Mama Speaks

Last Minute Gifts For Everyone On Your List

It never fails. Christmas Eve rolls around and you discover there's someone on your list you've forgot to buy for. Showing up to that holiday party empty handed is not an option so what are you to do? We've compiled our favorite last minute gifts for everyone on your list.

Best for Children Big and Small
Every kid on the planet LOVES Build a Bear and their adorable Hal and Holly Moose [$12 each] are guaranteed to make any kid grin. Each Moose is 16in of snuggly soft and Hal's antlers have Christmas lights that really light up! If you're brave enough to well, brave the mall today you can pick up a premade, or you can order online and print it out or send a gift e-card.

Best for Parents to Be or Newbies
Help any new mama or papa keep their bundle close with a sling or wrap for nonny & boo. Printable E-Gift Certificates [$25-$100] are now available for use on any item at their main or Etsy store and they're offering 20% off any Gift Certificate purchase through Christmas Day with code MASGE20.

Best for the Guys on Your Gift List
You can't go wrong with a tee and Threadless [$5-$200] has a little something for everyone. You can spend a little by scooping up one available in the $5 Holiday sale, go the way of the Gift Certificate or spend a lot and set them up for the Tee of the Month club.

Best for Anyone
Gifts that keep on giving can be the best kind to give and receive. We love to shop the online gift catalog at Heifer International. You can give the gift of animals and other essential resources (or a share of one) to people all over the world in need. Even better, part of the program is that they pay it forward by passing along offspring to another family. You can let your gift recipient know you've honored them by with Heifers selection of e-cards and printable cards.

Win it!
We're giving away a $10 Bear Bucks card for Build-a-Bear! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Christmas Eve as your subject. Let us know what your favorite last minute gift is. Giveaway ends 12.27.08

Baby K'Tan

Double The Pleasure

Although it is not recommended to wear your baby facing out as it can be over stimulating and makes Mom's center of gravity off balance as well, I've found the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier [$58] to be my favorite carrier for facing out. And let's face it, sometimes baby wants to be facing out- that is the only way my new babe will have it!

The cool thing is that you can wear this carrier in several different ways- not just facing out- and I do appreciate the two-shoulder support. The double sling design also comes in handy big time if you're wearing twins. Quite impressive.

Baby K'tan is super easy to use- imagine a wrap without all the fabric and it's already set up for you. Just put baby in and you're pretty much good to go! I feel like baby is incredibly secure and close to my body in just the right ways. Choose your size carefully- this is not adjustable and like pouches must be worn in the wearer's exact size, With 8 colors to choose from and even the option to personalize yours [$15], the Baby K'tan makes a great carrier for babywearers with little or lots of experience, and all shapes & sizes.

Want it?
Use coupon codeMAMASPEAKS for 15% discount on any orders at Baby Ktan through Sunday December 21^st 2008

-Steph

UpMama!

On The Up And Up

Two great baby carriers collide with the UpMama Hybrid Sling - it's a pouch and a ring sling all in one! Where pouches aren't adjustable and ring slings lack the curve and seat of a pouch, the UpMama has it got it down. Or would that be up? Anyway...

It's not only incredibly functional and easy to wear, UpMama slings are very lightweight and beautiful. The Chocolate Brown [$65] is gorgeous with just the right amount of detailing. A discreet zipper pouch inside the tail is wonderful- I use it for my cell phone, debit card, keys, and whatever my toddler decides to hide in there while we're out and about. Right now it's holding lots of leaves and baby dinos.

I think this is the perfect carrier for beginning babywearers and veterans as well. I can achieve a very nice tummy to tummy hold that feels nice and secure as it should be. Such a great sling for getting baby in & out quickly, and beautiful to wear for a nice night out. Order your size in Petite, Average, or Plus Size- it comes already threaded for you and ready to wear!

-Steph

Nonny & Boo

Sling. Wrap. Wear. Repeat.

She's at it again. Nest Baby Sling and Mama Speaks creator Ashlee Allen is introducing a whole new fall line of gorgeous slings and has spread her wings from the Nest. Along with amazing fabric combinations dazzling the freshly hatched Nest Slings, you can now find Nest Baby Wraps as well as quirky and fun kiddie couture and plushy friends all under a new roof at Nonny & Boo.

I heart the bold colors and beautiful handmade construction of the Koi Nest Sling [$90]. Such a fabulous carrier for your collection and one to be worn in any season. For the babywearing Mamas that just want a simple black light-weight sling (they can be hard to find!), you'll be in heaven with the Bamboobino Ring [$90] made of bamboo and cotton.

