Boba Baby Carrier

A big thanks to A Mother's Boutique for being a big sponsor of the Baby Mama Shower!

Boba Organic Baby Carrier Review & Discount Code

We all know that babywearing not only offers great attachment, social, and psychological benefits to the baby (and parent, I think), but did you ever think about just how practical and convenient wearing your baby can be? I started out wearing my daughter when she was very young. We quickly learned that our Evenflo carrier wasn't going to cut it because I didn't think it could possibly be healthy or safe (go figure, now they're all recalled), and our generic front carrier was okay but not sturdy enough or versatile enough to do much with. I ended up making a ring sling and loved it, but still needed something else for all of my out door long-haul adventures. Once my daughter was around 20 lbs., I knew I needed something more. After finding out I was pregnant again, the search for the perfect carrier zestfully began in full...and led me to Boba Organic Baby Carrier.

In short: I LOVE THIS CARRIER.

In long: This carrier is awesome and I think it will greatly help reduce the stress in the life of any parent with a toddler. Designed to be used with babies over 15 lbs. (ages 1-4), it's a carrier that is built to last while being gentle to you and your baby. I was able to try their new Cedar Boba 2G with my 23-ish lb. daughter and a (now) very pregnant belly. Let me tell you--after working a full day at the office and coming home to a little girl who wants to be with mommy but is all wound up, this carrier has pretty much saved my life. I've been able to put her on my back and get house work done all while snuggling and playing with her. She LOVES to get in the Boba! Not only is it fun for her, but I've found that she relaxes right down in it and is very soothed by being comfortably snug against me. This may sound funny, but I've actually found that wearing her on my back evens out the weight of my large abdomen and I actually feel safer walking up and downstairs because I'm more balenced. Who would have thought? Ha!

What Boba Says...

Boba is a Soft Structured baby carrier (SSC) that is intended for toddlers 1-4 years old (15 pounds and up). Boba has a few extra inches of height to keep your center of gravity closer to your body and support your little one's back. The innovative thing about Boba carrier is that there are foot straps attached to the waist belt for the child’s feet to sit in enabling a healthy sitting position for the child. The footstraps not only give little tired legs a rest, but support the legs in a flexed abducted (froglike) position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets, and aligns the spine.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

•accommodates child 1-4 years (15-45 lbs / 7-20 kg)
•one size fits most adults
•front and back carry
•made with GOTS and OE100 certified 100% organic cotton
•100% organic Texas cotton lining
•machine washable
•Instructions included
•safety buckle to prevent unintended release
•high density waist and shoulder strap foam
•foot straps for extra leg/hip support
•high back for better overall support
•made in Boulder, CO USA

Features removable, patent-pending foot straps

Includes matching, removable sleeping hood

My daughter hasn't fallen fully asleep while in the Boba yet, so I can't tell you how efficient the hood is, but I can vouch that it's easy to put up and rolls down very small so you wouldn't even realize it's there. Everything is very easily adjustable even while you're wearing it (I'm 5'1" and my husband is 5'11" and it easily fits both of us) and there are no buttons or snaps to deal with. The fact that it's organic leads to very soft fabric, as you can imagine, but it also gives me a peace of mind in wearing it since it's to be spot-cleaned only (who wants chemicals rubbing up against their skin, especially when you can't try to wash them out?!).

I've worn it for over an hour at a time and found that if I had everything adjusted correctly, it was as comfortable as a good quality backpacker's backpack (meaning, it may get weary after a while, but in all, you're pretty comfortable). Obviously, I haven't worn it over my front because of the baby bump, but I've checked it out for nursing purposes and think that it won't be a problem as long as you have the baby low enough on you and a cover for yourself. When putting the carrier on one's back, I would suggest having a buddy nearby to help you get it on and the baby into it. The majority of the time, I put it on all by myself, but it's easier and safer if you have someone nearby to lend a hand...especially when you're pregnant and are missing important muscles!

So obviously, if you've read this much of my review, you know that I won't be getting rid of my Boba. I expect it to last for a very long time and be loved very much. :-) Once I con one of my sisters to take some photos of LoveBug and I in the Boba, I'll post the photos here (hoping for tonight!), so keep watch!
Buy It! Check out the great selection of colors (my favorite is the "Pine") and their new print at http://www.bobababycarrier.com/. Use the coupon code is ‘simply’ and get 10% off any Boba order, valid from April 20th-May 20th.

Want an extra entry into ANY of the Baby-Mama shower contests? Visit http://www.bobababycarrier.com/ and leave me a message here with your favorite color or feature. Then go ahead an give yourself an extra entry into any or all of the other contests that you've already entered by writing "Boba" as a comment with an email address (one extra entry per contest). I will be checking to make sure you also commented here like I asked!

CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers

On March 12, 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released a statement advising people to "be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age." They looked at reports involving deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers from the past 20 years and determined that slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards:

1) Baby can suffocate from the fabric being pressed up against his or her nose and mouth

2) Baby can be asphyxiated from the neck bending the chin to the chest, restricting the airway

Two months ago, slings were added to the "list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard" by the Commission (still undeveloped or in place). Interestingly, over the past 20 years, 14 deaths associated with a sling-style infant carrier were documented. Fourteen, and that puts slings on the warning list...

