ss_blog_claim=b1c8a347d19acb6069e7726e485dcc4d
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babywearing. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Product Review: Bellala Baby Pouch #babywearing




bwseries



Bellala Baby
Exquisite Infant to Toddler Car Seat Covers, slings & accessories
www.bellala-baby.com


Our Story…
Bellala Baby was founded in 2005 with the birth of my niece Isabella. She was the first baby girl born to our family and we were so thrilled after having three boys. In an effort to make something quite special for our newest family member I made her a carseat cover all in pink posies and butterflies… she was going to be a girlie girl whether she liked it or not. This first gift lead to many requests and suddenly I was in business without much effort besides a love of creating and the time to make it happen; I had been an at home mommy to my son Nickolas since May of that year. Since then countless mommies have come to us to create something special for their little angel. We are pleased to have become part of so many families along the way!

Our Name…
Bellala Baby is a nick name my 2 year old son Nickolas gave my niece Isabella when she was born. Being two… he had not yet mastered all of the sounds of the English language but spoke fluent babyese…. So Isabella became Bellala and a company was born. Her image is our company logo and is on all of our products.

Our Market…
We sell wholesale to high-end consumers and retailers at brick and mortar store fronts and websites. We are priced affordably for most folks but maintain a high level of quality and service that our customers demand. We use only designer fabrics from Robert Kaufman, Alexander Henry and Michael Miller and believe that it is our fabrics that make the product stand out from our competition.

Our Products…
Bellala Baby began as a carseat cover business but has since expanded to include pouch slings and Peek-a-Boob Nursing Covers. These items are fun and functional which is the key to our success. We offer four different collections which are designed to fit in with each retailer’s independent theme: Wild Child, Couture, Aloha Babe, and Novelty Collection. In addition, we boast that all our products are made in the USA in sunny southern California!

I was introduced to Bellala Baby through MaryLenore of BopStar PR and thanks to her I was able to review a Camden Daisy Pouch Sling and it was love at first sight! Once again, Bellala Baby Pouch Slings are not bag slings and they are fully participating in the parental awareness factor with safety first. 

WHEN USING A POUCH SLING:
IN A POUCH SLING ALWAYS REMEMBER
A- AIRWAY NEEDS TO BE OPENB-BABY IS BREATHING UNHINDERED
C-CHIN NEEDS TO BE OFF BABIES CHEST
D-DOUBT WHEN IN DOUBT TAKE THEM OUT
BABIES ARE A PRECIOUS GIFT PLEASE USE THE UTMOST PRECAUTION WHENEVER
CARRYING OR HOLDING YOUR BABY CHECK OFTEN ON YOUR PRECIOUS ONE!



At first, similar to the New Native Pouch, I was concerned that my pouch was too big. I emailed my friend Katy of my that I knew had successfully used pouch slings for her babywearing days and she  suggested the shoulder flip. I tried it and it could not have been better! That was exactly what I needed to pull the top rail a bit tighter and make us both very comfy. I love my other pouch, but this one is amazingly light. The material is very thin and thus I can just fold it, roll it, and in the diaper bag/purse it goes. It becomes so compact it could go anywhere without taking up space that is a major plus in my opinion. 


The Pouch Style Sling comes with great instructions with step by step photos for several different carry positions. They also have these instructions available online. The Shoulder flip was all that was needed for us for a great fit, but it is great to know that the Bellala Baby Slings come in six sizes so that you can find that absolute perfect fit. After all the worries I had about wearing a pouch and getting it right Bellala Baby made all those fears go away. I love their fabrics and I think this is a great product! I love that it is reversable from a solid back to patterned and I love the pocket (although I'm not sure what I'd put it in)!


Buy it:
 Check out their pouch sling fabrics and their other products at www.bellala-baby.com! Why not buy a Pouch Sling and then a Peekaboob Nursing Cover to match!!
 

