Tuesday

JULY 2007 RE-CAP

July 2007 has been a very exciting month for us. We worked very hard to bring you educational articles, interviews and a range of soft carriers that are available on the international market. Here is a re-cap of all the companies that we featured during July 2007.


We will endeavor to continue to bring you more carriers scattered throughout the coming months so please stay tuned. We believe that wearing your baby in a soft carrier offer both parents and baby a multitude of benefits and we will continue to strive towards promoting this practice. What do we have in store for next month? During August 2007 we will bring you "Products that make our lives Easier". We have a fantastic line up which includes products for moms, dads and the little ones.

Thanks for reading and see you next month!

Monday

ALONG FOR THE RIDE - RETAILER REVIEW


Success Through Play™ will be concluding our Babywearing month by highlighting a retailer/vendor of Babywearing products: "Along for the Ride". We spoke with Kristen, the owner of Along for the Ride.


Along for the Ride is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, but Kristen works with parents and caregivers all over the world to find the perfect carrier for their baby. Kristen started researching and buying baby carriers before her daughter was even born. She knew that she wanted to carry her in a sling and wanted it to be the best sling available. She had no idea that she had so many options!

Kristen: "In recent years, there has been a babywearing renaissance. Hundreds of new brands and styles of carriers have come on to the market. The vast majority of these businesses have been started by moms like me, who felt that they shouldn't have to choose between rewarding work and nurturing their family. These kitchen table entrepreneurs are changing the world of work. I'm proud to partner with and support the mom-owned businesses that market, distribute, and manufacture all of the carriers on my site. Wearing my baby was one of the best parenting tools that I found. Babywearing has gotten us through nursing sprees, colic, growth spurts, teething, travel, shopping, sleep troubles, and general fussiness with more ease than I could have imagined. Even now that my daughter is a toddler, I still find that wearing her helps us on a daily basis. I have truly come to believe that a quality baby carrier is as essential for new babies as diapers are!" I started this business as a way to be able to stay at home with my daughter, and also to share my knowledge of baby carriers with others. It is a sad fact that the carriers most commonly available in major retail stores are not necessarily the best. They often don't allow baby to be carried in a comfortable position (for parent or baby), they aren't easy to nurse in, and they can often only be used for a period of a few months. Many parents start out with these carriers, and end up giving up on wearing their baby entirely, because they just don't work for them. I hope to be able to open parents' eyes to the wide world of baby carriers, and I guarantee that there is a perfect carrier for every parent and baby."

Satisfaction Guaranteed

All of the carriers sold by Along for the Ride are backed by a 30 day money-back guarantee (90 days on Ergo products!). Kristen says: "If you are still expecting your baby, or are purchasing for someone who has not yet had their baby, just let me know. I'll be glad to extend your exchange period until after the baby arrives."

In addition to a variety of carriers, Along for the Ride also sells a carrier cover and was kind enough to send us samples of the Peekaru Ozone Cover. The cover is available in 3 different trims!



The following description was provided by Along for the Ride.

The Peekaru Ozone lets you enjoy the summer sun while protecting your child from its harmful rays. While traveling in a car seat, stroller or soft baby carrier, the Ozone's patented Solarveil fabric blocks 70-80% of UVA and UVB rays. Take your baby outside with confidence and enjoy the sunny summer weather.

Finally, a product that lets you and your child comfortably and safely enjoy warm sunny days, by letting the cool breeze in while keeping the sun's harmful rays out. This innovative cover will free you from blanket tucking frustrations. Order your Ozone today, it's a breath of fresh air!

Ozone sizing is a snap, one size fits all! The Ozone will fit your child in a:

  • carrier from 0 to 6 months
  • car seat from 0 to 12 months
  • stroller from 0 to 24 months



The instructions for using the Peekaru Ozone Cover can be accessed by clicking here.


Success Through Play™ comments:

Along for the Ride sells a variety of Pouch, Wrap, Ring Slings, Mei Tai, Pack Carriers and accessories (click on the links to purchase!) for the modern parent/grandparent or caregiver and lives up to it's slogan "Babywearing Fashion Finds". Many of the products offered have been featured on our site! The Along for the Ride website is very well designed and is most informative. The site offers a comprehensive guide for choosing a carrier which can be accessed by clicking here. You can review the comparison chart by clicking here.

What is so impressive is that Kristen dispatched our samples immediately upon request and we later found out that she had given birth just days before! Our parent panel were excited to take the Peekaru Ozone Covers for a test drive! They commented that the covers were easy to snap on and were impressed that the cover can adjust according to the width of your carrier straps. The parent panel used the cover on their baby's car seat while they were driving and on their Mei Tai while strolling around town. Overall impressions were that the cover is a very innovative product and they would recommend it to their friends!

Our reader feedback about Along for the Ride has been nothing short of fantastic. Our readers cite "fast shipping", "a delight to work with" & "great selection of carrier" when describing this company. This is a professional company at it's best! Visit the Along for the Ride website at: www.alongfortheride.biz

Friday

GYPSY MAMA, LLC




Success Through Play™
had the pleasure of sitting down with Kristi a single mother to Morgaine, Orion, and Isaac. owner of Gypsy Mama, LLC.

