Clay Jar People

I “met” Jade on Mommalicious for the first time, and was really taken by the mei tai carriers she makes. I was really happy to meet her for the first time in real life, at the BASA Babywearing seminar. Her company, Om Baba, makes the most beautiful carriers, based on the Chinese mei tai style.

Om Baba carriers are adopted and modernized from an old concept traced to ancient Chinese Mei Tai  揹帶 ／背巾 (pronounced as “meh tye”, in Chinese Cantonese dialect; or Bei Dai, as in Mandarin Chinese). They were originally made from a piece of cloth big enough to be wrapped around the body. All the ends were knotted all together at one point to secure the baby in place either in front of the mom or at her back. This means mothers can move freely, able to carry out their household chores or work in the fields and be close to their babies. To this day, baby carriers play a role in the lives of many mothers worldwide.

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 I love the mei tai because it can be worn in a front carry or a back carry… not that I have tried the back carry myself, Mr Wriggles might make it a bit hard. I’m still a bit paranoid that if i can’t see him he’ll do something silly. But I have seen Jade wearing her little boy in the back carry and it looks comfy and helps the hands-free aspect even more.

I often wear Elijah in the Om Baba mei tai to get him to sleep, he’s learnt by now that that’s what he should do in it, and he can sleep for hours in it. Being so comfy with the padded straps, I barely feel my almost 9kg baby, even after 4 hours of wearing him! It makes walking up and down through Canal Walk seem like a short stroll from the bathroom to the bedroom.

This is the Afro-Asian answer to the African Baby Carrier or the Kango Carrier. What makes it so awesome is the fact that its softer and more compact than the ABC, and it comfier and much nicer looking than the Kango.

I love that Jade designs them for the mums not the babies, so no Winnie the Pooh or Hello Kitty, only stylish, classy, silks and linens with mama-friendly prints. As they are machine-washable they are also baby-mess-friendly, which is really important for me.

To summarise, what I liked about it specifically:
- it’s not bulky, and can be folded into itself and packed in a gorgeous carry bag
- its stunning fabric
- it’s comfy, so it places very little strain or pressure on my back 
- its simple to use, much simpler than a wrap (also cooler) once you get the hang of it
- baby is very content in it and sleeps long in it

As a babywearing advocate and mama of a little wriggly boy, I would highly recommend this as a carrier for babies, from newborn to over 2. As I have mentioned in most of my babywearing posts, it helps to have more than one carrier for the different stages of baby’s growth. For more info about these, please contact me, or Jade.

(I received one Om Baba mei tai to review,  but was not reimbursed in any other way. The opinions above are purely my own.)

I did a review about a similar product recently, however I originally contacted Olga to review her pouch first,and she gave me both the R&C one and her own. As a mom she knows just what a mom is looking for in a baby product. She has a company called Kanga Pouch, making beautiful pouches and slings (to be reviewed at a later stage). Olga is such a lovely person, you can’t help but like her when you meet her. She is very warm and kind, and so very helpful when it comes to babywearing, as well as a fountain of information.

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The pouches are similar to this one, but deeper, so when baby is in the cradle carry he sits better and safer. She makes them from top quality linens and raw silk. She gave me 2 to review, a padded linen one and a silk unpadded one.

My opinion of the padded linen: The padding is nowhere near as thick as the Baby Sense one, which makes it soft for baby, but not bulky at all. There is a sense of security too, with the snug fit of the linen, baby is much safer in it. The print is really pretty, she sources her fabrics from all over the world making the pouches unique. They come in various sizes depending on mom’s size, or just what you are comfy with, I suggest you fit it on to try with baby in, as they can stretch slightly. The cotton is comfy for the various carries, cradle, hip and kangaroo. I give it a big thumbs up.

(I haven’t been able to take photos of the pouches properly, because whenever Chris is home I forget… so this is the only one I have, hence the borrowed one from Olga’s site)

On the raw silk pouch: Oh my… pure luxury… I always wanted a dress from raw silk, but it was just too expensive for my budget. This pouch feels so pretty and makes me feel like a celebrity mom (ok, yes I am a freak). It has the same security that the linen offers, and it fits nice and snug around baby. She makes it from a double layer, so its reversible. The one I had was a deep purple blue and a lovely silver color. It can be washed normally, preferably a cold wash – but its way more green anyway!

I can honestly say I have no idea which one is better, I adore the silk for the luxury, and the linen for its practicality. I HIGHLY recommend these pouches, for every mom, whether you wear your baby all day, or just to have your hands free when shopping. When I walk around malls with Elijah in a pouch, people stare in awe at the fact that I can walk and shop at my leisure as my baby is peaceful, or sleeping. I can sit in church and listen to the service, as he sleeps happily as long as he is with mama (well I can sometimes). I wish I could give one of these pouches to every mom I know!

