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Babywearing questions with...Hedwych - Wrap you in love

18/11/2017

 
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Hedwych is a personal inspiration for me. Through her useful tutorials on YouTube I have learnt so much about Wrapping. I totally fan girled at her when I got the chance to meet her at The Wrap Show in London and she was just so lovely as well as informative during her talk. So here you are, meet Hedwych, Aka Wrap You In Love, rainbows and wraps! (Pic credit - Wrap You In Love Facebook page). If you haven’t had chance to check out her tutorials - do! They are so helpful!

1. What was your first babywearing experience?
I've started babywearing when my first daughter was born. She wanted to be close to me and I had to study for my exams, which made me feel like there was no other choice than to give it a try. I didn't want to try a wrap, way to complicated ! So I started with a ringsling. It took a while for me to fall down the rabbit hole of woven wraps and wrapping, but can't imagine caring for multiple kids without babywearing anymore.

2. Can you choose a favourite sling/wrap/carrier?
No, I tend to hoard many wraps and carriers because of the different wrapping qualities, looks and feels. There are a few that hold many precious memories or have a special meaning for me, but I don't have one favourite.

3. Can you share a favourite moment?
This moment when you see the relief in a parent when they try a wrap or carrier and their baby falls asleep for the first time :)

4. Has anyone inspired your babywearing journey?
I've always loved the pictures of 'carry them' back when I started babywearing. She made babywearing look cool. Now there are many inspiring parents on Instagram, showing beautiful carries or carriers in stunning settings :)

5. When were you last babywearing?
This morning at school drop off. My runaway toddler goes in the carrier for this short period as we're usually in a hurry and don't have time to chase him.

6. What is your role in the babywearing world and where can we find you?
6. I aim to make babywearing look easy and accessible. To convince other caregivers they can do this babywearing thing too :) People can find my videos on YouTube ( YouTube.com/wrapyouinlove ) , with carries for every experience level and for both new born babies and toddlers. I have information blogs on wrapyouinlove.com and are active on Facebook sharing babywearing pictures and posting giveaways ( Facebook.com/wrapyouinlove ) and I share everything beyond babywearing on Instagram too @wrapyouinlove

Thank you!!

Questions with - Rosie Knowles

14/11/2017

 
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A babywearing educator, mother, author and GP, Rosie is an inspiring leader in the babywearing community. Here are her answers to our questions...

1. My first experience was over ten years ago when my best friend had a very small baby who wouldn't be put down: she was the first of my friends to have a baby. She tried a stretchy wrap and I was impressed by how much it calmed the crying and decided I wanted one for my own baby who was about to arrive. I got a stretchy wrap but struggled with the instructions especially the recommended cradle carry for sleeping which I just couldn't trust. My little boy didn't seem to be breathing right in this position so I abandoned it, moving on to a baby bjorn another friend gave me. My baby was a chunk so he fitted fine and his airway was clear but we didn't feel as close and it wasn't especially comfy. Another good friend suggested an Ergobaby; we got a blue one and we loved it, it came everywhere with us.

2. Can you choose a favourite sling/wrap/carrier?
My favourite - that's a hard one as I have tried so very very many! I still have my Roses Zen ring sling from Oscha as that was sent to me to try out before it was released- so comfy and my first Roses. Our Roses Eventide wrap is also still with us, and Nadia from Aroha sent us a Walters Miramar shorty which I absolutely adore. We have some very special Bebe Sachi wraps as well as I have so much admiration for this project. Some of the buckle carriers we've had over the years are also well loved, particularly our Liberty toddler connecta!

3) my favourite moment is always the same - that moment when a parent realises that this carrier they have just put on is going to change their lives. The look in their eyes and that sigh they make; you just know something has clicked and the future for that family is one of close contact. It still makes my eyes mist up!

4) there have been many inspirations for me but one who has been a constant source of encouragement and friendship is Anne McEwan: founder of Natural Mamas and Born to Carry. She's the wisest person I know! Plus my team in Sheffield; working alongside me at the front line of serving families in our city. Their enthusiasm and excitement inspires me.

5)when was the last time you baby-wore? Babywearing specifically? About 2 weeks ago with my just-turned-7 year old, in the Aroha shorty in a knot less ruck!

6) my role in the babywearing world is to reach out to families and carers and health and social care professionals. Our society needs to know that interesting and close contact with children matters on so many levels: physical, psychological, emotional. Carrying children next to the body is so important, in arms and in slings. I don't care how people carry their children as long as it is safe, comfy and effective, I don't believe in complex rules or elitism or hierarchies: we should all carry our children. I wrote a book about it as part of the "why it matters" series for Pinter and Martin: why babywearing matters! I am working on a new website at the moment and I train peer supporters as well as providing CPD at conferences and meetings around the UK and Europe.

(Find Rosie on the social media @carryingmatters)

Thank you Rosie!

And do check out Britt Marsh Browns answers 👇👇 just below!

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6 babywearing questions with...

12/11/2017

 
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Meet Britt Brown Marsh! She is awesome on the social media, sharing her babywearing journey, encouraging and possessing wonderful inclusivity and positivity. She describes herself as A “babywearing educator. Photographer. Starbucks fanatic. Body positive. Brilliant black woman. Fat and fabulous” (insta bio) (pic credit from Britts Facebook)

Here are her answers to our 6 questions!

1. What was your first experience of babywearing?
When Maxine was two weeks old, I got a boba wrap! Best decision ever.

2. Can you pick a favourite sling/wrap/carrier?
Ring slings are my favorite. Especially my sleeping baby productions slings!

3. Can you share a favourite babywearing moment either personally or professionally (or both).
My favorite babywearing moment has to be the first time I wore both my girls at the same time.

