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.

Is my carrier safe??? How you can trust your carrier not to fall apart and drop your baby.

I'm not talking about using a carrier that is too big for your baby, which poses a suffocation risk. Proper fit and support in a carrier is a completely different topic. I'm talking about being assured of the quality and safety of the materials and construction methods used to make your carrier. 

The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) regulates compliance with the US standards for baby carriers. These standards are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates toxic chemical limits, flammability, strength, and hazards such as fall and choking for all products sold in the US. These standards ensure proper labeling, care, and usage information is on the product itself. All soft carriers, mei tais and front packs manufactured after Sept 29, 2014 must be tested and compliant to ASTM F2236.  When buying a carrier you need to know 3 things: that it is properly labeled, that it can be registered, and that it has been safety tested. The labeling and registration are used in the event of a recall. The safety testing label indicates that the carrier passes the safety requirements outlined in ASTM F2236. (Carriers made prior to September 29th, 2014 were not required to undergo ANY safety testing or conformity requirements.) This covers weight testing, choking and suffocation hazards, and permanently attached proper use information. 

The BCIA is made up of manufacturers, educators, and retailers who are compliant with CPSC standards. Buying a carrier from a BCIA retailer or manufacturer means you can trust that it is safe. Of course, always check your carrier for wear at the seams, buckles, and stress points, because everything eventually wears out. Each model and fabric content must be independently tested by a third party, which means that testing is very expensive. It is often cost prohibitive for very small businesses to make carriers. Please know that it is illegal to sell a non-compliant carrier.  Even if you made for yourself and then sell it when you are done with it, you must be compliant with CPSC regulations. (For more information about selling carriers go to http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/2013/02/baby-carrier-manufacturing-101/ .) Many of the knock-off, really cheap carriers that are available online are not tested or part of the BCIA. These carriers are very dangerous because of the possible chemical content, weak materials used, and poor construction methods. 

Before I understood the importance of compliance with CPSC regulations, I bought a WAHM made ring sling from a large swap group. Once I had it in hand the material seemed very thin, so I asked several experienced baby wearers for their opinions. They all recommended that I not put a baby in it because of the questionable material and lack of any labels. I found a safe use for it as a belly wrap during pregnancy and a doll sling for my kids. 

In the interest of your child's safety, please only buy BCIA carriers. For more information, go to babycarrierindustryalliance.com If you are unsure of the safety of a carrier that you already own, look for the labeling and check the manufacturer's website. 

Jade lives in east Tulsa with her husband, two boys, and dog Crash. She is passionate about supporting parents. Jade is a Post Partum Doula with Better Birth Now. 

Labor of Love

If you've been to a meeting you've seen those ladies in green shirts.  They are unpacking bags, setting up stations, checking carriers, greeting you when you walk in the door, and so much more.  They help teach at the stations, they direct the lost where to find help and they stay after you have left in order to clean up, often even vacuuming - because, let's face it, where there are kids there are crumbs.  They do a lot to help the instructors insure the meetings run smoothly and everyone gets the help they need.

But did you know how much more they do in the background, how much time they dedicate to making Babywearing Around Tulsa wonderful?  

 For instance, right now many of our volunteers are working hart to add tags to our lending library carriers.

Sometimes they spend their Saturdays in training sessions.  They help facilitate discussions on the board and help to keep our group on topic.  They accept carrier returns prior to meetings for those who can't make it to the meetings themselves and they often take on the duty of washing carriers as well.

And they do all this as a labor of love.

So take a minute to thank a volunteer.  Maybe not even a volunteer for BWAT, but a volunteer for an organization that has benefited you in some way.  Show your appreciation for their hard work.  A kind word can make the "work" joyful.

Thank you, Volunteers, for all that you do for BWAT.





Somer Johnson is a Babywearing enthusiast and Momma to Bitsy and Squeaker, two bundles of energy. She is a Babywearing Institute 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.

Happy 4th Birthday, BWAT!

I just want to wish a happy 4th birthday to Babywearing Around Tulsa!  What a milestone!  

