Natural Nursery Blog

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.