Pumpkin Pants Review (SALE!!) #clothdiapers

Are you loving Etsy as much as I am? I helped my mother start up an Etsy Shop for embroidery and gifts and started searching all around at different shops. Then through the influence of my friend Lindsey, I found Pumpkin Pants and I am in love.

Right now, one of our nighttime go-to diapers are our Kissaluvs fitted diapers. We use different covers including our Bummis Super Whisper Wraps in Medium (review to come of the Super Stars), but with these on she can never seem to move just right. Not even to mention the issue of snap pressure marks or velcro rubbing. Recently she has taken to rolling over on her belly, then waking up because she is stuck and screaming. During the day, she is able to roll over, and mostly roll back, but with all the bulk at night with the covers restricting her movement she just cannot do it. Plus, the PUL covers are not exactly cozy. Enter Pumpkin Pants.

Pumpkin Pants are made of fleece and they are oh so soft and fuzzy. They come in a plethora of fabrics and custom requests are invited. Jenoa has sets ready to go and will also work with you to get the perfect fit. *Thanks to Jenoa of Pumpkin Pants for providing a pair of Kaleidoscope Fleece Soaker/Diaper Cover and a Sketched Floral Longies/Fleece Pants for review.* Just spending time browsing through all the options of fabric prints I am plotting a to-buy list. (Can I just have one of everything please?) As you can see I chose some girlie prints (and the additional models did too), but she has boy worthy prints as well including a few things like Jungle Animals, Sharks, and Outerspace.

These soaker covers aren't just for cloth diapering mama's!
Super cuddly fleece fits nice and snug around baby's legs and waist to prevent leaks over fitted or prefold diapers. Fleece doesn't absorb liquid, it repels it. This cover will keep your baby dry on the outside, and thus your lap dry! There is an extra layer of protection in the crotch.

I gave Jenoa AppleBlossom's measurements and she worked with me to figure out the perfect size and these fit as if they were made for her. I asked her to leave the longies long, and that we would roll them up if need be so she would have some space to grow in them and they are fabulous. They are so soft that I have to fight with AppleBlossom to put them on and not just let her snuggle with them.

Buy it!!
Check out all the different patterns and cuteness available at the Pumpkin Pants Shop. Soakers cost just $6.50 a pair and that's definitely a deal. Then with longies at $9.00 with an additional dollar for XL sizes there are no excuses not to invest in some of these fuzzy covers.

***BIG BIG SALE!! We will be moving shortly, and I really need to de-stash some discontinued prints or limited quantities. Now is the time to build you stash by scoring a great deal!
Here's how it works: Buy any 3 regular price diaper covers/longies/skirties, or $20 worth of any combination of items (before shipping) and then choose the FREE soaker you would like. All the free soakers are located under the Buy 3 get 1 free section in my shop. Simple, right? Enjoy! oh, sale is a limited time only, so get while the getting is good =)***

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

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!!

Safe Choices for a Ring Sling #babywearing

Advice from Li'l Peeper Keepers:

In the current frenzy of babywearing comeback, it is wise to put in some research before purchasing a baby sling. When you look through our shop, you will find mostly natural fabrics in our ring slings collection - silk, linen, and tencel. We have chosen to focus on these fabrics for several reasons. Here are some of them:

A baby carrier should be strong, easily cleaned, and breathable, right? Well, that's what all of these fabrics are. First, they should be strong. Natural fibers tend to be strong, a characteristic that you definitely want in a baby carrier. Although single layer cotton slings may be inexpensive to produce and buy and beautiful to look at, we have chosen to direct our line away from that to more durable, while still light-weight options. Another aspect of the strength of a ring sling is the type of rings used. I mentally cringe when I think of someone using rings for a sling that were never intended to support a child! Make sure that your carrier choice uses rings (like those we use from www.slingrings.com) that are intended for baby carriers and have been tested for CPSIA compliancy and for weight security.

Babies are . . . .well, rather messy at times. Therefore, it's only practical to have a carrier that can be washed. Linen, tencel, and even the dupioni silk we use can all be machine-washed! Easy care adds greatly to a carrier's worth during the days of spit up and other messes!

Baby carriers need to be breathable. While snuggling a little one is precious, it can also be quite warm! Natural fibers like linen, silk, and tencel are wonderfully breathable, allowing you and baby to enjoy the ride much more in various and sundry types of climates. This makes for carriers that can be used year-round in any climate.

