Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market? As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today.  Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of useage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

This post will focus on the ERGObaby and Beco Butterfly II only because I am comparing their newborn babywearing capabilities.  The Boba is intended for babies 15 pounds or more.  You can find the other videos and posts on comparing all three carriers by following the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

ERGObaby

The ♥2♥ (Heart2Heart) is an accessory that is sold seperately from the ERGObaby.  It retails for $25.00 or $38.00 (Organic).  If you intend to wear your baby from birth in your Ergo you will have to have this insert to safely wear your them.  (There are ways to roll up blankets and place them under the baby but please be safe whichever method you choose.)

Pros:

Snug and Cozy. This insert is padded, soft, and a cocoon like shape that wraps your baby.

Adjustable. The Heart2Heart can simulate being swaddled for the baby; you can adjust it to completely wrap the baby.  Not shown in the video, you can also leave it open face if you prefer.

Research: The Heart2Heart has been carefully designed to support your baby’s spine in the best way possible.  As long as you are following their directions closely you will have a very safe and developmentally appropriate newborn carrier.

Cons:

Price. The added expense of 25-38 dollars on top of a high dollar carrier is hard to swallow.  You might be able to find a gently used one on a number of sites, or check your local Craigslist.

Warmth. The Heart2Heart is padded so it might make you, and your baby, a little warm.  Babywearing is already a sweaty practice.  In cold weather this is a bonus, but indoors and outdoors in warmer weather it might get toasty.  The most important thing to to make sure you baby isn’t overheated.

Beco Butterfly II

Not me- but a good photo of a baby in the insert in the Beco

The infant harness is always included with the purchase of your brand new Beco Butterfly II.

Pros:

It does the job. The infant harness raises your newborn to a safe height and also keeps them in the carrier.  The crotch is also narrower than if they were in the seat of the carrier.

Price. FREE with purchase.  This saves mamas the conundrum of deciding whether to buy an accessory.  If they want to try their Beco with a newborn they can.  If not, they aren’t out any money.  Beco’s do cost more than Ergo’s when purchased brand new, but the Ergo tips the scale if you buy the carrier and insert brand new.

Slim. Because the insert is not padded in any way it is slimmer in appearance and less bulky to wear than the Heart2Heart.  It would also be less warm for you and the baby.

Cons:

Placement. I really (probably unnecessarily) had trouble getting the insert placed just right.  The velcro is very strong (good thing since it IS holding a baby) but I may have cursed at having to un-stick/re-stick the thing over and over until it was flat and level.  I also always wanted to attach it the opposite way it was meant to go.  Visually, it looked that it should go that way, but then it wouldn’t buckle so I knew it was wrong.  I wish there was a Front/Back designation for dummies like me.

Intimidating. The Beco itself just looks-scary.  There are straps and buckles everywhere.  Brand new moms who are also brand new babywearers have to learn how to use the carrier, and also have to figure out the infant harness.  They might just throw up their hands and give up.  Coming from using an Ergo I even had trouble getting things together.

Commonalities:

Both inserts are meant to be used from birth up to about 4-6 months.  This is completely dependent on your baby and your own comfort.  Once baby has good head control, is large enough that falling out of the carrier through the side is not possible, is tall enough that they are not in danger of suffocation inside of  the carrier, and you feel that they are ready to move up then you can discontinue using the inserts and put them in the carrier directly.  There is no hard and fast number for this.

The only photo of Ev in the newborn insert of the BBII

The ERGObaby and the Beco Butterfly II both instruct you to in some way, shape or form, put the baby somewhere, then place them in the carrier, then put it on.  I always used the couch when I was at home, my lap when out of the house.  When I was out I would often sit in my front passenger seat, take the baby out of the carseat, then so as shown in the video for the Beco.  I didn’t have a Heart2Heart for the Ergo for my newborn so I never used it.  I was able to put the Beco on and place the baby inside while standing (such as in a parking lot) but it never felt as well done as when I did it the long way.  I’m not sure how you could do that with the Heart2Heart.

Since I never used the Heart2Heart it I don’t want to give my judgement on the actual wear of it compared to the infant harness for the Beco. From playing with them both, and as a user of both carriers, I see the positives and negatives of each.

