Babywearing

Babywearing Week With BabyBjorn: Denim Baby Carrier One

-Sponsored Post-

Did you know that October 2nd – 8th is International Babywearing Week? This week we teamed up with BabyBjorn to highlight some of their most popular baby carriers and see how real moms from around the country use their BabyBjorn carriers. Today’s real mama is Jessica Quirk, of the well-known style blog, What I Wore (she’s also an author!). Jessica is here to chat about pairing babywearing with mama style using her Denim BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One. Read on to see why Jessica loves this carrier!

BabyBjorn’s Baby Carrier One is the ergonomic babywearing choice that makes it easy for you to give your child the closeness and security they need, while you keep your hands free. Easy to use and adaptable to the needs of your growing child, it’s BabyBjorn’s most popular baby carrier. Your child sits comfortably and can move their legs freely, thanks to the adjustable seat area. With the Denim Baby Carrier One, it’s easy for you to switch between several front and back babywearing positions. The baby carrier has a sturdy waist belt and padded, form-fitting shoulder straps that relieve pressure on your back and shoulders and make it comfortable for you to carry your child from birth and up to the age of three.

Here’s what Jessica had to say about the Denim BabyBjorn Carrier One:

We’re big fans of baby wearing in our family and we’ve done so with both our kids since they were born! Now that Bea is getting a little heavier, I’ve upgraded to a baby carrier that has enough support for both of us! I’ve been test driving the Denim BabyBjorn Carrier One for a month and a half and I’ve been loving it! I’ve worn born soft cloth baby wraps and carriers with buckles and supports and this particular style has been most comfortable with a larger sized baby (Bea is between 15-20 pounds these days!!). In particular, I really like the adjustable upper back support (it can slide up or down to just the right spot) and the easy to hook and unhook closures, which make getting Bea in and out a literal snap.

I also really like this color way – it’s a blue denim look that goes with just about everything in my closet. When I know I’ll be baby wearing, I like to keep my tops lightweight and with interest on the sleeves versus the front or back. A lightweight striped sweater like I’m wearing in this post is perfect for a cool fall day. As for baby, sometimes I like to go matchy matchy or just complimentary colors.

Thank you to BabyBjorn for making this sponsored post possible.

Urban Style for the Suburban Mama

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Did you know that Gugu Guru was started because Monica Banks was living in New York City and realized that city mamas have different needs than suburban moms? Many young couples start their life in an urban environment and move out to the suburbs when they start a family – but how does this affect your personal mom style? Today’s post is by musician and model, Cassie Taylor; she is known for her mod-urban style, but as the mom of a 2 year old boy, she needs to make sure she can run around and keep up with her toddler as a suburban mama. Cassie is sharing her favorite ways to transition you and your kiddo’s style from super urban to suburban mama – all while still feeling hip and modern. You can find Cassie on her Instagram or Facebook.

Mom Life Must Haves’ Permanently Exhausted Shirt; Rowdy Sprout’s Nirvana Shirt

I was a size 10 before I got pregnant, and after I had my son, Woods I was a size 20. It was emotionally painful for me to get dressed every morning and my entire closet just hung there and made me feel pathetic. Rebuilding my life and wardrobe postpartum has been a struggle, but also a pleasure. I have found a new standard of beauty and embraced my curves, with a new easy styles that work for me as a mom, business woman, artist and wife. I love Mom Life Must Have T-Shirts! The shirt is so soft and they are versatile. I can combine it with leggings and a jacket for a cool and easy look for a toddler play date or jazz it up with a leather skirt and rock it for a mompreneur outing. I love this tank, it pretty much sums up my existence. My son is an adorable happy toddler but a terrible sleeper, despite my husband’s and my efforts. I am in a constant state of exhaustion which is fueled by my love of caffeine. (Check out some gifts for coffee loving parents!)