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Product Review: New Native Organic Pouch #babywearing


bwseries
When I first started looking into babywearing what I wanted most was a pouch. The idea of throw it on, grab the baby and go is absolutely appealing to me. Especially around the house or running errands. Yet when I started to shop around for pouch carriers I was a bit overwhelmed. For one, you may have heard in the media lately about all the dangers associated with bag pouch carriers. For more information on Babywearing Safety, check out the facebook page with all sorts of articles here. The pouches that I was looking into are different than the sling bags and the thing that I noticed when I was first checking out some of the sites were the safety guidelines for use (and this was before all the media hype).










One of the first companies that I discovered is New Native Inc and right on their front page they have a link to an important announcement about sling safety. New Native has been around since 1992 and their pouches are not the same design as the tube pouches you see everywhere. They are shaped and may I say very comfortable. *Thanks to Sherry of New Native Inc for providing a Organic Cotton Cocoa Brown Twill Baby Carrier with Sweet Jane Trim.* It is so beautiful and looks almost like cherry blossoms, which if you know me, you know that is appropriate. At first when I received my pouch I was a little concerned that I had gotten a size that was too big and I called their customer service and was met with the nicest woman who talked me through it all. It seems that you will find your perfect size after washing or "wash for true size". Through our conversation we determined that most likely with AppleBlossom's current size I could get away with a smaller size pouch, but as she grows I would need to get a bigger one. After washing it, I'm very comfortable with it and feel that she is very secure yet I can see how she would be even more cozy with a smaller size. Check with your place of purchase for their exchange and refunds policy (or just order from New Native Inc). I was very pleased with their customer service and if you have any questions, I highly recommend that you do not hesitate to ask.


Sizing Chart- Above the Bust Chest Measurement:
(Measurements do overlap)
                    X Small      Small       Medium       Large      X Large
                      25-29”       30-35”       34-39”        38-42”       40-45”



The New Native® Baby Carrier is one of the most popular sling-style cotton carriers on the market.  The carrier is worn over one shoulder extending to the opposite hip.  Featuring a reinforced curved pouch built in, the New Native® Baby Carrier provides a secure, cozy environment for your baby or a sturdy hip seat for your toddler (Newborn to 35 lbs). It is popular for those finding conventional carriers too bulky and it can easily be stuffed into a diaper bag or purse. Very versatile, it can be worn with the baby in front, side or back. It is ideal for discreet nursing. Made from 100% cotton fabrics with no buckles, padding or metal rings.

New Native has created a unique, functional design that allows the carrier to be put on in seconds, easily folded and quickly transferred from one wearer to another.  The sleek, streamlined design of the carrier is a modern take on traditional baby-wearing practices.  The New Native® Baby Carrier is endorsed by health professionals as it supports a baby’s growing body and distributes weight evenly for the parent.

The New Native Baby Carrier is specifically designed to promote contact-carrying. Our carrier is easy to wear and holds your baby securely so that you can accomplish your day-to-day activities “hands free” and stay in close contact with your child. This contact develops a unique bond between the parent and the child that is invaluable for both of you. Studies show that contact carrying promotes healthy development and bonding.  Babies need the stimuli that a parent’s touch brings.  In holding your baby close with a New Native® Baby Carrier, your presence is assuring, teaches them verbal and response skills and demonstrates your love.

Parents who practice contact carrying are more perceptive of their children's needs and learn to demonstrate more loving behaviors toward their children and other family members. Babies who are contact-carried are more involved in their parents' lives and will tend to be more involved in their own lives and less isolated as adults. When babies are in the carrier, their needs are more likely to be understood and met right away. Later, these children will know how to ask for help when they need it.

