About us.

Hello fellow/future babywearers! 

I’m Caity, I was born and raised on the mainland (Ottawa… so one of the few Sens fans in NL!) in 2011 my husband had a job opportunity out here and I found myself moving from downtown Toronto to St. John’s. Our quick 3 month move turned into a year, then into another, then we bought a house, then we had a baby (which we claim makes us legitimate Newfoundlanders, right?!?). We love the pace and lifestyle that St. John’s offers, especially as a young family, and we hope to stay for as long as possible! 

How did I get into babywearing?

Well, my 3 nephews were all worn from birth, which is a major bonus because it means I have my sister as an incredible resource. In the very early days I spent lots of time on skype going through step-by-step tutorials and making sure I was doing things properly and texting photos across the country for feedback on my carries. 

Before my little guy was born I knew that I was going to wear him, I bought 3 different carriers and did a babywearing workshop with my husband. I didn’t realize exactly what it would do for us so along with my carriers I also bought a big, fancy (/ridiculously expensive…) stroller. Fast-forward to present-day where my stroller sits in the garage and my carrier/wrap collection grows! 

What was my first carrier?

Well, technically an Oscha Bluebell cotton/linen wrap-converted ring sling was my first. 

But... I’d purchased 3 carriers before my little guy was born so in my mind my Boba stretchy wrap in Stardust 

and my Petrol Manduca soft structured carrier were all my firsts ;)

As our family grows, and our stash follows suit, every minute/hour/day/week/month of snuggles and ever-lasting love gets woven into the fibres of these lovely and incredible pieces of cloth and I am externally grateful for this special time.  

We hope to share our stories, learnings, and love for all things baby-wearing with you and ask for your guidance and love in return. 

xo Caity

Hello! I'm Rhonda, an engineer turned stay at home mom. I was born and raised in Newfoundland. My husband and I are now fortunate enough to raise our baby girl with the same love for everything that comes with a Newfoundland upbringing. We love camping, hiking, snowshoeing, biking, cross country skiing...all things outdoors! Most of which we wouldn't be able to do without Babywearing. My proudest Babywearing accomplishment to date was hiking Gros Morne mountain while wearing my 8 month old daughter. (Carrier pictured is a standard canvas Tula in Sugar Plum)

How did I get into Babywearing?

While I was pregnant I knew I wanted to wear my baby. I read about different carriers and watched YouTube videos. While still pregnant I took a Babywearing workshop and was hooked. I bought 3 carriers the following week. I still don't own a stroller. But I do own more carriers ;)

What was my first carrier?

I bought 3 carriers before my baby girl was born: a Sew funky wrap converted ringsling, a Moby stretchy wrap, and a Boba 3G soft structured carrier. 

The first carrier I used was the Moby wrap. It was wonderful in those first days for sleepy cuddles with baby girl.

How did you and Caity meet?

We met in a Hypnobabies child birth class. Our first weeks of classes we exchanged pleasantries and the conversation usually ended there. One week I sheepishly admitted that I had already bought 3 carriers. As soon as Caity exclaimed the words, "So did I!!", a beautiful friendship was born. A friendship that would eventually be filled with 8 hour play dates, middle of the night messages about wrap converted anything, and loads of Babywearing walks/hikes/snowshoes/movies/lunches/anywhere else you can wear a baby :)

Where to begin?

It's a tough thing choosing a new carrier/wrap, especially if you're just entering into the babywearing world. There are abbreviations, opinions, and there are SO many options!

Typically if you ask the simple question "What should I get?" You will get a TON of different answers that will likely leave you feeling more unsure than you were to begin with! So then you wonder why nobody will give you a straight answer? Well, it's mostly because there are so many factors - how old/heavy is your baby? Are you looking for something for quick ups/downs or for long periods? Do you mind if there's a bit of a learning curve? Are you wanting to buy one carrier or multiple? What's your budget? People definitely have their preferences, but you will learn that even those are fluid and constantly changing!

Over the next little while we will go over some of the "popular" choices to help break it down and hopefully aid your decision making process to get you wearing your baby happily and comfortably. 

These are the five different types of carriers we will be looking at:

- Stretchy Wraps

- Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) 

- Ring Slings (RS)

- Woven Wraps (WW)

- Mei Tais (MT)

I really hope this will help, but, well, if all else fails then just keep it simple and... 

Babywearing Yoga Fundraiser

How to Break in a New Wrap

All wraps, like your favourite pair of jeans, need a breaking in period to stretch and soften the fabric. This will ultimately lead to a wrap that is soft and easy to work with. Buying a wrap second hand is a great way to skip the break in period. But, if you've taken the plunge and bought a brand new wrap there are lots of fun ways to break it in. Here is a list of 14 ways to break in your new purchase.