Please can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the creation of your company?

I started Gypsy Mama in May of 2004 after I received a gift of gauze wraps. I liked them so much that with the help The Mamatoto Project (who had gifted me the wraps), I began selling them. What began as a tiny company is now a small company, continuing to grow with the support of our customers. We not only added several products since opening our store, but added several retailers as well. This business was born out of a desire to promote attachment parenting in all its aspects. Babywearing is the keystone of my own parenting; it has helped me evolve into the mother I've become, and I want to help other families find the joy babywearing can bring to their lives! In fact, I so enjoy carrying my children that I have never owned a stroller. Gypsy Mama was made possible partly through a small business loan from The Mamatoto Project, an organization that helps families by giving away free carriers to the needy as well as through small-business loans to help fund businesses like this one. Please consider making a donation to The Mamatoto Project so they can help even more families! Working at home gives me the flexibility to practice full-time attachment parenting while supporting my children financially. In this way, I am able to homeschool my children, practice extended breastfeeding and gentle discipline, and be present in their daily lives. I feel fortunate to have the support of my family and also my customers - without that support I couldn't do what I'm doing.



The Gypsy Mama product range includes:


Keep up to date with the latest Gypsy Mama news by visiting our blog.

Can you tell us more about the Gypsy Mama Water Wrap™ ?
Gypsy Mama's Water Wrap™ is one of a kind! I have not seen anything else like this wonderful, extremely fast-drying fabric. One customer commented that she could simply towel-dry it and wear it under a robe till she was ready to dress! The Water Wrap™ is different in that it is designed for a specific application – use in water. We do have many customers who use this carrier as an “everywhere” wrap (on the front only), but once your baby hits 20-25 pounds, most find it too narrow and stretchy to continue comfortably carrying a child on land. If you are submerged in water, such as in a shallow pool, this is still suitable for carrying even preschool children while keeping your hands free, but this won't be comfortable out of the water. In summary, for showering and swimming, the water wrap is a wonderful carrier. For a stylish out-of-water carrier that folds up compactly, the Water Wrap™ is suitable until babies reach 20-25 pounds. In fact, the high-tech sports-knit may help keep you and your baby cool and dry on sweaty days. For brief, 15-minute bursts of babywearing on land, you may be able to use the Water Wrap™ up until approximately 30 – 35 pounds, but you will find many more suitable carriers for this purpose.


Features of the Gypsy Mama Water Wrap™ (according to Gypsy Mama)



  • Soft, silky, hypoallergenic fabric
  • Hi-tech sports knit wicks moisture and sweat away from the skin
  • Tapered ends and narrow body make this carrier lightweight and cool.
  • Manufacturer guarantees a UPF (UV Protection Factor) of 15+ to help prevent sunburn and minimize sunscreen use --
  • Fabric blocks over 93% of the sun's rays (compare to Solarveil which blocks 70%).
  • Soft, stretchy fabric feels great on the skin and is perfect for front/hip carrying, both in and out of the water!
  • Use with newborns through preschoolers.
  • Just-right amount of stretch makes it easy to wash between you and baby when showering without adjusting the carrier.
  • Folds down small – fits great in your bag!
  • Soft finished edge eliminates painful pressure points on your child's legs.
  • Silky, slinky fabric even looks great for evening wear!

PURCHASING

Shop the Gypsy Mama online store by clicking here

Find a retailer in your country by clicking here


Success Through Play™ Comments:

Gypsy Mama, LLC has a fantastic website that can be accessed by clicking here. If you need some help deciding which Gypsy Mama products will work best for you, please click here . For assistance with selecting the correct size, please visit this link. For wearing instructions please click here (please note that this info is copywriters by Gypsy Mama) Not to be missed is the frugal baby wearing section which can be accessed via this link. Care directions for washing can be found here. Looking for a bargain? Check out the sales at Gypsy Mama via this link


Gypsy Mama kindly sent us the Gypsy Mama Water Wrap™ to test drive. Our test panel were most intrigued by the very unique stretchy fabric of the water wrap™ and agreed that they hadn't seen anything like this on the market!. The parent test panel commented that they had never showered with their 10 month year old baby before but were eager to try! Gypsy Mama offers guidelines for showering safely with your baby and for wading in the water while wearing the Water Wrap™. After being briefed on the safety guidelines, our panel were ready to try it for themselves. They really enjoyed showering with their baby and commented how the water wrap™ was a life saver as their baby is currently going through quite a fussy stage (10 months and has been experiencing separation anxiety. "The fabric dries fast which is a huge bonus". Gypsy Mama sells a great selection of wraps and also offers adorable reversible floppy hats for children.




We are proud to feature Kristi and her company Gypsy Mama, LLC on our site and applaud her for creating a well respected business while simultaneously being able to practice attachment parenting. Kristi has come along way since she received her first gauze wrap as a gift. Congratulations on your success. Kristi, you are inspiration to us all.