So . . . think practical when looking for a carrier. Find one that is strong, yet light-weight, washable, and breathable. Think . . . Li'l Peeper Keepers =). We'd love to help you in your search for the perfect carrier. Just drop us a line at info(at)lilpeeperkeepers.com or use the “contact seller” feature at our Etsy shop. We’ll be glad to help!

*Thanks to Rebecca of Li'l Peeper Keepers for sharing this information.* 

5% 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.

Thank you Rebecca for sharing all this fabulous information!! Now you all, go see her! And stick around through out the month as I will review some of her great products. *Grin* 

Product Review & Giveaway/Discount: BabyEtte BabyBasics Ring Sling #babywearing

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

As you have already been introduced to Beth earlier this month, now I would like to introduce you to her BabyBasic Super Wide Ring Sling.

Don’t let the word “Basic” fool you, there is nothing plain or ordinary about Babyette BabyBasics super wide ring slings.
One look at the meticulously pleated and decoratively stitched shoulder and you will know that this is not a cheaply made baby carrier.

Each is handmade for you, so I am able to take special requests. (length, fabric, etc.)

Baby Basic slings come in many colors of strong, soft cotton that will continue to soften with wear and washing.
Cocoa Brown, Cranberry Red, Pewter Gray, Plum Purple, Indigo Blue, and Sage Green. Now available in Petal Pink and Sand. Also, of course, you can choose the Original LBD sling in Basic Black.

See all of the basic colors & both shoulder styles in my shop here

* Fanning Pleats are accented with several rows of decorative stitching for safety, beauty, and interest.

* Super wide at 44-inches so you will have enough fabric to support the shoulders of any size baby in any position. Please read my profile page for important info on BabyEtte Super-Wide Slings. 2 -1/2 yards of length for a nice long drape.

* Strong, aluminum rings from Slingrings.com, tested for safety and strength with your baby in mind. **Ring colors may vary and will be matched up per availability.

* An instruction sheet & tips will be included with your sling. And remember to harness the power of YouTube videos! Go forth and learn all you can!

*Thanks to Beth of BabyEtte, I was blessed to receive Sage Green "BabyBasics ring sling to review.* It is absolutely a gorgeous shade of green and there are so many other colors that I would love to have as well! Communicating with Beth has been a delight and I have been completely thrilled with my experience and I do not hesitate to recommend her shop and her customer service.

My sling came neatly wrapped with an awesome homemade label complete with stitching and stamps. It just makes me smile and makes me already feel like I am getting something "green". Cute business cards and washing instructions included. Also, a page with step by step picture directions that explains both how to thread your sling, how to wear your baby in a ring sling and how to transition to nursing. These transition instructions are the best that I have discovered so far.

At first in comparison to other slings, I was thinking that this sling has a lot of fabric... but that is when I discovered that her slings are "super wide". I think that is fabulous! I love my other slings, but having the extra fabric is awesome. There is more to cover up while nursing and more in general to keep my baby cozy and covered. While examining the sling, I found how the tag is on the underside of the shoulder pleats and I think that is a fabulous place for it. I know it will be there if I need it and know that it will not be at the end of the sling to end up in AppleBlossom's mouth... (not that things ever end up in her seven month old mouth...). The sling material is soft and threads easily through the appropriate sized rings.

My only qualm is that the fabric seems to show a bit of wrinkles. I do not have this issue with the Rockin' Baby Sling, because is it such heavy and thick fabric nor with another sling because it is a different material. I think my perfect sling would be a Super Wide sling made of Tencel (maybe I could get a combined effort from BabyEtte and Li'l Peeper Keepers to make my masterpiece *wink*).

Network with BabyEtte:

BabyEtteEtsy Boutique

BabyEtte Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @BabyEtteEtsy

Buy it:

BabyBasics Super Wide Ring Slings are affordable and made to order at price of only $44. Go to BabyEtteEtsy and purchase!

I’d like to offer readers of Creative Madness a discount of 20% off their order through the month of March. Just use the code “Creative20Baby” in the comments to seller at checkout and wait for a revised invoice from me before you pay. Or, if you’ve already paid, I will refund your 20% via PayPal. US shipping is always free, and you’ll get a good feeling from supporting Handmade. (Thanks Beth!!)

Win it!!

Mandatory Entry-

Go to BabyEtte Boutique and come back and comment on your favorite product. (Vote it up on Prizey!)

