Browse by Tags

• The Babble Review: Petunia Pickle Bottom Serenity Sling

  I had originally planned on reviewing this (and other) baby slings myself, with the help of my baby. Turns out that little Devin hates slings, *hates* them. Will tolerate the Bjorn (outward facing only) and Ergo, but start to even set him in a tight sling and he'll cry bloody murder--luckily I wasn't so into the attachment parenting thing. So, I enlisted a friend, writer and fellow new mommy, Leah Clarkson, to review a new Petunia Picklebottom sling. Her review follows. Read More... Posted Jun 05 2008, 09:10 AM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, carriers, petunia pickle bottom, Babble Review, baby wearing, wraps, baby holder

• 7 Days of Must Haves: Playtex Hip Hammock

  My kid is well past the carrier stage, but he used to live in a hip sling. Read More... Posted May 29 2008, 11:11 AM by Heather Kuldell with | with no comments Filed under: baby carriers, slings, baby gear, platex, hip hammock, 7 days of must haves

• Slings with Wings

  My baby refuses to be put in a sling. He loves the Ergo and tolerates the Bjorn only when facing out, but try to cuddle him near my chest in a tightly wrapped piece of cloth and I am playing with fire. That's too bad because I'll never be able to sport Read More... Posted May 28 2008, 01:19 PM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, wings, baby wearing, metro wrap

• Summer Slings, Now with SPF

  I feel I have so much to learn about the baby world. Turns out slings need to have SPF in them, or at least, that's one option in the rather dizzying array of options in the baby wearing world. The above SolarVeil baby sling ($55) from Mama's Milk does seem like a good option if you live in a hot, sun-drenched climate and want to protect your little one from the sun without slathering sunscreen everywhere or wearing a thicker fabric sling. It's made from a lightweight, quick-drying, breathable fabric called SolarVeil. It also has a nursing hider option I haven't seen before that is also at SPF 70+.  Posted May 15 2008, 05:01 PM by Erin Behan with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: slings, summer, babywearing, mama's milk, solarveil

• New Sojourn Sling From Petunia Pickle Bottom

  Petunia Pickle Bottom is already known for its smartly designed diaper bags, among other baby accessories, but check out its new line of slings, the Sojourn ($69). The reversible sling features nature-inspired designs on organic cotton fabric. The simple sling construction means no complicated wrapping sequences and no need to watch a how-to video, simply pop the baby in and go. And, of course, if you have a favorite fabric, you can also order it in a diaper bag! Check out all the new prints after the jump.       Read More... Posted Apr 28 2008, 11:59 AM by Erin Behan with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: slings, petunia pickle bottom, green baby, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers Giveaway - We Have a Winner!

  Congratulations to Karen G. the proud new owner of the Bling MetroWrap from MetroMamma! And if you have no idea what we're talking about, check out all 7 Days of Carriers, right here. Posted Feb 11 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: slings, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, MetroWrap, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Quinny Curbb

  Quinny Curbb – $79.95   Another masculine entry into the baby carrier gang, the Quinny Curbb is made by those same people who brought you the stylish strollers from across the pond. This soft hip carrier is primarily for your larger baby that can hold his head up and will enjoy the sidecar ride, but not too big as the weight limit tops out at 20 lbs. So this carrier should be used for very specific toting. Since there isn’t any neck support for baby, you shouldn’t take this carrier out during nap time, or on a very long trek where he will inevitably get sleepy and flop about. Read More... Posted Feb 10 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, Babble Review, wrap, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Bjorn, Quinny Curbb, man carrier

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: ERGObaby

  ERGObaby Carrier – $92 The ERGO carrier was first recommended to me by another urban-dweller who swore the weight distribution to the hips and shoulders was much better for women and their aching backs. Whether science is on the side of the ERGO or it just was a better carrier for me personally, it made a huge difference when my daughter grew out of that easy-to-carry stage, yet I still needed to get about town on foot. This softer and floppier cousin to the Björn is still useful now that I have a two-year-old as the most efficient way of carrying her short distances in a hurry, and I’m confident the padding on the shoulder straps contributes to that comfort. The weight max is 40 lbs on the ERGO, (higher than most carriers) and even at this weight, it is still simple to move the kiddo in and out of the carrier without assistance (although I did have difficulty with the back position, however, another tester did not). Read More... Posted Feb 08 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with 9 comment(s) Filed under: slings, carriers, Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, ERGO, Bjorn, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Moby & MetroWrap - Giveaway!

