Under the Nile Organic Toys

Under the Nile manufactures more than 200 products ranging from bibs to toys, all using 100% organic Egyptian cotton carrying the USDA organic seal.  No pesticides or chemicals are used during the entire process, from growing the cotton to manufacturing the items.  Under the Nile is also proud to use only metal-free or vegetable dyes.  All toys manufactured by Under the Nile are stuffed with 100% organic cotton--not synthetic fluff.

One of the most exciting aspects of working with Under the Nile is knowing that the sale of their products helps to support the 13 Villages Project.  Taking place in 13 rural villages in Egypt, the 13 Villages Projects educates villagers on how to manufacture the fruit and vegetable line of toys by Under the Nile.  Villagers are able to remain in their villages to work and are given an advance for their work and to purchase materials needed to make the toys.  Under the Nile also provides health care and education and dental and overall health to the villagers.  

Recently, Under the Nile's fruit basket toy was featured in Baby Maternity Retailer magazine.    

We are pleased to carry the fruit basket at baby, naturally LLC, and let me tell you, it is ADORABLE.  We also carry the fantastically cute veggie crate.  What a fun way for your children to learn about fruit and vegetables.  And, knowing that they are made from 100% organic cotton inside and out, you can be at ease when they promptly stuff each one in their mouths (just as my son would do...pardon me while I remove that magazine cover from his chompers...).

Winner of the Moby Wrap!

Congratulations to commenter #65 (Team Pitney)!  You are the winner of the Moby Wrap in honor of International Babywearing Week!  Please contact us within 72 hours to claim your prize at info (at) babynaturallyllc.com (or use the e-mail button on the left column of the blog). Congrats, and thanks to all for entering!

Also, we are extending the baby carrier sale until next Monday, October 2nd, 2009!  Use IBW2009 to take 10% off any order that contains a baby carrier OR use SLINGLING when you purchase any baby carrier to get an in stock Slingling pouch for only $20! (details here).

Choosing a Baby Carrier

Now that you know about the mei tai carrier, I wanted to share a bit about other carriers that are out there.  I haven't put together videos yet, but they are forthcoming!

Wrap Carriers

 A wrap baby carrier is a long, continuous strip of fabric that can be tied on in a variety of different ways to carry baby.  They are one of the most versatile carriers, in that you have many options for different carrying positions.  Wraps are best suited for front and hip carries.  If you are mostly interested in using your wrap for a hip carry, there are shorter wraps available that are perfect for that purpose (called Rebozo length).  Back carries are possible with a wrap, but be warned that it is best to use a non-stretchy material (such as a woven cotton wrap) and you will want to have a spotter unless you are an old pro at it!  

Above:  The Moby Wrap is an example of a stretchy wrap. 

Above:  The Ellaroo Wrap is an example of a woven wrap.

Pouch Carriers

The Pouch Carriers are especially beginner friendly.  They are worn across the body (as you would wear a sash...because, you know, we all wear sashes on a regular basis...).  The fabric of the pouch forms a pocket in which you can carry your baby.  For infants, they work great for cradle carries.  As baby gets a bit older, they may enjoy facing forward in the pouch in a kangaroo carry.  Pouches can even be used with older babies for a hip carry.  I always keep a pouch in my car for running into the store quickly with the baby.  With pouch carriers, sizing can be important, unless you are looking at an adjustable pouch.  If you are looking at a sized pouch, be sure to measure accurately to ensure it will fit you properly.  If you are shopping while you are pregnant, be sure to allow for your changing size post-pregnancy.

 

Above:  The Slingling Pouch Carrier

Ringsling Carriers

Ringslings are similar to the pouch carriers in that that baby is seated into a pouch in the fabric.  The difference comes in that with a ringsling, you are able to adjust the fit by sliding the fabric tail through 2 rings (usually aluminum or plastic).  This allows the carrier to adjust to a growing baby, or be used by 2 different sized adults.  The tail on the carrier comes in handy as a nursing cover, wind block, shade, or even a shield if you are trying to keep curious hands away from a sleepy baby.  Ringslings can be used for front carries, hip carries, and even back carries!  My husband and I loved our ringsling when Lincoln was newborn.  I never did master a back carry, but I do still like it for the hip carry.  

Above:  The Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ringsling

My husband carrying our then 2-month old son in the ringsling.

Mei Tai Carrier 

(I know I already covered these...but I wanted to include it for anyone who is just jumping in on this post later on...) : )

Mei tais are inspired by traditional Chinese baby carriers.  They are made up of a rectangular piece of fabric with 4 straps (one attached to each corner).  Mei tais can be used for infants through toddlers and are adaptable for front, back, and hip carries.  The weight of the baby is distributed over both shoulders evenly.  Mei tais may have lightly padded straps, or may not have padding at all.  Whether you go with padding or not is just personal preference.  Mei tais are my personal carrier of choice.

