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Baby Swimming Lessons
Swimming is a key life skill, especially when you live in NZ - an island nation with a vast coastline, not to mention all the rivers and lakes. Taking your little one to swimming lessons can have many benefits including the physical (coordination, strength, and motor skills). It’s also a bonding opportunity for Mum, Dad or caregiver to have fun interactions with baby and create memories. And of course, there’s the safety benefit. According to Water Safety NZ, one of the leading causes of death for the under-fives in New Zealand is drowning. Introducing your baby to swimming lessons can be a fantastic way to help them develop water safety skills as well as confidence. Start them young Babies spend their first nine months of existence floating in a pool of warm liquid, so reintroducing them to water is something of an instinctive experience. A good first step to developing water confidence in babies is making bath time engaging and enjoyable. If, with lots of positive reinforcement and support, you can get them used to having water trickling over their head and face, that’s a great start. Swimming lessons Once they’re six months old, babies can go to water safety lessons at a public pool By this age Their immune system will have developed enough give them protection from bugs in the pool water They’re better able to cope with the changes in temperature They’ll have the necessary head control to keep their head above water Their ears will be better able to deal with water if it gets in. Baby swimming classes are less about learning to swim and more about water familiarisation and confidence. Over time they’ll start to make progress towards essential water safety skills, including how to float, kick, and hold their breath. Generally with baby swim classes, Mum or Dad (or grandparent or other caregiver) gets in the pool too, joining in to help build bub’s confidence and keeping things fun with interactive play. It’s likely to start with gentle splashing and activities that encourage movement through the water. Tips for swimming lessons Family changing rooms are great and, if there's room, take your stroller. If you get your little one changed, they can then sit in the stroller while you get changed. Swimming will use up lots of energy – make sure you’ve got what you need to re-fuel them afterwards, whether it's a breast or bottle feed, or a snack Changes in temperature can be hard on little ones – make sure you dress them warmly for the trip out to the car in colder weather. If possible, bring along an extra person to help, it can make all the difference especially if you have both a baby and an older child having lessons. What you need Babies will need a swim nappy . These reusable ones offer an adjustable fit from baby to toddler and are machine washable. When choosing swimwear, opt for chlorine-resistant swimsuits for girls and boys that offer 50+ sun protection so they work for the pool or beach A towel Hooded towel or robe can be great for getting them warm and dry quickly A padded change mat is great to have when faced with a damp changing room Dry clothes and spare nappies to keep everyone snug and happy post-swim. Be Safe Always be aware of the dangers for little ones around water – be that the bath, beach or pool. Never leave them unattended. Babies and toddlers should always be within arms’ reach when you’re in or around water - don’t rely on flotation aids like air rings or armbands. Be alert to hazards in your environment. Swimming pools and spas must be fenced to NZ Standards. Consider also ponds, water features and paddling pools that might be a danger to a curious little one.
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Babywearing made easy - New Limas Carriers
What are the benefits of babywearing? Baby carriers help you stay close and build a strong bond with your baby. The physical closeness can also help regulate the baby's heartbeat, body temperature, and breathing, all while providing them with a sense of security and comfort. Being hands-free while parenting is another great benefit. This convenience is great for everyday tasks around home. It also makes it easier to navigate crowded spaces, travel, or use public transport. A further benefit is that it frees parents to spend quality time with older siblings while keeping baby close and included. Babywearing has also been shown to ease discomfort and reduce crying. The gentle rocking motion mimics the womb and constant contact with a parent can have a soothing effect, helping to calm a fussy or colicky baby. Babies thrive on stimulation. Being in a carrier allows them to observe and engage with the world around them. They’ll get valuable sensory input from observing facial expressions, body language, and listening to the parent's conversations. Babywearing can also be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers with the close contact stimulating milk production. Babies' hips aren't fully developed when they're born. Babywearing supports healthy development of the hips. Our range of ergonomic carriers encourage the correct spread-squat position that is recommended by experts. New Limas Carriers The new Stokke Limas and Limas Plus are half-buckle carriers that combine the advantages of a baby wrap with an ergonomic carrier for optimal comfort & support. Both offer front, back (for 5+ months), and hip carrying options. The Limas Flex is a full buckle carrier with no straps to tie. It offers front and back carrying. In addition, the waistbelt can be easily removed, allowing it to be used as an onbuhimo - a traditional Japanese style for toddler back carrying Safety checks Ensure baby's airways are always clear and that they fully supported by the carrier. Make sure you keep one or both arms on your baby to secure them when fitting the carrier and when you bend over. And remember that if you wouldn’t do something with a baby in your arms, you probably shouldn’t do it while babywearing either – that includes anything involving hot liquids, running or jumping, or slippery surfaces. A great way to make sure your newborn is safely seated within their carrier is the T.I.C.K.S Rule. This stands for Tight , In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back. How to choose To make sure you’re choosing the right carrier for you and your baby it can help to try before you buy. The wide range of carriers we have available are all on display within our Dimples stores and we have amazing staff that can help fit the carrier for you.
