Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Put a Sling on 'Em

Slings in the City member Zakia posted this on Facebook, and we couldn't resist a chance to share it here! Enjoy!!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

"Green" Wrapping for the holidays.




I have been becoming a big fan of Chico Bags Those reusable bags are coming in fun styles and designs. So this year Chicobag came up with the ingenious idea to wrap holiday gifts in one of their chico bags. Video below. If you come to Metro Minis we have tons of Vitae bags and Limited Edition Snowman Chico bags. Regular price is 8.99 but if you buy something in our retail location and get it giftwrapped you can get a Chicobag gift wrap for only 6 dollars.



Babyhawk Report

The Babyhawk Mei Tai is one of our bestsellers. NBC San Diego just ran a little story about the business.
Check it out below

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcsandiego.com/video.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Metro Minis became Trained Partner with "Trageschule Dresden"

I cannot believe it took me so long to make this announcement. Our staff at Metro Minis were honored to receive training through Ulrike Hoewer of the Trageschule Dresden this past summer.
First a few words about the "Die Trageschule". Trageschule Dresden is the first established school dedicated to teach the Art of babywearing. Ulrike has 6 kids and she wore all of them in wraps and carriers. She created the first babywearing school in the world and to teach people how to become a babywearing instructors. In collaboration with experts and doctors in the health field she established her curriculum. It contains three parts the basic course, the advanced course and the certification course. This past summer we took the basic course and in the spring/summer of 2010 we will continue with advanced and certification.
We are very proud that Metro Minis became trained partners with Die Trageschule Dresden. There are currently only a handful of women in the USA trained by Ulrike, so we are especially proud to made that happen.




Friday, November 20, 2009

What Happens at a Slings in the City Meeting?

Before founding MetroMinis, our very own Bianca Fehn founded Slings in the City to bring babywearing information and help to New York City. For the past several years, SITC has been holding monthly meetings to give free babywearing help to anyone interested. Come check out a meeting! Here's what you can expect:

  • Babies. And some toddlers and older kids too!
  • Slings, carriers, wraps, mei tais, pouches etc. galore.
  • Personal attention and help from experienced parents. We'll help you find the right carrier and position for your body and your baby.
  • A friendly place to socialize, meet other parents, and discuss life with a babe.
The meetings are typically casual and free-form, and adapted to the participants. Sometimes there is a special focus, such as back carries, but there is always time to help anyone with other needs. You can try on the carriers provided at the meeting, and bring your own. Meetings are free and open to anyone interested in babywearing. We hope to see you there!

SITC Manhattan next meets on Saturday, November 21 from 3-5 at Metro Minis (75th & Park)

SITC Brooklyn next meets on Sunday, November 22 from 2-4 at Amy Takemoto's home in Bay Ridge. Please e-mail lbrundage [at] gmail.com for the address.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Mix it Up!

When it comes to babywearing, we all have our favorites. I have a strong preference for woven wraps, with mei tais coming in second. When my daughter was younger, I never really felt comfortable in a soft-structured carrier, even though many of my friends preferred them.

On a whim the other day, I pulled out my bEco Butterfly, and it was great! My three year old liked stepping in and letting me pull her on like a backpack. It distributed the weight really well, and differently than my still-comfy wraps do. I was able to do all of me errands with her in the bEco and we were both happy. If you have a carrier in your stash that is languishing, give it another try!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Babywearing Week Odes, Part 2: My Mei Tai



Mei Tais are carriers of Chinese origin. There are numerous brands, all with slight modifications to the same basic design. The mei tai I reach for most often is my Kozy. This is one workhorse of a carrier! There are also some adorable new prints coming out. Mei tais can be worn on the front or on the back, and are made of sturdy material like twill or canvas. This photo shows a Kozy with it's plain side out. The other side is covered with a vibrant fabric. The design of a mei tai means that there are innumerable stylistic choices and combinations of fabric--like my bright pink Babyhawk!


