Woven Wraps

Woven Wraps: Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

Doeck Tulipa Rosso, Pollora Forest Fairies, FireSpiral Octarine Midwinter, KHR Baby Spring Flowers, Cari Slings Owl Post

*Disclaimer: I am warning you now. Woven wraps are strangely addicting. I know, I know... An obsession with fabric? Well, let's just say there is a reason people collect these things. Once you start...you'll get it. You are warned.

Each type of baby carrier has it's own qualities, differences, brands, etc. But woven wraps are really a category all on their own simply because of all the options. Choice of price, pattern, size, material, weight, etc. makes for a seemingly endless list of possibilities. And not to mention the woven wrap terms! So let's break it down into those categories.

Terms:

-Airy: When a wrap is not very dense and allows for airflow
-Bounce: this quality is if a wrap has give when the wearer moves around with the baby
-Broken thread: if a thread is pulled and then broken; if it is tied into a secure knot, it will not affect safety
-CISO/ISO/DISO: Casually in search of/In search of/ Desperately in search of; descriptions used by people looking for a particular wrap
-Cush: the amount of give a wrap has; typically translates to a marshmallow like feel on the shoulders
-Dense: this quality is attributed to a wrap with threads very closely woven together
-Dry: this is a quality that means the fabric feels a bit more rough and dry in hand
-Felting: damage to a wool wrap; the fibers get too agitated resulting in fuzziness, shrinkage, and the formation of little balls; a felted wrap is not safe for babywearing
-Glide: the slipperiness of the fabric; how easily it slides onto itself when making passes and pulling tight
-Grip: the way the fabric moves against itself; grippier wraps stick to itself and it is harder to pull the fabric tight, but once it is put into place, it stays
-Moldable: If a wrap hugs close to your body and you baby, like a second skin, it is considered moldable. Wraps with this quality are easier to wrap with.
-MV: market value
-Natty: natural, undyed fibers
-Permacrease: when a wrap is left folded too long, it runs the risk of having a permanent crease; unless very worn, it is typically safe to still use
-Pull: when a thread is pulled out from the wrap; can be woven back in with patience and a steady hand; doesn't affect safety but beware that it can become a broken thread
-RV: retail value
-Saggy: if a wrap stretches out while wearing, it is considered saggy; usually means unsupportive
-Slippery: when fabric slides easily against itself
-Shorty: a shorter size wrap; typically size 2 to 4
-Supportive: this quality is given to wraps that hold heavier children without sagging
-Wet: a quality of a wrap that is slippery and cool feeling

But isn't it just fabric?
It is possible to go to a fabric store and find fabric that has been woven in a similar way. Many people make homemade wraps using Osnaburg fabric. But the difference between fabric store material and a woven wrap is that wovens are safety tested. They tested to make sure that they can withstand the weight of a child as well as the wear and tear of daily use. The dyes are also typically baby-friendly as many babies love to suck and chew on the fabric. Plus, a professional company or wrap maker has ensured that the seams are secured and do not run the risk of unravelling. All of these safety qualities and better materials mean that woven wraps have a higher price tag.

Price:

Pavo Granite Etini: a pricier brand

Prices on woven wraps can be tricky. There's the retail price and the market value price.
The retail price varies depending on the quality of the material, the type of material, the complexity of the weave, and to some extent, the brand. Cheaper woven wraps are not necessarily bad, they just may not be as soft or thick or well made as more expensive woven wraps. More affordable wovens are easy to find and will still do a great job carrying and snuggling a baby. Higher quality materials, like organic cotton or pima cotton, as well as the type of material, like silk or cashmere, are more expensive for the manufacturer. This makes the retail price higher. Often, very expensive wraps will have blends of multiple materials like cotton, silk, and wool. Each blend gives a wrap a different feel and different wrapping qualities. Also, if a wrap company makes a woven with a particularly complex weave, the price is higher because the process is more complicated. The more expensive, or high end, wrap companies all use better quality materials and more complex weaving, but their name often lends to people seeking them out more.
Market value on a woven wrap is what other people will pay for it second hand. There is a huge market for woven wraps on places like Facebook. There are multiple places to buy, sell, and trade them. Many wraps will sell for around or lower than retail. These wraps are typically easier to find or they are already pretty cheap. Wraps that were made in smaller quantities and more sought after will fetch much higher than the retail price. There are many "budget wraps" that sell for under $100 retail but will sell for much higher on a Facebook swap, just depends on what's popular at the time. Market value changes often and quickly for this reason.