Contact Carrying Increases:

Self-esteem
Happiness
Healthy Immune System
Intelligence
Stimulates Muscle Growth
Healthy Sleeping
Balance Coordination
Connectedness
Healthy Communities
Loving Behaviors            


       
Contact Carrying Decreases:

Crying and Acting Out
Illness

Colic
Fear
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
Child Abuse
Crime
Conflict
Unwanted Teen Pregnancies
Feelings of Isolation

I love our New Native Organic Pouch. Right inside the package is information about their cotton, organically grown in the USA. That already makes me happy. It is very easy to use and fits right down in our diaper bag. I feel like the material is very high quality and will last and be quite durable. We have experimented with a few positions of carrying and I feel that as AppleBlossom grows this will be a great carrier that will meet all our necessary needs.  I definitely agree with the words on their packaging that states that this carrier is made with a Secure Design, Versatile and Convenient without a doubt. The pouch comes with an instructional DVD as well as a booklet with step by step photos that help you master just exactly how to wear the pouch. Like all babywearing products there is a first and second trial and error and then it's off you go! The first time I wore AppleBlossom in the pouch she fell asleep nearly instantly, and every time since then it's a cozy way to go about whatever I need to accomplish. 


We have tried and succeeded at discreetly nursing in our New Native and I am very pleased with the experience. It provides a comfortable position for both of us and plenty of coverage.

New Native Inc does not only carry the pouches, but also matching Twill bags and other amazing products like Bibs and Washies, Cuddle Packs, Footed Blankets, Hooded Blankets, Small and Large Receiving Blankets and more. They also carry a Toy Pouch/Child's Doll Carrier that fits children 25 lbs to 75 lbs in varying fabrics. So cute! Their website is filled with information as well as links and informative articles by other sources in babywearing. I highly recommend their product and I strongly suggest that you check out their website. I doubt one could go wrong with something from New Native Inc

Buy it! 
www.newnativeinc.com


Monday, March 29, 2010

Product Spotlight: Rockin' Baby Pouch



bwseries


Find out more and enter the giveaway here!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Product Review & Giveaway: SnuggyBaby Wraps #babywearing

This giveaway is now closed, but please enjoy the review.



bwseries


In talking about wraps, you have heard me rave over my SleepyWrap that is super stretchy, enjoyed previewing a Wrapsody that is semi stretchy, and become curious of the different types of woven wraps available from Li'l Peeper Keepers. Today, I want to tell you about a company you may not have heard about, but I love SnuggyBaby!
SnuggyBaby wraps are much like the SleepyWrap. They are different, I do not know how to explain it really, but SleepyWraps are a big more stretchy, but not by much. SnuggyBaby are also made out of 100% Organic Cotton French Terry and they have a decorative panel in the middle. *Thanks to Jo of SnuggyBaby I was able to review a Torquoise Dream Wrap and it is divine!*

Snuggy Baby wraps have everything that you could want in a wrap; comfort, support, and style.
Snuggy baby wraps are made with 100% organic cotton French Terry. This fabric is stronger and even with prolonged wearing, will continue to provide your child with support as they continue to grow. Although this is a stronger fabric, it is still light weight and comfortable. It has enough stretch to hug your baby close, but enough support that even the largest kids won’t sag in this sling. It is also light weight so that you and your baby will stay cool.
This carrier is completely adjustable so one size fits all. It works between various care givers of all body types. Because you create a custom fit every time you tie it on, the sling grows with your child, ensuring that they get a comfortable secure fit from the time that they come home until you are ready to stop carrying them (generally around 35 lbs.)
The front panel lets you avoid having the same old boring solid wrap that you see everywhere else. It allows you to choose a design that accessorizes your wardrobe instead of the plain solid color that completely hides what you are wearing. It is made of a woven cotton print that does not have a stretch to it, so the panel will hold its own shape and provide additional support for your babies back and newborn’s head and neck. This wrap is made from organic cotton black French terry. It has a decorative panel with a cream and rasin swirl pattern on a turquoise backgound. It reminds me of an illustration of a dream. The wrap measures 5 yards long. All of the edges have been carefully surged for a finished look. The tail has been tapered so you have a trim knot when you tie the wrap.

