as I chased her through stores if I couldn't get her to stay in the stroller.<br /><br />She moved into her big sister's room recently. And with this move to further independence came some regressions. Specifically, she needs a lot more contact to make up for being away from me at night. When she wakes up in the morning, she wants to go into a "carrier". I only have a few left in my stash. I have a <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/beco-butterfly-ii-p-507.html">Beco Butterfly</a>, a super old denim <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-baby-carrier-p-182.html">Ergo</a>, and a <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html">Scootababy</a>.<br /><br />She prefers the Scootababy and Beco because they're pink. I still love the Ergo the most. I don't always get to say. It's almost worth getting myself the new pink Ergo. Almost, but not quite justifiable for just about 15 minutes babywearing in the morning.<br /><br />She's going to be 5 soon, by the way.<br /><br />If you know me on FaceBook, I've been posting horrible photos (horrible because my hair is a mess).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-189255959311372622009-04-07T14:52:00.002-04:002009-04-07T14:58:53.135-04:00Peekaru on Ellen<object height="295" width="480">Not sure how long this will be up on youtube so check it quickly! The <a href="http://regardingpeanut.com/item_185/Peekaru-Babywearing-Vest.php">Peekaru</a> was featured on the Ellen show! And Ellen said (perhaps only in jest, but still!) that she's going to send one to Oprah!<br /><br />This all started because people were making fun of it. Laugh all you want; wearing your baby and getting the heck out of the house in the cold makes life better for everyone.<br /><br />Seriously, what on earth do they expect moms to do when it's cold out? Put a stroller on snow and ice? I've lived up north in the bitter cold. It's not realistic to get out and about when it's bitter nor when the ground is not clear. It's much more realistic to wear your baby, and warm covers such as the Peekaru make this possible.<br /><br />On a more personal note, one of my employees was really suffering being stuck indoors during the bitter cold northern winter. I bought her a <a href="http://regardingpeanut.com/item_185/Peekaru-Babywearing-Vest.php">Peekaru</a> and the difference it made was amazing. She was able to get some much needed sunshine which, in turn, improved her emotional outlook and of course helped her to be a better mom. Isn't that what we all want?<br /><br />Laugh all you want at these. Hopefully, you'll be getting one when you have your own babies. <br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lHqNXZvS8GA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lHqNXZvS8GA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-50628289030163484332009-04-07T14:51:00.001-04:002009-04-07T14:52:24.570-04:00Sorry for long hiatus!I'm just bursting with babywearing stories! But I managed to lock myself out of my account for a few months. I'm back now and catching up!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-13513775261276235862008-12-03T18:16:00.004-05:002008-12-05T15:39:31.815-05:00CPSIA Impacts on Children's Apparel IndustryI don't like to post about stuff that I don't fully understand, but something has to be done. So I am sharing what I currently understand the situation to be and I urge you to do your own research, come back and comment, and spread the word.<br /><br />I just signed this petition mentioned below. It is all very confusing but it looks like there was legislation enacted that baby carrier manufacturers in the USA all missed but that could affect all manufacturers and perhaps put them out of business if they are found out as not having done the required expensive testing. The deadline is either November or Feb. The intentions are obviously good, but something seems misguided about it all. It seems it would require every single type and color of fabric or other material to be individually tested. And there seems to be an underlying assumption that baby carriers are more like a toy, than, say, a mom's coat, if you see what I mean; the latter would not be subject to the same requirements. Many things around the house get mouthed by babies. This legislature seems designed (intentionally or not) to put the industry out of business.