As always it comes down to your preference, your budget, and your baby. I hope the visual side by side comparison helps those on the fence make a decision when not able to visit a store or borrow one.

You can find all of the products mentioned linked below on Amazon.com*

ERGObaby Heart2Heart Infant Insert

ERGObaby Carrier

Beco Butterfly II Carrier

I was sent a Heart2Heart by ERGObaby to faciliate filming this video at my request.  The ERGObaby carrier was purchased by me, as was the Beco Butterfly II.  *I am am affiliate of Amazon.com.  If you order using my links I receive a small percentage, so thank you!

When shopping for anything, including cloth diapers, I am always looking for the best possible deal.  Whether that be finding a coupon code, Free Shipping, or an every day low price.

Many stores offer Free Shipping on cloth diapers or you can get Free Shipping after spending a certain amount.  This is the most current list of cloth diaper stores offering Free Shipping.  If you know of any I have missed please add them in the comments!

Totally Free Shipping-no Minimun Order- for DDL Readers with a Coupon Code- US Only

Modern Cloth- Use Code DDLShipItFree

Sandbox Lane- Use Code DDLfreeship (all 50 states)

Basic Baby- Use Code DDLFree

Totally Free Shipping- No Minimum Order- US Only✴

Abby’s Lane**

Chic-Cheeks

Cottonbabies**

Cloth Nook

Dainty Baby

Diaper Junction* **

Diaper Safari

Fuzzibunz Store

Fuzzibunz Online

Green Bean Babies

Greenie Beanie Bottoms

Hiney Lineys** (Brand Specific- not a retail store)

Jack Be Natural

Ju-Ju Monkey

Lil’ Tulips

Little Green Pumpkin

Marshmellow Legs

Minnehaha Diaper Co.

My Livy Lou

MomBecks

My Baby Pumpkin**

Orange Diaper Co** (Brand specific-not a retail store)

Sew Crafty Baby

Sew is Your Baby

SweetBottoms Baby Boutique*

The Green Pampered Baby

Top to Bottom Baby

Weedle Weedle

Wee Little Changes

Planet Bambini (US and Canada)

Snaps and Snails (US and Canada)

Tiny Birds Organics (US and Canada)

Canada Only

One Posh Baby (Canada)

Worthwhile Mentions:

Amazon sells cloth diapers (among millions of other things) and has a program for Free Shipping on all orders.

Amazon Mom Program Sign Up*

These stores usually offer Free Shipping Discounts frequently, or other money saving coupons on a regular basis.  To get in on the deals you should sign up for their Newsletters or “Like” them on Facebook!

Kelly’s Closet* ** (Free Shipping over 49$.  I personally shop here fairly often.  They offer frequent codes for FREE DIAPERS!)

Fluff Envy* (Free Shipping over 35$.  Cute Diaper of the Month Program, plus they sell gently used diapers.)

Mom’s Milk Boutique* ** (Free Shipping over 25$.  30 Day Returns on Baby Carriers)

Green Mountain Diapers** (Flat rate Shipping 6.95 and VERY FAST SHIPPING)

*Asterick denotes affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through this link I will receive a small percentage.  Just another way to help support DDL!  **Double Asterick Denotes a DDL fav.  I have personally shopped at these stores and found the shipping time fast, customer service excellent, and a great product selection. ✴US Only mostly refers to the 48 continental states, however some in the list do include Alaska and Hawaii and/or APO addresses.

Please note that this list was compiled on August 23, 2011.  Certain stores may change their shipping policy without my knowledge.  If you do encounter an incorrect listing/policy change that is listed as Free Shipping or if you would like your store to be added to list email dirtydiaperlaundry(at)gmail(dot)com.

Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market? As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today.  Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of useage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

This post will focus on each carrier’s version of a Back Carry.  Wearing your baby or toddler on your back is easily the best way to keep them close and safe while accomplishing tasks around the house, tending to your other children, or while enjoying outdoor activities.

