Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day from Babywearing International of Knoxville. And remember to always keep your baby close enough to kiss!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Open House
Babywearing International of Knoxville is Celebrating our First Birthday!
Come Celebrate our anniversary with a special Open House to be held on Saturday March 21st, 2015 from 1-3pm.
The event will be held at Remedy Coffee House in the quaint Old City. Remedy Coffee House has not only a beautiful and spacious back room, but an amazing Tree house Room for the kids to play in!
Let's do a little chapter review from our last year.
- Chapter was founded by Sarah Murray, Carrie Plemons, Mary Rodio, Ashley Teller and Jenny Arden.
- Since we have added Anna Hurley, Nikki Moore, and Brittany Ridley to our Board of Directors.
- Two babies have been born to the leadership team.
- We have over 1,000 members in our Facebook Group!
- We are rounding the curve to 100 paying members!
- There was one really awesome Group Warming Party last April.
- We had close to a dozen special events for International Babywearing Week!
- We've given out many prizes including several carriers!
- Currently we are hosting two educational meetings a month and one Mom's Night Out.
- Our Lending Library has close to 50 items available for check out!
To celebrate our special day we will have a lot of fun things going on.
All current members that renew at this event will save $10 off their $30 membership price! Come out to take advantage of great savings!
One of our lovely VBE's, Carrie Plemons has put her face on the line for us! $50 raised will give some lucky person the opportunity to throw a pie right in her face! The biggest amount donated to that cause will get to toss the pie!
She looks pretty scared! Can you do it!?
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| Carrie looks a little scared about that pie in the face! |
There will be a handful of local vendors available that have Babywearing related items as well as just some fun other wares. (they will also have prizes in our Silent Auction!)
Hannah Harris' amazing metal work art
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| Six Little Monkies Wrap on the Loom |
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| Carry Me Close's babywearing ornaments |
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| Metal Work by Hannah |
We have other prizes for our silent auction donated by:
The Muse of Knoxville
Chick Fil A, Fountain City
Pax Baby
Tekhni
Kelsie Chic Crochet
and More!
We will have two local photographers on hand. One, Megan Smith, will be on hand as our overall event photographer.
In addition to that you will have a very special opportunity to do mini babywearing or family sessions as a fundraiser for the group! Photographer Hope Stooksbury will be doing mini sessions, $1 per minute for a $5 minimum and $20 max. All shots will be edited after the event and emailed to you.
In addition to that you will have a very special opportunity to do mini babywearing or family sessions as a fundraiser for the group! Photographer Hope Stooksbury will be doing mini sessions, $1 per minute for a $5 minimum and $20 max. All shots will be edited after the event and emailed to you.
Your little ones can have fun playing in the Treehouse, enjoying our coloring station and donating a dollar at our Temporary Tattoo Station as well!
Remember this is a fundraising event meant to keep your local chapter alive and growing! Please come out to support the group and bring a friend to check us out!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Close Enough to Kiss - Babywearing Safety
Babywearing is a great way to bond with your kids and get things done while having your hands free. Before you start wearing and getting in all those snuggles, make sure you keep these safety tips in mind.
There is a great acronym for remembering the safety tips:
T I C K S
TIGHT: Keep the carrier tight. Whether or not you are wearing a wrap, ring sling or a soft structured carrier, the carrier needs to be tight. This keeps baby secure and close to your body.
IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES: Baby needs to be in view and you should be able to see baby when you look down (if baby is on your front). This means that fabric should not be covering baby's face. If baby is on your back, you should be able to glance over your shoulder and see him, or be able to glance in a mirror and see baby's face.
CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS: Baby should be high enough that you can kiss the top of his head. If baby is on you back, baby should be high up and you should be able to feel his breathing on your neck.
KEEP CHIN OFF CHEST: Baby should be in an upright position and his chin should not be touching his chest. This compromises baby's breathing. While wearing baby, you should be able to fit 2 fingers under baby's chin.
SUPPORTED BACK: Baby's back should be in it's natural position (the C position) and baby should be facing their caregiver in the tummy to tummy position if on the front, or in an upright position if on your back.
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Some other tips to keep in mind:
Baby's knees should be higher than his bum, like in an "M" position.
Make sure that the carrier you are using fits baby properly. The carrier should fit knee to knee.
If you have questions, ask your VBEs at a meeting. We're here to help!
Keep those adorable littlest valentines close enough to kiss and remember your TICKS!