Thursday

HOTSLINGS®


Kristen DeRocha is the owner of Hotslings®, a multi-million dollar small multinational corporation. Kirsten is a mother of two and an entrepreneur. Kristen grew up in Arlington , TX and came from very modest background. She has always been obsessed with clothing and has always creatively dressed due to budget constraints. She graduated from Sam Houston High School (Arlington, TX) in the top 3% of class. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science. Kristen taught high school Biology for 6 years in both low socioeconomic as well as privileged areas in Texas. She sewed creatively at home as a past time.

What was the inspiration behind the creation of your company in 2003?

I became involved with Attachment Parenting/Breastfeeding groups after the birth of my first child in 2001. Attachment parenting embraces the use of baby slings as a gentle parenting tool. I developed a baby carrier for my toddler daughter that satisfied my need to look stylish and feel comfortable. I saw a pouch style sling at a La Leche League meeting and had to have one. I had used adjustable slings with rings and tails up until that point and was never comfortable with them, the rings were constantly having to be re-adjusted. I looked around at pouches and found nothing I liked. So I sewed myself one out of some funky fabric I had around the house. This became my sling of choice. People began seeing me with this groovy pouch around town and wanted me to make them. So I set up a small website and named her designs “Hotslings®” to make people think of something fun, easy and hip. My ideas took off and eventually I was able to quit teaching and hire out sewing to create a constant supply of Hotslings®. The Hotsling® is a copyrighted, original design. "We are always striving to improve our products through obsessive fashion trend watching. We innovate and create excellence."



Can you tell us about the Hotsling® Collections?

HOTSLINGS® currently offers 3 collections: the Everyday, Designer and Seasonal plus Accessories.

  • Everyday - affordable price point of $44
  • Designer - specialty prints and reversible styles designed by top fashion fabric designers as well as in house - higher price point $56-$60
  • Seasonal - our Deluxe Pool Pouch is available in the summer months - great for the pool and shower
  • Accessories - Kid-sized slings and Detachable pockets (viewed here)


Can you tell us about the features of your Hotslings®?



FEATURES (according to Hotslings
®)
  • Sleek, one-piece fitted design.
  • Fashion fabrics in today's colors and styles.
  • Easy to use! No snaps, rings, buckles or fuss.
  • Many sizes for a precise fit.
  • Wide shoulder that spreads evenly across your back.
  • Original sleek leg padding design to minimize cutting into tender knees.


  • Extremely compact. Folds down to nothing in your diaper bag or purse.
  • Promotes bonding, breastfeeding, closeness and trust.
  • Calms fussy babies with swaddling effect.
  • Hands free.
  • Live your life with a calm, close, attached, happy baby.
  • 3-5 carrying positions.
  • Great for newborns up until the toddler stage.
  • Easy care. Machine wash, hang dry.
  • Made in USA under fair labor conditions.



AWARDS:
  • iParenting Media HOT Award Winner.


PURCHASING DETAILS:



Success Through Play™ Comments:

Hotslings® sent us samples of their hemp/organic cotton Hotsling® and their Summer Pool Pouch. Our engineer was very impressed with the design and high quality of the pouches. "The fabric stretches in just the right places to support baby, it's genius!". These pouches well very well received by both the moms and dads on our panel!


The Hemp/Organic Hotslings® is Hotslings® "greenest fabric: carry your baby with eco-consciousness". We applaud Hotslings® for offering this chemical free pouch. This hemp/organic cotton/Lycra blend stretch twill is undyed and unbleached and our parent panel fell in love with the soft luxurious feel of the fabric. This pouch boasts the Original Hotslings® leg padding which is built in. The panel commented that this pouch provided "superior support to baby who was blissfully happy being carried in the pouch!"


The Summer Pool Pouch features two layers of Solarveil® mesh which is reported to provide 90% UV protection. Our parent panel really appreciated the breathability of the material and found the this pouch to be invaluable during warm weather. The key/toy loop won praise with our panel.



Since the Hotsling® is a non adjustable pouch, selecting the correct size is imperative. To assist you in selecting the correct size, please visit the sizing guidelines by clicking here.

Each Hotsling® arrives in a handy carrying case and and an instructional DVD and booklet is included with each purchase. The Hotslings® DVD "introduces you to the fashionable side of babywearing!" We were very impressed with the content of the DVD which covers a wide range of topics and includes a greeting from the owner of the company, Kristen DeRocha, detailed instructions on how to fold your Hotsling® correctly and demonstrations of 5 different carrying positions. Not be missed are the safety tips and guidelines for determining whether the Hotsling® fits you correctly. This is important because taking the time to make certain that you have the correct fit will minimize potential back and shoulder discomfort.