This is my first baby.  I knew before Bitsy was born that I wanted to wear her.  I ordered this moby on a black friday sale because Mobies were the only carriers I really new about.  Mobies and Ergos and one ring sling were all I had ever seen.  My friends who also had babies right when I did were the same way and we stumbled through much of it together.

We practiced, but we didn't wear as often as I wanted at first.  We also had a ring sling but the instructions were confusing and included cradle carry.  (Which I tried!  And luckily she HATED for the most part)  And look at those footie pajamas!  I didn't know to give them a tug to free up her little toes.

All I knew is I wanted to hold my baby close.  Especially when she was sick, like in this picture here.  I KNEW in my heart that being close to mama was important, so we kept trying.  And CJ and Amanda formed Babywearing Around Tulsa on Facebook and suddenly we had a whole bunch of other people who were all trying the same thing. 

We branched out to mei tais.  Our first mei tai was much like the Babyhawk or infantino mei tais you can easily find in stores these days.  

And then the meetings started!  This is CJ, Bitsy (on front) and her boy at one of our first meetings.  We met at the play place at the mall.  Chaotic, but free.  And there were maybe a half dozen of us.  I was too intimidated to go alone, though I needn't have been, so Ashley Ritchie went with me.  

We got the hang of Ring Slings and even bought a water ring sling!  (Bitsy was such a serious baby. Nothing like her always laughing little brother)

And we got better at wrapping.  With practice and with help.  And while were doing all of that we made friends.  So many amazing friends.

But we still didn't know about those darned footie pajamas!  Haha!

 And travel got a heck of a lot easier.  Getting coffee and buffet breakfast at a hotel is a heck of a lot easier with two hands!  And comforting a baby in a strange place is so much easier with a carrier.

We also got to borrow some amazing carriers along the way.  I hope CJ still has this amazing beauty; we were so very privileged to be able to help break it in.

BTW - our selfies got better along the way as well!

BWAT has had a major impact on my life and I hope on the lives of many others.  Just looking back at my own babywearing journey reminds me of why I feel so dedicated to helping others learn and find the right carrier for them.

So happy birthday, BWAT!  May you continue to grow and share babywearing love with all of Northeast Oklahoma.  May you touch the lives of many in a positive way.  May the love you share send out ripples that reach beyond what any one person could do.

Somer Johnson is a Babywearing enthusiast and Momma to Bitsy and Squeaker, two bundles of energy. She is a Babywearing Institute 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.





Has Babywearing Around Tulsa had an impact on your life?  We would love to share your story!  Please feel free to share in the comments here or on facebook and if you would be willing to write a blog post contact us at BabywearTulsa@gmail.com

Madame Googoo Carrier Review

I was lucky enough to borrow the toddler sized Madame Goo Goo buckle carrier from our lending library recently. I have been waiting a while to try this beauty!

When Babywearing Around Tulsa first got this carrier, my kiddo was too small, and then I waited for my name to be drawn. This carrier is beautiful, and impeccably made! The stitching is perfect, and I have no doubts about the quality. The fabrics are so fun and well coordinated; it is gorgeous! The padding is perfect, and talk about making my 25 pounder weightless! I love that she eliminates the need for reach straps with snap up extra long hood ties. I am not a fan of the chest clip, as there is no way to keep it in my sweet spot, but if I ordered one I could have her address that, I'm sure. With all the options she offers, this is easily the perfect carrier to own! 

Be sure to get your little one in a MGG at some point in your wearing journey!

Jade lives in east Tulsa with her husband, two boys, and dog Crash. She is passionate about supporting parents. Jade is a Post Partum Doula with Better Birth Now. 

International Babywearing Week 2015

Who is excited for IBW 2015?!?!  I am!!!  Babywearing Around Tulsa has an amazing line up of events, something for every day of the week!  Check it out:

IBW 2014 Guthrie Green Wear-in

Just like last year, we will kick off IBW with a Guthrie Green Wear-In. Guthrie Green is a wonderful place to bring your family and spend a nice social Sunday afternoon.  We hope to see even more of you there this year, lets really show the folks at Guthrie Green how awesome babywearing  is!  We will meet up at one, I hear there will be live music starting around 2!

