We’ve drooled over BumGenius for some time now and are thrilled to add their cloth diaper line. BumGenius 4.0 diapers have just been launched and we think they are simply fab!

We love that the BumGenius 4.0′s offer an option of snap closures & a more generous fit for big babies/ toddlers. Both my cloth diapered babies were big, so I always test one-size diapers to see if they offer a good fit for both tiny, new babies and big babies/ toddlers. The BumGenius 4.0 has unique s-t-r-e-t-c-h tabs that ensure a comfy fit around both big and tiny tummy’s.

BumGenius 4.0′s are one-size pocket diapers that include 2 microfiber inserts. The super-thirsty microfiber insert is stuffed under the soft stay-dry suedecloth lining that keeps baby dry & comfortable. With a newborn, you use the small insert which keeps the diaper trim and suitable in size for a tiny newborn.  As baby grows you use the one-size insert which can can be snapped to 3 sizes that coordinate to the 3 rise settings of the diaper. So you have 3 sizes (small, medium & large) in one diaper fitting babies 8- 35+ lbs.

An outer layer of waterproof PUL is breathable and soft to the touch. New to BumGenius 4.0 diapers is the option of snap waist closures. We love snaps for durability… & toddlers who’ll seek any opportunity to pull off their diaper! Hook & loop (velcro) is as easy as disposables, ideal for new babies (& their new parents!).

Available in a rainbow of fun colours with free shipping on orders over $50 in Canada!

We are proud members of the newly formed Baby Carrier Industry Alliance. These past few months have been a hard road for babywearing retailers & manufacturers since the CPSC warning regarding baby slings. The warning was issued due to the dangers posed to babies by bag slings and improper sling use. We absolutely advocate for safe sling use and are deeply saddened that the current climate is causing some new parents to dismiss all slings as unsafe. As with most baby gear, they are absolutely safe when used properly.

The following is written is written by a colleague and perfectly sums up the current situation:

“Babywearing goes back for millennia. For as long as people have had babies and also had work to do, they’ve improvised carriers for them. I won’t claim that babies were always carried in a sling of some kind; I don’t think that was ever true, since there was probably a grandma who was happy to just hold and dandle the baby, but hands-on has been our way of life for much of human history.

Until probably the middle of the last century, babywearing in some form was the norm. Then parenting trends swung in a “less [contact] is more” direction, and the norm in most Western cultures became strollers, cribs, swings, playpens, high chairs, bouncers, and a thousand variations on “Put the baby in that thing instead of holding her — it’s more civilized.” And we lost our babywearing culture.

Well, as it turns out, being held is what babies expect. Barring extreme circumstances, 99% of babies simply do better when they’re held. Newborns grow faster, because they can devote less energy to fussing and more to learning and growing. They gain upper body strength and balance through their caregivers’ movements. It’s as though their little bodies expect to be held… and that appears to be the case. Human infants evolved (or were created, if you prefer) to be close to their parents. Their newborn instincts all make it easier for us to hold them, and for them to hold close to us. Our milk is digested quickly, unlike that of species where the young are left in a nest alone. Being held isn’t something special and extra; it’s what babies instinctively expect, and when they don’t get that contact, their development will likely not be as good as when they receive it.

All this to say that babywearing is important. Most parents would be happy to hold their newborn babies all day, but most parents also have a lot of stuff that needs to get done. Cleaning, caring for other children, working, traveling… all these things require at least one free hand and often two, and if we’re not careful, we may find that we’ve gone for hours without touching our smallest children. That’s bad for us, and it’s bad for them, too.

A well-designed baby carrier allows you to do what you need to do, and also care for your baby’s needs. Such a carrier is designed to hold your baby the same way you would hold her in your arms, keeping her close and safe. Badly-designed carrier put the baby in an awkward or uncomfortable position, leading to pain in the wearer and discomfort for the baby; unfortunately, badly-designed carriers are also the majority of those that are available in big-box stores, because they’re made by companies who hire engineers to come up with the design, not parents who’ve actually used and modified the carriers by using them with their own children.