<br /><br />Here is the petition link:<br /><pre><a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e%0D%0Dhttp://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/economicimpactsofCPSIA?e</a><br /><br />More information: <a href="http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/national-bankruptcy-day/">http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/national-bankruptcy-day/</a><br /></pre>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-72808383063353448682008-11-27T17:29:00.001-05:002008-11-27T17:31:54.750-05:00Babywearing in "For Better or For Worse" ComicLovely to see babywearing show up as more ordinary!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.fborfw.com/strip_fix/strips/2008/october/o4r/081019fgv.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 537px; height: 380px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIYsUkSg92UhiTT0bfHsbZ1v5BKjB32TzB9yyjWBXBdr6f-BHopinCEb8Jp9s1P-5Gp7wy6Wa-hbDnVLXTLPHDE4EteIcGX88pdGrwFAS4WQMsw3U6b7-JZZnZahikrLr8uqR9A/s400/081019fgv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273468525543154898" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-54410017223295610582008-11-21T20:27:00.002-05:002008-11-21T20:34:55.854-05:00Why I Know Babywearing is RightAn <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/11/21/baby.buggies/index.html">article on CNN</a> health concludes that strollers where baby faces away cause the baby stress. Too true. My first baby was one of those that was going to make it instantly clear when she was unhappy. I must have tried 7 or 8 strollers and the only one that ever worked was a monstrosity I got at a second hand shop that allowed her to face me. It didn't work all that well though and I wound up getting rid of it like all the others.<br /><br />Not only does having the baby facing away cause the baby stress, it also caused me, the mom, to be stressed! Having a child that could go into an exhausting spiral at any point meant it was helpful to either be in contact with her or have her facing me. She could be working up to a fit in that stroller and I would not know it until it was too late.<br /><br />Obviously, every baby is different. I am not against strollers. In fact, my second baby adored the stroller and sometimes preferred it to being worn.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-39738107025266236102008-11-20T17:14:00.004-05:002008-11-20T17:19:53.646-05:00Pain Free Babywearing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1CLzvwsFe39GKYnWir-0qsSAdhpjqMDL2WKQlg3u_jelCZTsmZvNsCsqKcJgX4BdCIxKGxWWZL82rBg_3sAg4SU6ffgaH7w-kQXcGJ7xLHyuNiKToGSE6T3r7IDtsAWYR5CVUA/s1600-h/pain-free-babywearing.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 173px; height: 69px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1CLzvwsFe39GKYnWir-0qsSAdhpjqMDL2WKQlg3u_jelCZTsmZvNsCsqKcJgX4BdCIxKGxWWZL82rBg_3sAg4SU6ffgaH7w-kQXcGJ7xLHyuNiKToGSE6T3r7IDtsAWYR5CVUA/s200/pain-free-babywearing.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270866784677359506" border="0" /></a><br />I find babywearing nearly pain-free. I say nearly, because sometimes, there is pain. But good pain, not bad pain. By good pain, I mean the kind of pain you might feel after a workout. After all, babywearing does involve toting gradually larger amounts of weight on your upper body. <br /><br />Some examples of good pain are sore thighs, tired tush, maybe even a bit of pain in the hip flexor. Noticing a pattern here? None of the pain is in the neck, back or shoulders.<br /><br />A good baby carrier, properly worn, should <span style="font-style: italic;">never</span> cause pain in the upper body. If you have pain, you are either doing something wrong, or it is not the baby carrier for you; keep looking! For example, slings, pouches and mei tais are all excellent baby carriers but they are not comfortable for me, due to either back issues or just the way my body is constructed. I only find wraps and soft structured baby carriers comfortable, so that is what I use.<br /><br />Find what works for you. Don't be afraid to sell of what's not working well. You should not need to reach for a pain killer after babywearing. Perhaps a bit of stretching might be in order!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-8547427419526567592008-11-17T20:01:00.002-05:002008-11-17T20:06:36.855-05:00The BWI Winners are being announced!I was blessed to have been chosen as a judge for the Babywearing International <a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/babywearingweekawards.php">2008 Internationational Babywearing Week Awards</a>. The award candidates were all amazing and judging was not at all easy.