Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Carries on for a Good Cause

Baby carriers or slings have been around for thousands of years. They are an easy way to keep an infant close by while mom or dad go about the business of living. Most babies find it comforting to be nestled against their parent’s chest, and are soothed by the motion of mom or dad walking. Some childcare experts advocate baby wearing as an effective way to enhance the parent-child bonding experience.

Baby carriers have become increasingly popular over the last decade. Many parents — even some who were skeptical about baby carriers at first — have come around to see the benefits of these simple devices and wouldn’t want to do without them. While this trend seems like it’s here to stay, there have been some serious safety concerns associated with baby slings and carriers. Reputable companies that make these devices have addressed these issues and are always finding ways to help educate parents in their proper use and make baby carriers safe, comfortable and convenient.

Many companies have joined the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance to share their talents and become advocates for babywearing standards and safety. BCIA includes several babywearing brands as charter members. The Giggle Guide^® applauds the Alliance’s goals and teamwork. We plan to regularly update our readers on their activities and products. For our first installment we showcase Gypsy Mama, Beco and Moby.

For more information about BCIA, membership and babywearing industry updates, go to www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org

Gypsy Mama Slings the Praises of Wrapsody

Wrapsody baby wraps by Gypsy Mama are specially designed soft, stretchy cloth wraps that envelop baby and leave hands free. These carriers are very close in design to traditional baby transport gear used by people from countries around the world. Gypsy Mama offers a wide range of fabrics and colors. The stretch hybrid is a comfy everyday wrap, while the Bali Breeze is a classic airy gauze fabric. The Breeze is hand-dyed and batiked in Indonesia for an authentic look. There are also water wraps available for parents who enjoy days at the pool or beach.

The history of Gypsy Mama is a true American success story. Maine resident Kristi Hayes-Devlin started the business out of her home. In her kitchen, she sewed and decorated the fabric for her baby carriers, and would dye the fabric in her bathtub. Over time, Kristi was running her own small business, and the then-single mom was able to purchase a home where she still lives and runs Gypsy Mama.

Kristi is a proponent of attachment parenting, a child-rearing philosophy that includes baby-wearing, natural weaning, co-sleeping and other methods that encourage bonding and healthy child development. Baby carriers and wraps play an important role in the attachment parenting lifestyle, and Kristi has used the platform she has as a creator of these products to educate other parents about attachment parenting.

To jump on the Gypsy Mama caravan, visit www.wrapsodybaby.com

Beco Celebrates the Joys and Freedom of Keeping Baby Close

Beco products are designed by a baby-wearing parent, for baby-wearing parents. Gabby Caperon is an athletic mom who loves the outdoors and has a passion for preserving the planet. She designed the first Beco Baby Carrier in 2005 to meet the needs of other moms and dads who appreciate the merits of keeping baby close.

Gabby started out crafting fleece diaper covers for her son, and later expanded her hobby into a business. The inspiration for her first baby carriers came from photos of indigenous mothers carrying their babies in traditional slings. She loved the look and functionality of these homemade baby slings, so she set out to make some of her own. The design has changed a lot since that first baby carrier prototype, and Gabby is always looking for new ways to improve upon the current designs.

Beco carriers come in several styles, including the Gemini, a classic design; and the Butterfly, which holds baby like a cozy cocoon. Beco also offers a wrap/vest that doubles as a baby carrier. It’s a convenient way to bring the child along on crisp autumn walk. The company also makes simple, kid-sized carriers for children who want to carry their dolls or plushies. Gabby Caperon’s vision and hard work have made Beco a company that is at the top of its field in style and environmental responsibility.

Visit www.becobabycarrier.com to see the full range of styles and colors.

Moby Matches Up MOther and baBY

Moby Wrap is a California-based company that offers high-quality wrap-style baby carriers in a range of styles and colors. Moby stand for “MOther and baBY.” The company was founded in 2003 when the founders realized there was a strong demand for baby carriers that were both comfortable for babies and easy for moms and dads to wear.

Comfort is the main focus of Moby wraps. Some baby carriers feature hard buckles, straps, and support boards that don’t provide the best nest for baby or a user-friendly experience for parents. Moby has no complicated straps or buckles that can be hard to fasten or that might present a risk of breaking. The wrap goes securely around the wearer’s back and shoulders, so that there is no excessive strain on any one area.

Moby is also unique when it comes to style. Many of their wraps don’t have the traditional appearance of baby wraps; they look more like clothing. This is great for fashionable moms who prefer a more modern, hip look for their baby carrier. The reversible wraps include a printed side and a solid side in a variety of designs and colors.

Moby also carries stylish, soft hand-knit hipster hats, knot hats, and miniature baby carriers that kids can use for their dolls or stuffed toys.

To find out more about this ultra-fashionable and functional brand, check out www.mobywrap.com