Posts Tagged baby carrier
Baby Carriers aka Baby Slings Defined
Posted by in Babies on February 13th, 2010
Baby Carriers aka Baby Slings Defined
Let me first say that I am a man – that’s capital M-A-N. When I first heard baby carrier I quite simply thought – wife! Hold on now before you all, if you haven’t already, labeled me as a capital P-I-G let me continue. I thought for a moment and assumed they were talking about a stroller – those little inexpensive lightweight fold up modes of transportation that have been around for years to push around an infant while shopping, or at the park, or at the zoo, etc. WRONG! OK – how about that padded piece of plastic with a big handle over that seems to have multiple functions? The name of this item escapes me right now. It doesn’t matter since I’m WRONG – again! I give. What is a baby carrier?
After a crash course I have learned that there are a vast amount of types of baby carriers that can be basically separated into four different categories. I’ll go more depth on each at a later date and within each category you will also find that the manufacturers vary some in their methods of construction.
BABY WRAPS: Baby wraps are quite simply a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the infant and the person carrying the infant. The material is knotted to keep the child and wrap in place.
BABY SLINGS: Baby slings take the knots out of the wrap by sewing the material together where needed or there is a variation that uses a couple of rings to fasten the cloth.
MEI TAIS: A mei tai is a type of carrier that consists of a formed area for the infant and is held in place by shoulder straps and a waist strap that are tied.
BABY CARRIER: A baby carrier is similar to a mei tai except that it uses snaps and/or buckles at the shoulder and waist straps.
As you can see these are very broad definitions. I will go into each in more depth at a later date. Stay tuned.
Baby carriers et al offer the carrier the opportunity to have your baby with you and still have both hands free to do, for example, household tasks or shopping. As with all items associated with your infant please comply with all safety instructions such as proper positioning of the child, size limitations, and movement restrictions.
Gary A. Larson is the owner of BabyBagsandDreams.com – a site devoted to the sale of diaper bags and other baby needs. You will find the baby slings of Baby K’tan at http://www.babybagsanddreams.com/babyktan/and TaylorMade at http://www.babybagsanddreams.com/taylormade/. Please come and enjoy your visit.
Article Source: Baby Carriers aka Baby Slings Defined
Choosing the right baby carrier
Posted by in Babies on January 19th, 2010
The first thing to check in a baby carrier is its buckling mechanism. Check whether the fastenings that go around both the adult as well as the child are strong and ensure that they will not slip under any condition. The head insert or baby pillow that is provided with the carrier should be such that it will not suffocate the child whichever way he falls asleep.
While checking the buckling mechanism of baby slings it is important to ensure that babies can be strapped in it with face forward as well as face backward. It is best if buckles and straps are such that they can be clicked or slung with one hand since one hand will be needed to hold the child. There are baby slings that can be adjusted to hold the baby at the front, or at the back, or on the hips. If more than one adult, with different preferences, are likely to use the baby carrier, it is best to go in for those that have such flexible wearing options.
Babies held in baby slings are bound to remain warmer than babies kept in a crib or bassinet. First of all, they get some extra body warmth from the parent. Secondly, if the carrying adult is walking under the sun, as in the case of hiking, there would be the additional atmospheric warmth. So, it is important for parents to choose the type of baby carrier that is made of materials and pattern that would allow plenty of air circulation inside it. It is also important to keep the child hydrated well when it remains inside the sling for long periods.
Users can also decide the color choice of their baby carrier based upon the climate of the place where it will be used. For warmer climes it is better to go in for baby slings of lighter colors whereas for colder climes dark colors will be more suitable. Whether the climate is warm or cold, it is best to have a sling that has an airy pattern. Extra protection in winter can be given by addenda like a weather cover that can be wrapped around the baby.
Based upon the child’s habits and the parent’s convenience, parents can also avail of extras like sucking pads, and diaper bags and front pouches which are available with the Ergo baby carrier. A sucking pad will have Velcro joints and can be fixed around the strap of the sling and babies who have a chewing habit will be very happy to have them handy. Other extras like bags and pouches are for parents who would prefer to minimize additional luggage.
