Let's Compare! Standard Mj vs Standard Tula

Trying out our new MJ! MJ baby carriers are fairly new to the market and a definite up and comer! It's comparable to a standard Tula with a few key differences. 
1) Deeper seat
2) Taller back panel 
3) Dual adjustable waist strap is 4-6 inches longer than the Tula. 
4) Panel is a bit wider than a standard Tula. 
5) Waist padding is firmer and wider with a very large pocket. 

Comfort wise they are very similar, but as time has passed I am favoring the MJ slightly. Shoulder padding is very similar. I did feel like the waist padding on the MJ rested on my bottom in a back carry because of its width, though I don't see that as an issue as it breaks in. After having my MJ for a few months I found if I raised and tightened the waistband correctly this is no longer an issue. I will say this is a large carrier, even labeled as a standard, I wouldn't recommend it until baby is 10-12 months old due to the large size, MJ does not offer an infant insert.

I would recommend this for a few people in particular, plus size wearers (hubby is a 4xl and this fits him comfortably, whereas a standard Tula doesn't at all) and if you have a leaner this would be great since the panel is taller,or a little that loves riding arms in. My girl normally rides arms out! even with the taller panel she can still do so. I believe that this is perfect until she's ready for a toddler size. You can see due to the deeper seat and panel height the difference it makes in the fit. Jemma is 27lb and 32" if anyone is curious, size 18-24m. Also note, Jemma is sleeping in one of the MJ photos so the panel looks even larger due to her slight slumping.

With the addition of Fresh Mesh to the MJ line up, these cooler options for warm climates are definitely a plus for the MJ brand. Prices are similar, standard Tula retail $149, standard MJ retail $145. All in all, I can and do happily recommend this carrier but of course no carrier is perfect for everyone. 

Renee McBay is a happily married mother to one little girl so far. She enjoys volunteering for BWAT, watching Dr Who and Harry Potter, reading whenever possible, and snuggling all the squishy babies.

How Babywearing Helps Me; A Deaf Mother's Experience

A deaf mother shares her experience with how babywearing affects how she is able to care for her child. 

Babywearing is so very important to me. Why? Because I'm able to know if my baby cries, is breathing, or using her voice. What? Yes, I am deaf. 

I think baby carriers are so beneficial for deaf parents. Sadly, some people think it's dangerous for us to wear our babies because we won't know if they choke or anything like that, which isn't true. 

You know the senses? Smell, touch, hear, sight, taste? Deaf people don't have the hearing sense but have an increase of the other senses, touch and sight. We get to feel all the details. Wearing our babies helps a lot. I don't see how it is dangerous for us to wear them? It is much safer for us to wear them than put them in strollers.. Why? We won't be able to hear them crying or screaming from there. We would have to watch them all the time while pushing the stroller. Keeping them close makes our life easier! AND, it helps them feel safe and comforts them knowing we are not ignoring them on purpose. 

And, a BONUS! --  we get to use BOTH hands to talk! Oh so much easier on us! :) (Picture shown that I got to communicate with both of my hands)

Babywearing is so much a lifesaver for me.. Of course, it is for everyone, but so much for us. #WEARALLTHEBABIES!! 

Nursing in a Soft Structured Carrier

Renee Owsley McBay is a wife and mother to 1 year old Jemma. She enjoys the closeness and convince of babywearing and sharing it with others. In her free time she volenteers for BWAT, loves watching Doctor Who, crafting, and reading just about anything she can get her hands on

Newbie

I have been baby wearing for about 7 months now. We didn't really get started until my son was about 5 months old. We got a narrow based carrier at my baby shower and we tried him in it a few times but with my lack of experience and help at the time I just didn't feel comfortable or safe because I was not tightening it correctly.

I saw on a ladies instagram, a picture of a Tula and I was like that looks just like a back pack I carried one for years in college and even after for work. This is what I need. So I went to a local store to find to try one. It was the first carrier I actually used and felt comfortable wearing. 

The person on Facebook told me that I should try and see if we have a local baby wearing group and man did I hit the jack pot! 

Since becoming a member of Babywearing Around Tulsa and learning more about different styles and types of carriers and what each could be used for I have since added a ring sling, a mei tie type carrier, and wraps to my collection. 

