In typical Utah style we went from abnormal highs in the 70s and low 80s to snow almost overnight. The change in the weather had us whipping out the winter clothing: gloves, hats, snow jackets and boots. But what do you whip out this winter if you’re big into babywearing? Try bundling up with baby using the Peekaru Original—think of it as winterizing your baby carrier.

The Peekaru Original is a soft, stretchy fleece vest that zips over your current soft baby carrier (Baby Bjorn, Hotslings, Ergos, Mei Tais and wraps). It has a zippered neck, an opening for baby’s head, pocket, drawstring to ensure a snug fit and a side zipper so you can easily put it on or take it off. It can be worn over less bulky clothing or under your winter coat, and you can even wear it on your back. Talk about options!

Each Peekaru Original is made from 85% recycled high-quality Polartec fleece and saves approximately 25 plastic bottles from reaching our landfills. Nothing like helping the environment for feeling warm from the inside out! Available in different sizes and colors, you can bundle up baby in his own Peekaru Original for around $80 from Amazon.com. - Emily H.

Baby carriers are wonderful for so many reasons. For one thing, they help new babies to bond with their parents. Studies show that babies worn regularly actually cry less, whether in or out of the carrier, than their non-worn counterparts. On the other hand, carriers can help parents keep their sanity because they can actually get things done.

With all of these reasons (and many more) to purchase baby carriers, the market has exploded in recent years. When starting to look into carriers, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the choices of styles and prices available out there. Plus, everyone seems to have an opinion as to what style and brand are best. I think the key is to keep a few simple questions in mind as you research so that you can find the best carrier for your family.

In what types of situations will you be using your carrier? Of all of the considerations, I think this is the biggest. Are you only planning to use your carrier on special occasions (trips to baseball games, vacations, etc.), or are you planning on using it on a daily basis? Will you try babywearing right away with your newborn, or is it something that you plan to try down the road? The type of carrier you want (and probably the price you are willing to pay) will depend greatly on how you answer these questions.

Is babywearing something to which you are committed, or are you just trying it out? Again, I think the type of carrier you try and the price range you consider should reflect your interest in babywearing.

How long do you want your baby to be able to use your carrier? Most baby carriers these days make the claim that they work well for infants through toddlers (some carriers up to 40 pounds!), but there are carriers that are clearly better for some ages and stages than others. Do you want one, all-encompassing carrier, or will you be willing to change styles (and make a second purchase) as your child gets older?

What is your tolerance for a learning curve with a baby carrier? Some carriers, such as fitted slings, are easy to learn - you simply hang the circle of fabric on your shoulder, slip the baby in, and go. Other carriers, such as wraps that are really long pieces of fabric that your wrap around your body, have a much higher learning curve. Be realistic with yourself and how much work you are willing to do to get your carrier to work. Purchasing a carrier won’t do you any good if you aren’t ever up to putting it on.

Want to find out more about baby carriers? There are tons of great resources out there! Right here on Polliwogged, there have been reviews of some great carriers. Another great site is The Babywearer, where you can compare different styles of carriers, read reviews, and post questions on forums.

Do you have additional questions, or other considerations that parents should make when deciding on a carrier? Please post them here!
- Sara I.

I’ve given birth four times and just about every time I was ready to be physically active well before the six-week doctor’s visit. The gym was out because my little one knew the minute Mom (i.e. her sole source of food) left the house. I tried working out at home but chose sleep over sweat when my little one napped, and my kickboxing skills failed to entertain her while she was awake. If only I had known about Lullaby Exercises from chicks-n-chickens I might have fit into those pre-pregnancy jeans a little sooner while soothing my latest addition to sleep.

Touted as "a fabulous new fix for fussy babies and 'I want my pre-baby jeans back' mommies," Lullaby Exercises features a series of fun, easy-to-learn movements (dancing, swaying, stretching and relaxing) you perform while holding your baby in your arms or in a baby carrier. The 35-minute DVD starts with a high-energy "groove" set and then a slower "sleep" set to help your little one fall asleep. Chicks-n-chickens' Lullaby Exercises looks like a great way for a new mom to feel good physically while spending quality time with her new baby… and if it puts baby to sleep in the process, all the more reason to work out! You can buy Lullaby Exercises online from chicks-n-chickens for around $40. - Emily H.

If you’ve considered a sling-style or wrap-style baby carrier but are hesitant about purchasing one because of all the work (i.e. wrapping) involved, here's a great option for you: The Baby K'tan baby carrier is an unusual sling-style carrier that allows you to carry your baby in eight different positions, with no wrapping required!

Made from 100% breathable cotton with cross stretch soft knit fabric, Baby K'tan carriers have no buckles, rings, snaps, clasps, bulky padding, or metal or plastic parts. (I like the idea of a ring-free sling; I'm always a little wary of possible slipping and sliding when baby's in tow.) The unique figure-eight design has a sliding lumbar band that offers support for back and shoulders.

This same double-loop design not only holds baby more securely than traditional slings and distributes the weight to both shoulders but also allows you to carry twins (up to 10 pounds each). Baby K'tan carriers are also breathable, machine washable and dryer safe - important features when it comes to babywearing!

The Baby K’tan can carry babies and toddlers from preemie to 42 pounds and is recommended by chiropractors, physical and occupational therapists, and lactation specialists. You can purchase your own multi-positional Baby K’tan baby carrier from Amazon.com for around $60. - Emily H.

The favorite baby carrier of many parents, the BabyBjorn, is on sale at Amazon up to 32% off (totaling $58) depending on the color. Babies like to be worn and the BabyBjorn will carry your baby from newborn to 22lbs. Babies can be worn facing toward the parent or facing outwards and has latches in convenient positions so that a sleeping baby can be moved from carrier to bed without being disturbed.

I was recently turned on to a great website that carries a variety of cloth diapers, Sew Crafty Baby. Their everyday prices are super reasonable, they have a good selection, carry some seconds and, best of all, shipping is free on ALL orders. No minimums. To the USA and Canada!



Amazon also has several accessory pieces of the Summer Infant Nature's Purest Sleep Safari line on sale, anywhere from 8-12% off. - Jenn