Carry of the Month: Ruck August 2017

Carry of the Month (COTM) is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBEs) will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions. Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the Facebook group or email us your entry. Check out the bottom of this post for the prize raffled off for participation this month! 

Our Carry of the Month for August 2017 is Rucksack carry.  Rucksack carry is often shortened to Ruck.  This is a staple back carry for woven wraps.  For many wrappers, it is the first back carry they learn.  If you're getting comfortable with woven wraps for front and hip carries and are ready to try something more, you might be ready to try out a ruck.  Follow our tutorial or join us at a meeting and get some hands on help!  

Image description: A woman faces the camera.  She has a yellow and red wrap crossing her chest.  You can see a baby's face peeking over her left shoulder.  They are under a ramada at a park.  

Demonstrating how to tie a ruck is our Volunteer Babywearing Educator In Training, Kelly Whittaker, and her son Jamie.  They are using a Wrapsody Breeze Woven Wrap in the colorway Hope. 

Begin by placing the baby on your back.  Kelly is using the superman method to put Jamie on her back.  

Place the center of the wrap on the child's back and hold him by his shoulders, keeping the wrap in place.  

Swing baby around onto your back.

Make sure baby is centered on your back.  Lean forward so baby is laying down on your back.  Find both tails of the wrap and make sure they aren't twisted.  

Bring both tails of the wrap over your shoulders.  

While pinning the top rail under your chin, make baby's seat.  Take the bottom rail of the wrap and tuck it under baby's bottom, making sure the wrap covers from knee to knee and baby is supported in a seated position.  

Pin one tail securely between your knees.

Take the other tail and pull it snug over your shoulder.  Bring it under that same arm and behind you.

Pull that tail over baby's first leg.

And under the second leg.

Carefully pull out any slack from this first tail.  Make sure it is tightened evenly and all slack is out.  Bring the tail around to your front.  

Pin the first tail in between your knees.  Take the second tail and repeat the process you did with the first tail.  

Bring the tail under your arm.

Pull any slack evenly through this tail.  Pass it over baby's first leg.  Kelly is spreading this pass for extra support.  You can choose to spread or bunch this pass.  

Bring the tail under baby's second leg and around to your front.  

Tie the tails together at your waist.

You have completed the basic Rucksack Carry, tied at waist!  Once you learn this carry, this is the fastest back carry in a woven wrap to complete.  

If you have extra length or prefer to take some of the pressure off your your shoulders, you can also finish with the tails crossed over your chest instead of tied at your waist.  This is sometimes called "Tibetan finish."

Instead of tying a knot at your waist, keep one tail pinned between your knees.  Bring the other tail over to your shoulder strap.  Pass it across your shoulder strap, then tuck underneath the shoulder strap, pulling the tail through.  The tension of the fabric under the strap will hold the carry safely without slipping.  

Kelly is choosing to spread this cross pass to distribute the weight across her chest.

Take the other tail and repeat the process on the other side.  

Bring the tail across the strap, and pull it through.  

Kelly spreads this pass too.  Spreading the passes helps to distribute baby's weight across her chest so the entire carry is more comfortable.  

Now enjoy your rucksack carry!  

We've used this as a carry of the month before!  To see the ruck modeled by VBE Tanya, click here.  

Our prize for August 2017 is a wrap scrap tote bag from Lenny Lamb in the Big Love pattern.  To enter to win, simply post a photo of you trying out a ruck in a woven wrap on the COTM thread in our Facebook group.  If you're not on Facebook email your entry to us at PhoenixBabywearers@gmail.com. 

At the end of the month we will draw a winner. To earn additional entries, you can post a new picture of you trying it out every day.

(Valid only for Arizona residents. Winner is responsible for pick up or any shipping costs.)