 
All this to say we are all newbies at some point. Everything has a learning curve and being a part of a group like Baby wearing Around Tulsa you can get safety tips, wearing tips, and allow yourself and little one to be comfortable in which ever type of carrier you choose. I attended a few of the mini classes to get hands on help with my wrapping skills that are still a work in progress. I highly recommend these type of classes if you are wanting more instruction and instructors to watch you wrap your baby, help you make a seat, problem solve what is happening for your situation and carrier. They typically offer Intro to Wrapping, Advanced Back Wrapping, Soft Structure Carriers, and are planning to try and add other classes if they have interest. (Note I am sure I missed some classes offered those are just ones I was interested in or personally attended). I hope that everyone can have a great experience like I have and utilize the knowledge of our instructors, volunteers, and members to have happy and successful baby wearing. Wear all the babies!

Kelsey Deerinwater is an athletic trainer turned stay at home mom for the time being. Mother to Race who is all boy, very energetic, always on the go, and strong willed little man. I enjoy getting out and meeting new people and having someone for Race to play with.

Why I love Babywearing

I knew that I was going to wear my first baby before she was even born. As a first time

mom, I had a lot of time on my hands to scour the internet for all things baby. I read a

multitude of articles on parenting styles, feeding, diapering, finding the perfect name,

and *babywearing*.

I didn’t know much about babywearing other than the claim from a friend that it would

make my life with a newborn much easier. In the list of

must-haves for baby to be was the Moby.

I got the olive Moby. I loved it. It was such a wonderful

feeling snuggling my newborn daughter so close. A few

times I even got my husband to wear our baby girl

*swoon*. I loved having her close. I wore her to the fair,

the zoo, the park, and even in a cave.

Unfortunately, the Moby soon became a tad

uncomfortable due to my rapidly growing baby and it’s

tendency to be quite stretchy, so I invested in an Ergo.

The grey galaxy ergo, to be exact. This was the

beginning of my babywearing adventure. I fell down the

rabbit hole and I have yet to find my way out. I’m on my 3rd baby, I’ve owned *dozens*

of carriers, it’s an obsession. I love every bit of it. The obsession is not a necessary part

of babywearing. ;-)

So, your friend keeps telling you that you *need* to wear your baby. You like the idea,

but you’re not really sure if it’s for you. You wonder if it will really be all that comfortable.

Can the baby breathe in there? Is it expensive? Will it really get that much use? You’re

on the fence and not sure if you’re ready to take the plunge.

I get it. Parenting is full of choices, some much more trivial than others. So, I surveyed

some moms, dads, grandmas, sisters, etc and asked them why they wear their babies.

My hope is that their experiences will shed some light for you and help you to make a

more informed decision. :-)

That’s a half-truth. My hope is that their experiences will convince you that you *must*

babywear! #wearallthebabies

“Babywearing makes my life easier because I can keepmy baby happy with snuggles while getting things done!”

-Jade

“I made an army of 6 children that will overrun my house and cause utter chaos in public if I didn't have some way to contain them. Oh, and the bond, you know, because babies love to be glued to their caretaker/food source.”

-Laci

“I have 5 young children. If it were not for babywearing, I would have a hard time getting things done and I would miss out on lots of snuggles….Whether you have one child or a whole bunch, babywearing can literally be life changing.” -Ashlee

“I baby wear because I refuse to leave the house without makeup on, because I like to cook

dinner every night, and because my girl ADORES being worn. Anything that keeps baby and

mom close to each other's hearts is a win in my book!” -Shelby

“Couldn't do photography without my baby pack” -Gerry

“I love that she holds and hugs me while I'm wearing her.” -Manda

“We are still able to do things like hike and sight see when traveling, just as if we didn't have babes -- because they're along for the ride. It's just what makes the most sense for our family.” -Madison

“It's a way to instantly soothe cranky babies and children. They love to be snuggled up to Mama, and I can get things done at the same time.” -Kristin

“I love being heart to heart with my littles, I love having my babies snuggled into me, breathing in sync with each other and just being… it creates this world in which parent and child can be utterly close and hearts overflowing in any situation.” -Jen

“I missed the hands free fun and interaction with my 3 year old, like playing at the park or just exploring. It's so convenient to be able to do the things he loves without tired arms or wrestling with a stroller. It helps me give them both the attention they need at the same time.” -Chelsea

“I started because I'm cheap. I hate big bulky bucket seats, and wanted the price tag of the convertible. Without a car seat, I knew I needed a carrier. That's when I found a mei tei for $9. It was just what I needed. Once baby came, I found out how calm he was snuggled close to me. I found how nice it was to snuggle his tiny head. I found freedom to move and grow stronger as I carried him. I have found my way to raise my baby, and it's right next to me.” -Lori

“I travel for work and I have used baby wearing in assisting to keep a close relationship with my son.” -Ryan

“It keeps baby happy and helps with my ppd. I love all the different kinds of carriers and how you can always find something to love… It's an amazing experience and when you get a new carrier or learn a new way to wrap you feel like a superhero.” -Kelly