For more info, please contact Olga and tell her you heard about her from my blog.

(I was lent items to review, but not reimbursed in any other way. These opinions are purely my own.)

I borrowed the Blue Trail Baby Sense sling from a friend of mine when Elijah was 2 weeks old. (since then another friend gave me the Navy one) Its lovely for newborns, nice and snug and they can sleep the whole day… if you can get them in right. (the picture on the website is a major no-no for babywearing, baby needs to be close enough to kiss, and snug)

The instructions for these slings are very weird, if you follow them, baby ends up a bit squashed and their airways are obstructed. Luckily, I have my awesome clinic sister and family friend, Justine to thank for figuring out the correct way to carry baby. Once I had that figured out, this sling became my saviour. I’m not a put-baby-in-pram/cot-to-amuse-himself kind of mom, because a) its cruel and b) my son is not that kind of baby. The nurses at the hospital told me that they have to carry him around in the nursery while they check on other babies because wants to be held. And thats how its remained. But any mom needs to have her hands free, I’m a blogger, and my husband needs food and a clean house.

This sling has allowed me alot more freedom. But as I said in the review last week… one needs different carriers at different stages. Elijah doesn’t sleep so much anymore, so now a carrier where he can sit up in is better. I have tried in the Baby Sense one, but its too deep and padded. I would recommend it to moms of newborns, but in truth if you want to spend the money, rather go for a Rhubarb and Custard or a Kanga Pouch (review to come soon).

I recently contacted Olga, a mom who like me, is super passionate about babywearing, and has started up the Babywearing Association of South Africa, about reviewing her products on my blog. She was very happy to do this, and offered to lend me some others that she has too. Included in this was the Rhubarb and Custard sling. You may remember I blogged about them before, here and then here. Suffice it to say, I was happy to try one of their products and see for myself.

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The sling I have been using is the Baby Sense one – which is very different to the Rhubarb and Custard one. I will post about that one soon. Basically, my son wants to see the world, he is no longer happy lying down or facing me the whole time. Olga showed me the hip carry which is actually for babies from 7 months, but Elijah sits up well enough to be able to be carried like that for a while. He seemed to enjoy it :) He actually fell asleep so quickly once he was in that sling.

What I liked about it specifically:
- its not bulky, so it takes up very little space and it doesn’t make you so hot.
- its funky colors, so it looks trendy and not too “baby”
- its comfy, and very little strain or pressure on my back
- it can be used in various ways, so one sling can last baby’s whole lifetime.
- its simple to use, once you get the hang of it, its very easy for anyone and saves so much effort
- baby is happy in it and happy to sleep in it, which is a bonus when your child, like mine, won’t nap unless he’s with mama.

I would definitely recommend this sling to moms, as a passionate babywearer, this is definitely a great product. The important thing to realise about babywearing is that you might need different carriers for different stages, that way you can keep up with your baby’s needs constantly. This is the point of me reviewing the various carriers and then also hopefully posting them on the Babywearing Association’s website, when its all up and running.

Watch this space for more baby carrier reviews, and other exciting reviews.

(I was not reimbursed for this review, nor did I receive any products from the company. I reviewed the sling that Olga has of theirs.)

In this post I mentioned that I would be getting the African Baby Carrier. I did! Since I hurt my back, I have been needing to rest it more, which kind of messed with my babywearing dreams. Which is why I bought this carrier.

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Its great because the weight is evenly distributed on my hips, not shoulders, so my back doesn’t take as much strain. Its cute in bright blues and even comes with a hoodie to put over baby’s head. It has a cell phone pouch and a larger pouch, for a nappy/wallet, so you can basically go out with just the carrier.

My only issue with it is the fact that baby must sit with hips splayed, which I think, even though its apparently good for them, is not that comfy. So as yet Elijah does not enjoy it for long periods. I am certain though that when he’s older, bigger and heavier, it will be amazing. You can carry children in it until around 5 years of age, I think it could be awesome for hikes and long walks – provided the wearer is fit :) I would definitely recommend it for older babies.

PS. I was not paid to review this product, nor did I receive any products to try, I bought the carrier myself. However, watch this space for more reviews on carriers and other products.

I have previously raved about baby wearing and slings and such, so you will all know my take. However, since I hurt my back recently I have not been able to “wear” Elijah as often or as long as I’d like in the sling. I was actually wearing him when I went shopping yesterday and I was in a lot of pain in the end, a 6kg baby is no joke.