Nest Baby Wraps [$60-$90] are made of the softest jersey, tissue cotton, or bamboo and feel as good as they look. With just the right stretch, the Flying Heart [$90] will have you & baby flying high en vogue.

Let your little ones scare up some style with the Monster Hoodie [$34] from 3-6 months all the way up to size 6. Or for the more dainty, flower fashion delights in the Garden [$34]. Love sees no color... is it a boy? Is it a girl? Spell it out for nosy strangers with the Gender Neutral tees for Girl and Boy [$18 each].

I'd love for every one of Nonny & Boo's Plush critters to inhabit the corners of my home and couch cushions. And yeah, I'm sure the kiddos would love to snuggle up, too. Of course every Twitter addict must have the adorable Tweet Plush [$13]. Eco-friendly inside and out- these cute plushies are made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles with bamboo stuffing.

While keeping them close to what they're wearing to the loveys they hug, Nonny & Boo fashionably inspires from the inside out.

Win it!
One winner will have their choice of sling, wrap or hoodie and mini plush set! To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Nonny as your subject and let us know which new item is your favorite! Giveaway ends 10.24.08

Want it?

Mama Speaks readers can get free shipping on all orders through 10.31.08 with code MS08FS (may not be combined with other discounts or promotions).

-Steph

Freehand Mei Tai

Keep Your Hands Free And Your Heart Full

One of my most loved aspects of babywearing is that I can strap baby in and get done what I need.  Of course the closeness is meaningful and fulfilling, but sometimes when child #1 and #2 are in need, child #3 needs to be along for the ride.  And I've found that often with many carriers, if baby is wiggly and wiley, that mama to-do list goes nowhere fast.

Mei Tai carriers are my go-to friend when I need to keep baby secure and mama productive.  They are so easy to strap onto my chest or back, and the soft structure means that I can easily fold it up and shove it into my purse for whenever the need may strike.

One my favorite designers of soft mei tai carriers is Freehand [$72]  Their slightly padded shoulder straps, snug fit, soft fabric and stylish designs mean that they are my oft recommended brand.  Their site is full of "what would you do with your free hands?" questions, as they list what amazing women in history--from Princess Di to Mother Theresa--did with their free hands.  They even have video instructions showing you how to tie your mei tai carrier.  My favorites are the Marie and the Theresa prints but there are several for you to choose from.  The opposite side is a solid color, so even dad can get in on the act.  With the perfect design and the right prints, Freehand has hit the nail on the head when it comes to the modern mei tai.

-Arianne 

Peekaru

Wear Them Warmly

Wearing your child in a baby carrier is convenient and beneficial for both Mom & baby, but in chilly weather, it can get a bit difficult. Blankets fall off and coats just end up feeling bulky and too hot and sweaty.

The Peekaru Original [$80] is a genius garment invented to keep you & baby comfortably covered and warm. The soft fleece body of the Peekaru zips over any soft carrier and even comes with a pocket and drawstring to give you a perfect, stylish fit.  Available in 5 sizes and colors that are sure to take you through any season, it extends versatility as it can be worn for both front and back carries.

The Peekaru is a wise addition to your wardrobe whether you wear your baby all the time or just go out and about once in a while. The fleece is 85% recycled and the quality and craftsmanship is top of the line. Aside from lasting through many seasons, it will last you through toddlerhood and future babies to come!

-Steph

Market Sling

To Market, To Market

Like their luxurious yet simple crib bedding, Serena & Lily's signature Market Sling [$129] is in a class of its own.

With delicate embroidery on 100% organic cotton, I'll wish you luck in choosing from the Grass/Marigold, Cloud/Petal, and the Flax/Sky Blue. The Market Sling is definitely a great first carrier as it has no buckles, straps, or rings to figure out. Just promise me you'll refer to the sizing chart for the proper fit. This is in both yours and your baby's best interest.

I'm definitely won over by smart packaging and design, so to say I fell in love with the Market Sling's box alone is an understatement. This makes it a perfect gift for an expecting friend- just add a bow. Or, since you certainly deserve it, treat yourself. It's like butter to touch, inside and out, pure bliss.

I admit that I am drawn to a baby carrier that is pretty, but remind you (and myself) that function does matter most of all. This type of one-piece sling must be worn correctly and in the right size. Then you can enjoy the pleasantries of wearing your baby close and looking absolutely stunning while doing it.