“I have 3 kids and I need to carry the baby so I can hold hands with the older children. It's all about safety and convenience for me.” -Ashley

“I have 5 kids (7,4,3,22 months, & 6 months). It makes it easier when we go out and it's also easier when I am doing things around the house and my son wants to be held.” -Rebecca

“I wanted to hold my baby all day and found a way to do that.” -Lauren

"Baby wearing made my life easier whenmy second baby came and I really got into it and I was able to chase a toddler, nurse, and hold my newborn all at the same time! -Corie

“I am particular on who gets to hold my baby, and babywearing tends to keeps others hands off. Also, carseats get heavy and strollers are a pain. I love the bonding and the cuddling. I was mostly afraid of the price for a carrier. I wasn't sure I would get my money's worth out of it or even use it at all. Now that I have one, I use it everyday! It's a life saver!” -Chelsea

For all you need to know about baby wearing and more check out the rest of the blog. You’ll find reviews, different styles of carrying, safety information, and more. :-)

                                                                                                                                                     

Jessica Eubanks is a chaser of toddlers, a wearer of babies, and a lover of her husband.

Growth

WARNING:  Sappy post to follow.

I thought about taking this back to the beginning.  Back to when we had a half dozen people per meeting and a dozen was a really big day.  Back to when we didn't have the giant lending library we have now so each mama who came brought every carrier they owned, whether it was 1 or 10, and dumped them all out on the tables in the room for everyone else to try.  Back when there was room to spread out a blanket on the floor and plop all the kiddos on it.  But that was way too many pictures and I still want the post to be able to load on your computer.  ;-)

My how we have grown.  Even though everything in the intro paragraph may sound wonderful and perfect and ideal to some people -- and it was a wonderful and perfect beginning to Babywearing Around Tulsa -- what we have grown into is AMAZING.  

We have tried new things and made new friends.  We have fund raised and saved dues money and searched hard for good deals.  We have grown an impressive lending library and we shared our message with so, so many parents and caregivers.

We have lived through carrier fads.  ;-) We have worked through different meeting structures and teaching techniques.  We have LOVED getting together every month.

We don't always remember to take a group photo, but when we do they are always an awesome mix of moms, dads, grandparents and babies.  The mix of carriers is always amazing.  

We love that in BWAT wrappers, SSC lovers, Mei Tai enthusiasts and ring sling fanatics can coexist and do so lovingly.  And that its very hard to get a group photo where no one is talking, because everyone loves to talk to each other so much we just can't stop.  

If you want to learn to wear your baby, you are welcome here.  If you have your one beloved wrap and need no other carrier, you are welcome here.  If you want to collect all the pretty SSCs you can get your hands on, you are welcome here.  If you want to learn to carry your newborn, you are welcome here.  If you want to try a preschool size KP for your big kid, you are welcome here (and we have one in the lending library).

Twins, singletons, front carries, back carries, fancy finishes, ring slings, stretchy wraps.....  We work with you to find the perfect carrier for you and your baby.  One of the things that makes BWAT so special is that we know there isn't a one size fits all solution to babywearing and we celebrate our diversity.

The support that this group has provided to so many is invaluable.  I hope I can get to know each and every one of you.  At our current size, I know its virtually impossible, but please know that I value every one of you anyway.   (3000 facebook members, guys!  We have OVER 3000 facebook members.  Can you believe that?  My mind is blown.)

The friendships that have been forged here are strong and deep.  Together we have learned so much and continue to do so.  

Together we grow.

Somer Johnson is a Babywearing enthusiast and Momma to E, a bundle of energy. She is a Babywearing Institue Certified Babywearing Educator.  She is also addicted to cloth diapers and makes and sells wool dryer balls as SomerKnits. Occasionally she also carves out some time to knit, spin or weave - her main pre-baby passions.

Plus Size Babywearing

For years I never thought a thing about my size.  I was a size two going into college.  I danced (ballet ya’ll) six days a week.   I was a twig.  Then I slowly started gaining weight, and then I got married and had babies.  I went from twiggy to plus size in a matter of years.  When my precious little guy was born, I saw a Moby wrap and I thought, “I must have that.”   I quickly went from, “I must have that” to “…but I’m too fat” and “What will people see when they look at me, the fat mom with the tiny baby wrapped to herself?”  If you are a plus size mom, I bet you’ve had the same thoughts. 

The thing is  1) No, you aren’t too fat to babywear.   2)  Yes, the carriers will fit you.   3) People will see a mother who is wearing her baby, and a tiny baby they want to touch and ask a million questions about.  They are too enthralled by your ability to multi-task and by your beautiful child and how in love you are with your child to care about your body image.

