Stand-Out Slings

A few weeks ago, we did a feature on the benefits of babywearing. We got the priveledge of trying out many of the baby slings on the market. I was so pleased to see how many options abound, and how stylish baby slings have become. If this attachment-promoting habit becomes a trend, I am all for it! There were two slings that really stood out for us, and I wanted to give them a little extra attention. These would both make a perfect baby shower gift for a first-time mom.
The Sleepywrap is the coziest baby wrap I have tried, and truly is a sleep-inducer for small ones. It's double-sided design gives great support for little heads and necks - and will also spare your own neck from pain because it distributes the baby's weight evenly. It provides a custom fit for baby since you simply tie the wrap carrier snug against your body, and it's a great way to nurse your baby without exposing yourself. The Sleepywrap is made of a heavier cotton knit with a touch of spandex so it is soft with a little stretch - and it washes really well. It's perfect for newborns (even for premies) but I was also able to fit my two-year-old in it.

Sakura Bloom has some of the most beautiful slings I've ever seen. They are made of reversible silks and linenes in gorgeous colors that actually add to my outfit instead of detracting or clashing. I love the simplicity of clean lines of modern design, and this sling is a perfect fit of form + function. Sakura Bloom baby slings are build with busy moms in mind, and the sling allows you to be hands-free with whatever activity you do: walking city blocks, browsing farmers’ market, sending email, and feeding baby. The extra fabric that hangs down is great for shielding baby's face from the sun, or for providing coverage during a nursing session. We also love that Sakura Bloom has an entire line of organic slings, and a wonderful selection of men's slings, so that daddy can get in on the babywearing, too. And check out their commitment page - they donate a part of their proceeds to a non-profit in Tibet. Their slings are packaged in a gorgrous recycled box that makes them a perfect and unique shower gift.

BabyHawk Mei Tai

I searched far and wide for the perfect baby carrier when I was pregnant. I had been pressured into "babywearing": the idea that having your baby pressed against you at all times will somehow raise their iq, make them nicer, and create a never-ending bond that will quell even the darkest teen-to-mom angst. Whether or not that is true, time will tell. But I found a really cool carrier!

Babyhawk is a company that makes mei-tai's, an ancient asian baby carrier. (And as you know, wearing a carrier based on an exotic traditional ethnic custom raises you a couples steps on the granola ladder). But mostly, babyhawks are cute and comfy. They hold the baby in a papoose style, and can be purchased in a variety of hip fabrics and colors. They can hold a newborn up to a toddler, and you can wear the baby in front or in back. Best of all, they look cool on daddy, too.

So if you are in the market for a sling, give this one a try!

-kh