Monday evening we will have a relaxing family picnic at Hunter Park. Hunter Park has an excellent playground and plenty of space to throw down picnic blankets!  There will also be a babywearing yoga demo for those who are interested!  Bring your yoga mat if you want to follow along.

Tuesday the weather looks great for a babywearing walk!  Stay tuned to our facebook page for the exact location.

Wednesday we will have one of our most popular event, Babywearing Mini-sessions!  This is a fundraiser for the lending library, so all of our photographers are donating their time and expertise to this fun event.  For $10 you will receive a mini-session with a photographer and 2 professionally edited images with full print release.  Check out my pics from last year!

And after the mini-sessions join us for lunch at Guthrie Green.  Its food truck Wednesday, so the offerings should be plentiful and scrumptious.

Thursday its time to #EmbraceYourOptions and come try a carrier you have never tried before!  Join us at Bottoms and Beyond Boutique in Sand Springs for this fun event.

Friday we will be having fun at the Tulsa Zoo.  Meet at 10am by the big globe or just come when you can and hang out with your babywearing friends.  Let's flood the zoo with babywearing!

Saturday we will round out our week with our biggest event yet!  Join us at Go Ballistic from 1-4pm for bouncing and fun and a Mini Vendor Faire!  Curious about our vendors?  Check out the facebook event page here!  Come out and support BWAT, you only have to pay if your kiddos want to play, the vendor faire is completely free!

Can't make it to our in person events?  Don't worry!  You won't be left out of the celebrations.  Check out this list of all of our incredible on-line events!  The Babywearing Around Tulsa group page and businiess page are sure to be hopping all week long.  Start thinking now about what you might want to "Ask an Admin." Anything (within reason) goes!  Get your photos ready to share on each day's theme thread as well!  We can't wait for all the fun to begin!

We hope you make plans to celebrate International Babywearing Week with us.  It is a super fun time of year and we really go all out to make sure it is great for you.  Want to support BWAT?  Consider donating a prize to our festivities.  Email us at BabywearTulsa@gmail.com or contact us on facebook.

Squish Wearing

Let's be honest here, this is just a photo dump of cuteness. You remember that post about how I was anticipating wearing my squishy little boy while I was still pregnant?  Well here he is in all his tiny cute squishy glory.

Paz Wickandish Sunset

Very first wearing picture. We were still in the hospital and I used this Paz to announce gender. Squeaker is a boy!

Girasol Double Rainbow Azul Ring Sling

Out first grocery store trip was made snuggly and less stressful by this Girasol Ring Sling. A good ring sling is perfect for squish wearing. If you can only get one newborn carrier, I often recommend a ring sling.

Calypso

Sleepy boy needs some cuddles while big sis needs attention?  I got this. A soft wrap is the perfect way to snuggle one and play with the other.

Clementine Sunshine and Rainbows Turquoise Weft

Squeaker's first trip to the library. He found it to be a very peaceful place.

KHR Memories From Under the Bridge

A luscious fiber festival!  When he wast being doted on by all of mommy's fiber friends, he was snuggles up nice and tight.

Rainbow Frog Wet Paint

Snuggle snuggle snuggle, I just can't help it!  Look at him working on holding his head up!

In addition to their cuteness, I hope that these photos help to demonstrate how babywearing fits in to every day life and how you can keep your newborn close while still taking care of your other kids or your life.  In the majority of the wrapping pictures I am using Front Wrap Cross Carry because it is my favorite newborn carry.  It is a nice secure hold and I feel confident moving around in it.  I know that Squeaker's back and neck are well supported.  As he grows and can spread his legs naturally, instead of taking the cross passes over his legs (which is what is hiding his feet here), I will take them under so he is, in essence, sitting on an X, which will provide additional support when he reaches the wiggly stage.  For now I will take the peaceful, cuddly stage every second that I can get it.  I love to wear my little Squeaker.  (It has also renewed Bitsy's (Big Sis) interest in being worn so maybe there will be a tandem post sometime in the future!)

Somer Johnson is a Babywearing enthusiast and Momma to Bitsy and Squeaker, two bundles of energy. She is a Babywearing Institute 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.