Baby slings should be machine washable. There is none as adept as babies for dirtying things and it might be necessary to wash a baby carriage more often than you prefer to. So it will be best if the whole thing is washable in a machine. The material should also be one that dries fast and it should ideally be dryer-safe as well.
At La Stella Blu we have searched the world far and wide to provide you with the safest, most well made, and stylish baby slings available. With so many baby carriers to choose from like Beco baby carrier and Ergo baby carrier, its a difficult choice
Article Source: Choosing the right baby carrier
Finding the Perfect Baby Gifts
Posted by in Babies on January 14th, 2010
Beautiful babies! There is never a dull moment around them. Even as they sleep, they are lessons in vigilance and love. The need to protect them brings along the realization of the need to be loved. Babies are customarily showered with baby gifts, ranging from the essential to the fabulous, and one baby shower is much like another. How can you stand out? By making your own gift–putting your own time and effort into a physical expression of your joy for the new baby. Do you find difficult to choose what exactly be the perfect baby gift to your special angel?
When deciding the baby gifts to give, you are in the situation to choose what would be the right choice to do, you may choose to purchase an item or you may choose to create the gift for the baby yourself. You can even choose to give a baby gifts you have purchased and the combination of gifts you created. This would be fabulous because you will have the opportunity to personalized the baby gifts you chose to give.
There are many perfect baby gifts ideas that you could select and written below are some gifts that surely the gift recipient will treasure.
First is the Baby Clothes. Baby clothes are a popular idea to give as gifts. Clothes are made to be unique and cute for little girls and boys. Manufacturers always make sure that baby clothes are cute and doing a better job at making adorable baby clothes. To choose baby clothes, its better not to select clothes that is summery for it may not be worn on different seasons. Its better to choose one that is warm for baby always get cold easily. You may get a clothes that is a more temperate or of long sleeve dress that is light weight because it can be worn on a variety of different seasons or weather conditions.
Next is a Baby Carrier. A baby carrier is a more expensive baby gifts. There are versions that allow for several different methods of carrying a baby. With the baby carrier that you have, mothers will comfortably carry her child with warm and comfort. Baby carrier is the most used baby items. It could be used from the birth of a baby until the baby grows. It could create a good bonding between the baby and a mom.
And lastly, I do suggest a Baby Blankets. Baby blankets could be a perfect baby gifts for it helps protect the child from cold and wet. It could be embroidered with baby name if you want to add value to the gift. Baby blankets decorated in barn animals or with colorful flowers could attract babies attention and also it could help stimulates babies sense of sight. There are also baby blankets that you could purchase in stores that have a second side made out of polar fleece which makes the blanket great for babies sensory innovation. It is very soft that surely mothers and babies would love it.
Anyone can buy a baby gift they love and with the help of the above options you can easily decide what would be the perfect baby gifts to give.
Liza Smith is a webmaster who optimizes Baby Gift Store an online store where you can find excellent variety of quality baby gifts and toys plus baby bedding for that special person in your life.
Article Source: Finding the Perfect Baby Gifts
Baby Wearing and Organic Baby Carriers
Posted by in Babies on December 29th, 2009
Baby Wearing is a method of carrying or ‘wearing’ your baby in a piece of fabric that can be wrapped around your baby and yourself, slung across a shoulder in a fabric Sling or Rebozo, secured in a traditional Asian style carrier such as a Mei Tai, worn on your body in a Backpack or Framed style carrier, or held in one of the most popular style of carriers today – a Soft-Structured carrier such as an Ergo or Beco baby carrier. Holding, carrying and wearing your baby is not a new invention or trend. Long before the use of baby carriages, prams, strollers or push chairs became the norm, women have worn their babies to keep them warm, facilitate nursing, help regulate breathing and heart beat patterns, keep babies safe from predators and danger, and to allow mothers to go about their daily activities or work, all while keeping their precious baby close at hand.
