Wrap Cast!

Here is our first podcast from Metro Minis. Learn how to do a FWCC with a woven wrap. We're using one of the MM exclusive Girasol colorways--Green Tea.
The podcast will be available on iTunes soon!

Press Release from Sling Manufacturer

Baby Sling & Carrier Manufacturers Speak Out
On Baby Sling Safety Warning

March 11, 2010

With the publication of an Associated Press article regarding the CPSC government warning on baby slings and the Consumers Union’s concerns about “bag-style” slings, the companies co-sponsoring this release are taking a stand to help educate the public on the differences between safe vs. unsafe baby slings and carriers as detailed below.
The ancient practice of babywearing made its way into western culture in the 1960s and its popularity with American consumers has grown because of its vast benefits.  Unfortunately, this has led to the creation of several potentially unsafe baby slings and carriers. Slings and carriers of concern are popularly categorized under the token term “bag-style” slings.  In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved or “C” like position. Also, excessive fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face inhibiting breathing.  Furthermore, the design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward a caregiver’s body, potentially smothering the baby.
In contrast, shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, mei tais and wraps hold baby in proper alignment and they fit snuggly by design and instruction.  They have been engineered, developed and tested by parents, often the manufacturers themselves with their own children.  These carriers are often simple and without gimmicks.  Dedicated and concerned manufacturers of these types of safe slings and carriers have sponsored this release.
Because of the popularity and gaining market share of small baby carrier companies, a few years ago the Juvenile Products Manufactures Association (JPMA) was approached by a handful of these companies asking for a standard to be created. These companies were initially alarmed by the creation of some carriers, mostly by home crafters, fashioned from materials unsuitable for baby products. Soon after, M’liss Stelzer, a pediatric nurse, did an oxygenation study discovering a potential link between infant deaths and “bag-style” style slings therefore creating even more need for the standard as well as further study.
Upon this need the ASTM, an internationally recognized creator of standards for consumer products and test procedures, created a subcommittee for Sling Carrier Standards.  The ASTM Subcommittee is made up of manufacturers, consumer advocates and government officials from the US and Canada including members of the CPSC. The subcommittee started writing the standard two years ago. In this time more deaths have occurred, all linked to the “bag-style” sling being reported by Jennifer Kerr, a writer for the Associated Press in the article referenced in the first line of this release.  This has alerted the CPSC to take necessary action and issue this warning.
In well-designed products, babywearing is not only safe, but is actually very beneficial when done properly. Studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. For examples of these cases and further reading see “Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial” an article written by Urs A. Hunziker MD and Ronald G. Barr MDCM, FRCP(C), “Saving My Baby” a blog post written on Fierce Mama’s Blog by Sarah Kaganovsky and Dr. Maria Blois’s book Babywearing.
Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase.  In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent.  Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. (Source La Leche League International)
The vast benefits of babywearing should not be disregarded with the report of incidents from “bag-style” slings. The sponsors of this release make safer baby slings and carriers and have been active in the standard writing process and are dedicated to safety through engineering. “We see this as an opportunity to reach out and educate American consumers. We hope to provide valuable information allowing parents and caregivers to not only make informed buying decisions, but also to increase the awareness of how to properly wear children, especially babies, in baby slings and carriers,” says Kristen DeRocha, ASTM Subcommittee Chair. The Associated Press article regarding the CPSC warning gives proof to the growing popularity of baby slings and carriers and validates the need for education.
Several trusted websites exist to aide in the education of babywearing for caregivers and new parents. To name a few: TheBabywearer.com, the Facebook fan page for Babywearing Safety, Mothering.com and LaLecheLeague.org.
 
This press release was sponsored by:
Hotslings, Maya Wrap, Moby Wrap, Wrapsody, Gypsymama, Together Be, Kangaroo Korner, Taylormade Slings, Scootababy, Bellala Baby, Catbird Baby, SlingEZee, ZoloWear, HAVA, SlingRings and Sakura Bloom
For comments or questions regarding this release please contact Kacy Jones, Director of Marketing for Hotslings, Inc.
Phone: 214-350-4160x108
Email: kacy@hotslings.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Babysling Safety

Eye Witness News was here today and interviewed Joanna.

Story Time with Pearl and Mirela -- Free Sample Class March 11th

Musical Storytime is a 45-minute weekly class for children ages 10 months to 4 years, with a parent or other caregiver. Classes are led by Pearl Port, storyteller and specialist in children's literature, along with Mirela Chitiu, professional music teacher.

Free Sample Class ~ March 11th at 3:30pm
6 Consecutive Weeks ~ March 18th through April 22nd
Thursdays ~ 3:30p

Sing-a-longs, stories, movement, puppets and songs... Each week enjoy a musical journey through song and story.

Pearl and Mirela delight children by reading stories along with their own songs from around the world, all played on the guitar. They choose books filled with humorous tales, animal adventures, fantasy, stories of seasons, families, friendships and much more... all inspire and ignite your child's imagination.

A treasure trove of children's literature and song, fun to hear, sing and read along.

Within every story is a song!

At Musical Storytime, your children:

• Learn new stories, songs, movements and fingerplays.
• Discover wonderful picture books to expand their imagination and language development.
• Explore their creativity and rhythm...

... while singing along to the guitar and making new friends in an interactive and fun-filled musical storytime!

For a quality experience for all the maximum number of participants is ten and the minimum number is five. If the minimum is not reached within 48 hours before the start of the first day, the event will be canceled and paid registrants will receive a full refund. After payment is received there are no refunds for the classes. If for any reason class must be canceled by us it will be rescheduled.  No refunds for missed session(s.) However, you can send a friend in your place on the day you cannot attend. Please make arrangements and let us know in advance so we can welcome your friend.

Metro Minis Video Pod Cast

Our first shot for our video podcast took place on Sunday.
Stay tuned the first babywearing podcast will be up in March.