The mei tai is easy to learn, easy to put on, and snuggly enough for infants, but supportive enough for toddlers. They are also fantastic for getting comfortable with back carries. I also found that it was my easiest carrier to nurse in.

Right now, my three year old is asking for a lot of up and down, and I like tying my Kozy up around my waist so it's always ready to go. I'm finding that I am still quite comfortable, and it is a very quick on-and-off process--something to be grateful for with a wiggly kid!

Learn more about mei tais at our Babywearing 101 class.

Monday, September 21, 2009

New Mama Jacket Color!

Great new color for this season. Cranberry! Yummy. I just ordered one for myself and its awesome.
Also all Mama Jackets for the 2009/2010 season have now a thicker insert piece. It makes it more cozy for you and your little one.
Generally the Mama Jacket is selling out quick especially size small and medium so get yours soon.


International Babywearing Week!


It's International Babywearing Week! Time to celebrate, spread the word, and revel in the fluff.

This week I am thinking of my several friends who have had babies in September, and how much fun it has been to introduce them to the world of babywearing, and to see the immediate positive impact it has in their lives. I'm also grateful that I can wear my three year old on our commute, and enjoy some extra cuddles with her, even as she grows more independent from me. Babywearing has been such a beneficial part of our family life since her birth, and I am excited to International Babywearing Week to sing its praises.

So tell us... how are YOU celebrating babywearing this week?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

September Babywearing Meetings

Are you pregnant, or a new parent? Want to see what carriers might work for you and your child, or learn new carries and chat with other babywearing caregivers? Anyone and everyone is welcome, from those brand new to carrying a child to those who have been wearing for years. Need help wearing your newborn or toddler? There's sure to be someone who can help or give advice.

This month's Manhattan babywearing meeting will be held at Metro Minis, from 3-5pm.

In addition, there will be a meeting in Jersey City on the 26th, at 10am. Details can be found on the Slings in the City forum.

Hope to see you there!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Slings in the City Brooklyn Meeting, Aug 19

This month's meeting of the Brooklyn chapter of Slings in the City will meet on August 19 from 2-4 pm at Brooklyn Yoga. Brooklyn Yoga is located at 474 Smith Street.
Slings in the City provides free babywearing support throughout the NYC area. All are welcome to come learn about babywearing, try on carriers, and swap tips and tricks.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Woven Wraps: So versatile!

A wrap swing for older children

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Metro Minis Mid April

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*This Saturday April 25th *

Elimination Communication (EC) 3:30 to 5 PM

ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION is a gentle, healthy, and responsive practice that encourages infants to signal their needs and parents to be receptive to those signals.
$15/20 couple

More info and sign up

Babywearing 101, 2 PM - FREE

Call or eMail us to sign up for our classes. Or use our new online sign up form.

***

Nutrition Series with Megan Franzen

Wellness Support for Mamas and Mama to be
Twice a month, two different topics

5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Serve Veggies May 2nd at noon
Decoding Your Cravings: The Secret Language of Pre- and Post- Natal Bodies May 20th 6.15 PM

Sign Up

***

FREE DOULA EVENING and DOULA AFTERNOON

Thursday, April 30 at 6:00PM and Saturday, May 16 at 12:30PM

Are you an expectant parent seeking information and support? Have you heard about doulas, but aren't sure you really understand how they might fit into your birthing/parenting plans? Do you want to hire a doula, but don't know how to go about it? We can help!

Come for a FREE evening or afternoon with some wonderful doulas working right here in New York City. Each event includes an information session as well as plenty of time to meet the doulas. In the information session, we will help you understand how doulas can make your birthing and early parenting experiences even more joyful and fulfilling, and we will give you pointers about choosing and working with doulas. Afterwards, moms and their birth partners can chat individually with the doulas about each of their philosophies, styles, and services. You just might meet that special doula who is a perfect fit for you!

Introductory Price: FREE! Space is limited, so reserve your seat now!