Mom Life Must Haves’ Mom Life shirt

I have had the pleasure of living in Chicago, Denver and Memphis and spent months at a time traveling abroad in Europe with when music was my full time gig. But when I met my husband we moved across the plains to the Missouri countryside. After our son was born we knew we needed to meet in the middle somewhere. He’s an avid outdoorsman who hunts, fishes and rock limbs on the weekends and I’m a gal who wants to dine out, shop and see live music. It was a compromise on both of our parts but in the end it’s been a wonderful place for the both of us and a safe place to grow up for our son.

When it comes to urban style for the suburban mama, it’s all about looking rad while staying comfortable. Old Navy is a staple for the suburban mama, with their Rockstar jeans that you can easily bend, stretch, run and jump in.

I love to have fun styling my little guy, which is why I turn to super comfortable children’s clothing with a modern twist! I’m a huge fan of Mitz Accessories; their clothing promotes education, creativity, and empowers kids to make their own decisions about what they wear. Blade and Rose has a huge assortment of funky leggings for both boys and girls. And, as a musician, I’m a personal fan of Rowdy Sprout, because, let’s face it – every little guy needs an assortment of rocker tees! And, really, what’s a toddler without a bow-tie? Exactly. Lillabarn is my go-to for rad bow-ties for my son.

Lillabarn Bow-Tie; Mitz Accessories Rainbow Shirt; Rowdy Sprout ACDC shirt

And, as any urban turned suburban mama knows, babywearing is the way to go! I’m a huge fan of Lillebaby – not only because they have the most awesome designs on their carriers, but because I can wear my son on the front or back. It’s ideal for weekend trips, errands, or just hanging out at home with a grumpy toddler.

Must Have NYC Mom Essentials

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One of the reasons mamas love Gugu Guru is that our style quizzes give personal recommendations based on where you live – because we understand that suburban mamas need different items than urban mamas! Today’s guest post is from a NYC mama who takes her two littles all over the five boroughs and back again, without even breaking a sweat. Megan is the mama to two kids under four years old, and has some great tips for surviving NYC life with little kids. You can find Megan on Instagram – and let us know in the comments what your favorite products for urban parenting are!

Adorable dinosaur clothing from Mitz Accessories

Being a new mom is hard. Being a new mom in NYC is borderline insane. As hard as navigating the trains with a stroller can be at rush hour, living in a space that is the size of most Americans living rooms, and paying what many people consider a mortgage on preschool but it has it’s perks too. Your kids can literally sleep through anything. After a few licks on the subway their immune systems are made of steel that no suburban kid could even dream of. Their palates have tasted the finer things of life since we have access to the best restaurants in the world and my three-year-old son might not know what a lawnmower is but can navigate the MTA without batting an eye.

I’m Megan @girlgonechildnyc, I’ve birthed two babies in this concrete jungle and I’m currently still keeping alive a 3 and 1-year-old here. So here are my top 10 registry items from a NYC Mom.

1. Original Ergo Carrier: I’ve tried a lot of different baby carries and I always go back to the original Ergo. It’s the one carrier I can wear seven hours straight and doesn’t hurt my back. I also can nurse discreetly on the train in this carrier with out a flashing my boob to the entire subway car.

2. phil&teds Lobster High Chair: You’re meeting friends in a tiny restaurant in the West Village and they don’t have high chairs? Boom! The Lobster has you covered.

3. A Noise Machine: While yes, most NYC babies can sleep through about anything, why risk it? You want your baby to still be asleep when that fire truck goes by at 4am.

4. The Pello: As my husband and I used to joke “Praise be to the Pello,” since our daughter had a pretty bad case of colic and this is the one place we could sit her as an infant and it was so ridiculously soft she wouldn’t cry. It acts similarly to a DockATot, and you can also set it up anywhere in the apartment.

5. NYC Décor: Almost every kids room in NYC I’ve been in has at least on piece that reminds you they’re a NYC baby. We’re proud of our New York Babies’, as it’s not easy raising kids here. It’s something they will be able to tell people the rest of their lives that they were born here. My favorite pieces are the interactive wall art by local NYC mom Kate Durkin.