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Protection: Sun Safety for little eyes
Many of us had the sun smart Slip, Slop, Slap message drummed into us from childhood. But are you aware of Slip, Slop, Slap, and Wrap? The message is to slip on some clothing and into the shade, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses. Why are sunglasses important for babies and toddlers? Sunglasses are important to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. This is especially important for babies and children for whom overexposure to UV radiation can cause a predisposition to eye problems. Just as a baby’s skin is more vulnerable to the sun, their developing eyes also have an increased susceptibility to UV damage. The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) says most of the eye damage caused by UV radiation builds up over a long period of time and cannot be reversed. So the sooner you start protecting your little one’s eyes from the sun, the lower their risk will be of ever developing future eye problems. “There is some evidence that daily exposure to UV radiation in very bright sunlight over many years may increase the risk of developing cataracts which cause a gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Exposure may also increase the risk of macular degeneration, an eye condition resulting from damage to the retina.” In NZ and Australia, we have to be particularly careful as our peak summer UV levels are roughly 40% higher than those at comparable latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. That’s because Earth’s orbit is elliptical, which means the Southern Hemisphere is closer to the sun during our summer. The thickness of the ozone layer is also a factor as is our clearer air quality. How to choose sunglasses for little ones Treat sunglasses as a necessity, not just an accessory. Although they certainly can be a fun fashion accessory and look super cute on babies! You’ll want to find sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, like the Izipizi range . Polarized lenses are also a bonus as they protect against glare, giving visual comfort. Opting for grey lenses also means they don’t distort but instead respect natural colours Durability is also key with kids' glasses. Izipizi’s ultra-flexible, BPA-free, and hypoallergenic frames are also great for sensitive skin. In addition, straight arms mean they will also adapt to your baby’s growth. Of course, it's easier said than done to keep sunglasses on a wriggly baby every time you head outside! That’s why Izipizi baby and kids sunglasses come with an optional ultra-flexible and adjustable silicone strap. This helps keep glasses on so they don’t get lost. Finding a comfortable fit will also make your little one happier to wear them. IZIPIZI offers three kids sunglass ranges: Baby for 0-9 months (head size 34-41 cm) Kids for 9-36 months (head circumference 40-47 cm) Kids+ for 3-5 years (head size 46-53 cm) Lead by example, if your children see you wearing sunglasses, they’re more likely to want to wear them too! Getting little ones to wear sunglasses not only protects their eyes now and for the future, it helps them develop habits that last for life. Don’t forget those other sun smart rules: Find shade — especially for babies under 6 months. Car sunshades and stroller sun covers are a good investment. Choose a wide-brimmed hat Try to limit your sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are most intense Dress kids in cool clothing with good coverage Use sunscreen daily, even on a cloudy day.