The Hotslings® website is very well designed and easy to navigate. The full catalog can be viewed by clicking here. Wearing instructions can be accessed here. Hotslings® lives up to its motto of "introducing us to the fashionable side of babywearing and boasts a beautiful line of trendy and hip designs". By offering these trendy designs, we believe that more parents will be intrigued to learn about carrying your baby and thus the benefits will be extended to many more parents! What can we expect from Hotslings® in the future? Kristen is working on nursing wear for a new generation of moms who don't want to be censored. Stay tuned for details!

Tuesday

cxd baby™



Success Through Play™ had the pleasure to speak with Chi Lan, Owner/Designer of cxd baby™ who resides in Canada with her family.

Chi Lan is a self-taught sewer and designer, and has been sewing seriously since her late teens. (In another lifetime, she’s worn many hats, as a teacher, writer, editor, and translator, when she was living in Montreal with her husband.) She’s now mother to two wonderful kids, aged 6 and 1 ½, who both serve as fabulous spokes babies. She lives with her husband and children in Bowmanville, a lovely small town near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In her spare time (ha!), she still manages to write, edit, and translate several projects a year, in addition to homeschooling her kids.

Please can you tell our readers about your company and what inspired you to start it?

Soon after our daughter's birth in 2001, we discovered that there was a name for the parenting philosophies and ideals that we instinctively wanted to practice: "attachment parenting". It all started with an on-line search for information on cloth-diapering, something that we knew we really, really wanted to do once our child was born. Readings on cloth-diapering led to breastfeeding and lactivism, to co-sleeping, to babywearing . . . and before we knew it, we realised, “Oh wow. This is how we feel, and someone’s already come up with a name for all of this!” When it came to babywearing, we tried an uncomfortable front-pack carrier, an uncomfortable padded sling (both well-known brands), and a WAHM-made unpadded sling that wasn't quite our style (and that, to tell the truth, fell apart within three months). Our local La Leche League only carried bulky-looking padded slings with zoo animal themes or dull colours, or what we called “drapery florals”. So owner Chi Lan decided that she could design her own fashionable, comfortable, unpadded sling. She floated the idea among friends about possibly selling some, received many curious requests and compliments, and the company was born in January of 2002. Chi believes that at that time, cxd baby was the first in Canada to openly associate the terms "fashionable" and "stylish" with baby slings (where previously, they had been merely “functional”), and many customers told us that cxd baby was a trailblazer back then, when we exhibited at a trade show in Toronto, wearing slings of silk brocade, silk dupioni, and beaded detailing. (Sure enough, visiting the same trade show this year, other vendors came up to me and said, “Oh we remember you four years ago. You were the only one walking around here with silk brocade and fashionable slings. Now look—there are at least five other sling-makers here this year, doing the same thing.”)




How did you come up with your company name "cxd baby™"?

We named our company "cxd baby" because our first-born child's initials are CXD (and she was the inspiration for this, after all). Besides, we thought that the pronunciation of the letters "CXD", when said as a word, sounds like "kissed", so it made for a cool slogan.

We asked Chi Lan about her personal experiences with babywearing in Montreal.

When I was slinging my babe in Montreal six years ago, people would come up to me and say, “Oh, did you invent that?” or “Is that how they do it where you come from?” (Being of Asian ethnicity, I got that question rather frequently.) And it was so weird to me, because Montreal is so multicultural and open-minded, that you’d think they’d seen it all before. But no, slinging was still a bit on the fringe back then. So I had a feeling then that my mission with this company was, and still is today, to make slinging more accepted in mainstream parenting by making it look great, so that it’s viewed less as a “granola” or “ethnic” way of parenting.

I want to make parents proud of what they’re wearing, so that each parent goes out and becomes a walking billboard for babywearing (and hopefully from there, for breastfeeding, co-sleeping, cloth-diapering, etc.). I want parents who are wearing a great-looking sling, with a happy-looking baby, to turn heads in a positive way, so that people are no longer saying, “What a novel idea to keep your child happy and comfortable, and what do you call that thing?” But rather, “Oh, I already know all about slinging! Now tell me, where did you buy that fabulous-looking one?”


What inspired you to create the Ecologic collection?

We’ve been offering organic cotton since about 2002, but we always made sure to include possibilities to make it more stylish (with embroidery, or ribbon trim, or beading, etc.), just to set it apart from the other organic sling options out there. Now, the bamboo is new to cxd baby since January of 2007, and we’ve been playing with it since 2006. This was purely because 100% bamboo had not been made widely available before, and especially never been made into baby slings, to our knowledge. It just made sense to take organic fabrics to a new level. After all, we’ve been growing bamboo in our garden (in zone 5, at that!) for six years, and eating it our whole life. So we had already known of bamboo’s wonderful qualities long before it became “eco-chic”. To be the first to offer baby slings in fabric made of this truly versatile and all-round fabulous plant makes us extremely proud.




Please tell us the unique properties of your 100% Bamboo fabric?

