Summer is upon us here in Boston, and this heat and humidity can make wearing your child a little more challenging. 

Sometimes, babywearing is not the best choice if it means overheating you and your baby. A stroller can be a great alternative when it is just too hot---if you're somewhere stroller-accessible! If you are out and about and need or prefer to wear your baby despite the heat, try some of these:

Summer Babywearing Tips to keep cool!

•  In the heat of the summer months, try putting on your carrier in the car before getting out in the hot sun and leaving the comfort of your air conditioning. 
  

• Dress yourself and your child in light-weight clothing.
• Avoid lots of skin-to-skin contact – a thin layer of clothing in between will keep you both drier and cooler. 
  
• Choose your carrier for the weather: ring slings and mei tais are generally good choices, since they have minimal fabric, and many SSC manufacturers have carriers with mesh or breathable fabric panels to let some of the heat out. 
  
• Try a gauze wrap or a regular woven instead of a stretchy wrap (Moby). Woven wraps are very breathable, and gauze is even more light-weight. Keep in mind that gauze may not be as supportive due to the thinness of the fabric.
  
• Natural fibers, especially linen, tend to be coolest. Cotton is the next best choice.
  
• Avoid heavily padded carriers. Though they're a great choice for wearing a heavy child, the extra padding and fabric may be too warm.
  
• You can get additional sun protection from fabric that has built in SPF, such as Solarveil®* and solarweave (SPF protection varies by fabric). These, along with mesh, are breathable materials that are light-weight and great for water.
  
• If you are really hot, consider wrapping a soft ice pack in a towel and placing it between you and your child, or misting yourself and baby with water.
  
• Remember to put sunscreen on yourself and your child if you are going to be in the sun. While it won’t keep you cooler, it will protect against harmful UV rays.
  
• Wear a large hat that will protect you and your child from the sun and consider dressing your child in Babylegs with UV protection. 
  

*Please note that Solarveil® is actually no longer produced (manufacturers found it too expensive), though it can still be found in older or used carriers. The best place to look would be an online "For Sale Or Trade" or swap board. While a great Summer option, please be aware that it can be a scratchy material.

We have there separate Lending Libraries.  Here is a break down of summer friendly carriers you can find at each meeting. (List subject to change due to carrier acquisitions and shuffles)

Wednesday Meetings

• Sakura Bloom Linen Ring Sling
• Wrapsody WrapDuO (water wrap)
• Wrapsody Bali Breeze
• Calin Bleu Guaze Wrap
• Ella Roo Wrap
• Ergo Performance
• Onya Baby Outback
• Boba Air
• Mei Tai
• Kinderpack with Comfort Mesh

Jamaica Plain Meetings

• Calin Bleu Gauze Wrap
• Wrapsody WrapDuO (water wrap)
• Wrapsody Bali Breeze
• Mei Tai
• Ergo Performance
• Ring Sings

Weekend/Weeknight Meetings

• Wrapsody WrapDuO (water wrap)
• Sleeping Baby Production Linen Ring Sling
• Wrapsody Bali Breeze
• Calin Blue Gauze Wrap
• Boba Air
• Mei Tais
• Kinderpack with Comfort Mesh

Name: Catbird Baby Pikkolo

Library: Weekday and Weekend

Type: Soft Structured Carrier

Color: Georgia (Weekday), Black (Weekend)

Reviewer: Stephanie

Retail Price: $129

This SSC is a little bit different than most. 

• The waist is not padded and is worn apron style like a Mei Tai
  
• It crosses diagonal on your back
  
• It has an adjustable waist
  
• A separate Support Belt ($25) is sold for children 20+lbs, which essentially allows you to add a padded waist band.  (We do not have one in the lending library)
  
• The adjustable waist allows you to wear the carrier Front Facing Out.
  

The adjustable waist is found mostly on Mei Tais, as they are excellent for newborns. This is the first I have seen on a Soft Structured Carrier.  It has one buckle, on the side near the waist.  You must adjust it prior to putting it on.  This also allows the carrier to be worn Front Facing Out.  You would cinch it just enough to accommodate baby facing out.  This does allow you to keep it wider than other FFO carriers.  I tried it with my 1 year old who is in the 25 pound range.  There was a noticeable difference in comfort for FFO vs Front Facing In, but it was doable for short periods of time.  The manufacturer also states it is good for 8-40 lbs, so the adjustable waist would also allow for a newborn without an insert.