Thursday, January 15, 2015
January Member of the Month: Kelsie Giles!
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Meet Kelsie: a mama who loves to spread the babywearing love!
Let's start simple; your name, children's names and ages?
Kelsie Giles. My babies are Athena, age 16 months and Evangeline (Evie), age 3 months
How long have you been wearing?
I have been wearing since Athena's birth, but I didn't wear very often at all until she was about 3 months and we got our first Ergo. We started wrapping with a woven when Athena was about 9 months old.
What led you
to babywearing and how has it changed your parenting?
I was interested in babywearing after seeing a few people wearing their babies around town. I decided to start wearing because babies don't like to be put down and sometimes things still need to get done! I think the biggest thing that it has changed since I have been wearing often, is that my babies are constantly a part of what I am doing. If I'm cleaning, they are cleaning right along with me, if I'm cooking one of them is watching over my shoulder. It eliminates the crying baby in the corner in the swing while I hurry to get things done and then go get my baby. For me, it just makes things a lot less stressful because being a Mommy is stressful enough (even though I love it).
Have you had an interesting babywearing experience you'd like to share?
Because I started learning with a woven while I was pregnant with Evie, I had to skip front carries (belly in the way!) and go straight to hip and back carries. That was so challenging. I look back at my first babywearing pictures (specifically of back carries) and I'm afraid for Athena and I laugh at how terrible my wrap job was! I was so proud of those pictures at the time and posted them everywhere. I'm sure in a year or two I will look back on my current pictures in the same way. But it's definitely a journey!
What is your favorite carrier and why do you prefer it?
I love a size 6 woven. I can comfortably do a front or back carry with both of my girls in that size (not at the same time) And I just like the length because it's fun to snuggle with. ;)
Do you feel like you have support from family and friends on wearing your baby?
Definitely! I get a lot of questions about how to babywear from my friends who are mamas and I enjoy sharing the babywearing love. My Mom wears one of my daughters almost every time we go somewhere together and I wear the other one. I have had friends (who don't have their own babies yet) ask to wear my babies too and I have helped them wrap them while we have been hanging out. They always love it and hope to wear their own children someday.
What do you like to spend time doing aside from babywearing and spending time with your kiddos?
Of course I love spending time with my husband! He is my best friend and we always have a great time with or without the babies. I am a huge crochet addict. Even though I don't currently have a lot of time for that, it is one of my passions. I have 2 furry babies (Westies) that I love. And of course shopping for wraps and churning the ones I have has become a big hobby lately.
What is your favorite thing about living in
Knoxville?
We actually live in Pigeon Forge. :) But I love the community in Knoxville. I have met so many friends through this group and through other local Facebook groups. I just love the atmosphere and the love/mama support available here.
What's your favorite cartoon from childhood?
I wasn't huge into TV as a child. But I'm sure I watched Lion King about once a week.
Gotta have some juicy in every interview right?
Tell us one guilty pleasure of yours? I don't want to sound redundant, but it's probably buying wraps. I have way too many and I still want more! :) :)
What do you like best about BWI?
The meetings provide a great learning environment as well as a great place to meet other mamas with similar goals (such as snuggling with babies in wraps)
What
would you like to see in the future with BWI?
I think that everything going on right now is great! I wouldn't really change anything about the group. I'd love to be able to attend more meetings (I've never made it to a night meeting) and I'd love to make it to one of the Mom's night out dinners. My girls pretty much hate riding in the car, so I'm very lucky to even make it to the day meetings once a month.
What's the cutest habit of your kiddos you feel the need to share with the world?
Athena talks non-stop and I am very proud of her ability to speak in full sentences. I love taking videos of her talking, although she usually stops talking when I'm recording or when we are around other people, of course! And Evie smiles/coos a lot. She hasn't figured out the phone yet, so I've been able to capture quite a few cute videos.
Let's be open ended and vague to close: anything else you just want to tell us about yourself?
My husband and I hope to start hiking this spring, so hopefully by then he can become a better back wrapper and we can have endless babywearing family hikes and adventures! (a mama can dream, right?)
I have been wearing since Athena's birth, but I didn't wear very often at all until she was about 3 months and we got our first Ergo. We started wrapping with a woven when Athena was about 9 months old.
