Babywearing Basics 101
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
With great sadness as of December 16, 2009, Peonies will be closing it's online store. Due to the growth of my other company & the birth of my 3rd child I no longer have the time to manage the boutique. I have enjoyed helping many mothers during the years we've been open and will truly miss all of you. We will no longer be accepting any orders at this time, but should you have a question about using your Peonies carrier or previous order questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerest Regards,
Denise DiCaprio
Owner/ Designer
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The links provided below are to be used as a beginner's guide to babywearing. You will find basic positions/ carries as well as tips & tricks for getting the most out of your new sling.
The Basics:
Carries and Positions for Peonies Ring Slings:
Frequently Asked Questions-Do I need extra fabric if I'm carrying a toddler? Yes and no.... If you are breastfeeding your toddler and need to lay them down in the sling then, yes, you will need about 5 extra inches on your sling (the bottom of the tail should fall mid-thigh). If you will be carrying your toddler upright, then the sling should fall to your hip.
Does my carrier have to be gender appropriate? There are different opinions on this, obviously. But we don't think carriers have to be gender appropriate, as we are of the opinion that it is part of mom's wardrobe. Denise, Owner & Designer of Peonies says, "Being the mother of two boys, I don't want to wear blue just because I am carrying a boy and I don't think you have to either. I make my slings without cars, airplanes and monster truck prints, because I don't think many moms would want to wear them. " It's your accessory, just like your diaper bag- have fun with it and do what you please!
What fabric is best? This is a matter of personal preference and has a lot to do with how old/big your child is. It also depends on the environment you will be wearing your sling in. Denise says, "I live in sunny south Florida, so I need my slings to be breathable so my child doesn't get overheated."
- Good fabrics for toddlers- Cotton twills, linen & tencel. We do not recommend jersey knits because they stretch with use. The weight of a toddler will stretch jersey knits a lot faster.
- Good fabrics for newborns & infants- Cotton twill (will grow with them but is a thicker fabric), linen, tencel (very soft), and jersey knit.
Please practice safe babywearing!
Always remember the following: - The sling must cup the baby's bottom and support as much of the baby's body as possible.
- The baby's head should always be positioned higher than his or her bottom.
- Inspect your sling often. Look at the rings, check fabric for tears, and make sure the stitching is secure.
- Always make sure the baby is breathing clearly.
- The sling should be under tension. A loose sling is not safe!
- NEVER cook with baby in the sling.
- ALWAYS bend at the knees if you need to pick something up.
- Whoever is wearing the sling should feel like it makes the baby lighter to hold/ carry and that the sling is comfortable.
- Avoid overheating your baby.
- Do not let anyone use the sling who is not mature, responsible, and respectful of it and your baby.
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