This carrier is put on apron style meaning the entire front of the carrier is flat against you like an apron vs having the waist band fold over.  This allows a pouch of sorts to be made for the seat.  There is no padding on the waist band but Catbird Baby does sell a support belt which you put over the carrier and essentially adds padding and makes it a little bit wider.  It is not meant to be taken on an off though they recommend leaving it in place.  For my personal comfort I did not find the lack of padding to be an issue. I am shorter in the torso so it was nice not to have a large padded waist which sometimes makes it sit too high on me.

I will admit that when I first tried this carrier on I did not cross the straps diagonally. I had a lot of difficulties getting the chest strap clipped when I was doing FFI.  Once I checked out the website I tried is as recommended, diagonally, and it was so much better.  The shoulder straps have buckles at the carrier body which allow this and which also allow a hip carry.  In general I like carriers that allow the straps to cross, it puts less pressure on my shoulders which I sometimes have pain in.  When you cross you want to make sure it is more in the middle of your back, between your shoulder blades.  If you cross to high it can cut into your neck becoming uncomfortable.

Just for kicks I put my 3 year old in a quick back carry.  He weighs in at 38 pounds so the very top of their weight limit.  I did not have the support belt but it was surprisingly comfortable.  Granted he was far too tall for it, but for me it wasn’t bad.

I also popped my 3 month old nephew in it.  I did have to cinch the bottom a bit but he fit great and had enough support.

Did you know that BWI of Greater Boston has over 100 carriers in its lending library?  Our organization has been working on building this fantastic babywearing library for 10 years now.  This kind of “stash” takes lots of time, donations, and funds to create.  We are so proud to offer so much to our community.

As a leader, it can be challenging have knowledge and experience with all these carriers.  As a team we come together to share what we know with you.  That is why, at a meeting, you may hear one of us say “Honestly,  <someone else here> can help you better, let me introduce you.”   It isn’t because we don’t want to continue to help you, but rather so we can provide the best babywearing guidance possible.

I have to say, it is a fantastic perk to have so many carriers available to me as a leader.  While the Librarian position isn’t a cake walk,  they do get to house our stash, meaning having every type of carrier at their disposal!   We all work hard to try out every carrier and get to know them.  Sometimes, leaders have a group gathering where the library is out and we are all trying on carrier after carrier with our (relatively) willing children.  At the end of most meetings, we take a look at what is left, and pick and choose what we want to borrow for the month (all in the name of practice of course!). 

This year we are having three monthly meetings, the most we have ever had.  Keeping track of our lending library is always a logistical challenge, especially with geographically diverse meeting locations and a variety of meeting times.  So, as you may have noticed, we now have three separately maintained libraries (which can be seen on our website here).  While this has reduced the number of carriers at each meeting, we still have all the types represented and have more than enough to lend, because we have added over 40 new carriers in the last year!  At the moment, we do not have enough carriers to have every brand at every meeting:  we evaluate on a regular basis what would work best where, and are happy to bring carriers from the other libraries to a particular meeting if it is available. 

How do we grow our library?  We are a chapter of Babywearing International, and they work with brands (especially the larger companies) to arrange mass donations to all 65 (and growing!) chapters.   Some of our carriers come from them.  Part of each membership fee (yearly or temporary) is also sent to BWI.  The rest of the membership fees, any unrestricted donations, and our fundraising during International Babywearing Week allow us to have a carrier purchase budget.  We also gladly accept carrier donations if you have one you are no longer using!   We do a regular review of our library, and if something is no longer mass produced or too difficult to find we pull it from the library, sell it, and it and reinvest that money into new (or, more often, used) carriers.

Just a little insight to what goes on behind the meetings!

The library now has two Tula carriers, one standard sized and one toddler sized.  This review is of the standard Tula.  They retail new at $149 - $189. This carrier can be found at our Wednesday weekday meetings.