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Tripp Trapp - Celebrating the 50th Anniversary
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the chair that grows with the child™ This year marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair that so many families love! Designed in Norway by Peter Opsvik, and launched in 1972, millions of children around the world have since enjoyed a seat at the table. When Tripp Trapp® was first introduced, it revolutionized the entire children´s seating category. No one had seen anything like it. Brilliant in its simplicity, it could be comfortably used at every stage of childhood and beyond. Truly one-of-a-kind, the Tripp Trapp® chair can be used for a lifetime and for generations to come. This is longevity in its purest form. Award-Winning Now one of Scandinavia’s most iconic designs, this legendary Norwegian chair has become a worldwide favourite, with over 13 million sold in more than 80 countries. Loved by families everywhere, it has also earned numerous prestigious design awards, including: German Design Award GOLD" in 2020 as the "best highchair" by the National Parenting Product Awards Selected as one of Fortune Magazine´s top 100 greatest designs of modern times Tripp Trapp® regularly appears in international media. In fact, its innovative looks and function also secure Tripp Trapp® a prominent position in interior exhibitions in museums such as MoMa in New York and V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum London. Philosophy The key to its success is timeless, quality design and the ability to grow with your child, enabling them to sit together with the rest of the family around the table to take part in life around the table which is crucial to children´s development, creativity, as well as language and motor skills. The Design Story 50 years ago, when Peter Opsvik´s son Tor was two years old, Opsvik discovered that Tor had outgrown his high chair and could not find one which allowed Tor to sit comfortably at table height with the rest of the family. From this observation, Opsvik changed the way we look at children´s seating by creating a chair that would truly give children of all ages a comfortable, ergonomic seat at the table. Tripp Trapp® was invented. Celebrating a Milestone Today, as then, the adjustable design allows freedom of movement with both depth- and height adjustable seat- and footplates. When adjusted correctly, your child is ensured a correct seating position at any age. Though times have changed, the mystery of being a new parent hasn't. By sitting together at the table with their families, children have been able to connect with the people that care about them most. It´s this connection that allows parent and child to get close, communicate and figure it out together. About Stokke Founded in Ålesund Norway in 1932, Stokke began life as a manufacturer of high-quality furniture. The first product for children was launched in 1972 –the iconic Tripp Trapp® chair, which has sold more than 13 million units and remains a core product in the Stokke collection. Since 2006 Stokke has focused exclusively on designing premium children ́s furniture and equipment within the highchair, stroller, baby carrier, home textiles and nursery segments. The products promote bonding between parent and child and ensure healthy development for young children. Owned and operated by three generations of the Stokke family until 2014, Stokke was acquired by Belgium based NXMH, wholly owned by NXC in South Korea. Stokke has worldwide distribution in over 70 countries, as well as its own subsidiaries in Europe, the United States and Asia.
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Accessories to make Bath time easier
When it comes to bathing your baby there are many more elements to bath time than just purchasing the bath. Dimples have all the bath time necessities that make bathing baby easier for you and 10 times more sensational for baby. Let’s begin with bath toys... Baby is already getting so much enjoyment by splashing the water around your bathroom but throw a jellyfish in there and watch their eyes light up as you have never seen before. Jelly the jellyfish from Done by Deer is going to become your little one’s new best friend. Jelly can perform entertaining tricks when he soaks up water and then drizzles it out when turned upside down. This neoprene activity bath toy is easy to grasp, including different sensory features that will help baby learn as they bathe. Now that you have your little one distracted playing with Jelly, let's get that baby nice and clean. The Made 4 Baby Starter Pack is the perfect place to start. Suitable from newborn these products are all fragrance-free and perfect for sensitive skin. Featuring all the essentials you need, these products are also all full size. Featuring a 200ml foaming hair and body wash, 60ml all over baby lotion preventing dry skin, a Sleep Tight Massage Oil for after bathing helping them to relax and sleep well, a Botty Barrier Crème to help prevent nappy rash and a face cloth to wash your baby’s soft skin. All these essentials will be incredible and keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy. A shampoo brush is going to become your new best friend when washing your baby’s hair. Until the Shnuggle Baby Shampoo Brush landed in your palms this product is something you never knew was missing from your bath time routine, however after just one use you will realize how revolutionary this product truly is. Gently massage your baby’s head and brush away that cradle cap, cleanse, and shampoo. Fitting perfectly in your hand this design is comfortable for you and soft on your baby’s head helping them to feel calm. Now that your little one is all relaxed post head massage here comes the scary part. Somehow you will need to rinse the product out without a meltdown about water and shampoo trickling down their face. Well parents you need to fear no more as we have the perfect product for you. The Shnuggle Washy is the perfect little jug designed to take the tantrums away from bath-time. Featuring a soft grip handle for parents and a flexible edge that contours gently to the top of baby’s forehead tipping the water safely away from sensitive little eyes. Keep bath-time tear-free this is the perfect bath-time accessory for all ages – from treating baby’s cradle cap to washing a toddler’s curly locks. Now that you have made it through your bath time routine it’s time to wrap the little one up in a nice, hooded towel. When looking for the best Bath-time towel Dimples Hooded Towel and Flannel Set is the best place to start. This Towel and Flannel set is made from 100% thick, cotton towelling, and is very absorbent helping you dry your baby faster. The Towel features a hood to help keep delicate heads and ears warm, while the Flannel is gentle to use on your baby while they are in the bath. Trimmed with satin giving a beautiful finish and ensuring your set will last longer. Bathtime creates special memories between you and your children, so let’s not allow it to become a chore.