  Moby Wrap - $40 to $45 & MetroWrap - $79 to $129 The Moby and the MetroWrap are strikingly similar in style and usage and they both claim to carry babies from birth to toddlerhood. Having used and tested both, I can say that I have absolutely no preference. Both are made of a wide piece of fabric that goes over your back, around your shoulders and your waist, using both shoulders and back for support. While these wraps may look complicated, after reading the instructions and taking each of them for a test-run, they are actually quite intuitive and become second nature quickly - assuming you don’t mind getting dressed in another layer, as sometimes it felt as if I were donning choir robes. Read More... Posted Feb 07 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, carriers, Babble Review, giveaway, babywearing, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Moby Wrap, MetroWrap, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: BabyBjörn Synergy

  BabyBjörn Synergy – $149 The gold standard in carriers, the Björn is also the ‘manliest’ baby carrier, which is perhaps reason enough to buy it; to guarantee equal opportunity baby schlepping. The Björn was our first choice when our baby hit the eight lb. requirement. Admittedly it took a few practice tries to make sure we were connecting all the buckles in the correct place and getting the strap length just right. But after we got it together, the Björn was the least nerve-wracking to use for a neurotic new parent concerned about missing a crucial tie or snap that would certainly cause the baby to fall to the ground at an inappropriate time, most likely in the subway. Read More... Posted Feb 05 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: slings, Babble Review, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, ERGO, Bjorn

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Oopa Baby Silk Sling

  Whether you’re a believer in the bonding powers of babywearing or just looking for an easy way to get around town without the bulk of a stroller, there are a number of different baby carriers and slings on the market. One of which, will certainly be the perfect fit for you and your tot. From the traditional to the latest and strangest, Babble has road-tested these tiny transportation devices and are reporting the results here, in 7 Days of Carriers. Be sure and read every day of carriers, as we will have a fantastic carrier giveaway this week!   Oopa Baby Silk Sling -  $119 to $298 By far the most luxurious baby sling in the bunch, Oopa Baby slings are like wearing a high-end fashion accessory, in fact one of our testers received compliments on her style with every outing, quite the post-pregnancy boost. The intricately designed silk sling also had people exclaiming that her daughter looked like a “little Princess”. Read More... Posted Feb 04 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Oopa Baby Silk Sling

• BabyHawk Baby Carrier

  I was checking out the Babble Boards last night and I saw this thread, "What is the best baby carrier?". We've always been a traditional Baby Bjorn family ourselves, but Babble reader HipMom76 had this suggestion - the BabyHawk. I'd never seen one before, but it's nice to see products that are this functional and very customizable. Read More... Posted Feb 01 2008, 01:46 PM by moderndaydad with | with 4 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, slings, backpack, toddlers, baby gear, baby carrier, BabyHawk, mdd

• Big Deal: Peanut Shell Sling in Two Styles

  We've posted about the Peanut Shell baby slings previously, but now's your chance to get two styles on sale. At Goo-ga.com, the Mimosa print (above) is now $32, down from $49, and the Urban Zebra print is now $39, down from $49. Happy baby wearing. Posted Jan 21 2008, 12:31 PM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, baby, infant, big deal