Until slings are a bit more regulated, the following safety recommendations has been given to parents regarding wearing a baby in a sling:

Now, I'm glad that there are regulations on children's products and that people are paying attention. With that said, though, I'm wondering what sort of slings have been causing these problems? I don't think it's fair to lump all slings into one category. For instance, after having my daughter, I put her into a commercial Wal-Mart bought sling (it was an Infantino brand, if you're wondering). The sling lasted for about 30 minutes until I couldn't stand it any longer--her neck was tucked in, I couldn't see her, and she couldn't possibly have been comfortable! My homemade ring-sling on the other hand is awesome--it lets me keep my child's head where I can see it, her body snug against mine, and safe as far as I can tell. As a careful parent, by golly, I want to know what sort of slings seem to be the problem!

I'm also wondering what was going on in these deaths that the parent didn't realize that the baby couldn't breathe. Weren't they able to see the face of their child? Doesn't everyone think to check that the airway can be maintained at ALL times? I'm pretty sure this is my mommy-instinct and not my paramedic training that causes me to think of these things. Now, I don't want any of my readers to become paranoid parents who don't let their child experience anything in life because it might be dangerous. I do want all of my readers and parents everywhere though to use common sense and keep their children safe.

Please, when using a sling or any baby carrying device (which you should do since studies show numerous benefits of babywearing!), be safe. Be smart. Don't rely on what a government or any other agency deems to be safe or appropriate, because as we know with a lot of the recalls lately, something that we think is safe may not be. Watch your child and always remember that whatever you place your child in is just an object--it's not going to call out to you if there's a problem!

My guidelines for slinging a baby:

1) Face must be unobstructed and visible at any time.
2) Head must be kept in-line or in a "sniffing" position with chest. This keeps an infant's airway open but not hyperextended.
3) Baby must be securely attached--I don't want to feel like she's going to fly away on me!
4) Baby must be in an upright position (head above bottom).
5) If nursing, head is OUT of the sling and I use the tail to create a modesty cover (which I can peak under).

*NOTE: I am not a sling-safety professional. This advice is purely my own and unresearched. I will not be held liable for any problems you have while wearing your child in a sling!*

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How to Make A Ring Sling

Interested in sewing your own Ring Sling? Retailing for anywhere between $30-$130, making your own can be a great way to save money and make sure you get what you want! I initially began making ring slings as a way to save money for myself, and fell so much in love that this is now a popular baby shower gift that I give. Follow these free photo and written instructions to make your own! Comments and suggestions are welcome. :-)

Photo Instructions for Making a Ring Sling

Measure the baby-wearer from the right shoulder to the left hip. Triple this measurement and add 8 inches to find how much fabric you'll need. Buy two complimentary fabrics in this length. So if I'm 22"...

22 x 3 = 66

66 + 8 = 74" of fabric needed

Wash, dry, and iron your fabric.

Trim the width of both pieces to 33" (or 22" for a preemie sling)

Sew the fabrics wrong right sides together on both long sides and also one of the short ends.





Turn fabric right side out (it should make a big sleeping bag).



Iron the fabric around the edges so that it lays flat, then sew 1/2" along both long ends and the short end that you already sewed together. This will keep the fabric from rolling into itself.







Now comes the tricky part. Be sure to take your time with this part or you'll be in trouble!



Fold the unhemmed short edge of the fabric down 1/2" and iron. I like to fold down the "outside" fabric, as shown below.

Fold the same part of the fabric you're already working with down 5" and press.

Open the 5" fold and place both rings with the left hand corner of the fabric inside.

Fold the corner through the rings so that the 1/2" pressed line meets the 5" pressed line.

Ever so carefully, stitch a few inches at a time of the 1/2" pressed edge to the 5" edge.

Note: I reinforced both ends of my stitching with a backstitch to add more security.

Keep matching the pressed edges and sewing.

The finished product should look like this:

You're finished! Check the length of your sling, fold up and stitch into place any excess. This can either form a pocket or just add a nice thicker tail that's great for wiping up any messes. I also like the contrast it creates to have the opposite fabric against the front fabric.

A note about materials used in making a Ring Sling:
I suggest only using fabrics that are 100% of a particular material. Mixed fibers tend to stretch more (do NOT buy a stretchy fabric as it will not be safe!), and are also less fire resistant.
The rings that I use to make my slings are purchased from www.slingrings.com. They have undergone rigorous safety testing and come in a variety of beautiful colors. One can use aluminum or nylon rings, but I will only use the metal kind as I have more faith in them and like to use as little plastic as possible anyway. The great thing about Sling Rings is that the colors won't wear off, and they're safe for babies to chew on, too! Don't purchase rings from craft stores--you won't know how safe they are or are not.
When choosing the appropriate sized ring to make your sling, I recommend using the "medium" size from Sling Rings. I've used both the small size for a single fabric sling, and the medium ones for a double fabric sling such as what these instructions are for. The medium size is more comfortable, provides security, and allows for easy adjusting.
A big thanks to www.slingmemommy.com ! They are where I first found directions to make my ring sling. The directions in this tutorial are based off of theirs which can be located for free on their website.