This super-soft bamboo is a jersey knit that is a dream to hold against your skin, and everyone to whom we’ve introduced this fabric has said that they can’t believe it’s bamboo. It feels more like a silk than something that people would associate with a tough, woodsy plant. In addition, the stretch makes it especially suitable as a pouch sling, for a snug but comfortably stretchy baby-carrier. Our supplier tells us that these knits are “finished and dyed in an closed, environmentally-friendly facility. No dyes, bleaches, or finishing residues are released into the environment.”


FEATURES OF THE cxd baby Bamboo Mei Tei and Slings (according to cxd baby)

  • naturally anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial
  • requires no pesticides in its cultivation
  • reduces body odours
  • highly breathable, as with all natural fibres
  • has wicking properties that are far superior to cotton
  • suitable for those sensitive to allergens
  • purported to have an inherent UV protection factor
  • being the fastest-growing plant on Earth, can re-generate to its full mass within six months, and can be continually harvested every three years.


PURCHASING


Shop at one of cxd baby's™ retailers:

http://www.cxdbaby.com/Retailers.html

Shop on-line: http://www.cxdbaby.com/ShopOnline.html


Success Through Play™ comments:

cxd baby™
offers Mei Tais, Rings Slings and Pouch Slings in a variety of different fabrics and trims. The Ecologic collection from cxd baby includes carriers made from organic cotton and carriers made from 100% bamboo fibre! "For the environmentally-conscious among us and those who want the best for our children, it's only "logical" that we choose these ecological and sustainable fabrics. We offer continually-stocked solid colours, as well as a changing selection of prints, in both Bamboo and Organic cotton" says Chi Lan.




cxd baby™ sent us a gorgeous brown bamboo Mei Tai (100% bamboo fibre) to review. Chi Lan explained that "this newer version of the Bamboo Mei Tai have flat, reinforced straps, so that they don’t roll as much". The cxd baby™ Mei Tai is beautifully made and one can clearly see the time, effort, skill, dedication and love that has gone into the manufacturing of each cxd baby™ product! The bamboo fabric is a dream to touch and feels like a blend between silk and an ultra-soft cotton! Our parent panel couldn't stop touching the bamboo fabric and couldn't wait to test drive the Bamboo Mei Tai as they felt that the soft luxurious fabric would be ideal to carry baby in! The panel were fascinated by Bamboo's natural properties (anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, grown without any pesticides) and commented that it would be an excellent choice for baby! The parent panel commented that the cxd baby™ Mei Tai was supportive and felt "so wonderful to wear!". Baby was content and enjoyed being carried in the Mei Tai. We applaud kissed baby for their Ecological Collection! Each cxd baby™ product is manufactured in a fair work environment . cxd baby™ offers a full range of products including innovative accessories and adorable organic cotton T-shirts for babies. and is committed to bringing out new designs and products to meet their customers expectations.

Highly recommended


Monday

OOPA® BABY SLINGS







We spoke with Amy Abreu, co-owner of Oopa® Baby.

Can you tell us more about yourself and the inspiration behind the creation of your company?

I am married and I have two children, Tiago, who will be four in October, and Francesca, who turned two in April. If things go as planned, there may be a third on the horizon! My husband is from Lisbon, Portugal, we met while I was getting my MBA in Madrid. We lived together in Lisbon for four years, before moving to Miami shortly before our son was born. We live in Coconut Grove, a part of Miami, FL. It sounds a bit cliché, but I simply couldn’t find a carrier with the look I had in mind. I’ve always been very particular (some might say peculiarly so) about my taste, and as my husband would probably put it, “impossible to please”, so I suppose I tried to make the old saying, “if you want something done right, do it yourself” a reality!

Oopa (spelled "upa" in Portuguese and Spanish) is a colloquial phrase adults use when speaking to children, meaning "up!", as in "Come on, let me pick you up....upa!"





FEATURES OF THE OOPA® SLING (according to Oopa®)


  • Oopa® slings are traditional ring slings, designed with unique, eye-catching style.
  • Our slings come in luxurious fabrics such as silk and cashmere, as well as 100% cotton and organic cotton/hemp blends
  • Our slings are also famous for their quality and comfort, recently voted among the Best Ring Slings in a babywearing article in Mothering Magazine.




In addition, Oopa® slings promote the following benefits for both mother and child:

  • Help to calm and soothe baby, and make her secure in a new environment.
  • Promote physical development and alertness.
  • Rest those tired arms, have your hands free again!
  • Nurse on the go, discreetly in public.
  • Slings are a bonding tool for fathers and other caregivers, looking to connect with baby.
  • Good exercise -- burn calories wearing your baby in a sling!
  • Carried babies are safer -- you always know where your baby is when you carry her in a carrier.




PURCHASING DETAILS:

Purchase Oopa® Slings from the Oopa® online store by clicking here

To find a retailer in your area, please click here





Success Through Play™ comments:

Oopa® sent us a gorgeous organic cotton ring sling for the review. We applaud Oopa® for offering an organic cotton eco-friendly option to their line of ring slings. A stand out feature of the organic cotton Oopa® Sling is the long dramatic tail with a built in pocket, perfect for carrying your essentials and a matching gold ring. The luxurious fabrics are perfect for an evening out or wear your Oopa® Sling to add some glamour to your life!

