Southern Baby and Toddler Show February 2008

Wanted to let you know about the Southern Baby and Toddler Show to be held on the 2nd and 3rd February at the Mountbatten Centre. For those who want to buy slings but want to see them first, a recommended sling vendor will have a stall at the show, Natural Connection. Natural Connection is a family-run business selling slings and fabulous baby accessories. They have a big selection of funky slings and other products. My favourites are the Babyhawk mei-tai, Rockin Baby ringslings, Moby wraps, Babylegs, cute Peppa dolls, and the slings for childen.

Christmas Greetings and Meetings in 2008

Wishing you all a fantastic Christmas. Thanks so much for those who have attended Sling Meets in 2007. Sally, and I have enjoyed meeting you all, and hope that we have been able to help you find the right slings for you and your children. We welcome those who are new to slings, but to those that have found their perfect sling, we do hope that you can still attend future sling meets and share the joys of babywearing with everyone, as well as sharing experiences and sharing cakes.

We're holding the first meeting of 2008, on Friday January 11th at 13:30 at the Sure Start Centre in Arundel St, Portsmouth. We haven't booked any further meetings in 2008 yet, as we may have to change times/dates in future due to working constraints, but we will keep you posted. We also hope to organise some mini-meets and playdates in addition to the main Sling Meets in 2008.

Article at Baby Hampshire Online

Article published online by Baby Hampshire. Read Babywearing and its Benefits here;
http://www.babyhampshire.co.uk/content/view/118/80/

Dates for meets and new venue

We now have a permanent venue in the Portsmouth area. The Sure Start ABC Centre - Landport, 221 Arundel Street, Portsmouth. PO1 1NF . The Sure Start Centre is diagonally opposite the ASDA Fratton car park in Arundel Street. You can find a map is here http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Portsmouth,+PO1+1NF,+UK&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title
We have therefore set the dates for the rest of 2007;
Fri 12th October 13:30 - 15:30
Fri 9th November 13:30 - 15:30
Fri 14th December 13:30 - 15:30

The room we are using in Sure Start centre is purpose built for families and has plenty of toys and space for toddlers and a fenced off area outside to play in.

Please remember Safety is paramount......

when Babywearing. That is why I am posting these safety tips, with thanks from the DC Metro Babywearing group in the US who put it together.


*When learning to use any new carrier it is best to have another adult “spot” you in case you need assistance. Practicing over a soft surface like a padded mat or bed can help, too!

*Baby should be well fed, well rested, and have a clean nappy before practicing….you will be more successful in ensuring a safe and secure babywearing experience for you both!

*Baby’s position and posture in a sling should mimic holding baby in your arms. A high, snug carry that places baby over your center of gravity will help ensure that baby doesn’t slip and the caregiver’s back will benefit.

*The principles of healthy back positioning and posture apply even moreso when you are wearing baby. As always, to protect caregiver’s back, keep load (i.e. baby) close to you and when you must lift something, bend only with your knees and not your back. It is probably not a good idea to wear high heels for an extended period while wearing baby in a carrier.

*Use all your senses to constantly monitor baby. Look at baby for proper positioning. Listen often to monitor airflow. Feel and touch baby’s skin to gauge the temperature and tone. Avoid “chin to chest” posture of baby, as it can obstruct the airway. Mirrors, car windows, and other reflective surfaces can be very helpful in monitoring baby.

*Take extra precaution with respect to your personal space when babywearing. Avoid tight fits around door frames, sharp corners, revolving doors, automatic doors (like on public transportation) and other tight spaces. Remember that you are bigger when baby is attached to you, just like in pregnancy.

*SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) can happen anywhere, even in baby carriers. Thus, it is important to incorporate SIDS safety tips everywhere. Do not put soft bedding items, toys, etc in the area of the baby carrier with your child, as it could pose a potential suffocation hazard. Avoid smoking with a baby in the home. Make sure nothing is covering baby’s face. Avoid over bundling them in clothing. Remember that when wearing baby, your own body heat is added to theirs. A single layer of clothing may be all you need for you and baby.

