Natural Nursery Blog

After the bright and funky baby wear, timeless classics are now back in baby wear fashion. What matters to baby is that the fabric be really soft, free from nasty chemicals and harmful dyes to avoid irritating his skin, well designed to be comfortable, and easy to put on and off. What matters to parents is that they are good quality, preferably organic, sturdy, easy to care for and eventually passed to a younger sibling. Here are some of our favourite baby wear.

• Baby vests. The baby vests selected by Natural Nursery for your baby are all designed either as wraps, tied tops or with an envelope neck. This type of baby wear is easier to put on and off. Some babies are uncomfortable having their clothes pulled over their head, in that case the tied tops are perfect. It’s a good idea to have a few long sleeve vests and short sleeve vests. Even in summer, nights can be chilly. Remember that the less vests you buy the more washing you will need to do, sometimes with a half-full washing machine. It’s a good idea to buy enough to last you a few days.
• Sleepgowns. For newborns and babies up to 12 months, sleepgowns are ideal. They allow babies to wiggle to their heart’s content without rumpling up. Babies can enjoy rubbing their legs together as they would have done in the womb. Finally, the baby wear has no fiddly poppers making nappy changes much easier for parents and babies.
• Sleepsuits. Easy to wear for sleep, nap or even playtime, the sleepsuits are now available in size up to 2 year old. Sleepsuits are comfortable for babies are there is no elastic at the waist. You can change their nappies without undressing them completely. This is particularly important at night time when you might be trying to change their nappies as quickly as possible without waking them up completely. The Frugi organic baby sleepsuits are especially suited to children with eczema or sensitive skin. Everything is designed to avoid irritating the skin: no scratchy label, flat seams and the washcare label is made in the same soft interlock material.

Singing with babies and children feel so natural, they love the rhythm, the stories, the facial expressions you can exaggerate. Very soon, they can join in and repeat a few words. As their vocabulary grows, so does their enjoyment and repertoire. Here are a few ideas to continue singing with your baby.

Sing and Sign allows babies and parents to learn songs and sign language together. Sign language is a simple method to teach children to express themselves before they can talk. The signs are widely used by nurseries and childcare providers. It starts with just a few signs, milk, more, nappy, tired. As the child starts to respond, more signs can be added, always keeping it simple. The Sing and Sign songs are cheerful, from traditional nursery rhymes to new songs.

Colourstrings offers classes teaching music, rhythm, and singing from 6 months to 5 years. Fun, lovely music and great teachers. The materials are colourful, stimulating and entice children to embark on musical adventures that will enable each of them to fulfill their musical potential through fun and creativity, without pressure. It is an extension of the Kodály philosophy: everything starts with singing to develop inner hearing.

Monkey Music introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy. Monkey Music was founded in London in 1993 by Angie Davies for her first newborn baby daughter. As a trained classical musician and experienced teacher, Angie was aware that all babies have an innate love of music and as a keen new mum she looked for local music classes to attend. She decided to write an original music curriculum that was fun and interactive for everyone! Monkey Music classes are now held weekly across the UK and Ireland.

Jo Jingles music classes are also held around the UK in more than 500 locations. The movement classes are for babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years of age (up to 7 or 8 in some areas). The music classes are fun, interactive music, with lots of singing and movement.

Ergo baby carrier – ERGObaby makes baby carriers that are suitable from birth to toddlers. The soft structured carriers can be used on your front, on your back or on your hips. They come in a range of fashionable colours with matching accessories. The infant insert allows you to adapt this baby backpack for a newborn.

Fleece – a baby sling can be made of various fabric, and fleece is a lovely option. It is soft, durable, has just the required ’stretchiness’ to snuggle and support your baby. It is easy to wash, doesn’t even need to be tumble dried and will protect your baby from the weather.

Forward Facing – Many parents like carrying their baby facing forward i.e. facing away from the mother. Many baby sling manufacturers recommend that this forward facing position not be used at all or be used for short periods of time.
When the child is placed facing forward, his spine is curved back, putting pressure on his lower back, and leaving the weight of the head resting on his spine. Babies’ spine is still too fragile to hold the weight of their head, especially if you’re planning to carry for longer periods of time. It also means that the child has no contact with his mother. He takes the world full on without having mum’s reassuring voice, heartbeat and scent to help him ‘interpret’ what’s going on.

Frog position – The child’s optimum position in a baby sling is often referred to as being in a frog-like position. This is the position that allows his spine to develop harmoniously.
His back should be curved forward, his head able to rest on your chest or on your back if he falls asleep. His legs should be wide apart, slightly flexed and the knees higher than his bottom. Try squatting and resting your bottom on your heels, that’s pretty much the position you’re aiming for your baby.