Luckily my blogging-friend, Taryn and her sister-in-law, Kerry (who is a real life friend of mine) both recommended the African Baby Carrier. Seems its South Africa’s take on the Ergo. It carries the baby’s weight on your hips rather than your back or neck. This is ideal for me. So I have ordered one – the joys of having some freelance work and aunts who spoil my son with money! I hope to get it today or tomorrow, depending on when I get the chance to go to the post office. Will post a review of it once I have used it for a bit.

Images from Taryn‘s blog

 

Why wearing your baby is good for you?

Just a couple of example for starter:

• You can breastfeed hands-free while on the phone or doing the necessary shopping
• You can even cook dinner during the “arsenic hour” and soothe your baby at the same time
• You can get some exercise and fresh air by walking while your baby sleeps on you or while you are walking she can fall a sleep
• You easily can do the gardening, chores, socialize while providing a stimulating learning environment for your baby.
• No need to lug around an awkward, heavy car-seat, or battle to get a stroller into your car, onto a bus or up stairs.
• Keep your baby close enough to kiss and keep her/him happy while working or playing with your toddler

Why babywearing is great for your baby?

• Babies cry less.

Research has shown that babies who are carried cry (on average) 43% less overall and 54% less during the evening hours (1). In cultures where babies are carried almost continuously, babies cry much less than those in non-carrying cultures (2-6).

• Good for baby’s mental development.

Babies spend more time in a “quiet, alert state” when carried – the ideal state for learning. Their senses are stimulated while being carried (yet there is a place to retreat too). When carried, your baby sees the world from where you do, instead of the ceiling above his crib or people’s knees from a stroller. And the extra stimulation benefits brain development.

• Good for baby’s emotional development.

Babies are quickly able to develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their care-giver/s (7) and often become independent at an earlier age (8).

• Good for baby’s physical development.

By being so close to your body’s rhythms, your newborn “gets in rhythm” much more quickly. Your heartbeat, breathing, voice and warmth are all familiar. Research has shown how this helps newborns (especially premature babies) to adapt to life outside the womb (9).

• Good for babies whose mums are depressed.

Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you’re there. Carrying your baby is a great way to connect with her (and provide stimulation too) without the “burden” of having to interact (10). Of course your baby is “right there” to enjoy whenever you feel like snuggling, kissing or talking.

References:

1. Hunziker, U. A. and Barr, R, G. (1986). Increased carrying reduces infant crying: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 77, 641-8.
2. Barr, R. G. (1990). The Early Crying Paradox: A Modest Proposal. Human Nature, 1, 355-389.
3. Barr, R. G., Konner, M., Bakeman, R. and Adamson, L. (1991). Crying in !Kung San infants: a test of the cultural specificity hypothesis. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 33, 601-10.
4. Brazelton, T. B., Robey, J. S., Collier, G. A. (1969). Infant development in the Zintandeco Indians of Southern Mexico. Pediatrics, 44, 274-290.
5. Lee, K. (1994). The crying pattern of Korean infants and related factors. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 36, 601-7.
6. LeVine, R.A., LeVine, S., Dixon, S., Richman, A., Leiderman, P.H., Keefer, C. and Brazelton, T.B. (1994). Child Care and Culture: Lessons from Africa. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
7. Anisfeld, E., Casper, V., Nozyce, M. and Cunningham, N. (1990). Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment. Child Development, 61, 1617-1627.
8. Whiting, J. W. M. (1981). Environmental constraints on infant care practices. In R. H. Munroe, R. L. Munroe & B. B. Whiting (Eds.), Handbook of cross-cultural human development, New York: Garland STPM Press.
9. Ludington-Hoe SM, Swinth JY. (1996). Developmental aspects of kangaroo care. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 25, 691-703.
10. Pelaez-Nogueras M, Field TM, Hossain Z, Pickens J. (1996). Depressed mothers’ touching increases infants’ positive affect and attention in still-face interactions. Child Development, 67, 1780-92.

source: www.thebabywearer.com

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“Years of research have demonstrated that human babies have very positive responses to touch and holding, both physiologically and emotionally. A baby is unable to understand that she is a separate entity from her mother or primary caregiver, but her awareness of separateness will come as she matures. This appears to be a survival mechanism designed to keep baby and mother, or primary caregiver, close together. Thus, it is important that babies be held very frequently as a baby benefits from a mother or father’s warm touch, smell, and voice. It is very comforting for them to be held; therefore, they cry less.” (source)

I never thought I would hear people tell me I need to be “less attached” to my 2 month old son. I mean, he’s 2 months old, can he walk? NO. Can he talk? NO. Can he fend for himself? NO. Can he feed himself? NO. He’s a tiny person who is solely dependent on his mama and papa. I am not ashamed to admit I am a barefoot, babywearing, breastfeeding, recycling, cloth diapering, tree hugging, partial co-sleeping mama.