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Pacifiers – Choosing the right fit for your little one
Pacifiers can be one of the more controversial topics when it comes to parenting. Everyone has an opinion on this small rubber or silicone object, and you may find you will receive conflicting advice when deciding to use one or not. The good news is the decision to use a pacifier is completely up to you. Using a pacifier can be a lifesaver as a new parent, particularly in those first few months. When it comes to settling your newborn sucking on a pacifier is a great way to calm them down. A pacifier is designed to imitate a mother’s nipple and can usually calm a baby straight away when they become fussy. If you are wanting to stretch out your night feeds a pacifier might be your go to option to keep them settled until their next feed. Trial and error is often the best way to find the pacifier that works best for your baby. We have a range of options at Dimples to help you explore what your baby prefers. Latex vs Silicone At Dimples, we offer both Latex and Silicone pacifiers. Latex is made from natural rubber and is extra soft for your baby’s developing mouth. It is recommended that this product should be replaced every 6 weeks with its shorter shelf life. Silicone pacifiers are a more robust material as well as easier to clean. It is important to check your pacifiers before use to ensure there are no cracks as this will lead to a higher build-up of bacteria. Rounded vs Orthodontic Pacifiers stocked at Dimples come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you may find baby will prefer one shape and material over another. Dimples offer both Rounded and Orthodontic shaped pacifiers. A pacifier with a rounded nipple is often preferred by babies that are breastfed. Here the tongue is placed under the nipple much like when they are breastfeeding, this can help prevent nipple confusion. An orthodontic pacifier features a nipple with a flattened bottom and rounded top. This design helps support your little ones developing palate and jaw. The Variety Dimples has to offer: Frigg Frigg Pacifiers are designed in two different styles a classic minimalist design style as well as a daisy shape with a scalloped edge. Soothe your little one in style with a Frigg Pacifier the large colour range Frigg has on offer allows you to choose from a series of fashionable colours for your little one. The Frigg Pacifiers feature a rounded cherry shaped nipple. These pacifiers are designed with an outward curve which helps to keep the pacifier off the baby’s skin, it’s design also includes air holes and a security handle to ensure your baby is always safe. Frigg pacifiers are available in two different sizes. Size 1 is suited for newborn to 6 months and size 2 is suitable from 6 to 18 months. Bibs Bibs dummies are a world-renowned pacifier. Their retro look is complete with a rounded shield and rounded nipple. The suction area of this pacifier is made up of 100% natural soft, silky and flexible rubber. This pacifier gives your child a natural sense of sucking. With the outwards facing shield, your little one’s skin will have a reduced chance of irritation around the mouth area. Bibs Pacifiers are available in three different sizes; size 1 is suitable for newborn to 6 months, size 2 is suitable from 6 months to 18 months and size 3 is suitable from 18 months plus. Dimples offer a large selection of colours to soothe your little one in-store and online. Nuk Nuk is there to make sure your little one is taken care of. Every child is born different and you may find your little one is too small for regular size 1 silicone soothers. Nuk offers a size 0 silicone soother for smaller babies. Designed by medical experts the smaller size and shape will be perfect to soothe your tiny newborn. Nuk has also developed Pacifiers featuring extra soft silicone for your baby’s sensitive skin. This soother is made up of 100% extra soft silicone. The Nipple is extra soft to reduce the risk of tooth and jaw misalignments. Pacifier Clips Pacifier clips are the perfect addition to your soother. You will quickly discover over the early years of your child’s life you will go through plenty of Pacifiers. Often that is because your little one has conveniently dropped them only for it to never be seen again. A pacifier clip can help to prevent this from happening by simply attaching the pacifier to your child’s clothing. When they drop their pacifier, or it falls out of their mouth this means the object is still attached to them. Elodie offers a wide range of stylish Pacifier clips to make sure you can match the clip with any outfit. Check out our full range here
