Baby Buddha Baby Carrier

Baby Buddha is a Canadian baby carrier company that ships mostly to Canada and the USA. At this time, they offer one type of carrier, The Stretchy Baby Carrier, which is designed and made in Canada with high quality standards.

Actually, Baby Buddha’s Stretchy Baby Carrier is more like a combination of a pouch, a sling, and a wrap, merging all their characteristics into one carrier. It has a very unique design and it is made in 3 pieces: two slings and a belly wrap. And that’s what makes Baby Buddha very practical as an all-in-one carrier. It is suitable even for premature babies and can be used up to 2 years. With lots of different carry positions, you will find the one best fits you.

Another unique thing about Baby Buddha is that in the creation of the carriers, bamboo is used as well as organic cotton. The reasons why bamboo is used are that it is very soft, breathable, durable and stretchy. It is also anti-bacterial and hypo-allergic.

Baby Buddha Stretchy Baby Carrier – source: babybuddha.ca

Baby Buddha Stretchy Baby Carrier Features

• Made from 70% bamboo and 25% organic cotton,
• Safety-stitched to ensure the security of your baby,
• From newborn to 2 years (25 lbs),
• Over 6 carry positions possible,
• Comes in 3 pieces: 2 tubes and 1 wrap allowing you to create many combinations,
• 4 sizes available as small, medium, large and plus,
• Machine-washable and dryable.

The Stretchy Baby Carrier comes in different colors like midnight black, moss green, storm grey, plum and brown. In order to get the right size you will have to make a correct measurement of your shoulder size before ordering. This is clearly illustrated on their site as well.

To learn more about Baby Buddha baby carrier and see where you can buy it visit their website here: http://babybuddha.ca/. You will also find instructional videos that illustrate putting the carrier on and carrying different positions.

AYU Baby Carrier

AYU is a baby products company located in Colombia, South America that ships internationally. They have a wide range of products including bibs, maternity and breastfeeding tops, covers, blankets, puppets and baby carriers. All their products are put through a number of tests in favor of social responsibility. They focus on creating high quality and long lasting products for parents.

They have a program called “AYU Milk Children” where they provide free advice on parenting and breastfeeding to parents. They also support organizations and charities that protect children.

AYU offers mainly four types of baby carriers, which are slings, mei tais, pouches and wraps.

AYU Mei Tais

This type of baby carriers is originated from Asian traditional babywearing practices, mostly Chinese backpacks. It is made from a rectangular fabric with four openings at each end for shoulders and waist. Front carrying and back carrying is possible with AYU Mei Tais and some of them come with a cloak to cover your baby’s head while sleeping.

AYU Mei Tai – source: babyayu.com

AYU Slings

These are ring slings made of colorful fabrics and plastic or aluminum rings. The purpose of the ring is to hold your baby against your body while distributing the weight evenly on your hip and other shoulder. AYU slings can be used for babies from newborn to two and a half year.

AYU Wraps

Made of stretch fabric, AYU wraps are versatile carriers that you can use for front or back carry. It is tied in such a way that it leaves your hands free and distributes the weight to your back and shoulders. The position you see in the image below is the most preferred carrying position with baby wraps because of its comfort and safety.

AYU Wrap – source: babyayu.com

AYU wraps are very soft in nature and allow body contact between the baby and parent. Suitable from newborn to 9 kg. in their elastic form and up to two and a half year in their rigid form.

AYU Pouches

Various carrying positions are possible with pouches. Can be used from birth to two and a half year. Made in different sizes depending on the wearer’s and the baby’s size.

AYU Baby Carrier Features

With AYU baby carrier, you can carry and hold your baby in different positions depending on your needs. By carrying your baby while doing your daily tasks, you will also be maintaining a closer bond to your child. In this way, your baby will feel secure and loved resulting in an ongoing relationship with you.