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Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Breastfeeding Support with Britt Pastor

How to House a Baby in 1000 Square Feet or Less!

Pre-Natal Intuitive Parenting Workshop with Britt Pastor

Discover Your Birth Options and Create Your Birth Plan with Abigail Valencia

What's a Doula, and Why Do I Need One? with Abigail Valencia

This is a one hour information session with a "doula" labor support specialist. You will learn first what a doula does and what services they can provide to make your birth and transition into motherhood easier. You will see how a doula can help you decrease the likelihood of cesarean section, and medical interventions while providing continuous support throughout your labor. Create the gentle birth you desire!

Introductory Price: $20/per person or $30/per couple.

5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Serve Veggies

5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Serve Veggies
”My kid will not eat veggies no matter what I do!” If you have felt defeated by your son or daughter’s discriminating palate, this is the workshop for you. Sometimes it seems like nothing works. Or what worked last week is no longer acceptable to your little one. But help is on the way. Join us for this family-friendly workshop and you'll leave with at least 5 fresh ways to
make meals less stressful and more nutrition-full. Recipes included.
Introductory Price:$20./per person or $30./per couple.

Megan Franzen has her own health counseling business. For more info about Megan and her services visit her website

Decoding Your Cravings: The Secret Language of Pre- and Post- Natal Bodies with Megan Franzen

Decoding Your Cravings: The Secret Language of Pre- and Post- Natal Bodies Pregnancy and lactation are times when you are more motivated than ever to choose your food for its nutrition content, so why does your body seem to be telling you that chocolate should be your main food group? We'll go over 6 common nutritional deficiencies in pre- and post-natal bodies and how your body might be trying to fulfill these needs by speaking to you in cravings. We'll also discuss non-nutritional ways of honoring your most elusive cravings that will make your soul happy.
Introductory Price: $20/per person $30/per couple.

Megan Franzen has her own health counseling business. For more info about Megan and her services visit her website

Intro to wrapping

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Babywearing 101 Workshop - FREE

Come by to learn the basics on the five different styles of baby carriers. This class is ideal for those who have never worn a baby and have little to no experience with carriers. We will discuss the advantages/disadvantages of each style and concentrate on each persons individual needs as we discover the best carrier for you and your needs.

This is a casual, one hour introduction to baby slings. Topics covered include; one-shoulder vs. two-shoulder carriers, safety issues, correct carrying positions, demonstrations of the different pouches, wraps, Asian style carriers, soft-structured carriers, and ring slings. There will be an informal question and answer period followed by an informal try-on session. Get a discount of 5% off one carrier or 10% off two or more carriers you buy that day.


We ask that you please let us know if you will be attending the class. Class is FREE.


Check out our calendar for the class schedule. (Might take a moment to load.)

Friday, February 13, 2009

Just in: Bambu Home

bambu
We finally have the awesome Bambu Bamboo products in. Only at our retail location at the moment but soon available in our online store as well .

Friday, January 30, 2009

Cloth Diapering 101 FREE

You know you don't want to throw away bag after bag of dirty disposable diapers, but you haven't figured out how you will find the ease of disposables in cloth?  

Metro Minis can help. Luckily, several American companies have applied 21st century ingenuity to cloth diapering, taking into account busy lives, shrinking budgets, and environmental concerns.  
At our Cloth Diaper Class, Annie Frisbie will walk you through the world of
She will discuss the styles of diapers, pros and cons of each, and how they might fit into your daily life. There are cloth diapers for every budget, every personality, and every caregiver.  Annie gets into all the nitty gritty details; from figuring out how many diapers you will actually need, to dealing with the poopy diaper at home and on the go.  Plus, she shares her best tips on odor removal, washing in New York City's hard water, detergent options and convenient accessories that will make the whole cloth diapering experience easier.  She has been there, she has done that, and she will help you make an easy transition into cloth diapering.  Class is FREE!

Join us on Saturday, March 28th at 3pm!