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.

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.

Babywearing: The New Free-to-Grow Tula

by Gugu Guru 1 Comment

We’re huge fans of babywearing here at Gugu Guru, and even more so of the fantastic Tula Carriers, which are not only gorgeous, but super comfortable for babies and parents. We’re so excited about Tula’s new carrier, the Free-to-Grow Carrier. The new carrier is an adjustable baby carrier designed to grow with families from baby’s early infancy through toddlerhood.

Coming in four gorgeous styles, Wonder, Blossom, Play, and Discover, each pattern is symbolic for stages of childhood. Blossom symbolizes the quickly growing and delicate beauty of a baby; Play celebrates how babies express joy and happiness; Wonder pays homage to the boundless curiosity that leads to all of the cherished moments of childhood; and Discover is inspired by the early awestruck moments your little one has when they learn new and exciting things.

Why is the Free-to-Grow Carrier so special? Well, in addition to all of the features of Baby Tula’s regular inward-facing, two-position standard carriers, the Free-to-Grow Carrier also offers adjustable settings for width and height, ensuring proper, ergonomic positioning throughout the different stages of babies’ development. The carrier maintains the elegant silhouette and intuitive, easy-to-use design that Tula has always been recognized for. It’s amazing how adjustable this carrier is; literally every aspect is adjustable to ensure proper safety and comfort for both parent and baby/toddler. You can adjust the width of the seat, and height of the carrier; plus, adjust the super padded straps to ensure comfort for the parent.

The Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier is the perfect carrier for parents who love to travel; it’s lightweight, very stylish, and since it’s easily adjustable for babies to toddlers, you can switch it up and alternatively carry your baby and older kids while out and about. The ergonomic seat for proper positioning means that you can wear baby for a long time, knowing they are being safely carried and are comfortable. Plus, you can back carry in the Free-to-Grow, too! The carrier also has a large pocket, ideal for your phone and keys.

Our editor checked out the Free-to-Grow and couldn’t believe at how easy it was to adjust the whole carrier and make it work for you and your baby. It’s lightweight enough to stuff inside a diaper bag, and the designs are really just as gorgeous as they look on the screen.

Prairie Mama’s Baby Registry

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We’re so excited to be featuring a Prairie Mama’s Registry curated by the amazingly lovely Stephanie Janz (@pocketfulofacorns). This Canadian mama of five lives life simply in the Canadian prairies and is here to share her top baby picks for a prairie mama and baby.

As a mother of five you learn a few things on the way. One lesson I have learned is that it is easier to get by with less. Less clothes, less stuff in general. With your first you can be bombarded by all the “must have lists”. And most of them have way too many things on them. When I got pregnant with my fifth, I really wanted to keep things simple. I bought him a simple wardrobe. Actually, everything he owns fits into one drawer. Despite keeping his clothes simple I love baby shoes! Sweet N Swag have adorable shoes that are adorable, affordable, and stay on! I also have a weakness for bonnets. I have a beautiful linen one for him from @aibileenandbabygirl. It’s light weight, but keeps his head warm too.

I partnered up with Gugu Guru to come up with my “simple prairie life” registry. Let me break it down for you.

First you need a place to sleep your baby. Whether or not you co-sleep, you need somewhere to sleep your baby during the day. I have a simple Moses basket where he sleeps during the day, when he lets me put him down! At night he starts out in his bassinet, then usually end up with me. Later when he grows out of it, I have a super simple crib from IKEA. You really don’t need the fanciest crib. For sleeping I have always swaddled my babies. They feel secure and sleep better. So some great muslin swaddles are a must! Lulujo Baby have super soft muslin swaddles. I love them.

Second you need some way of transporting your baby. I use a Graco car seat that goes up to 35lbs. I like to rear face my babies as long as I can. In the prairies you need a stroller with big wheels. There aren’t many paved roads around where I live and you need to have something that you can actually push around. So a good jogging stroller is a must for our family.

I also love baby wearing. It’s a life saver when out and about. Also great for at home. I can get little jobs done and he will often nap on me too. Win win. On my ring sling, I usually have a soother clip attached to keep it handy, and clean for when he needs it. I have a leather braided one from @madelines.box.

So there you have it! It really is possible to live simply with babies and children. I have found that it makes life a more simpler and easier to keep up with. And I need all the time I can get spending it with my family!

Getting Outside With Go Adventure Mom!

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When it comes to the outdoors, Kathy Dalton is its #1 fan. She founded Go Adventure Mom in 2012 and has never looked back. She has a passion for helping families get outdoors and to move! Her goal is to work with brands that encourage outdoor play and exploration in children. She also loves to educate families on how they can get outdoors and enjoy the fun! Kathy has been featured in many top editorials. From The Huffington Post to Parents Magazine, — she has a desire to make getting outdoors fun! She spreads the word of being active where she can. She has a background in communication, marketing, and public relations. She’s been an outdoor mom for years and there’s no turning back now. Follow along as she teaches about being outdoors, getting your family active, and enjoying life to the fullest. Today, Kathy is sharing simple tips for getting outdoors with your baby – stay tuned for posts on hiking while pregnant, and hiking with baby.

Tips for Getting Outdoors with Your Baby

Getting outdoors with your baby is important. You both need the fresh air and the opportunity to be with nature. I have always loved to go outdoors, but once I had a baby, I needed to find ways to make it enjoyable for both of us. Here are a few tips to help you to get outdoors with your baby and enjoy that time.

Keep it Simple

When you are outdoors with your baby, you do not need to be doing anything fancy. Keep the outdoors simple! Go on a walk, take a hike, have a picnic, and just enjoy each other’s company. The whole idea behind getting outdoors is to spend time with your baby.