ERGOBaby-

ERGO in action

There are various ways to put a baby on your back using the ERGO.  The safest and easiest would be to have another person that yout trust place your baby on your back and help you secure the carrier buckles.  We all know that most of the time this isn’t an option.  Here are a few other ways:

The Superman Toss- After placing the ERGO around your waist and fastening the buckle, keep the ERGO facing backwards and let the back panel hang down.  I like to check my straps to make sure I have them untwisted and get a feel for which way I will be sticking my arms in since it is easy to do it the wrong way.  Have a happy baby either laying down, sitting, or standing nearby.  (This is only for babies with great head control and strength).  Cross your arms in front on you and grab the baby under their arm pits, then swing them over your head and onto your back while you are bent over.  ALWAYS keep a hand on the baby, preferably under their rear ends or behind their back.  Place one arm at a time in the straps and double check that the back panel is high enough on their backs.  Buckle chest strap and make appropraite adjustments.

Couch Corner placement- This method is best for non mobile (with head control) babies.  Using a couch or chair lay your ERGO down into the corner with the front facing the couch.  Lay your baby into the carrier in such a way that their legs are in the appropriate position when you are wearing them.  Back onto the couch and on top of them (without smothering them of course) then buckle the waist belt around yourself.  Next reach behind you and grab your straps and put them on.  As long as your baby holds relatively still this can be done but it is harder than the Superman Toss in my opinion.

Hip Scoot- This is my least favorite way to put a baby on my back in the ERGO but I know others who prefer it.  Buckle your ERGO around your waist and have the panel in front of you.  Place your baby in the carrier just as you would for a Front Carry but don’t buckle the strap on your back.  Scooch the baby around to your side, then move your arms and bend forward to scoot the baby to your back, all the while keeping one hand on them at all times.  (This move is far easier in the Beco due to the internal harness)

Beco on Daddy

Beco Butterfly II:

Laying down/ Couch Corner- Thanks to the internal harness of the Beco almost anyone can do a back carry.  One way would be laying the Beco down on a bed or soft floor and placing the baby into the internal harness.  Clip the buckles of the panel to the internal structure, then lean backwards and very close to the baby and carrier.  Buckle the waist belt first, then put your arms in the straps.  Lift from the surface slowly being aware of your baby’s position and well being.  Clip your chest strap and tighten as needed.  Can be done similary to the Couch Corner method as well.

Hip Scoot- The Hip Scoot maneuver is easier since the baby is attached to the carrier while you are moving it around your body.  Put your baby inside the Beco making sure to utilize the internal harness properly (see video).  Take your arms back out of the straps (if you put them in) and then slowly scoot the baby around your body, under your arms, and to your back being sure to bend over once the baby is on your back.  Put your arms back through the straps and secure your chest clip, then make any tightening or adjustments as needed.

Fletcher in the 1g Boba

Boba:

Superman Toss- I use this pretty much exclusively when I am wearing my son in the Boba.  The Boba is designed for babies 1 year and older so you may find that the child you intend to wear in the Boba will be cooperative and assist by holding onto you.  This doesn’t mean you should trust them, but it will make things easier.  Have your toddler stand up or sit facing you and cross your arms in front of you.  Put your hands under their arm pits and lift them over your head then twist them around and place them onto your back.  Keeping a hand on their bottom, reach behind you and pull each side of the strap up onto your arms and the back panel high over their backs.  I have mistakenly not checked the back panel and then noticed that it wasn’t as high as it should be (and thus not as safe since the child could lean backwards).  Once they are secure and straps are on, buckle the chest clip.  You can also then place the child’s feet into the straps on your waist belt if their legs are hanging down low.

If you aren’t comfortable with this toss you can kneel down and ask your (older) toddler to clib onto your back, or have them sit on a safe place like your sofa then allow them to climb on.  If the child is too young for this try the couch corner idea as described for the ERGO.

Hip Scoot- Boba recommends a modifed Hip Scoot where you place 1 set of straps on yourself (left shoulder for most people) and place the baby on your hip, the reach in between the carrier and your body to grab the baby’s foot and hold from one side while scooting them into the carrier.  I am not very good at this particulat method however it is perfectly safe and many will find it easier than tossing.  Boba has a great video demo.

Which is best for Back Carries?

