COTW #9- Newborn Babywearing

By Aline Kelly
Photo by Jenna Sparks Bradbury

In the spirit of spring, renewal, birth, and new life, we are celebrating newborn babywearing!

This COTW will provide an overview of newborn wearing options in all types of carriers. Newborns are used to the warmth, closeness, and comfort of the womb, and are now learning about a very different outside world. Mothers are also in transition, recovering from birth, learning how to be a mother, or being a mother to both their newborn and older children. The term "fourth trimester" is often used to describe this transitional first three months of a baby's life. Babywearing can help you both during this transition, and keeping baby close can also facilitate lactation, bonding, and help keep baby calm and feeling safe.

 

Newborn Safety Notes:

- TICKS guidelines

- Ensure baby is supported up to their neck, and their airway is clear - chin not tucked.

- Baby should be upright and facing inward. Cradle carry is not recommended.

- Make sure baby's legs are supported knee-to-knee, and/or in a froggy "m" leg position (knees above bum).

- Baby should be up high on your chest,  well-supported and close enough that you can kiss the top of their head. 

- Baby's face should be open to air and not obscured with fabric. Mama shouldn't have to move fabric to see baby's face. 

A couple of good videos on newborn babywearing safety/precautions: 

(BecomingMamas)

(Boba)

 Stretchy Wrap:

How to pre-tie a stretchy wrap: 

(Boba)

Newborn carry in a stretchy wrap: 

(Boba)

Nursing in a stretchy: 

(Boba)

For the sake of ogling - hot guy shows you how to tie a stretchy (just ignore the cradle carry!):

Woven Wrap:

Extensive information, photos, videos, and ideas:

(WrapYourBaby)

 

Front Wrap Cross Carry:

(BabywearingFaith)

 

Newborn rucksack:

(BecomingMamas)

(BabywearingFaith) - shoulder tie variations included

Rebozo Carry:
(BabywearingFaith)

Kangaroo Carry:
(BabywearingFaith)

Front Rebozo Cross:
(Johanna P.)

Burp Carry:
(WrapYourBaby)
(PaxBaby) - same carry with a ring sling

Ring sling:

(PaxBaby)

(BabywearingFaith)

 

Mei Tai:

(BecomingMamas)

Buckle Carriers:

Ottawa Babywearing Group; Are Soft-Structured Carriers Optimal for Newborns?

 

(PaxBaby) - Beco Gemini

(PaxBaby) - Breastfeeding a newborn in a Beco Gemini

(babyslingcarriers) - Manduca newborn carry

COTW #8- Shorty Carries

By Aline Kelly

A Shorty wrap is traditionally a size 2, or 2.7m wrap, but the term is often casually used to describe a size 1, 2, or 3 wrap (2.2-3.2m). These short wraps are incredibly versatile and can be used for a great variety of front, back, and hip carries.

With shorty carries it is particularly important to be conscientious of safety, since these are often one-pass carries without a lot of reinforcement to fall back on. A reminder of general babywearing rules that will apply here - make sure baby is supported from knee to knee in a deep pocket of fabric, and is supported in the torso area at least up to his/her armpits. Newborns without good head control should be supported up to their necks.

Tips for getting a good seat: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDeWlZaDH28 (carrythem)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqtof1v48Nw (BabywearingFaith)

Some general overviews: 

Carries you can do with a size 2 wrap:

http://itsnotspaghetti.com/2011/04/30/carries-you-can-do-with-a-size-2-wrap/

Seven ways to use a size 3: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBtCwehNp34 (kongcc22)

Four shorty back carries:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=706-y66C5GU (Tanya Tougas)

List of many shorty carries and helpful videos. Most of these will work with a size 2 or 3. Depending on the size of mom and baby, some may require a 4. We're including everything that might be borderline. 

Front carries:

- Rebozo front carry: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eE9TSaGrPHc (BabywearingFaith)

- Short Front Wrap Cross Carry (tied under bum): 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9v6tSljTt8 (WrapYourBaby)

- Semi Front Wrap Cross Carry (one-shoulder FWCC):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1npxEqKj4k (WrappingRachel)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ottawababywearing/permalink/214745988650239 (Johanna P) 

- Short cross carry: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO0vwJqmyJc (Wrapababy)

- Kangaroo carry: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLn69KE1vM (WrappingRachel)

- Kangaroo carry with size 2 and sling rings: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZEQqdL2f-k (1zoebear)

Front Rebozo Cross:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0tzxHfnBGo (Johanna P)