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| Carrying two! |
I was interested in babywearing after seeing a few people wearing their babies around town. I decided to start wearing because babies don't like to be put down and sometimes things still need to get done! I think the biggest thing that it has changed since I have been wearing often, is that my babies are constantly a part of what I am doing. If I'm cleaning, they are cleaning right along with me, if I'm cooking one of them is watching over my shoulder. It eliminates the crying baby in the corner in the swing while I hurry to get things done and then go get my baby. For me, it just makes things a lot less stressful because being a Mommy is stressful enough (even though I love it).
Have you had an interesting babywearing experience you'd like to share?
Because I started learning with a woven while I was pregnant with Evie, I had to skip front carries (belly in the way!) and go straight to hip and back carries. That was so challenging. I look back at my first babywearing pictures (specifically of back carries) and I'm afraid for Athena and I laugh at how terrible my wrap job was! I was so proud of those pictures at the time and posted them everywhere. I'm sure in a year or two I will look back on my current pictures in the same way. But it's definitely a journey!
What is your favorite carrier and why do you prefer it?
I love a size 6 woven. I can comfortably do a front or back carry with both of my girls in that size (not at the same time) And I just like the length because it's fun to snuggle with. ;)
Do you feel like you have support from family and friends on wearing your baby?
Definitely! I get a lot of questions about how to babywear from my friends who are mamas and I enjoy sharing the babywearing love. My Mom wears one of my daughters almost every time we go somewhere together and I wear the other one. I have had friends (who don't have their own babies yet) ask to wear my babies too and I have helped them wrap them while we have been hanging out. They always love it and hope to wear their own children someday.
What do you like to spend time doing aside from babywearing and spending time with your kiddos?
Of course I love spending time with my husband! He is my best friend and we always have a great time with or without the babies. I am a huge crochet addict. Even though I don't currently have a lot of time for that, it is one of my passions. I have 2 furry babies (Westies) that I love. And of course shopping for wraps and churning the ones I have has become a big hobby lately.
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| Sometimes both babies need a good ride |
We actually live in Pigeon Forge. :) But I love the community in Knoxville. I have met so many friends through this group and through other local Facebook groups. I just love the atmosphere and the love/mama support available here.
What's your favorite cartoon from childhood?
I wasn't huge into TV as a child. But I'm sure I watched Lion King about once a week.
Gotta have some juicy in every interview right?
Tell us one guilty pleasure of yours? I don't want to sound redundant, but it's probably buying wraps. I have way too many and I still want more! :) :)
What do you like best about BWI?
The meetings provide a great learning environment as well as a great place to meet other mamas with similar goals (such as snuggling with babies in wraps)
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| Toddler time! |
I think that everything going on right now is great! I wouldn't really change anything about the group. I'd love to be able to attend more meetings (I've never made it to a night meeting) and I'd love to make it to one of the Mom's night out dinners. My girls pretty much hate riding in the car, so I'm very lucky to even make it to the day meetings once a month.
What's the cutest habit of your kiddos you feel the need to share with the world?
Athena talks non-stop and I am very proud of her ability to speak in full sentences. I love taking videos of her talking, although she usually stops talking when I'm recording or when we are around other people, of course! And Evie smiles/coos a lot. She hasn't figured out the phone yet, so I've been able to capture quite a few cute videos.
Let's be open ended and vague to close: anything else you just want to tell us about yourself?
My husband and I hope to start hiking this spring, so hopefully by then he can become a better back wrapper and we can have endless babywearing family hikes and adventures! (a mama can dream, right?)
Thursday, January 1, 2015
You Know I'm All About Those Buckles
You may see them called soft structured carriers, SSCs, buckle carriers, or even WCFB (wrap conversion full buckle) or WCHB (wrap conversion half buckle). But these back pack style carriers that clip on are probably the most user friendly carrier options there are. Perfect for Dads and great for toddlers that are up and down a lot, these carriers are pretty straight forward, easy to use, and quick. For this reason, they probably don't get talked about enough. So we decided to focus this month on all things buckles! We asked our lovely Volunteer Babywearing Educators a few questions about buckles that will hopefully give you some insight into these great carriers!
Anna Hurley
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? Definitely Boba for a little baby. It just fit my body type better than an Ergo. Okay, and I love the Beco Butterfly Original but I can't find one for the life of me
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? SSCs are great for when people are staring and you are afraid to wrap in front of them in the parking lot.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? They are not necessarily a one size fits all type of carrier like say a ringsling or a long wrap.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I want a Kinderpack.