Each carrier has strengths (and weaknesses) in different areas.  To say one carrier is superior to others wouldn’t be true; they are all good carriers.  It will truly depend on more variables than can be written but I am going to tell you how I prefer to use these carriers and when.

ERGO- For back carries I like the ERGO for babies from about 6-8 months and up.  I use the Superman Toss pretty much exclusively unless my husband is around to put the baby in the carrier.  The Sleep Hood stays attached to the ERGO so I don’t run into the issue of forgetting to bring it or attach; if my son falls asleep it is always within reach.

Beco- I used the Beco for back carries more when I first started back carries and wasn’t comfortable tossing.  It gave me a way to wear him on my back that was easy and safe for a newbie.  It still takes practice but it is fairly straight forward.  I don’t like it for front carries to it only gets used on my back.

Boba- When my second son gets big enough the Boba will be my go-to carrier for my back.  It is my go-to for my 2.5 year old since the back is higher and the seat is wider.  As with the ERGO, it gets used with the Superman Toss.  The foot straps are very handy once the child is taller; it keeps their legs from dangling and keeps them in a comfortable seated position.

I’m sure there are numerous other methods of putting a baby on your back but there are the ones I have personally tried.  If you have a favorite method leave it in the comments!

Don’t forget to view the How to Breastfeed in the ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, and Boba video/post and the other installments in the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

If you are looking for an ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, or Boba they can all be found at my affiliate- Granola Babies! Shop at Granola Babies & use code NEW4147 for $7 off $75 first time order.

The silver lining to an otherwise gloomy day came to me at a SuperCuts. I know, I’m as surprised as you are about that one. I don’t dare get my hair cut in any mass chain cuttery with the actual name “Cut” in it, but I will take my son there to get a “3″ in the back and a “5″ on top.

The young lady who was cutting my son’s hair was beautiful, youthful, and personable.  She immediately thought to ask if she could offer the reward of a “l-o-l-l-i” which I appreciated.  Generally, I decline but since she secretly asked and my son needed some coaxing I reluctantly agreed.

With the promise of a lollipop, color of his choice, and an iPhone in hand to keep him still for the 10 minute clipper session, my son was ready for a trim.

The stylist and I, I’ll call her Beth, started talking.  I commented at how great she was with my son.  She went on to tell me how she came from a family with 5 brothers and sisters.  She then told me that I reminded her of her own mother; young, with a child strapped to my person (I wore Everett in the Ergo on front and walked Fletcher in), and seemingly had it all together.

Then she asked my age, to which I responded “26.”

“How old were you when you had your first baby?”

“I was 23.”

She told me that is the age she wants to start her family, and she is just shy of 23.

Because she noticed my carrier she actually asked if I used cloth diapers. When the subject of cloth diapers comes up in real life I have to gauge the other person’s interest level.  Do I bombard them with information and tell them what I do for work?  Or do I just state that I do indeed use cloth diapers?

Since she seemed really interested I went with the first option.  She asked about my favorite brands, and a few questions related to reviewing diapers for a living.  Then we got to the good stuff: Homebirth.

The topic arose organically, we went from cloth diapers, to breastfeeding to homebirth.  To my surprise, she was interested in pursuing a homebirth.  She is still a little naive about it though, considering when I told her about my son being born at home she asked “Without any pain meds?!” in a surprised voice.

Maybe I am stereotyping, but never in a million years would I have pegged this young lady for a potential homebirther. Then again, I don’t consider myself in the “homebirth image” if there was such a thing.  To the general public I assume a homebirther would have hairy legs, wear birkies, have a head scarf, and live in a Yurt.  See the SNL Skit:

Beth was stylish, well accessorized, tan, an unnatural blonde, and so young!

I immediately told Beth that she should watch Business of Being Born, the documentary on the state of our Maternal Healthcare System in the US by Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein.

Get this: she has already seen it!  And that video is what inspired her to consider homebirth.

“I already know how doctors are in a rush to get things done and I see how that could mess things up.” she said.

I almost leapt out of my shoes!  A young woman, not yet pregnant, has already seen The Business of Being Born and it impacted her enough to think critically about her future birth.

I gave her a brief description of how easy and amazing my own homebirth (Everett- 10-20-2010) was compared to my first son’s birth.  Then I told her she had to read Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth.  The film and  the book are the things I suggest to anyone thinking of giving birth at home.