1. Wash it 

Wash in the washing machine a couple of times in lukewarm water. Be sure to check out the washing instructions for your wrap - if you don't have a manual the company website is usual the best place to go!

2. Dry it

Hang it to dry on a door overnight. You can also dry it in the dryer with no heat and dryer balls.

3. Iron it

Turn up the heat and iron both sides. 

4. Braid it

Check out YouTube for video tutorials on how to braid/unbraid a woven wrap. A quick google search shows this one as the first hit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHf9EFP_LNU

A tip from an anonymous wrap break in expert, "Be aware that braiding linen may cause perma-creasing. Perma-creasing doesn't affect the safety of the wrap, only the look. But if you are thinking of reselling this wrap down the road, that's something to keep in mind. Some buyers don't care but some do."

5. Sit on it

Sitting on your wrap will help soften the fabric. Bring it in the car and sit on it while driving. 

6. Sleep with it 

Sleeping with your new wrap will have the added benefit of the wrap absorbing your scent. Your baby will love being carried in it even more. 

7. Use it as a blanket 

Little J takes breaking in a new wrap as very serious business. 

8. Swing on it

For a really fun wrap swing follow this tutorial http://www.joyfulabode.com/2013/05/25/woven-wrap-swing-winning-mom-of-the-year/

Other ways to make a wrap swing include:

• have two adults hold each end of the wrap and a young child lie in the middle 
• tie the wrap to a narrow place such as a ceiling rafter or chin up bar (see number 10 below)

9. Use it as a hammock

Make a woven wrap hammock using your dinning room table by following this tutorial: http://www.joyfulabode.com/2012/07/29/how-to-make-a-woven-wrap-hammock/ This hammock is great for toddlers.


For smaller babies tie a double knot to the short sides of crib rails and place the baby on the middle of the wrap. See http://paxbaby.com/tag/wrap-hammock/ for an example.

10. Weight it 

Tie your wrap to a chin up bar (or what ever you have on hand) and hang free weights in it. Leave the weight there overnight.

11. Run it through banister slats

Bonus break in points if the wrap is braided when you run it through the banister slats.

12. Play tug of war

This one needs no explanation. Make a game out of it. The winner doesn't need to do dishes or change diapers tonight!

13. Wrap with it!

Use it, use it, use it! The more you wrap with it, the softer and floppier it will get. So be sure to give it some good good lovin'!

14. Send it Travelling! 

No, not an around-the-world tour, there's no expense required for this type of travel... Just have it "babysat" by fellow wrappers, friends with toddlers or heavy babies, and others who will help you give it all the love it deserves. 

Happy wrapping! 

xo

Monday Meme

While on the topic of babywearing safety...

Ok, well I guess we weren't technically on the topic of safety, but since it's always on our minds and oh so important I thought it was time for a post! 

A great question came up recently and got me thinking... How many babywearers out there really consider the safety of their child in a carrier? 

Knowing that everyone learns and absorbs new information differently, I figured I would include a variety of safety lessons and reminders. If you ever have questions or feel like something doesn't seem right, trust your instinct and be sure to ask (preferably ask someone who is an experienced and knowledgable babywearer 😉). 

Health Canada released this great campaign for safe babywearing in 2013. 

I also love th T.I.C.K.S. Checklist:

The BCIA (Baby Carrier Industry Alliance) is the regulating board for baby carriers and has a fantastic website that is a great resource. http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/babywearing-safety/consumers/

Finally, here are the "Absolute Rules" from Babywearing International. Please pop over to check out all of their safety recommendations at http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/safety.php

1. Make sure your baby can breathe. Baby carriers allow parents to be hands-free to do other things … but you must always remain active in caring for your child. No baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your job.

a. Never allow a baby to be carried, held, or placed in such a way that his chin is curled against his chest. This rule applies to babies being held in arms, in baby carriers, in infant car seats, or in any other kind of seat or situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe. Newborns lack the muscle control to open their airways. They need good back support in carriers so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.

b. Never allow a baby’s head and face to be covered with fabric. Covering a baby’s head and face can cause her to “rebreathe” the same air, which is a dangerous situation. Also, covering her head and face keeps you from being able to check on her. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow. Check on her frequently.

2. Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline, or do any other activity that subjects your baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion. “This motion can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain,” explains the American Chiropractic Association.

3. Never use a baby carrier when riding in a car. Soft baby carriers provide none of the protection that car seats provide.

4. Use only carriers that are appropriate for your baby’s age and weight. For example, frame backpacks can be useful for hiking with older babies and toddlers but aren’t appropriate for babies who can’t sit unassisted for extended periods. Front packs usually have a weight range of 8 to 20 pounds; smaller babies may slip out of the carrier, and larger babies will almost certainly cause back discomfort for the person using the carrier.