<br /><br />My business, <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/">SoBeBabies</a> is also a sponsor for the <span class="lgfont"><a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/vijayowens.php">The Vijay Owens Babywearing Advocacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in Promoting Babywearing</a>. I love Vijay and am thrilled to be associated with her in this way. I can't wait to find out who the lucky winner is!<br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-42195970280499655332008-11-17T12:22:00.002-05:002008-11-17T12:24:24.304-05:00Babywearing causes pain, according to MotrinBy now, you have probably seen the ad that Motrin came out with over the weekend. If not, you can view it here:<br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XO6SlTUBA38&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XO6SlTUBA38&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />One of the things that offended me about this ad is the assumption that babywearing has to be painful. Do shoes have to be painful? I have spent untold hours educating parents on more comfortable baby carriers and how to use baby carriers properly. Not all baby carriers are comfortable for all people but there are much better options out there in the last few years. Check out <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com">thebabywearer</a>.com and <a href="http://babywearinginternational.com">babywearinginternational.com</a> and get educated! Babywearing is not going to go away, just like shoes are not going to go away. Both just get better and better! I for one do not take a pain killer when I mistakenly buy a pair of poor fitting shoes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-62026999379456673952008-10-07T22:44:00.004-04:002008-10-07T22:51:40.337-04:00Babywearing International Awards<center><br /><table class="tempbody" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr> <td align="center" valign="top"><br /></td> <td style="padding-left: 10px; padding-top: 0px;" align="left" valign="top" width="650"><a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/babywearingweekawards.php"><span class="lgfont">International Babywearing Week Awards</span></a> <div class="narrowcolumn">Sponsors are giving away $2,000 worth of merchandise to honor groups, businesses and individuals who promote the timeless and beautiful practice of babywearing. Nominations for General Awards will be accepted through <strong>November 7, 2008</strong>.<br /><br />Go start nominating!!!!!<br /><br /></div> <div class="narrowcolumn"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></div> <div class="narrowcolumn"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TOP LEVEL AWARDS:</span></div> <p class="entry"><span>The</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/bestpublicitycampaign.php">Best International Babywearing Week 2008 Publicity Campaign</a> </span>is sponsored by <a href="http://www.poshpapoose.com/" target="_blank">Posh Papoose</a>. The prize for this award is $500 worth of merchandise from <a href="http://www.poshpapoose.com/" target="_blank">Posh Papoose</a>. </p> <p class="entry">The <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/vijayowens.php">“Vijay Owens Babywearing Advocacy Award for Lifetime Achievement in Promoting Babywearing”</a></span>is sponsored by <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/" target="_blank">SoBeBabies</a>. The prize for this award is $250 worth of merchandise from SoBeBabies. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/vijayowens.php"></a></span></p> <p class="entry">The <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/jenniferrosenberg.php">“Jennifer Rosenberg Babywearing Advocate of the Year Award”</a></span> is sponsored by <a href="http://www.happybambino.com/">Happy Bambino</a>. The prize for this award is $250 worth of merchandise from Happy Bambino. </p> <p class="entry"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GENERAL AWARDS:</span></p> <div class="entry">The <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Best babywearing outreach program by a non-vendor”</span> award is sponsored by <a href="http://www.bambinotogo.com/" target="_blank">Bambino To Go</a>.<br />The “<span style="font-weight: bold;">Best babywearing outreach program to women in need” </span>award is sponsored by <a href="http://www.sleepingbaby.net/" target="_blank">Sleeping Baby Productions</a>. The prize for this award is $250 worth of merchandise from Sleeping Baby Productions.<br />The “<span style="font-weight: bold;">Best babywearing advocate in the healing professions” </span>award is sponsored by <a href="http://www.lemonbalmessentials.com/" target="_blank">Lemon Balm Essentials</a>. The prize for this award is $250 worth of merchandise from Lemon Balm Essentials.