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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.

Etsy Spotlight: BabyEtte Boutique #babywearing

Today's Etsy Spotlight is BabyEtte Boutique and the creative mind behind it, Beth. Come back later this week and look for a review of a BabyEtte BabyBasics Super Wide Ring Sling with a giveaway! 

So, who is she?

My name is Beth, and I’m the creative force behind BabyEtte. I know I couldn’t be where I am now without the support and love of my Husband, four daughters, and the grace of our Lord. I have been truly blessed, and try not to take these things for granted.

My parenting journey began 10 years ago in Seattle, Washington. I found myself trying to find my place living a dichotomy between a “crunchy” parenting style, and conservative Christian beliefs. I felt like I was standing with a foot in two different worlds.

Now it seems that babywearing, cloth diapering, and homeschooling have caught on. We are no longer the only ones in our church wearing a sling. We no longer have the only baby with the tell-tale cloth diaper “tele-tubby” bottom. And I am no longer the only Mama in an Attachment Parenting group who also attends a conservative church. It’s a great time to be a Christian Parent!

I took to babywearing starting with our first baby, and soon began to get an idea of what I liked and disliked in a sling. My first sling was pastel with very bulky padding. One thing I did not care for was the fabric. I thought, ‘If I wouldn’t wear a dress covered in little bows or puppies, why would I wear a sling covered in them?’ So I decided to sew my own sling. I picked solid black cotton because it would go with any of my outfits. That is when the first LBD (little black dress) sling was born!

Occasionally, I would make slings for friends and family. I loved the thought of their precious infants kept close while the mamas looked stylish. They kept telling me I should sell them, but I resisted until about a year ago when I discovered Etsy.

In July 2009, I took the leap of faith and BabyEtte has been very successful!

My shop has Ring Slings divided into 2 sections: BabyBasics and Fancy Baby.

BabyBasics slings come in solid colors that go with anything. You will also find Mesh Water slings in this section. Fancy Baby slings come in a wide variety of fabrics, from textured Jacquard to Dupioni Silk to solid slings with lovely patterned bands along the bottom of the tail. Many of my slings are what I call SuperWide. You can read about this at the end of the article.

My love of all things babywearing has led me to offer Wraps as well as Ring Slings. BabyEtte Wraps create a secure, two-shouldered hold. Most of my wraps are woven and do not stretch. I find that woven wraps are more supportive, especially as your baby gets bigger and heavier (which is inevitable). One wrap will securely carry a newborn, up to a 35lb toddler.

There is another section in my shop just for Mamas. NeckScapes are beautiful, unique Scarf/Cowl/Necklaces made from loops of soft jersey. They are a fun way to stay warm and stylish… and babies love to finger them!

One of my favorite things to do is create custom carriers. Several of the items in my shop began as custom requests, like the minky lined ring sling. Mamas often send me links to fabric they want attached to the tail of a BabyBasic sling, or a panel in the center of a gauze baby wrap, or a particular shade of dupioni silk they love. I order the fabric, create the carrier, and send it off to them. It is such a fun process!

I feel strongly that a sling should be beautiful. I don’t use licensed characters or juvenile prints. Your sling should be stylish since it is going to cover up most of your outfit (which is good when your shirt has been used as a hanky (I know…it happens)). Another unique quality of BabyEtte slings is that the tag is stitched on the inside of the shoulder. This way people’s attention will be on you, your baby, and your lovely sling…not the tag. It’s all about you, my friend!

My girls help me a lot. They are learning to sew by stitching the decorative paper bands that I use to package each sling. My oldest daughter is getting pretty good at snapping photos (Yes, that’s me in the photos. I enjoy the relationship I develop with my customers and I want them to see the babywearing Mama behind their baby carrier…Goofy smile and all!)

I’ve become quite adept at doing computer work with a nursling and toddler on my lap (I’m the fastest one-hand-typer I know). I save my sewing for naptimes, after bedtime, and the times when my Husband takes all the girls to run errands.

I feel strongly about the benefits of babywearing, and love that there are so many options for parents to choose from. There are many good sling companies out there, and most of them are wonderful! Many of the differences that do exist are in style. So I say look around, and find your style. Embrace your style!