There are so many baby carriers to choose from, it can feel a bit daunting to know where to start. Add to this the various types of baby slings, the acronyms and we have some very confused parents. Here is a quick glossary to baby slings. We hope this helps

Asian carriers, Asian inspired baby carriers (ABC) – There is a lively tradition of baby carrying in the Far East. Each country will have a different variation: Mei tai (China), Onbuhimo (Japan), Podegi (Korea) for example. Many baby carriers available today are ‘inspired’ from these traditional baby carriers and adapted them to the needs of Western mothers. The Napsack baby is an Asian baby carrier.

Baby backpack – this wide term refers to the baby carriers which are most suited to back carries. It doesn’t mean that they can’t be used for front carries but they are particularly easy to use on your back. The Ergo baby carrier is an example of a baby backpack.

Babywearing – Babywearing is another word for ‘baby carrying’. Imagine baby slings being so comfortable that you could ‘wear’ them for hours, just like a coat and carry your baby in it as much as he needs/wants to.

Back carries – Back carries refer to all the positions where the baby is carried on the parent’s back. Most baby slings are suitable for back carries although some might be more suited than others. Soft carriers, like mei tai, or baby backpacks are easy to use on your back.

Braiding – Baby wraps are much easier to use when the fabric is soft and ‘floppy’. Some wraps are soft straight out the packet, others will need time and use to soften. To speed up the softening, you can sit on the wrap or braid it: knot it over and over until the fabric softens. Also true for some ring slings.

Calin bleu – A brand of baby wraps made in the UK. Calin Bleu specialises in light and soft baby wraps, easy to use and suitable from birth to toddlers.

DYI slings – Making your own baby sling can be fun. Many mums can make their own baby sling. For your safety, make sure you follow the sling sewing instructions carefully. Choose good quality material and rings (Slingrings.com are the best). For a wrap, a simple piece of cloth suffices. For a ring sling, a pouch, a soft structured carrier or a mei tai, you will find dozens of sling sewing instructions online.

Stay tune for the rest of baby slings glossary…

Baby wraps can have a bit of a learning curve but once you have mastered the art of wrapping your baby, they are incredibly comfortable baby slings. Here are some of our tips to make your baby wrap more comfortable.

Choose your baby wrap carefully. If your baby is a newborn or you’re shopping while you’re pregnant, stretchy wraps are a lovely option. They are easy to use, especially for breastfeeding and feel snug. If you’re baby is more than six months old or for a toddler and you wish to have one wrap to take you until toddlerhood, then a woven wrap would be a better purchase. All baby slings have their advantages and drawbacks. Having the baby wrap that is best suited to how you would like to use it will be much easier.

Read the instructions and the manufacturer’s information carefully. Most manufacturers will recommend one carry as the easiest to start. It might vary depending on the type of baby wrap. For back carries, the secured back carry is much easier for stretchy wraps than other types of back carries. The pocket carry is easier with a stretchy wrap and trickier with a woven wrap.

Wash your baby wrap once or twice. Make sure you double check the manufacturer’s washing instructions. Some wraps can be tumble dried, others are best lined dry. Some will be soft right out of the packet, others will need softening. The best way to soften your baby wrap is to use it. You can also sit on it any time you sit down, in the car, on the sofa, at the computer, at diner… Some babywearers also recommend braiding the wrap, basically knotting it over and over until the fabric softens. A soft baby wrap will be much easier to use.

Think of your baby wrap as three thirds: the top hem, the middle and the bottom hem. When we say ‘tighten the top hem’ it’s not just the top hem but the top third of the wrap. The bottom hem keeps the baby in place and high on your back, support your baby’s thighs wide apart. The middle third forms a pocket for his bottom and his rounded back. The top hem holds the baby snuggly against you. He doesn’t back, which would force you to lean forward to compensate. Neither of you would be comfortable. When all three parts of the baby wrap are adjusted properly, you are able to stand straight with no discomfort to either of you.

Apply these tips and your baby sling should feel a lot more comfortable. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch, we’re here to help.

Prepare the next generation of babywearers!

Children love colouring pictures, and familiar pictures in particular. These images of mums carrying babies in their baby slings will appeal to them.

Award-winning British artist Susan Cook of Picture Dreams, has produced these beautiful drawings of babies in baby slings for your little ones to colour-in.

You can download the A4 version as a jpg (right click on the large image and choose print) or as as pdf. If you don’t have a printer, email us your address and we’ll be happy to pop some in the post for you.

Can be reproduced only for personal home use. For group use, please contact us.

Click on the images to see the high resolutions:

Today, let’s look at more more ideas of things to do at home with children: paper beads and stringing beads into necklaces, garlands or bracelets.

Material:

- Paper. You can buy fancy colour paper for this activity but reclaimed paper will work just as well. Take a look at your recycling bin to put aside brightly coloured paper. Larger or thicker paper will be better for small children.

- Glue stick. We tried glue stick and PVA glue. Both work but the stick was easier.

- Scissors or a paper guillotine. Watch your fingers, guillotines are incredibly sharp. Put it away as soon as you have finished cutting the paper.