Above:  The BabyHawk mei tai carrier

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft structured carriers are similar in function to a mei tai carrier, but with the addition of buckle closures instead of ties.  The material is generally a bit firmer as well.  Soft structured carriers vary in the type of carries they offer, the material used to make them, the way the weight is distributed, the padding used on the shoulder straps, the type of buckle closures used, and more.  There are many types out there, so more than likely there is one to fit your needs!  We use and like the Beco Soft Structured Carrier.  At this time, we do not carry a soft structured carrier in our store, but we are on the lookout for one to add soon!

Above:  My son in the Beco, helping me in the garden (well, what we hope will someday be the garden, anyway...)

I hope this information was helpful as you start/add to/continue your search for a baby carrier!  Enjoy babywearing your child!

Buy any in stock carrier, get any in stock Slingling for $19.99!

I hope you are all enjoying International Babywearing Week 2009!  Be sure to get your entries in to win a Moby Wrap--the contest is open until Monday, September 28th at 9:00 am!

I have one more discount code to share with you...and it's a good one!  Buy any in stock carrier, and get any in stock Slingling for only $19.99!  That is 50% off the regular price!  Just place your first carrier and your choice of Slingling in your cart, proceed to checkout and use the code SLINGLING.  Hit recalculate and $20 will be deducted from your total!  This is a fantastic deal--pouches are SUPER handy to keep in your car for quick trips in to the grocery store or post office; they are great for newborns in the cradle hold or kangaroo hold as they get a bit older; they make the hip carry a breeze!  This sale will run through Monday, September 28th, 2009!

Moby Wrap Giveaway! International Babywearing Week 2009!

To help celebrate International Babywearing Week, baby, naturally LLC is so excited to be holding a giveaway offering the chance for one lucky winner to either get started in babywearing or add to your current carrier collection with a Moby Wrap!  The winner can choose from any color original Moby Wrap currently in stock.

This giveaway will be open for the remainder of International Babywearing Week 2009.  It will officially close on 9/28/2009 at 9:00 AM.  How to enter:

• In the comments below, let us know your favorite type of baby carrier.  If you don't currently have one, let us know which kind you'd like to try!   

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following.  The only one that is required is the one above!  If you do any of the following, please leave a separate comment for each so that they count as separate entries!

• Follow us on twitter (@babynaturally) 
• Become a fan on Facebook
• Register for our newsletter (form on the right hand sidebar).  You'll need to activate your subscription after you receive your initial e-mail so that I can check to make sure your name is on my list!
• Tweet about this giveaway!  You can cut and paste this tweet:  *Win a Moby Wrap from @babynaturally to celebrate International #babywearing Week! http://alturl.com/fcp9.* Leave a comment with a link to your tweet.  You can do this up to 5 times (total, not per day) (leave a separate comment per tweet)!
• If you have a blog, you can earn an extra 3 entries by blogging about this giveaway.  Make sure you blog post includes a link back to this entry.  Leave 3 separate comments letting me know you blogged and be sure to include the link so I can find it!
• Subscribe or follow this blog!  

Good luck to you all!  

The winner will be chosen via Random.org after the contest closes.  The winner will be posted to the blog and it will be the responsibility of the winner to contact us in order to claim the prize.  If we are not contacted within 72 hours of posting the winning name, a new winner will be selected and posted.  Open to residents of the USA.

*************************************************************************

Comments are now closed!  A winner will be posted later today.  Please check back to see if it is you!  Thank you all for entering : )

Mei Tai Baby Carriers (International Babywearing Week)

Today I wanted to talk a bit about mei tais (pronounced may-tie).  A mei tai baby carrier is inspired by traditional Chinese baby carriers.  They are made up of a rectangular piece of fabric with 4 straps (one attached at each corner).  Mei tais can be used for infants through toddlers and are adaptable for front, back, and hip carries.  The weight of the baby is distributed over both shoulders evenly.  

I put together a video today demonstrating how to do a forward carry in a mei tai carrier.  The mei tai I am using is a Maya Tie by Maya Wrap.  We do carry these in the baby, naturally LLC store!  Please let me know if you have any questions about this carry.  I will also link to some videos of other mei tai carries for you.

 

I hope you enjoyed the video! Please stop by tomorrow....for our FIRST giveaway!!!!

AND, don't forget....10% off all orders with the purchase of any instock baby carriers with the cody IBW2009 (order must include a baby carrier for discount to be valid).

International Babywearing Week 2009 is Here!

(Maya Tie)

Welcome to the kickoff of International Babywearing Week!  Here at baby, naturally LLC we are kicking off the celebration with a brief introduction to the benefits of babywearing. Throughout the week, we'll be sharing a bit about the various types of carriers out there, so if you have questions, let me know and I will try and answer them in an upcoming post!  We also have two (TWO!) exciting giveaways planned, so be sure to follow along on our blog, Twitter, and Facebook for more information!