So, why is the BCIA important? Right now, the CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) requires that there be a testable standard for all durable infant products. As of last year, baby slings and carriers are counted in that category, but we do not yet have a standard, despite the heroic efforts of a few in the WAHM babywearing community to work with the ASTM to write one. Due to recent recalls (i.e. the Infantino Sling Rider) there is a lot of industry interest in creating the standard quickly. The question becomes, do we want big companies writing the standard, which may then be formulated so that the small, individually-sewn carriers will almost certainly not be able to comply, or do we want the standard to encompass safe practices and designs that even a home crafter can comply with?

The latter is certainly possible; as we’ve seen, simple cloth carriers have been used safely for generations, with fewer deaths and injuries per use than many other nursery products (including cribs, strollers, bath seats, and high chairs). However, if we don’t band together as an industry, the standards will not be written by us, but by big corporations for whom the bottom line is more important than a baby’s actual needs. Adequate participation in the standards process takes more than just volunteers. We need to pay experts and lawyers, and that all takes money — a LOT of money.

In addition, there are things going on that are even more frightening, but that we are not at liberty to discuss publicly, much as we wish we could. Our industry, and our babywearing way of life, truly is at risk. I can’t put it stronger than that. The threat is real. We need funding to pay lawyers and other experts in order to protect our industry from complete dissolution, to keep our businesses, large and small, from being shut down one by one.

We know that babywearing is safe, healthy, and necessary. What we need is the funding and (wo)manpower to convince the powers that be. Unless we act quickly, we could see the end of babywearing as we know it, not only in the US, but in countries that look to the legislation passed in the US to generate their own.

A simple piece of cloth will always be available, but to protect everything else, the BCIA needs your help. Even the smallest donation is better than nothing. If you have a large stash, consider a dollar for each carrier. Sell a carrier and donate the proceeds. Donate a dollar for the combined ages of the children you’ve worn in safe, well-designed carriers.  We need everyone’s help.”

http://www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org/

-Jan A. Heirtzler, Sleeping Baby Productions LLC
copied with permission

Our weehuggers just arrived and we are over the moon! They are simply fabulous. Moms love the fun prints, especially since they are PUL laminated so you have a soft cotton exterior and and a waterproof interior. Choose from fab prints for boys & girls; many are designer favorites!

click any image to enlarge

Weehuggers are designed with flaps that help keep your diaper insert or prefold in place. We’re very impressed with the quality of construction. The flaps are a soft organic cotton/ bamboo knit that is PUL laminated: so you have the natural goodness of organic cotton next to baby’s skin, and PUL on the underside of the bamboo knit which will allow baby to stay dryer & more comfortable.

Weehuggers are a 2-size system for babies 7-35lbs. Size 1 fits up 6-18 lbs & size 2 fits 15-35 lbs. They’re designed for use with Weehuggers bamboo/ organic cotton inserts or prefolds (you may also use disposable inserts such as Flip or gDiapers). Choose from cute mitten hook & loop closure (velcro) or snaps. We love the durability of snaps and they are baby-proof, meaning baby can’t pull them off.  Hook & loop closures are ideal for night-time changes when your blurry eyes can’t find the snaps, and are also husband friendly!

Now in stock in huge selection of prints for baby boys & girls! Shop hook & loop styles or shop snap styles.

The babywearing world is a buzz with the just released carrier from Beco: the Gemini 4-in-1 baby carrier.  The Gemini has been highly anticipated since debuting last fall, babywearers (& retailers) have been anxiously waiting for it’s release. The Gemini is a new line of carriers that Beco will be offering in addition to their popular Beco Butterfly 2 Baby Carrier.

How does the Gemini compare to the Butterfly 2? The major differences are that the Beco Butterfly has a removable infant insert and Y panel harness that goes between baby’s legs. Many new babywearers like this feature especially for back carry’s. Beco Butterfly fits babies 7-45 lbs and Gemini is 7-35 lbs.

The unique & innovative feature of the Beco Gemini is the folding wing-like panels at the seat of the carrier. You may snap it to a narrow position for brand new babies with legs out (facing in), and also use it for forward facing-out with babies 3 mos+. Fold the panels inwards to a narrow position & snap into place, OR expand them outwards to a wide position quick as a snap! At the wide position, the seat is approx 2cm narrower in width compared to the Beco Butterfly. The wide position is ideal for babies 4 mos+ when facing inwards as it ensures an ergonomically correct position.

