February 24, 2011

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 23, 2011

PAXbaby.com

It is so interesting to me to watch the evolution of today’s babywearing culture!  A few years ago, there were a handful of known baby carrier brands, and now look at all the choices!!!  Celebrities wear their babies, government officials wear their babies, and regular everyday parents wear their babies!  Babywearing is no longer limited to granola eating, Birkenstock wearing moms, although I give credit to my mom for starting the baby carrier come back in the 80s while wearing long skirts and peasant blouses!  I know that here in Southern California, wearing your baby in a carrier is not only acceptable in mainstream society but also commended by doctors, midwives, and chiropractors!  However, for those of you who are the ONLY babywearers you  have ever seen or met, more BWing power to you! It must be hard to be the ONLY one!

PAXbaby.com

Just like in our world, there are only a few species of animals in the wild who carry their babies! No wonder  the Kangaroo and the Koala are considered to be babywearing mascots!!!!  The thought that those animals have built in slings is just too adorable!!  This onesie from Old Navy seemed especially pertinent for our babyworn little ones!  ”I {heart} hanging out with mom”  Oh too cute!!!

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.com

And a shout out to the amazing wildlife we saw while traveling, living, and babywearing in Australia, here is a photograph of a  happy baby carrying koala mama and her little one that my husband spotted as we sped down the freeway (on the left side of course!)  We pulled over to take her picture, and then her baby crawled around from the side to surprise us!

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 22, 2011

PAXbaby.com

One of my favorite baby carriers is the Beco Gemini!  Super soft organic twill, versatile positioning, & crossable shoulder straps make it one of my personal “go to” carriers!  For parents over 5’2″ish, this Soft Structured Carrier should definitely be on your baby registry because it is an EXCELLENT newborn carrier and has the capability to carry much older babies as well!  A lot of moms want to know WHY this would fulfill their babywearing needs as a buckle carrier for their infant, and here’s what I think:

PAXbaby.com

Soft twill to cradle baby comfortably

PAXbaby.com

No buckles at baby’s face level

PAXbaby.com

Foldable headrest to support wee ones’ necks

PAXbaby.com

Crossable shoulder straps for parents’ comfort

PAXbaby.com

Wide enough front panel to froggy baby’s legs

PAXbaby.com

Option to make front panel narrow for baby’s legs coming out

PAXbaby.com

Easy to breastfeed in

PAXbaby.com

I loved what  Mama R. had to say about her experience while wearing her Beco Gemini with an infant, “I bought my Gemini when my son was 6 weeks old, and it’s my favorite carrier hands down. I have an Ergo but really hate it…  I was even able to convince my husband to switch to the Gemini from the Baby Bjorn. It has so many fabulous holds and no pieces to lose. If I had a complaint about this carrier it would be that in the back carry, I need the head rest already hooked in if I expect that my LO will fall asleep. Everything else is easy and intuitive. I even nurse in it while out and about. The hip carry is fabulous for nursing and carrying while eating dinner at a restaurant.

PAXbaby.com

I didn’t do legs tucked in since my son is really long and he quickly showed his distaste for anything that trapped his legs. Even though the legs are out, it has a small base that supports the hips and bum properly unlike the crotch carrying Bjorn. It might look similar but it fits even tiny babies much differently in the leg out carry.”

PAXbaby.com

And a BIG thank you to Kristy and her lovely daughter, Audrey, for the adorable action pix demonstrating the Beco Gemini front carry with a 3 week old!

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

February 21, 2011

PAXbaby.com

In honor of our colonial past, an American flag themed baby carrier seems appropriate, doncha think?  But I personally don’t need to wear Red, White, & Blue all year round, only on these great traditional holidays like 4th of July when our patriotism becomes an accessory and our children are dressed in matching stripes and stars!  So, how does a babywearing parent “accessorize” their baby carrier?  A custom slip cover, of course!  Designed by Pimp my Carrier, and available in a dual sided option, the Cutie Cover is the answer to all your holiday baby carrier needs!!!!

PAXbaby.com

Take a little of this:

PAXbaby.com

and your own version of these chubby cheeks

Visit Meg Fish for more fabulous photography!