6. Zoe Stroller: Strollers with infant seats are great, but they’re heavy and to be honest, I never used them because hauling a bulky stroller up two flights of subway stairs just wasn’t something I found fun just a few months shy of having a baby. You’re way more likely to wear your baby around NYC and get a decent umbrella stroller at 6 months. The Zoe stroller is perfect for commuting up and down subway stairs at just 10 lbs and still tons of storage.

7. Skip Hop Changing Pad: I’m not saying I’ve never had to change my kids diaper on a subway bench when poop literally hit the fan but I’m not saying I haven’t.

8. Stroller Bunting: Because as much as I wish I lived in 60 degree year round weather, I don’t, and if you think your sweet little 6-month-old baby will sit there with a blanket over him without throwing it on the street, he won’t.

9. Buggy Hooks: The one good thing about strolling around NYC with a stroller is you have a place to actually store all your bags. Think King Mighty Buggy Hook for Strollers lets you ad these on to your stroller and you can hang your stuff. Amazing.

10. Taga Bike 2.0: The best and safest family bike out there. It’s pretty cool looking too. Perfect for neighborhood rides or commuting with the kids when the MTA poops the bucket.

Not a NYC mama? Don’t worry, we have you covered:

5 Must Have Essentials for a Baby Girl

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When it comes to having a baby girl, new mamas often love to find their personal style with the pink clothes and accessories. There are so many gorgeous essentials for baby girls out there, but we rounded up our top 5 must have essentials for a baby girl, especially for those moms who love to get out of the house!

1. Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier: We’ve written about this particular Tula before, and our editor is a personal fan for her baby. Transition into parenting easily with the Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier, the best, easy-to-use, stylish carrier that comfortably carries your baby from 7 to 45 lbs without an infant insert. Enjoy multiple ergonomic carry positions with an adaptable panel that adjusts in width and height to fit your baby at any stage, and fully adjustable shoulder straps and waistband for optimal comfort for you. Baby Tula has become extremely popular for offering the best baby carriers that are distinctly simple.

2. Laura Ashley baby clothing for a newborn: No one tells you how a) small newborns are and b) that they love to scratch themselves. Why not get lovely little scratch mittens with a gorgeous floral design from an old favorite, Laura Ashley? We are big fans of the Laura Ashley baby collection (they also make bottles and accessories), and think that their hats, mittens, and kimono top and pants are not only must-haves for the new baby, but must-haves to bring to the hospital with you! Both the hat and mitten set and the kimono tulle style top with pants are made from the softest pima cotton, sure to be super soft on even the most sensitive of new baby skin.

3. Laura Ashley baby accessories: You can’t be fully prepped for a baby without a bottle brush and pacifier – and we love the lovely designs from Laura Ashley. The delightful BPA free pacifier has a sweet butterfly on it, and the bottle brush is sure to perk up any kitchen sink. Laura Ashley also has a variety of baby bottles, featuring the floral designs Laura Ashley is known for.

4. Baby Headband: It has become so popular to put a headband on your baby girl right away! We are fans of Zelda Mathilda, who have a ton of different styles to choose from.

5. Vilah Bloom Diaper Bag: When it comes to diaper bags for baby girl’s, we’re fans of mixing pink with other colors, so you can use the bag for other babies, too! This Vilah Bloom Harbor Side Tote has a ton of room, pockets, and even a wipes holder on the outside, so you don’t have to search all over your bag for wipes!

Thank you to Laura Ashley for making this sponsored post possible.

Baby Safety Month: Strap in for Safety While On the Go with JPMA

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It’s National Baby Safety Month and every Monday we will be sharing tips from the leaders in baby safety knowledge at JPMA. Today is all about Baby Safety on the Go – from strollers to carseats to carriers. Don’t forget to take last week’s Carseat Challenge!

From carriers to car seats to strollers and more, there are a wide variety of products all parents and caregivers need to get baby out and about. With more options available than ever before, there is quite a bit to consider when choosing the product best suited for you and your baby.