AYU Carrier by Wayuu Natives – source: babyayu.com

Carrying your baby is known to reduce reflux and crying. With the AYU carrier, you can also carry underweight infants and do breastfeed easily.

Here is their official website, visit now to learn more about AYU baby carriers.

AMAZONAS Baby Carrier

AMAZONAS is a Germany based baby products manufacturer that offers hammocks, hanging chairs, stands, accessories and baby carriers.

They are located in Munich and they have distributors in more than 40 countries.

They give great importance to quality and safety. AMAZONAS baby carriers have an “Eco-Tested” seal which guarantees the following characteristics:

• free of azo dye, pollutants, heavy metals and other harmful chemicals
• has skin tolerance
• and low flammability.

There are 7 types of AMAZONAS baby carriers at the moment and we will briefly talk about some of them below.

AMAZONAS CARRY STAR

CARRY STAR is a soft structured baby carrier that is designed optimally for your baby and your back. The Carry & Go system allows you to adjust the carrier in five different settings so that it will fit perfectly. The baby will sit in an anatomically healthy position within the CARRY STAR.

It has an adjustable and detachable head support providing maximum protection and support for your baby’s head. The weight is evenly distributed on your hips with the belts and straps. The clasp system allows you to carry for a long time without any back ache.

AMAZONAS CARRY STAR – source: amazonas-online.de

Features:

• CARRY STAR weighs about 1,5 kg.
• Suitable for babies 3-15 kg.
• Front carry and back carry positions.
• Adjustable hood and waterproof cover.
• Detachable bib and shoulder strap protectors.
• A pocket for storing small items.

AMAZONAS CarryBaby

This is a unique style, easy to wear baby sling which employs two loops that are tightened crosswise. It is designed in such a way that it is easily adapted to any parent and child size. CarryBaby is made of cotton jersey which is elastic and provides perfect hold. It is a very lightweight sling (only about 0,8 kg) and can be used for babies up to 15 kg.

AMAZONAS CarryBaby – source: amazonas-online.de

AMAZONAS Mei Tai

AMAZONAS Mei Tai is inspired by Asian traditional babywearing culture and it is suitable to use for all babies. Made of 100% cotton, AMAZONAS Mei Tai has padded shoulder and waist straps and it can be adjusted easily. The baby sits in an anatomically correct position in a Mei Tai, which favors the healthy development of the spine and hip. Its front side is reversible so that you can use both sides as you wish.

AMAZONAS Ring Slings

Another type of baby carriers that AMAZONAS provides is the ring sling. Made in two sizes, it is an advantageous carrier without any knots to be tied. Rings are made of stainless steel and adjustment is very easy.

They also provide an instructional DVD about baby slings. For additional information on AMAZONAS and their other baby carriers, follow this link to visit their website.

Asteraki Slings Baby Carriers

Asteraki is a baby sling manufacturer located in Greece. They offer mainly four types of baby carriers including baby pouches, ring slings, wraps and mei tais. Below, we will talk about each of them in detail. By the way, Asteraki is the Greek word for “star”. At this time, Asteraki slings are available in Greece only.

Asteraki Pouch

Baby pouches are the simplest baby carriers of all and mostly used for smaller babies, they need no adjustments. Wearing the pouch and putting the baby in are very easy. They are ideal for short trips and for the period when the baby just starts walking and wants to be carried from time to time. Asteraki pouches allow easy nursing and the baby can easily fall asleep inside. The weight is distributed on one shoulder and therefore not recommended for long journeys.

Finding the right pouch size for you might be a little difficult because you may need to test it. And in most cases one pouch cannot be used by both parents. With Asteraki pouch, you can use front-lying, front-upright, front-looking-ahead, side and back positions. There are a lot of color options such as pink, fuchsia, black, orange, lime, yellow and colorful stripes.