PAXbaby.com

plus your choice of patriotic themed fabrics

Visit Fat Quarter Shop for more fabric ideas!

PAXbaby.com

to concoct a one of a kind “Cutie Cover” slip cover for your baby carrier and create a photographic occasion for every American holiday!!!

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 20, 2011

PAXbaby.com

**WARNING FOR SENSITIVE READERS — BABY DEATH IS MENTIONED IN THE LINKED ARTICLE**

PAXbaby.com

You might have seen this article if you’re a member of the Babywearing Safety group on Facebook (and if you’re not, you should be!) or if you stumbled across it through another media source. Our hearts go out to everyone involved in what seems like a tragic accident involving lack of education.

PAXbaby.com

However, the article quotes a doctor whose statements need some clarification.  Please keep in mind that mainstream doctors tend not to be very educated about babywearing in general, and Dr Lasser’s comments show precisely that, and please keep in mind that the term “harness carrier” applies to the “crotch dangling” brands such as Infantino and Jeep, not any of the baby carriers sold or recommended at PAXbaby:

PAXbaby.com

“Dr. Michael Lasser, a Cortlandt pediatrician on the staff at Hudson Valley Hospital Center, said harness-type carriers shouldn’t be used for newborns.”

“I wouldn’t recommend them for someone so young,” he said. “Anything that might constrict the ability of a baby to breathe is a problem. At that age, I tell my patients to carry the baby in their arms or use a bassinet.”

He said newborns breathe at a rate of 40 to 50 times per minute and that their breathing is very shallow.

“It doesn’t take much to influence that, so I would advise against using any kind of carrier that might make breathing more difficult,” he said.

Harness carriers are appropriate for a baby at 2 months old, depending on his or her size, he said.

“If you have a very small baby, you’ll want to wait longer,” Lasser said. “I tell parents that the harness carriers are a good thing to use at 2 1/2 or 3 months.PAXbaby.com

Harness carriers (sometimes referred to as “crotch danglers”) such as the Baby Bjorn or Infantino can be a safe option for newborns provided they’re used according to the instructions provided with specific reference to infant size and positioning. They are not always the BEST option, but they are not necessarily an UNSAFE option. ANY carrier can be used in an unsafe manner, which is why it’s imperative that caregivers be fully aware of the instructions for use for any device (bassinet, car seat, carrier, sling, etc.) that they’re entrusting to hold their precious baby. For a healthy, full-term newborn, a carrier can be a loving and safe option to keep mom (or dad!) and baby close and snuggly.

PAXbaby.com

Dr. Lasser also makes another statement which requires clarification:

“There should be enough space for the baby to be comfortable while upright and still able to curl sideways.”PAXbaby.com

Babies without enough torso control to sit unassisted should NEVER be left to “curl up” in a carrier by themselves. It is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL that the positioning in the carrier be done only by the parent to ensure that the baby is in a safe position that will allow for proper airflow!

PAXbaby.com

He does make one very important point regarding any baby-holding device, though.

PAXbaby.com

“The most important thing is to always monitor your baby. If you’re paying attention, you’ll see if he or she is uncomfortable or is having trouble.”PAXbaby.com

From the limited info available, it seems that this infant passed due to lack of airflow from a loving and well-meaning parent trying to keep her warm. Winter babywearing is a GREAT way for wearer and wearee to stay warm and snuggly, but as mentioned above, it is critical that the carrier and positioning be monitored to provide for clear airflow for the newborn, even if it is cold air.  Many people who have had winter babies in cold northern climates say that wearing an infant as opposed to carrying her in a bucket car seat is entirely doable and extremely convenient, but that care must be taken to keep baby warm and to ensure good airflow.

PAXbaby.com

Our hearts go out to everyone involved in this tragedy, and to all of the parents who are now worried that their newfound love of babywearing may be unsafe. Educate educate educate, not only yourself, but those around you! For more info on SAFE babywearing, see the above Facebook group or The Babywearer or refer to these safety tips:

PAXbaby.com

*Make sure you are following the carrier manufacturer’s recommendations and have read the available instruction materials.