Patterns, colors, and designs:

Doeck Tulipa Rosso

It's pretty easy to find a wrap that will suite your personal style and preference. There are just way too many to even begin to list but let's say you want a red wrap with flowers. There's Oscha Roses Aphrodite, Doeck Tulipa Rosso, and Kindred Paia Watermelon... and that's just off of the top of my head. I'm sure many more could be found with a couple of quick searches. Sometimes the weave itself lends to the pattern of the wrap. Whatever the design may be, it will affect the wrapping qualities. A complex and busy pattern will make a wrap more "grippy", while a plainer design with open spaces will make it glide easier. The weave can also determine whether or not a wrap is "cushy". If the design is contrasted enough, it can create little air pockets that can translate into cush.

Size:

Silver Lining Slings Pipe Dream Shiro as a shorty

Woven wraps typically come in size 2-7, but sometimes will be offered as a size 1 or even an 8. The sizes average as the following:
Size 2: 2-2.2 meters
Size 3: 2.5-2.7 meters
Size 4: 3.7-3.9 meters
Size 5: 4.2-4.3 meters
Size 6: 4.6-4.9 meters
Size 7: 5.2-5.4 meters
Size 8: 5.5-5.8 meters
The size that you get depends on what carries you want to do as well as the size of both you and your child. Your "base size" is the size that you can do Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC), which is the easiest to start with, as well as a large range of other carries. Most average sized women are a base size 6. Smaller sizes, or "shorties", are used for specific carries like a Rucksack carry or Rebozo. This video is good for demonstrating shorty carries. This channel has a great list of many carries and what size to use for each one.
Woven wraps also can vary by width, but this is not usually included as part of the size and varies by wrap and manufacturer. For example, Didymos makes wraps more narrow than Pavo. Narrow wraps are great for smaller babies as wider wraps can swallow them up. I use wide wraps with my big boy now because it goes higher on his back and is more secure.

Material:

FireSpiral Slings Octarine Midwinter

Although cotton is the easiest to find, there are so many different blends to choose from. Most wraps that have more than one type of material have cotton as a base, but there are wraps that are completely made of something different like linen or silk.

Cotton: This material is very easy to care for and typically requires no special treatment. A gentle wash, dry, and steam iron are perfect and it's fairly easy to get stains out. Whether or not it is supportive depends on the actual wrap (density, weave, quality of the cotton, etc.) I have tried cotton wraps that were not supportive enough for my toddler, but on the other hand, my most toddler worthy wraps are 100% cotton.

Hemp: Hemp is known for being very supportive of heavier children. It breaks in quickly to be buttery soft, so it's a great choice for a smaller baby as well. Hemp loves heat, so ironing it will only help it to become softer, but beware of over-drying. It's easy to care for as it can be thrown in the washer and dryer with no problem. It's not great for hot climates because it holds heat in so well.

Linen: Linen is also very supportive, but is much more cool and breathable. It's great for hot climates and heavy babies but the right one can be great for a newborn. This material requires breaking in and, depending on the wrap, it could take quite a bit of work. Once broken in, linen is so soft and moldable.

Bamboo: Wraps made with bamboo thread are considered more squish (newborn) worthy. They are not very supportive with heavier babies, particularly because the fabric so slippery. But they are wonderfully soft and floppy for a small baby.

Silk: Similar to bamboo in that it is super soft and slippery. But silk is very supportive, so it is also great for a bigger child. These wraps are typically a bit more expensive as this material is more high end. No breaking in required, but this needs to be washed by hand and air dried.

