Friday, August 25, 2006

Sling it to me, baby!

I don't know if anyone here knows the Baroness of Stormhold, but she has put her onstructions up for her sling. I didn't get to see it, but I'm told it is very good and SCA appropriate. It may even be period! It's over here if you want to have a perve.

Over on Popgadget, there is a quick blurb about a baby hammock for 0-4 month olds. Some our babies are now older, but this would be a really nifty thing to have, especially over summer. They go for the growth and development pitch, as most products seem to, but I would like to see a little more evidence supporting that. Anyway, have a look. If the thought of buying one's a bit much, I wonder how easy they would be to constuct?

14 comments:

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

interesting, Wenchy.

my first reaction is that it would be cool for a little bub, but what happens when they can wriggle about? the Dinghy is a big wriggly thing when he wakes up. and moves about quite a lot in his sleep.

I just had a quick rummage around the net for some info. there is quite a bit of info on the dangers of using hammocks without spreader bars for children and babies of any age due to strangulation.

there's also a quick blurb about hammocks on a site from South Australia about Parent and Child Health. there's bascially the same info on their SIDS page, and one of their sleeping pages. it's a nice site in general, too -

http://www.cyh.com

go to Health Topics along the top bar, then Safety & First Aid in the drop down menu, then read either 'Safe Sleep' or SIDS. basically, they're probably okay for little babies but it doesn't recommend hammocks once a baby can move about.

I think once they're older and have better control over their bodies, a hammock would be great fun when they're awake, for reading and lolling about, as long as they have those spreader bars. I hadn't really thought about the shape of a hammock till now.

Wenchilada said...

Yes, there's a thought, the shape of the hammock. My initial reaction was 'There's a nice rocky, swaying thing!' but yes, potentially quite dangerous when you really sit down and think about it. Interesting thing.

I'm cetainly in no hurry to go and buy one, I can wait until Pers is older, just thought it would make an interesting talking point.

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

oh I'm with you on the rocking swaying front!

I'm wondering what the hell the Dinghy is going to do (hell, actually, what *I'm* going to do) once he grows out of the 30's pram. which will be soon... because when all else fails, a few minutes jiggle in the pram gets him away to sleep. he loves it. bouncy springy goodness. I think he loves the cozy closeness of it too, like the snuggle bed.

Mindy said...

I have just ordered a Nurture sling which can apparently be used up until about 2 yrs of age. Although I'm guessing with a 2yr old the size Alex was that might be a bit of a challenge. Longer than the 6 months a Baby Bjorn usually gives anyway.

No straps or slings, looks pretty comfy and folds up to fit in your handbag. I will let you know what they are like. Aussie made and about $40 inc postage.

Mindy said...

no straps or rings that should have been.

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

Min, you did get the invite to join the crew, didn't you? I'm sure I sent it...

Mindy said...

did you send it to johnsonhere at dodo dot com dot au? No spaces of course, haven't seen it.

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

I just looked - yes, that's the one I sent it to, on the 10th of Aug. I'll try again... if you don't get it this time, I'm doing something wrong.

Mindy said...

Got it. Will do something on the sling when it arrives, hopefully tomorrow.

Eric TF Bat said...

Hey there, Wenchilada! The wrap that I use to carry the BatPup is quite a good one, and it's been the right size since shortly after she arrived, 18 months ago. Very versatile, and I'm sure you'll find a pattern that wouldn't look out of place in whatever SCA period you're aiming for.

Wenchilada said...

Hey Mr Bat!
Ah-ha! That's the one I was trying to explain to Mouse last night. Exactly what I am looking for. I am currently using something similar to the Baby Bjorn, but it's hurting my already bad (that's what you get for chosing nursing as a career path!) back and it's not going to be long before Persephone has outgrown it. I really should look into getting one of these.

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

there's something similar called a Hug-A-Bub (DV, that's right isn't it?). Alison used one. same concept but a slightly stretchier fabric I think, so it had a bit of grip.

DV said...

info for megs more than anything now...

we used a baby bjorn with oliver and loved it. good when he was very little as it supported him and could easily be put on and off. we also used meaghans (my sister) hug-a-bub and while i liked it, it was a bit too warm in summer nad harder to put on and off. it does have the advantage that it can be used from little babby to toddler.
we now use a quinny Curb which is kinda like a baby bjorn but for bigger babies.

hope it all helps

worldpeace and a speedboat said...

hee hee hee she said quinny