International Babywearing Week kicks off Oct 10th, 2011 and runs through the 16th. This years theme is "a world of possibilities" which is the perfect theme to talk about babywearing and applies in so many ways!
There are so many possibilities of different kinds of carriers making it possible for everyone to find their ideal carrier. Babywearing also opens up so many possibilities to both parents and babies. Babywearing allows parents to get more done and also enjoy much more time being close to their babies. It also allows baby and parents to more easily go places together that might not be as accessible otherwise. Baby also gets to experience and take in so much more of the world when being worn.
So how has babywearing opened a world of possibilities to you? One of my favorites... I love shopping with my baby and toddler while babywearing. They are so much more content when I am wearing them. They get to see all kinds of things while I am shopping and it's so easy to talk to them about what I am doing when they are along for the ride with me. I didn't wear my first when I shopped when he was young and it's a totally different experience. It's also a lot less frustraiting when they are toddler since they aren't trying to climb out of the cart or grab everything within reach... although they can and will still grab stuff while being worn!
I am so grateful that I discovered the world of babywearing and hope more people have the chance to learn about and experience babywearing. So in honor of International Babywearing Week, we're offering 10% off the purchase of any baby carrier at Zerberts this week! Use coupon code BW2011 at checkout to receive your discount.
Do someone a favor and spread the word!!! Babywearing may open a world of possibilities to them too!
A new website isn't the only thing new from the Boba family. Nap Inc is officially re-branding as Boba and the new website is just one of the exciting changes we are seeing.
For the most part, the re-branding is just a name change. The former Sleepy Wrap is now the Boba Baby Wrap, but it is still the same stretch wrap so many have come to know and love, just new packaging. But the re-branding is coinciding with the new release of the Boba 3G Baby Carrier and a new Boba Pack.
The Boba 3G
The Boba 3G is the third generation of Boba carrier and has some fun new features. One of the more exciting and obvious changes is that the Boba 3G will be available in 4 fun prints as well as 3 solid color combinations. The browns and greens we saw with the 2G are gone, but they've added a solid black to the selection of baby carriers.
The new Boba 3G baby carrier is no longer just for older babies and toddlers! The Boba 3G baby carrier converts to a newborn carrier without needing to purchase an additional insert. (see how) So the Boba 3G is now designed to be used for babies and toddlers 7-45 lbs!
The Boba 3G still has the removable foot straps that are unique to the Boba carrier, but they now have a snap adjustment instead of the hook and loop we saw on the 2G. The sleeping hood is fully removable and can be stored in the front pocket or rolled up when not in use.
New to the 3G, there are now pockets on the waist belt, including a small pocket that zips closed. They've also added shoulder strap holders that can be used to hold a purse in place to keep it from slipping off your shoulder while babywearing. Check out this video for a sneak peak at these new features:
They have stated that the waist belt has been redesigned for maximum comfort, but it remains to be seen if there is a significant difference. The Boba 3G is designed to fit wearers from 5'0" to 6'3" tall with a waist belt that adjusts from 25" to 58" wide.
The price of the 3G is another change from the 2G it is replacing. The new 3G will retail at $120 for solids and $125 for prints. The Boba Carrier 3G Organic will also be available, but only in 3 colors and at the higher price of $160. This is a significant jump from the current cost of the Boba 2G Carriers, especially at the current sale prices available. So some people may decide to pass on the great new features offered by the 3G to take advantage of a more cost effective option.
The Boba Carrier 3G will be available for purchase soon. Stay tuned for your chance to pre-order one of these carriers!
Summery of the Boba 3G features:
100% Cotton
Front and back carry options
Removable sleeping hood
Adjustable sleeping hood, adjusting in length to fit growing babies
Zipper pouch may be used to store your hood when not in use
Comfortably fits heights 5’0” – 6’3”
Waistband range: 25” – 58”
Additional adjustments for easier fit & breastfeeding
Patent-pending removable foot straps
Elastic bands neatly roll up straps
Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place
Easily adjustable chest strap
Uniquely designed to “hug” your child
Converts to an infant carrier without an insert
Extra head support adjustments for infants
Body of carrier rises 2-3” higher than other brands
Multiple pockets for on-the-go storage
High quality military grade buckles
The Boba Pack
Boba has come out with a new bag called the Boba Pack. This is basically and babywearing friendly diaper bag that can be worn over your shoulder, or attacked to your baby carrier or stroller.
The Boba pack seems really cool and I love that it can attach to a stroller, but I am just not convinced I would like it attached to the front of my baby carrier. It seems like an awesome idea in theory, but I feel like it would be bulky and I don't know how much stuff I would feel comfortable carrying in it if I am putting that on the front of my body and on my baby's back. It would be worth a try though, I might be surprised!
