Product Review: The Suppori Baby Carrier (and a GIVEAWAY!)

We were recently given the opportunity to take part in the Suppori Memoirs project and road tested the carrier over a three week period. For your chance to WIN a free suppori, read on!!!

When I first saw the Suppori, I quickly realised it isn't a baby carrier as I would normally define one. This isn't a snuggly wrap for a newborn and it isn't a place for naps on the go. What it is though, is a support for hip carrying older babies and toddlers and that appealed to me.

As a 50 year old grandmother with chronic back, pelvic, shoulder and neck issues – I see a chiropractor twice a week! – I need to be very careful with how I use my body. Even five minutes of carrying seven-month old Charlie on my hip can throw my pelvis out of line and leave me in pain until the chiropractor or physio put it back again. So anything that helps me avoid that gets a thumb’s up!

At The Toy Library

At the supermarket

At Spotlight

The other appealing feature is its obvious water-friendly design. This was going to be fine in and around some of our favourite places to be – the beach, the local aquatic centre and the beautiful hot springs not far from home. Wearing lycra and carrying someone else wearing lycra on your hip is a challenge I well-remember from my days with my own babies!

Working out which size Suppori, to order was important and I did really well – when it arrived, I was confident I had the right fit. What I didn't count on was my daughter being just a little larger than I – the sling we had thought to share was too small for her. Luckily, Suppori, were exhibiting at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo that same week and we were able to get her fitted in person. We organised for her to get the next size up but that turned out to be a little too big! I emailed and was told:

“We have experienced 'mid' sized people. There is approx. 5cm difference between sizes so it is possible.  With the 2L, you could tuck the sling deep under bub getting the sling right up to her knee area and then right up her back.  This could help. Yes, it is important to get the correct size and for those who do it is described as 'prefect' but such a shame for the very few who don't.”

We did as suggested and Kaitlyn was able to use the carrier with Charlie. There is a bit more of a gap between their bodies than with mine and Charlie’s.

I love the way the Suppori, folds up to about the size of my phone, meaning I can keep it in my handbag – our family sling library is split between Kaitlyn’s car and mine but occasionally we make the wrong call and just take the pram, without adding a carrier. Inevitably, Charlie doesn't want to miss out on the action – she loves seeing what we are doing – and she ends up in our arms. Whilst I love to carry her, my back doesn't  so having the Suppori handy means everyone is happy.

The Suppori, really came into its own at the swimming pool, and I think water is what sets it apart from other carriers. I found it easy to get on and off in the water, meaning we didn't need to exit the pool to do so. And Charlie loved being in it! We spent a good two hours at the aquatic centre, with Kaitlyn taking time out to have a spa while I walked in the warm-water pool with Charlie happily splashing and watching everyone else!

Wearing the Suppori, correctly takes some focus – you need to position the discreet strip in the fabric centrally over the spinal curve of the baby and correspondingly, on your own shoulder. Swinging the baby just that bit further round on your side takes practice and a helpful second pair of eyes until you work it out. Once there, you can make sure the fabric is going “knee to knee” to create a good seat and stretch the fabric right up the back: on Charlie, it goes to around her arm-pits. With the fabric correctly cupped over your shoulder, there is no digging in and the weight is balanced correctly – I was not tipping my opposite hip out to counter-balance, so my spine remained straight.

We attracted lots of interest when we had the Suppori, in action – people wanted to know what it is and where did we get it. This was especially so when we spent a day at the hot springs: other visitors were impressed. We could easily go from pool to pool and safely hold her without fear she would slip from our arms.

Not everyone found the Suppori, right for them: some of the mums in our babywearing group were not sure it would suit. In a straight comparison with alternatives like a ring sling, the Suppori, comes off second best – although you can have hands-free moments, this is not a completely hands-free carrier. The fabric does not reach as high up the baby’s back as most and it would be completely unsuitable for a baby without good torso strength. This is not a carrier to lull your baby off to sleep or to use for long carries. You need to get the position right – not always easy with a wriggling child. If you don’t get enough fabric under their bottom, you won’t get the knee-to-knee position, key to the desired “M” shape. Some babies who are “leg-straighteners” will need frequent adjusting. I wonder if some of the issues people have mentioned stem from the fact this is a Japanese product, designed for a different body shape to ours. I think the width of the seat fabric could be extended – especially for cloth-nappy wearers like Charlie.