Business of Being Born really shows you WHY so many women end up having C-Sections and unplanned interventions. It fit my first birth to a T.  Uncessecary Induction—>Constant Fetal Monitoring—–>Laboring in the Bed—–>Stronger Than Normal Contractions from Pitocin—->Epidural—–>Total loss of control and misery——->Crummy Birth Experience.    I got a healthy baby out of it (although I believe he was induced too early- more on what my overdue baby taught me about my first induction) and I love my son, but it shouldn’t have been that way.  I should have advocated for myself.  I believed, as most people do, that the doctor and hospital staff had my best interest at heart.  Maybe, but only if it fit into their schedule and their ideals of when a baby should appear.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth is my Bible for natural childbirth. One doesn’t have to have a homebirth to benefit from the lessons inside.  No truer words have ever been spoken about any topic than when Ina May eloquently explains “Sphincter Law.”  Ever try to shit with someone watching you?  Didn’t work out so well?  Try the same effort (pushing) with 5 unfamiliar faces watching your crotch under a harsh light.  Or, conversely, try having a BM in your own peaceful bathroom, alone, in normal conditions.  Doesn’t giving birth on your turf, in your home, make sense?  I’ve already professed my love for this book, you can read more if you want.

I’d like to think my chance encounter with Beth, and my positive homebirth experience, has only solidified her desire to look further into homebirth (and cloth diapers!).  Even though she is only 4 years younger than me, she is in the next group of women in line to give birth.  As with all things, the ripple effect of her deciding to homebirth will reach others.  Her friends, her family, her own children.

I was one of  the lucky ones. My labor resulted in a vaginal delivery.  For that I am so grateful.  This isn’t always the case, clearly, because the C-Section rate in the US is 32.9%. {The Unneccesarean}

I want the Beths of the world to know the facts.  Understand their rights, not just as a woman, but as a person.

Even if Beth decides to give birth at a hospital, with an OB or Midwife, she should ask questions. “Why do you say I HAVE to have the baby by 39 weeks?  Why do I need this test?  Do I have to have a cervical dilation check?  Can I walk around during labor?”  Not every OB is bad, and not every Midwife is good.  A woman can have a good birth experience at a birth center, even a hospital, if she asks the right questions and finds the right care provider.  More importantly, her partner has to advocate for her against any outside pressures.

My mistake was the same one that every other mother makes.  I trusted a broken system.

I want to run into a million more Beths and talk about homebirth and cloth diapers and breastfeeding.  Not in a pushy way, or a “holier than though” way, but just a way.  They say knowledge is power right?  Since schools and universities don’t teach “How to Have a Baby 101″ the conversation is up to those of us who know.  Unfortunately for many of us, we learned the hard way.

So next time a subject you are passionate about presents itself in a SuperCuts, go for it.  You may just make a huge difference in someone’s life, or look like a crazy.  Take that risk, option B won’t kill you if it happens.

How many people have you had the chance to chat with about your chosen passion subject(s)?  Do you think you made an impact?  How do you handle not coming off as a zealot while hoping to make a difference/ educate?

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Trying to choose between the three most popular and well known brands of Soft Structure Carriers (also known as Buckle Carriers) on the market?  As I see it, the ERGOBaby, the Beco Butterfly II, and the Boba are the most compared and inquired about SSC’s on the market today. Since I have used all three with both of my children I have decided to film videos comparing each carrier in different aspects of usage.  The videos will be a visual reference for my written comparisons.

A Soft Structure Carrier is easier to use than Wrap, Mei Tei’s, and Ring Slings in most ways.  Even though they take practice the learning curve is lower.

You can nurse any age baby in the three carriers in the video (Boba weight limit is 15 lbs +) but the adjustments will vary based on the height of your baby and your own build.  Those with larger busts or taller babies might need to loosen their waist belt and push it lower so that the baby can reach the breast.  At times I need to do this with the Boba.

My tips for successful and easy breastfeeding in a SSC.