Recent studies suggest that babies who are carried not only cry less, but also learn more than non-carried babies as they spend less time crying to communicate their needs, and more time observing what their mothers and other people in their community are doing. If you wear your baby on your front, side, hip or back, your baby is essentially at the same level as you are, and is able to observe everything you do from the same vantage point. A good baby carrier not only frees up your hands to shop, cook, clean, talk on the phone or attend to a toddler or sibling, but a Sling, Wrap, or Carrier worn correctly will support your baby without causing any discomfort to the parent, caretaker or person wearing your baby. Wearing your baby in a Sling or Carrier also promotes communication between your baby and yourself. Parents of worn babies become very aware of their children’s gestures, movements and facial expressions which lead to positive interaction and communication between you and your child.
A sling or baby carrier can even act as a transitional womb during those early months when a baby needs his or her mother nearly 24/7. If your baby suffers from colic or you have a baby that has a difficult time sleeping, or startles easily, a baby carrier may be just what the doctor ordered – or didn’t order but should have. For breastfeeding moms, a sling can provide a discreet nursing environment where your baby can nurse without distractions, and then simply fall asleep against your chest. Perhaps the most import item on a new mom or dad’s checklist, a wrap, sling or carrier for your baby can be used from birth all the way through the toddler years. You will find it indispensable in airports, restaurants & in busy cities where pushing a stroller becomes nothing but a hassle, and in keeping strangers’ curious hands away from your newborn. As parents of a toddler and and infant, our baby carriers are the best baby ‘gear’ investment we have made to date, and we do not own a single stroller. To top it all off, wearing your baby in a carrier on your body is great weight-bearing exercise and can help mom AND dad lose the extra baby weight.
Global Enfant is committed to offering you modern choices in organic baby products; including organic cloth diapers, baby shoes, baby carriers, baby care essentials and more.
Article Source: Baby Wearing and Organic Baby Carriers
The Ins and Outs of Babywearing
Posted by in Babies on November 4th, 2009
If you love the idea of keeping your baby close to you or you just want something smaller than a stroller to lug around, no doubt babywearing is a wonderful option that you will want to give some consideration. There are a variety of parents today that are enjoying babywearing. This term refers to carrying your baby in a sling, wrap, or a baby carrier backpack. It is a wonderful option, but you may be wondering why so many parents like this option. Well, babywearing has been around for hundreds of years and it comes with many great benefits for parents and babies alike.
One great benefit is that this is very comforting to small babies. You’ll find that babies feel at ease when they are kept in contact with one of their parents. Sure, you could have your baby in a stroller, but in a baby carrier, your baby is all snuggled up to you and they enjoy your warmth, they can smell you, and they feel you close to them. It is less intimidating for them to view the world from there, than from a stroller where they are being pushed towards the unknown and they can’t even see you. Babies are less likely to cry when you choose to wear them, and they feel content and secure as well.
Studies show that another benefit of babywearing is that babies who have been “worn” are more likely to develop their communication and social skills faster. Keeping them close to you allows them to see the expressions on your face and learn about body language. They often learn to speak faster as well; having your baby close in a baby carrier makes you more likely to talk with your baby, as you go through the day, which will help them to develop faster socially. This is much different than pushing around your baby in a stroller where they can’t see or hear you.
Another benefit of babywearing is that flat head syndrome is less likely to occur to your baby. This occurs to babies that end up sleeping on their back too much or spend too much time in strollers or car seats. While babies should sleep on their back to prevent SIDS, you need to be careful how they are positioned while they are awake because the baby’s head is so soft. You can prevent this with babywearing.
There are benefits to parents as well when it comes to babywearing. When you use a baby carrier, you’ll have your hands free, so you can get things done that you would otherwise have difficulty doing without interruption. When you go out, instead of dealing with that big stroller, you will only have a piece of cloth to keep with you, which easily folds up when you are not using it. You can even breastfeed hands free. Moms also benefit from the closeness of their baby, which can help to alleviate problems with post partum depression. Babies are kept close without the mom having to interact with them all the time. The bond that is created will benefit both mom and baby in the long run.
So, make sure that you take the time to look into babywearing closely to decide if it is the right option for you and your baby.
Shannon Staples writes about parenting, babywearing and baby carriers slings. Check out her blog, Lullaby Baby, for more information. Copyright (c) 2009 Shannon Staples. This article may be republished provided this information is included and links are live.