Today I put Elijah in his cot in his room for his nap, this was an experiment in part to see if I can hear him when I am in the bedroom and also to see if he is ok sleeping there. For the last 2 months he has been in our room. The first week or so in a carry cot on our bed, then in said carry cot next to my side of the bed, then when I hurt my back, he was in bed next to me, just like that and now he is back in the carry cot next to the bed. Its not ideal for him to be in our bed, for obvious reasons, and then also I like having the covers up high, and when he sleeps next to me I prefer to keep them off for his safety. So I am all for partial co-sleeping.

I also carry him around in a sling or a pouch when I need to have my hands free, and when we go out. The reasons for this are numerous – the quote above being part of it. He is safer and happier when I go shopping in a sling than in a pram, as I can keep an eye on him, and he can feel me and hear me. Obviously its also great because I can have my hands free to clean and cook etc. He seldom cries when I “wear” him, as he knows I will respond to him as soon as he needs something, this means he gets distressed less, and I spend less time calming him. One other great reason is, he is at eye level with people, so he feels included, and they can see him and talk to me. My son has the benefit of having a mama who is consistent, loving and responsive to his needs.

Cloth diapering is another controversial subject. I come from a family that is very eco-conscious, we have water-saving shower-heads, we used grey water for the garden, we have recycling boxes for glass, paper and plastic. My dad has a company focussed on sustainable construction and things like solar energy. Its in my blood to care for the environment, and in the process my money, which is why it wasn’t really an option to use disposables solely. Yes, for the first 2 months I did use disposables, because Elijah had stick legs, so the cloth nappies leaked bad, and we had been gifted with nappies. Now however, he fits in them, and I have found awesome ones that work like a bomb (mail me if you are interested – I am selling them too). Because he doesn’t sleep through yet, I do use disposables at night, as they are more absorbent for night and I don’t have to wake him up to change him, but as soon as he stops feeding so often at night, we’re going all cloth.

I find it interesting that I get so much opposition to my style of parenting, by being a stay at home mom, I have already shocked the system, but now being pro-attachment I seem to have blown the boat out the water completely. I just want to tell people, my son is very content, yes he does cry, no he does not sleep through yet, but he is content knowing his parents are always there for him. He will never need to feel neglected or left alone, his self-confidence will be much stronger for it. I hope I have now made my standpoint clear, and that people will stop acting like I am a loon.

• Dirty nappies are bad… but picking  up dog poop is worse.
• Breastfeeding is hard, but once you relax and have been given help with latching, it becomes much easier, and rewarding.
• Babywearing, in a sling, or a pouch or wrap, is the best way to function normally again, and be able to have a calmer baby. Elijah sleeps in the sling, and I can actually do dishes and get the house cleaned. Oh…. and BLOG.
• I can actually function on less sleep, although I think its more a case of interrupted sleep rather than deprived sleep. Elijah goes to sleep around 7 or 8pm and then wakes at about 11 or 12pm for a feed, then he sleeps until about 3, feeds and the sleeps until 6am or sometimes 7am. Not half bad considering… although the feeding and changing and winding takes a lot out of you.
• I understand why people chose to co-sleep, at least for a while, its sooo much more convenient, and baby is much happier knowing he won’t have to cry, usually I manage to wake up and have him latched before he even had a chance to cry. Or at least I try… but even so, I can hear the changes in his breathing and it makes it so much easier, and it sets my mind at ease knowing I can just put my hand on his tummy to check breathing. Saves on nonsense like baby monitors and all. I don’t know how much longer we will have him in our room, but will enjoy it while I can…
• Babies make a phenomenal amount of laundry… and not just their own… I have had to change almost once a day, and then their the quilts and couch covers … much laundry indeed. (and while I typed this the sling got puked on…thats the second sling in 2 days)
• Babies sleep really loudly, Elijah “talks”, moans, and cries in his sleep, thats not even the breathing that he does.
• Recovering from a c-section is NOT for sissies! Anyone who thinks a caesarean is the easier birth option, needs to come talk to me. Its HARD! Yes, there is no pain for the birth, BUT the pain starts when the anesthetic wears off and continues for almost 6 weeks, I still have pain when I feed him, and he nudges my scar.
• There is very little glam about motherhood… rewarding yes, lots of love yes, but not glam.
• It is possible to look like you have slept for hours, and had ages to pick your outfit (even if it changes hourly). I am lucky that my hair is looong, and wavy/curly, so its just a wash and leave kind of thing, and with my make up training, I guess I know how to fake that “I’m awake” look. But seriously, there is no excuse for looking like crap when you are a mom.
• Going to the toilet and a 5min shower is me-time!
• Breastfeeding is amazing, but it would be awesome if men could do it too, just so moms could get a break every now and then.