LilSugar

Baby Carriers to Suit Every Need

LilSugar — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 03:05:52 PDT

Finding a comfortable, efficient way to tote your baby on a stroll to the park is incredibly personal. While some mamas prefer to push their tots in a stroller, others opt for a closer experience by carrying their lil one on their body. From carriers in the front to those on the hip to baby slings, there are plenty of options for all parents. Take a look at some of my favorite styles in this slideshow.

Should Moms Still Sling in Light of the Scare?

LilSugar — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:18 PDT

Earlier this month, the government issued a sling recall after infants were injured and/or died in baby slings. The release cited suffocation as a potential hazard. In a recent article, two grieving mothers shared their tragic stories of loss. Women around the world have been babywearers for generations. In light of all this, do you still feel secure putting your child in a sling?

Petunia Picklebottom's Organic Sojourn Sling

LilSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:15:07 PST

Now that I have three young kids and only two arms, a baby carrier is a necessity. Whether a mom prefers a sling or a carrier, it's bound to make life at the park, running errands, and helping her children easier. I'm going to search out the best options and report back. Petunia Picklebottom recently sent me their Sojourn Sling ($70) to put to the test.
Who is this product designed for? This sling is made to hold newborns to 25 pound tots.
Is it practical? Yes, if the sling is purchased at the time of the baby's birth, a mama can get a lot of good wear out of it holding the baby in three different age appropriate positions. If $70 breaks your budget, old fabrics tend to go on sale when new designs are released and you can pick one up for half price.
What sets it apart? The carrier is simply a piece of sturdy fabric that creates a pocket to secure the child in. Once you get the hang of putting your kiddo in, it takes just moments to slip into the sling and be on your way.
To see what could be improved and if I'd buy it,

read more. What could be better? The sling's construction is fairly straight forward and for safety reasons it should fit snug to the mom's body. This might prevent parents who are different sizes from sharing the carrier. Would I buy it? Yes. I like the simplicity of the design and how fast and easy it is to use. Would I give it as a gift? Yes. The organic fabric and gorgeous pattern options make it a great gift for green fashionistas. Did it make baby happy? My 4-month-old son hung around in it for an hour without complaint. Does it keep your hands free? Yes - for a quick grab or reach, but l still felt the need to cradle my son (who is 16 pounds, 27 inches, and prone to stretching) while he was in the carrier.

Parents should take precaution when using any baby carrier.

Government Set to Issue Baby Sling Warning

babysugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

Babywearers beware! The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission is preparing to issue a general warning about baby slings, citing suffocation hazards with the popular fabric carriers.

Speaking at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, CPSC head Inez Tenenbaum said, "We know of too many deaths in these slings and we now know the hazard scenarios for very small babies. So, the time has come to alert parents and caregivers."

The agency head did not specify any particular baby sling manufacturers, there have been growing safety concerns about the products. In some cases, slings have not been properly secured, and babies have fallen out of them, while other versions force lil ones into a curled up "C" position, increasing their chances of suffocation.

Babywearing has grown in popularity as more mamas heed attachment parenting beliefs. Seventeen percent of LilSugar readers told us that they tote their tot in a sling, and the carriers' popularity was even spoofed in a You Tube video earlier this year.

If you are a babywearer, do you ever worry about suffocation? Will you consider alternative methods for carrying your wee one now?

Beyonce Mom

OnSugar Blog — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:30 PST

There's a mom version of almost everything these days, and Eppie22 gives her take on this one! This Beyonce Mom video comes from the Inside My Head blog at OnSugar.

I feel (quite strongly) that this video supports my earlier assertion that NO big decisions should be made until one year postpartum. And by big decisions, I mean recreating a Beyonce video, converting the theme to sling wearing, and sharing it on YouTube.

Want to see more? Start following OnSugar blog Inside My Head or start your own OnSugar blog. We may just feature your content on LilSugar.

10 Sassy Slings

babysugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 07:00:00 PDT

Slings are by no means a new invention - women have been strapping their children to their sides for ages as it provides closeness, comfort and ease. Straight out of the womb, most wee ones crave being held tight or swaddled as it reminds them of their embryonic stage. Aside from the encircled fabrics providing a place for baby, they offer a mother support to go about her business while keeping an eye on her offspring. A popular new mom "must have," there are loads of options in a plethora of styles and colors. Check them out!

Save Your Breath: Explanatory Slings

FitSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:15:00 PDT

If you're a weekend warrior or prone to injury, you might find these explanatory slings handy.

Having lived through a couple of different shoulder injuries, which both required sling time, explaining my situation became old, and fast. Unfortunately, these supports weren't around when I was injured, nor are they available now. These cute explanatory slings are a concept of a designer who no doubt has had his fair share of upper body injuries. Hopefully you all will make it through your next weekend sporting event free of injury.

Source

Win One of Five Serena & Lily Spring Slings!

LilSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 07:00:54 PDT

It's Spring so pop your babe in a sling and get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Toting your tot in a carrier allows them a close physical connection while keeping mama's hands free. We've partnered with our friends at Serena & Lily to give readers the chance to win one of five fabulous organic Prague Market Slings ($129). Throughout the entire month of May, Serena & Lily will donate care packages to homeless children through Project Night Night for each Market Sling sold.

To enter, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the fun quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on May 15, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. (PDT). For Official Rules, click here.

Take the Quiz

Serena and Lily Take Slings to Market

babysugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:00:36 PDT

What mama would want to ruin her outfit with an unsightly sling? Linen makers, Serena and Lily, have expanded their foothold on the world of simply chic baby design with the introduction of their Market Sling, a 100 percent organic cotton, hand-embroidered sling.

The carriers feature soft brushed interiors and are one seamless piece of fabric - free of buckles, belts and straps. The Market Sling ($129) will be available beginning in June, but you can pre-order it now on their site.

Mommy Alert! Ellaroo Carrier Recalled

LilSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 05:00:00 PDT

Check your sling for safety! The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling 1,200 Ellaroo Ring Sling Baby Carrriers ($100) since the aluminum rings can bend or break posing a potential hazard for the child in the sling.

Though no one has been injured, the company has received four reports of the rings bending and two of the rings breaking.

If you have one of the slings that was sold between June 2007 through February 2008 at national retailers like Babies R Us, discontinue use immediately and contact Ellaroo for a replacement.