<br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Best charitable program by a babywearing vendor”</span> is sponsored by <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/" target="_blank">TheBabywearer.com</a>. The prize for this award is a “Spotlight On” advertising feature on TheBabywearer.com.<br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">Children’s Coloring Contest </span>is sponsored by <a href="http://www.calinbleu.com/index.php"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Calin Bleu</span></a>. Each of 10 winners will receive a doll sling.<br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><center><hr width="850"> </center><br /><br /></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-32909322378692213982008-09-11T18:22:00.004-04:002008-09-11T18:28:23.777-04:00Beloved Ergo!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.the-ergo-lady.com/ergo-baby-carrier/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=24"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSABJEdE630jwwLlJkdHWZ3uDEVZar0dvo9VhnI_WrQrMWYl2LmZK8-ccNni7vEEcltDZAJF0VFw0ns8ViSOX8u_bdQDGvMsn4weOiBeVUoPTFF617aRWOVQbKEJyavKR7dLmIhQ/s320/Beloved-Ergo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244893015882832514" border="0" /></a>People definitely get attached to their baby carriers. I have seen some very tattered baby carriers over the years, but have learned to be very gentle about making any comment about safety as most parents are of the mind that it has cradled their special little ones and will continue to do so for as long as needed.<br /><br />This sweet guy is someone I met at a local BOLD performance. His table was near mine. He and his wife still use this, a Classic Ergo. He was mildly curious about some of the new design features but perhaps not enough so that he'd be willing to part with this sweet carrier.<br /><br />Have an old ratty tatty beloved baby carrier? Share your photos! I'd love to post more!<br /><br />But do remember to be safe! Clearly, the exposed padding is not structurally dangerous. I have seen slings with holes in them that give me pause!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-48847865884695406882008-08-22T17:47:00.002-04:002008-08-22T17:55:08.500-04:00Soft Structured Baby Carrier Comparison/ReviewPeople are always asking lots of questions about which is the <span style="font-style: italic;">best</span> baby carrier or the best of a certain style of baby carrier.<br /><br />That question has no answer, only personal opinion, largely because we're all built differently.<br /><br />Here is a great article about <a href="http://baby-carriers-downunder.com/2008/08/22/a-review-of-soft-structured-carriers-ergo-patapum-sutemi/">Soft Structured Carriers</a> by Slingdad (who I was really looking forward to meeting at the <a href="http://babywearingconference.com/">Babywearing Conference</a> but unfortunately, he couldn't make it).<br /><br />Here is an <a href="http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=p1IiFbzF2Rif1tmPRn4j4XA">SSC comparison chart</a> with features at a glance of the most popular buckle carriers.<br /><br />The best place to go chat about the subtle nuances is The Baby Wearer's forum on <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=113"><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> Choosing & Using an Asian Inspired or Soft Structured Carrier</strong></a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-73333339139158484232008-08-18T16:03:00.000-04:002008-08-18T16:03:33.165-04:00Adventures in Babywearing: Carrying The FutureGreat post from Stephanie of <a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Adventures in Babywearing</span></a>. She got to hear the keynote at the <a href="http://www.babywearingconference.com/">Babywearing Conference</a>. I am so grateful for this writeup; I could only hear parts of it because my little one was not allowing me to focus! You know how that goes!