Boba 3g Classic Baby Carrier

The New Boba 3G incorporates the original Boba Baby Carrier design that so many have come to know and love, and now more than a dozen new and updated features ... truly a one of a kind baby carrier! The foot straps attached to the waist belt keep older children comfortable while enabling a healthy sitting position. The footstraps not only give tired little legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets and aligns the spine. The new infant conversion option allows you to use the Boba Carrier 3G with babies over 7lbs. The best part is that there is absolutely no insert or accessory needed! Simply follow the instruction booklet included with your Boba Carrier to learn how to use the new Boba Carrier 3G for your newborn. Boba has a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one’s back. The Boba Carrier 3G is approximately 2-3” higher than other soft structured carriers. The new 3G design is made to fit parents of all shapes and sizes without purchasing an extension belt or accessory. All straps are fully adjustable, and elastic bands are provided so you can comfortably tuck the straps away once you have the carrier adjusted for you and your child. For more information and to buy the Boba 3G classic with free UK postage please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk/baby-carriers-and-slings/boba3gclassic.html

Beco Gemini Baby Carriers

Suitable from newborn to pre-school, the Beco Baby Carrier is as practical as it is stylish. Combining great ergonomics with excellent weight distribution, this innovative carrier can be used in both front and back carry positions. The internal sling allows you to securely buckle your baby into the carrier then handle baby and carrier as one unit, passing between parents without the need to remove a sleeping baby from the carrier. The Beco Baby Carrier also includes a removable infant insert to use with babies up to 15 pounds, allowing them to ride higher in the carrier in an ergonomically comfortable position. Product Features:

• newborn to pre-school (7-45 lbs/3.5- 20kg)
• front and back carry positions
• easy On and OFF features
• high quality tested materials
• removable infant insert & sleeping hood
• machine washable

Papatum Baby Slings

Discover the world on your mum’s or dad’s back. The new way of parenting! Great for shopping, walking, hiking or doing housework while being hugged by the person you love the most. Your Baby! The Patapum Baby Carrier is one of the best back baby carrier you will find. It is lightweight, comfortable, stylish and easy to use. Can be used with infants who can sit up alone and are strong enough to support their head. Around 5 months old, up to 40 Lbs. (18-20 Kgs.)

Patapum Carriers are not just for Mothers. While babies are naturally attached to their mothers from the beginning, even the most dedicated mothers need breaks to regain their energy. A comfortable baby carrier gives fathers and other caretakers the freedom to do other tasks while the baby is safely within reach. Freedom Patapum’s baby and toddler carriers deliver freedom to continue with active lifestyles. Style Designed in Italy, our products are both stylish and practical. Check out our cool carriers… Comfort A snug fit with padded shoulder & waist areas allow you to carry your baby all day. For more information about the Patapum baby carrier or to see the larger Patapum Toddler Carrier please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk/soft-baby-carriers-ssc/patapum_baby_carrier.html

Choosing a Baby Carrier

Choosing a Baby Carrier By Elizabeth Pantley, Author of the “No-Cry Solution” book series Most parents find a baby carrier to be invaluable during the first year of their baby’s life. There are many types and styles to choose from. The different types of baby carriers fall into three main categories: slings, front packs and backpacks.   Slings These are made of fabric and are available in a wide variety of styles. They “sling” sash-style over your shoulder to hold baby in front of you. Slings offer many benefits to both baby and parent. Here are some of the most commonly cited by experienced sling-users:  

• A sling is perfect for the newborn months, when Baby needs to be held often in your arms, as opposed to being pushed at arm’s length in a stroller.
• A sling is an excellent way to carry your baby around the house because it keeps your baby happy while leaving your two arms free to go about your daily tasks.
• Sling carriers are multi-purpose. You can use them to carry your baby, to create privacy for breastfeeding, and to cover your sleeping baby. Some feature a tail that can double as a blanket or coverup.
• Putting your baby into (and getting him back out of) a sling is a breeze. You can even get a sleeping baby in and out of one of these soft carriers without waking her.
• You can carry your baby in a variety of positions.
• Slings are small, lightweight and easy to transport.
• Slings are wonderful to use when a stroller would be inconvenient, such as up stairs, through large crowds or narrow aisle ways, or over rough terrain ¾ or when you’ll be going in and out of the car frequently.
• Slings put your baby at the height of people’s faces instead of at their knees.
• You can use a sling right up through toddlerhood, when little legs get tired of walking.