-Steph

Balboa Baby

Have Your Pick

Dr. Sears, the pediatrician and author deemed famous for the term "babywearing," has developed and recommended a baby carrier which should have Mamas new and old carrying with peace of mind. Both the Balboa Adjustable Sling and Flexible Knit Serene Sling  have specifically been tested for safety, versatility, and comfort more than any other sling on the market.

The Balboa Adjustable Sling [$60] is one I'd definitely suggest for beginners. This sling is well made in a very comfortable cotton/spandex blend with heavy duty nylon rings and a tailored padded strap. Perfect for someone just starting out with babywearing- especially if you are unsure of what size to buy.  The patterns available are sassy, but sensible. And I personally am in love with the feel of the fabric!

The Flexible Knit Serene Sling [$150] is a bit pricey for a pouch, but I must admit it does feel like your favorite knit top. And the Chocolate Ivory pattern is as dreamy as it sounds. The Serene Sling's flexibility allows for a snug hold, but do be sure to order the correct size. As with any pouch sling, it is imperative for baby's safety to have the proper fit. Sizes run appropriate from XS to XL, but please consult the sizing chart before ordering. Being Oeko-tex certified is a nice bonus, as it makes this earthy sling even more environmentally friendly and further proves that wearing baby is good for everyone!

Win it!
We're giving away the two slings described above to two lucky winners!  To enter, email giveaways[at]mamaspeaks.com with Balboa as your subject. Let us know which sling you you'd like, along with your address. Giveaway ends 07.19.08

-Steph

Babywearing Conference

In Chicago? Into that whole babywearing thing? Or maybe just curious what we're always raving about?

Today kicks off the 2nd International Babywearing Conference at Chicago's DuPaul University. Online registration is now closed but you can register at the event for a slew of awesome sessions covering topics from how to wear your baby safely to traditional babywearing with some fun Mom and tot yoga and music classes thrown in.  If you're not interested in the classes I'd highly recommend checking out  Friday night's fashion show and Saturday's sessions and events are free and open to the public all day. Plus, there will be an exhibit hall full of babywearing and other vendors and you might even run into a few us Mama Speaks gals, so be sure to say hello.

Of course, we'll share our pictures and new finds when we return.

Ball Baby Carriers

Wave Your Hands in the Air, Because You Finally Can  

I’m sure we don’t need to remind you what proud babywearing Mamas we are. While the benefits of babywearing go on and on, the one that continues to top the list for me was regaining use of my hands. My hands, my hands! I can use them to do so many useful and fun things again, eat that T-rex!

While you’re free to venture into the rough google waters of “baby carriers” on your own, we recommend getting started with Ball Baby Carriers. Ball Baby Carriers specializes in several variations of the asian-inspired carriers like podeagis [$95] and mei tais [$70+]. My son was born large and my neck and back were already weak. I had a short window where slings worked for me and I was fearful my babywearing days were numbered when they should just be getting started. I was then introduced to a mei tai carrier and once again body balance was restored. Mei Tais allowed me to carry my then baby turned enormous toddler for hours on end without pain, still to this almost three years old day. 

Ball Baby Carriers has a great selection of mei tais including solids for the simplistic, panels for those with a bit of a wild streak all the way to their popular Overall Mei Tais. These are for the all or nothing type of guy or gal. If you love a fabric like our full on funky zebra print, then you luh-huv a fabric and want to wrap it all over you and your baby. The construction of our Ball Baby carrier is extremely sturdy with reinforced stitching in all the right places. The straps were wider and padding-free unlike what I was used to but I found this to be a blessing in disguise. The wide straps hugged my shoulders distributing the weight more evenly and prevented potential digging in to the little one going for a ride.  However they were still a little long for my 5’ 5” frame. The mei tai body was also wider and shorter which helped boost up my passenger but also made me prefer this for an older infant or toddler versus a newborn.

We know you’ll love your reclaimed full range of motion and comfort of your Ball Baby Carrier.  My only request while you’re out enjoying your pretty new mei tai while being hunted down by curious moms that must know where you got that fabulous “what is that” carrier?  Please don’t confuse mei tai with mai tai.  Mei tai should be pronounced as may-tie unless you’re going for wishful thinking.  Just send them on over to Ball Baby Carriers and enjoy the two free hands you now have to double fist all the mai tais you want.

Want it?
Enter code Mama for 10% off any order.

- Cara