*Babies love skin to skin contact and some experts think that it can regulate baby’s temperature and other natural responses. Therefore, you may want to choose thin layers of breathable materials and avoid excessive padding in your clothes and your choice of baby carrier. Never use any accessory that has not been specifically tested and approved for your type of carrier

*Some common activities are made more dangerous when wearing a baby in a carrier. Cooking near hot stoves, cleaning with harsh chemicals and jogging come to mind. You may want to avoid these activities when babywearing.

*Always inspect carrier before use for loose seams and other signs of wear. Replace a carrier with any sign of wear that may be dangerous.

Earthy Rainbow

We *heart* Earthy Rainbow!

September Sling meet

We will be meeting in Victoria Park close toPortsmouth town centre on Friday 14th September 2007,10-12am near to the Children's play area. Babies,toddlers, and partners are all, of course, welcome.

We will be bringing the sling library with us, so if you want to borrow any slings, you may do so. We do ask for a deposit of £25 plus a charge of £5 per month, per sling. All the money will be used to purchase more slings for the group.

Hope to see you all there.

First Sling Meet

Thanks to those that attended and made it a success. I really had a lovely (but tiring) morning. Sally and I are still learning the art of babywearing ourselves, so thanks for your patience and thanks to all of you who kept an eye on Ava for me. Between us, and the resources we've got, I hope you can find your perfect carrier/sling.

I hope you can attend our next meeting on the 14th of September, same time and place. At the next meeting we will begin to loan out carriers, so please e-mail me if you need the library rules.

Q&A with Shani from Slingjax

Here's my Q&A session with Shani, a WAHM who owns and runs Slingjax. She tells us about her personal babywearing experiences and how it inspired her to turn it into a business.

E: What was your first Babywearing experience?

S: Years ago I saw an African lady wearing her baby on her back on TV. I wanted to do the same with my baby. I tried with a piece of cloth but I had no idea what I was doing so gave up. Later when I had my son I searched the Internet and stumbled across the world of babywearing and attachment parenting.

E: What do you think are the best things about Babywearing?

S: There are so many benefits to wearing your baby but for me the first thing was how wonderful it felt to be able to keep my son close to me. I had suffered terribly with SPD during and after pregnancy. This resulted in me being unable to walk with out the aid of crutches. With the aid of a stretchy wrap, I was able to hold my baby close to me and still use my crutches.

E: What are your favourite slings at the moment and why?

S: I use a variety of slings each day depending on what I am doing. I live in London and find it very easy to jump on the underground with my baby in a mei tai. If I am just popping from the car into say the bank or post office, then I will use a ring sling or pouch. For sleepy time around the house I tend to reach for a woven wrap and 'wear baby down to sleep' in a back carry.

E: How did your Babywearing evolve into a Business?

S: I started with the hire shop, lending slings to local mothers and it basically grew from there.

E: Does Babywearing make balancing a busy work and family life easier?

S: Without question. I have four children and three businesses. It would be almost impossible to do so many things and still 'be there' for my baby if I didn't wear him. He knows that whatever I am doing there is always a place for him with me. As I go about my daily business, I try to take him with me as much as possible. I once wore him to a meeting with the bank manager!

E: What do you see in the future for babywearing in the UK?

S: Babywearing is getting more and more popular here in the UK but there is still a long way to go. The word is spreading though and I am encouraged by the many emails and letters I get from people who tell me how their new sling has changed their lives. I look forward to a time when babies in slings are common place and hope this is sooner rather than later.

E: What is the most rewarding part of your job?

S: The best part for me is knowing that every sling I send out is going off to hold a baby close to it's mother, father or carer. I also love it when I am walking along the street and notice a baby being slung in one of my slings and this is happening a lot more recently.

CatBird Baby Mei Tai.....

arrived yesterday. It is beautiful, soft and comfy. Here are the pictures;

First Slingmeet August 2007

We will be meeting in Victoria Park close to Portsmouth town centre on Friday 10th August 2007, 10-12am near to the Children's play area. Babies, toddlers, and partners are all, of course, welcome. There will also be a cloth nappy demo for anyone interested.

For those that are interested, need directions, contents of sling library of any other questions please feel free to e-mail me.

Hope to see you all there!

Spud's babyhawk

The travelling Babyhawk has arrived, thanks so much Spud for lending it to us. We love it!