- Something to roll the paper around: pencils, straws, chopsticks. For younger children, they need to be fairly wide. Older children will do fine with something thiner.

- String or elastic

The activity can be adapted for children of all ages. Older children can most likely do everything themselves apart from using the guillotine. Younger children will enjoy threading the beads an adult or a sibling will have made for them. They will also love unraveling the beads you have painstakingly made for them. The beads harden when they dry.

- Cut strips of brightly coloured paper, adjust the width to the age of the children. Younger children will find bigger beads (1″-2.5cm) easier to manipulate.

- Spread the glue on the paper, leaving an inch or so at one end.

- Place the end without glue around your pencil or chopstick then start rolling the paper around, keeping it nicely straight.

- When you get to the end, add a bit more glue then roll the bead between your fingers a few more times.

- If it’s easy to remove from the chopstick, remove it now. If not, you can leave it to dry and harden

- String the beads onto the elastic or string. Make sure that the children aren’t left unattended with the string.

Enjoy!

Earlier, we started giving tips and information on carrying your baby on your back. Here is the second part of this article. We look forward to hearing from you and hope to continue adding your babywearing advice.

The manufacturer of your child carrier often recommends one back carrying position as the easiest to learn. Read that carefully and try that first. For example, tying a knot in the front with a baby wrap makes the rest much easier.

Baby should be sitting deeply in the baby sling. His legs should be spread wide apart, his knees flexed and slightly higher than his bottom. This is called the frog position and will be essential both for your baby’s comfort and yours.

Make sure the fabric of the child carrier is stretched widely across his back and stretching from the thighs to the neck.

The baby sling should feel snug and baby should be carried high. If it is well adjusted, you don’t need to lean forward or backwards to compensate for your baby’s weight. You should be able to carry your baby for a couple of hours without the need to tighten your baby sling along the way.

Once you’re more confident back carrying, you can experiment different positions. It is always surprising to parents and professionals that children seem to have their favourite position. Some children like to have their arms out, other their arms in, some will only tolerate to be carried high on your back in order to see above your shoulders while others won’t mind. Some parents like carrying high on their waist, others lower on their hips…

You could also email us a photo of your baby in the baby sling so we can help you adjust it. It helps if you send a photo of the back, the side and front.

Keep in mind that some baby slings are easier than others to use on for back carries. Baby wraps are a bit more complicated to learn to use but very comfortable once you’re used to it. A soft structured child carrier is easier to learn but offer less flexibility. If you need any help choosing your baby carrier, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Remember you can also find experienced ‘babywearers’ locally on SlingMeet.co.uk. They will be delighted to help you learn to carry your baby on your back.

Keep trying, the pleasure of carrying your baby on your back is worth the effort.

These are our tips. Have you found something that works for you and your baby? We’d love to hear from you and share them with other babywearing parents…

Most baby slings can be used to carry your baby on your back, at least that’s what it says in the product description. However becoming confident enough to carry your baby on your back when you’re out and about and others are looking can feel a bit daunting. Many parents give up and resort to using a buggy. It doesn’t need to be so, learning to carry your baby on your back takes a bit of practice but once you get used to it, it gives you a great sense of freedom and comfort.

Here are a few pointers to help you get started.

Choose your baby sling carefully. Make sure that it is suitable for your baby’s age. For example, the Ergo baby backpack is suitable from birth for front carriers with the insert and can be used on the back only from 6 months.

Read your baby sling instructions carefully, take the time to watch some videos on the internet.

Take your time. Don’t try to rush and do it as quickly a possible, it would only make you and your baby nervous and flustered.

Learn step by step. First pop your baby on your back without a baby sling, just the motion of placing your baby on your back as -you would play with your baby. Both you and your baby how his weight feels on your back, where he’s positioned, what feels the most natural…

Practice on a soft surface with another adult around. It doesn’t necessarily help if the person tries to hold the child on your back or help you with your baby sling but they can help make sure that your baby is safe.

Choosing a key phrase like ‘lie down’ and repeat it regularly will slowly teach your baby to sit still while you are getting him in the baby slings. You’ll be surprised how quickly this technique can help quieten the ‘wrigglest’ toddlers.

This is just the start… keep reading for more tips on how to use your baby slings on your back.

A big Thank you to Moss Green Children’s Books for developing these cute colouring pages for children.

Organised by age with an increasing level of detail and information, the colouring sheets are drawings of fruit, vegetable plants and the vegetable patch. We particularly like the fact that the plant is shown as a whole, helping children understand where their food comes from. This is an essential step in educating children in healthy eating. The sheet shows how the vegetable and fruit are used in the kitchen.

Through play and colouring, children have the opportunity to learn about seasonal products. Why brussels sprout are a classic in a traditional Christmas dinner but never mentioned for summer barbecues. Why we have to wait for summer to feast on raspberries the garden… Older children will also learn about pests attacking the fruit and vegetables which can lead to interesting discussions about organic growing, pesticides…

Enjoy!