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Encouraging play time with your little one
Encouraging play time with your little one Playtime with your children is one of the most powerful ways to contribute to your child’s development. It is so important to have these playful interactions with your little one early on in the Newborn stage. To build a connection between you and your Newborn this form of interaction doesn’t require much more than using your face, voice and body to keep them entertained. You will begin to learn more about one another and start to see you baby’s personality come to light. You may feel in the beginning as if this form of play is a little one sided, however through these interactions you are helping with their cognitive and sensory development. They are beginning to build connections in their brains which will help them to understand different words. Beginning by making funny faces and smiling, singing, telling nursery rhymes, and reading to them are all the simplest and most effective ways to interact with baby. Introducing your baby to new materials that they can touch and move around is another great way to stimulate their brains. Allowing them to do things as simple splashing around water during bath time is a great way of helping them to explore their senses. During these early stages of development you are the most important tool for your baby’s entertainment however Dimples also sells a range of interactive toys in various forms to aide when it comes to play time between you and your little one. Toys to add when it is play time. The Jelly Cat books follow delightful little characters through a variety of different stories. Story time with your little one is a great way to interact and stimulate their mind. Changing the pitch and tone of your voice will help with baby making different connections in their brain. Play time can require a lot of energy for baby so you will notice they can quickly get tired. Baby will signal they are getting tired by looking away from you, they may become disinterested or even grumpy. After your baby is rested, they will signal when they are ready to play again by looking towards you, making noises as well was wiggling their arms and legs about. Evolving play time as your child grows As baby grows up, they are learning more every day. They are beginning to develop new skills therefore it is important to evolve your playtime routine. Between the ages of one and two your toddler will begin to explore the world and will begin to gain more of an idea on how things work. During this age it is great to have a balance between structured and unstructured play. Unstructured play is allowing your child to explore what strikes their own interest. It is through unstructured play where you will learn the most about your child and what they are attracted to. Here it is best to take a step back and watch your little one’s imagination grow. Structured play is a great way for you child to learn in a more organised setting, this may involve activities such as swim lessons, musical groups, dance classes. Structured play will help to broaden your toddler’s knowledge and physical skills, this often takes part within a group setting. Play within a social setting is important as it helps to develop social and communication skills as well as teach them about sharing. It is a good idea when buying toys to keep you little one entertained to consider buying toys that are educational, therefore you are ensuring that not only are they having fun but they are also expanding their knowledge. Dimples offers a range of educational yet entertaining toys to make sure you little one’s mind is always learning. The Stacking Ring Tower from Mushie is made from 100% non-toxic BPA and phthalate free plastics, they help to refine bubs organisational and motor skill all while being fun for them to play and engage with. Screen time is an important factor to be aware of. Putting your child in front of a screen is an easy solution when needing to keep your little one entertained so you can get certain tasks done. However, it important to consider balance when it comes to how much screen time you are allowing you child to have. Screens only show a two-dimensional world, it doesn’t offer the same sensory experience that you child will gain when they are out and about. Play time away from the screen allows your child to explore all five senses and use their imagination, you will notice their knowledge broadening quickly the more they venture into the world.