PAXbaby.com
* Make sure baby doesn’t get overheated. Our bodies radiate a lot of heat and that serves to keep baby warm in the carrier. There shouldn’t be a reason to wrap baby in a blanket while in a carrier. Dress baby in one layer less while using a carrier as your body heat and the carrier itself add an extra layer.

PAXbaby.com
*Baby should be high enough for you to be able to kiss the top of his head. This way you are better able to monitor his breathing and make sure baby’s head is to the side.

PAXbaby.com

*happy and SAFE babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 17, 2011

PAXbaby.com

101 ways to use a wrap

#99 – as a toga!

PAXbaby.com

When we spent 5 months Down Under last year, I promised my husband I would take as few carriers as possible!  What that meant to him was room in our luggage for his ukulele books!  What that meant to me was a heart wrenching decision of which carrier made the cut, and which had to stay home!  The end result was a sad mama with 1 ring sling (Solarweave!) 1 pouch (for church!) 1 wrap (Wrapsody Bali Breeze!) and 1 solitary Soft Structured Carrier (Beco Butterfly II Scooters)  I had my Dylan set out also, but SOMEHOW it got left behind, hmmm…..

PAXbaby.com

Anyway, the Bali wrap came in handy not only as a baby carrier, but as you can see here, my son’s beach garb when he felt that the sun was getting too hot!  Love the Breeze because it has perfect combination of  ”give” (essential in a good wrap) and support (also necessary when wearing a toddler)!!!  Some woven wraps will cause soreness on your pressure points if the rails get twisted somehow or you don’t have baby properly positioned, but the Bali Breeze is forgiving, as well as light weight, and beautiful to boot!

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 16, 2011

PAXbaby.com

Thank you to Jenn at MBJ for her Ode to her BabyHawk mei tai!  She summed up our feelings here at PAXbaby in an adorable sonnet that we knew you would enjoy!  Be sure to follow her blog for more fun!

PAXbaby.

Ode to my BabyHawkcom

The ring sling and I had a torrid affair.

It held my newborn close, and its price was so fair.

As my son grew, we moved to the Bjorn.

Though now I know better and view it with some scorn.

Next I purchased a new Snugli in blue.

But something was missing, that much I knew.

My carrier seeking days had been filled with much strife.

Until that beautiful day when you came into my life.

I had finally found a carrier that rocked.

Adorned in red skulls, I love you, BabyHawk.

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 14, 2011

PAXbaby.com

Happy Valentine’s Day, babywearers!!!!

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.co

Much love from PAXbaby!!!

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

February 11, 2011

PAXbaby.com

Scored a deal on a new Boba???

PAXbaby.com

BTW, remember that your FAVORITE baby carrier store price matches!!!

PAXbaby.com

Pimp my Carrier offers carrier customization on ANY carrier, so send that baby on in to get PIMPED!

PAXbaby.com

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

February 10, 2011

PAXbaby.com

Have you ever been in the position of having to justify to someone (say, a spouse…) why you have multiple carriers?  OR, have you ever wished that you had a spare as a backup for when you get to the park with the toddler and infant and realize that your trusty Beco Butterfly is on the couch where you left it after doing laundry?

PAXbaby.com

As always, PAXbaby is here to help with our “Top 10 Reasons to Have Different Types of Carriers” list!
PAXbaby.com
10.  Your toddler has decided to rate sitting in a shopping cart right up there with fingernail trims as things that aren’t going to happen NO WAY NO HOW, but you HAVE to grocery shop, and there’s no way you can manage with a small person running amok in the store!  To the rescue?  A small and lightweight pouch sling kept underneath the driver’s seat of the car for such an occasion–they shine in hip carries and you can keep that picky little one right at your side the whole time!

PAXbaby.com

9. You’re enjoying a rare Saturday afternoon at the mall with a friend and her newborn.  But the poor babe wants lots of snuggles instead of stroller time, and mom’s arms are getting tired.  Rather than cutting the outing short, grab the your trusty Maya Wrap ring sling doing double duty as the  toddler’s blankey in your car and show the tired new mama how to keep her baby close and happy while enjoying some hands-free time!

