She also received the help of Deirdre Mackay, the then chairwoman of the NCT Technical Committee. A mum, physiotherapist and antenatal teacher herself, Deirdre helped Sally improve the design of the baby carrier:

A baby carrier should not let the baby dangle by the crouch through leg holes. Mothers around the world know that a wrap or a shawl has to support the baby under its bottom and transfer the weight to the parent’s body. There should be no ‘leg holes’ to suspend the baby.

The prototype of the Wilkinet baby carrier was born.

“[The baby carrier] I had come up with suited my need for hands-free comfort while completely supporting my baby, holding him snugly and securely, wrapped onto me, not “hanging off” my shoulders”, says Sally.

The Wilkinet was soon subjected to various tests and awarded their black and white triangle for good design by the Design Council in London.

Everything from the cutting out and making up to despatch all happened from the family’s kitchen table in North West Leicestershire and later Pembrokeshire.

Sally’s grandchildren, the next generation of Wilkinet babies, are all still carried in Wilkinet from the moment they are born.

It’s no surprise that the Wilkinet baby carrier has been chosen by mums for many years, recommended by many organisations concerned with the welfare of mums and babies. The only way to find out is to try one. Order your Wilkinet today.

Wilkinet: the story of a baby carrier is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Reduced Ring Sling

You can find our sale section on the website, where we already have organic baby clothes at up to 70% off, reduced organic toiletries plus bargains on reusable nappies.

Each day, we will be posting about a fabby new bargain, so don’t forget to watch this blog, follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook – that way you will get to hear of the best bargains first.

Today, we have further reduced the price of the Huggababy Ring Sling.  We only have limited colours and sizes left and at £24.99 each that’s a saving of £15 so they won’t hang around for long.

Clearance Sale is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Napsack Baby carrier

The Napsack baby carrier has just arrived at Natural Nursery. You will find an exhaustive description on the website and here is a review of the Napsack baby carrier by Anne, a mum of two.

Before I say anything else, I have to confess that I’m a big fan of baby wraps, especially for young babies. I owned other types of baby slings but never really got around to using them. After my second child was born, a lovely mum kindly gave me a Napsack baby carrier. My immediate reaction was WOW, WOW, WOW!

The Napsack was so comfortable!
- Easy to put on: I managed to pop a sleeping baby in without waking him up. If you know how to tie an apron, you know how to use the Napsack.
- Comfortable for baby: The hourglass shape of the mei tai body wraps around the baby to support his back.
- Comfortable for me: That’s the other originality of the Napsack baby carrier, the straps are shaped and spread the weight effectively around my back, shoulders and hips. I suffer from back pain so that was really important for me.
- Versatile: I like baby slings that fit me (size small) and my partner (size XXXL)! I started using it when my son was a newborn and I’m still using it now he’s more than two. You can fold the mei tai to shorten the body for a baby or extend it for a toddler.
- Perfect for naps: the top of the baby carrier is curved which comes high enough behind the baby’s neck to support it when he sleeps.

Have I mentioned how pretty they are? The classic colour combinations of the Napsack baby carrier fit everything in my wardrobe.

New to Natural Nursery, the Napsack baby carrier is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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baby slings video

September 21st to 28th is the 2nd edition of  International Baby Week. It’s the time to celebrate the joy of carrying our children. Whether it’s a small baby or an active toddler, children thrive when held close to their parents. These special moments help them build the self-confidence to venture out when the time is right for them. Perched on your back or snuggled up against your chest, they have discovered the world from your height, making it a much less intimidating place when they are are back on the ground.

The theme for 2009 is Close enough to kiss, highlighting that babies should be carried high in a baby sling, their bottom never lower than your navel and their head close enough to kiss. It’s one of the most important tips for carrying your child comfortably in a baby sling. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any advice on how to choose your baby sling or how to use it.

To celebrate this Babywearing Week, Babywearing International released this lovely video with heart-warming photos of baby slings: baby slings video

International Babywearing Week Sept 21-28th 2009 is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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Wraparound slings

Wraps are probably the most versatile of all the slings.  They are also called “Simple Piece of Cloth” as they are basically a piece of fabric, tied around your body ensuring that your baby is held securely in place. A wrap can be used to carry the baby in many different positions: on the parent’s front, back or hip. Most carries involve the sling being worn over both shoulders and often around the wearers waist in order to offer maximum support to the baby.

The baby’s weight is well distributed which ensures maximum comfort for the parent. They are an excellent choice if you suffer from back pain. It may take time to learn how to tie the sling correctly but the effort will be worthwhile. Excess fabric may be used for more discreet breastfeeding.

Ring Slings

This sling consists of a piece of fabric threaded through two rings, forming a loop. The fabric wraps around the wearer’s body, from shoulder to the opposite hip and back up to the shoulder. The end of the fabric is then threaded through the rings to create a buckle effect. The baby can then be placed into the pocket of fabric in either a sitting or lying position. The sling can be taken off and put back into place without rethreading.

The baby’s weight locks the carrier in place. This type of sling is easily adjustable to suit different wearer’s size and different wearing positions.

It is easy to breastfeed on the go in a ring sling. It is are adjustable to allow easy access to the nursing mother’s breast. It can also be quickly adjusted once feeding is done.

Pouch slings

A pouch is formed by a wide piece of cloth sewn into a tubular shape, with a curve sewn into the fabric that will hold the baby more securely in place. The sling is slipped over the wearer’s head and worn sash-style across the body. Most baby wearers find that they adapt to using the pouch sling very quickly.

Pouch slings are an excellent choice for situations in which the baby is frequently removed from the pouch and being placed back into it. The asymmetrical weight distribution can make carrying heavier children more challenging. Pouch slings offer good value for money and are relatively easy to make.

Soft carriers and backpacks

Many different types of sling fall into the soft carriers and backpack category.
Mei tai are inspired from the Chinese tradition of baby carriers, a simple rectangle with a strap on each corner. Two are tied around the waist and the top two act as shoulder straps. Many soft structured carrier are inspired by this principal. Some of these carriers are suitable from birth and there are models that are ideal for carrying older children. Some carriers are closed with buckles, as a hip carrier or front/backpack style. They are usually quick to put on and can be a good option for heavy toddlers.

There are many types of sling available but you also have to consider which option will best suit you and your family: how you wish to wear the sling, whether you intend to keep the baby in the sling or keep removing from the sling, if you wish to breastfeed discreetly when you’re out and about and also how willing you are to practice using your sling until you get it right. Once you have chosen the right sling and had a chance to get used to it, you and your child many hours of very happy baby wearing!

If you’re not sure which one is best for you, just give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you: 0845 890 1665

Copyright Anne Dhir, Calin Bleu Ltd

A world of baby slings is a post from: Natural Nursery Blog

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