Article Source: The Ins and Outs of Babywearing
Stroller Car Seat Carriers
Posted by in Babies on August 14th, 2009
Stroller car seat carriers or snap and go strollers are a hybrid between the stroller travel systems and the car seat/carrier/stroller. Essentially the stroller car seat carriers are a baby carrier that snaps into a stroller frame or the stay in the car seat base. They are usually for the smallest children and few are forward facing.
The stroller travel systems tend to be for larger children, above 25 pounds, and are forward facing.
Stroller car seat carriers and snap and go strollers are built with the young child’s need for a full reclining position. Like their bigger brothers, they offer three types of baby transportation for the price of one. The carrier is hand-held and can be used to carry the newborn and young baby before the child is sitting up. This carrier snaps or fastens securely to either a stroller frame or a car seat base anchored in the auto.
When fastened into the car seat carrier base, the baby is backward facing, which is the safer position for a young child.
If you are thinking of buying a stroller car seat carrier there are a few items to consider. First, you will probably have to replace it in just a few months to a year because usually the weight restrictions are low. Make sure that you know what the weight limit is on any car seat carrier you are thinking of purchasing. Also certain stroller bases only accept certain car seat carriers, so watch the model numbers.
Second, check out the recalls on the Internet on these systems. Just type in the model you are considering and “recalls.” This might save you a lot of headaches later. There are several models that have recalls, make sure the one you are considering, especially if you are buying it used, does not have a recall. Recall are only for serious defects or safety issues.
Third, make sure that it has a five-point harness system to keep your baby securely strapped into the car seat carrier. And, make sure the car seat carrier is securely fastened into the stay in car base. If you have any doubt on how to use the car seat carrier or how to fasten it into the base, take it to your local law enforcement station or hospital and ask for instructions. The trained professional will be glad to show you exactly how to keep your baby safe in your car seat carrier.
Fourth, inspect a real model before you buy it. If you intend to buy your car seat carrier on line that is fine, but use the touchy-feely method of inspection first. Find a real one of the car seat carriers you intend to buy and look it over. How sturdy are the latches and fasteners? Does the car seat base fit in your car? Does each portion of the car seat carrier appear sturdy enough?
Is there any possibility that you would not get all the fasteners snapped well enough? How easy it is to get securely latched? Do you understand how to install and latch it properly?
How about the padding? Will the child be comfortable?
This piece of baby equipment is very important. While none of us plan to be in an auto crash, we certainly do not want to have our baby injured because we did not latch in the car seat carrier correctly.
You can find a helpful car seat carriers buying guide and additional snap n go stroller information to help in your baby gear buying decisions at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Stroller Car Seat Carriers
Stroller Travel Systems
Posted by in Babies on August 13th, 2009
Stroller travel systems are relatively new to the baby transport scene. They are a baby seat that fastens into a base in your car for auto travel, or into a stroller frame for wheeling around.
Parents report a deep abiding love or total disdain for the stroller travel systems. You will have to judge for yourself.
Imagine your sleeping baby, dozing quietly in his baby carrier fastened tightly in the car’s secure base. You arrive at your destination, pop the safety latches and taa daa, the baby, cozy in her baby carrier, is still resting happily, not a bit disturbed.
Or may be the transition is from the stroller to the car. Same thing, the little prince is still soundly asleep. The best part is the parent feels like royalty because he has no stress.
Other positives of the stroller travel systems are that you do not have to buy a separate car seat and stroller. You will also have a baby carrier from the day you by your travel system. However, the travel systems tend to be a bit pricey. But, when you consider the price of each of the items individually, the travel system is priced right in line.
A good quality mid-range baby carrier will usually cost between $80 and $150. A mid-range infant car seat will cost between $100 and $300. A mid-range, mid-sized stroller, that is most like the strollers offered in the mid-range stroller travel systems will cost between $150 and $300. That is a total cost for the three essential baby transport systems between $330 and $750. A stroller travel system, that includes all of the previously mentioned pieces costs between $200 and $360, saving the parent between $130 and $390. That is quite a difference.