Contest Alert: Rockin' Baby Slings Giveaway

*NOTE*

Even though we are officially in our Cloth Diaper Extravaganza month now, I do have a few non-cloth diaper surprises sprinkled throughout the next few weeks. The first one? A review and giveaway from Rockin' Baby Slings! Check it out by clicking here.

Rockin' Baby Sling Review and Giveaway

It's very important for me to be close to my baby whenever we're together. We are both more relaxed this way, and the simple touch from each other just makes the world of difference in feeling safe, warm, and loved. In keeping with this, Amara and I have tried three different slings and one front carrier since she's been born, one of which was sent to me recently by the Rockin' Baby Sling company (sound familiar? You may have seen Gwen Stefani, Carrie Anne Moss, or Brook Burke sporting one).


What they sent to me is actually considered a "pouch" as marked by the pocket that's formed when it's on you. In summary, we really like this pouch . In fact, this seems to be Amara's favorite thing to be carried in! It's the most fashionable sling/pouch that I have, being reversible and made with beautiful fabrics. One can adjust the length of the sling by either zipping or unzipping fabric together where the sling sits on your shoulder. The zippers are hidden by a removable strip of fabric (one pattern on each side) that can be wrapped around the sling where the zippers are and velcroed into place. People always ask me how I am able to adjust the pouch, since the zippers are covered so well! You can watch a very short You-Tube video about how to wear one of these and manage the zipper system by clicking here.



The back rim is padded, providing an extra layer of comfort for the baby being carried, and there's a big formed pocket for he or she to sit in. I think the pocket is why Amara likes this sling the best--it's shaped just right for her to either sit in or recline in. Like any sling that I've had, you do need to shift it on your shoulder/back occasionally to relieve the pain that builds up from the added weight. It does stay close to your body, freeing your hands and making it easy for you to move around without your child swinging in front of you.




I've had a few times when the zipper for adjusting came undone while I was carrying Amara, but it's never caused any sudden drop or safety issue. After mentioning this to the Rockin' Baby ladies, I found that this problem is caused by having the zippers on top of your shoulder instead of behind your shoulder like one is supposed to wear the pouch. Just be sure to wear the zippers on your back and check them before wearing the pouch to avoid any opening zippers. As the pouch is one continuous piece of fabric, there doesn't seem to be any problem for us or the way I carry my daughter even if the zipper does come undone, which is nice.


Some of my favorite things about this pouch are:

• The many choices of beautiful fabric (including organic) for your pouch or sling (they make both!)


• The ease of using it


• That it offers me a different option from a traditional sling


• That you can carry your baby in 5 different ways (including a back carry) using it


• The good craftsmanship employed in their products

The company is very friendly and helpful and will even custom make a sling or pouch for you if you send them the fabric to do so! Some of my favorite things about them would be:

• Their products are cut and sewn in Los Angeles by workers making a fair, livable wage


• Slings and pouches both have been through rigorous safety testing (information can be found on their website)


• The packaging of their products is minimal and made from recycled materials


• They're just downright nice and personable people (and that's hard to come by these days)!

Really, the only downside to a pouch from these gals would be that some of them may be too expensive (regular pouches seem to be $82 while the organic ones are $112). The good news about this is that they offer sale ones for less ($62), and they have a promotional code that you can use at least through July 20th! Check out this deal:

On all non sale items, buy ane item and get the next item (of equal or lesser value) half off (Enter promo code: BOGO), or get a 25% discount (Enter promo code: June Discount)!

Certainly worth checking out, and especially if your little one would prefer a pouch as mine does. You can purchase a sling or pouch off of their website or in stores located around the US.

But wait, there's more...Rockin' Baby Slings has generously offered to provide one of my lucky readers with one of their fabulous Sugar Sugar pouches for free ($82.00 value)! You'll need to leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from their website (pouch/sling and fabric choices), and your favorite baby wearing tip or fact (don't have a baby yet? Do some research!). Be sure to include your email address in each comment or it won't count!

Earn some additional entries by sporting my buttons on your blog or website, blogging about this contest, signing up for Rockin' Baby Slings' newsletter (let me know which email address you used), following or subscribing to me, faving me on Technorati, or emailing some friends about this contest with a CC to lifemoresimply (at) yahoo.com. Leave a separate entry for each thing that you do and make sure that you tell me why you deserve an extra entry! If you earned an extra entry on one of the earlier posts (about June winnings or this particular contest), just mention it (I will be checking, though!).

This contest will be open until Monday, July 20 at 0730 hours, EST.

Be blessed, my friends!

Photo of the Sugar Sugar pouch that Rockin' Baby is giving away