Brittany Ridley
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I have a Tula and really love how straight forward and easy it is to use. It's my favorite because it just fits my husband and I so well.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? I like them for fast and easy ups and downs. My husband likes them because they are easy.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? I can't always get the weight distribution where I like it for long wearing, but it is usually fine.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I guess if I could get a Tula with side clips so I could cross the straps I might call that perfect.
Nikki Moore
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? Kinderpack. I love amount of adjustability and the fit! I love how deep the seat is too.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? SSCs are great for quick ups, squirmy toddlers, and for daddies!
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? Fit varies from person to person. They aren't as versatile.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I'd love to be able to customize a carrier to exactly how I'd want it to look and function: ability to tighten the straps a tiny bit smaller, possibly a ring waist, slightly narrower straps and some really awesome fabric.
Mary Rodio
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? Depends on the stage. I love Becos in general. I really like the Gemini for little babies the most. Followed by the original Butterfly, but because those are impossible to find, I think the Soliel is going to be a great substitute. For bigger babies and toddlers, it's going to be the Kinderpack. The Tula was at the top of that list until I tried the Toddler Kinderpack. It's pretty much love due to the deep deat darts and I find the webbing way more comfortable.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? Benefits of a SSC is the ease of getting it on and off and quickness.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? To me personally, I hate the waist band. I just don't like having things on my midsection generally. A good, proper fitted SSC is tolerable but still not my perferred carrier. They can be hard to get adjusted just right to to find that "sweet spot" for people like me.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I love half buckles and ring waists..Does that count? The webbing in my favorite half buckle was very moldable and thin and I really enjoyed that. It would have deep seat darts like the Kinderpack for sure. Straps that can be unbuckled for a hip carry or crossed in the back.
Sarah Murray
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? At the moment my favortie SSC is the Kinderpack. The shoulder straps are extra cushy for my big toddler in tow and the seat is amazingly deep. I have one with the optional breathable panal which makes spring and summer wearing much more enjoyable with a thickly padded buckle carrier. Although we loved our Ergo well into 15-18mo the KP suits our needs now with a 3year old.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? There are many benefits to an SSC: they are easily and quickly adjustable for front, back, and (some styles) hip carries. Great for toddlers who want up one minute and back down the next. I've personally found SSC's l one of the easiest to discretely nurse in just because of the adjustability and the access of the sleep hood on some models.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? Downside not every SSC will fit every body type. Thank goodness there are many options, brands, and styles for our extremely petite mama's to our fluffier mama's as well. Also some models have features others don't such as sleep hoods and straps that unclasp to be able to hip carry in them.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I think I own my two dream SSC' s already. Between our solar veil KP and a custom wrap conversion Madame GooGoo created carrier I have to say I'm more than stashified when it comes to buckle carriers.
Carrie Plemons
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I really like my tula. I am tall and my kids are tall, too, and the tula fits our frame better.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? I love how quick it is to put my baby up. When they are fussy or if you are running errands and have to do several quick ups and downs, SSC's are great!
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? The downsides of SSC's are that sometimes it can be hard to get a good fit for all ages. You need an infant insert when they are little, and when they are older, the seat may not be as comfortable.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I love Oscha's Okinami wrap (the one with the waves on it - I'm a California girl at heart) and would love a toddler wrap conversion made out of that wrap.
Ashley Teller
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I am a huge Kinderpack fan. They have these amazing deep seats and wide cushy straps. Plus they have the most versatility in my opinion. They have an amazing infant size that has a cinchable seat so you can put baby legs out much earlier than others. Then they have a standard, toddler, and preschool. Plus they have standard or plus straps with Perfect Fit strap adjusters.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? They are quick and easy. It's definitely my husband's favorite and the best for up and down toddler phase. It's also great for travel.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? They're not as adjustable and versatile as others. I don't find them as comfortable as wraps either.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? It would be a wrap conversion Kinderpack and it would have some storage options for keys, phone, and water bottle so I could leave the diaper bag behind.
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| Jenny and her wrap conversion with her toddler |
Anna Hurley
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| VBE, Anna's husband carrying their daughter in a WCFB |
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? SSCs are great for when people are staring and you are afraid to wrap in front of them in the parking lot.
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? They are not necessarily a one size fits all type of carrier like say a ringsling or a long wrap.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I want a Kinderpack.
Brittany Ridley
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I have a Tula and really love how straight forward and easy it is to use. It's my favorite because it just fits my husband and I so well.
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| Brittany and her little man in a tula |
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? I can't always get the weight distribution where I like it for long wearing, but it is usually fine.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I guess if I could get a Tula with side clips so I could cross the straps I might call that perfect.
