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  No messy hoods, lengthy straps, tassles or  overt, outdated branding.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.

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

Throughout my pregnancy with my first son I travelled extensively. Our little guy had been in Wales, Italy, Ireland, England, Hong Kong and Singapore by the time he was six months inutero. I imagined that once he was born the passion for travel would be innate, and so we planned on making that a reality. By the time Finn was 9 weeks old he had boarded his first flight to Cairns from Melbourne and within his first three years of life he’d boarded 14 planes, visited five other countries and taken many long car trips with us and his new brother around our state. We’ve had some pretty interesting moments along the way, but also learned a few tricks of the trade.

TIPS for SUCCESS

• Book tickets for flights out of peak/business times. You may get a quieter plane, and thus more room to move.
• Breastfeed or give your baby a dummy or bottle during take off and landing if they are awake, to prevent sore ears. Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than you normally would have pre-kids. You never know when you’ll need to change a nappy or a whole outfit (yours or theirs!)
• If you are planning on visiting relatives overseas, plan ahead and do it with your child when they are quite young and less mobile. It will be easier for everyone and won’t create as much frustration for your child.
• Always pack more clothing than you think that you will need. Small people have an incredible habit of making mess.
• Pack a baby carrier.

There are times at an airport or when on a flight that are more difficult than others. Try and plan ahead so that you aren’t standing in a line at the airport at your childs normal nap or sleep time. If this is un-avoidable, use your baby carrier to keep your child close. Busy airports and strange faces galore are overwhelming for small people. Being safely strapped to their favourite people can make a huge difference to how much they cope with these busy places. With more than one child or children over the age of one, a compact stroller, such as the Quinny Zapp is a must have for enabling in-transit naps. The Quinny Zapp is an ideal stroller for travel as it fits into a compact travel bag and suitable to be carried on as on-board luggae.

AT TAKE-OFF & AT LANDING……

• Ask the airline staff for help. You can ask for a ‘meet and greet’ service, in which you’ll get help to get through cues and fast-track baggage collection.
• Ask for a bassinette seat. Depending on your childs age, you may be eligible for one. Even if it isnt a sleep space that suits your child, you can still use the extra foot room, and it’s a great vantage point for a wee one to check out everyone else from up high.
• Request an aisle seat. It’s the perfect place to sit down after walking some laps of the plane with your little one in your baby carrier, without having to climb over the knees of a perfect stranger.
• Please dont medicate your children. Whilst some parents believe that it is appropriate, I feel that parents should be cautious about using sedatives with young children. Dr Sarah Buckley (GP, mother and author) says that “although these are medically safe, they can have the opposite effect in some children, causing hyperactivity and nightmatres. A better alternative is to use physical contact and cuddles, which will reassure as well as soothe. Breastfeeding is an ideal sedative (for both mother and baby) and another excellent remedy is lavender oil, using 1-2 drops on the upper chest, or for a young baby, on their clothing.”

Travelling with children offers an abundance of wonderful experiences and rewards, and with some careful planning and a few ‘Plan B’s’ up your sleeve, taking off with the family can be an incredible time for you all. Happy and safe holidays! Enjoy making some beautiful memories.

About the author - Donna Sheppard-Wright is a former nanny, mother of two delightful rascally sons and juggles a career as a birth attendant/post natal mother’s support with working part time at bebe. We’re lucky to have Donna share her insight into her experience of new-motherhood and how to ensure you have the support you need when your baby arrives. Donna can be contacted at nurture@netspace.net.au.

We all know how much babies love being held and carried, and for some babies this is the only thing that keeps them feeling secure and calm in those early months. The new Sleepy Wrap gets our vote as one of the most comfortable carriers that we have found on the market, both for the carrier (dads too!) and baby. Carrying your baby in a

Sleepy Wrap is also a great way for new dads to bond with baby, and a perfect way to give mum some much needed rest and “me time”.

The benefits of baby carrying are obvious to most (read: happy babies!). For those who havent witnessed this first hand, here are some known facts on the benefits of baby carrying. 

Carried babies -

1. Cry less (43% less overall)*

2. Are healthier (gain weight faster, have better motor skills, coordination, increased muscle tone & sense of balance)*

3. Sleep better (they fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer)*

4. Learn more (not over-stimulated, but calm and alert, observing the world around them)*

5. Are just plain happier!*

There are many different hands-free carriers to choose from. Find out more here as to why the Sleepy Wrap  ($59.95) gets our vote..

Order your Sleepy Wrap here at bebeonline for Fathers Day. Request our special “dads gift wrap” and we will have it gift wrapped and sent to your door within 24 hours of your order, well and truly in time for Fathers Day.

(*Stats taken from reseach featured in the Official Journal of American Pediatrics)