Napsack Baby Mei-Tai

Shani has generously donated a Napsack Baby Mei-Tai to our Babywearing group and it arrived in the post this morning. Thanks so much Shani!
Ava, and I gave it a try this morning. Ava, as usual, promptly fell asleep in it. I'll do a proper review when we've tested it some more. Here's a photo to wet your appetite in the meantime.
http://slingjax.com/catalog.php?category=14

Regular Meeting

I'm trying to arrange a regular meeting for local parents passionate about babywearing. Would you like to learn more about the slings on the market? Would you like to try slings before you buy? If so register your interest by e-mailing me and I can keep you updated with developments.

Review of Didymos wrap

This is a review of the Didymos wrap carrier. They are also known as a GSW, German style wrap. They stock several weaves and fabrics, you can see a sample of these at the website http://www.didymos.com/. I have a Didymos stripes in the 'Lena' colourway. I purchased my wrap on ebay at a price of £42, although they usually retail from about £70. You can also purchase them at http://www.slingjax.com/ in the UK.

The Didymos carrier is a basically a length of material and can be used from birth. It can be used right up to toddler hood and beyond. It comes with an instruction booklet, and some of the newer stock also comes with an instructional DVD.
Plus points
*Wraps are very versatile, they can be used for front, back and hip carries with newborns and older children.
*They distribute the weight evenly if wrapped correctly.
*They come in very pretty colours.
*They are multi-purpose. I have used our wrap as a blanket, sunshade, hammock etc.
*They are the closest sling, in my opinion, to carrying your baby in your arms. This makes them snuggly and feel like you are cuddling your baby.
*They feel very safe and Ava likes them.
Negative points
*All the choices in fabric, colours can be overwhelming.
*Learning curve in learning how to wrap especially back carries.
*Lots of fabric, which can make using them out and about quite difficult.

Overall, we love the Didymos wrap, and it has been especially handy these last couple of weeks. Ava, has been teething, and at times even the breast has not comforted her. The only way I've been able to soothe hair, is to put her in the wrap on my front and walk. It has got her to sleep in literally minutes, as the photographic evidence proves!

For any advice or help with choosing a Didymos wrap just e-mail me.

Join our Babywearing Facebook group

'What's Facebook?' I hear you cry. It is the latest Social Networking tool and I have put together a group for Babywearing in Portsmouth and Southsea. Here you can see any upcoming events, discuss slings, sling problems, add your reviews of slings and add your photos to the sling gallery. If you'd like to join please register at http://www.facebook.com/ and then click on the link in the Useful links section.

Team Slingjax

I am a proud member of the Slingjax team and work as a Sling Agent. If you wish to discuss any slings, would like to know the best sling for your needs, or need any help with using your sling please e-mail me at Emma@slingjax.co.uk

Welcome to my blog

My name is Emma Glass, and I am mum to Ava, nearly 11 months. I am trying to promote babywearing in the Portsmouth and Southsea area. Here are some benefits to babywearing;

Distributing the weight and freeing your hands
A baby carrier distributes the weight across your body, making it a lot easier to carry your baby. Most carriers are useable from birth till 35lbs (16kg). They also free your hands so you can attend to other children, do some household errands. You can also breastfeed in some slings.

Slings promote bonding
Wearing babies foster trust and attachment. A baby whose needs are met quickly will feel more secure in the long term. Relatives, siblings and partners can all carry baby in a sling, thus establishing a bond and giving Mum a break.

Carried babies cry less often
Research proves that carried babies cry less often. Carrying babies in an upright position can also help soothe reflux, colic and fussiness.

Carried babies tend to be alert
Babies love to be up high, where they can see what you are doing and interact with you and other adults.

Babywearing has been one of the highlights for me as a mother to a young baby. It has meant that Ava has been very portable and she has been able to come along to many adult gatherings that I thought I would have to miss out on with a young baby. Ava as a young baby would often have an aversion to travelling in the pushchair, she just wanted to be close to me and carrying her would stop her fussing and crying. Using a sling allowed me to carry her and have my hands free, a necessity when I needed to make lunch, get some washing done etc.

I want to be able to share my positive experiences with other mothers and enable them to find the perfect sling for their lifestyle and baby.