Set Low Expectations

When you go anywhere with a baby, you never know what to expect. When I’m heading outdoors with my baby, I set low expectations. You shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations for your time spent outdoors with the baby. I like to think of a few activities we will enjoy, but for the most part, going with the flow is how I roll when I’m heading outdoors.

Don’t Stress

Oh mama, don’t stress about being outside with your baby. I’m sure you are nervous about bugs, the sun, and if they will enjoy it. You can always start going outside for a small period and then work your way up. Your baby will eventually get used to spending more and more time outside with you.

Getting outside with your baby and enjoying the fresh air is something you won’t ever regret. The outdoors is a special place for moms and babies. There are endless activities and plenty of chances to have fun together. Make sure you apply my top 3 tips and most of all, have fun!

Two Moms Baby Registry

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Today’s guest post is from the mamas of Baby Bailey Mama Drama; they’re sharing their top registry picks for families with two mamas! Like what you see here? Add it to your registry today.

Katie and I had no baby experience prior to having Kennedy. We were both awkward just holding babies. Of course we had no idea what to buy for our own baby. We recommend using Gugu Guru for all new moms. Gugu Guru delivers you your perfect baby registry match, unbiased product recommendations from industry experts and other moms to suit your individual style. For first time moms, making a registry can be stressful. So why not take away that stress with a registry that helps guide you in the right direction? Here is a list we complied of some fun and necessary items we would put on our registry if we had the chance to do it over again. Even if you aren’t a two moms family, there are many items on here any mom would love!

Covered Goods Multi Use Nursing Cover

The nursing cover we started out with Kennedy would kick and give everyone around us a show. Katie saw her cousin using this cover at her baby shower and saw that her baby couldn’t kick it off. This cover is amazing! The cover is breathable. Besides these uses for the cover it can also be used as a car seat cover, shopping cart cover, scarf and of course, a breastfeeding cover. Katie and I both wear them. Kennedy is usually playing with it if she isn’t sleeping with it or eating underneath it. [Seen here: the gray and ivory stripe cover, the rose quartz cover]

Shuga Bebe Couture Nursing Pillow

Shuga Bebe Couture makes breastfeeding easier. The Shuga Bebe puts our baby at just the right height for breastfeeding. We also use it to prop her up on when playing with a toy and we use it as a pillow when we are laying on the floor with her. There is a handy handle on it too to make it easy to carry. [Seen here: Make-A-Wish Dusty Rose]

Skip Hop Highline Backpack Diaper Bag

A Baby Bag that is stylish and convenient. The Skip Hop bag has great organizing pouches and comes with a changing pad. Katie and I trade off using it for work because it looks professional. When we go out with Kennedy it doesn’t look like we are carrying a diaper bag, it looks like we are carrying a nice purse.

Beaba Baby Food Maker

We had always planned on making Kennedy her food. We planned on using our blender to make it for her. We always thought baby food was too expensive and making our own baby food would be affordable and healthier for her. We came across the Beaba Baby Food Maker and fell in love. This machine is amazing. There are two sides to it so it can make double the amount of food. You could have two different foods going at one time. It only takes 15 minutes for this machine to first steam your food, then to blend it. All you have to do is chop the food up and throw it on. Not to mention it saves on all the dishes we would have used if we would have made Kennedy food using pots and the blender. WE use it to make food for us too. I don’t think we will ever make mashed potatoes or applesauce the way we used to. It’s so much easier to make them using this machine. The severing sizes it makes are perfect for adults and for kids!

Skip Hop Explore and More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center

We don’t like the overly colorful jumpers so this one is perfect! It’s easy to assemble and it can change as your baby grows. It has three stages of use: It can be used to sit, swivel, bounce and play; it can be used to cruise and interact; and it can be used as a play table. Plus, the play activities can be moved around, so it’s incredibly versatile as baby grows up!

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

I wish we would have thought to get a 4-position carrier from the beginning! This carrier is amazing! Kennedy loves facing out at this age. She only likes facing in if she is tired. This carrier can have your baby facing toward you, on your side, on your back, and front facing. The carrier is designed to grow with your baby from newborn to 3 years (There is no infant insert needed. This will come in handy for our next baby). The carrier is hip-healthy for babies and provides proper support for their growing body. The carrier also has support for adults which is definitely needed as your baby grows. Kennedy now weighs 18 pounds! I need that support!

Finn and Emma Play Gym

If you love modern and simple, this play gym is amazing. The style is simple and it makes a great decoration to any nursery. I don’t mind having it out all the time because of its great design. Kennedy loves playing with it! The toys on it can be taken off and changed out if you decide you want different ones too.

Adorable Onesie – Hatched By Two Chicks

We got this onesie when Kennedy was a baby, and Gugu Guru suggested it for us again, as well! So, we have it in two sizes now – perfect for when we have another babe too. Since Kennedy was born using Christina’s eggs and Katie’s womb, she was quite literally hatched by two chicks!

Babywearing Workout Video

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Morgan Suarez is back this week with a special treat – a video outlining a 15 minute baby wearing workout! This routine can be done anywhere, all you need is a baby and a baby carrier. You can follow Morgan on her blog or Instagram.

Ah, the new year. A new beginning, a fresh start.

If you’re like me, working out more was on your list of resolution. And if you’re also like me, you’ve already been slackin’.

Sometimes it’s just not possible. Getting out of the house by yourself is no easy task. So, here’s a short 15 minute workout you can do at home while wearing your baby (or by yourself). This workout will you get you into tip-top shape in no time.

You can check out Morgan’s past babywearing workouts for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Holiday time!

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