I absolutely adore this Torquoise Dream Wrap, but she has so many other amazing prints of panels that there are bunches to choose from and love. I had the hardest time trying to pick out what I wanted myself! My only qualm that I have had with my beloved SleepyWrap is that it is a little boring in just the one shade. That problem is fixed with a SnuggyBaby Wrap. There are so many different prints to choose from that you can find one for any personality or outfit. The Organic French Terry is so very soft and snuggly, AppleBlossom and I both love it.

On SnuggyBaby Facebook Fan Page there is a great "How To" Video as well that is very well explained. *grin*

Easily if you bought a SnuggyBaby Wrap it could meet all of your needs of babywearing from beginning to end. It is so comfortable and after a few wraps you'll be a pro and like I said with the SleepyWrap, the comfort is so worth it. I highly recommend the SnuggyBaby wraps and if you're looking for some style with your comfort, there is no better place to look!

SnuggyBaby also carries other mama and snuggy baby neccessities in addition to wraps such as Wet Bags, Toy/Child Pouch Slings, Ring Slings and more.

Buy it:
Visit www.SnuggyBaby.com and shop around! At $45 her Organic Wraps are super affordable and pretty!
Win it!!
SnuggyBaby is giving one reader of Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself a $45 gift card for www.SnuggyBaby.com! (This is the price of a baby wrap, but can be used on anything!!)

Mandatory Entry-
Go to www.SnuggyBaby.com and come back and comment on your favorite product. (Vote it up on Prizey!)

Extra Entries -
  • subscribe to SnuggBaby Etsy RSS Feed
  • fan SnuggyBaby on Facebook
  • subscribe to Creative Madness through Feedburner and confirm
  • follow Creative Madness through GFC (on sidebar)
  • add me to your technorati favs
  • fan Creative Madness on Facebook
  • follow me on twitter @cherryblossommj or @cherryblossomch and tweet including the following terms in your original tweet (#giveaway @cherryblossommj #babywearing) and a link to this post
  • blog about the giveaway, come back and link to your post
  • comment on other non giveaway posts and tell me where
  • Grab my button and link to my blog (sidebar) and tell me where I can find it
  • Vote for Creative Madness by clicking these buttons for a chance at 3 extra entries



This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and is open until April 2nd. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Product Review: Li'l Peeper Keepers Woven Wrap #babywearing


bwseries

So, if you've been hanging around this month, you've been able to meet Rebecca, the Mama behind Li'l Peeper Keepers and you have heard how much I absolutely love her Tencel Twill Ring Sling. And just maybe, you've already entered into her giveaway for a TOY pouch sling (if not go back here to find out more...). Today I want to tell you about something else that she has available for babywearing folk like me. Woven Wraps.

Most people think "stretchy" when it comes to wraps, but there is another option in a woven wrap, and ultimately in the long run more practical. As woven wraps have less stretch, they will better be able to hold a heavier child (such as a toddler or older) without sagging or stretching out. *Thanks to Li'l Peeper Keepers I was able to try out a gauze woven wrap with a decorative panel that is just to die for in beauty (and preview a linen woven wrap)!*

Many mamas absolutely love the snuggly stretchy wraps for the infant stage, but the woven wraps will lend less "bounce" as the child puts on pounds =), making them practical from newborn to toddler.

THESE MAKE EXCELLENT GIFTS. And because they are not size-sensitive (and they come with a DVD), you can buy them and simply keep them in your gift bin until the need arises =).

This wrap is a caramel/tan color lightweight gauze that has been finished on raw edges with tan thread using an overlock stitch. A center panel adds interest and support. Wraps will vary slightly.

Here are the specifics:
Length - @ 5.5 yards
Width - @ 25 inches
Fabric content: 100% cotton

Fabric Heft: semi-see through (this works well for baby wraps since 2-3 layers support your child.)

An accompanying DVD will show you front carry (facing in and out), hip carry, and back carry (only for advanced users, please!)
Because they come with instructions and are not "sized" like a pouch sling, wraps, just like the ring slings we carry, make excellent gifts!