Asteraki Slings – Pouch – source: babywearing.gr

Asteraki Ring Sling

Ring slings are stylish and easy to use baby carriers that many parents prefer. Unlike the pouches, ring slings can be adjusted to the size of the wearer and can be used by parents with different sizes. Putting in and taking out your baby is easy and they are recommended for lightweight babies.

With Asteraki ring slings, you can breastfeed comfortably with the help of the tail as a coverage. Babies feel safe and comfortable in ring slings, that’s why fall asleep easily.

Asteraki Slings – Ring Sling – source: babywearing.gr

Asteraki ring slings are made of natural cotton, linen or silk and they come in various colors like red, lilac, orange, blue, light green and chocolate. Asteraki Slings are constructed with permission using overlapping pleats, created by Sleeping Baby Productions.

Asteraki Wraps

Baby wraps are simply made of a piece of cloth without any additional complicated things. They distribute baby’s weight evenly on both shoulders which makes it easier to carry heavier children and for longer distances. Once you get used to wear it correctly, you will realize how comfortable it is.

Asteraki wraps are flexible carriers where you can adjust the position (on the front, on the back) of the baby as you wish. They also keep the baby warm in the hot summers.

Asteraki Slings – Wrap – source: babywearing.gr

Asteraki wraps are made in different sizes and colors like black, orange, brown and turquoise.

Asteraki Mei Tai

Mei tais are comfortable and easy to use baby carriers without any buckles or buttons. Distributing the weight on both shoulders, Asteraki mei tais can be used for older children as well. They are made as one size fits all and can be used by almost every size of parents.

Front carry and back carry are available, and Asteraki mei tai carriers last long; you can use the same mei tai for many children.

Asteraki Slings – Mei Tai – source: babywearing.gr

Asteraki mei tais are made from beautifully designed fabrics and come in many colors and prints.

Visit Asteraki’s website to learn more about their baby slings and buy one of them. You can also learn more about babywearing on the following articles by Asteraki Slings:

• Instructions for High Shoulder Position with two Slings
• How to Wear a Baby Wrap
• Wearing Your Baby on the Back with a Ring Sling

Action Baby Carrier

Action Baby Carrier is one of the baby carrier brands originated from the US. Angela and Scott Alexander founded their company in 2006 to provide quality and stylish baby products for parents. Their carriers are made in USA and manufactured in an eco-friendly environment.

Action Baby Carrier is a soft structured carrier that brings your child’s center of gravity close to yours. This way you can comfortably carry your baby without getting too much tired and perform your daily activities. Front and back carrying positions are available and it is suitable for use with babies from newborn to 40 lbs.

At this time, they offer three styles of the 5th Edition Action Baby Carriers: Prints, Solids and Organics. And each series comes in various colors like green, red, dark blue, light blue, black and brown. Also some interesting prints like galaxy, wave and squares are implemented.

Action Baby Carrier – source: actionbabycarriers.com

Changes in the 5th Edition

Angela and Scott have improved their carriers with each new edition. The 5th edition is made of 100% cotton canvas which makes it more durable and stylish. The webbings for the shoulders and hip belt are extended and so the head rest is. This change will allow more parents to wear the carrier. 5th Edition Organic carriers are made of 100% certified organic cotton.

Features of Action Baby Carriers

• made of lightweight and durable material
• soft, breathable fabric
• built-in sleeping hood
• adjustable hip belt (28″ – 53″)
• can be easily folded and fit into a diaper bag
• front and back carry positions
• suitable for 8 to 40 lbs
• safety chest strap
• machine-washable (cold) and air dry

You can find more information about Action Baby Carrier on their website here.

First of all, you should know that each type of baby carrier and each brand will have their own usage and safety instructions. Most of the baby carrier brands have published safety instructions (written or in images and videos) on their websites and they provide manuals with their products.

So, if you are not sure about something related to your baby carrier, the first thing you should do is to refer to the official manual; if you can’t find an answer there, contact the supplier. What we will mention in this post are not official instructions for any specific baby carrier; instead, they are general safety practices that one should pay attention while babywearing.