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| Nikki and her little guy with their kinderpack |
Nikki Moore
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? Kinderpack. I love amount of adjustability and the fit! I love how deep the seat is too.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? SSCs are great for quick ups, squirmy toddlers, and for daddies!
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? Fit varies from person to person. They aren't as versatile.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I'd love to be able to customize a carrier to exactly how I'd want it to look and function: ability to tighten the straps a tiny bit smaller, possibly a ring waist, slightly narrower straps and some really awesome fabric.
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| Mary and her older daughter wearing the littles in their tulas |
Mary Rodio
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? Depends on the stage. I love Becos in general. I really like the Gemini for little babies the most. Followed by the original Butterfly, but because those are impossible to find, I think the Soliel is going to be a great substitute. For bigger babies and toddlers, it's going to be the Kinderpack. The Tula was at the top of that list until I tried the Toddler Kinderpack. It's pretty much love due to the deep deat darts and I find the webbing way more comfortable.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? Benefits of a SSC is the ease of getting it on and off and quickness.
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| Mary and her daughter in their Beco Gemini |
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I love half buckles and ring waists..Does that count? The webbing in my favorite half buckle was very moldable and thin and I really enjoyed that. It would have deep seat darts like the Kinderpack for sure. Straps that can be unbuckled for a hip carry or crossed in the back.
Sarah Murray
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? At the moment my favortie SSC is the Kinderpack. The shoulder straps are extra cushy for my big toddler in tow and the seat is amazingly deep. I have one with the optional breathable panal which makes spring and summer wearing much more enjoyable with a thickly padded buckle carrier. Although we loved our Ergo well into 15-18mo the KP suits our needs now with a 3year old.
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| Sarah and her daughter with their Madame GooGoo wrap conversion |
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? Downside not every SSC will fit every body type. Thank goodness there are many options, brands, and styles for our extremely petite mama's to our fluffier mama's as well. Also some models have features others don't such as sleep hoods and straps that unclasp to be able to hip carry in them.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I think I own my two dream SSC' s already. Between our solar veil KP and a custom wrap conversion Madame GooGoo created carrier I have to say I'm more than stashified when it comes to buckle carriers.
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| Carrie and her little man in their tula |
Carrie Plemons
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I really like my tula. I am tall and my kids are tall, too, and the tula fits our frame better.
2. In your opinion, what are the benefits to using a SSC? I love how quick it is to put my baby up. When they are fussy or if you are running errands and have to do several quick ups and downs, SSC's are great!
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? The downsides of SSC's are that sometimes it can be hard to get a good fit for all ages. You need an infant insert when they are little, and when they are older, the seat may not be as comfortable.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? I love Oscha's Okinami wrap (the one with the waves on it - I'm a California girl at heart) and would love a toddler wrap conversion made out of that wrap.
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| Ashey's Husband rocking a Kinderpack on a recent adventure |
Ashley Teller
1. What is your favorite kind/brand of soft structured carrier? I am a huge Kinderpack fan. They have these amazing deep seats and wide cushy straps. Plus they have the most versatility in my opinion. They have an amazing infant size that has a cinchable seat so you can put baby legs out much earlier than others. Then they have a standard, toddler, and preschool. Plus they have standard or plus straps with Perfect Fit strap adjusters.
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| Ashley also enjoying the buckles on their recent family adventure |
3. In your opinion, what are the downsides to using a SSC? They're not as adjustable and versatile as others. I don't find them as comfortable as wraps either.
4. If you could have your dream buckle carrier, what would it be like? It would be a wrap conversion Kinderpack and it would have some storage options for keys, phone, and water bottle so I could leave the diaper bag behind.
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| Some of your leaders enjoying the ease of the buckles Even the leader's babies can enjoy a good buckle carrier themselves |
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Wednesday, December 24, 2014
December Member of the Month: April Hamilton!
Meet April: mom, babywearer, musician, and our BWI of Knoxville Member of the Month!
Let's start simple; your name, children's names and ages?
April Hamilton. Zilpha Fisher will be 2 on New Years Eve, and Charles Sawyer Fisher- EDD Feb. 9th 2015
How long have you been wearing?
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| Multitasking at its finest |
What led you to babywearing and how has it changed your parenting?
I was very tired of being confined to a chair and needed to get chores done. I was so thrilled when I was able to conquer breastfeeding and babywearing simultaneously. After those gates were opened, I was unstoppable, being able to do laundry, clean, cook, and even play music.