I think between the linen and gauze my favorite is gauze. I like the textured look that gauze has, although the plum color or the linen was gorgeous too. The gauze has a bit of stretch more so than the linen wrap, but both are sturdy and would easily hold a heavier child with ease and that gives me comfort in looking to the future. I think that is very possible that someone could only have one of these wraps and not an overly stretchy wrap and have all of their goals met. It might take a time or two to figure out what is the best tightness for you and your child as they grow, but it is easy to adjust.

The gauze wraps by themselves are beautiful vibrant colors and then the wraps with a front panel are endless in their possibilities of beauty. There are so many that I like and I'm sure you would too! As I said before, my favorite Ring Sling is from Li'l Peeper Keepers and I would not hesitate to recommend business with Rebecca. It is pure pleasure!

To see more pictures, make sure to check my review of a Li'l Peeper Keepers Tencel Twill Ring Sling the Etsy Spotlight post as well as her Etsy shop.


Buy it:
Visit www.lilpeeperkeepers.etsy.com then sit back and relax and browse through all the lovely things she has to offer.


15% off any order through the month of March. This cannot be combined with any other discount, but can be used on sale items! They need to mention the code “Babywearing . . . naturally” to either get an adjusted listing before payment or to receive their refund via Paypal.

Don't forget to enter in the Li'l Peeper Keepers TOY Pouch Sling Giveaway!!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Product Review: Wrapsody #babywearing





bwseries

While I love my SleepyWrap, another neat wrap company that I have discovered is Wrapsody. While the pricing for a Wrapsody:Wraparound Baby Carrier is more expensive these are completely unique and hand dyed which makes them more costly to make, but they are indeed beautiful. Wrapsody carries two main types of baby wraps in the Bali Breeze and Bali Stretch, but also has Water Wraps and accessories (sometimes Wool Wraps). *Thanks to Colleen of Gypsy Mama, LLC I was able to do a review of a Bali Stretch and then pass it on to LLL International as a donation to another Mama in need.* If I had the budget, I would buy myself one of these in a heart beat! 

Bali Stretch: These are soft and silky -- soft like your favorite T-shirt. The process of hand-dyeing and batiking removes much of the lengthwise stretch but leaves the widthwise stretch, making these super supportive and comfy for a wide range of ages.  Our testers suggested that it's a sort of "hybrid" between stretchy and woven wraps.

I agree with their assessment about being in between a stretchy and woven wrap. It is not as stretchy as my SleepyWrap or SnuggyBaby, but is more stretchy than my Li'l Peeper Keepers Woven Wraps. Depending on what you are looking for in stretch, this could be a good compromise. The individual wrap that I was able to preview is Arie and oh, how beautiful! 


BaliBaby Stretch: Arie

All of our Bali wraps come packaged with an instructional DVD!
Our BaliBaby Stretch wraps are hand-batiked by artists in Bali under good working conditions. They are made from a lightweight cotton jersey with a great widthwise stretch and little lengthwise stretch, then hemmed for extra support. This means that with practice, they can be used safely in all the same positions as gauze and woven wraps while retaining the snuggly quality of your favorite T-Shirt! Each wrap comes with a detailed instruction manual, and the center of each is marked by our label, making them easy to use.
Arie's beautiful pattern is inspired by fall leaves on a New England river, reflecting a pale autumn sky.
The Bali Stretch wrap is so soft, just like a comfy t-shirt. Made of a knit cotton jersey there is no doubt that both you and your baby will be comfy in the soft cozy fabric. Due to the batiking process, the dyes are set, but can have some unbonded dyes that will come out in the first washing, so be aware and wash it appropriately.

When I received the wrap, I was at first taken with how beautiful the fabric is. It truly is silky soft and I love jersey fabrics (just ask me what my college sheets were!). In the package there was a quick start guide to get me started on some different methods of wrapping and carrying with the wrap as well as a DVD. This instructional DVD is incredible! There are so many methods here of wrapping that I had never been exposed to before. You can also find these videos on their website as well. There is a wealth of other tips and success points are available as well. 