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Our Commitment to the Environment
Our commitment to the environment How we look after your little one without harming the planet While caring for your precious bundle is often the first thing on your mind, it doesn’t need to have a negative impact on our environment. At Dimples, we partner with like-minded manufacturers and brands to offer ethical, sustainable products. We know that it’s possible to look after your babies without causing harm to the very planet they’ll inherit. Here’s what we do differently... Earth-friendlier fabrics Fabric choice is the starting point for us in doing our bit for the environment. Going for natural over synthetic is better for both your babe and the environment – synthetics are made from fossil fuels and cause lots of pollution. Nature does a pretty good job of providing us with amazing fabrics – merino wool from New Zealand sheep (which is both sustainable and renewable) and pure organic cotton that is free of chemicals. Our fabrics meet these standards: Fairtrade certified organic cotton and Australian Certified Organic – Our cotton is Fairtrade certified which shows farmworkers have decent working conditions and are paid fair prices for their produce. The organic certification means the farming process causes less stress on the environment. Without organic practices, toxic chemical residue ends up in local rivers, waterways and lakes, and harms the wildlife and people who live there. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – this certification takes ‘certified organic’ one step further. To meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100, our fabric is tested and certified to be free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be damaging to our health. We think this is pretty important for your babe’s delicate skin. Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) – this standard not only protects our adored merino producers but also the land they graze on. This is a globally recognised certification that covers sustainable grazing methods to protect our land. Responsible packaging While ruling out packaging completely is a difficult feat with stock coming in and out of stores and warehouses, we’re focussed on minimising what we use through recycling and reusing. Here are some of the things we do: Buy recycled boxes – this saves trees and the huge amounts of water taken to grow them (and make the boxes). Reuse boxes for stock – our boxes see multiple trips back and forth to shops before they end up in the recycling. Use tissue paper for packaging – we only wrap your precious purchases in recyclable tissue paper. Reuse plastic bags from suppliers – sometimes we can’t avoid plastic. If that’s the case, we make sure it gets reused rather than binned. Reducing environmental impacts with our manufacturing partner Wastewater is a huge problem internationally, with tonnes of toxic, dye-filled wastewater dumped into streams and waterways without being treated. There’s little regulation or policing of this, which has led to a lot of waterways in China and India becoming contaminated. Our textile partner ABMT is an innovative and environmentally-friendly manufacturer that prides itself in reducing the huge environmental impacts usually associated with making textiles. Its Melbourne facility has an on-site water treatment plant, so up to 85% of water in the factory is reused within the manufacturing process or through a third-party recycled water programme. ABMT also holds an ISO1401 Environmental Management System certification, which shows environmental impacts and sustainability are front and centre of its operations. Slow fashion for generations of babies Fast fashion sees a lot of textiles ending up in landfill. With little ones growing as quickly as they do, baby clothes too often join the growing piles of waste. That’s why we focus on timeless designs and fabrics that last, so your Dimple’s products will last through generations of babies. Brands we stock care too We partner with brands who share our environmental ethos. Stokke – throughout the company’s history, Stokke has made every effort to use environmentally-friendly and biodegradable materials. They don’t rest on their laurels but continue to innovate and explore new ways of helping preserve the planet. Read more about the Stokke commitment to ethics and the environment here . Nuna – Nuna is focused on ‘creating consciously’ with mindful manufacturing and materials. They believe in designing better gear for your little one and at the same time improving the world in which your child will grow up. Read more about how Nuna goes above and beyond here . Forget any trade-offs – you can have both Looking after our environment doesn’t mean you need to compromise on quality or choice. We’ve hand-picked the best fabrics, manufacturers, and suppliers to make shopping with a conscience easy.