Having said that, we can now talk about general safety concerns and things to pay attention that are common in almost all types of baby carriers.

IMPORTANCE of SAFETY
Let’s start with why safety is utmost important in babywearing. Babies are the most precious beings in our life and parents should do anything possible to keep them safe. They are not like adults or grown up kids, they are so defenseless and fragile. If proper care is not taken, they may suffer injuries or health problems. Therefore, in all babywearing practices, safety of the baby should come first and both the manufacturer and the parent has to ensure that.

WEIGHT LIMITS
Every baby carrier is designed for a specific weight range and that is clearly mentioned in the manual or on the product page. For example, if a carrier is meant to be used for children between 7 to 30 lbs (3.2 – 13.6 kg) then you shouldn’t use it for a baby under 7 lbs or above 30 lbs. Because, this is the safety zone that is determined after a lot of research and tests.

source: didymos.de

THE FIRST USE
If you are using a baby carrier for the first time, you should be extra careful until you get used to it. Before the first use, make sure that the carrier is ready to use. To do that, check all the buckles, straps, waists, adjustments and fabric are in place and secure. Especially the critical parts, if any, should be examined carefully. (Actually, this should be done before each use.) If possible, get help from someone else as well; something you may not see may be visible to others.

Put the carrier on without the baby a few times until you feel comfortable. Make sure that you are holding the baby above a soft ground or seat while getting her into the carrier. Once the baby is inside, make the necessary adjustments and control the security. Practice at home for a while before going out.

Check your child constantly and ensure that her face is not pressed to your body or to the carrier. Always keep sufficient space for her to breathe.

CARRYING POSITIONS
There are a couple of carrying positions available for different types of baby carriers and this information is also provided in the manuals or product pages. Front carry, hip carry, back carry and some variations of them are the most popular ones. Starting from your first try, make a habit of carrying your baby in the correct positions depending on the baby carrier you are using. If a certain position is not recommended, stay away from it.

Never forget that the best babywearing experience is the safest one.

That’s all about baby carrying safety for now, we will talk about other related topics in the coming posts.

3Tree Design Baby Carrier

3Tree Design is a family owned baby carrier company that offers eco-friendly, comfortable and affordable baby wraps. Michelle, mother of two, decided to make her own baby wrap to her baby son when she found out the benefits of bamboo fabrics. Their first product, Anaju Wrap, is created by using eco-friendly, lightweight and highly absorbent bamboo fabrics.

Other than wraps they also offer, cloth diaper accessories, wet bags and bedding accessories. They have retailers in the USA and some other countries.

3Tree Design Anaju Wrap

Anaju Wrap is a very soft baby carrier that’s made of organic bamboo fibers and organic cotton. At this moment there are two collections that they are offering. Anaju Wrap the Elements Collection and Anaju Bamboo Baby Wrap.

The Elements Collection, which is inspired by the nature itself, has some really nice color options. They are all hand-dyed (Procion MX dyes are used, which are safe for babies) to create a unique baby wrap that can’t be find anywhere else.

3Tree Design Anaju Water Wrap – source: 3treedesign.com

This collection is a limited edition and Earth and Water wraps are already gone. Now, they are working on Air and Aether wraps that you may pre-order.

The other collection of 3Tree Design is the Anaju Bamboo Wrap. Bamboo Wrap is completely soft since it is made of 70% bamboo viscose (which has Öko-Tex 100 certification) and 30% organic cotton. Easy to wear and suitable for newborns as well. The viscose of bamboo that is used in these baby wraps make them lightweight, breathable and extremely soft. They can be cold washed by machine and dried in machine dryer on low setting.

3Tree Design Anaju Bamboo Wrap – source: 3treedesign.com

On their website, you can learn more about 3Tree Design baby carriers and see where you can buy them.

CLOSED!..