So..... why babywear?  Isn't it hard on your back/shoulders?  Won't the baby resist?

The reality is that yes, if you have a poorly designed carrier, your shoulders and back WILL get sore.  If you have a carrier that is uncomfortable for the child, they WILL resist.  But, the reality is also that it doesn't have to be that way.  There are fantastic carriers available that are designed to evenly distribute weight, meaning you can wear your child for hours or while doing doing activities such as hiking, housework, shopping with no pain.  Many carriers are so comfortable that your child may even be lulled to sleep.  

(Moby Wrap)

Ok... but what are the benefits?  Why not just use a playpen?

Many parents, desperate to get something done around the house or even get a shower, rely on the playpen to keep baby safe while starting the laundry, etc.  The beauty of babywearing is that you can still do all those things, but your baby will be with you.  You don't have to worry that they are getting into something they shouldn't, or that they are bored or lonely, because they are along for the ride!  When I wear my son, I always notice how intently he watches what I am doing.  He is up at my level, so he is able to see more of what goes on.  He is able to tune into my speech because he is near my voice.  If you have to run to the grocery store, you can wear baby in a sling and avoid hauling in the car-seat or messing with a germy cart.  Bring your baby along on a hike--a wonderful way for them to enjoy nature and places a stroller can't go!

Which type of carrier should I use?

The type of carrier you decide on can vary from person to person.  Important questions to consider:  when will I be wearing the baby?  Only around the house?  Out and about?  How old is my child?  Do I want a carrier that will grow with baby, or several different carriers?  Many families choose to buy a few different carriers for different situations.  For example, I like to keep a pouch carrier in my car for quick trips into the post office or store.  When I am doing work around the house, I like a soft structured carrier or mei tai.  When my son was a newborn, I relied on a ring sling.

(BabyHawk)

During the week, I will go into more details on what the different types of carriers are.  For now, though, let's get on to the good stuff!

baby, naturally LLC is pleased to announce that we are FULLY STOCKED with a wide variety of baby carriers, just in time for International Babywearing Week 2009!  Brands you will find:

• BabyHawk mei tai
• Ellaroo Wraps
• Ellaroo Podaegis
• Ellaroo Chinese Embroided Mei Tai
• Moby Wrap
• Storchenwiege Wraps
• Slingling Pouches
• Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Slings
• Maya Ties

This week only (September 21-28, 2009), you can get 10% off any order that contains a baby carrier!  Just use promo code IBW2009 at checkout!  *Your order must contain at least one baby carrier for discount to apply.*  

Please be sure you are following us on twitter, facebook, and here at the blog.  There will be some giveaways coming up, some great deals, and great information about babywearing!  Please join us!

International Babywearing Week 2009

(My husband and son making quick work of the dinner clean-up)

We are gearing up to celebrate International Babywearing Week 2009 next week (September 21-28)!  Babywearing allows you to keep your baby close.  It allows you to move around the house and get things (like the mountain of laundry....) done, all without taking your eyes of your little one.  It works like magic (at least for us...usually...) to wind down a fussy baby or help them to fall asleep.  Wearing your baby means you don't have to haul the carseat into the grocery store.  You can breeze through the airport without worrying about your stroller.  You tune into your baby's needs because your baby is right there.  

Next week, I will be focusing on the variety of carriers available, and hopefully answer questions you might have about babywearing.  If you don't follow the blog, you'll want to be sure to do so because there may or may not be a babywearing giveaway planned!  Stay tuned!

This video was created for Babywearing International as a PSA for babywearing. You can visit Babywearing International to learn more about babywearing and International Babywearing Week 2009 here!

FuzziBunz Perfect Size Packages

Just added to the store!


You can now purchase FuzziBunz Perfect Size diapers in packages of 3, 4, 5, or 6 and receive a volume discount! This is great if you are just starting your stash or are needing to move up to the next size! Don't forget, we also offer volume discount on the FuzziBunz One-Size diapers!

Trying to decide between Perfect Size and One-Size? Here are some things to consider:

FuzziBunz Perfect Size diapers:

• Available in sizes small, medium, and large (XS, XL, and Petite are available by special order...).  Most kiddos get by with only 2 sizes: small (7-18 lbs.) & medium (15-30 lbs.). Should you need them, XS, XL, and Petite are available by special order.
• Wide range of color selection
• Trim fit
• Easy to adjust snap closures at the waist

FuzziBunz One-Size diapers:

• Adjustable to fit babies from 7-35 lbs.
• Uses button hole elastic (like the type in children's pants) to adjust the size of the waist and leg holes.
• Fit is a bit bulkier than that of the Perfect Size diaper 
• Easy to adjust snap closures at the waist
• Wide range of color selection

If you are looking for a trim fitting diaper, than the Perfect Size may be your best bet.  The One-Size tend to be a bit bulkier because they are made to fit such a wide range of sizes.  However, the One-Size will last from birth to potty training, so that's something to consider as well.  Personally, we have some of each.  The Perfect Size diapers are great for certain onesies or pants that are snug fitting and won't quite go on over a One-Size diaper.  We use both on a regular basis.