1. Find the right SSC. Out of the three carriers I use my ERGObaby and Boba the most for front carries.  If I know I will be nursing I definitely skip my Beco.  The ERGO works great for infants up.  You can purchase the infant insert to wear your baby from day one in the ERGO.  The Boba is built for larger babies over 15 pounds or above a year.  Ev can still be nursed in the Boba but he sits low since the back panel is higher than the Ergo.
2. Ensure your straps are adjusted properly. I have found the perfect balace on my SSC’s with my back strap, position and tightness of my waist belt, and arm straps.  With a front carry you have to be able to reach your back clip (unless you clip ahead of time and do the one arm on, squeeze in method.)  You ca tighten the back once you have the baby inside the carrier also.  Incorrect adjustments will be an uncomfortable experience for you and nobody wants that!
3. Getting  instructions and hands on help from another- more experienced- babywearing mama can really speed up the learning curve for any carrier hold and/or trick.  Find a Babywearing International or other trustworthy group to join.  Not only will you enjoy the meetings and learn a lot, you will probably be with your “tribe.”
4. Dress for Success(ful Boob Access).  Breastfeeding in a SSC or any other carrier is far easier when you can pull up and out of your top.  Pulling a shirt up while wearing your baby in a ring sling is not only hard to do but it can be less than flattering to show your stomach openly.  Usually the carrier squishes things down in all the wrong places.  Deep V necks, stretchy tank tops, button-up shirts, nursing tanks, shirts designed for nursing with a lift up or slit opening, anything that can be undone or give access to one boob from the top is perfect.  If you are worried about showing too much remember that the straps cover most of what can be seen. More ideas for dressing to nurse in public in my “How to Nurse in Public” post.
5. Practice makes perfect. Trying this at a crowded fair for the first time isn’t going to work well.  You will be nervous, you may be clumsy, and your baby will be hungry and impatient.  If that hungry baby starts crying they might be harder to latch when you do get them into position.  Try nursing in your SSC in your home and when the baby isn’t hungry yet (and in a good mood).

I have nursed both of my children in the ERGO and Boba (only a few times in the Beco) out in public in about as many places as I have visited.  On Paddle Boats, Subways, Museums, Fairs, Malls, Outdoor Walks, and so on.  I can guarantee you the general public had no clue that I was nursing my baby.  Even though I find it easier to nurse in a ring sling when making adjustments, once I did it a few (billion) times in my SSC I became just as fast when making adjustments.  When I first started it took a while.  Another point to make is that that straps do get more pliable over time so that does affect how well the buckle slides and affects how easy it is to adjust.

I’ll be continuing this series of ERGObaby/ BBII/ Boba videos in the coming weeks.  You can view all of the posts and videos in the series by following the ERGObaby/BBII/Boba Series.

If you are looking for an ERGObaby, Beco Butterfly II, or Boba they can all be found at my affiliate- Granola Babies! Shop at Granola Babies & use code NEW4147 for $7 off $75 first time order.

Please share your own experience with nursing in your SSC (even if it isn’t an ERGO/BBII/Boba) and the fun places you have nursed at!

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Nursing Newborn Ev in an Elevator while Pushing a Stroller. Win.

One of the most valuable tools in my parenting tool belt is nursing while babywearing. I wasn’t always an expert but once I mastered the skill it became essential to me as a parent.  With my second baby it became even more important; I am able to nurse and comfort my youngest while holding the hand and walking with my oldest.  There have been many situations since having my second baby where I wondered “What would I do without this skill?”

This video will show you how to put on your ring sling, double check that it is threaded correctly (CRUCIAL to using a ring sling and making the proper adjustments for breastfeeding), put baby in the sling, tighten, then loosen, latch the baby, and re-tighten the carrier to a safe setting.

My tips for successful and easy breastfeeding in a Ring Sling.