In general, the Tula has similar features to most Soft Structure Carriers (SSC):  Waist and shoulder padding, chest strap and sleeping hood,  but what makes this carrier different is it’s wider seat, padding at the leg openings and shoulder strap extendability. While I have not seen this in person or tested it out the Tula sells something called the Free To Grow that converts the standard sized carrier to toddler.  (It basically makes the seat wider.)  They also have their own infant insert, sold separately.  (Ed: we don't currently have either the Free to Grow or the infant insert, but are putting them on our Carrier Wishlist!)

For reference I am 5’2 and I tested the carrier out with my 11 month old daughter (Natalie) who is in the 25 lb range for weight.

The waist padding is thicker and feels longer to me.  This made it slightly uncomfortable for my short person. I need to buckle it on a little lower or else she came really close to my face.  I have had some shoulder pain with the other SSCs which I have not had with the Tula.  The shoulder padding is similar; I don't notice it being too big or small, although their site states that they have extra shoulder padding.

The straps do not buckle, so no hip carry and there is only one strap adjustment, at the top by the strap i.e. you can only pull one way.  The chest clip and waist also only have one strap adjustment but I think the chest strap is a little more centered than other brands.

The Tula features a Shoulder Strap adjustment.  This would allow you to make the strap longer or shorter depending on your needs.  At the top of the carrier you can make the straps longer or shorter with a small pull tab.  I have seen feature work for some and not for others, so it will depend on your personal comfort.  Changing the strap length makes the chest strap need to be adjusted, I think there needs to be a longer track for the chest strap to move on to make it more comfortable. 

I prefer front carries with the Tula.  While the waist padding took a little getting used to, I loved the wider seat and leg padding for Natalie. The back carry proved to be a little challenging for me.  While I am on the slender side I was surprised I had to tighten the carrier all the way with the back carry and it still wasn’t as tight as I would have liked it. I also have troubled getting her seated all the way down on my back so sometimes there is an "air pocket" if you will when she is in a back carry.  I was unable to bounce her in so she was seated all the way into the carrier. The chest strap, for me, also had to be moved when changing front to back which is not something I generally have to do with other brands,  not a huge deal but just something to note.

The carrier overall is wider and does provide much better knee to knee support.  It has a small waist pocket that would actually hold a cell phone and padding at the leg openings.  The hood I am not impressed with.  It uses two metal snaps and a plastic clip on the shoulder strap, and it could be larger.

Overall I do like the Tula for its wide body and padded leg openings.  I prefer the front carry in it, due to all the issues for the back carry adjustments.  The waist padding isn't the best for my shorty self but isn't a deal breaker.

We are thrilled that so many of you participated in our raffle for 2013 International Babywearing Week!  We want to thank our sponsors Diaper Labs, Wrapsody and Mama Ballroom, all our raffle donors, and all of you for making the week a success!  We truly appreciate being able to work with such great companies and to be part of such a great community of people.

To all of you who purchased a raffle ticket, became a member or borrowed from our library:  you helped a fantastic organization.  Not only does that money go to our chapter, BWI of Greater Boston, but 15% of it goes to Babywearing International Inc.  Without your support, we would not be able to have such a fantastic lending library.  Thank you for your continued support!

To all our volunteers:  Thank you for your time and effort!   Neither our IBW special events, our monthly meetings, nor our behind-the-scenes preparations would happen without you, and we are so grateful!

We had over $2,500 in raffle prizes!  Huge thank you to all these great companies who donated to our raffle.  If you like your raffle prize, be sure to give them a Facebook shout out to show your support!

If you missed eating with us at Not Your Average Joe's during IBW, you have another chance!  We still get 15% of your bill if you eat at Not Your Average Joe's at Station's Landing on any Tuesday in October.  Be sure to mention us to your server, and you'll be able to see on your bill that a donation was made to BWI.

Without further ado: the winners! If you have not received an email notification from us about your prize please email info@bwiboston.com.

Last year we decided to celebrate International Babywearing Week with a raffle and a party to raise money for our non-profit, 100% volunteer-run organization.  We had such a great time celebrating International Babywearing Week that we decided to do it again this year, only BETTER!  We have worked hard over the past year to get you some great raffle prizes and have gotten the total value higher than last year!  Be sure to get some tickets this week at our events for your chance to win some of our $4,500 worth of prizes!