<br /><br />Here is her blog post:<br /><a href="http://www.adventuresinbabywearing.com/2008/08/carrying-future.html">Adventures in Babywearing: Carrying The Future</a><br /><br />I do remember Jen Norton (the keynote speaker and founder of <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/">TBW</a>) speaking about her feelings a lot about becoming a parent. I can identify with some of what she was talking about. I very intentionally became a mom and I <span style="font-style: italic;">love</span> being a mom, but I am not one of those fuzzy wuzzy women who adores all children and babies. I think Jen and I could definitely chat about some aspects of being a mom and of being around kids. In this regard, babywearing helped all the more with establishing the close ties needed to be the mom I want to be. I hope that makes sense. I don't want to say too much more because I am not sure if I'm correctly remembering what Jen said and unfortunately, it seems that the keynote speech is not written down anywhere. Correct me if I'm wrong! But I recall a thread on <a href="http://www.thebabywearer.com/">TheBabyWearer</a> right after the conference where people were asking for it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-54519661452044520182008-08-15T12:11:00.002-04:002008-08-15T12:16:58.294-04:00Peruvian Babywearing DollsI've come to a point in my babywearing career that I have long dreaded. After nearly 9 years (I've had a good run), it looks very unlikely that I'll have more than a few more opportunities. The last time I did babywearing (and boy did I ever!) was the <a href="http://babywearingconference.com/">Babywearing Conference</a> in Chicago. The upcoming <a href="http://www.floridaparentingconference.com/">La Leche League Conference</a> is my next chance to do some babywearing. I'll be using my Versaille Scootababy. I'm looking forward to that. After that, who knows. Like weaning and so many natural transitions, you're often not sure when the last time will be or was.<br /><br />Meanwhile, how to keep this important focus front and center? One way is through the use of child size baby carriers so my little ones can wear their dolls. We've got one of everything! Another way is through the use of <a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/shop/dolls/babywearing.html">babywearing dolls</a>.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/">Natural Child Project</a>, a cause near and dear to my heart, has these awesome <a href="http://www.naturalchild.org/shop/dolls/babywearing.html">Peruvian Dolls</a> for sale.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.naturalchild.org/shop/images/dolls/babywearing/babywearing_doll_front_300.jpg" /><img src="http://www.naturalchild.org/shop/images/dolls/babywearing/babywearing_doll_back_300.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-5347244513903852992008-08-10T15:45:00.003-04:002008-08-10T15:52:01.975-04:00Bonding with your pets - alternative use for baby carriersI am not really sure why everyone laughs when I share that I sometimes put one of my cats in a baby carrier. I've tried it with all my cats and it has usually gone over well. The first time, I did it for a lark just to see if it would work, not really expecting the cats to like it, but they did!<br /><br />Then I found it a useful way to protect a new kitten from an older cat who was really out to get him. It was just like having a new baby and needing to both bond and protect him from a jealous older sibling.<br /><br />And recently, I'm back into wearing my "kitten", now a 9 month old huge Maine Coon cat who is too proud to sit on my lap but loves to be held. Putting him into a baby carrier is a great way to get some together time on his terms which dictate that I have to be standing the whole time. Today, I had him for about an hour and then needed to get on with things so my daughter took over and they enjoyed another hour of closeness before he'd had enough.<br /><br />There really aren't any pet carriers suitable for cats and most of the ones I've seen that are designed for dogs are pretty horrifyingly uncomfortable for both pooch and person. I have had good luck with pouches like the Karma Baby Pouch and buckle carriers such as the Ergo Baby Carrier. I just grab something out of my stash and pop kitty in.<br /><br />If you have a story about wearing a pet, please share it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-44874033516529498482008-07-23T15:44:00.008-04:002008-07-23T16:01:53.535-04:00New Scootababy Coming Soon!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 441px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmqQueD-PJkcW2xDegqjVk2z4vk4WQ3huRWSpkXtO2uTdeGHmZbGh9xq_US8UATxxa0GTyydaRgBQacX_ggEJFuH0UK9ZPjRI4TuyfIctZ2RzkmP5WF9_vx6Rk8Epx09ML9BPOg/s400/Scootababy_resized.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226299752267038050" border="0" /></a>As far as I am concerned, the <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html">Scootababy</a> is one of the best kept secrets of babywearing. I have waxed on about it before, and probably will again!