I’d like to offer readers of Creative Madness a discount of 20% off their order through the month of March. Just use the code “Creative20Baby” in the comments to seller at checkout and wait for a revised invoice from me before you pay. Or, if you’ve already paid, I will refund your 20% via PayPal. US shipping is always free, and you’ll get a good feeling from supporting Handmade.

Thank you Margaret for allowing me to share these things with you and your readers!

Beth/BabyEtte

*A word about Super Wide Slings:

I make BabyEtte slings the way I like them, and I like my slings pretty, safe, and wide.

I have found that a wide sling is best for versatility and safety. Very early in our parenting, my Husband was pulling the fabric up over our daughter’s shoulders. The sling was narrow and when he pulled, her bottom popped out!! He has refused to wear a narrow sling ever since. A wide sling also helps if your baby is a "leaner". If you do buy a narrow sling, please know that the number of positions you can wear your baby in will be reduced by about age 1. This is why most of my slings are Super Wide.

*Isn’t that too much fabric for a tiny baby?

Actually, it’s not. I’ve worn my newborns in 44” slings for as long as I’ve been making slings. It’s easy to just tuck some of the fabric under your baby (between you and her) and then let the fabric gather evenly over her body as you tighten the fabric by pulling on the tail. The extra fabric is great for support and to use as a nursing cover if you choose to be discreet. The key to this is proper tightening of the rails.

*How do I tighten the rails?

The rails (edges) of the sling are tightened by pulling on the sides of the tail. Pulling on the edge on the inside of your body will tighten the top rail of the sling, pulling on the outside edge will tighten the bottom rail of the sling.

Pulling on the whole tail evenly will tighten the whole sling evenly. Practice this and you will become a pro in no time! :D

Network with BabyEtte: 

BabyEtteEtsy Boutique

BabyEtte Facebook Fan Page

Twitter @BabyEtteEtsy

I’d like to offer readers of Creative Madness a discount of 20% off their order through the month of March. Just use the code “Creative20Baby” in the comments to seller at checkout and wait for a revised invoice from me before you pay. Or, if you’ve already paid, I will refund your 20% via PayPal. US shipping is always free, and you’ll get a good feeling from supporting Handmade.

Do not forget to look for a review and giveaway of a BabyEtte BabyBasics Super Wide Ring Sling this week!!

Product Review & Discount: Big Sister Designs Mei Tai #babywearing

There are several different types of baby carriers out there. The frame structured carriers such as the Kokopax and then next to the soft structured carriers like the ERGObaby Carrier, Boba Baby Carrier or the Belle Baby Carrier there are carriers such as the Mei Tai or Podaegi. Today's review is of my first introduction to a Mei Tai. (My babywearing series photo is also a picture of a Mei Tai from TogetherBe -- look for a review tomorrow!)

While searching around Etsy (preparing my mother's shop) I discovered Big Sister Designs. Through some messages back and forth I found that the shop owner Maria and I have several values and interests in common such as quilting, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing and Christianity. She is easily the type of merchant that I would want to do business with. Browsing around her shop I discovered not only an incredible receiving blanket quilt idea, but also the babywearing baby carrier Mei Tai. I knew nothing about a Mei Tai, but knew that it needed to be included in my series! 

*Thanks to Maria of Big Sister Designs for providing a Lavender Mei Tai with purple straps (A very light lavender with white scrolling vines and flowers) for review.* 

Oh my goodness am I ever in love! 

Upon receiving our Mei Tai I knew that it would be my favorite. The colors are so me and absolutely perfect and whimsical. At first I noticed how soft the shoulder straps were with their padding and was certain it would be quite comfy. At this time all I had to compare it to was my Belle Baby Carrier. It seems that a Mei Tai was similar, except you tie the straps instead of using buckles. The straps are very long, but this allows you to tie on your baby in all sorts of ways such as front, back or hip positions. I think this could definitely be a carrier that I keep available and could simply put on while I am out on the go like the Belle Baby Carrier as long as I watch that I do not drag the straps on the ground while adjusting myself. 

Similar to my experience before, AppleBlossom is a short little girl and I needed to figure a way to adjust the carrier to fit her just perfectly. With the Belle Baby Carrier it was to twist the shoulder straps a few times. Now with the Big Sister Designs Mei Tai, I tried two different methods and both worked like a charm. In one instance, I twisted the shoulder straps a few times and in another I rolled the waist strap a time or two. This shortened the body of the carrier and worked excellently! Maria was there to help me and answered all my questions so quickly and helpfully! She also told me another method of fitting the carrier for a small/shorter baby that she used with her child that was to place a folded up blanket in the carrier and the baby sat on that until tall enough to see out. She instructed me that using the blanket raised her body and let her legs dangle a little straighter down while getting used to riding/being carried with her legs spread apart. (This reminds me of how the Heart2Heart works in the ERGObaby Carrier.)