Wool: There are many different types of wool that wrap companies use. Wool in general is very cushy and supportive. There are higher end wools that are softer and more luxurious, but these are usually quite expensive. Unless it is a high end wool, it can feel "prickly" to some people that are sensitive. Wool is a temperature regulator, so although it may seem like a cool weather wrap, it can be great for warm weather as well because it is breathable. This material requires special care; it needs to be handwashed and air dried. If a wool wrap is felted at all (when the wool fibers are too worn), it is no longer safe to use.

Repreve: This material is made out of recycled plastic. It is compared to wool because of it's cush and temperature regulating qualities. As repreve is very supportive, it's great for bigger babies but can sometimes be overwhelming for squishes. This is similar to hemp in that it is easy to care for and loves heat, but can be overdried.

Tencel: Tencel is a material made of wood pulp, making it another eco-friendly choice. It is super soft and floppy, with little to no breaking in required. It is also very affordable. But it can be not quite supportive enough and too slippery for a larger child.

Weight:

Pollora Forest Fairies (thin) vs. KHR Handwoven (thick)

Woven wraps vary greatly by thickness and density. They are measured by grams per square meter with something around 170 g/m2 being very thin and 350 g/m2 being very thick. Thin wraps can be supportive with high quality materials or a denser weave, but are best suited for very small babies. They are easy to wrap with, lightweight, and hugs your body like a second skin. Thicker wraps are typically harder to wrap with because of the heaviness and lack of moldability but are so great for large children. Now that Dominik is a heavy toddler, my thicker wraps are much more comfortable and worth the extra wrapping effort.

Machine woven vs. Hand woven

Machine woven (Doeck Tulipa Rosso) vs. Hand woven (KHR Wovens Baby Spring Flowers)

Woven wraps are either made by machine or by hand on a loom. Machine weaving is easier and more cost effective because it can power out many more wraps in a shorter amount of time. There are machine woven wraps that are simply woven and then there are those that have a complex and intricate weave. It really depends on the company. There are huge differences in prices of a machine woven, ranging from about 75$ to thousands. This depends on the brand, material, how many were made, etc. Certain highly sought after brands like Kokoro or Pavo have a few wraps that were very exclusive and therefore hard to find, these machine wovens go for thousands of dollars on the second hand market. But then, on the other side of spectrum, are very easy to find and affordable machine wovens.
Hand wovens are exactly that, a hand woven wrap. These vary almost as much as machine wovens. There are budget handwovens like Girasol and Inda Jani that are easy to find, affordable, and very nice wraps. There are also very highly sought after weavers whose wraps go for a lot of money. Hand wovens come in many different blends and designs as well as different weights. It's a lot harder to navigate the hand woven world because there are such differences between wraps, even by the same weaver. In general, a handwoven is coveted not just because it is hand made, but because of it's wrapping qualities. Most handwovens are softer and easier to wrap with because of the higher quality materials and looser weave.

Machine Woven Brands: *there are even more than this, but this is a list of popular brands

Artipoppe
Baie Slings
Bara Barn
BB Slen
Bijou Wear
Butterfly Baby Company
Cari Slings
Cassiope Woven
Colimacon et Cie
Daiesu
Danu Slings
Didymos
Diva Milano
Doeck
Dolcino
Easycare
Ellevil
Ethos Babywearing
Fidella
FireSpiral Slings
Hoppediz
Kindred Wrap
Kokadi
Kokoro
Kokoskaa
Lalu Wovens
Lawilde
Lenny Lamb
Lewlewbelle
Linuschka
Little Frog
Maya Wrap
Mokosh
Natibaby
Nunamoochie
Oscha Slings
Ovolo Wraps
Owrapel
Pavo
Pellicano Baby
Poe Wovens
Pollora
Risaroo Wovens
Sensimo Slings
Sestrice
Shiny Star Designs
Silver Lining Slings
Smitten
Solnce
Storchenwiege
Tekhni Wovens
Tinge Garden
Tiny Tiger Baby
Tula
Vanamo
Vatanai
Woven Wings
Yaro Slings

Handwoven Brands:

Cloth of Kin
Eagle Ray Wovens
ETLA
Fairy River Textiles
Girasol
Heartiness
Inda Jani
KHR Wovens
Mountain Girl Wovens
Nunamoochie
Turkish Towel
Uppymama
Vandeloo Woven
Warped and Wonderful

Review: Natibaby Heartbeat Fabulous

Natibaby Linen Blend

Natibaby is a machine woven wrap company based out of Poland. They make a ton of wrap in various designs and blends and are very easy to get. The price point on the low to average side of the spectrum and it's very easy to get one below retail on a Facebook swap. 