Some things I’ve learned over the past four years of babywearing as a larger mom are this. 

• Get a carrier with a pattern you love! 

Don’t buy a carrier with a dark color to try to hide your roundness or blend into your surroundings if what you really wanted was the carrier with the bright pink flowers or the one with the puppy dogs all over it.  Get something you really like and enjoy wearing it!  People will see the cute pattern and the baby anyhow.  If you are going to spend the money, get something lovely instead of the drab gray if you really hate gray.

• Don’t buy the “plus size” without first trying it out. 

A standard size carrier, wrap, or sling is probably going to fit you.  I’m a size 22 with 40K breasts, and all the standard carriers fit me *with room to spare*.   Ring slings come long anyhow.  If you are also short as well as plus size, you’ll probably find the longer sling under your feet.   If you wear the standard size buckle carriers and mei tais properly (let’s put the waistband at our natural waist instead of our hips gals), you’ll probably be like me and have to roll up all that extra strap hanging down.  I found out the hard way that just because I am bigger doesn’t mean I need a size 7 or 8 wrap…waaaay too much fabric hanging down at my feet.  So, when you see that cute Ergo and then see it comes with “waist extenders”, please don’t automatically buy the plus size accessories.

• Don’t buy a carrier without trying it first

Really, this could go for anyone, but don’t see something online or in your friend’s picture and just go buy it.  This may end up costing you a bundle in the end, and worse, will make you feel bad about babywearing and your body.  Everyone has different body shapes and what works for one person may be incredibly uncomfortable for someone else.  I’ve found some carriers have buckles that rub my arm fat horribly.  Some make my breasts contort into weird positions.  Wrapping was annoying to me because I can’t reach around my back with my short chubby arms.  However, other types had rings that I loved, and straps that didn’t rub, and easy ways of getting a baby on my back. Find a group with a lending library, like Babywearing Around Tulsa, and go to a meeting to try before you buy.  If you can’t make it to a meeting, at least borrow from another member or friend who owns what you are interested in and see if you like it first.  Meetings are nice because an expert can help you put it on correctly and be sure it fits you correctly. It’s better to be able to just set something back on a table than to have it bought and at home, where you can cry over it and get down on yourself for it not fitting well.  There’s something out there for everyone, but it may be trial and error to find the one for you!

• Yes, you can breastfeed in a carrier!

If you aren’t breastfeeding, this doesn’t apply to you obviously, but many babywearing mamas are also breastfeeding mamas.  Many plus size mamas are plus size all around…hello big boobs!  Just because you are a larger size, doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed in a carrier too.  It may take some practice though.  My advice is to start by finding a shirt you can lower and pull the breast out the top of vs trying to lift up a shirt in carrier.  Sports bras are my go-to nursing bras for this since they have no fabric impeding the lifting process on the top.  Find a carrier you can lower easily or turn baby a bit in too.  I liked that my ring sling tail covered the top half of my chest.  Ideally, find another mom who is or who has breastfed in the same carrier you have and get help!  If I hadn’t had a real-life, in-person tutorial, I may not have tried hard enough to figure it out.  Breastfeeding in a carrier is wonderful once you get it down though.  Large breasted mamas can breastfeed while babywearing! 

• Be confident! 

Easier said than done, but be confident that you are a beautiful woman and a good mom.  This stage of your child’s life is gone in a flash, so have fun and enjoy snuggling with your little one.  Here are some of my favorite babywearing pictures of this fluffy mama and my kiddos….with at least one in my pajamas.

My name is Kristin Riffe.  I’m married and have two little boys who keep me on my toes.  I used to teach elementary school, but recently decided to quit and start a small sewing business.  I would consider myself a partially “crunchy” mama, who is somehow both extroverted and a wallflower.   

 

Babywearing and Friendship

When I first heard the term babywearing I was very hesitant and didn’t even know where to begin. I was so scared; I know there was no reason for that now.  When my oldest daughter was born I wore her once or twice in a cheap carrier from a big box store and disliked it so much that I just knew that was all there was to offer for babywearing, so I gave up quickly.  When my second daughter was 5 months old I went to The Great Cloth Diaper Change in Tulsa.  I was immediately amazed at all the beautiful carriers and all the different ways all the sweet babies were being worn, but of course I was too shy to ask anyone about them.  Finally when my daughter was 10 months old I decided on what would be my first carrier, a Kinderpack.  And wow, I went crazy from there. I quickly started watching many YouTube videos and purchased my first wrap, Girasol Double Rainbow.  I then joined travelling wrap groups and that right there is how I started making some pretty awesome babywearing friends.  It is amazing how one thing can bring great friends together and you know they will be lifelong friends even though you may never actually meet them.  I have also met some pretty awesome local mommas through Babywearing Around Tulsa and Checotah Babywearing Mamas’ Facebook groups.  We may not see each other all that often but when we do we always have lots of fun just chatting about what we have been up to lately, we also will do the occasional shout out if we see each other while out shopping.

