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: Comfy Joey Ring Slings #babywearing

While I was perusing the internet in search of pouches, I discovered a neat contact and found that she had changed to selling more ring slings instead (although there are a few pouches left on clearance!). After some discussion, Ayesha offered me a price on a ring sling so that I could acquire one for review (I promptly told SisterL and she bought it for herself, I'm just "borrowing" it *wink*). [Note: As with all my reviews, these are my own thoughts, and I did not promise a positive review.]

Based out of the Metro DC area, Comfy Joey was started in April 2005 by Ayesha Ghatala, and specialized in high-quality baby slings. It was Ayesha's own passion for babywearing that inspired her creation of her own line of slings.

Comfy Joey also carries Doll/Toy Pouches, past Limited Edition Collections of Ring Slings, Rebozo Shawl Carriers, Cashmere Nursing Covers, Carrier Bags, and Pouch Slings. 

The 2010 Fresh Spring Collection features the Comfy Joey Hybrid Shoulder and Signature Panel Design. The care instructions are Cold Wash/Air Dry and the fabric is 100% Linen.

By nature, Comfy Joey fabrics will display the color variations, loose threads, and tiny slubs and snags characteristic of linen. These variations should in no way be considered flaws or defects, as they serve to enhance the fabrics’ unique beauty. Although this linen may take a little time to soften up, its breathability, sturdiness, and supportiveness make it an excellent fabric for year-round cuddles with newborns, toddlers, and every age in between.

Each CJ Fresh^TM Spring Collection is a Limited Edition

Whether you love ring slings with gathered shoulders or narrower, pleated shoulders, we hope you try the versatile CJ Hybrid Shoulder. Fans of gathered shoulders should find that the design, like a gathered shoulder, allows the sling fabric to be spread wide to hug your shoulder, virtually eliminating pressure points. However, our design also allows the shoulder fabric to be worn gathered narrowly, or scrunched up, maximizing the freedom of movement for the ring-side arm with less bulk than you’d expect. We have tested the CJ Hybrid Shoulder with wearers of different builds, and we think you will love it.

The CJ Hybrid Shoulder Ring Sling is sewn in the USA. We hope you love these Limited Edition creations as much as we have enjoyed making them for you.

The Comfy Joey Sizing Table applies to our pouches, for which a perfect fit is critical to comfort and safety. For ring slings, which are designed to be adjustible, size is essentially a matter of how how long you prefer your sling tail.

All our measurements are taken on unthreaded slings, from the top of the rings to the bottom of the tail. Sizes go up in 5-inch increments, so Small slings are 73” long, Mediums are 78” long, Larges are 83” long, and XLarges are 88” long.

SisterL picked out the Berry Crush (Blueberry/Wine) Ring Sling from the 2010 Fresh Spring Collection and it could not be more perfect in the color choices for herself (and I am quite a fan as well!). The Linen material is so soft and light weight against my skin. Easily I could see this as being a comfortable sling in warm weather as well as our most recent cool. The rings were easy to adjust and bring the material through how I wanted it and we were off! 

Sling your delicious little one in a swirl of berry-hued linen, and feast hands-free on cuteness all day long. Medium silver rings pop against the blueberry and blackberry colors of this Fresh sling’s fabric. Subtly patriotic, if you hail from the USA. Just delicious-looking, if you don’t!

On the individual product pages within the Comfy Joey Catalog, large pictures that show the colors of the fabric included in a sling are great to see. Of course, colors could vary slightly by computer, but my colors were dead on. Looking at the other color-ways available, if my budget could afford it I would jump to get myself an On the Vine (Lavender/Avocado) Sling of my own. If you are looking for a Ring Sling that will easily fit into everyday life as well as a Sunday morning, a Comfy Joey Ring Sling would quite definitely fit the bill. These luscious colors with names to match make you beg for more.

1. Can be used from birth up to 35 pounds. 

2. Can help soothe a fussy or colicky baby. 

3. Is a hands-free way to carry your baby. 

4. Can fold compactly enough to fit in a diaper bag. 

5. Can be used while nursing on the go.

Network with Comfy Joey:
ComfyJoey.com
Comfy Joey Facebook Fan Page
Twitter @ComfyJoey


Buy it: 
Visit ComfyJoey.com or CLICK HERE and discover all the different colors available in the brand new Spring Collection and more (Each CJ FreshTM Spring Collection is a Limited Edition). Retail price $87.50

Comfy Joey has a NEW line of slings (Basic 2010) that are ready to ship. This BASIC LINE of Comfy Joey Ring Slings is a more affordable line; priced at ONLY $67.50 RETAIL.

Comfy Joey has a NEW line of slings (Summer 2010) that will be ready to ship the third week of March 2010. This NEUTRAL LINE of Comfy Joey Ring Slings is a premium line; priced at $127.50 RETAIL.

 

(These two lines are available for Preview and Order through Comfy Joey on Facebook. Become a Facebook Fan for more details!) 

The last of the Comfy Joey Pouches can be found ONLY HERE

BOGO Toy/Doll Pouches - Use coupon code "DOLL" at checkout to get your FREE Doll/Toy Pouch (This is only applicable on the doll pouches, see the Doll page for more information)

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.

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.