This particular wrap is a 70% cotton, 30% linen blend. Brand new, in loom state, it was quite stiff and cardboard-like. A wash and steam iron helped to make a bit more floppy, but linen wraps typically need quite a bit breaking in before reaching their potential. Once broken in, Natibaby linen blends are very soft and floppy. After some work to get it softer, it became more moldable as well. Overall, this wrap is soft and easy to wrap with.

The pattern is quite lovely, one side has rainbow hearts with a grey background and the other has the opposite. It's subtle and seems to have a nice shine to it in certain light. Although the design is on the busier side, it didn't affect the glide to grip ratio very much. This wrap glides easily into place. When linen blends like this are newer, the roughness of the fabric creates grip. But as it breaks in, it will become less grippy and more slippery.

This wrap is thin and dense. The pattern is not very raised and the threads are tightly woven enough where I cannot see it pulling very easily. For me personally, I found it to be a bit diggy on the shoulders with my big toddler. Linen blends are great for heavy babies, but I do not typically like the hard shoulder feel, so this is a personal preference. It is very supportive and there was no stretch or sag.

I would recommend this wrap for a beginner. It's very easy to wrap with and Natibaby linen blends are everywhere for great prices. This is a perfect toddler wrap because it is so supportive, but broken in, I can see it to be lovely with a newborn.

Review: Silver Lining Slings Pipe Dream Shiro

Silver Lining Slings Pipe Dream Shiro

Silver Lining Slings is an American woven wrap company that is famous for their wraps spun with actual silver. I've never tried one as these particular wraps are quite expensive and hard to find. But their other lines of wraps are at a nice price point and much more attainable. One of these is the lovely Pipe Dream Shiro. It's made out of American pima cotton, making for a deliciously luxurious feel. It softened up a bit with each use, and I could see it only getting more marshmallowy soft as it's broken in. The design was inspired by traditional Japanese kimono designs and it's quite lovely and unique. Although it's a bit hard to see on this natty wrap, it gives it a nice, grippy texture. Knots held well, making it a great shorty contender.

Pipe Dream Shiro is a beast of a wrap. It comes in at a whopping 340 g/m2 and feels thick and heavy in hand. This thickness makes for an extremely cushy feel on the shoulders which was great for my heavy toddler. The texture and thickness of this wrap made it a bit difficult to tighten and wrap with, but once it was put into place, it stayed there. There was no stretch or sag, this thing was solid.

Pipe dream shiro is meant for experienced wrappers and shines as a shorty for larger babies and toddlers (or preschoolers). Longer sizes would be a bit much, but with a well broken in wrap I can see it to be a rock solid marshmallow (and yes, that will make sense once you try it). Newborns and smaller babies would be eaten by this wrap, so I wouldn't recommend it for them. But if you have a chunky baby causing ruck straps to dig into your shoulders, this is the wrap for you.

Babywearing 101

Babywearing 101

Up until several years ago, I really didn't know very much about babywearing. I had seen some people use Baby Bjorns or the huge hiking carriers, but not very many. The vast majority of people with babies and toddlers used strollers, carseats, shopping cart seats, or even wagons to tote them around. But in recent years, I noticed more people had their babies snuggled close to them in a carrier. When I became pregnant, I knew babywearing was something I wanted to try because it seemed so much nicer. Plus, my crunchy instincts told me it had to be better for the baby. But there are SO. MANY. CHOICES. It was very overwhelming, and I feel like I spent hours just trying to figure out the differences between carriers before even choosing one. So here's a crash course on the basics of babywearing.

Why babywear?

