I totally get it. The idea is to have the comfort, support, safety, and cuddliness of a wrap, but easier to learn and faster to put on. I think this carrier successfully does all of these things, though it does lose a few wrap-qualities along the way.
The Baby Nest allows you to do a very well-supported and comfortable carry, with 2-3 layers of fabric over the baby, but it is not quite as intimidating as one huge 15-foot length of fabric…as they say, it’s a wrap-less wrap. Instead, it consists of 3 loops, two of which are already crossed together and the third, which is adjustable.
Advantages:
–the material!! This is the softest, greatest-feeling carrier, so very delicious to wear! It’s got just the right amount of stretch, less stretch than a Moby or a Sleepywrap.
–stays off the floor. One of the annoying things about wrapping is getting set up without dragging the ends of the fabric on the floor–or worse, adirty/wet/slushy parking lot. No such problem with the Baby Nest.
–The adjustable belt layer also has a pocket! Slip a diaper and some wipes in there, maybe your wallet, and that’s all you need to carry for a quick trip into a store.
–All the advantages of babywearing are here. Baby gets physical comfort and mental stimulation, while parent gets the use of both hands while still cuddling baby, plus easy exercise.
Disadvantages:
–Though it is easier to learn than a wrap, it is less adjustable than a wrap and you need to get the right size for you–and this can change as the mama loses baby weight and the baby grows. But because this is a stretchy fabric, that might not be too big of a deal.
–The number of carries you can do is limited. The carrier must be put on first, and then the baby put in it. I can’t imagine doing a back carry on my own withthis carrier; it would definitely take two people. The package also shows a forward-facing-out front carry, which is not something I recommend.
–The packaging claims the carrier is good for birth-35 lbs. I would disagree. In general, a stretchy fabric is less comfortable/useful as the carried one gets bigger. I tried it with my 30-lb 2 year old, and it was not supportive enough for me. But I can’t wait to use it with this next baby in May!
You can purchase the My Baby Nest baby sling at The Wardrobe in Hunt Valley.
]]>
Are you looking for hip baby products at great prices? Check out Baby Steals- a deal of the day site. Basically, every weekday they post one product (sometimes in various styles, sizes, and colors) that is reduced by 50% at least (sometimes more). They are usually overstocks from past seasons, but, It is always trendy baby gear that “in the know” moms want like BabyLegs, Bical Grippers, Peanut Shell baby slings, various brands of cloth diapers, diaper bags, etc. One more reason why we love shopping with Baby Steals is the great shipping prices. Go read their FAQ section for more details.
]]>
Special Beginnings Birth and Women’s Center will host its fall Natural Baby and Child Fair, Sunday, November 16 from 10 am to 4 pm. Local vendors will be on hand to offer their goods, just in time for the holiday season. Â It’s also a great opportunity to check out Special Beginnings and its array of services.Â
The current list of vendors includes:
- Alyhas Alternatives
- Birth Diva
- Kaylala
- Usborne Books at Home
- P&D Woodcrafts Etc.Â
- Bediboo
- Daniel Creations
- La Leche League
- Music Together Chesapeake
- Peechee Neric Â
You’ll be able to find the following products and services:
- Wooden Toys
- BabyLegs
- Great Books for Kids
- Natural, Handmade Body Care Products
- Cloth Diapers
- Baby Carriers
- Breastfeeding Supplies
- Bellycasting Kits
- Doula Services
- Bradley Childbirth Classes
- Pregnancy and Birth Photography
- Soft Organic Toys
- Music for Young Children
- Seated Massage
Don’t forget to visit the Special Beginnings Breastfeeding Boutique, which will be open during the Fair!  There will be boxes at the door for donations to Arden House, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children. Items needed include new clothes, toiletries, pantry items, new toys, gift cards, etc.
Â
Special Beginnings is located at 1454 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Arnold, MD Â 21012.
For more information, contact naturalbabyfair@yahoo.com. ]]>
Invented by a crafty parent, this sling-style travel high chair is both ingenious and incredibly simple. Those of you familiar with the Ergo or similar carriers will recognize the straps and buckles that create a snug pouch and attach your child safely to most square-backed chairs (as long as it isn’t too tall). Â The set-up is quick and easy, and the quality of the fabrics and construction lets you breathe easy between sips of your latte. My daughter, who isn’t a fan of most types of restraint, was comfortable and happy in the seat; she had the freedom of movement that she craves while still being secured tightly to the chair. Â Extremely portable, My Little Seat folds into a tiny matching pouch that you can throw into your diaper bag or even the pocket of your Ergo. It’s made of 100% poly-cotton, so it’s a breeze to wash and dry, and there are several cute prints to choose from. This is the product I wish I had invented: so intuitive and so useful. We take ours everywhere, and we often use it at home too!
My Little Seat is appropriate for babies who can sit unassisted and children up to 35 pounds. Â As with all baby products, it’s important to read all directions and warnings before use. You can purchase yours at their website for $39.99, which, when you consider how much stress you’re saving yourself and how long you can use this product, doesn’t seem too expensive at all.
Quality Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Appeal Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Value Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Functionality Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Style Rating: 5 out of 5 starsÂ
Overall Rating: 100% A
]]>
A baby carrier is a staple in the world of baby gear must-haves, but, with all the Baby Bjorns you see out on the streets, you wonder when people will catch on to all the wonderful baby wearing options there are these days. One of the top runners is the ERGO Baby Carrier.
I call the ERGO Baby Carrier the “more sophisticated Baby Bjorn”, simply because it does so much more then the average carrier. Retailing at $92.00, you can use this as a front carrier, with a newborn (you must buy an addtional insert for $25.00), on the hip, or back. The carrier comes in a variety of gender neutral color schemes that papa will be happy to wear, too. And did I mention comfortable? The weight limit is 40 pounds. One of my favorite uses for my ERGO is for grocery shopping. I put my youngest child on my back and my preschooler in the cart and GO! When other carriers claim to make the parent hands free, this one truly does the trick!
You can have it all (and take it with you!) because there is a backpack that is designed to go over your carrier for $35.00.
Your local Baltimore ERGO baby carrier vendor is Bediboo. ]]>