The Beco Gemini has no Y panel or harness/ infant insert. It has a padded folding headrest and shoulder straps that can be worn backpack style or crossed across your back when baby is in a front carry (the Butterfly 2 shoulder straps can only be worn backpack style, not crossed). The Butterfly also has a removable sleeping hood.

The Beco Butterfly can be worn front facing in or on your back: the Gemini can be worn front facing-in, front facing-out, on your hip and on your back. The Butterfly has a 3-panel padded waist-belt while the Gemini has a single panel contoured waist-belt.

Were happy to share that the Gemini is on it’s way to Canada, and we expect it in stock in the next few weeks. We are accepting pre-orders which will likely sell out quickly. The Beco Gemini is made in the US, and due to a smaller production will not be available again until September. Let us know what you think of the newest Beco! Available in 5 fab styles!

The Manduca Baby Carrier is an innovative German-design that adjusts to grow with your baby. This ergonomical carrier can be worn as a front, hip & back carrier. Designed with absolute attention to detail, the Manduca has many unique features.

Infant seat

An integrated infant seat for newborns allows small babies to sit up higher in the carrier. This also keeps their weight off their feet. When not in use, the infant seat folds up really small and tucks away in the seat of the carrier. The most unique feature of the Manduca is the ability to change the carrier’s body height with a quick zip of a zipper. The body measures 13″ in height when zipped and 16″ in height when unzipped. This ingenious extend-able body provides more support for bigger babies & toddlers.

The Manduca is designed to carry your baby in the natural M position, with their bum down and knees up, which is best for their hip & spinal development. While testing the carrier, we were very impressed with how comfortable the carrier was and how our tester baby seemed almost weightless.

Extend-able body

The Manduca Baby Carrier features a tuck-away sleeping hood to support a sleepy baby’s head. This unique sleeping hood is adjustable in size to fit your baby. The hood features an elastic & button size adjustment similar to waistbands in children’s clothing.

Constructed from an organic cotton/hemp outer fabric and a soft organic cotton lining ideal for baby’s sensitive skin.  We love that the outer fabric is a durable heavier-weight hemp and the lining is a lightweight super-soft organic cotton. The carrier also features a pocket suitable for a small wallet, pacifier, etc.

Many babywearers prefer crossed straps while baby is in a front carry. The Manduca allows for either crossed straps or back-pack style straps in a front carry. Well-cushioned shoulder straps that can be adjusted in three different ways and an infinitely adjustable waist belt make the Manduca perfect for parents of all sizes!

Available in 6 classic colours and limited editions!

Summertime, our favorite time of the year! Time for lazy days on the beach, enjoying time with family and outdoor living. As you’ll be spending more time out & about, you’ll surely be getting good use of your sling. A cotton or linen sling is your best bet, as both you and your baby will be comfortable in a breathable fabric.

We recommend dressing your baby in cool lightweight clothing, like a onesie for a newborn. Be sure they are wearing a brimmed hat. With a newborn, we’d suggest using a sun cover like a lightweight receiving blanket. If your baby is in a cradle hold, they are in a semi-reclined position and will need extra protection from the sun. The tail of a ring sling works well as a sun-cover, if you drape it across your other shoulder. Be sure to frequently check your baby’s breathing & positioning while while using a sun cover.

Linen slings are perfect for summer as they are cool and breezy, both baby & you will stay comfortable. Sakura Bloom linen slings are the perfect combination of fashion & function.

Another option for young babies is the UV Moby Wrap treated with the Rayosan Process. This increases the Sun Protection Factor of the fabric without changing the appearance, feel or breath-ability. This wrap offers a layer of protection for baby’s sensitive skin, especially with young babies before it’s recommended to use sunscreen.

Older babies in a hip hold or worn in a soft structured carrier (Beco, Pikkolo, Babyhawk Oh Snap, etc) should wear a brimmed sunhat and sunscreen as their limbs will need sun protection.

Ever tried pushing a stroller in the sand? You’ll be happy you brought your baby carrier instead!

*Some content originally posted: June 09.