Have you had an interesting babywearing experience you'd like to share?
The most interesting babywearing experience I’ve had is usually what the nursing home residents have to say to me when I put my daughter on my back before a show. I truly am a unicorn playing music and wearing my toddler to the elderly.
What is your favorite carrier and why do you prefer it?
I will always have a soft spot for a good comfy wrap, but because of the easy access of my SSC, I always reach for our KP.
Do you feel like you have support from family and friends on wearing your baby?
I have an extremely supportive mate and family!
What do you like to spend time doing aside from babywearing and spending time with your kiddo(s)?
There’s time that I’m suppose to have without my child? HA! Especially now that I am pregnant I NEVER get alone time…. but, if I were to have my alone time, I’d love to break out my sewing machine and quilt.
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| Babywearing adventure |
I love that this city is big enough to have different options of support groups for parenting styles but yet its small enough to feel like there’s still a community and not a mass of folks in a town.
What's your favorite cartoon from childhood?
Oy vey! Cartoon? As a single cartoon? That's impossible to narrow down, so I’ll go with a few, and I’m totally prepared to show my age. I loved Fraggle Rock, Muppet Babies, DuckTales, Inspector Gadget, Jem, and Pound Puppies just to name a few.
Gotta have some juicy in every interview, right? Tell us one guilty pleasure of yours?
Guilty pleasure… hmmm… I have waaay to many carriers in my stash right now, and I can not sell one in fear that I’ll want it for the baby on the way. Pretty lame guilty pleasure, I know! Sorry! :)
What do you like best about BWI?
LOVE the lending library! We also have some amazing women to help bring it all together. I have to say I’ll never forget meeting with Ashley Teller and her amazing teaching skills to help me feel confident in babywearing!
What would you like to see in the future with BWI?
Keep this amazing program going! I can only imagine all the babies and mama’s, like myself, who have been helped so much by this group!
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| Little music lover |
What's the cutest habit of your kiddo(s) you feel the need to share with the world?
I love how my daughter dances to basically any music she hears! she’ll also hold the microphone correctly and actually sing in it!
Let's be open-ended and vague to close: anything else you just want to tell us about yourself?
Ummm...not really. I would love to get to more meetings and will eventually be able to. Maybe my opportunity will arise with the birth of my squish!
Monday, December 1, 2014
Shorty Lovin'
"But, but, my tails drag on the ground and get nasty!" "My toddler loses interest before I'm finished dealing with 5+ yards of fabric!" "I'm petite, and even a size 5 is more than I can handle!" Never fear! Shorties are here! Shorties are generally considered a size 1-3, and sometimes a size 4. Another perk? They are cheaper than the same wrap in a longer size! I also love to use my shorties as scarves in the winter. My children are getting older; so we don't wear as often these days. I love to still be able to make use of my wraps, and I can't count how many times it has come in handy to have a carrier on hand for unexpected nursing sessions (or "boo boo's" or over-stimulation...).
But could a shorty possibly be as versatile as a long wrap? Honestly, I believe they are MORE versatile. The possibilities are endless, but I will try to list as many as I can. To give a frame of reference, I am 5'7" and about 160 pounds. I have very petite shoulders. My base size is a 5, but I need a 6 to have tails left over.
Size 1: Unless you are extremely small, a rebozo will be about all that you can do.
Size 2 and 3: I am combining these as the carries one tends to do in these are the same. The size of the wrapper and the child, as well as the skill level of the wrapper, will determine which size you need. Typically I find that the main carries I do in a 3, such as Half Jordan's Back Carry (Half JBC) or Double Rebozo (DR), I can tie at shoulder in a 2 or finish with a Candy Cane Chest Belt (CCCB)with a 3. I prefer a size 2 for a torso carry, but the tails are not cumbersome in a 3. If you need a front carry, rebozo will most likely be all that you can do in a 2. With a 3, however, I can also do a Semi Front Wrap Cross Carry and the Crankaroo. I need a 4 for a Kangaroo (which is another front carry). For back carries, the possibilities are endless. Below, I will list as many as I can think of, but I'm certain I will miss some. Please comment below if you think of any I have left out!
Double Hammock Rebozo and Double Hammock Double Rings
Ruck Tied under Bum
Back Rebozo
Torso Carry
Semi Front Wrap Cross Carry
Semi Front Wrap Cross Carry with Rings
Crankaroo
Front Rebozo
How to wear your Shorty as a Scarf
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