Overall, I think the Suppori, is a great alternative to carrying on the hip. It is ideal in and around water and for short carries at home or out & about. Anyone only wanting/needing to carry an older baby or toddler occasionally will find this meets their needs. Those who practice babywearing on a frequent or constant basis, parents with babies under six months and those who use a carrier for more than short walks will find the Suppori won’t be for them. As always, it comes down to different options for different circumstances.

Want your own chance to try out the Suppori? One lucky Ramblings reader can win a Suppori in their size, with thanks to Suppori,.

To enter, simply comment below why you love babywearing! Entries close midnight December 15th and a winner will be announced on Monday December 16th. Ans if you don't win, stay tuned for a great discount offer!

Product Review: Bound By Nurture Repair Cream

When it comes to what I put on my skin, I am incredibly cautious. Since my teens, I have had reactions to all sorts of products on my face, including those designed for sensitive skin and often after a period of use!

At the same time, as I get older, my skin is becoming very dry, especially on my arms and hands, so I live in perpetual hope of finding just the right moisturiser. I am that woman sampling every natural hand cream at markets, shops and expos, hoping to find the holy grail.

Well, I certainly have a contender! I tried and bought some Bound By Nurture Repair Cream from a stall at the Casey Green Kids Expo (see, always on the lookout!) and straight away, I could see I liked it. Not greasy, not so transient I am scratching dry skin again 30 minutes later and no sign or reaction.

The cream is labelled "nurtures dry skin conditions. Plant-based skin care suitable for eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Bound By Nurture is a small business, run by a mum about to have her second child and only via a Facebook page. They describe the product as:

 Organic Repair Cream. 100ml - $15.

Our most popular cream is the Repair Cream. The Repair Cream is a rich, readily adsorbed cream which leaves the skin feeling moisturised and velvety smooth. It has been designed for all dry skin conditions and sensitive skin, from babies through to adults. It is safe for the whole family to use, and is very effective on all skin. The star ingredients used to make up this cream have been selected for their nourishing properties, including Avocado oil, Rosehip oil, Evening Primrose oil, Calendula Oil and Aloe Vera. It has a beautiful fragrance of German Chamomile Oil and Lavender Oil, however they have only been added for their therapeutic purposes!

No harsh chemicals, No Parabens, No artificial colours or fragrances.

I keep the cream in my bag and that was handy when we were at the Christmas Tree Farm the other day: Melissa came into contact with the tree on her neck and shoulder as she put it in her car and came out in nasty, red welts. All I had to offer relief was this cream and it did the trick, calming her skin down!

I will be getting more of this to keep on hand and also try out The Pure Soothing Balm:

About our Pure Soothing Balm:A 98% organic balm that soothes and softens rough, dry, cracked skin and minor inflammation. With nurturing calendula oil, avocado oil, shea butter and bees wax, this balm helps to calm down redness and provide intensive moisturising. This healing and enriching balm has a Mandarin Oil scent.

It can be used for all areas of the body and even helps to soften hard skin like elbows, heals and hands. Useful for stretch marks, pregnancy, healing scars and rashes including eczema and psoriasis. Also formulated for use as a nappy rash preventative. Great for Baby's bottom! Ideal for babies to adults.

No harsh chemicals, No Parabens, No artificial colours or fragrances.
It can be used for all areas of the body and even helps to soften hard skin like elbows, heals and hands. Useful for stretch marks, pregnancy, healing scars and rashes including eczema and psoriasis. Also formulated for use as a nappy rash preventative. Great for Baby's bottom! Ideal for babies to adults.
No harsh chemicals, No Parabens, No artificial colours or fragrances.

Hoping that one works wonders on my poor, sad cuticles and maybe as a bum cream for Charlie too!

