Product Review: Bellala Baby Pouch #babywearing

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!!
 

Product Review: New Native Organic Pouch #babywearing

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

Product Review & Giveaway: Rockin' Baby Sling #babywearing

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

So picture this. It's Thanksgiving Holidays, the Enginerd's parents are up for the week to spend time with AppleBlossom (grandchild #1 for them), we decided to take them sight seeing to a town nearby with an adorable township (bigger than our own). We are walking by the train (permanently resting), visiting the Village Toy Maker's Shop, and an adorable restaurant called the Silver Caboose and Side Car Market (french onion soup is to die for!). While the Enginerd goes into the Bike shop to get a part to fix my tire we walk down the street. I'm sporting my Belle Baby Carrier with holding a blanket up over her to keep out the chill. In this area normally as I walk about people always comment on my carrier, yet in this instance it was I who commented on the babywear of someone else.

A woman was walking along the sidewalk with family much the same as I, yet she was wearing a sling pouch. I was so envious! I had seen slings, but never had one because I was just too confused as what to buy. Do not get me wrong, I love my Belle Baby Carrier, but it was freezing outside and my jacket is not quite large enough for the both of us. We talked for a bit about her carrier and mine and our wee ones at that time three months (her son) and four months (AppleBlossom). Her son was so warm and cozy down in his sling pouch. I really wanted one of my own. She said she was from Texas, so she could not suggest any stores to look at, but to look on line. She said to check out Rockin' Baby Sling

and boy am I glad that I did.

The Mamas, Lisa McDaniel and Natasha Stanton, behind Rockin' Baby Sling are all about certain things in their business: fashion and function, quality and keeping it local all while being socially conscious. You will even find that Rockin' Baby Slings are worn by celebrities. *wink*

Rockin' Baby Slings specializes in two products: Ring Sling and the Sling Pouch

The Rockin' Baby Sling

Rockin’ Baby Slings are reversible ring slings that can be adjusted while on. They are one long piece of fabric that you loop through rings at one end. You can adjust the sling while you are wearing it by pulling on the tail or sides of the tail. You also have the tail to shade baby from the sun or use as a cover while nursing. The sling is a good choice if you plan to share it with loved ones of a number of different sizes because it has such a wide range of adjustment. Rockin’ Baby Slings can be worn in five different carrying positions , to match baby’s mood and development, from birth to around 3 years of age or 40 lbs. They come in the original size which fits most body shapes and sizes and in xs for those who are especially petite. Shop Baby Slings.

The Rockin' Baby Pouch

Rockin’ Baby Pouches are a single loop of fabric that you put over your head. They are fully adjustable and reversible. They can be adjusted to four different sizes via hidden zippers before they are put on and usually reverse from a print pattern side to a very dad-friendly, solid color. The pouch is a good choice if you would like to put it at a setting, leave it, and go. All of our pouches have a pocket with a Velcro closure in the zipper cover. They come in xs, s/m and m/l sizes. Because each size fits such a wide range of body shapes and types, most couples can share the same pouch. As with the slings, the pouches can be worn in five different carrying positions , from nursing to sitting, up to 40 lbs or around 3 years of age. Shop Baby Pouches.

Both the Rockin’ Baby Sling and Pouch are available in a wide variety of prints and colors, including our new, exclusive organic fabrics .

*Thanks to Lisa and Natasha of Rockin' Baby Sling I was able to review a Keeps Gettin' Better Sling.* Insert *sigh* here. I knew that going with a Rockin' Baby Sling, I wanted to rock. I did not want to get just another "goes with everything" color. I wanted this sling to be what my outfit revolved around and makes me feel quite literally hot. All of their fabrics are awesome, including their Organic line.

Their website is extremely informative with beautiful pictures of various carry and hold positions. And their customer service is unbeatable. These are real mamas, they have been there and are there and know what other mamas need. I highly recommend that if you're going for a sling you check them out.

Speaking of being informative, this comes from their website:

You may have heard the government's generalized warning on baby-wearing. Please take the time to read the safety section of our website. Here at Rockin' Baby Sling we have always put safety and safety concerns at the top of our list. An educated parent is a happy parent! We continue to offer sling support and are happy to answers any of your questions at anytime. Email us at info@rockinbabysling.com. Enjoy wearing your baby!
Natasha and Lisa

Also check out this article that Natasha sent me in response to the "warning".

The Rockin' Baby Sling is incredibly easy to use and I absolutely love the color and designs of all their fabrics! Of the ring slings that I have been able to try out, this is the one that I would call my heavy duty ring sling. The two layers of fabric (reversible) make it a bit thicker and seems to be more durable that most other one layer slings. Unique to what I have seen of the Rockin' Baby Sling is the pocket that matches the reverse side. It is perfect for just whatever you need. There is plenty of fabric to discreetly nurse and it is cozy enough to sleep in.

Of all the ring slings we have tried, the Rockin' Baby Sling is the Enginerd's favorite.

Network with Rockin' Baby Sling:

RockinBabySling.com

Facebook

Twitter @rockinbabysling

Buy it:

Go to RockinBabySling.com and Enter promo code "XS" at check out and receive 40% off any extra small pouch! But also check out their ring slings as the prices have gone down!

Our extra small pouches will fit petite people ( even those with a larger bosom) up to tall and slim with narrow shoulders and a smaller bosom. Good from 4'10" to a slim 5'9".

Win it!!

Lisa and Natasha have gracious offered the readers of my Creative Madness a chance to win a Rockin' Baby Sling of you very own! Go to their website, and come back and tell me whether you would want a sling or pouch and why. Also tell me when you would wear yours.(Also click the prizey pick button and vote it up!!)

Good luck all! And for the fun of it, after your MANDATORY entry above, any of the following will get you additional entries...

Leave an additional comment for each entry.

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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.

Product Spotlight: Baby K’tan #babywearing

BABY K’TAN
Click the image to see an enlarged view.

An ideal blend of sling & carrier, the Baby K'tan can be worn with your baby in over eight different positions -- all without complicated wrapping or buckling. This parent-invented baby carrier is lightweight and compact like a sling, and also goes over both of your shoulders to evenly distribute baby's weight with adjustable back support, like a structured carrier. A perfect hybrid! Available in 100% Natural & Organic Cotton, Baby K'tan's unique double-sling design can hold infant TWINS, as well as preemies up to toddlers of 42 lbs. Created using only 2 loops, the second loop provides extra security by keeping baby closer to your body, while it can also be used as a nursing cover for more privacy. Machine washable and dryer safe, with reinforced double seams, the Baby K'tan has been safety tested and approved in accordance with CPSIA, ASTM & FHSA standards. The Baby K'tan baby carrier is sized from XS to XL and is designed to fit the parent like a snug t-shirt. Best of all, it comes with a FREE matching baby hat and sash included in package.

Find out more: http://www.babyktan.com/

Join them On:

You can also personalize your Baby K'tan and do not forget to look at the Onsies or matching tees and hats!!