Thank you all for participating. The winner is announced here.

(To Angie, Beckee, Kate and Leslie: I am sorry but your comments were sent after March 4, 11:59PM GMT, therefore they are not accepted. Please check back for our new giveaways, thank you!)

Hi all! We have some great news for you. We are happy to announce our first baby carrier giveaway (and hopefully, we will be hosting more such giveaways from now on).

The sponsor of our first giveaway is ByKay, who generously offered to give away their AQUAcarrier to one of our readers.

Before giving the details about the giveaway, let us talk briefly about ByKay AQUAcarrier.

ByKay AQUAcarrier

ByKay AQUAcarrier is specially designed to be used under the shower or in swimming pool so that your baby can feel the joy of being in the water with you. It is made of fast-drying, soft fabric that allows you to take your baby with you into the water and have fun together.

Taking a shower with your baby is simple and safe with the ByKay AQUAcarrier, and babies love taking a shower with mummy or daddy. Having your hands free, you will be able to wash your baby and yourself easily and the stretch fabric provides sufficient space for this. Also, you will not get tired of holding your baby and no need to be afraid of dropping your baby.

ByKay AQUAcarrier in the Shower – source: bykay.com

ByKay AQUAcarrier is also ideal for use in the swimming pool. It can be worn over your swimsuit and under normal clothing. It allows you to quickly go into water with your baby. It is safe and comfortable and gives the freedom to the baby in the water while being close to you. The fabric that is used in the manufacture of the carrier is especially designed for use in water so that it dries very quickly.

AQUAcarrier does not cool down fast; your child can stay in the carrier when you come out of the water. With your free hands, you can support your other children as well.

ByKay AQUAcarrier in the Swimming Pool – source: bykay.com

By the way ByKay baby carriers are available on CosiCarrier. (You can also check our previous post to learn more about ByKay baby carriers.)

Rules and How to Enter:

To enter this giveaway, please go to ByKay’s website and leave a comment on this post telling which ByKay baby carrier you liked the most (you will get 1 entry for this).

You will earn additional entries for doing each step in the below list. The more entries you earn the higher chance you will have.

Ok, here are the things that you can do to earn more entries.

- Like ByKay on FaceBook. (+1 entry)

- Post a short message on their wall mentioning that you entered this giveaway. (+2 entries)

- Like this post on FaceBook (you can use the like button at the end of this post). (+1 entry)

- Follow @ByKay on Twitter. (+1 entry)

- Follow @BabyCarriersG on Twitter. (+1 entry)

- Tweet about this giveaway using the following: Enter to win a @ByKay AQUAcarrier at @BabyCarriersG: http://bit.ly/bykayaquacarrier (+2 entries)

- Subscribe to ByKay’s YouTube channel. (+1 entry)

- Write a blog post about this giveaway on your blog and give a link to this post and our homepage. (+4 entries) (You can easily create a free blog on WordPress.com or Blogger, if you don’t have one already.)

In your comment (on this post) mention the steps you did and please use your real contact email so that we can reach you in case you win. And please include your FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube profile links, so that we will know that you did the above steps (your email address and profile links will not be made public). Also, if you made a blog post about this giveaway, don’t forget to include the URL of your post.

One comment per person is allowed. Duplicate comments and comments that lack the necessary info (mentioned above) will not be considered.

This giveaway is open worldwide. The entries will be closed on March 4, 2011 at 11:59PM GMT. (Hence, you will have plenty of time to earn more entries and tell your friends about this giveaway.)

The Winner

The winner will be chosen randomly depending on the number of entries of each participant. It will be announced on this post on March 5, 2011 and notified via email. The winner is required to contact us in the following 48 hours in order to get the prize. If we cannot hear from the winner in the next 48 hours, we will randomly choose another winner.

GOOD LUCK ALL!

P.S. Special thanks go to Kay Poelen (Director of ByKay) for sponsoring this giveaway.