But, strollers and carriers are not just for taking your baby from point A to point B, they are a lifestyle choice! A stroller or carrier is a part of your image and a reflection of personal style, parenting style, and lifestyle.

From travel systems and joggers to umbrellas and multiple seats, the possibilities are endless. With so many choices available today, selecting the right stroller can be a daunting task.

A stroller will be one of your most-used items so you must love everything about it. Again, think about what makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Do your research before you even visit the store. Comparison shop and talk to other parents about their recommendations. Manufacturer and retailer Web sites are also a great source of information

Don’t forget about dad! Most moms are the primary baby gear decision maker, but consider dads needs when selecting your stroller. Men focus on certain features like wheel design, steering, suspension, overall stroller height/feel, and sporty fashions, but above all, dad should also feel comfortable pushing your stroller.

Finally, keep in mind that one stroller may not serve all your needs. You may need more than one, especially as your baby grows and your needs and lifestyle changes. Whatever stroller you decide to add to your baby gear repertoire, will be the right one for you and your family and will surely provide many hours of enjoyment for you and your little one when out and about! So be sure to enjoy the ride!

When thinking about baby safety on the go, remember these guidelines for a safe outing:

All strollers come fitted with standard safety harness straps.
Use straps at all times, even if it’s a short trip.
Harness straps stop the child from climbing out of the seat and falling, and protects the child should the stroller tip over.
Safety straps should be used regardless of the child’s age.
Many strollers feature a five-point harness system, which features straps that secure over each shoulder, at both sides of the waist, and in the middle of the legs.
It is important to always use all straps, not just lap straps or shoulder straps alone.
If you use a soft carrier, select one made of a durable, washable fabric with sturdy, adjustable straps.
Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions for use, age and weight recommendations.
Be sure baby’s weight is evenly distributed in the carrier and all safety straps are secured.
Check for ripped seams, sharp edges, and missing or loose snaps.
Always keep one hand on baby when tightening/loosening straps for any reason or taking baby out or putting baby in.

September is Baby Safety Month. Check out more safety tips at babysafetymonth.org

Amy Chezem is JPMA’s Senior Communications Manager and Baby Safety Month Program Director. Amy has managed the Baby Safety Month program for nearly two decades and helped expand the program creating one of JPMA’s largest consumer education and awareness programs to date.

Breastfeeding + Babywearing with Tula

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We have heard from countless mamas how babywearing makes their life so much easier; having two hands free means you can do (almost) everything you need to do, and keep your little one close enough to kiss at all times. Did you know you can even breastfeed while babywearing? It’s true! Our friends at Tula have some super helpful tips for breastfeeding while babywearing. Do you have any tips to add to this list? For more detailed instructions, plus a video to help guide you, check out this handy post from Tula. Looking to get a Tula Carrier for yourself? Check out our review of the Free-to-Grow Carrier – and don’t forget to add it to your registry!

1. Be confident – know that you are giving your child the greatest gifts: love, nourishment, and the best start to a healthy life.
2. Be patient – give yourself room and time to learn, and if you get frustrated, take a break, reconnect with your baby, and do something else that makes you happy.
3. Dress accordingly – wearing a nursing top can really help with easy access for you and baby.
4. Loosen up – slightly loosen your arm straps and slightly slide your waistband down for more comfortable feeding.
5. Use your hands – oftentimes breastfeeding in a baby carrier is not truly hands free, as your hands may be needed to support your baby, breast, or a bottle, but just helps to make it a bit easier and mobile.
6. Use a blanket if you prefer extra privacy – but make sure you maintain visibility of baby to ensure their airway is open.
7. Reposition after feeding – whether they fall asleep or not, always reposition your baby to a snug, ergonomic position if you have lowered or reclined them to feed.
8. Check baby’s chin – as you latch your little one, make sure that he or she is keeping his or her chin off of her chest (you should be able to fit between 1-2 adult fingers underneath his or her chin) and that baby’s nose is free to ensure a clear airway.
9. Ensure baby has proper support – if you are breastfeeding in a Baby Tula Ring Sling, we recommend gently lifting and supporting your baby’s weight with one arm while lifting the top ring to loosen slightly with the other hand.
10. Maintain proper positioning – it is important to maintain the tummy-to-tummy position and keep knees higher than bottom in a deep M-position throughout the time that you are nursing.
11. Listen to your baby – listen to your child while he or she is nursing: snoring, grunting, or other noises can be an indicator of distressed breathing, and you should unlatch and reposition if these things occur, or if you visually notice an obstructed airway for any reason, or that baby’s chin has fallen to his or her chest.