We will have ten different winners that will walk away with a baby carrier:   There is a Boba 3G, a Boba Air (donated by Diaper Lab) and a Boba Sleepywrap.  (All of which we also have in our library,  in case you don’t win one and want to check them out.)

There are also 2 Moby Wraps to win, a Maya Wrap Ring Sling, a Baby K’Tan, an Ergo Organic (with infant insert), a Chunei Carrier and GoZoZo Pouch (donated by Diaper Lab).  (We recently added a Maya Wrap Ring Sling to our library and Hosa was kind enough to donate a Chunei Carrier for us to keep as well, so you can see those in our library, too!).  Wrapsody donated a $25 gift certificate to put towards picking out your own carrier along with a baby beanie and matching hair scarf for Mama.  Lastly we can’t forget Sleeping Baby Productions (who led a discussion for us last spring on DIY baby carriers) who donated a $75 gift certificate.

We also have a lot of wonderful donations of cloth diapers and diapering supplies.  We know that not everyone who babywears also uses cloth diapers,  but if you happen to win some give them a try and see how you like them, or pass them on to a friend! Once again,  our sponsor Diaper Lab was extremely generous---cloth diapers are their specialty.  They donated 3 Smart Bottom All In One diapers and hemp wipes along with 1 Baby Kicks basic pocket and 1 premium pocket with hemp wipes. There is a Thirsties Duo Set, a Bummis Beautiful Basics set, and three 4.0 BumGenius All In Ones.  And if you are intrigued but a little scared of cloth diapers, then the gDiaper package can help you ease in!  It includes two gPants and a package of biodegradable liners.  Lastly,  you will need to clean these diapers (or the ones you already have!) and you will be able to do that with Rockin’ Green and the detergent, shake it up pail freshener and melody room spray they donated!

We have other great prizes, too!  Tiny Signs has sent a great prize package.  Be sure to check out the Tiny Signs intro class we have planned for October 11th in Natick (registration required) They sent a $40 gift certificate for a Tiny Signs class or workshop, autographed Signing Time romper, Baby Signing Time Vol, 1 DVD and CD, Baby Signing Time Vol.1 board book, Baby Signing Time Vol. 1 flashcards and a Baby Signing Time Parent Guide!

Did you know some of leaders have their own businesses? Leader Beth has donated some items from her Etsy store Pink Pigeon Paper + Cloth, 2 wet bags, 8 small nylon snack backs and 8 large nylon snack bags! Leader Kat from Dark Matter Chocolate Laboratory has donated two three-bar gourmet chocolate samplers.

The next category is gift certificates!  Want some great pictures?  Portraits by Lisa gave us a $400 gift certificate, the most valuable prize in the raffle.  Our sponsor Mama Ballroom has donated 4 one hour classes.  We loved her demo class, a great way to dance while wearing your baby! Together in Motion in Arlington has donated a gift certificate for a Multi-Pass which is good for 14 visits!

Planning on coming to our Wednesday meeting and seeing Big Joe the Storyteller (who will be replacing our monthly discussion topic)?  Not only is he donating his time, but he also donated a $200 gift certificate!  We also have 1 month of open play at Cobblestones in Waltham, 1 week of classes at Stroller Strides in Cambridge and 3 Body by Fitness Classes.

Are you thinking, “Wow that is a lot of prizes!”?  We aren’t done yet!  Buy some raffle tickets for a chance to win a copy of “The Other Baby Book” by Megan McGrory Massaro, a 4 pack of tickets to the New England Aquarium or a super soft blanket from Me Two You.  We also have a Wean Green set including a wean cubes pack, a wean bowls pack and a snack cubes pack in our raffle.

Want a neat way to bathe your baby? Blooming Bath donated a neat bath tub!  ChewBeads donated a necklace and bracelet set that is safe for babies to chew on!  Happy Family (who will also have a table at our party this weekend) donated a gift basket and Isis Parenting donated a bath gift basket.  Wrapping up our raffle prizes is an infant car seat from Chicco.

One or more of these prizes can be yours, on Saturday October 13th!  Get your tickets for your chance to win. (And, though we hope you can come to the party, you need not be present to win!)

We want to thank all the companies that donated to our raffle.  We truly appreciate every single one!