Parents have offered their opinions on various blogs and consumer reviews. Pay attention. Some are disturbing. Some say there is not enough padding and they worry how a baby could be comfortable in them. Some parents say that certain stroller travel systems tilt too far forward and a young baby’s head flops around. This is not a good thing.
Other parents report difficulty in getting the baby carrier fastened properly in the car seat base. If this should happen to you, take your stroller travel system to a car seat inspection site at a local law enforcement facility or hospital. Trained professionals can make sure that the car seat portion is working correctly.
Some parents say the stroller travel systems are bulky and hard to fold. The only way to check this for yourself is go to a store that carries the model you are thinking of buying. The sales people will show you how easy the stroller travel system operates, but try it your self. Make sure it operates easily enough that you can deal with it day after day and with your hands full and a screaming child and someone blowing their horn waiting for your parking place and the toddler running away and dinner is late and it is beginning to rain and the kids are at the neighbors and your cell phone is ringing and …you get the picture.
These innovative stroller travel systems can save money and stress, but make sure you inspect the one you buy carefully. Read what other parents have to say about the various systems. Most importantly, try the system yourself. Make sure you can properly install the car seat and baby carrier. A loose car seat could be a disaster.
You can find a helpful stroller travel system buying guide and additional car seat information to help in your baby gear buying decisions at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Stroller Travel Systems
Buying a Stroller
Posted by in Babies on August 13th, 2009
Buying a stroller is not an easy decision. There are many ways to buy just the right stroller and many more that can lead you the wrong direction.
So you are ready to buy your baby his or her first wheels. Let’s talk about buying a stroller.
There are many issues to consider beyond the color and price. The choice does not stop with whether to get the duckies or the plaid fabric cover. There are some substantial and practical points to consider when buying a stroller.
Some of the considerations in buying a stroller are is it for a single infant, for twins or more; is it for a toddler; will this stroller be used indoors only or will it go jogging and hiking; is it going to be a quick set up for short trips or will it spend long days on shopping trips; what else does this stroller need to do? Will it morph into a car seat or a baby-carrier? How many months or years will the baby be using this stroller? Of course, the number one consideration, will the baby be safe in it?
Each decision helps narrow the types of strollers to consider. Now, you are ready to begin to review strollers. Web-based stroller reviews are quick and convenient. Be a bit careful, though and chose sites that seem to review all strollers on the same standards. There are some sites that will try to sell you their brand. Use those sites after you have decided on which type of stroller and which features you need in a stroller.
Strollers are designed from the beginning with the number of passengers in mind. While some mothers use a stroller built for one child to hold two, it is obvious that neither child is comfortable. If you have more than one child who will use the stroller at the same time, it might be best to buy a stroller made to seat two (or more) children well. These types of strollers come in several styles. For your peace of mind they may be the best strollers to buy for several children.
Choose a stroller that is the correct size for your child. Some are designed to adapt from an infant size passenger to a toddler-sized junior commuter. This design would be a good one to choose if the child will be the only child to use the stroller. If you buy a stroller like this, it may be the only one you will need as it “grows” with your child.
Some families use their strollers for outdoor activities. If your family is planning to take the baby along, consider that jogging and walking on trails require strollers to hold-up under more stress. If your family is going to ask you stroller to hike, make sure when you buy a stroller, it is ready for the outdoors.
Strollers can fold up to tiny sizes, or they can be big and comfy. It is your choice when you pick a stroller. Of course the easy-fold tiny sized one would be great for quick in-and-out type trips to the bank. However, the comfy heavily padded ones, usually are not compact to store, but are great for the marathon shopping trips, or a day at the zoo, when your chosen stroller becomes the dining car and the sleeping car as well as the transportation.
Safety is always important when buying a stroller. What is a particular models safety rating? Is it built sturdy enough for what you will ask it to do? Are they any places the baby can hurt him/her self? Any places a tiny finger can get pinched?
Lots to consider when buying baby’s first wheels. With proper research, and careful planning, buying a stroller can be a lot of fun, especially when you are ready to decide if the fuzzy duck or the plaid fabric suits you best.
You can find a helpful stroller buying guide and additional stroller information to help in your baby gear buying decisions at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Buying a Stroller