Join us at Babyvibe’s Spring Fair at the Galleria of the Port Moody Civic Centre on Saturday May 15. Admission is free along with free entertainment for the children! Babyvibe has the scoop on the hippest baby/family gear & services, so they decided to host a spring fair to showcase local businesses.

We will have samples of all our slings & carriers for you to try on. We’ll provide assistance with sizing, positioning and babywearing demos. And our show specials alone will make it worth the trip!

As we have more stock than will fit on our table, we’ll be bringing a limited selection of slings & carriers. If you plan on attending and have a specific sling &/or carrier that you’d like to see please leave a comment below, so we can hold the item for you. See you there!

Babyvibe Spring Fair
May 15th 10am-3pm
Galleria at the Port Moody Civic Centre (map)
100 Newport Dr
Port Moody, BC

One of my favorite local shows, Birthfest, returns to The Drive on Saturday April 10th. BirthFest is a free community festival with fabulous local vendors, music, crafts & activities for the whole family. Enter to win one of the amazing door prizes donated by the vendors: we’re giving away a Moby Wrap!

We will have samples of all our slings & carriers for you to try on. We’ll provide assistance with sizing, positioning and babywearing demos.

BirthFest
April 10th 10am-3pm
Britannia Community Centre, Gym D (map)
1661 Napier Street (at Commercial Dr)
Vancouver, BC

It’s been a while since Beco Baby Carrier has launched a whole new collection…
and baby, here it is!

We’re proud to carry the entire line at Gorgeousbaby! All the new Beco Butterfly 2 styles are made from organic fabrics, with the exception of the printed panel. This means all the fabric that is in contact with you & your baby’s skin is organic (ideal for baby’s sensitive skin).

Beco Butterfly 2 favorites Paige, Metro Black & Espresso are also included in the Spring 2010 collection.

Many of Beco’s classic styles including Carnival, Avery, Grace, Lenka, Argyle Deer, Zoye & Scooters are discontinued. At this time, we are well-stocked on the discontinued prints but if you have your heart set on one…get ‘em before they’re gone!

The optimal position for a baby in a carrier is facing the parent. Baby carriers (Bjorn-style) with narrow seats cause babies to dangle from their crotch due to complete lack of hip/ leg support. Well-designed baby carriers, such as the Pikkolo seen above, should support the baby in a natural seated position as you would carry them in arms.

For the sake of argument, we’ll name some carriers that provide proper leg/ hip support: wraps, ring slings, pouch slings, mei-tai’s, SSC’s (soft structured carriers like Beco, Ergo, Pikkolo, etc). To ensure proper support of a baby’s spine, the seat of a carrier should reach to back of a baby’s knees with the baby’s hips in a natural frog-like position. Carriers that hold the baby by the groin, with baby’s legs hanging straight down, offer no leg support and improper spine/ hip support.

When your baby faces inwards in a proper carrier their legs wrap around your body and their weight is well distributed. Before 3 mos babies cannot be forward facing as they lack the strength in their neck to hold their head upright for the length of time they would be in the carrier.

Forward-facing is less comfortable for the parent as the baby is hanging out in front of your body with their weight further from your center of gravity. You’ll notice that if you turn the baby inwards, the baby feels considerably lighter. Another reason to limit the amount of time your baby faces outwards is because it can be overstimulating for a young baby. A baby facing inwards or on your hip, can rest their head against your body and shut-off the stimulation.

As parents, we can see the need for occasional forward-facing. We recommend having your baby facing out only when necessary & limiting it to short periods of time.

Over the years many parents have commented on their need for a front facing carrier. We chose to offer the Pikkolo Baby carrier as it has an uniquely adjustable seat that allows you the option of a forward-facing carry. You can adjust the seat of the Pikkolo to narrow for facing-out and then widen it to provide proper support for facing-in. You’ll notice that the Pikkolo even at it’s narrowest, is wider than a Bjorn-style crotch-dangler. The baby’s legs don’t hang straight down, they should have knees up & bent.

We highly anticipate the launch of the Beco Gemini, similar to the Pikkolo in that it will adjust to allow forward-facing and then widen to offer proper support for facing inwards.

Research regarding infant spinal stress in poorly designed baby carriers.