Back carries:

- Rebozo back carry: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKtrDIqrdbQ (Gypsy Mama)

- Rucksack tied under bum:  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPJWydaOZQQ (WrappingRachel)

- Rucksack tied at shoulder + chestbelt variations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPJWydaOZQQ (BabywearingFaith)

- Short back cross carry: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhsn--HdudQ (MuddyBootsPhoto)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.214578738666964&type=1 (Nancy Lentini-Brown) - Photos

- Reinforced Rear Rebozo Rucksack (RRRR):  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBMEU_IuDPw (Onbuhito aka Jennifer MacNeil, OBG member)

- Double hammock rebozo: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqPtxhWWryY (Jennifer M) 

- Torso back carry (traditional African carry): 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWItHnkfLl8

- Shepherd's Carry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SQfzGsP0Eg (BabywearingFaith)

- Double Hammock, Double Rings:

http://youtu.be/H40Dbhab5ls?t=4m5s (emwhist) 

- Half Jordan's Back Carry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcshSFS7HhI (WrappingRachel)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HtlTfb21Vg (Babywearing Faith) - No shoulder flip method

Hip carries. (Depending on the size of the mama and baby, most of these will need at least a size 3 wrap). 

- Rebozo hip carry: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIQMcL65CH0 (WovenWrapTutorials)

- Hip Cross Carry (photos and video). 

http://www.wrapyourbaby.com/hipcrosscarry.html (WrapYourBaby)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR4hZneUvY0 (Giselle Baturay)

- Robin's Hip Carry: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AhYqRsXEU0 (Wrapababy)

- Robin's Hip carry with one sling ring: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMsJDY8dkb4 (1zoebear)

- Poppins Hip carry: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFhASP1juyQ (Wrapababy)

- No-sew ring sling: 

http://itsnotspaghetti.com/2011/03/30/threading-a-no-sew-ring-sling/

Happy Birthday OBG!!

 

Two years ago the Ottawa Babywearing Group was created on Facebook; a space for local parents to talk about babywearing, share experiences and offer support. By this time last year we had 450 members and now there are over 1000! In this short time we have developed a busy and varied sling library and started the Babies of Peace Project. So far the BoPP (running since the beginning of 2014) has provided two families with carriers to suit their needs and many families have enjoyed the sling library. The Facebook group continues to be a vibrant and busy space where members can share their love of babywearing. It is a space where parents, no matter what kind of babywearing they are enjoying, can come to share a common love; that of wearing their baby!!

There are so many people to thank for everything OBG has achieved so far; I don't want to offend anyone by forgetting someone, and I certainly don't want this post to read like a really bad Oscar winner speech!!!

Suffice it to say; 'You know who you are..... thank you!!'

Happy birthday OBGers!! Enjoy your cake.... today you get to eat it too!!

Fluffy Mama & SSCs

by Tami Grosset
Photographs by Laura Lo

Today we are continuing with our project showing how our 6 favourite soft structured carriers fit mamas with different frames. This week its Fluffy Mama's turn!

Our Fluffy Mama is Ashley. Ashley is 5' 4" and wears a size 18.

To recap, the carriers we chose to focus on are;
The Ergobaby (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry)
The Beco Gemini (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry. It also offers a front facing out position but since it was the only carrier in our selection that offered this carry there was nothing to compare it to so we chose not to picture this.)
The Boba (which offers a front facing in and back carry)
The Onya (which offers a front facing in and back carry) 
The Manduca (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry) and
The Tula, standard (which offers a front facing in and back carry)

Front Facing In

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

Back Carry

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

Hip Position

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Manduca

Ashley's least favourite carrier in the project was the Ergo. As you can see in the pictures the waistbelt was at its fullest extension and was really cutting into her waist. The Onya was extended all the way also. Ashley felt that the most comfortable carrier for her was the Tula. It had plenty of play in the waist strap and it hugged in all the right ways.

NB When looking to purchase a SSC it is always recommended to try a carrier first, rather than base the purchase on reviews. Whilst there are some generic fitting issues for certain body frame types the fit of a SSC is very personal and subjective. If you are looking to purchase a new carrier in Ottawa there are many brands that can be tried out first at Milkface, Extraordinary Baby Shoppe and Belly Laughs (see our recommended retailers list). If you are planning to purchase a used carrier the Ottawa Babywearing Group Sling Library has a good selection of SSCs for you to borrow before you make your purchase.

Wordless Wednesday: A Week In The Life Of Catherine

Mystic fishes at work!

Reasons Why We Wear #10

....because I can get out, exercise, dance and socialise....

..... all whilst keeping my baby close. We both get what we need!

OBG Gets Graceful!!

by Tami Grosset
Photographs by Sara McConnell

Last summer we ran one of our most successful fundraisers; Salsapalooza! Recently we ran another activity which has proven to be just as successful (success being the money raised and the joy experienced by all those taking part!); Babywearing Ballet!

Ester America, who ran the banbywearing salsa class for us, offered two ballet classes for free and she kindly arranged to use the Glebe Community Centre without charge.

Sara McConnell worked her photographic magic again and took these stunning pictures for members to purchase.

Dancers paid $10 for the 50 minute class and received one photograph as part of that cost.

Extra images were bought for $5 each.

The afternoon was full of smiles and laughter!

Very often as mothers of babies and toddlers we feel dowdy or clumsy or grotty.

As you can see, our babywearing ballerinas had an afternoon of beauty, grace and poise!

Thank you to all who took part, to Sara, Ester and the folk at the Glebe Community Centre.

The event raised approximately $600 to go towards the purchasing of carriers for the Babies of Peace Project, where we provide carriers to families going through difficult circumstances.

If you would like to nominate a family for a BoPP carrier please complete this form.

If you have a carrier you would like to donate to this project please complete this form and watch for our reply in your junk mail!

COTW #7- Double Hammock

By Aline Kelly

A big one this week - Double Hammock!

Double Hammock (DH), aka Chunei carry, is a popular carry that has a bit of a learning curve, but is generally considered to be very supportive and comfortable for babes of all ages. In this COTW we will feature not only the classic carry to learn/review, but also many interesting variations and finishes! A different finish or chest belt can redistribute weight and change the feel of the entire carry.

We encourage members to help each other learn, ask questions, post additional helpful links, and to post pics of successful and unsuccessful attempts.

And now... massive amounts of links! Have fun!
Basic Double Hammock carry:
Wear Your Baby - Video + photos
Babywearing Faith:

Becoming Mamas:

Woven wraps - Baby:

Woven wraps - Toddler:

Rebozo DH (with a size 2 or 3 wrap):
Detailed photo instructions from TBW (login required)
tooralei:

Carry Them:

Candy cane chest belt (also shows slipknot finish)

Sling Ring finish:

Tied at shoulder

Tied at shoulder/knotless:

Triple hammock: 

Reasons Why We Wear #9

because I can take my baby places my stroller can't reach.

Average Mama & SSCs

by Tami Grosset
Photographs by Laura Lo

Today we are continuing with our project showing how our 6 favourite soft structured carriers fit mamas with different frames. This week its Average Mama's turn!

Our Average Mama role was shared by Eryn and Alexandra. Alexandra is 5'3" and wears 8-10 dress size. Eryn is 5'5" and wears a size 6.

To recap, the carriers we chose to focus on are;
The Ergobaby (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry)
The Beco Gemini (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry. It also offers a front facing out position but since it was the only carrier in our selection that offered this carry there was nothing to compare it to so we chose not to picture this.)
The Boba (which offers a front facing in and back carry)
The Onya (which offers a front facing in and back carry) 
The Manduca (which offers a front facing in, hip and back carry) and
The Tula, standard (which offers a front facing in and back carry)

Front Facing In

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

 Back Carry

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Boba

Onya

Manduca

Tula

Hip Carry

Ergobaby

Beco Gemini

Manduca

Alexandra, who modeled most of the carriers said that her favourite carrier was the Manduca and her least favourite was the Onya.

'All the carriers fit me well enough but I found the Onya too big for us now and the Gemini a bit small... More so to do with my baby's size than the overall fit. Right now my little one could barely see over it (Onya) so it wasn't my favorite today. Once she's bigger then it might be great!...... What I loved about the Manduca is that you have the option of crossing the straps with a wider seat than the Gemini.'

NB When looking to purchase a SSC it is always recommended to try a carrier first, rather than base the purchase on reviews. Whilst there are some generic fitting issues for certain body frame types the fit of a SSC is very personal and subjective. If you are looking to purchase a new carrier in Ottawa there are many brands that can be tried out first at Milkface, Extraordinary Baby Shoppe and Belly Laughs (see our recommended retailers list). If you are planning to purchase a used carrier the Ottawa Babywearing Group Sling Library has a good selection of SSCs for you to borrow before you make your purchase.