An "ergonomic" baby carrier!?

I was chatting with a physiotherapist the other day about how "mommy-ergonomics" really isn't something people think about and how most of what we, as mothers, do on a daily basis can result in injury or long-term pain for undescerning mothers. Nursing positions, lifting and carrying our children, picking toys up off the floor, the endless time spent lifting things (and people!) in and out of our cars... The simple shift to carrying your baby using an ergonomic carrier can really make a big difference! 

You may be thinking: What is an 'ergonomic' carrier, is it just a buzz word to make me pay more?!? Absolutely not!

Now, I will start off by saying if you currently use, or have used, a carrier that is not ergonomic are you are certainly not "wrong" or "bad" or hurting your child in any way. But, choosing an ergonomic carrier will help you carry your baby longer and help keep both of you comfortable and pain-free!

An ergonomic carrier helps to create an ideal position for carrying a baby. The wide seat of an ergonomic carrier will help the baby to be seated with their bum deep in the carrier, their legs in an "M-position" and with a "C-curve" in their spine. This ideal position for hip and spine development of the child will also greatly reduce the tension in the back of the wearer. A win-win!

There has been a lot of chatter about carriers that "cause" hip dysplasia. Not the case. International Hip Dysplasia Institute suggests using a carrier where the "Thigh is supported to the knee joint. The forces on the hip joint are minimal because the legs are spread, supported, and the hip is in a more stable position."

So, you're interested in an ergonomic carrier and wondering where to go from here? Woven wraps (WW) and Mei Tais (MT) are wonderful options that allow you to build/customize the seat to get a perfect fit for you and your child. Alternatively, a SSC (Soft Structured Carrier) is a fairly user friendly/snap-n-go option. 

Finally, it's important to note that a carrier is a bit like a pair of jeans, what works great for one person doesn't necessarily mean it will be the one for you. Do some research, read reviews, talk to other babywearers, and, if possible, take it for a 'test drive' before you buy. 

Enjoy your adventure into the world of ergonomic baby carrying! 

xo

*See more about hip dysplasia and baby carriers at: http://hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/#sthash.9nKVWki4.dpuf

Monday Meme

Inaugural St. John's Sling Meet

Friday, May 23 at 1:00pm
2 Catalina Place St. John's


The first official St. John’s Sling Meet!

This is a knowledge-sharing get-together where you can ask questions, share skills, learn carries, admire and try out a variety of carriers, and spend time with like-minded parents.

Keep in mind that none of us hold a PhD in babywearing and that this is an informal peer-to-peer meeting.

Everyone is welcome regardless of babywearing experience, carriers of choice, age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding are welcomed.

Located just off Stavanger behind Princess Auto. Street parking is available, and up to two cars are welcome to park side-by-side in our lane way.

Some of the carriers that people are bringing:

• Osha cotton-linen WCRS
• Manduca
• size 4 Girasol
• size 6 Vitani
• Possibly a Boba stretchy wrap
• WCMT
• Toddler Tula
• Boba 4g
• Beco soleil
• Cotton/linen blend ring sling
• Sew funky WCRS
• Moby wrap
• Boba 3G
• Beco gemini
• Chimparoo mai-tai
• size 5 Little Frog cotton/merino wrap

Monday Meme

Wordless Wednesday: Winter Fun

Monday Meme

Wordless Wednesday: Caitlyn's recent trip to France

Monday Meme

I have carried you, always

Posted with permission from http://www.naturalmamas.co.uk/blog/i-have-carried-you-always/

I have carried you, always.

Before you were conceived, I carried a part of you in my soul. When I met your father, I looked into his eyes and saw the other part of you, and knew you, and prayed that you would come to be.

Before you were born, I carried you in my womb. When you were restless I sang to you and soothed you and told you how I loved you.

When you were born, I carried you in my arms. I kissed you and held you and put you to my breast, so that you would know that there is light and warmth and goodness in the world.

Later, I wrapped you in cloth and carried you close to my heart. I held you close so that you could hear that my heart beats like yours; that we are the same, you and I, and that you would never have to cry alone.

After a while, I carried you on my back, so that you could look at the world with confidence and joy and know that you belonged; so that you could share all of the beauty of the world as an equal to all that live in it.

Now, later still, I carry you when you are tired or fearful. So that you know that no matter how weary you become, or what life holds, you can always depend on others for support and comfort.

When you grow older, my darling, and your adventures take you further from my arms, know that even in my last hour I will carry you. I will carry you in my heart, for you are always with me.

I will carry you, always.

- Christine Maguire

© Christine Maguire for Natural Mamas 2011-2012

Government of Canada Safe Babywearing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Babywearing? 

