Facing in or facing out - what's a baby to do?

We are often asked if babies can face out in our wrap.  The answer is yes, however we do not recommend doing it and here’s why:

Facing In: Your baby’s weight is held close to you and is distributed evenly throughout your back, shoulders and hips.

Facing Out: Your baby’s legs hang down and their weight pulls away from you, making them feel heavier as your body strains to compensate.

Facing In: Baby’s hips and spine are well supported with his/her knees positioned above the bum and legs spread wide as though in a sitting position.

Facing Out:  Baby’s weight rests on the crotch as legs hang down.  Hips and spine are not supported and in tall babies their feet can dangle at the crotch level of the wearer (not cool, if they are at all interested in swinging those little tootsies)

Facing In: Baby can see you, rest their head on your chest or hide their faces if they need a break from the world around them.  If they fall asleep their heads can be tucked in (remember to always keep their face visible) so their neck is supported and they are cozy.

Facing Out: Baby is ‘hung out to dry’ and is not able to physically connect with you if he/she becomes scared, over stimulated or tired.  If baby falls asleep his/her head slouches down leaving their necks unsupported.

Now, I know what you are thinking – “but my baby wants to see the world!”  As they should, there are so many things to see!  Here’s how to make it work:

Get in the habit of turning sideways when you are talking to someone or looking at something.  If you are turned to the side and involve your baby in conversation and talk about the things you are looking at.

If your baby is really persistent, you can tie your wrap off to the side a little so your baby sits more on your hip increasing visibility even more.

A pouch sling moment

Lori here.  My little guy will be 2yrs old in April and is now 28lbs.  I don't carry him often anymore but he can still fit in both my wrap and pouch sling.  The other day he fell asleep on the drive to the doctor's office and I just  happened to have my sling under a pile of stuff in the van.  So I dug it out and tossed it on, carefully pulled him out of his car seat and put him in, then put my coat over us, grabbed my purse and we were off.  He woke up but was so cozy and snuggly.  After a walk through a parking lot and two elevators, we were there.  I think he was in for about 7 minutes at the most, but we both loved it!  If only I'd thought to take a picture...

Behind the scenes - Winnipeg Baby and Kids Show!

It was the Winnipeg Baby and Kids Show this weekend.  This was our third year attending and it has always held a special place for us.  Three years ago we did the show for the first time.  We were terrified as it was our first big trade show and we had no idea what to expect.  We had a small 10x10 booth with a few pictures and as much stock as we could sew.  We were run off our feet the whole weekend and had a great time.  We trained Shaun (Sandra's husband) to size slings and he helped us do demos and answer questions.  (He has come to help at the show every year since then). 

Fast forward three years and here we are!  We have done trade shows from Vancouver to Toronto and love meeting new moms and growing our list of retailers.

This year we made a last minute decision to give our booth a facelift!

    We started with a new floor:                                            


  Then we built 'brick' walls:
Unpacked many many boxes...

 Added some lighting, shelves and product and voila!

Also new is our apple basket stand, all stocked and ready to go.
This year was busy like all the others and we had a great time!  If you weren't able to make it out, please visit one of our awesome retailers!

The best weekend of the year!

The Winnipeg Baby and Kids Show is one of our favourite weekends of the year!  This year is especially great as the Backyardigans will be there and we (I mean our kids) are huge fans.  We are giving away 4 tickets to this event.
Enter to win one of four tickets!

Thanks!

Thanks for a great evening everyone!  Hope you enjoyed yourselves.

We will be leaving the posts up overnight and will review all the comments when we get out to the shop tomorrow morning so you can comment for the products that are available.

Free shipping online will be active overnight as well.

Thanks again for joining us - have a great night!

Lori & Sandra

P.S. Please remember to email theslingsisters@gmail.com with confirmation of your purchases and let us know if you'd like to use paypal or credit card.  We will be available all day tomorrow if you'd like to call with credit card info.

One last thing! New Wet Bag Print $15

Anyone love it?  We just have the one seconds for right now...

Giveaway Winner: JCPROCYK

You win a custom fitted pouch sling in a print of your choice, please get us your contact information so we can arrange shipping and sizing.

Thanks!

Organic Cotton Sherpa Washcloths 10 for $10

These make excellent reusable diaper wipes.  Use them for in the bath, the kitchen, or have your own secret stash to wash your face at the end of those looooooong days!

Because we love you all so much!

Free shipping applies to purchases made here tonight as well as any online orders made through our website.  When we wrap things up feel free to head over to www.theslingsisters.com and add anything you'd like, just put a note in the comments that you have ordered here as well so we can combine it all together.

Double the Pirates - Double the Fun! $10

2 of these bad boys!

Skate, Guitar, Lunch! $25

This lunch kit has a skaters lunch bag, guitars sandwich bag, bike and black lagoon small snack bag.

One legged Owl $28

This is a 'one legged owl' extra large wet bag!  We noticed this morning that we missed a strap and instead of taking it all apart, thought someone might appreciate the uniqueness of this one! :)

Purple Kids Sling $15

We just have one, this is something we make every once in awhile... Kids slings are great for older siblings, fits 1-4yrs - great for carrying dolls, toys, food, rocks...

Black Lagoon Regular Wet Bag $15

Guitars XL Wet Bag $29

We have 2 of these!

Had a baby?

We're going big tonight!  If you've had a baby recently, please leave a comment letting us know when your bundle of joy arrived (remember to add your name so we can find you!)

The winner will get a whole pouch sling, yes that's right, a whole pouch sling!  'Cause what good would half of a pouch sling do??

Blue Animals Wet Bag $15

The picture is of a lunch bag, but the listing is for a regular wet bag - it is the last one!!

Mellow

Anyone else listening to the coffee house station on Sirius tonight?  It is my favourite, but really makes me crave Starbucks!

Amanda YOU win!

Amanda, you win a snack and sandwich bag of your choice, email us your info and comment with your choice and we will get it in the mail tomorrow!

Black Lagoon Sandwich Bag - $6