I highly recommend Wrapsody and their Bali Stretch and I am quite certain their other wraps would be just as awesome as well. My only issue at all is the price, but just as Batik Quilting Fabric has a price tag, so does this material specifically hand dyed for Wrapsody, but at the same time it is completely understandable (as well as beautiful!).

Network with Wrapsody:
www.gypsymama.com or www.wrapsodybaby.com
Wrapsody Blog
Wrapsody Facebook Fan Page
Twitter @WrapsodyBaby

Buy it: www.gypsymama.com At $74.50 it is a bit more than a solid color wrap, but you will find nothing else on the market even slightly comparable.

There are also some frugal babywearing advice tips on their website as well that you may find interesting and valuable... 



Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Product Review & Giveaway/Discount: Organic SleepyWrap #babywearing

This giveaway is now closed, but please enjoy the review.



bwseries


My first experience with a wrap was not a positive one, but so many people rave about them I was thinking that perhaps I had just picked the wrong one. After doing a little research and reading I discovered the SleepyWrap. *Thanks to Ashley of NAP, Inc for providing an Organic SleepyWrap for review!* As soon as I received the wrap and pulled it out of the matching drawstring bag I knew I was in love.
Past experiences with a wrap that belonged to SisterL of a best selling wrap had caused me to doubt my desire to babywear via a wrap, but SleepyWrap has completely renovated that idea for me. I can honestly say that I am terribly sad that I did not know about SleepyWrap when AppleBlossom was a newborn, but now I know and will be prepared next time around. Honestly, a SleepyWrap is a must have for new mamas!! It really is the best place after the womb.

While part of me is disappointed that I did not know to invest in a SleepyWrap at the beginning. It would definitely be worth every penny of buying one when I finally did get my skeptical hands on one at four and a half months old. Even now at AppleBlossom's seven months, I would still suggest someone go out and get one! Especially as the teething epidemic has begun... nothing soothes quite like our SleepyWrap.

Maybe it is because I am a blogger, but I am really particular about the companies that we use products from with our AppleBlossom. Customer service is a must, but information is extremely important and it is surprising how many companies out there provide products with little to no pertinent information. SleepyWrap.com is a breath of fresh air. They have FAQs and Testimonials, as well as photos and detailed instructions on use and tying methods. They even link you to various videos that are thorough and understandable. Articles on the benefits of babywearing and "Exterior Gestation" provide an in depth and educational value on their website and company that you just do not find much elsewhere. They also have a great Comparison Chart for various Baby Carriers that is very informative as well.

True that at first any wrap, especially a stretchy wrap (mine is Organic cotton terry) can be a bit intimidating. But after a few wraps you'll be a pro and the comfort it completely worth it! I have tried several other wraps that I appreciate, but none of them quite add up to the SleepyWrap. If anyone were to ask me for a wrap suggestion, this would be my first choice every time.

Just a few more points in the plus column: Not only is the wrap delivered very quickly, but it is affordable! And available in organic in two colors! As well as plethora of other solid colors in their original classic fabric. You could literally have a wrap to go with every outfit in any color, or go with a neutral color (like those in the new organic line) to work with anything.

Discover more about SleepyWrap:
Twitter @SleepyWrap

Buy It:
Sleepy Wraps are very affordable. They retail for $39.95 (they ship internationally!) and can be purchased on Sleepy Wrap's website. Use the discount code ‘Creative’ and get 10% off any Sleepy Wrap order until April 30th
Also available through Amazon -- Sleepy Wrap Classic Wrap

Win It!!
One lucky Mama (or someone who knows a Mama/Daddy/caregiver in need) will win an Organic SleepyWrap Baby Carrier. This giveaway open to the US and Canada and ends April 3rd.

Mandatory Entry: Visit the SleepyWrap website and then come back here and comment telling me what color you would want to have and why you would like to have an Organic SleepyWrap. (Entries without the mandatory entry will not qualify).

Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each entry to be counted!)



This giveaway is open to the US and Canada only and is open until April 2nd, 2010. The winner will be drawn via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.