What are some ways that you have made new friends because of babywearing?

Mandi is a mom to two beautiful little girls. Mandi gets to practice babywearing in her home daycare often. In her spare time Mandi loves to be with her family and go to craft classes with her friends.

Traveling Wraps: What’s That?

Not long into my babywearing journey I was scrolling through Facebook one day and I came across something new and just way to cool to pass. Traveling wrap groups! I was so intrigued I had to see what this was about. Ever since I tell everyone I can, well if they are interested, and I get asked all the time, “What is a travelling wrap group?” So that is where the idea for this blog post came to be.

First, you make a feedback link inside the group. Feedback is simply a picture of your choosing where people can write what their experience with you that way others will know to trust you or not.

Second, you pick one of your wraps or carriers out that you feel comfortable with sending to other moms you don’t know. You post a picture of it and all the important information like: fiber, value because each host mails it to the next with insurance for the full value, how many hosts, length of travel which is usually one week per host, etc. Moms will comment on it if they are interested in hosting it for you. They will each provide a link to their feedback so you can decide if you would like to work with them or not.  Once you pick out the hosts you make an event page inside the group where the hosts can post tracking information and pictures as it is traveling.  Once you decide what order the travel will go on you simply mail it to the first home then it will go from home to home until it arrives back with you.  Other ways you can send wraps travelling is through round robins where a set number of people all send a wrap out and everyone in that group gets to have someone’s wrap for the full travel period. You can also temporarily trade with just one person.

Third, once you send something travelling you get to start hosting some awesome wraps and carriers.

Travelling may be fun but I need to be honest at the same time. Costs: I have always paid between $6-$19 per wrap to mail it to the next hosts so you can do the math $6-$19 X 40. Sometimes I really miss my wrap while it is away from home, I mean really miss it. The entire system works on trust. I have been blessed by working with some amazing moms, but I have heard a few but not many horror stories.

Groups I am a member of and you should join me: Wrap Wanderlust, Churny Mama’s Traveling Wraps, Motherhood of the Traveling Wraps, and Traveling Woven Wraps.

What have I hosted and sent traveling? I’m so glad you asked J I’ll start with my travelers.

1.       Girasol Double Rainbow visited 5 mamas

2.       Tukula Ring Sling visited 3 mamas

3.       Kinderpack visited 4 mamas

4.       Girasol Tenango visited 12 mamas

5.       Girasol Flamenco visited 3 mamas

6.       Girasol Double Rainbow ring sling visited 5 mamas

7.       Tula visited 2 mamas

8.       Kokadi Love In Your Heart visited 2 mamas

9.       Oscha Nova Roses just started its journey to visit 4 mamas

And the ones I have hosted in the order I hosted them:

1.       Pavo Cheetah Wild

2.       Tekhni Eco

3.       Natibaby Feathers

4.       Girasol Marley wcrs

5.       Didymos Ellipsen with silk

6.       Toddler Tula “Prepster”

7.       Natibaby Shiny Sky

8.       Storch Leo

9.       Obimama Mei Tai

10.   Pavo Hearts

11.   Pavo Spice

12.   Natibaby Brezo

13.   Firespiral Seafoam

14.   Dream Carriers Thread wcfb

15.   Oscha Knots

16.   Tula full conversion Girasol

17.   Didymos Alpaca Gold

18.   Tekhni Portico

19.   Natural Hemp India

20.   Didymos Indo wcrs
 

     21.   Kokadi Ahoi

22.   Didymos Cleo

23.   Oscha Okinami Blue Ice

24.   Girasol Dark Rainbow wchb

25.   Hoptye Pune

26.   Plume Handwoven

27.   Ovolo Fletching Wagtail

28.   Tekhni Olympus Tidepool

29.   Kokadi Eisvogel wcrs

30.   Girasol Symphuo

31.   Tekhni Ceres Raspberry

So you’ve seen my list. What is on your wish list to try?

My name is Mandi Pitts. I am a mom to two beautiful girls. I have a home daycare where I get to practice wrapping plenty of adorable babies. Even though I started late I love Babywearing! #wearallthebabies In my spare time I like to go to paint classes where there is no way you can mess up. On the weekends you can usually find our family camping, swimming, and riding our wave runners on the beautiful shores of Lake Eufaula.