Info from the shop: 

Keep your baby close to you while keeping your hands free. Easier to put on than a Wrap, Mei Tai baby carriers can carry your baby (facing in) on your front or your back with 2 knots. Mei Tais distribute your baby's weight between your shoulders and your waist making them quite comfortable to wear. (Even my husband will wear this!)

Big Sister Designs' Mei Tai baby carriers have padded shoulder straps, which measure approximately 70 inches long by 3 1/2 inches wides and a waist strap, which measures approximately 60 inches long by 4 inches wide. All seams are reinforced for extra strength (these will even hold my 30 pound daughter).

Baby needs to have reasonably good head control to ride in a Mei Tai baby carrier, usually achieved around 4 months.

Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

Wearing instructions included.

The awesome instructions come step by step with pictures along the way and it was so simple to put on once I realized what I was doing. The challenges for me were with learning a new way of carrying such as the side carry or back carry. Once I did it about twice I had it down and now I'm ecstatic about just how beautiful this thing is! (And Big Sister Designs takes custom orders!!) 

This Mei Tai is my favorite of the ones that I have tried. I would not hesitate to recommend Big Sister Designs to anyone looking for an affordable baby carrier Mei Tai (as well as other small quilts and other clothing crafts). Located in Brier, Washington and solely run by a SAHM you cannot go wrong with Big Sister Designs.

Network with Big Sister Designs:

Big Sister Designs Etsy Shop

Twitter @BigSisterDesign

Big Sister Design Facebook Fan Page

Buy it: 
Go to www.bigsisterdesigns.etsy.com and use discount code "AB10" for $10 off Mei Tais listed in the shop (excluding requests for other fabrics) and 10% off everything else listed in the message to seller section and wait for a revised invoice before paying. New fabrics coming soon! Also note that Maria said: 

In celebration of Earth Day and the first day of spring on March 20th, I will be having a sale running then through the end of the month. Skirts and aprons will be 20% off. The 10% offered to your readers will be in addition to that 20% if they order during that time.

Etsy Spotlight: Li'l Peeper Keepers #babywearing

INTRODUCTION TO ME =)

Hi, I’m Rebecca, a babyweairng Mama and the seamstress behind Li'l Peeper Keepers baby carriers. I was privileged to grow up in the picture postcard state of Vermont. Now we enjoy the gentler, less dramatic beauty of northern Tennessee. I thank God for my precious preacher husband and our five children, four here and one in heaven. I have the honor of being a wife and a homeschool Mama. With this business, we all get involved! I love seeing when a child gets excited with a sale. I appreciate my encouraging husband, who, besides helping verbally with his support, has taken pictures, burned hundreds of DVDs, and mailed packages!

I began sewing about twenty years ago. My teacher was a mother with great patience and my tool a temperamental old Kenmore machine. I used to sew mostly clothes and gradually, my projects began to look more like items that could be worn out of the house!

When we first moved to Tennessee about 4.5 years ago, someone gave me the suggestion of sewing baby slings. I considered the idea, and if I remember correctly, began to research at that point. Then, probably a year later, I wanted to attend a Ladies Retreat at the Bill Rice Ranch, but needed a convenient way to carry my nursling. A young mother at our church explained further to me about babywearing and allowed me to take her sling home as a model.

My resulting sling, though a bit crudely constructed, was the first of hundreds. Shortly after, I began to approach a couple of few local shops, to see if they would be interested in carrying the slings. We ended up having four different shops carry our product at various times. We began selling online about 2 years ago through different venues. I love the fun interaction with customers that can be achieved through online sales!

We sell three types of carriers right now: the ring sling, the pouch sling, and the baby wrap. In selecting fabrics, I don’t necessarily have a favorite color. Days of hours have been spent researching the best fabrics, styles, sources, etc. for our product line. Although a lengthy process, I would advise anyone considering marketing a product to invest sufficient preparation time.