Disclaimer: Any tutorials or advice given on this blog by Babywearing International of Phoenix or representatives of BWI of Phoenix are to be used at your own risk. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries highlighted on this blog and using any of the carriers discussed on this blog. Some of the information or advice may put some users of this site at risk due to health issues, physical limitations, or misuse. If you or your child have health issues or physical limitations, please discuss the appropriateness of the carry or carrier with your health care practitioner. BWI of Phoenix cannot be held accountable for any injuries sustained by the reader when attempting these carries or using these carriers.

Our contributing author this month is Lauren Maynard.  Lauren is an Advanced Babywearing Educator with Babywearing International of Phoenix.  Lauren regularly attends the weekend and central meetings.  She loves trying out new carriers with her preschool aged daughter and newborn son.  She uses rucksack carry to show her babies around the world!

Carry of the Month: Water Carriers July 2017

Carry of the Month (COTM) is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBEs) will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions. Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the Facebook group or email us your entry. Check out the bottom of this post for the prize raffled off for participation this month! 

Image description:  A photo shows a smiling blond woman wearing a curly dark haired smiling toddler in a light blue mesh wrap.  They are outside in bright sunlight standing in front of a kiddie pool.  The text below the photo says "All About Water Carriers, Water Wearing Essentials" and shows the Babywearing International of Phoenix logo.

Our carry of the month (COTM) for July 2017 is water carriers!  This post shows some of the water carriers available in our lending library and how to use them.  Read to the end for how to enter the contest!  

Image description:  The title says "Babywearing in Water" and shows the Babywearing International of Phoenix logo.  There are 5 photos tiled across the image.  Each shows a water carrier.  They are titled, "Water Ring Sling," "Water Wrap," "Fil-up Wrap," "Boba Air," and "Baby K'tan."

If you are interested in trying out a water carrier, our lending library has several options.

Image description: A photo shows a smiling blond woman wearing a curly dark haired smiling toddler in a light blue mesh wrap.  They are outside in bright sunlight standing in front of a kiddie pool.

The ever popular Beachfront Baby Ring sling is great for babies and toddlers at the pool. It's made out of quick-dry mesh that is just a bit stretchy. It folds up quite small to stash in any bag on the go.

Image description:  A blond woman stands knee deep in an outdoor kiddie pool.  She is wearing a curly dark haired toddler on her front in a thin black wrap.  

Another great option is the Wrapsody WrapDUO. It's made from the same thin type of fabric as most swim suits. Worn in multi-pass carries, it offers secure support for hands-free babywearing in the pool.

Maybe the splash pad is more your speed? We've got carriers for that, too!

Image description: A blond woman wearing sunglasses wears a blond toddler with short hair in an olive green wrap that looks like a yarn net.  She's standing in the shade next to a splash pad.

This Fil-Up wrap is made from cool cotton mesh. Super breathable and very comfortable for both wearer and baby. You won't find another wrap quite like this one. The innovative design comes to us from France, Merci!

Image description:  A smiling blond woman wears a toddler in a black buckle carrier.  The hood is up, shading the toddler's head.  They are standing on a splash pad in the sun.

If you're not up to wrapping, there is a buckle carrier for you. The nylon Boba Air won't absorb water and is free from bulky padding. It's one of the smallest structured carriers you can find.  It stashes right into a small pouch when not in use! The nap hood offers shade and support when the sleepy dust hits.

Image description: A blond woman wearing sunglasses has a small baby in a black wrap-like carrier on her front. They are standing in the shade in front of a splash pad.   

I'm sure we have some K'Tan lovers out there. Here we have the sport in extra small. It has soft cotton jersey panels to keep baby snug while the rest of the carrier is made from stretchy mesh. It's quick, comfortable, and packs right into its own sash.


I know you want to try one of these awesome carriers this summer! Be sure to ask a VBE to find out what is available and best suited for you and your baby. Also be sure to check out this post on Summer Babywearing posted by our sponsor Babywearing International - https://babywearinginternational.org/2016/05/02/the-best-of-tbw-summer-babywearing-resources/

Our prize for July 2017 is a gift card from Luna Acupuncture!  The gift card is valid for 1 session of acupuncture or acupressure.  This prize was generously donated by Kari-Ann Hubbard, Dipl. O.M., LAc. Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist. To enter to win, simply post a photo of you trying out a water carrier on the COTM thread in our Facebook group.  If you're not on Facebook email your entry to us at PhoenixBabywearers@gmail.com.