Babies are meant to be held. Humans have not always had strollers and carseats and cribs. When babies are born, they are going from a safe, warm, and dark place to somewhere much colder and stimulating. In fact, the weeks after birth are referred to as the "fourth trimester". Human babies are born still completely dependent on their caregiver. Babywearing helps to give babies a sense of security and keeps them from becoming overwhelmed. Everything about you, your heartbeat, smell, the feel of your skin, the rhythm of your breathing, all help to keep your infants body physically regulated. Plus, when you move, you are helping their vestibular system (what helps them move and balance) develop properly. Keeping them upright in a carrier can also help with digestion and ease symptoms of colic. Especially since the "back to sleep" initiative (which has saved many lives), there are more babies developing flat spots on the back of their heads. Babywearing can help to alleviate this. And when you need a luxury like food or brushed teeth, it keeps your hands free! It was so nice to be able to get basic things done around the house when Dominik only wanted to be held.
And finally.... babywearing snuggles are amazing. Having your child snuggled close is probably the greatest feeling in the world.

Babywearing safely:
Tiny humans are vulnerable and it's important that babywearing is done safely. Newborns can fold their chins forward onto their chest, which cuts off their breathing. And there of course is always the risk of an unsafe carrier and carry. Steer clear of homemade carriers and poorly made ones like fake ergos (which are sold on Amazon, beware). Stick to reputable sources and carriers that have been safety tested. There are a few rules and guidelines that will keep your little one safe. They go by the acronym T.I.C.K.S.
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off chest
Supported back

Types of carriers:


Soft structured carrier:

Tula

These are the most common and probably the easiest the use. I've seen people refer to them as SSCs or "buckles". It's basically a panel with straps and a waistband that use buckles to adjust the size. They are straightforward to use, comfortable, and awesome for a quick "up". Because the size of the panel is generally a "one size fits most", newborns and smaller babies need to use an insert in order to fit safely. Newborns lack head and body control and tend to slump down into the carrier. This can cut off the air supply for them, so it's very important that newborns are properly secured when using a buckled carrier. A rolled up receiving blanket or towel can be used under the babies bottom to help secure them if an insert is not used.
They make these in toddler and preschooler sizes as well so it's a great option that will last. The manufacturer will be clear on which carries are safe with the particular model, but many models can also be used for forward facing, hip carries, and back carries.

Pros:
-easy to use
-widely available from multiple stores
-affordable options
-quick babywearing option
-distributes weight well on the hips and shoulders
-no worries about dragging on the ground
-a great option for warm weather

Cons:
-sometimes can be hard to get a good fit to the wearer (some people with long or short torsos have trouble finding one that fits, regardless of the adjustable straps)
-with frequent wearing and washing, they wear out quickly, making them unsafe
-fake ergos and poorly made buckled carriers are very common (these are extremely unsafe)
-smaller babies/newborns may not fit well

Good brands and options:
Tula http://www.tulababycarriers.com/
Kinderpack http://mykinderpack.com/
Ergo http://store.ergobaby.com/
Lillebaby http://lillebaby.com/
Lenny Lamb http://en.lennylamb.com/ergonomic_baby_carriers
Infantino http://www.infantino.com/collections/carriers
The Ergo and Infantino carriers are widely available from places like Target as well.


Mei Tei:

BabyHawk Mei Tai

This is similar to a soft structured carrier, but instead of buckles, it has longer straps for tying. This was the option that I went with when Dominik was between the ages of about 6 and 12 months. These can be used in pretty much the same way as a soft structured carrier. The waist band is tied in a knot and the shoulder straps wrap around both the wearer and the baby to create a secure hold. For a newborn, the waistband can be rolled up to shrink the size of the panel.