1. Find the right sling. In my case that would be a quality linen ring sling.  Thicker linen slings like the Maya Wrap are supportive and easy to adjust.  My Sakura Bloom Pure Linen Sling is lightweight and the linen glides through the rings like butter.  If your sling is hard to adjust  then mastering breastfeeding on the go will prove near impossible.
2. Ensure your sling is threaded properly. This one is a biggie. I THOUGHT I was using my ring sling correctly but the threading would always get a little screwy.  I shurgged it off and still used it that way.  Yes, it totally worked but adjusting the sling took longer.  Longer adjustments= cranky and impatient baby.  It can really put you off to ring slings.  I watched a million videos and followed the directions that came with a sling to re-thread..  Only after seeing a real live person swiftly thread a sling (and make it look like it was second nature) did the lightbulb go off.
3. Speaking of “Real People,” getting instructions and hands on help from another- more experienced- babywearing mama can really speed up the learning curve for any carrier hold and/or trick.  Find a Babywearing International or other trustworthy group to join.  Not only will you enjoy the meetings and learn a lot, you will probably be with your “tribe.”
4. Dress for Success(ful Boob Access).  Breastfeeding in a ring sling or any other carrier is far easier when you can pull up and out of your top.  Pulling a shirt up while wearing your baby in a ring sling is not only hard to do but it can be less than flattering to show your stomach openly.  Usually the carrier squishes things down in all the wrong places.  Deep V necks, stretchy tank tops, button-up shirts, nursing tanks, shirts designed for nursing with a lift up or slit opening, anything that can be undone or give access to one boob from the top is perfect.  If you are worried about showing too much you can add a scarf ot use the ring sling tail to cover up.  More ideas for dressing to nurse in public in my “How to Nurse in Public” post.
5. Practice makes perfect. Trying this at a crowded fair for the first time isn’t going to work well.  You will be nervous, you may be clumsy, and your baby will be hungry and impatient.  If that hungry baby starts crying they might be harder to latch when you do get them into position.  Try nursing in your ring sling in your home and when the baby isn’t hungry yet (and in a good mood).

Once you have this skill mastered you will wonder how on Earth you ever lived without it. I especially loved nursing in a ring sling in the early days when Everett was a newborn up until he was 4-5 months old.  We do still use it but we have moved to our Ergo for our longer trips. You can also breastfeed in the Ergo.

The sling shown in the video is a Sakura Bloom Pure Linen {in Wheat} and the most affordable in their line.  Link is an affiliate link.

Making the decision to go to a blogging conference seemed like a no-brainer but it was hard. I have two babies who need me. Initially I was going to make it a family affair but since BlogHer is in San Diego this year I was worried about the time change and the short stay so they boys are staying home with their Dad.

Other than my children my next concern was the expense.  Travel, hotel, ticket, miscellaneous expenses- these all add up! I decided to seek sponsors to offset the cost.

My goal was to work with companies that I already knew and loved.  I don’t do “sponsored” posts (posts where I’m paid to write about a topic) because I do value the mission of this blog and the trust that you have in my voice.  While I do accept items to review and have participated in a few cloth diaper related blog parties that were compensated with- you guessed it- cloth diapers, that is the extent.  My monetary income is derived from my amazing advertisers and my affiliate sales. That is it.

I emailed my top picks for brands that I loved.  I was escatic to hear that they wanted to work with me as well. So who do you think I’m representing at BlogHer?!

-And-

Boba- My Favorite Soft Structure Carrier for toddlers and Swaddlebees- makers of my new favorite sized side snapping diaper!

I would never represent a brand or company I wouldn’t recommend to my best friend.  And considering how often I have told people about the Boba, and am already telling people about the new Simplex, this is a natural fit.

So what does this mean exactly?

Boba and Swaddlebees are helping with the cost of my trip (they are not covering the entire cost so unless I find another sponsor this will be out of pocket *hint *hint) and in return they are getting advertising space on my blog.  I’ll also be sharing some of their promotions or news on my blog, Fanpage, or Twitter.  Any posts about them will have a disclosure since it would be considered a “sponsored” post however I would never post something that I don’t feel is worthy of being shared.  I have other exciting ways to promote their brand in store as well.

I can’t even say enough good things about these products. I love my Boba for Fletcher these days.  He thoroughly enjoys riding on my back and especially enjoys being tossed onto my back using the Superman Toss.  The Simplex is one of the first diapers I grab and it makes a fab trainer for Fletcher too!  Plus. they are wicked trim!

Thank you Boba and Swaddlebees for helping send me to BlogHer!  You rock!