At the end of the month we will draw a winner. To earn additional entries, you can post a new picture of you trying it out every day.

(Valid only for Arizona residents. Winner is responsible for pick up or any shipping costs.)

Disclaimer: Any tutorials or advice given on this blog by Babywearing International of Phoenix or representatives of BWI of Phoenix are to be used at your own risk. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries highlighted on this blog and using any of the carriers discussed on this blog. Some of the information or advice may put some users of this site at risk due to health issues, physical limitations, or misuse. If you or your child have health issues or physical limitations, please discuss the appropriateness of the carry or carrier with your health care practitioner. BWI of Phoenix cannot be held accountable for any injuries sustained by the reader when attempting these carries or using these carriers.

Our contributing author is Renee DeLua, our current West Valley librarian. She wears her daughter who is about 25lbs and 34" as well as her nephew who is 1 year old. A busy mom of five, Renee has accumulated over a decade of babywearing experience. She has been a VBE for the past two years after joining BWIP in 2014. She loves meeting and helping new moms, so be sure to say hi next time you see her.

Babywearing and Air Travel

Image description: A dark haired woman wears a smiling baby on her back in a woven wrap.  She is holding a light blue parasol over her shoulder to shade them.  They stand in front of the Coliseum in Rome.  The photo has a thin light green frame around it and the title "Babywearing and Air Travel" at the top.

Babywearing while flying is a lifesaver! When you arrive at the airport in your chauffeured luxury car, simply put your baby securely into the carrier of your choice. Make sure the airport staff have retrieved all your luggage from the car. Walk across the tarmac and board your private jet. Make sure you don't bump baby's head as you climb aboard. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cool beverage as your plane takes you towards the tropical beach paradise you've booked for your time off. 

 

Your private jet awaits!
Image description: A small white jet sits on a runway with the door open.  A cloudy sky is visible in the background.  

Wait… What? That's not what your airplane experience will be like? Don't worry, it's not like that for the vast majority of travelers, and I've got a collection of tried and true tips and advice here for you.

Babywearing in St. Paul's Cathedral
Image description: A light skinned, dark haired woman is smiling and wearing a woven wrap with a baby on her back.  They are in a grand room with ornate marble floors and walls visible in the background.  

I’ve traveled extensively with my daughter since she was born 4 years ago, both around the United States and the world.  My son has been on a few flights since he was born 5 months ago, and we’re going on a big international trip this summer, as well!  I’m going to answer the most common questions I get about babywearing and travel below.  Even with my experience, please read this with the caveat that airports and security can (and do!) change policies at any time.  

A Meh Dai gives me hands while waiting for a flight
Image description:  A dark haired woman is wearing a black Meh Dai with a floral design.  A blonde baby head is visible over the top of the carrier.  The woman is sitting at a table holding a fork and knife.  She has a meal and drink on the table and a suitcase next to her.  

Which carrier is best for travel?

The best carrier for travel is whichever carrier you are most comfortable using!  If you find wraps comfortable and easy to use, then you should bring a wrap.  If you always grab your Soft Structured Carrier (SSC) when you’re looking for convenience, bring that.  Keep in mind that you’ll probably need a free hand to pull a suitcase or push a stroller.  Also keep in mind that carriers with metal (like most ring slings) will set off alarms in the metal detector.  

 

Getting settled in on my flight
Image description:  A dark haired woman stands on an airplane.  She is leaning forward and untying the waist knot of a woven wrap.  Her baby is resting on her back in the wrap.  Another passenger is seated behind them.  

Can I wear baby through security?

Usually, yes.  In the 60+ flights I have taken while wearing a baby, I have only been told to remove my baby in international airports.  The airports in the USA have typically had me walk through the metal detector and then swabbed my hands.  I have heard reports of other people needing to remove baby in US airports, so your experience may vary.  Security procedures can change at a moment’s notice so be calm and follow instructions.  