Pros:
-Easy to use
-Very adjustable to the wearer and child
-Widely available
-Affordable options
-Can be used in multiple carries
-Quick babywearing option

Cons:
-Straps and seams can be worn out quickly, making it unsafe
-The tails can drag on the ground

Good brands and options:
Infantino http://www.infantino.com/products/sash
Babyhawk http://www.babyhawk.com/
Catbird baby http://www.catbirdbaby.com/
Mei Tai Baby http://www.meitaibaby.com/


Stretchy/Gauze/Hybrid Wrap:

Wrapsody Bali Breeze in Morgaine

There are several kinds of wraps, with the stretchy being the easiest to find and the one most people start with. It is basically a long piece of jersey material that is wrapped around both the wearer and the baby. They are great for newborns because it is easy to get a snug fit. But because of the stretchy material, they have a weight limit and sag and get very uncomfortable with heavy children. But because wrapping has a learning curve, it's a nice place to start. Stretchy wraps are usually put on the wearer before the baby, making it easier to get used to.
Gauze wraps are a thinner cotton material that is more breathable than a stretchy. It's very thin and can be uncomfortable with larger babies but it's great for warm weather. This is what we started out with. We enjoyed it and it was a good starting place.
Hybrid wraps are beefed up stretchy wraps. They are stretchy to an extent, but much more sturdy. This will last a little longer than a stretchy, but it still is not as strong as a woven.

Pros:
-Very easy to find in stores
-Can be homemade with the right material
-Comfortable and cozy for small babies
-Fits all sizes of wearer

Cons:
-Steep learning curve
-The material is very hot
-Only good for light and small babies
-Can only be used for front carries

Good brands and options:
Wrapsody https://wrapsodybaby.com/
Solly Baby Wrap http://sollybaby.com/
Moby http://mobywrap.com/


Woven Wrap:

Cari Slings Owl Post

This is a long piece of woven material that is wrapped around the wearer and baby. They are specially made with higher quality thread and are safety tested. The options for a woven wrap are pretty much endless in terms of length, pattern, material, and price. Depending on the size of the wrap, there are a variety of carries that are used for holding baby on the front, side, or back. Shorter sizes are good for quick ups and even no sew ring slings. Longer wraps are used like the stretchy wrap. They go around the wearer and baby a few times to create a balanced and secure hold. Most companies have sizes 2-7. This is the most overwhelming category just because there are so many options and it's hard to tell where to start. The amount of information is so long, it is deserving of its own separate post. But for the basics? A base size, affordable cotton wrap in a pattern you like is really the best place to start.

Pros:
-So. Many. Options.
-A few affordable options
-Can be used for multiple carries
-Good for newborns to preschoolers, basically whatever you can carry
-Can fit any size wearer
-Secure and comfortable for baby and wearer
-Hold their resale value well

Cons:
-So. Many. Options.
-Can be very pricey for certain brands
-Steep learning curve
-Many wraps need to be broken in in order to reach full softness potential
-Can be pretty hot under all that fabric
-A bit hard to use when out and about because of all the fabric
-Can usually only be bought online

Good brands and options (to start with, there are sooooo many more):
Little Frog http://littlefrog.pl/
Girasol http://www.momsmilkboutique.com/girasol-woven-wraps.html
Didymos http://www.birdiesroom.com/
Ellevil http://www.ellevill.com/en
Cari Slings http://www.carislings.com/index.php?route=common/home


Ring Sling:

Pavo Spearmint Etini Ring Sling XL

A ring sling is basically a wrap that is looped around a pair of rings. The baby is fit into the main "pouch" and the fabric is pulled through the rings in order to secure the baby close to the wearer. It's quick to use and fairly easy. Because so many wraps are made into ring slings, the options on design and material are endless. A lot of people really like the ring sling for newborns because it's less fabric for their tiny bodies. But I know others who prefer them for toddlers because it's so easy to pop them in and out. These are made with a variety of different "shoulders" and lengths. The length depends on the size of the wearer and child, ranging from extra small to extra large. The shoulder of the ring sling (where the fabric meets the rings) is sewn on with pleats, tapered down, or left at full width (called gathered). Some people have a preference on shoulder, but they all kind of feel the same to me.