Product Review: Hug-a-bub Baby Carrier

I always knew that one of these would join the family sling library I had promised to create for my children to use as parents. As Kaitlyn was first cab off the rank, she got to choose her beloved green, this time in the form of Pistachio and I opted for my preferred organic in the style with a pocket. We bought it on-line prior to Charlie's birth.

Every time I ran a Slings and Things event at the Breastfeeding Centre, the overwhelming response from mums was start with a Hug-a-Bub for the first four to six months. Even just that few years ago, there were very few optimal carriers in the market bordering on mainstream and these held their place.

So - a lot to live up to!

And it did.

The Hug-a-Bub quickly became the go to carrier in Charlie's first few months.

Without realising it, tucking her head inside the band of fabric became a sleep trigger that works in any wrap or carrier even now she is older!

The cocoon-like environment of the Hug-a-Bub meant Charlie was fully supported and cosy against whoever was wearing her.

 

Learning to use the Hug-a-Bub can be a little daunting - indeed, pregnant Kaitlyn wasn't even sure she would like it! But the DVD tutorial is easy to follow and soon it becomes a simple technique.

Kaitlyn and Melissa turned heads when a baby-switch at the library became a lesson, though the staff member who offered to assist was disappointed when it turned out they didn't need an extra pair of hands to hold the baby!

   

The Hug-a-Bub is definitely a young baby carrier - as Charlie has gotten older and heavier, it isn't as suitable for longer carries. However, recently we loaned it to a friend whose premmie daughter needed some extra skin2skin to get breastfeeding going once she left hospital. The Hugabub is so soft and cosy, it is perfect for this and mums can even wear their baby without a bra or shirt, ideal for kangaroo care too!

Precious cargo

I have found the Hug-a-Bub easy to use and without any strain on my back, neck or shoulders. I quickly worked out the technique and could put it on quickly when I was settling Charlie. I love the way she snuggles against my chest and falls asleep and the first time I cared for her when Kaitlyn was out for a short time, she quickly did so and stayed that way for a full sleep cycle.

Caring for the  Hug-a-Bub is easy and the way it folds up, with the pocket flipping through to become a carry pouch makes it easy to take along outside the house. I love that the product is produced in India by a Fairtrade certified company and that there is an organic cotton option. After 16 years on the market, this Australian product (Hug-a-Bub are based in Byron Bay) has stood the test of time. 

We love our Hug-a-Bub and it has earned a permanent place in our family sling library :)

I am also thrilled that Hug-a-Bub are supporting the babywearing community by donating both a wrap and ring sling to our Mornington Peninsula Babywearing Group. Trying different carriers at sling-meets is important for parents to not only find out which best suits their needs but also to be sure they are wearing it safely and correctly. 

And for those wanting to buy their own, they have also offered readers a special offer:

Simply enter this code GDU20 when you place any single-product order over $99 and get a 20% discount! (Does not apply to bundle orders) http://www.hugabub.com/ 

Taking the Suppori for a swim

Took the mini-mermaid to the pool again for the third time. She must remember going there before she was born, she is just so relaxed in the water! The SUPPORi Baby Sling earned its stripes this afternoon: Granny and baby did some deep-water walking in the warm-water pool while Mummy had some time-out in the spa!! So much better for my body than trying to hold a slippery little lycra-clad baby on my hip!!! .Not sure why she got to nap after I did the exercise - must have been the post-spa Mummy milk!

Review: Nic Nac Nappy Wrap and Bag

A day away from home with a cloth-bummed baby in a baby sling means your nappy bag needs to be able to handle everything you need without turning you into a pack-horse! Our quest for the perfect solution begins!

We came across the Nic-Nac store at the Pregnancy Babies and Childrens Expo in Melbourne. Owned and run by a mum, we were soon chatting and enjoying Charming Charlie being charming amongst the display. Then we spotted the Nappy Wrap and Carry-All Bag and explained our quest. We were offered the chance to review both products, buying them at a reduced price to do so.

The next day we hit the road to return to the second day of the expo, this time with no  pram and catching the train. Charlie was carried in the Manduca sling for the day, I brought my Nana Trolley for our shopping and everything Kaitlyn and Charlie would need for the day had to fit in the Carry All Bag.

