(Welcome again to Tammy, one of the bloggers trying out for a spot on the Ohdeedoh team. Her first post is here and comments are welcome.)
We've always liked the look of the Moby Wrap, but if you've ever watched one being, well, wrapped, you may have found yourself as daunted by it as we are.
This is where the Baby Buddha stretchy carrier comes in. We've heard it described as "the Moby for dummies" (in the non-pejorative sense, of course), with three easy-to-use pieces that can be combined to carry a baby six different ways, from birth to toddlerhood.
The Baby Buddha carrier is the brainchild of Vancouver-based entrepreneurs Ali Cross and Paula Violi. As a choosy new mother and babywearing advocate, Cross invented her own sling when she couldn't find one that suited her. After being flooded with compliments by other parents, she teamed up with Violi, an industrial designer, to create a carrier that is both ergonomic and sustainably manufactured.
Available in a selection of colors and fabrics (organic bamboo, organic hemp, and Breathtech® -- the same highly breathable fabric used in Olympic athletes' track suits), the carrier is made from fabric milled in Canada, is sewn in Vancouver, and comes in a reusable bag instead of disposable packaging.
Order it here: Baby Buddha
-Tammy
ohhh...love this. great post Tammy
view milk tea's profile
This is pretty neat, I would just wonder how supportive it is or if, like the moby wrap, it would stretch and sag with a heavier child. I still like the idea of it though!
view sar3j's profile
I wanted to like it. I love the idea of versatility, but if you watch the company video of piggy back, you'll notice you have to have another person get the baby in and wrapped up. I already have a carrier that allows me to get my monster toddler on my back by myself. And this baby buddha goes to 35 lb., but really now, how heavy can you stretch it compared to an Ergo-type carrier?
view genxmom's profile
Does anyone have experience using this in really hot weather? I love my Mobywrap, but my son and I start a sweat storm anytime it's over 70 degrees, and we're going to the tropics (90 degrees every single day) in July. I'd love to know if this is worth buying!
view tornandez's profile
tornandez - Moby has a UV protective fabric, maybe that's more breathable?
i like this carrier, and was convinced (because i hate the tails of my moby dragging on the ground when i tie it on on-the-go) until i saw the price. not in my budget.
view exxon23's profile
great post! i'm glad to see more exposure on babywearing! genxmom, try looking into mei tai's. they're more supportive than stretchy wraps for sure. tornandez, a lot of mei tai's or even buckle carriers come with solarveil or solarweave fabric for UV protection and more air flow. off the top of my head: www.bamberoo.etsy.com, www.sachicarriers.com, and www.connectababycarrier.com.
oh, and just to plug a mei tai maker that I love (Kindercarry) check out the flickr group -- you can send in your own fabric for a custom look! http://www.flickr.com/photos/23526316@N06/
view selena's profile
Nice to see you again Tammy!
I have the new organic bamboo one and it's been working well for us so far. I have to admit that I find it a tad too stretchy on its own as a sling but when I use it with all 2 or 3 parts, it works like a charm.
Plus, I just love the Baby Buddha logo :)
view AnneMarieL's profile
"genxmom, try looking into mei tai's."
Uh, been there, done that. No offense. I used one for a long time, and for a mom on the go, it got tiresome with the straps and knots and undoing them all the time. My two favorite carriers right now are Calyx and Beco Butterfly. I will not go back to anything else, and my son is 32 lb.
view genxmom's profile
I also have the organic bamboo carrier and have used many different types (as I am on baby #2). What I love about this carrier is - extremely compact for travel, the same carrier works for both my husband and I,and it is really simple to use and get the baby into. My 5 month old still loves to sleep in a sling but hates to have her feet enclosed, with the baby budha she can have her feet hanging out and the second sling helps support her and my back. My little one is not a great napper but when in this carrier, she can nap for almost 2 hours!
view kimp's profile
Genxmom,
I have a question about the Beco Butterfly. How is it for a newborn? This is our first child so babywearing is only a theory right now, but one concern we have read, is new borns should not have their legs dangling. Is there a way to tuck the legs with the Beco?
view iadfilm's profile
I didn't use that for my son when he was a newborn because the Butterfly wasn't even on the market. Newborns will not mind being in a pouch or sling, trust me. Pouches and slings are womb-like and make newbies feel warm and secure. I used a padded ring sling in those early days. Newbies have little to no neck control anyway, so something supportive of their head is great. I didn't use upright carriers until my son could hold his head up.
view genxmom's profile
I'm a cheapskate. For anyone on a budget that wants a wrap, by 5 1/2 to 6 yards of cotton gauze material, cut it in half lengthwise, and you now have two wraps. Hem if you want, don't if you are lazy. This is the BEST carrier for an infant. I managed to get two wraps for under $30. Then if you decide that babywearing is for you, you can invest in a mei tai or something later, when the baby is heavier.
view BambiJo's profile
This isn't actually as original an idea as the inventors are claiming. See the original version, called a Loopi, (for half the price), which has been around for years at http://www.yourbabycarrier.com/index.html. This is an Israeli company and the Loopi isn't sold in North America, although if you contact them, they'll ship & it'll still be less than what the Canadian company is charging.
I have this product myself, and got great use out of it.
view Annie S's profile