If you have any questions about which diaper to go with, or how they work, etc., please let me know!  I was thinking today of making a video series showing the different diapers.  Sometimes it helps me to see someone actually use/demonstrate the item rather than a picture.  Would you be interested in me putting together something like that?  Let me know if you think it would be helpful in the comments and I'll try to get it together!  I'm open to suggestions on what you'd like to see, too!

Earn free merchandise from FuzziBunz!

Want to earn free products from FuzziBunz? For a limited time, when you purchase 9 FuzziBunz One-Size diapers, you can earn $40 in product credit to redeem on the FuzziBunz website! For more information on this promotion, you can click on the graphic above. To qualify, diapers must be purchased between 09/10/2009 and 10/30/2009. You will have until 12/15/2009 to redeem your rewards.

To purchase FuzziBunz One-Size diapers, please visit the baby, naturally LLC store!

Shine A Light: Support My Small Business!

I am so excited to announce that I have been nominated by my awesome husband for the Shine A Light award recognizing small businesses, sponsored by American Express and NBC Universal!  This award would be an amazing opportunity for me to help grow baby, naturally LLC and better serve the community.  How it works:  my husband submitted the nomination this evening.  It is now posted on the site and eligible for registered persons to "endorse" (basically, endorsing is the same as voting for...).  If I can reach 50 endorsements by September 13th, I am eligible to move onto the judging round!  From there, the top 3 businesses will be up for voting by the public, with the top business chosen in October.  Wow!  What a wonderful opportunity!  I am beyond excited about this, and am hoping you will be willing to help me reach the 50 endorsements by the 13th.  If you are, here is what to do:

Visit my nomination story HERE. (or click on the widget above...)

In order to endorse a story, you will have to register for an account (top right of the page, or click the blue "support this story, endorse now!" button on the left and you'll see links to either login or register...).  I realize that it is asking a lot to ask you to register for an account for the sole purpose of endorsing my story, so if you are uncomfortable with that, I understand!  But, if you can get past the whole having to register thing, here is what happens next--

1.  You'll log in.  

2.  If you need to, you can navigate back to my page.  You can also search for baby, naturally LLC in the nominee search box.

3.  On my story page, you will see a box near the top left that says "Support This Story, Endorse Now!".  Just click that, and you're done!  Please note that you are only allowed to endorse one business--once you've clicked the business you've chosen, you are blocked from endorsing any others.

If baby, naturally LLC does in fact reach 50 endorsements by the 13th, I will be completely humbled.  I am so excited to even be nominated!  Feel free to spread the word, too : )  

Thank you thank you for your support!

Houston BIRTH Fair

Mark your calendars!  The Houston BIRTH Fair is just around the corner!  This is a free, day long event sponsored by B.I.R.T.H. (bringing information and resources to Houston) dedicated to educating families to everything related to pregnancy, birth, and beyond!  I participated last year in the fashion show as a pregnant model.  It was a last minute decision based on the fact that they were desperate from a lack of volunteers (because honestly, who wants to parade themselves around in front of crowds of people when you are twice your normal size, your feet are swollen, and the clothes you are being asked to wear may or may not fit?).  So, below is one of the few pics I am willing to share from my modeling debut.  My friend Tasha was also roped into participating as a pregnant model (actually, that's how we met...), but lucky for her, I don't have any pictures of her from the show : )

This year, I will not be revisiting my modeling days (whew!), but I will be there as a vendor!  If you are in the local Houston area, I hope you'll come by the fair and visit the baby, naturally LLC booth!  Here are the details:

Houston BIRTH Fair 2009

Saturday, October 3rd

11:00 AM-4:00 PM

United Way Center--50 Waugh Dr., Houston, TX 77007 (near the Heights)

for more information, visit BIRTH, or call 832-344-6060

this week's adventure

I have been missing from the blog/twitter/facebook updates this week, and in case you don't read my family blog as well, I thought I'd share why.  After an eventful trip to the ER on Monday for severe vertigo, followed by a trip to the ENT yesterday, it was determined I have a case of vestibular neuritis (basically, an infection of the inner ear affecting the 8th cranial nerve...it prevents the brain and inner ear from sharing balance information, so I am spinning spinning all the time...).  I'm going to link to my family blog if you are interested in reading the whole saga.  I do promise to return with store updates and product highlights next week!  Thanks for bearing with me!

Vestibular Neuritis, part one.

Vestibular Neuritis, part two.