<br /><br />At last month's <a href="http://babywearingconference.com/">Babywearing Conference</a>, Audra, the owner of <a href="http://www.scootababy.com/">Scootababy</a>, had a booth across from mine with the newly redesigned offerings. I got a sneak peek the night before before anyone when I stopped by her room. Even though I was bleary-eyed from all day travel, the new design, barely visible in the dimly lit dorm room, woke me right up!<br /><br />I loved the old design. It's super comfy and easy to use; anyone can figure this baby carrier out and everyone, even people who have never used a baby sling before, can relate to a hip carrier. But the all black denim didn't exactly appeal to my dressy side.<br /><br />I was most excited to see the prints in person. I had of course seen photos but 2 inch swatches on my screen are not the same as full size and touching. The fabric is wonderful. And the details totally wowed me! There is piping that gives such a polished look. I am no designer so I never would have realized what a difference a detail like that could make.<br /><br />Another feature that jumped out at me is the quilted lining. It looks and feels luxurious and, well, expensive!<br /><br />Scootababy has managed to strike upon a lineup of prints that are not overly trendy and that have nearly universal appeal. Most are suitable for both men and women.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sdphotographyblog.wordpress.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2620119402_3132fc3772.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>For those of you that aren't just interested in prettiness, there are some important design improvements. The most important ones are that the body of the carrier is higher and the seat has contoured. What this means is that it is easier to get the baby to sit more deeply in the body of the carrier (in other words, it is easier to get correct positioning). People complained that their baby was too long but Audra and I feel that in reality, the baby was probably not all the way in. I wore my four year old and never found the body too short. Read more <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html">Scootababy updates here</a>.<br /><br />Of course I took home a pink <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html">Scootababy</a> for myself and have long since sold off my old black one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-80998368851829176902008-07-21T16:24:00.004-04:002008-07-21T16:39:38.285-04:00Beco Butterfly - Breaking the RulesWith any baby carrier, there are good rules that really should be followed and there are rules that can be bent.<br /><br />Recently, a rule that should not be broken was most definitely broken in a big and not okay way. Ever since the Baby Bjorn popularized facing out, people have come to assume this is the normal way of carrying babies.<br /><br />Any good baby carrier will simply help you carry your baby in a way you'd hold them. Very few people walk around while holding their baby facing out. I know what some of you are thinking. You think your baby just has to face out. There is a time and place for facing out and I maintain that the time that is sitting on your lap. It is simply awkward to hold a baby with your hands in the facing out position, and therefore, it is not natural to walk around with a baby facing out for extended periods of time.<br /><br />So when a popular magazine recently put up a photo of a baby facing out in a <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/beco-butterfly-p-348.html">Beco Butterfly</a>, they misrepresented the product. I can appreciate why they did this but it is a real shame that they did not take the time to read the instructions. This unfortunate incident means that even more people are going to demand this position and use baby carriers, like the <a href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/beco-butterfly-p-348.html">Beco Butterfly</a>, incorrectly. That is a shame.<br /><br />Now for rules that <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> be bent. The video instructions explain how to use the Beco Butterfly. Unlike other buckle carriers, the baby is put in the Butterfly and then you put the Butterfly on (front or back). Many people, myself included, find this method awkward. I have come up with an alternative that might prove easier. So here it goes.<br /><br /><ol><li>Put your Beco Butterfly on your front (even if you are planning to do a back carry) and close the chest strap behind you</li><li>Adjust the waist, shoulder straps and chest straps for comfort</li><li>Adjust the length of the straps for where the baby will go; there is a separate pouch area where your baby must fit. Eyeball it.