Melbourne is known for having four seasons in one day, so dressing in layers is a lifetime practice started in infancy! Add in a one-hour train ride each way needing enough toys to keep boredom at bay, plenty of MCNs and resusable wipes in their before and after state and any nappy bag quickly gains bulk.

The Nic-Nac Nappy Wrap design uses the bulk of the nappies as a padded head rest for the baby, which is great if you find yourself needing to change on a hard surface. The centre panel of pockets swings out of the way and the wrap becomes the changing mat.

Kaitlyn carries washable wipes in a disposable-wipes container, of the same brand (Huggies) as the pocket is designed to hold, which was great and there is still room for liners and bum cream.

The wet bag for used nappies simply fits back in the pocket alongside the clean ones. This is a Baby Bee-hinds bag. (A matching one would be nice!)

A nappy change on a communal change table can be confronting but one being used by hundreds of babies over a three day event means you REALLY want to have a change mat that covers the table!

Six month old Charlie easily fits on the mat.

Can't keep those hands off though!

The contents of the Nappy Wrap - holds all the essentials and can be a stand alone bag.

The Carry All Bag does what it says. Two external pockets easily hold toys and other things you want easy access to while an internal pocket keeps phone, wallet, keys etc handy but concealed. Extra internal pockets would be handy, as the main body of the bag tends to end up with everything at the bottom. Perhaps extra pouches/zipped bags to match could be added to the range?

The adjustable strap is long enough to be worn over the shoulder without intruding on the baby in the sling.It isn't so bulky as to make the wearer unpopular on a crowded train or tram. My dodgy back did complain a little when I took my turn to wear it but I think I would be fine with less stuff for a shorter trip.

The bag is sturdy and the denim will take a pounding. The washable surface of the nappy wrap is good quality and shouldn't crack or peel like some. Unfortunately, the pockets on each end weren't big enough for Kaitlyn's stainless steel drink bottle, meaning it had to go in the main body of the bag which could lead to a spill risk but a smaller bottle should fit. A couple of external loops/rings to hang keys or toys from would be handy too.

A typical busy couple of weeks for us has seen the bag comfortably hang from the pram handles as well as hanging from a shoulder without Charlie in a sling. It has been to a couple of ABA meetings, a sling meet, shopping and visits to Granny's house! It has easily replaced Kaitlyn's previous nappy bag and while there are a few modifications we would love to see, over-all it is a reliable product that does the job well.

Is it the perfect baby-wearing, cloth-bummed nappy bag? That remains to be seen!

Closed nappy Wrap, holding four cloth nappies - probably one too many

Folded out, it becomes the change mat

The Carry-All Bag is roomy

Review: Pollara Magic Fairy Wrap from Tinoki

When the opportunity to host a travelling wrap came up, I quickly said yes! The fact it was a purple wrap in a fairy design made it extra appealing :)

Pollara Magic Fairy
http://tinokislings.com/woven_wraps/polloraslings/pollora-magic-fairy/“When the first baby laughed for the first time, the laugh broke into a thousand pieces and they all went skipping about, and that was the beginning of fairies. And now when every new baby is born its first laugh becomes a fairy.“ (James Matthew Barrie: Peter Pan)
Pollora slings are woven from the finest materials in Jacquard technique, the bond is stable, yet very soft, grippy and smooth.
A good companion through your entire time of babywearing.
Pollora slings are tested according to the strictest criteria to ensure that there are no harmful substances.
100% cotton
ca. 220g/m²
Three-coloured: blue and reddish purple warp and white weft – therefore the colour seems to change depending on the light.
$135.00 AUD

When our turn came up in the circle of people spending time with this wrap, the timing was great. It arrived just as a busy period for our family was starting and there were lots of experiences for 5mo Charlie to be worn out and about in a variety of environments. Charlie's mum Kaitlyn, my daughter, has a similar woven wrap, which is her go-to carrier at the moment, so it was great for her to try another option from the vast array of woven wraps. I also got to use it quite a few times and see how it stood up to the demands of a busy pair of practiced baby-wearers!