Pros:
-Easy to use
-Affordable options
-Can fit any size wearer
-A ton of options on pattern and material
-Small enough for a diaper bag
-No dragging tails, nice for trips out of the house
-Easy to nurse in

Cons:
-Can be uncomfortable with heavier babies
-Back carries are possible, but only for very experienced users and older children
-a bit of a learning curve
-Can usually only be bought online

Good brands and options:
Cari Slings http://www.carislings.com/index.php?route=common/home
Didymos http://www.birdiesroom.com/
Sakura Bloom http://sakurabloom.com/
Maya Wrap https://www.mayawrap.com/

Get Connected:

Babywearing International has meeting all over so check out their website for one near you: http://babywearinginternational.org/

Also check out Facebook for other groups, both local and specialized. There are groups for pretty much every carrier, plus more for each company. A good place to start is Babywearing 102.

Review: Kokadi Merlin woven wrap

This is the first of a series of posts I will be doing on babywearing. I will be posting reviews on the various carriers that I have tried and/or own. There will also be a Babywearing 101 and a more detailed post on wovens as well.

So on to Merlin! Kokadi Merlin was the first woven wrap that I ever tried. It was a size 2 that I got on sale while I waited for a longer size of another wrap. Before this, I had only wrapped with my Wrapsody Bali Breeze gauze wrap.

Kokadi Merlin is a 50% hemp, 50% cotton blend. It is a black wrap with purple stars. The pattern suits it's name, it definitely got a magician vibe. In loomstate, this wrap was already pretty smooth and floppy. After a bath, dry, and steam iron, it became even softer. Throughout the few months that I wrapped with it, it became one of the softest and floppiest wraps I have felt to date. The passes were easy to glide into place and it proved to be very moldable.

This is on the thinner side, but at 245 g/m2 it definitely had some weight densely woven in. Due to the weave and design, there was no cush. However, this wrap is not diggy at all with careful wrapping. My 30 pound toddler was quite comfortable in a ruck or robins carry. There was no sag and no stretch, but I did find myself tightening every now and then because the wrap is quite slippery.

For a size 2, Merlin was loooong and wide. It was nearly as long as a size 3 and the widest out of all my wraps at 30 inches. I was even able to squeeze out a kangaroo with my tall boy. I was concerned that it would be too wide for a newborn or smaller baby, but a friend's newborn had no problem snuggling into a new sew ring sling with Merlin.

Merlin width compared to Silver Lining Slings Pipe Dream Shiro and FireSpiral Midwinter

I would recommend this wrap for both beginners and experienced wrappers. It's easy to wrap with and it's dense weaving makes it easy to care for and not pull prone. It's snuggly soft, thin, dense, and wide. We loved it!

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding... such a simple, beautiful thing. It provides babies with everything they need to grow and thrive and even provides benefits the mother as well. However, it seems to be the source of quite a lot of frustration and discrimination.

In most cultures around the world, breastfeeding was something that was completely normal. You just fed your kid. If you weren't able to, the baby was fed from a wet nurse (another lactating female) or with another type of milk (such as goat's). In Western societies, royalty often used wet nurses because breastfeeding was considered "too common". Around the 18th century, as modern medicine began to flourish, breastfeeding awareness was reaching an all time high and the benefits were beginning to be discovered.

Around the time of the "baby boom" following WWII, infant formula grew tremendously popular. This was largely due to aggressive advertising as well as the move of birth and postpartum care from the home to the modern hospital. Formula was advertised as best because it was developed by "modern medicine". Doctors and hospitals were able to develop a uniform schedule that fit nicely into the procedural culture that modern medicine is all about even today. Around the 1950's, it was still a common view that breastfeeding was only something you did if you could not afford formula. In fact, it was quite the norm to believe it to be unpleasant.

After birth rates went back down, breastfeeding began making a comeback. Industrialized countries focused on promoting breastfeeding and people in the 1970's were all about returning to what was natural. Breastfeeding was finally widely encouraged and touted as being the absolute best for baby.

And it really is the best if you are looking at the facts. Breastfeeding benefits both the child and the mother. Breastfeeding....
...boosts IQ
...lowers the chance of SIDS
...is easily digested, leading to more comfortable babies
...boosts baby's immune system
...lowers risk of allergies and asthma
...keeps babies on a more healthy weight gain and growth scale
...changes throughout the day and throughout infancy to adapt to baby's needs. Breastmilk produced for a premature infant is much different than that produced for a toddler.
...encourages skin to skin contact, which has many calming and stabilizing benefits of it's own
...may help protect against certain cancers and diseases like diabetes
...lowers breast cancer risk for mom
......and much more!