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Choosing the right baby carrier
Here’s everything you need to know about baby carriers Becoming a new parent comes with an overwhelming number of unanswered questions – one of which is how to choose the right baby carrier. Keeping your little bundle of joy close to you while running errands, visiting the grandparents or doing chores around the house might seem like a far-fetched idea at first, but with a baby carrier, you don’t have to choose between doing one or the other. There is a huge selection of baby carriers to choose from – everything from smaller models best suited to newborn babies through to adaptable carriers which can be used even into the toddler years. With so many options, it can make deciding on which one to buy a little daunting – especially if you’re a first-time parent. Let’s take a look at different styles of carriers, as well as a few tips for how to pick the right one for you and your baby. Types of baby carriers Ring slings Ring slings are a well-known and versatile style of baby carrier. They’re made from a length of fabric threaded through two rings. Ring slings are worn on one shoulder, spreading widely across your back to create a pouch for baby to sit in. With some models, extra shoulder padding can be added for long-term wearing. Because a ring sling offers a variety of different carrying positions, it can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood. For young babies, it supports the ‘C-shape’ curve they’re born with. Once the sling has been adjusted to fit you and bubs, it’s a simple matter of popping baby in and out. Ring slings are a great introductory carrier for new parents because they’re easy to use and can be stored in your nappy bag. Soft-structured carriers This style of carrier is a favourite with parents because of how easy it is to use and adjust. The basic design is a front panel where baby will be ‘seated’, a waist strap and two padded shoulder straps – all of which can be adjusted and secured with buckles to achieve a comfortable fit. Soft-structured carriers can be used for front, hip and back carrying, from newborns to toddlers. They carry your baby in an ergonomic upright position (rather than a hammock or cradle position), evenly distributing his weight over both your shoulders. Many have additional head support for younger babies or integrated infant boosters which can be easily removed as your baby grows – like this Nuna Cudl Carrier. They’re not quite as snuggly as wraps and can take time to work out the most comfortable position, but they’re super-quick to pop on and provide fantastic support for long-term wearing. Wrap slings or carriers A wrap – like this Aura Baby Wrap – is one of the most comfortable baby carriers to wear. For young babies, the swaddle-like design mimics the feel of the womb. The design consists of a long piece of specially-woven fabric that is wrapped, tied and moulded to your body and baby. You can use it in lots of different styles – front, side or back, on one shoulder or two. Some wrap snugly around your chest to distribute weight and others are more like a backpack. Most will fit all sizes, shapes and ages of babes. You’ll need to learn how to wrap, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll have it mastered in no time. Tips for choosing a baby carrier Baby carriers come in a wide variety of styles and features. Whatever carrier you choose, follow the usage instructions and safety advice in the manual, and always monitor baby when in the carrier to ensure proper airflow is maintained. When shopping for a baby carrier, here are some things you should consider: Longevity As your baby grows, your carrier will need changing features. Newborns like to snuggle in close with their head on your chest; toddlers want to see the world! Most carriers come with generous age and size ranges but it's essential to choose a carrier designed to fit your baby's size and age. Some parents opt for two carriers and others look for an alternative that can adjust to different ages. Fit and comfort One of the most important factors of a baby carrier is how well it fits. You want one that fits your newborn well and supports her safely. This means you’ll need to factor in weight, height, physiology and build. It should also be comfortable for both you and your baby. The seat of any carrier should allow your baby’s legs to be in the hip-healthy ‘M’ position. For you, think about how much back and shoulder support you’ll need for long-term wearing comfort. Most carriers are one-size-fits-most, can be easily adjusted and shared between parents. Other options come in different size ranges. Ease of use Regardless of what type of carrier you buy, it may take a little practice before using one becomes second nature. Some carriers require a multi-step process to get set up but can be easily stored in a nappy bag. Others may be easier to use but bulkier to transport. Easy to clean If you didn’t already know – babies are messy! Not all carriers can be machine-washed for easy cleaning – some need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Be sure to check labels for washing instructions. Climate While physical contact is great for a boost of oxytocin (the love hormone) and bonding, all carriers will add heat. For warmer climates, lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential. For colder climates, heavier materials and padding are more appropriate. Organic and eco-friendly For those parents and babies with sensitive skin, or anyone looking for an eco-friendly carrier option, consider carriers with organic fabrics, colour grown cotton, unbleached fabrics, recycled materials, and non-toxic dyeing processes. Pick what’s right for you and your family Baby carriers are a great alternative to lugging a stroller in and out of your boot and navigating crowds. They’ve been shown to help promote bonding, improve postpartum depression and anxiety, and reduce crying. But ultimately, the perfect carrier for you and your bouncing baby is the style that you both find most comfortable. All carriers provide exactly what your baby is looking for – being close to you. Look at your budget, lifestyle, and who will be using the carrier to help you decide which styles to consider.
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