• From Our Gift Guide: Sakura Bloom Silk Baby Slings -- $280-$1,120

  We know a mom who got one of these pricey slings as a gift, and was horrified at the idea of subjecting such expensive fabric to baby vomit. Then she started using it. Every day. Turns out that raw silk, while thoroughly unnecessary to your baby's well-being, is ideal sling material: lightweight, sturdy, non-slipping, breathable, and even machine-washable. For almost twelve hundred dollars, you get a sling handmade by Laotian workers using natural plant dyes. But we can assure you that even the lowly (ahem) $300 sling is a real stunner. Get it at Sakura Bloom. Find this and other great holiday gift ideas in the Babble Holiday Gift Guide. Posted Dec 11 2007, 12:00 PM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, gifts, christmas, holiday, sakura bloom

• Big Deal: Gorgeousbaby Reversible Sling

  Had I seen the instructions on the Azure Wraps website a few years ago, I probably would have been more confident about using a sling.  Instead I duct taped my kids to my body and boy howdy, was that a mess.   Read More... Posted Oct 09 2007, 10:04 AM by Karen Sugarpants with | with 4 comment(s) Filed under: slings, carriers, big deal, azure wraps, gorgeousbaby

• Sling + Diaper Bag + Purse = Fizzabella

  The creator of the Fizzabella sling says she created it because she loved wearing her infant in a sling, but wanted some pockets for storing essential items while she did it. Hence the reversible, multi-pocketed ring slings were born. Theoretically, one of these is all you'd need to head out and about. Prices start at $115. Honestly? I always used "I'm carrying the baby, here" as an excuse to make someone else schlep the diaper bag for me. Babies are heavy enough without throwing everything else into the sling as well, I think. And that big swath of material hanging down in front would drive me batty. But it's an interesting idea and maybe there are people out there who've always wanted a sling that felt more like a really heavy cape....   Posted Sep 05 2007, 08:03 AM by Mir with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, slings, fizzabella

• Tru Luv Babywear Pouch Sling for Hands Free Baby Carrying

  Tru Luv Babywear Pouch Sling is comfortable, stylish, and functional. A simple design that has no buckles or rings. It comes in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body shapes.   Folds up small enough to be tucked into a diaper bag.  Making it perfect for all those times you run out of the house with just the stroller thinking the baby will fall asleep, only to end up carrying the baby and trying to push the stroller with one arm. Available at Doody Baby for $35, and at that affordable price you really can dedicate it to the diaper bag or glove box in the car. Posted Sep 03 2007, 03:08 PM by chrisjordan with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, slings, doody baby, tru luv, pouch carrier

• Big Sibs Can Tote Their Babies in Taylor Made Play Slings

  Poor kiddo... ever since the baby came, Mom's always got it hanging off of her in that stupid sling. But what's this? A sling just his/her size, to carry and care for dolls or favorite stuffed animals? Perfect. Just $19.95 at Fox Den Lane. (It sure beats watching your toddler yank up her shirt and clasp her dolly to her chest, shrieking in the middle of the supermarket that it's "TIME FOR BABY MILK!" Just trust me on this one.) Posted Aug 19 2007, 07:05 AM by Mir with | with no comments Filed under: slings, pretend play, taylor made, play slings

• Premaxx Baby Carrier, the Un-Sling

  Me, I love a lightweight sling, and nothing bothered me about having my infant all folded up inside like a boneless frog. But I know plenty of folks who eschew the sling as a baby-wearing option because "the baby looks uncomfortable" or "I'm afraid she'll fall out." For the sling-worriers, JJ Cole's Premaxx ($49.95 at The Milky Way) is just for you. It's the fit of a sling with the structure of a front-carrier pack -- perfect for those who've always felt a bit unsafe with a traditional sling. Holds up to 36 pounds and converts to a hip carrier when baby can sit up. Plus, it boasts "as seen on Grey's Anatomy." I base all of my baby gear purchases on prime time television, don't you?  Posted Aug 17 2007, 04:03 PM by Mir with | with 2 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, slings, premaxx

