Why Summertime is the perfect time to invest in a Baby Carrier!

Why you should invest in a good carrier now. 

Summer is here and it is a time of year when many families will stop into the store to get a good carrier. And it is actually a great time to take the plunge if you haven't yet! Summer brings many social and outdoor activities that you can bring your baby to. Barbecues, parties, vacations, festivals, outdoor concerts, camping, hiking and even graduations and weddings. I was recently in a wedding that was attended by 2 babies in Ergos and one in a Moby wrap. And they were all so quiet you wouldn't even have known they were there and their parents didn't have to worry about a sitter or nursing.

A good baby carrier can be so freeing to enjoy these activities. Young babies will often fall asleep in the carrier easily and appreciate the closeness with mom or dad when they get over stimulated by large crowds. It is also possible to discretely nurse in most well designed carriers, which can be especially helpful when seating isn't available.

And you can't beat ditching the stroller and bulky cart seat! Strollers are a pain to push around crowded places and my boys never had much patience for it if there wasn't constant motion. I also didn't find the stroller helpful if you have older children to chase around. Try keeping up with a little one dashing around the playground while pushing a stroller! Trust me, it isn't easy.

Hiking is another activity where the baby carrier wins out over a stroller, especially if your little one is big enough for a back carry. I wouldn't say we are exactly experienced or knowledgable hikers, but we do really enjoy going on nature trials with our kids. This was actually the first time I tried a back carry, our son was 10 months and about 25 lbs. I had my Mei Tie with me and he stayed on my back happily for 3 hours while we explored local trails with some terrain that even our jogging stroller would have struggled with. And I felt great afterward! No aches or pains, actually I was in a better mood than when we started. Physical closeness with your baby really is natures mood elevator.

And don't leave out your toddler! Many baby carriers can support a child up to 45lbs on your back. A newly walking baby who is not used to being worn might object at first because but they will adjust and appreciate being with you when their little legs are tired. Babies that are used to being worn from birth will often associate the carrier with nap time, a huge help when you are out and about with a wild toddler! And it really is easier to bring a carrier with you on trips and activities than a stroller. Especially because the stroller often becomes a game with my son of in-out, in-out, and then eventually a deadly weapon when he tries to take over pushing in a crowded area. We often look at each other and say 'why did we bring the stroller'?

Keep in mind, not all carriers are created equal. A good baby carrier should support baby knee to knee to avoid hip displaysia and the wearer should feel comfortable and supported with out pulling or pinching. If you are unsure about what carriers are best or want to learn more about the benefits or proper safety, sign up for a Babywearing class at Luvaboos! We'll walk you through the different types and how to use them.

Here are some store favorites : 

• Beco Gemini: great choice for a young or small baby. Also has the option to face the face out.
• Beco Butterfly: goes up to 45 lbs and has an internal harness that makes it easier to execute back carry by yourself.
• Ergo: offers a few different models and many add on options.
• Moby and Boba wrap: Great for newborns and feeling close to your baby. Economical and versatile. Boba is a store favorite for summer because it is so lightweight in doesn't require adjustments each time you take baby in and out.
• Mei Tai- Uses ties so very adjustable, a great 'next step' carrier to those that loved a wrap. Oh Snap! buckle version also available at the Luvaboos. 

So what are you waiting for?  Get that carrier you've always wanted!  You won't regret it!

Contributed by Michele, Luvaboos

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Babywearing with Twins? Yes you can!

As a mama of twins, one of my biggest regrets is not doing a little more research on babywearing with two.  Not having any clue that you could wear two infants, I assumed that I'd just resort to wearing one at a time.  It wasn't until some time later when I became immersed in the cloth diapering community that I came across baby carriers that would have worked for me.

In case you were unaware, youtube has a wealth of babywearing videos and tutorials.  Mamas and papas are eager to share with you their favorite carriers and techniques.  Below I'll share with you a few good ones that I've found.  You can, in fact, wear twins in buckle carriers, mei tais, slings and wraps!

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Let baby ride in style with the Beco Butterfly 2 Baby Carrier!

The Beco Butterfly 2 baby Carrier is an absolute marvel.  You can rest assured that baby is comfortable and secure.  Adjust to fit just your size and carry your little one on your front or back!

With the Beco Carrier you'll never need another, they work perfectly from Newborn through 45lbs!  They're super easy to take on and off by yourself, no more worrying that you'll need an extra set of hands to fasten buckles or hand you the baby.

Beco carriers are super versatile and perfect for light day to day use around the house or for heavy duty trips like hiking outdoors, grocery shopping, vacations and more.  You'll no longer have to worry about painful straps or aching backs, the Beco Butterfly 2 is just as comfortable for you to wear as it is for baby to ride in.

Here's a brief rundown of the features and specifications!

PRODUCT FEATURES

• newborn to toddler (7-45 lbs/3.5 - 20 kg)
• front and back carry
• easy On and OFF features
• high quality tested materials
• machine washable
• DVD instructions included
• made in USA and China

PRODUCT MEASUREMENTS

• body 13" wide x 16" tall
• shoulder straps 23" (can be adjusted up to 22" LONGER for a total of 45")
• waist belt 28"(size 0) can be adjusted up to 57"
• weight capacity of the carrier: 7-45 lbs
• weight of the carrier: 1.8 lbs

To purchase the Beco Butterfly 2 Carrier please visit Luvaoos.com.  If you're a Rcohester, NY resident you can shop in person and we'll even help you try on the carrier and see how it works!

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The many benefits of Babywearing

Babywearing is an age old tradition spanning cultures worldwide.  Not only are there huge emotional and physical bonds created through babywearing, the act of babywearing allows a parent or nurturer to provide for their own needs, the needs of their family and more while caring for their baby at the same time.

Babywearing is great for dads too!  Once baby is accustomed to being "worn" you'll find that since daddies who  may not have had an active role in feeding baby, if their breastfed, he can now create a close bond with the baby through babywearing.

Here are some other great benefits of babywearing:

• The closeness and secure feeling provided by babywearing and keeping your baby close is great for those fussy, hard to console babies who seem like they never want to be put down.
• Also perfect for babies or toddlers with special needs.
• Great for when your little one is sick and needs constant affection and attention. 
• Keeps them cozy and allows them to sleep while being worn.
• Perfect for breastfeeding.  You can often nurse while wearing your baby, depending on the wrap or carrier used.
• Ideal for when you have more than one baby, like twins, or when you have other children in the household that require your attention.
• Eliminates the need for those bulky baby carseats that you'd otherwise need to place in your shopping cart, stroller, etc.
• Many can be used through toddlerhood.
• Each provide a variety of styles and methods for use.  Different wrap styles, techniques, front carry, back carry, hip carry and more!

The list of benefits to babywearing is endless.  It creates and builds a bond with your child while allowing you the freedom and mobility you need to take care of any other day to day activities and family needs.

Luvaboos has a great selection of babywraps, carriers, slings and more!  Shop online or visit our store.  Not sure which one is right for you?  We can teach you the different techniques and help you choose the perfect baby carrier to suit your needs!

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