Even though breastfeeding and now fully promoted, we face two major issues.

The first is that, despite the positive views on breastfeeding, new mothers often face obstacles that prevent a successful breastfeeding experience. The high rate of c-sections often prevent mother and child from beginning breastfeeding until much later after birth. Immediate post-birth breastfeeding leads to higher success rates than of births that led to a delayed attempt. Another road-block is a lack of access to someone who can help with breastfeeding, especially once at home. Another problem is the the lack of knowledge on lip and tongue ties, which can often make or break the breastfeeding relationship. And sometimes, breastfeeding is discouraged altogether. Doctors and nurses still sometimes will prefer formula because it is more easily measured and controlled. Well meaning relatives often suggest formula if they see the mother struggling, or if they want to feed the baby themselves. But perhaps the largest issue is the fact that many mother's need to return to work after the short 6 weeks that is maternity leave here in the U.S. Pumping is difficult, time consuming, and sometimes subtly discouraged by employers. Breastfeeding is hard and painful, the above roadblocks certainly do nothing to help.

Another major issue is the stigma surrounding breastfeeding. Mother's are told "breast is best", yet when they attempt to breastfeed in public, they are sometimes shamed, asked to leave, or to "feed in the bathroom". It's difficult enough breastfeeding a small infant without having to worry about using a cover or accidentally offending someone. On the flip side, mother's who formula feed can feel guilty for not breastfeeding or have to deal with the comments of others on how "breast is best". And thus, the "breastfeeding vs. formula" war continues. It is okay to choose formula without having to justify the reasons for it. As long as baby is fed and healthy, why should it matter?

For more resources on breastfeeding, check out your local La Leche League chapter. As mother's, we should be encouraging each other, sharing stories, and most importantly, leaving the judgement behind.

Language Development

Dominik has recently started to really explore his vocal cords. He has been "talking" to us for quite a while now and even giggling every now and then. Now, in addition to his baby babble, he will also screech, yell, and make all kinds of interesting noises. I love listening to him and watching his looks of amazement at his own voice. Plus, it is the sweetest voice I've ever heard, even when he is screeching.

This is a great step towards language development for Dominik. He's not only learning how to make loud and soft noises, but initiating the development of tone and sound variation as well as discovering how to make the sounds of different consonants and vowels. The first six months of an infant's development of the language area of the brain is devoted to sorting out the various sounds that they hear around them, imitation is a key part of this. It is during the first three years of life that the child goes through a "sensitive period", meaning they are particularly able to learn language (and even differentiate between different languages). Missing a sensitive period makes it difficult for language to be acquired.

So how to nurture language development? Talk to your baby! I try to tell Dominik about what we are doing at any particular part of the day. For example, during bath time, I tell him about how I am undressing him, counting the buttons, explaining that we are moving to the bathroom, telling him about the warm water, etc. That way, he is not only being exposed to language but also to the meanings behind what I am saying. Simply creating more connections for him.

I also read to Dominik. I feel like lately I've seen a ton of articles about how doctors are recommending that parents read to their babies. I totally agree because it's seriously one of the most beneficial things you can do for your baby's language skills. Mostly, I read simple and short children's books because his attention span is rather short. But the point is that he is being introduced to both spoken and written language (and hopefully gaining a love of books). When we read aloud, the variations and rhythm of our words is slightly different than normal conversation. Reading out loud helps an infant to hear the gentle rhythm of words. Plus if I read something like Dr. Seuss, he can also hear rhyming, more subtle differences between words, and the musical qualities of poetry.

However, I'm not constantly talking his ear off. Babies also need quiet time to let their brains catch up and process what they have experienced. Especially if Dominik is focused on a toy or task, I'll sit quietly and wait for him to absorb what he is doing. Baby's are learning constantly and can be easily overwhelmed. Too much information at once can be too confusing, the result being that none of it is being processed. I know when I am in a new place or situation, it's often hard to notice details or anything other than what is totally necessary.

Happy reading!