PAXbaby.com

8. Baby is sick.  Husband is sick.  You’re not feeling so hot yourself.  Your poor little one has already thrown up on your trusty ring sling AND the well-loved SSC in your stash.  Grab that kiddo and wrap her up in a snuggly yet supportive Gypsymama Bali Stretch wrap!  Wearing a sick kiddo skin-to-skin in a carrier can actually help lower fever (your larger body will serve as a heat sink to draw her excess heat off) and relax you both.

PAXbaby.com

7. You load up several packages in the basket of your double stroller and take a leisurely walk to the post office.  Upon arriving, you realize that your stroller DOESN’T FIT THROUGH THE DOOR.  (Yes, this has ACTUALLY happened to me!)  You grab your Boba out of the stroller and put your toddler on your back and have your preschooler carry one box “to help mom out,” leaving your stroller outside.  Yeah, you have to worry about someone swiping it… but you can rest assured knowing that your most precious of possessions are right in there with you.

PAXbaby.com
6. You’re busy “reasoning” with the toddler while trying to get him out of the car.  Without realizing it, you close the door and the waistbelt of your trusty Babyhawk OhSnap! gets caught in the door and shatters.  You email Babyhawk and they’re immediately helpful, but while you’re waiting for their excellent customer support to repair your error, what do you do for a carrier?  It’s always nice to have a trusty and reasonably-priced Boba Classic in your stash for such occasions!

PAXbaby.com

5. You’re helping out on your preschooler’s class trip to the pumpkin patch.  There’s no way a stroller could navigate the muddy rutted paths, so you plan on wearing your little one snuggled up close to you in your comfy warm Moby Wrap, leaving your hands free to help your older child and her classmates as they find the PERFECT pumpkins to take home with them.  20 minutes into the trip, you hear a series of familiar sounds emanating from your little one and warning bells start to go off in your head.  A quick trip inside reveals the ugly truth…  the diaper’s toast, the outfit is toast, and the Moby is toast too.  You can clean up the initial mess… but what do to about the rest of the field trip?  Happily, you dig the Freehand mei tai out from under the front seat where it’s been living, waiting for its moment in the sun, and your day–and that of your preschooler–is SAVED!

PAXbaby.com

4. You’ve decided to put together that disaster preparedness kit that you’ve been meaning to work on for several years, but you realize that now you have kids, its contents will need to be much more creative!  Toss in an inexpensive but comfortable ring sling or pouch sling that can be used with various sizes of kiddos in various positions in a pinch… but it won’t hurt too much to have it languishing in a box for months on end either.  If you hit the point where you don’t have any kiddos small enough to wear, keep it in there anyway–you never know what use you might find for it in an emergency!

PAXbaby.com

3. You’re at a playdate with a friend and her little ones.  She mentions how heavy her six-month-old is getting to carry around in the infant car seat, but the Bjorn she got for a shower gift causes her so much back pain, and she guesses the “babywearing thing” just isn’t for her.  There’s no way you can get through a day with your own infant without a carrier, but since you have extras, you lend her your FABULOUS and well-loved Beco Butterfly 2 so that she can feel comfortable AND stylish while carrying her babe around!  No more back and shoulder pain for her, and she later tells you that her chiropractor thanks you as well!

PAXbaby.com

2. It’s late afternoon and your kiddo who has recently dropped his nap is having a minor meltdown that’s quickly escalating to the major stage.  A nap might be called for… but then bedtime will much later than YOU want to stay up!  Quiet him down by telling him that you’re going to pull out something special–the super special Superman Babyhawk!  “It’s only for SPECIAL times, sweetie–do you think this is a special time and we should use it?”  Pop him on your back and go for a short walk to recharge everyone’s batteries with some fresh air!

PAXbaby.com

1. You’re having one of THOSE days.  You’ve been in the same pair of jeans for three days straight, you can’t remember the last time you got your hair cut, and the last you saw of your makeup was when the kiddo was gleefully painting with your lipstick.  YOU need something fresh, something different, and something fun!  Treat yourself to a custom carrier from PAXbaby’s Pimp My Carrier program so that you can find something that makes YOU smile!!

PAXbaby.com

*happy babywearing*

PAXbaby.com

Read the rest of this entry »