Over the course of three weeks, this few metres of fabric enjoyed a whirl-wind tour of duty, which included events like our first local farmers market, trips to major shopping centre, craft markets, walking on the beach, sling-meets of our local baby-wearing group, the Royal Melbourne Show, a local family picnic day and the annual Tulip Festival! Pretty tough work, yet the wrap is pretty tough stuff.

Wearing a baby in a wrap always seems to draw attention and public wrapping a baby certainly catches people's eye, so it matters if you struggle to do so well. But this lovely fabric always felt as comfortable as it looked and we got great feedback from everyone who commented. And in a family where the fairy doors in different homes obviously lead to each other along magical pathways and fairy gardens are places of joy, the motif won our hearts and this wrap was just referred to as "The Fairies".

We are sad to see it go but we can catch up on Sunday at the Australian Babywearing Conference Expo, which we are so looking forward to attending to celebrate National Babywearing Week and maybe one day, the fairies will send us one we keep, because we do believe in fairies, we do, we do, we do!

Review: Breastmilk jewellry

I received the most wonderful gift this week: a pendant encapsulating my daughter's breastmilk!

Now, if breastfeeding is just a way of feeding babies in your mind, you might well be wondering ... "Why??"

But if breastfeeding to you is an incredible bond between mother and child, a source of connection, love and love as well as food, then you will understand. And if you have read Breastfeeding Charlie: It Took a Village, you will know that the early days of Kaitlyn's breastfeeding experience meant every drop of milk was like liquid gold and valued even more.

I meet many women whose breastfeeding experience is a treasured time - perhaps only brief hours or days with a baby born too soon or whose life was too short; or time of great sadness when it just didn't work out as they had hoped. Some women have a cache of frozen expressed milk they cannot bear to throw out long past its use-by date, their only tangible connection to that special time.

All of these mothers will understand the appeal of this unique memento.

In fact, when Kaitlyn ordered my pendant, she got one for herself too. And so we have an extra bond between us now too.

My pendant

Kaitlyn's pendant

When I posted the photo of my piece on Facebook, friends clamoured to know where they came from. I contacted the creator and she was so happy we were happy with them, she has offered a special discount for ABA members!

Blackbird Accessories is a small business that can also create pieces including placenta or hair, other ways to safely keep treasured memories.

You can find Blackbird Accessories on Facebook and to get your discount, quote your ABA membership number - on your members card or the mailing sheet from Essence magazine, or phone Head Office to look it up for you.

My gift was part of a thank you from my co-workers at the Breastfeeding Centre, which I sadly left in May. Breastfeeding has connected me with so many women over the past three decades, not least of all those I worked alongside as we gave practical support to mothers visiting the Centre. That they should conspire with my daughter to give me what they all knew I would treasure is just another example of the bonds of women who come together to support women. It is a time and a gift I will always remember.

Review: Breastfeeding Necklaces

Like most four month old babies, Charlie is now easily distracted during breastfeeds and Kaitlyn finds wearing a breastfeeding - or nursing - necklace gives her something to keep her focused on while she feeds. I have also found they have a feed association for her that helps when I give her expressed breastmilk from a bottle while I care for her.

It is no coincidence that women in traditional cultures often wear strings of necklaces around their necks - this has probably long been a solution to an age-old problem! But like so much to do with the culture of breastfeeding, modern society has had to relearn these tricks.

With simple materials, you can easily create your own breastfeeding beads or necklace - indeed, until recently, there was no other option! But there are also ready-made commercial options available, great for the time-poor of craft-challenged!

We have checked out three options:

Pinky Mckay's Boobie Beads by Mumma Bubba Jewlery

Pinky kindly gave Kaitlyn and I two of these necklaces. 

What they say:

All babies love to grab and chew. When you become a mum, it shouldn’t mean that your days of wearing jewellery are over!

MummaBubba Jewellery offers the ideal combination of form and function, so mum can sit back and relax in the latest fashion accessories with the peace of mind that they are providing safe, much needed relief to tender little gums.