  An important note about baby slings: They can be confusing to use at first, and your baby can slide out of the bottom if not positioned correctly. Try to find an experienced sling-user, a how-to video, or a knowledgeable sales clerk to help you master the art of baby slinging. Your local La Leche League leader may be able to offer pointers, too.   Slings are very much worth the effort. I bought a sling when my second baby, Vanessa, was born. I couldn’t figure it out, so I left it in the closet. When my third baby, David, was born, I attended a mother-baby class, learned how to use my sling ¾ and was immediately hooked! I used slings extensively with my third and fourth babies and found them to be a marvelous baby care tool.

PARENT TIP “I put my newborn in the sling so I could sit in bed at night with my toddler and read books. It kept us all together, my hands free and gave reading time to BOTH boys!” Amy, mother of AJ (4) and Ryder (2)

Front packs Front pack carriers are similar to slings in use but are more complex in their structure. They have a seat that attaches to the front of you with straps that crisscross behind you; these straps secure the carrier to your body. Here’s what you need to know about front packs:  

• The benefits of front packs are similar to many of those of slings, such as their light weight and portability, and the fact that you can carry your baby while keeping your arms and hands free.
• Some allow you to choose between carrying your baby facing inward toward you or outward, facing the world – which is often fun for older babies.
• Settling the baby into and out of the carrier require more steps than a sling does.
• Moving a sleeping baby into or out of the carrier is difficult, unless the seat unbuckles separately from the harness.
• Front packs are better suited to a baby who is strong enough to hold his head upright.

Backpacks A back carrier is similar to a camping backpack. It has a seat for your baby that attaches to your back with a frame and straps that cross over your shoulders. A few things to know about backpacks:

• They’re perfect for an older baby who loves to look around and be carried high on your shoulders.
• Many backpacks have pouches for holding supplies.
• Some models have a canopy for inclement weather or sun protection.
• Getting a backpack off (and putting it on) are typically two-person tasks.
• Backpacks are best for an older baby who can sit up well.
• They’re great for an all-day trip, such as hiking, shopping or visiting an amusement park

  How do you decide which carrier to use? No single baby carrier is perfect for all parents. Every parent has different needs, preferences and proportions. Many people actually begin with one type of carrier and move on to another when their babies get older.   First, think about how you plan to use a carrier. Will you use it primarily at home, instead of a stroller while away from home, or both? Do you already have a stroller, or must your carrier fill all your baby-carrying needs? Defining its purpose will help you choose which carrier is best for you. Read the package information (or talk to other parents who own a similar carrier) to learn which purposes it serves best and to determine if it matches your needs.   The very best way to decide? Try carriers on ¾ either at the store or with a friend who owns one. Actually putting your baby in the carrier will give you the best idea as to fit, but if you are shopping without your baby (or don’t have your baby yet!) try using a stuffed animal from the toy department.      

PARENT TIP “A baby carrier can help new adoptive parents to decline politely those who want to hold your baby while he still needs exclusive Mommy or Daddy contact. The carrier can be especially helpful in difficult situations such as visits to your child's orphanage or former foster parents.”* ¾ Laurel, mother of 16-month-old Crystal   * This is also an excellent idea for parents who blanch at the thought of their tiny newborn being passed around the room from person to person!

Points to consider when purchasing a carrier:

• Comfort. Does the carrier feel good to you?
• Fit for your baby. Does it seem to suit your baby well?
• Fit for you. Does it fit your size and body type? Can you carry the baby without strain?
• Safety. Will the baby be secure and well supported?
• Features. Does it meet your needs?
• Usability. Can you easily get your baby in and out of the carrier? How about putting it on and taking it off? Keep in mind that some models require practice.
• Construction. Does the fabric suit your wardrobe, climate and needs (i.e., lightweight for summer, weatherproof for outdoor use)?
• Care. Is it machine-washable or easy to wipe clean?
• Flexibility. Can you carry your baby in various positions?
• Adjustability. Can it be tightened or adjusted to fit you when you are at home in indoor clothing or outside wearing a coat? Can you adjust it easily for use by others?
• Adaptability. Will it work for your baby now as well as six months from now?
• Appearance. Do you like the style? Will you enjoy wearing it?

        Reprinted by permission of Elizabeth Pantley, author of the “No-Cry Solution” book series. (McGraw-Hill) http://www.nocrysolution.com You are welcome to reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter. Please include this byline with author's name and book title.  

Free Babywearing Colouring In Printables

Prepare the next generation of babywearers! Children love colouring pictures, and familiar pictures in particular. These images of mums carrying babies in their baby slings will appeal to them. Award-winning British artist Susan Cook of Picture Dreams, has produced these beautiful drawings of babies for your little ones to colour-in. You can download the A4 version as a jpg (right click on the large image and choose print) or as as pdf. If you don't have a printer, email us your address and we'll be happy to pop some in the post for you. Can be reproduced only for personal home use. For group use, please contact us. Click on the images to see the high resolutions: