“Baby Wearing” was a style of parenting I was essentially unfamiliar with. Sure, my ‘cluck’ had been activated anytime I caught a glimpse of a mother with a bouncing bundle of joy strapped to her chest (double the effect if it was the father carrying the baby!). I just didn’t think I was the baby wearing type. I certainly wasn’t the earthy looking mother featured in some advertising, and definitely not the fit, tanned, outdoorsy hiking mama featured in others. As I researched further though, it became apparent that the benefits to the child of an ‘in arms’ phase, far outweighed any reservations I held about type casting.

From the moment I lowered Alex into his wrap style carrier, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of ‘rightness’. I quickly realised that I wasn’t the ‘baby in his own room’ kind of mother I thought I would be. Feeling his heartbeat, sharing his warmth, and the sight of those little feet poking out the bottom just melted my heart. Alex slept soundly when in his carrier and I learned how to do everything and nothing with him attached. Our first solo outing to the local shop, startling in it’s intensity after weeks at home, was made less anxious for me by his proximity. He was safe. We were a single unit. Christmas Day was a noisy, family filled affair. Six week old Alex slept contentedly against my chest the entire time! Aside from the evening I choked on a piece of steak and had to alternate trying to free Alex from the wrap while giving myself the Heimlich Manoeuvre, wearing Alex became as natural as getting dressed in the morning.

Sundays in our house mean early mornings spent at the local Farmers Markets, stocking up on seasonal fruits and vegetables for the week ahead. Free from the peril of navigating through crowds and the constant ‘oops, sorry’ as I run into yet another stranger’s heels with the pram, I can wander the markets, hands free, casting the odd sympathetic look to frazzled pram pushing mothers, Alex on my back happily sucking on a chunk of banana. Not to mention the added bonus of all that boot space freed up by leaving the pram at home. More room for shopping!

As he nears his first birthday, Alex is anything but the clingy, spoiled child that is so often thought a carried child would be. He is used to being at the centre of attention, without being the centre of attention, so happily transfers this security to his play and rapidly increasing independence. If he is having an off day, I can pop him in the carrier and he calms quickly. What I didn’t expect though, is when he’s on my back, I get a strange urge to don khaki shorts and hiking boots and hit the trails! Just like breastfeeding, carrying Alex isn’t something I plan on giving up anytime soon. The bond is too strong, the benefits too great, although as you can see, it renders the “I can’t do the housework, the baby was fussy’ excuse, completely useless!

For those interested in the carriers seen in my pics - they are the Sleepy Wrap, Baby Bjorn and Ergo Sport Baby Carrier.

Most readers of this blog would know I am a big fan of baby-wearing.  That is, I carry my babies for as long as I can and as often as they need.  Both babies have loved being carried and spent much of their first year of life in a carrier - sleeping, feeding and just being. We have (gulp!)  6 different baby carriers and on top of this have trialled and returned a number of carriers sent to us by potential suppliers.  You name it, we’ve tried it.

Before I discuss my recent trial of the new BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier, I must share my past experience with the other Baby Bjorn models (Active and Original).    In all honesty, I have never found my Baby Bjorn carriers to be overly  comfortable for carrying babies over long periods.  My husband on the other hand, has always found the Baby Bjorn carriers THE MOST comfortable over the rest.  When I quizzed my chiropractor about this variance in comfort factor, he said (as diplomatically as possible) it was’ all in the boobs’. Ie Women have them and men don’t. When a baby is carried on the chest by  a woman, the woman’s chest draws the centre of gravity point outwards away from the main body frame, resulting in  more strain on the shoulders to carry the weight of baby. When a man carries a baby on the chest, the baby is held much closer to the frame (which is also usually a stronger frame), resulting in much less strain and an even balance of weight. Such an explanation makes complete sense to me.

Despite my previous history of discomfort with BabyBjorn Carriers, I loved the fact that the baby can face out and also that hubby was more than happy to carry them in the BabyBjorn carrier as his carrier of choice.  They also always served as a fantastic distraction during arsenic hour - for baby to be able to face out and enjoy the world was sometimes the difference between a noisy strung out afternoon in our household and one that was somewhat more relaxed.

Which brings me to my test of BabyBjorn’s latest release -  the new BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier. The main difference between this model and the other Baby Bjorn carriers is that the baby’s weight is transferred to hips to prevent the shoulder and back ache just discussed. It is also designed so that you can carry your baby from 3 months to 2 years of age. Both of these are huge advantages.  It’s also made from breathable organic cotton and (like the other BabyBjorn carriers) , it looks sleek and neat.  No messy hoods, lengthy straps, tassles or  overt, outdated branding.  Just cool, scando simplicity.

During my trial, I’ve used it on many late afternoons/early evenings when nothing else will settle Miss H (now  12 months and 12kg) other than being held by Mum. To carry her facing in at this time of day is often more of a source of frustration than comfort as she doesn’t get a view of anything but an extreme close up of my chest.  Arsenic hour (4-7pm) in our house is usually a very messy time of day mostly ridden with destruction rather than production, however I’ve found I  am often able to pop her in the Comfort Carrier facing out and still get a few chores done (such as emptying the dishwasher or do a load of washing).  I will also often take her and Master L for  a stroll down to the park to watch the activity of the world go by whilst we wait for Dad to arrive home.  For longer periods (ie 40 mins plus) I still have a personal preference for my Ergo Carrier as the most comfortable option, especially given Miss H is at the upper end of the scale (the BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier is recommended for up to 2 years or 14kg). I rarely see babies her age in carriers anymore, so yes, you could say I am in the “high-user” category.

I’m not in a position to conclude or even comment as to how I would have found it 9 months /6kg) ago. I dare say it would have been more comfortable for longer walks with lighter weight.    As for ease of use, I found that BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier substantially easier to put on than my other similar carriers, which can be very frustrating to get on especially when you have an un-settled baby crying for the closeness. That said, putting baby in the BabyBjorn Carrier did feel a little awkward as you have to hold the baby up high in the air and slide them through the carrier. Once again perhaps something that gets easier with use.

It’s impossible to recommend one carrier that suits everyone as different carriers suit babies for different stages and lifestyles. Just as different prams/strollers suit babies at different stages.     Not everyone can be expected to have a plethora of carriers on hand, however it is becoming more common for our customers to have two carriers.  We highly encourage you to trial carriers through friends and our baby carrier library, as the only way to know is to use the carrier yourself and assess you baby’s response.  After all happy and comfortable parents = happy babies:)

Bebe’s range of baby carriers can be found here.

My first baby Billy was a whopping  9.75 pounds. He had reflux and colic and would only sleep for 30 minutes at a time, if I held him upright . The novelty of sitting on my butt nursing a baby purely so he could sleep wore off as quickly as the selection of midday movies.

Enter the Baby Bjorn active carrier. I looked at the whole range of carriers and went with this one purely for the added back support (also because my husband thought it was the least feminine of the entire carrier range and was more likely to use it). Billy loved it, I could pat him to sleep on the bottom with one hand as I cooked dinner or did the groceries. It was great to use if we were out at any social event (although few and far between!). I felt more at ease with him next to me and I found it quite easy to transfer him asleep from the carrier to the car seat. Even in the humid weather we both didn’t get that hot.

I currently use it with my 2nd child (Patrick) who is 5 months old and find it just as good. He loves it when I do the shopping and seated in the front facing position plays with Billy (now 2) who sits in the trolley. Even after a c-section I still felt it was easy to use from about the 3 week mark. The only downside it that when my babies hit the 8kg mark the time I could carry them started to decrease and my back would start to hurt after about 40 minutes. I would highly recommend the Baby Bjorn Active.

Images is of Patrick asleep in the carrier…yes I have a fake beard and a bandage on my hand, we were at a Vegas themed party and I was dressed as a character from the movie ‘The Hangover’!

Meet Sara, one of our new resident Road Testers.  Sara is Mum to Patrick and Billy and is from New Souht Wales.  Welcome aboard Sara! We look forward to reading Sara’s Road Tests and also her Guest Blogs.

We bowled,

ate yummy food,

and most importantly (for me!), we shopped!

At day’s end, I was amazed with all that we were able to do. Even better was the absence of the aches (lower back for me, upper back for hubby) and exhaustion we got from our old sling!

Here are our observations:

Cons:

1. Because the fabric is sooooo long, tying it up with the ends not skimming the floor is impossible.

2. Putting bub inside the folds is a little unwieldy, but I’m thinking practice will make it easier.

3. It looks snazzy when wearing bub. But without her, we looked like we were in costume…   

Pros:

1. Sleepywrap’s elasticity is just right to make Kyan comfortably snug.

2. It did not droop the whole time she was on me, I didn’t feel that she was going to slide down or pop out over the top.

3. It provided such excellent support that not once did I catch myself leaning back or stooping my shoulders.

4. And the best part: my hands and arms were totally free to browse and pay for my shopping goodies!

That’s a full family approval of Sleepywrap from us!

Meet Rea, one of our new resident Road Testers.  Rea is Mum to Riley and Kyan and is from Victoria.  Welcome aboard Rea! We look forward to reading Rea’s Road Tests and also her Guest Blogs.

Last Friday, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning for sling carriers stating that some bag slings  may pose a suffocation hazard for infants four months and younger. They have specifically quoted the Infantino sling (please see here for official warning).
Bebe is of the optinion that wearing an infant in a well-constructed carrier  and using proper babywearing techniques are of utmost importance. When done properly, babywearing is a very safe and beneficial parenting tool.

When caregivers learn to use their carriers properly while keeping safety and common sense in mind, babywearing can be just as safe, or safer, as carrying a baby in-arms. A correctly-used baby carrier’s positioning should mimic how you would hold a baby in your arms.  The photo above shows the correct way to hold a baby in a sling.  When positioning a baby in a sling, ensure:

- A normal in-arms holding position is fairly snug to your chest with baby semi-upright

 - Check to ensure that your baby is not curled up tightly in a chin-to-chest position; this compresses your baby’s airway. Making sure there is a fingers’ width or two between their chin and chest is a good guide.
Make sure your baby’s back is straight and supported.

- Monitor your child at all times. Make sure nothing is obstructing their face.

-Be aware of how your movements affect the baby: avoid any bumping or jarring motions.

We remain committed to promoting babywearing with numerous benefits for both babies and their caregivers. Always observe precautions listed in manufacturer instructions and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of wearing your baby.

Note- Please note the safety precautions relate to bag sling carriers and not to upright carriers such as the Baby Bjorn, Sleepy Wrap, and Ergo Carriers.

This week’s Facebook contest gives you the opportunity to win a Baby Bjorn Organic Active Carrier (valued at $219.95). Entering is as easy as carrying a baby. We want to know WHAT BABY PRODUCT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT?  A favourite lovey? DVD/CD?, Bath toy? or that hidden bottle of only-after-5pm-vodka (maybe not . . .) Whatever it is, we want to know and you just have to tell us.

To enter, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/bebeonline and post your answer. You will see our competition on the Facebook Wall. 

Please note this contest has now closed. Congratulations to Amy Green!

I thought I’d share this family shot taken last week in sunny San Francisco.  We were suprised by how miles the Stokke Xplory stroller clocked up in that it was our five year old Liam doing all the cruising, whle Harper (shown right) travelled nice & close in the Ergo Sport. It did make it much easier navigating through the city knowing both kiddies were safely restrained (so to speak!).

I recall feeling a tad self conscious after taking this snap as I looked up to find a stream of downtown office workers diverting their  path off the sidewalk and on to the road to acccomodate the capture of our family moment. I asked my Dad  (shown left) who is a local  ”Do we look like tourists, Dad?’ . His response as he watched  me zip up my camera and sling it around my neck was frank, yet gentle”I would say, yes”.

We finally reached a point where we just had to try and go out to eat food on plates, served proudly by others, surrounded by people who were also seated - you know, normal life. But with a 4 month old were we just kidding ourselves? Perhaps, but we had to give it a go. We strapped on the New Ergo Sports Carrier, placed Harper inside, held our breath and off we went. We have found the Ergo to be a very comfortable carrier with its padded shoulder straps and perfectly placed waist belt, it works extremely well for me and the missus. Harper fell asleep quickly and allowed us to walk briefly, sneak into the cafe order and when she awoke, she was calmly sitting, watching me and the others in the cafe get along with their normal lives. The difference with the Ergo is that it takes the weight mostly around the hips making it a more comfortable option. The baby enjoys the walking motion which is generated by the hip movement. The Ergo is on the frequently used list and is worth a research. Based on our use we are recommending it. Want to go to the product listing? Read more about the Ergo Sport baby carrier here…

Theres been a gap on bebe’s carrier shelf for some time now as we just couldnt find  the right product to fill it. An adjustable sling in simple non - offensive colours is what we needed.. Too much to ask? Well until now, yes. We found adjustable slings but they were either tie die or paisley. We found simple colours but they werent adjustable. We think you get the drift.

We’re loving the new Mini Monkey slings not only for these two features (love, love love the grey), but also due to the longevity and range of positions possible. We know your attention span is as short as ours so we’ve put together a graphical guide to these positions (below)…

0 - 3 months

Banana (foetal position)
Baby can be carried in the sling in the banana position from birth. The baby hears the heartbeat of the sling wearer and is in the fœtal position, reminding him of the cozy womb he just left. The sling is also great for discreet breastfeeding.

Hammock position
The baby sling can also be used as a hammock in the playpen. Gently rocking the hammock to-and-fro will put baby to sleep. Also helpful for babies with colic. The sling can also be used in larger playpens - in this case it should be hung diagonally in a corner.

3 months +
Kangaroo position
Once baby’s back is stronger, the kangaroo position can be used. In this position baby sits facing forward in the sling with feet forward and up high. Baby’s head leans against the sling strap.

Belly position
In the belly sit the baby/toddler sit with their belly against the wearer’s belly. Baby’s legs come out the bottom of the sling. The sling is a ’seat’ with the sling also supporting baby’s back. In this position the older the child, the lower the sling can be on their back as they increasingly need less back support.

Toddlers up to 12 kg
Hipster position
Once the toddler’s back is strong enough you can use the hipster position. In this position the clasp sits on the chest so that the sling will sit just above your hip. The toddler sits in the sling with legs coming out on either side of the wearer’s hip

 Check out the range of Mini Monkey slings here