 

Ring slings give me free hands while baby naps on a flight
Image description:  A close up photo of a dark haired woman on an airplane.  She is sitting next to an airplane window and wearing a sleeping child in a sling.  The woman is smiling.  

Can I babywear on the flight?

You can wear baby during the middle of the flight, but probably not during takeoff and landing.  Flight attendants are trained to only allow FAA approved restraint devices to be used during these times.  Approved restraints include many car seats, the belts on the airplane, and CARES harnesses, but not baby carriers.  So expect to be asked to remove your baby carrier for takeoff and landing.  Some flight attendants will be ok with you unclipping the chest clip or sliding the straps down your arms.  Some will prefer to see the carrier entirely removed.  My personal favorite carrier for flights is a ring sling because there is no knot or buckle on my back and I can adjust easily while seated.  I often wear a wrap through security and the airport and then switch to a ring sling when I board the plane.  

 

Wrapping in Hawaii
Image description: A dark haired woman wears a blond curly haired toddler in a rainbow striped woven wrap.  They are standing in front of a green canyon view with blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

Should I bring a stroller, too?

I don’t like to bring a stroller through the airport, but other people really love to bring theirs along.  I don’t like to unload it to put all my stuff through security, fold it, go through security, open it, and load up my stuff again.  I don’t like navigating through crowded terminals and stores with it, and I don’t like folding it in a hurry to gate check while still having to hold my child and belongings.  I have heard from other people who love bringing their stroller to cart their stuff around, so it’s really up to you.  

Riding a subway in Singapore
Image description: A dark haired woman is standing on a subway, holding on to a handle.  Her baby is on her back in a woven wrap, and has a hand up holding on to a handle, as well.  The strap of her diaper bag is visible over her shoulder.  

How do I carry my other stuff?

My preferred method is to wear baby and then bring a small cross body diaper bag.  If I want to avoid checking bags or prefer to bring more on the plane, I like to put everything into a small rolling carry-on bag.  If you’re bringing a carseat on the plane, look for a strap system where you can attach the seat to your carry on bag.  Experiment a little.  Lay out everything you want to bring, then try it in different bags until you find something that is going to be easy and comfortable for you to use while carrying a baby.  

Ring slinging in Indonesia
Image description: A smiling dark haired woman stands in the middle of a crowded marketplace.  She is wearing a turquoise ring sling which holds a baby upright on her chest.  There are smiling people around them looking at the baby and colorful umbrellas over their heads.

Will I be allowed to babywear everywhere I go?

Babywearing will help you make friends wherever you go. I get a ton of positive comments and happy reactions. My children feel more secure meeting new people and having new experiences when they are safely in a carrier. It is much easier to get through crowds and around cultural sites with a carrier instead of a bulky stroller that needs a ramp or smooth ground. In general, people love to be helpful when they see babies. I often have people offering to help with my belongings in the airport! Some destinations, especially museums, might have insurance rules that prohibit babies in back carriers, so be prepared to be friendly and follow the rules you encounter.

Making friends in Indonesia
Image description: A dark haired woman wears a baby in a turquoise ring sling.  She is standing next to another dark haired woman who is much shorter than her.  She wears a baby in a yellow ring sling and is reaching out her hand to the first woman's baby.  They are standing on the patio of a brick home.  

Have fun!

I know travel days can be very stressful, but try to relax and enjoy the adventure.  You are taking your baby on a trip, and even though it can be difficult at times, you are giving them experiences they just can't get at home.  Safe travels!  

Our contributing author is Lauren Maynard.  Lauren is an Advanced Babywearing Educator with Babywearing International of Phoenix.  She loves trying out new carriers with her preschool aged daughter and newborn son, especially while traveling the world!  Lauren regularly attends the weekend and central meetings.

COTM: Pouch Sling June 2017

Carry of the Month (COTM) is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBEs) will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions. Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the Facebook group or email us your entry. Check out the bottom of this post for the prize raffled off for participation this month! 