To learn more about the Oopa® Sling, please visit the FAQ section of their website by clicking here. Instructions for wearing your Oopa® Sling can be found here. Safety tips for using your Oopa® Sling are listed here.

The Oopa® motto is: Sling your baby in style.™. Be warned, these slings are not for shy mamas; you are assured to be the center of attention when you carry your baby in an Oopa® Sling!

Highly recommended.

Saturday

WEEGO® BABY CARRIER




We spoke with Hopi and David Hopi Moore-Sargent from Weego® to find out more about the Weego® Baby Carrier.

"My Mom invented the Snugli in the 60's. When my sisters and I began having children in the late 90's my Mom pulled out original Snugli carriers for us to use. Everywhere I would go people would come up to me and say" oh my gosh, is that a Snugli, I carried my children in one years ago, where did you get it?" My family decided to start the company again because there was no carrier on the market like it and it was such a fantastic product. We called it Weego® because of being able to go anywhere with a little one. "


FEATURES (according to Weego®):

  • Original design of top selling carrier on the market in the 1960's 70's and 80's.
  • Comfortable for caregiver and baby.
  • The Weego® easily adjusts for growing baby and to fit different people carrying the baby.
  • Safest carrier on the market (according to Weego®)
  • You can carry your baby in the Weego® from its first day through two years.
  • Everything is easier with your baby in the Weego®: shopping, housework, hikes and walks, visits to the zoo and travelling.
  • Even nursing/breastfeeding is possible with the Weego®. With only few adjustments, your baby is in the perfect nursing position.
  • The Weego® is machine washable at 30°C and can be tumble dried at low temperature.
  • Each Weego® comes with three cotton bibs that can be washed separately.


To access the interactive Weego® Carrier diagram which illustrates the features, please click here



AWARDS:

  • In Germany the Weego® recently received highest marks for comfort, design and safety (Eltern Germany Magazine)



PURCHASING INFORMATION:

Please visit www.weego.com and click on your country for purchasing information.


Success Through Play™ comments:

The Weego® Baby Carrier is currently available in 3 styles: the Original Weego, the Weego® Preemie for Premature Infants (consult your baby's pediatrician first) and the NEW Weego® for Twins . Weego® sent us the original Weego® in a Seersucker design to "test drive". Our engineer was impressed with the unique design of the Weego® which "has many layers of safety built into it and adjusts as baby grows". The Weego's ability to adjust as baby grows allows parents to adjust the carrier according to the weight, size and height of the baby. Our test panel commented that the Weego® was "easy to put on and take off". The test panel found the Weego's® design to be unlike any other carrier on the market and commented that it was very comfortable to wear and baby was easily lulled to sleep and well supported in the carrier. The Weego's outer pouch was a stand out feature. The Weego® that we tested features a very lightweight waffle fabric and can be folded up and placed into a diaper bag when on the go.



To ensure safety, please read the instructions that are included with the carrier and follow the directions very carefully when placing a young infant in the carrier. To learn more about the Weego® Baby Carrier, please visit the Weego website at www.weego.com. To access the FAQ for the Weego® Carrier please click here. Highly recommended.

Wednesday

NEW NATIVE® BABY CARRIERS


Success Through Play™ had the pleasure to speak with Mele Ainuu, of New Native® Inc.



Can you tell us about New Native® Inc?

We are a business dedicated to healthy families, social responsibility, and a clean environment. The owner of New Native®, Inc. is Nancy Main. She is a mother of 3 children, ages 16 to 22 years old, and stepmother of 6 children, ages 14 to 23 years old. Nancy inherited her mother’s passion for health through diet and lifestyle. As a young adult, Nancy worked as a cook and a jewelry maker. After starting her family, she became a stay-at-home mom. She is now married to Bill Main. Nancy Main developed a design that worked well for her and her third child. She wanted to be able to hold her securely while hoeing in the garden and while doing other things that require two hands. Nancy found that having an easier way to wear her baby created a relationship of greater ease. Her daughter, Angela, was, and remains at the age of 16, a happy easy-going person with high self-esteem. This ease translates into greater harmony. Nancy feels that if we humans start out with greater harmony, we will have an easier time solving the world’s problems in a peaceful manner. Initially, the name of the business was “World Family Baby Slings.” That name was too long and awkward. The name “New Native” starts off with the assumption that each of us is a native of this earth. A new native is one who values all humans as equally valuable and who realizes that we must take care of this earth, without which we could not remain alive. We hope that all humans will strive to become new natives and to eventually feel that wearing babies is a positive step in helping this process. We have made a good deal of progress toward popularizing baby wearing. Our hope is that we are helping at least a small number of people to create a world where all people can have happiness, harmony and prosperity.

What do you think distinguishes your carrier from others on the market?