I love making slings. What a joy to create items that help to keep a baby feeling perfectly secure in the arms of a mama or papa. The security exhibited in the face of a little one snugly held is a reminder to me of the most precious aspect of my life - the eternal security that I have of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. It is a joy to create these items that I feel are a help to parents and children alike. My goal is to create a product of durability and simple beauty.

Thanks for taking a minute to let me chat to you. So, if you know of parents that would be helped by having their hands freed up on shopping trips, or treks to the zoo, or just while calming a fussy infant, come on over to our shop. We’d love to have you browse around, ask questions, and let us help you find the perfect carrier for you. Come visit us today!

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.

Summary about 3 Different Baby carrier types that we offer:

Sometimes parents work themselves into a frenzy trying to imagine all of the items needed to take care of a baby. And, of course, advertising attempts to convince newbies to parenting of the hundreds of "essential" items. In reality, babies need very little besides nourishment and nurturing.

However, some baby items out there do help to simplify the adjustment of having a little one around. One of these items is the baby carrier. Instead of purchasing an expensive stroller that will have to be maneuvered between clothing racks and wrestled into the car (oh, and pushed with one hand while trying to securely hold baby who decided he was tired in the stroller and preferred mama), pursue the possibility of babywearing. With the right kind of carrier and a little practice, you can comfortably, safely, and conveniently carry your child close to you - away from stranger's hands and snug against your heart. Instead of wrestling a stroller into the car afterwards, simply fold the carrier up and stash it in your diaper bag or tuck it into the glove compartment (that is, if yours is clean enough to fit in extras!)

Here are some basic facts about the three types of carriers sold by Li'l Peeper Keepers: ring slings, pouch slings, and baby wraps.

RING SLINGS: A ring sling is an adjustable baby carriers designed to carry your baby from infant to 35 pounds. This type sling is interchangeable between adults (fits almost anyone.) I believe the ring sling is the best all-around baby carrier choice. It can be used from newborn all the way up to 35 pound toddlerhood. It is great for the cradle hold, nursing carry, facing in and out, hip carry, and even back carry. The ring sling is simple to learn and wide in its uses.

In our ring sling selection, Li’l Peeper Keepers focuses on natural fibers like linen, tencel, and silk with these carriers to provide a sling that is sturdy, breathable, and versatile. The special Li’l Peeper Keeper “trademark” is the use of a contrasting thread color in a decorative stitch. This makes for a beautiful sling with interest AND versatility. Who wants to match all of their outfits to their baby carrier? I think it's best to have a basic sling, like one of our solid dupioni silks or linens, and then you can branch out to a sling with a patterned band or overall design.

POUCHES: Our pouch slings are a long U-shaped circle with a curved French seam, designed in such a way as to create a pouch to securely snuggle the baby/infant into. Pouches have no "hardware," (such as rings) to learn how to use, so many consider pouches as one of the simplest of carriers. Pouches come in a particular size (XS, S, M, L, XL), so are not usually interchangeable. Some of the Li'l Peeper Keepers Pouches even come with a small in-seam pocket handy for cash or your credit card. The plain fabric on a reversible pouch sling side make it like having two carriers in one! This carrier is great for newborns and for hip carry with a bigger baby/toddler. You can use it all in-between those times, too, but I consider those two stages to be where the pouch sling “shines.”

The BABY WRAP is one of the most versatile carriers around. It has a longer learning curve than the others, but I was truly amazed by how simple the wrapping is. These, like the others, can be used from infancy up to toddlerhood. I believe that the wrap is probably the best option if you plan on wearing your baby all day long. This particular carrier just does a great job distributing the weight. However, I believe that wraps do have their limitations. Imagine for a moment 15 feet of fabric to be properly wrapped while standing in a wet parking lot and supervising the unloading of 3 other children!! Another factor to be taken into consideration is the stretchability of the wrap. We focus more on woven wraps, which can still snuggle a baby, but give greater support as the newborn puts on pounds! Since they come with a DVD and are not size-sensitive, baby wraps make excellent baby shower gifts!

Much research has gone into learning about babywearing and the best materials and methods to use when making carriers. I personally like each of these types of carriers. All three are simple to learn and simple to use. If your main goal is simplicity, go with a pouch. If versatility and long-term comfort are your goal, the baby wrap or adjustable ring sling might be a better choice.

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.


Thank you Rebecca for sharing all this fabulous information!! Now you all, go see her! And stick around through out the month as I will review some of her great products. *Grin*