Nikki models a pouch with her beautiful daughter, Mia.
Image description:  A photo of a smiling woman wearing a small baby in a pink and brown patterned pouch sling is in the corner of this image.  The photo is surrounded by text.  To the right, it says, "Pouches are... easy to store, compact, easy to use, cool for summer, low cost, comfortable."  The bottom of the image has the Babywearing International of Phoenix logo.  

Our Carry of the Month (COTM) for June 2017 is a pouch sling!  This post will talk about how great pouches are during the summer and link to a few tutorials.  Stay tuned to the end for an exciting announcement!  

Volunteer Lauren demonstrates a pouch sling with her 4 month old baby boy.
Image description:  A light skinned, dark haired woman in a purple shirt wears a young baby in a black and white patterned pouch sling.  Both are smiling at the camera.  They are outside with gravel, a tree, some plants, and blue sky in the background.  

There are several ways to wear these simple carriers.  You can use one for a centered front carry, a hip carry, or even a cradle carry.  They get a bad reputation because people often end up with the wrong size and struggle to wear it safely.  But when you find one that fits properly, they are the perfect summer carrier.  They are small, simple to use for quick ups and downs, and readily available at consignment stores.  A pouch sling can get rolled up in your back pocket or the bottom of your diaper bag.  It's cool and airy because the fabric is thin and there isn't a lot of fabric to cover you and baby.  

Pouch slings are relatively easy to find.  You can usually find a large selection of used pouches at children's consignment stores.  There, you can try them on to check the fit before buying.  You can also come to a meeting to try on our pouches and find the right fit for you before you buy.  If you prefer buying new, you can find them in dozens of colors from Seven Slings or Hot Slings!

Elizabeth demonstrates her 

Our Volunteer Elizabeth demonstrated this carrier for a carry of the month a few years ago.  Click here or on her photo of her awesome tutorial.  

This video is a good demonstration of how to put a newborn into a pouch sling.  

This video explains how to use the pouch for a hip carry.

This video shows a safe cradle carry.  When attempting a cradle carry in a sling, be very aware of safety!  Baby should be upright, not facing into you.  Make sure baby's chin is not on his chest and that baby's head is higher than the rest of the body.  Be certain that fabric is not covering baby's face.

And now our announcement...

 I am excited to announce the debut of our pouch sling exchange!  

For the month of June, our pouch sling exchange will be traveling to each meeting.  We have a variety of sizes of pouches and we operate the exchange like a penny jar.  Bring a sling that doesn't fit you and trade it for one that does!  The pouch exchange will be available upon request after the month of June.  

Image description: Three books are arranged on a wood table.  Titles are Find the Duck, Duck's Day Out, and Very First Words.

Our prize for June 2017 is three books from Usborne.  These books are great for toddlers and preschoolers.  To enter to win, simply post a photo of you trying out a pouch sling on the COTM thread in our Facebook group.  If you're not on Facebook email your entry to us at PhoenixBabywearers@gmail.com.

At the end of the month we will draw a winner. To earn additional entries, you can post a new picture of you trying it out every day.

(Valid only for Arizona residents. Winner is responsible for pick up or any shipping costs.)

Disclaimer: Any tutorials or advice given on this blog by Babywearing International of Phoenix or representatives of BWI of Phoenix are to be used at your own risk. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries highlighted on this blog and using any of the carriers discussed on this blog. Some of the information or advice may put some users of this site at risk due to health issues, physical limitations, or misuse. If you or your child have health issues or physical limitations, please discuss the appropriateness of the carry or carrier with your health care practitioner. BWI of Phoenix cannot be held accountable for any injuries sustained by the reader when attempting these carries or using these carriers.

Our contributing author this month is Lauren Maynard.  Lauren is an Advanced Babywearing Educator with Babywearing International of Phoenix.  She loves trying out new carriers with her preschool aged daughter and newborn son.  Lauren regularly attends the weekend and central meetings.