Our chewable accessory range is made from FDA approved silicone that is regularly tested and guaranteed to contain NO BPA, Phthalates, PVC, Lead, Cadmium or Mercury. It is odourless, tasteless and bacteria free with a custom designed clasp that pulls apart safely. Our jewellery is tested to Australian Standards AS NZ 8124.2010

 What we say:
These beads are the first we tried and Charlie took to the idea well. She likes to hold on to the large bead, which fits neatly into her hand. The only downside is the silicone beads tend to catch on mum's hair a little, because they cover the full necklace.

Gumi Drops Necklace by Gumi Gems Australia:

Kaitlyn purchased these at a Huckleberry Market

What they say:

The safety of our products is of great importance to us and so, Gumigem ® jewellery has been tested and is fully compliant with Australian/New Zealand Standards on Safety of Toys
AS/NZS ISO 8124-1:2010+A1:2011
AS/NZS ISO 8124-2:2009
AS/NZS ISO 8124-3:2003
Warning:
Gumigem necklaces - children & babies must only interact with a necklace when worn by an adult due to long cord - strangulation risk. This is not a toy.

What we say:
Style-wise, these are Kaitlyn's favourite and most-worn. The beads don't go right around the neck, so her hair doesn't catch on the silicone. They have even handled the extra aquatic demands of both hot springs and swimming pool! Again, Charlie's fingers seek out the larger beads and she clings to them, even when not feeding.

Breastfeeding Necklace by The Cronulla-Sutherland group of ABA in Sydney

I bought this necklace and bracelet set as a gift & to support ABA!

What they say:

This colourful and interesting breastfeeding necklace can help entertain baby while feeding, allowing for a longer, more peaceful feed, thus encouraging mums to continue breastfeeding for longer.

Each breastfeeding necklace and Peek-A-Bubba Sling Mirror are hand made by Australian Breastfeeding Association volunteers.

(As they are handmade, there may be slight bead variations)

What we say:
These coloured beads are a change from the silicone and caught Charlie's eye from the start. The free matching bracelet is a nice extra, although Kaitlyn uses the traditional "poke and think about last time" method to know which side is next! The (smaller) beading goes around the back of the neck but there hasn't been any hair-catching like the silicone.

I remember when my own babies were this age, sadly putting away my necklaces and dangling earrings that were so tempting to clutching fingers. I love that mums these days still get to wear something nice and can work through The Age Of Distraction a little more successfully.

Obviously, none of these items are intended as toys and all pose a hazard to the child unless used as directed with full adult supervision.

Review: Bubba Mat by Soft Mats

When we opened the Breastfeeding Centre in 2008, we were kindly donated two of these wonderful mats for our visiting babies and children to play on. All these years later, they are still going strong!

http://www.softmats.com.au/

An old one was passed down for Charlie to use at home and I plan to get one for her to use at my house, as she increasingly spends time on the floor.

Compared to other playmats, these are brilliant! The padding is great for babies learning how to use their bodies, as falls while sitting, crawling, standing or walking are cushioned. There is much less risk of falling over them due to the heavy mat not moving and the edge not posing a trip hazard - indeed, in the years I have been around them, even my clumsy-self has not tripped!

The surface is really easy to clean, either with a baby-wipe for spills, a cloth and spray cleaner for a quick clean or a good going-over with a mop. With two sides decorated with different designs, you can easily flip them over for a change and they fold easily into a portable bag to take outside or on picnics etc.

At our ABA group meetings, we find the babies all fit comfortably on the play mat and mums don't stress about spills on the carpet and those practising baby-led solids can just feed them where they sit and wipe up any mess! That will be great when Charlie also starts solids in a couple of months!

My tired, sore body also appreciates the padded surface when I kneel down to play or chat with babies and it would also make a lovely surface to stretch or practice yoga on! And as babies grow into toddlers, it will be great for wet or creative play too. But before then, I hope to also use it outside on our deck or hard paving, to make outside play a little softer for Charlie.

 

If you have any questions about the mats, do contact Sunny - she is just like her name and so friendly and helpful. I know there are some cheapies around that look similar, however our experience with these mats has shown the quality will last a long time - five year's constant use and these mats look as good as new! The hardest thing will be choosing which design to get!