The New Native® Baby Carrier is recommended by doctors, birth educators, midwives, chiropractors, doulas, lactation consultants, and parents themselves. Its simple design makes it more versatile than others, making it possible to wear a baby in many different positions. It does not dig into the shoulder of the wearer because of the 10-inch wide strap and because there are no buckles or rings. The high quality fabric and construction of the New Native Baby Carrier will last through many babies. Years of experience have allowed us to work out problems with fabric or design for a time-tested product that you can trust.Our baby carrier has become so successful that by the years 2004-2005, a large number of companies had tried to copy our design. This shows how well-liked this design has become. We have found that while many have copied our design, none have been able to reproduce our quality and durability. Our product is uniquely constructed to last through many babies. We think this kind of assurance is important since these carriers are intended for such precious cargo.




Please can you comment on your development of the "Infant Support Pillow" and the importance of it?

We made the Infant Support Pillow at the request of our customers. We worked with our representative in Australia , Jenna Leigh Jones – who is an avid babywearer – to develop the size and shape. We also advise that a folded rolled towel can serve the same purpose, since we do not want the price to stop someone from keeping their baby safe. The pillow or towel raises the baby up in the carrier so that s/he is not lost down in the fabric. It also creates a straight surface that keeps the baby from curling up and potentially restricting his/her airflow. It is important, especially with preemies or very young babies, that the airway remains unobstructed for proper oxygenation. Our instructions provide further helpful information. Outside of the New Native Baby Carrier, our Infant Support Pillow can also be used as a prop for nursing.


Please can you tell us about the features of your carrier, infant support pillow and instructional DVD?


FEATURES OF THE NEW NATIVE® CARRIER (according to New Native® Inc)

  • Features a built-in curved pouch that keeps your baby secure without you holding on.
  • Has a 10-inch shoulder strap that distributes weight across the shoulder, back, and hip.
  • Because it comes in parent sizes, there is no extra fabric to make you and baby hot and there are no buckles, rings,or snaps that may slip or wear out over time.
  • Its simple design makes it quite versatile; it can be worn in front, side, or back.
  • Great for discreet nursing.



FEATURES OF THE INFANT SUPPORT PILLOW (according to New Native® Inc)


  • Can be used with the New Native Baby Carrier while your baby is Newborn to 4 months old.
  • Sets small babies up higher in the carrier so they can peek out.
  • Protects against positional asphyxia by straightening very young babies out in the carrier so that their airways do not become obstructed while in the carrier.
  • Highly recommended for preemies (consult your baby's health care team first).


FEATURES OF THE NEW NATIVE® INC INSTRUCTIONAL DVD



  • Demonstrates how to put your baby in and out of the New Native® Baby Carrier at different ages.
  • Shows the different positions that can be used with the carrier.
  • Illustrates the varied uses for the New Native® Baby Carrier.
  • Demonstrates how to nurse discreetly in the carrier.
  • Shows how to make sure you’ve got the right size carrier.
  • How to transfer from parent to parent.
  • How to wear twins.
  • How to use the Infant Support Pillow properly.


PURCHASING INFO:

You can order directly from New Native® Inc by visiting their online store.

By phone: 1800-646-1682

Please visit the New Native® Inc website to find a retail out in your country.




Success Through Play™ Comments:

New Native® Inc
donated an organic cotton carrier, organic cotton infant support pillow and an instructional DVD to us. We applaud New Native® for offering a full line of organic cotton carriers. We assembled our parent panel and let them view the New Native® Instructional DVD. The presenter explains how to place your baby in the New Native® Carrier and adds tips to help you avoid any discomfort while wearing the carrier. The presenter demonstrates how to carry your baby in an ergonomic manner while using the carrier and emphasizes "knees above bottom" which we really commend. We have been informed that effective August 1, 2007, an instructional DVD will be included with every carrier order. We commend this decision! Our parent panel were delighted to test drive the organic cotton carrier. Comments such as "very well made" and "very supportive for baby" were heard. The parent panel felt confident knowing that the Infant Support Pillow was placing their baby in an "optimal position" and that it is made from organic cotton. This "optimal position" can also be accomplished by using a folded up receiving blanket instead. The panel really loved the design of the carrier and commented that it was "super easy to use" and great for beginners. Baby felt snug and comfortable in the carrier and the parent panel were impressed with how easily baby was soothed. The New Native® Carrier is essentially a pouch and is not adjustable. It is imperative that you select the correct size for your body shape and height, in order to ensure that the carrier falls at the correct position on your body. If a carrier falls too low, you will be more likely to experience back pain etc. New Native® Inc has a generous return policy and Mele tells us that "we encourage our customers to call us for sizing questions, and we have an exchange policy with no time limit to make sure people have every opportunity to get the size that works best for them. New Native® Inc offers clearance items which can be purchased by clicking here

The New Native® Inc website contains very interesting articles and tips. To read the FAQ, please click here . Breastfeeding tips from New Native® Inc can be accessed click here. To obtain instructions for wearing your New Native® Carrier and to access other important info please click here.

New Native® Inc has launched a range of organic cotton items for babies which we hope to be able to feature in the months to come. Stay tuned!