Babywearing is the practice of holding or carrying a baby with the use of a sling or baby carrier. It is a great way to keep your baby close and secure while keeping your hands free.

As first time moms, we have already experienced many benefits of babywearing from the simplest things like brushing our hair and teeth or making ourselves something to eat, to tidying up the kitchen or doing a load of laundry. The freedom to have both hands free while having your little one close (and happy!) is priceless. Babywearing is also extremely helpful with more important things like being able sooth a sleepy newborn or a fussy teether, not to mention increasing milk production through skin-to-skin time and the ability to nurse of the fly.

Dr. William Sears has done extensive research on babywearing and has identified five main benefits:

• Sling babies cry less: Anthropologists who travel throughout the world studying infant-care practices in other cultures agree that infants in babywearing cultures cry much less. Parents of fussy babies who try babywearing relate that their babies seem to forget to fuss. 
• Sling babies learn more: If infants spend less time crying and fussing, what do they do with the free time? They learn! Sling babies spend more time in the state of quiet alertness. Researchers have also reported that carried babies show enhanced visual and auditory alertness.
• Sling babies are more organized: By extending the womb experience, the babywearing mother (or father) provides an external regulating system that balances the irregular and disorganized tendencies of the baby. Babywearing reminds the baby of the womb and continues the motion and balance enjoyed in the womb.
• Sling babies get “humanized” earlier: Proximity increases interaction, and baby can constantly be learning how to be human. Carried babies are intimately involved in their parents’ world because they participate in what mother and father are doing. Baby is more exposed to and involved in what is going on around him.
• Sling babies are smarter: Because baby is intimately involved in the mother and father’s world, he or she is exposed to and participates in the environmental stimuli that mother/father selects. Baby is protected from those stimuli that bombard or overload her developing nervous system. 

Read more about it on his website: www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/fussy-baby/baby-wearing

Is Babywearing safe?

As with everything concerning your little ones babywearing requires extra attention and awareness to the safety of the baby.

Babywearing International provides many safety tips that we suggest reading carefully prior to wearing your baby. http://babywearinginternational.org/articles.php?article=2

Here is a synopsis of their “Absolute Rules”:

1. Make sure your baby can breathe. Baby carriers allow parents to be hands-free to do other things … but you must always remain active in caring for your child. No baby carrier can ensure that your baby always has an open airway; that’s your job.
   1. Never allow a baby to be carried, held, or placed in such a way that his chin is curled against his chest. This rule applies to babies being held in arms, in baby carriers, in infant car seats, or in any other kind of seat or situation. This position can restrict the baby’s ability to breathe. Newborns lack the muscle control to open their airways. They need good back support in carriers so that they don’t slump into the chin-to-chest position.
   2. Never allow a baby’s head and face to be covered with fabric. Covering a baby’s head and face can cause her to “rebreathe” the same air, which is a dangerous situation. Also, covering her head and face keeps you from being able to check on her. Always make sure your baby has plenty of airflow. Check on her frequently.
2. Never jog, run, jump on a trampoline, or do any other activity that subjects your baby to similar shaking or bouncing motion. “This motion can do damage to the baby’s neck, spine and/or brain,” explains the American Chiropractic Association.
3. Never use a baby carrier when riding in a car. Soft baby carriers provide none of the protection that car seats provide.
4. Use only carriers that are appropriate for your baby’s age and weight. For example, frame backpacks can be useful for hiking with older babies and toddlers but aren’t appropriate for babies who can’t sit unassisted for extended periods. Front packs usually have a weight range of 8 to 20 pounds; smaller babies may slip out of the carrier, and larger babies will almost certainly cause back discomfort for the person using the carrier.

What is a Sling meet?

A Sling Meet is a great opportunity to get together with other babywearers in our community. Whether you’re looking for tips and pointers, to test out a new carrier, or just to hangout with some fellow NLBWs, a Sling Meet is the perfect place!

Anyone is welcome to join so pop by our Facebook page for more details on upcoming dates and locations. We hope to meet you soon!

What is the Sling library?

NLBW has a great big goal to run a local Sling library to provide local parents with the opportunity to access a variety of carriers for week-long loans.

Welcome to the Newfoundland Baby-Wearers (NLBW) Blog!

NLBW is a community group with a focus on all things babywearing. Based in St. John’s, our mission is to provide a safe place to share our enthusiasm and love of wearing our babies, while providing support and information for new and seasoned babywearers alike.

On this blog you will find information about babywearing options, safety, and local events. We welcome new members to join us on our Facebook page for lively conversation as well as details on local Sling Meets and our local Sling Library.

Find us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/NLBabyWearers/

Please leave a comment below to introduce yourselves!