Want to learn more about Tula? Check out some of our older posts:

Affordable Eco-Friendly Baby Registry Picks
See Kate Sew’s review of her mesh Tula
See which Tula prints Risky Rae loves for Rockabilly Style

DIY Baby Hat Brim With See Kate Sew

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

See Kate Sew partners with Gugu Guru once again to share a fantastic DIY tutorial. This time? A lovely little baby hat brim hack for sunny days. Want to check out more DIY projects from Kate? Click over to see the full list – lots of fun summer project ideas!

I’m excited to be back sharing a quick DIY baby hat brim hack with you today! I’m wearing a Tula mesh carrier and you can enter to win one below! This carrier is awesome, it’s easy to put on myself and has two buckles to secure it. You wear this wrap on your hips which distributes the weight perfectly and keeps baby nice and close! The mesh line is great for summer, it’s breathable and lightweight!

I love this basic grey one, but the Tula Carrier also comes in a bunch of cute prints! You can wear it on the front or back and holds larger toddlers, which is awesome!

Tula also makes blankets! Their wide variety of blankets are super soft and cute! I really don’t think you can ever have enough baby blankets.

Today’s DIY is a sunhat made from a bonnet that you can fold up for a little extra color. You’ll need a basic bonnet or bonnet pattern to start. You can use my pattern here or a premade bonnet!

Materials //

-free baby brim pattern

-1/4 cotton quilting fabric

-lightweight fusible interfacing

Instructions //

1. Cut out 2 brim pieces from cotton. Use a contrast fabric for one of them if you want an extra pop of color inside. Cut out 1 brim piece from fusible interfacing.

2. Fuse interfacing to the back of the brim lining fabric. Pin brim to the front of the bonnet, starting in the middle and winding around the front. Pin brim lining to bonnet lining and outer brim to outer bonnet.

3. Unfold both pieces and pin twill tape to the bottom front.

4. Pin both bonnet pieces together with right sides together (twill tape in between). Sew all the way around the hat and brim, leaving a 2-3″ opening at the bottom.

4. Turn right side out and press well. Topstitch over the opening to close the bonnet. And you’re done!

Check out some more fun DIY projects with Kate:

Babywearing Essential: Baby K’tan Nautical Print

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-Sponsored Post-

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of babywearing, and when it comes to carriers, we can’t say enough great things about Baby K’tan. With its patented double-loop design, the Baby K’tan slips on like a t-shirt – no fuss, from the baby or yourself – the K’tan makes babywearing as simple as can be. K’tan recently released their print collection, and the nautical print carrier is your perfect summer accessory.

The Baby K’tan nautical print (and all of their prints) is made of a 100% natural cotton patterned with beautiful vibrant prints. The carrier’s unique one-way stretch and soft fabric offer you and your little a wonderfully cozy hold. The Baby K’tan is known for their ergonomic positioning for healthy infant development and comfort for parents, as it evenly distributes weight across back and shoulders.

The Baby K’tan can be used from 8 to 35 pounds, and comes with a sash, so you can utilize all 6 possible babywearing positions. We love the Baby K’tan, especially for c-section mamas, as you can wear your infant high above your c-section incision. Plus the material is super soft, and it could not be easier to put on, and take off, the carrier. And, most importantly, it’s washable!

You can find Baby K’tan on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you to Baby K’tan for making this sponsored post possible.

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