<br /></li><li>Unbuckle the straps that you just adjusted - the ones that set the distance for where baby will go</li><li>Get your baby</li><li>Lift baby higher on your chest and to one side and slide one leg into one side of the carrier</li><li>Shift baby to your other shoulder and put her other leg in</li><li>Be sure to guide baby's feet from the bottom to the correct leg openings (use a mirror and/or partner as you are learning)<br /></li><li>Ease Baby down and pull up on the body of the carrier until baby is deeply seated<br /></li><li>Buckle the two straps that hold baby's little pouch area and adjust if necessary so baby is secure</li><li>For a front carry, you're done!</li><li>For a back carry, open the chest strap behind you</li><li>Hip scoot baby and carrier around to your back, being sure to bend at the waist as you get your baby on your back</li><li>Put the shoulder strap on first on the side you scooted baby around</li><li>Put on other shoulder strap</li><li>Close the chest strap</li></ol>Enjoy! If these instructions are helpful, please leave a comment!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15404308.post-67694754835352152712008-07-01T12:04:00.009-04:002008-07-17T11:55:31.744-04:00Chicago Babywearing Conference 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-baby-carrier-p-182.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRdMO9TfItRt3EqDvKm_gEpEQaYu_udSdBwI7_e4QxCp8fBzjkqjwYk_5dyANe6fcV8jn0QiCDqkBhOszi1ylqf2QpcwyKLwwmZ9pYfhGqhKxCpSHi6yzAIKSIRwA0g99Y8KNsw/s320/new-blue-ergo-baby-carrier.jpg" alt="New Blue Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831593068386722" border="0" /></a>Sneak Peek of New Ergo Baby Carrier design! This is behind the scenes during the fashion show. Total mayhem behind the scenes but up front, all went smoothly! There are two more photos coming up; another of the blue and one of the black. Gorgeous! Also, I heard tell of a pink! I am so excited! And all these new gorgeous Ergos are organic!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/baby-carriers-slings-c-33_152.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6A84xBjQrLgXn4GE4O3XpWZdELCUp6ofU_R8ESUSTq0qEBbJzDdzxrVMROiB19NHdBEtlTOD2_PxtXKNS6tCHP5l1YXWq2wPOwWPWwwpWHeKop-lb7LI1XANKs7cdJjS98jLNQ/s320/action-baby-pretty-in-pink.jpg" alt="SoBeBabies Exclusive Pretty in Pink Action Baby Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831305379654754" border="0" /></a> My booth - check out the new Oopa Baby slings! Most of these are as yet not even on any website! The slings on the left are EllaRoo. Yummy too! The mannequin is wearing the SoBeBabies exclusive Pretty in Pink Action Baby Carrier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/scootababy-hip-carrier-p-360.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqal_bGovJKB3vKJnetaf_LJCuD31hyphenhyphengNddDOm8vQn0puV0iTJ9PT_CWNIUWyAiy_QxTgXzMut1zMR9-BdtG9g4knqQzYxkLKYAQkAwTH-8olkdggPbILmNKBrTmET-YEozAxEJw/s320/scootababy.jpg" alt="Sneak Peek New Scootababy Baby Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831309699016994" border="0" /></a>This is a total tease. Sorry, I didn't get a good photo of the new Scootababy. I guess we're all just meant to wait. Another peek of the Pretty in Pink Action Baby Carrier on the chair.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wLVJElU19StOM-SMEIyNdeVs3W_LFbQ0qhwGUt1M8-gG0E8DtDPJzbUKKycKNt4Bh9fZo1XZ-4OWRzR2AEgdXhTRysRtte8oVTQXLYHAhxJirnRb2Tpu0YSV8X-HMo5k7nYxpQ/s320/oopa-baby-skirt.jpg" alt="Oopa Baby Skirt" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831314743302322" border="0" /> </a>This was after the conference ended. Poor girl just fell asleep on the floor! But check out that gorgeous Oopa Baby skirt!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-baby-carrier-p-182.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemsUZkmotuGq9RVze5o53Qnzq-qIq6o32-IX3I47WBpLJ3LNS6Q0NiEC8czcGDjTM7blgdGpiSPnD13rnWL2DagEum2IwVlmtqdNggR0JIFx8M06XAxhoTCuHeTuC3y-PqaOi-A/s320/new-black-ergo-baby-carrier.jpg" alt="New Black Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831313389862914" border="0" /></a>Ah, there it is! The gorgeous embroidered organic Ergo Baby Carrier. I've heard people complain that Ergo is un-hip. Not anymore! I can't wait to see how these will be received!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/ergo-baby-carrier-p-182.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvh4cZsLbmspfG7bw6SSNAg46qeJVyu3hGpd7TbX-apWaf6oGhbFxLr8pcw7GZOsFLJ-RZqaNK2pl3Ih2SbK9ff5SQjG56n9qk3ixa8Uw1xlFs-C4rJnEAe7EWQUIH0TGiyYoKGg/s320/new-blue-ergo-baby-carrier-detail.jpg" alt="Detail of New Blue Ergo Baby Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223831318469703026" border="0" /></a>Detail of the New Organic Blue Ergo Baby Carrier with embroidery.