4. Is there anyone who has been an inspiration to you in your babywearing journey?
My best friend Dana has be so inspirational to me with Babywearing! I learned so much from her. She’s still an amazing educator.

5. When was the last time you were babywearing?
The last time I was babywearing was just a few hours ago.

6. What is your role in the babywearing world and how can people find you?
I’m an educator and you can find me at brittbrownmarsh.com, @brittbrownmarsh on Instagram and at Britt Brown Marsh Blog on Facebook! You can also find me sometimes at Babywearing International of Hampton Roads meetings.

Thanks Britt! X

10 things that help (& 1 that won’t) while winter babywearing

1/11/2017

 
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Winter is coming...
What to put baby in while babywearing in the winter? We don’t want them too cold but also important is not to over heat them...


I’ve put together my top 10 things for winter babywearing. But before those, the general rule is each layer of the carrier or sling = a layer of clothing. So account for the sling when getting baby dressed to go out. Your body heat will help keep baby warm. And focus on the bits of baby which are out of the carrier. So head, feet, legs and arms (if baby likes to be arms out).


(A note on my selection...I’ve tried to include products which are organic/WAHM/ethically sourced)



1. Babywearing Cover

Perfect if you don’t want to buy a whole new babywearing coat. These covers go over the sling (buckle/wrap etc) around underneath babies feet and tie on to the strap of whatever sling you’re using. I love the bundle bean. They have so many cute designs and there are lightweight as well as waterproof options. Love this teal penguin design!
Bundle bean - £39.99
https://www.bundlebean.com/product/bundlebean-babywearing-cover-teal-penguins/

2. Babywearing Coat
It took me a long time to decide which babywearing coat would work for me. I knew I needed one for back carrying too but I was worried i wouldn’t manage to throw the coat over both of us and find the hole for Anna’s head, so I went for this option. It’s a bit big and bulky in the arms but it works a charm. Love to be natural offer free fast delivery too!
Mam coat £89
https://lovetobenatural.co.uk/mam-tunic-babywearing-coat-fleece.html

3. Stay on booties
These are wonderful! They are elasticated around the foot and then a cuff over the ankle which has a popper = they can’t fall/get kicked off! Hurrah. No cold toes here!
I got Anna’s last year from this WAHM
£18 approx
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/486292915/babywearing-stay-on-booties-custom-baby

4. Cuffed leggings
Thick jersey cotton leggings are my favourite for babywearing. Not tight and restrictive at all but thick enough to be a good layer in the autumn. I have also found that this style of trousers lasts for ages! Because you can fold the bottom and the top of them they grow with baby! Anna has a pair which have lasted from about 3 months - 13 months +...so although they are a bit ££ they are so worth it! I like having the cuff too so that I can pull them right down over her ankles and feet.
https://www.babipur.co.uk/organic-kids-clothes/organic-kids-leggings-trousers-and-bottoms/maxomorra-lion-jungle-rib-pants.html

5. Snuggly leggings
Blade and rose £10
Love these so much. Thick, snuggly and the most wonderful designs. Ideal for wearing under skirts/dresses/baggy thin trousers. These will keep little legs nice and warm.
https://www.bladeandrose.co.uk/shop/oheo-owl-leggings/

6. Good hat
I find with babywearing, especially back carrying, Anna needs a hat which will stay on. So I’m loving this pixie hood. It will keep her neck warm too! And what cute fabric!
https://www.facebook.com/swingandrockbabyclothes/photos/a.843836785651566.1073741831.841090842592827/1473362972698941/?type=3

7. All in one suit (NOT SNOW SUIT)
A snow suit is a no go (see below for more details) but an all in one thin(ish) suit would work brilliantly. Not bulky at all but an extra thin all over layer. I love this festive design too! Babipur are also one of my favourite stockists. They have an awesome Facebook hangout where discount codes are shared and they offer amazing customer service which very speedily delivery and all their products are ethically sourced. Super!
https://www.babipur.co.uk/organic-baby-clothes/baby-coats-jackets-snowsuits/frugi-baby-snuggle-suit-scandi-skies.html

8. Wool wrap
A wrap with a bit of wool in it is a wonderful thing. They give the wrap a real snuggly-ness but because wool is a natural fibre it is breatheable = perfect for staying warm but not sweaty! I love a firespiral too! Such wonderful wraps. (Ask is about their fledgling scheme!)
https://www.firespiralslings.co.uk/all-wraps/woven-wraps/orion-aqua-starmap.html

9. Mittens for bigger babies/toddlers
Anna likes to be in the sling with her arms out now most of the time. So a pair of mittens with elasticated wrists are perfect for keeping her hands warm! Check these LGR mittens out - in the sale NOW.
https://littlegreenradicals.co.uk/shop/midnight-jungle-mitts/

10. A snuggly cardigan.
I love cardigan season! A nice warm cardigan, ideally with a hood, is my favourite way to keep Anna’s arms and the top of her back warm. My sister in law has made us a few and they are wonderful. Find a relative who can knit!

Ooh...an extra one for you!
Sturdy boots
When it’s wet and slippery - a good pair of boots are a must - for you! I’m so indecisive when it comes to boots but I’m toying with the idea of a pair if DM’s or Cat boots (they do nice ladies boots too) or rocket dogs...

****NO SNOWSUIT ****
Here’s the thing, snow suits are a no go in the sling. It’s the same as in a car seat. You can’t tighten the sling properly when a baby is in a bulky snow suit. This risks them slumping down inside the suit/sling = bad for airways. They can also overheat in a snow suit and over heating babies can become sleepy/unwell babies. So I recommend thin layers instead.

Happy babywearing!0

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