What about you guys?  Are you going to Blogher?  If you are and you consider yourself a Green or Cloth Diapering Mama join the Facebook Page. This will be a great place to connect before the big event.  I know I will want to feel like I “know” people there!

Twitter has changed my life in so many ways for the better.  I can’t tell you how many amazing women I have met by being involved with the many interests in my life.  #breastfeeding or #bfing folks on Twitter have also played a huge role in my nursing experience.  When I was lamenting about finding a good fitting nursing bra Judy, owner of A Mother’s Boutique and Nursing Bra Expert, chimed in to help.  She wasn’t out to “sell” me on anything, or even her store.  I could tell that more than anything she wanted me to find the bra that worked for me.  She offered her opinion on a few, and based on her recommendations I chose a brand to try.  Ever since I have always suggested her store to my friends and have shopped there myself.  She really knows her stuff and she carries a huge selection of nursing bras.  In fact, she has the best selection of bras for the “bustier” crowd than any other store I have come across.

She is a cheerleader too! Judy loves breastfeeding and watching mothers hit milestones with their babies.  She nursed her own son for quite a while.

When Judy wrote to me and asked if I would be interested in hosting a “Virtual” Bra Fitting on my blog I didn’t hesitate.  ”YES!”  I was wearing the wrong size before I was virtually fitted, and I can bet that most of you are as well.

At A Mother’s Boutique you can find a few DDL favorites. Pumping mamas can find the Pumpease, an amazing bra that lets you pump hands free.  Ginni reviewed this bra for us and said it changed her life!  I wear a Glamourmom tank and love the easy, one handed access and the excellent support it provides.  Bamboobies are another fav here; they provide nursing mothers with super soft bamboo reusable breast pads backed with a waterproof layer to keep those letdowns from showing on your top!  And before writing this I had no idea they carry one of my favorite ring sling brands, Maya Wrap! I lurve my Maya Sling and it is very affordable too!

Here is what is being given away, and I hope you are as excited as I am!

Winner #1 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $55 value)
Winner #2 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $30 value)
Winner #3 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $25 value)
Winner #4 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $15 value)
Winner #5 will get a free nursing bra (up to a $15 value)

Judy will help each winner be fitted and I guarantee she will help you find the right size!  She is the booby whisperer!  A Mother’s Boutique has a gazzilion nursing bra brands, ranging from Fully Supportive to Sexy!  Yeah, you heard correctly, there ARE sexy nursing bras you just have to know where to look!

So let A Mother’s Boutique help you find the perfect nursing bra!

I am simplifying all of my giveaways for this week.

Mandatory Entry:

(1 Entry) Visit A Mother’s Boutique and browse the extensive selection of nursing apparel, bras, and other goodies for lactating mamas!  Come back and tell me which nursing bra you would choose if you won!  Leave an email for me to reach you or sign in to leave your comment.

Not Mandatory, but encouraged entry

(1 Entry) We would also love for you to “like” A Mother’s Boutique on Facebook and say “Hi!” on the wall!  Their Facebook page is a wonderful place to be.  Amy, a CLC, and Judy, the Booby Whisperer, are there to help with your breastfeeding and nursingwear questions.

Extra Entries:

(1 Entry) Do any of these: Follow @KimRosas on Twitter, follow @MommyNews on Twitter, “Like” Dirty Diaper Laundry on Facebook.   Let me know that you did.  You can only do one, or do all.  Tell me which one(s) you did as well.

(1 Entry) Do any of these: Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter, Subscribe to Mommy News Blog by email, Subscribe to my blog by email, subscribe to the A Mother’s Boutique newsletter.  Let me know you did at least one, but hopefully you will choose a few more ways to show you care!  Leave it as a comment.

(1 Entry) Tweet about this giveaway and reply to @KimRosas and @MommyNews and link it. You can tweet one time a day until the contest ends.

The fine print: Open to US and Canadian Residents.  If you have won something from A Mother’s Boutique in the last 6 months you are not eligible, sorry!  I use “and the winner is…” to randomly draw winners.  Giveaway is open until April 30.  Prizes will be drawn and given in order: First draw gets prize #1, second #2, etc.  I am an affiliate of A Mother’s Boutique and some links provided are affiliates.