• Big Deal: Summer Clearance at Sidecar Slings

  If you're in the market for a baby sling, now's the time to shop Sidecar Slings; their Summer Clearance is on and everything is at least 40% off, with free shipping on orders within the U.S. The Kyoto print sling (pictured above) is down to $37, and if you can wear a size extra-small there are several choices marked all the way down to just $20. Posted Aug 05 2007, 08:01 AM by Mir with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, slings, big deal, sidecar slings

• Peanut Shell Reversible Slings

  When I was slinging my kid around, most of the big fabric swaths were kinda ugly. Now you get nice ones like the Peanut Shell reversible sling ($64.95) with extra leg padding for the baby, a hook for a toy, and a little pocket for keys or whatever. And of course, aesthetically, this beats the pants off the frontpack carrier.   Posted Jul 24 2007, 03:30 PM by Kelly Mills with | with no comments Filed under: slings, baby, infant, peanut shell, reversible

• The Babble Review: Sweet Fletcher Slings

  I used to hold up girlie little baby outfits to my husband and say stuff like, "Oh my god, how cute is this?" all the time, until one day he turned to me and said, "You know, I should probably tell you that if you died and I had to dress the baby, I'd buy ten of the same outfit until she grew out of them or could dress herself." So when I walked by him one day wearing the cranberry and Asian print reversible Sweet Fletcher sling ($60) and he said, "That's beautiful," I knew this was an item with something extra going for it. Created by an artist in Georgia who wanted to carry her baby around in a sling, but not in anything too cutesy or babyish-looking, this is the rare baby accessory that adds some style to your look. I spied women eyeing the rich colors and soft fabric all the way down Seventh Avenue, and every one of the print/solid combinations on the website is equally gorgeous. My only suggestion is to buy a size bigger than recommended, because although it says you can carry toddlers in it, I had to abandon mine when my daughter reached 20 pounds — around 20 pounds sooner than I would have liked. — Deirdre Dolan Posted Jun 26 2007, 05:51 PM by Gwynne Watkins with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: slings, Sweet Fletcher, Babble Review

• P-sling Carry Your Baby In Style

  Actress and brand new mom Keri Russell was spotted carrying her baby in the P-sling Avant Blue Wave this week. Psny designs slings to become fashion items, not just a baby carrier, looking at styles and trends, and offer new collections each season. P-sling is not a mass-produced product.  According to their website, you may think that their designs are very simple. But the patented structures are fine, hand-made articles that required the completion of complicated processes in hidden parts of the material by skilled craftsmen.  Ahhhh, okay.  The complicated and intricate parts of the sling are HIDDEN, not able to be seen by us mere mortals!  Well that justifies the $350 price tag. Made of linen, the slings are lightweight and actually very lovely.   Posted Jun 22 2007, 06:04 PM by chrisjordan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, p-sling, keri russell

• Heavenly Sling for Pattern Overdose

  This Toscana Pink baby sling by Heavenly Bundle ($64.95) falls under the category of "just a tad much." It scores on being all cotton and compact but man alive, the pattern just might keep a baby from sleeping. Although it does look stunning against black. Posted Jun 17 2007, 07:09 PM by crazedparent with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: slings, cotton sling, heavenly sling, infants

• Sheryl Crow and Baby Wyatt Stylin' with Moby D

  Sheryl Crow has been spotted around town toting new baby Wyatt in this Moby D baby sling pictured here. Although I love the design (no buckles or skinny straps) and think this black/sage silk model is very pretty, I can only assume that Ms. Crow has yet to experience the joys of projectile baby vomit. Silk? For a baby sling? Oh well. Maybe she bought a dozen of them. If you like the design but want to skip the silk, you can get it in all-cotton brown or a cozy grey fleece, instead.   Posted May 31 2007, 01:30 PM by Mir with | with no comments Filed under: products, baby wrap, moby d, sheryl crow, baby carriers, slings, wyatt crow, celebrity babies