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW2-FBGImOscO-AecbOyFU3o3Oyj_RzbhdQa6geTIzrrdPSUP62rms01HRjEI_qk4gyrgZvdse9X_ZyLXF6YGUYL_4Dd2GHVXQeqqpPeSwdLpw84IA1j8EgnvmjS23pa_lTZA8g/s320/me-with-oopa-ergo-haiku.jpg" alt="Haiku Grab Bag, Ergo Baby Carrier, Oopa Skirt" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223829622441156690" border="0" /></a>This is me one morning in my room. I must admit that after a few days, I switched to wearing the Ergo Baby Carrier exclusively. My little one is four and she just didn't walk anywhere. And having the Haiku Grab bag around my waist helped a lot; no extra strain on my shoulders. Normally, I use it as a shoulder bag but the Babywearing Conference was extreme babywearing for a suburb girl. Just the walk from the dorms to breakfast and then the conference pretty much did me in each day! Oh! Loving those shoes? They are indeed Doc Martins! They belonged to my older daughter and are one of the many reasons I just had to have another girl. Yup. I'll admit it. I was not over her gorgeous clothing and baby toys. Two girls was right for us. All that yummy pink girl energy! Love it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4AD2xkIJoFfnQ91pwWaHqKvYcS68_tKjd1G6Q_q4FIzthpbuu3S4PmjPmyVBsY03xLu9N4J1MiiuPuFyjatY3vrqmTx6tpszRdo637tVkYnFXIdiGmNs0LbMQefYMQc1nkcLIA/s320/booth-almost-ready.jpg" alt="SoBeBabies booth" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223829628714527026" border="0" /></a>This is a photo of the booth mostly set up. That was a lot of work!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sobebabies.com/shop/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oOVTnxZV1s-F40Bz_n1T53S_krivwYX7gpfOwVcOhXO8b760Yej03fn89dN2Dd4zlYSGP8zZXjYMKkCFUx2fsSvrTEHSV73_5y8sbPjcEFR2kC4EOHv-_iAdGxRyOGOxLTrZCA/s320/booth-before.jpg" alt="SoBeBabies Booth" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223829629116967378" border="0" /></a> This was the booth before setup got underway. My little angel was amazing! The most natural of shopkeeper's daughters! Amazing!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://motheringtao.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZzMFYQMB4SRnfThzAF2eiJz1CSvbsv8xFJ0x3O38PXdlwwDgynbJVo0I2oxqAZW6tYdOy2mVPuobqLwfckQ58PcQCZKfg7tOJHw94f5glKOKAGa_7lcggTsb1vMpNXXCJIAX1A/s320/mothering-tao-lotus.jpg" alt="Mothering Tao Lotus Buckle Carrier" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223829631916853346" border="0" /></a> I hope I get this right! This is a sneak peek of a prototype buckle carrier by MotheringTao. It is called the Lotus, I believe. She also has a cross carrier in the works, and I believe that is called the Baby Zen. I do hope I am not messing up the names. This carrier was in the fashion show. What is so cool about it is it goes around the torso, covering the perhaps less than slim middle of the new mom. It's so much easier to put on than a traditional Asian torso carrier. I was able to do it without any advice or coaching; you can't go wrong! It can be worn front or back. There were still some kinks that needed to be worked out. When the conference DVDs come out, you can see it being modeled. This is a very interesting modern take on a traditional baby carrier.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://motheringtao.com/"> </a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://babywearingconference.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyopze-OrnGyA3xlR4LoegiSkuw2ync3876AF3_5g7lzzOGmQJhOkW5h3i73D34Ik5rK1ZGPANehALvqMJj9fAnOAz0snO10U8QHRdiEgHH_Pm6n4Vi1AFmnVZKpy7L63vX387w/s320/fashion-show.jpg" alt="Fashion Show Behind the Scenes" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223829634028593810" border="0" /></a>A behind the scenes fashion show peek. I was modeling two carriers. This is a Lemon Balm Essentials german woven wrap. It was short for me (I'm tall) so I did a hip cross carry. Did I mention that my little one wound up napping every day? She hasn't napped in ages. So during the fashion show, I was actually changed. We did a rehearsal and then straight into the real thing. I did two changes and she stayed asleep until waking up on stage during my second walk. Thank goodness she didn't fuss! I can imagine that is a strange way to wake up. I am just so relieved; I'd been apprehensive about the fashion show for months because I just could not be sure I could count on her to allow me to wear her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2