The Boba Pack will retail for $100 and comes in patterns that will match the new Boba 3G carriers.
Boba Pack features:
100% cotton
Easily attaches to most baby carriers and strollers, or may be worn over-the-shoulder
Separate waterproof pouch for dirty clothes
10 pockets total, including an insulated bottle pocket
Available in 5 color combinations, coordinating perfectly with your Boba Carrier 3G
Adjustable, removable shoulder strap
Lifetime guarantee
So what do you think? Will you be rushing out to buy one of the new 3G carriers when they hit the market? What do you think of the newborn option? What about the Boba Pack? In love or not convinced yet?
Tuesday, Sept 20th, a 3 month old baby dies when the car seat they were in fell from a shopping cart. (link to article) This unimaginable tragedy is a sad, sad reminder why car seats should stay in cars.
Most people don't realize this, but balancing car seats on shopping carts is very dangerous. We see everyone do it, and it seems safe enough. I know I was just as ignorant as most other parents. But the reality is that car seats do fall from shopping carts and the injuries a baby receives can be fatal.
There are other dangers too. The shopping cart could roll away and this is especially dangerous if you are in a parking lot. Shopping carts also are easily tipped over, especially by older children than may be hanging inappropriately off the cart.
Infant car seats are better off being left in the car. Instead, babywearing is a much better option. It's not only safer, but babies also tend to be much more content and happy when being worn while shopping. Young babies will often just fall asleep and older babies and toddlers tend to be more patient.
Unfortunately accidents happen and there is no way to be completely safe, be we can be safer and avoid certain risks. Please spread the word about the dangers of using car seats in shopping carts. Do yourself a favor and leave the car seat in the car and grab a baby carrier instead.
My heart goes out the the family in the article referenced above. I can not imagine their pain during this loss. My sincere condolences.
They're here! They're here! And I am in LOVE!!! The latest wrap by Hoppediz, the Jacquard Pune, is amazing.
First, I'll give you the basics. The Jacquard Pune is available in 2 color ways, pink with orange and turquoise with lime. The design on these wraps is a peacock feather and these wraps revers to the "wrong side" which allows for two looks in one wrap.
These wraps are unlike any other wrap from Hoppediz. They are completely different in texture than the Jacquard Chicago. The Jacquard Chicago is much stiffer and feels thicker, though there is no significant weight difference between the two (maybe an ounce or two). The Jacquard Pune is extremely soft and floppy directly out of the box. I would even describe it as having a silky texture, like a really high quality Egyptian cotton or even a silk blend.
Pune Pink taken in shade
Pune Pink taken in direct sun
These wraps are super light and airy which would make them perfect for summer. They are very thin, probably as thin as the Hopp Light, but again, much floppier out of the box than a Hopp Light.
Pune Turquoise taken in shade
Pune Turquoise taken in direct sun
I am not a wrap expert by any means, but I can tell you that I love the feel of this wrap. As soon as I touched it, I wanted to wrap my baby in it. I think I would be petting this wrap all day if I were wearing it! They are also far more stunning in person then what I could capture with the camera. Definitely a wrap you will have to see and feel to believe!
Moby has finally joined the many baby carrier manufacturers that have had to raise the prices of their carriers. The increase in cotton prices is affecting all cotton products and the baby carrier industry is no exception. Starting Sept 1st, Moby wraps will cost $44.95 for their standard wraps.
Hoppediz has announce another price increase scheduled to come into affect July 2011. This is the second price increase for Hoppediz this year. If you have been following, you know that increased cotton prices and shipping costs are two major factors affecting the prices of baby carriers and other products. Read more about it in this post.
We will not be increasing our prices immediately in July. Instead, we will wait until we restock and adjust the prices accordingly. It looks like prices will increase a minimum of $5 per wrap, but could be as much as $10.
So if you have been wanting a Hoppediz wrap, now may be the best time to buy. We have also been seeing price increases in most other brands and more are likely to be announced as the trend continues.
Due largely to increased cotton prices as well as fuel prices and other factors, the babywearing community has seen price increases from many manufacturers. BabyHawk is the latest manufacturer to announce a price increase. Affective immediately, prices on BabyHawk carriers will rise $9 each. So the BabyHawk mei tai will now retail for $89 and the Oh Snap is now $149.
It is not likely that this will be the last increase we see. Maya Wrap, Wrapsody, Hoppediz, Sleepy Wrap, and several other brands have already implemented an increase. Moby has yet to announce an increase, but I will be surprised if we don't see one this year.
For more information on the recent price increases, read the previous post where we discussed the issue.