Highly recommended.

Monday

PATAPUM™ BABY CARRIER


After representing many different Baby Carriers in Europe, Patapum™ realized the need for a "Soft pack" baby carrier with a different design criteria. The Patapum™ Baby Carrier was designed in Italy. Patapum™ design criteria is based around 3 simple concepts: FREEDOM (Functional), STYLE & COMFORT. Patapum™ distribution structure is based on WAHM's (work at home mum's) from around the world.

We asked Corinne from Patapum™ what do you think distinguishes Patapum™ carriers from other carriers on the market?

Our Baby Carrier has undergone numerous design modifications and vigorous testing before releasing the product. Some exclusive design characteristics: ( Functional, comfortable and stylish...)

  • TUCK-AWAY HIP BELT SYSTEM. The carrier can be worn around your waist when not in use.
  • REMOVABLE HEAD REST TUCKED AWAY. Out of the way, so Mom doesn't have to worry about loosing it or getting the straps dangle with a near by object.
  • The design is liked by moms as well as dads.
  • The Baby model can be used with babies, around 5 months old, up to 40Lbs (18-20 Kgs) who can sit up alone and are strong enough to support their head.
  • The Toddler Model is designed for heavier babies around 18 months old and up to 62 Lbs. (28 Kgs.)



FEATURES (according to Patapum)




Quality Features:

  • Clean stylish design
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Can be worn front and back
  • Easy to wear and adjust
  • Adjustable waist up to 140 cm ( 55'')
  • Soft, removable, sleeping hood
  • Strap inside breathable synthetic material
  • 100% cotton canvas shell
  • Machine washable ( cold water)
  • Patapum waist pouch included

Comfort Features

  • The inside of the padding areas ( waist and shoulder straps) are made of lightweight, non absorbent, breathable synthetic material
  • Elastic loops on the head hood to be able to tuck ( roll) the hood when not in use
  • Elastic loops at the end of all the straps
  • Pressure buttons on the outside of the waist belt that allows you to wear the waist bell with the carrier tucked away
  • Chest ( sternum) belt with elastic straps to improve comfort
  • The length of the straps and in particular the toddler carriers straps have been increased to assure enough length for all sizes
  • Waist belt buckle adjustable from both sizes, eliminating the need of the waist extension


Safety Features:

  • Baby's sitting position, with support for the thighs and back, allows for healthy growth of the hips, pelvis and spine.
  • Baby's weight is distributed to the wearer's waist and across both shoulders.
  • Baby's held close to wearer's centre of gravity, allowing for natural movement while walking and working.
  • Heavy-duty buckles prevent unexpected opening.
  • Large leg openings avoid chafing baby's legs.
  • No metal frames that can bump baby's head or frame joints that can pinch baby's fingers.

PATAPUM WAIST POUCH

  • Included with every carrier
  • Size 7x 5x 2 / 17.5 x 12.5x 5 cm
  • Easy access main compartment
  • Detachable key holder
  • 100 % Polyester
  • Durable and easy to clean
  • Easy to wear and adjust
  • Can be worn as your Patapum™ carrier waist pack or as a shoulder bag
  • Shoulder strap adjusts to carry bag long or short, waist strap or hand strap.

FABRICS
  • Inside seams web bound to avoid broken seams and enhance durability. Our fabrics are made of non-toxic materials and are environmentally friendly. Fabrics and materials are AZO-Free and Cadmium-Free.

AWARDS
  • Jan-Feb 2007 Mothering Magazine "Baby-Carrier Special" Selected as Favorite (among other two carriers) in it's class.




PURCHASING

http://www.patapum.com/


Success Through Play Comments

Patapum™ sent us the Patapum™ Baby Carrier to review. The Patapum™ Baby Carrier is designed for babies aged 5 months and older (typically developing baby). The Patapum™ Baby Carrier can be worn as a front pack or a back pack and the design is suitable for men or women. It is compact and can be folded to fit nicely into a diaper bag making it easily transportable. The design is sturdy without being bulky and is well made. The waist panel is very supportive and comfortable and the straps are padded and offer the right amount of support. The Success Through Play™ Parent Panel were very impressed with how easy the Patapum™ Baby Carrier was to put on and take off. The tuck away hip belt system won rave reviews from the panel who found it very convenient to be able to tuck the carrier out of the way, but still leave it fastened on their body while baby was being changed or participated in a tummy time session. When it was time to place baby in the carrier again, it was very easy to simple unravel the carrier and place baby in the carrier securely. Baby seemed at ease in the carrier and when placed in the carrier correctly, was well supported in an ergonomic position. The detachable hood came in handy when protecting baby from the wind and when baby needed to take a nap. Our parent test panel loved loved the fact that a handy waist pouch is included with the purchase of every carrier. The waist pouch is very stylish for either a man or a woman to wear. We hope to see Patapum™ come out with an organic cotton range or use materials that are Oeko-Tex certified in the future. Highly Recommended.


WIN A PAPATUM BABY OR TODDLER CARRIER!