More cape-y goodness

I've only made a handful of baby carriers lately. The one I donated to the Holistic Moms Network for their annual conference seems to have been a big hit, so I made a few more from that gorgeous bamboo/linen blend. It has such a wonderful sheen and softness to it. I really wish I'd saved some of that fabric for me. Oh well. Such is life, and we all know I have enough carriers as it is (but really, what's just one more? :)



The economy seems to be demanding superheros, so most of my work time has been dedicated to creating capes for our little heros, one at a time (or two or three).

Go Green on Black Friday

The Cashmere Cuddles Mei Tai (shown unpadded)

1. 2.
The Cashmere Cuddles X-sling
(shown with leg gussets and without obi sash [1] and with obi sash [2])

International Babywearing Week

International Babywearing Week is coming up next week. In honor of the occasion, all baby carriers in my shop are 20% off -- all mei tais, x-slings, wraps, and Cuddles for Kids doll carriers too. Both in-stock and custom orders are included. Just put "IBW" in the comments section when you order and wait for an updated invoice before paying. Happy shopping!

Bamboo Jersey Wrap

Introducing the Cashmere Cuddles Baby Wrap! Made from 100% bamboo jersey with a brocade accent piece that doubles as a pocket. The wrap measures is 4.25 yards long and 22 inches wide and is perfect for newborns and babies up to 20 pounds.

Stretchy wraps can be used to carry your baby in a cradle position, which is excellent for discrete nursing; tummy to tummy with legs tucked up or in a seated position; forward facing with legs crossed in the "kangaroo position"; and on your hip. The Cashmere Cuddles Baby Wrap should not be used for a back carries.

A note on bamboo:
Bamboo is a highly resistant organic crop, grown without pesticides or insecticides. As a textile it’s an eco-fiber with natural properties that are very desirable for baby products:
- it’s remarkably soft, silky, and has a lovely sheen
- it’s very durable and can be tossed in both the washer
and dryer
- it’s naturally anti-microbial, prohibiting the growth of
bacteria and resisting the growth of mold, yeast, and
fungus
- it’s hypoallergenic and thus an excellent choice for
people with skin sensitivities
- it’s very breathable and great for hot, summer days

Fabric content:
Wrap - 100% bamboo
Accent/Pocket - 100% polyester satin brocade, lined in 100% cotton.

Washing:
Gentle wash in cold water. Line dry.

Why Wear Your Baby

Here's some interesting data about babywearing:

Babywearing facilitates bonding between baby and parent:

- Stimulates the production of the hormone prolactin in the mother
- Provides fathers with a means of nurturing that simulates the closeness of the womb
- Enables caregivers to be acutely responsive and aware of baby's cues and signals, increases maternal sensitivity, and heightens a parent's perceptions of a child's needs
- Encourages touch and physical intimacy, which provides relaxation for both parent and child by lowering the level of stress hormones and adrenalin circulating in the blood stream
- Can help reduce the severity of postpartum depression in mothers who have had negative or endocrine-disrupting (epidurals and/or IV pitocin) birth/delivery experiences, and can help stabilize new mother emotions

Babywearing enriches developmental opportunities for baby:

- Helps the baby to maintain equilibrium and exposes the baby to movement in all three directions (side to side, up and down, forward and back), which is essential to proprioception (body awareness)
- Vertical position or semi-vertical position builds muscle strength, control, and coordination
- Provides the natural rhythm of movement and tactile stimulation that small babies need for proper neurological development
- Stimulates optimal development of the cerebellum of the brain, the only part of the brain that continually increases in cells as the baby gets older
- Allows the baby both to observe and be at the center of activity, rather than being the center of attention, which is a healthy atmosphere for development of empathy, affection and a healthy sense of self
- Encourages the development of solid emotional security by facilitating bonding between parent and baby
- Provides the elements of pressure, motion, pleasure, warmth, security, sound that are essential to the development of the vestibular nervous system
- Stimulates the tactile receptors in the skin, developing muscle tone, increases cardiac output which increases circulation, promotes respiration, and aids in digestion

Other benefits:

- A substantially more ergonomic choice than hauling a car seat carrier, a carrier distributes weight evenly from parent's shoulders to hips and aligns baby's center of gravity as close to parent's body
- Holds baby securely leaving the parent's hands free to work and play
- Develops the back muscles necessary to carry the baby
Studies show that babies who are carried or worn:
- Cry and fuss less and smile more
- Initiate separation and become more emotionally self-reliant more quickly than average
- Are less likely to develop problems with intimacy as adults
- Have a lower mortality rate, especially among premature infants
- Spit up less and have reduced incidence of colic
- Experience less vertigo and increased physical agility in adulthood, a superior sense of balance, precision of movement, and an acute spatial awareness

Demonstration Videos

I now fully understand what actors mean when they say working with children and pets is difficult! Heck, just working with myself was difficult! There is video now, however, demonstrating how to use a Cashmere Cuddles X-sling:



And for the X-sling with leg gussets:

About the Shop

Cashmere Cuddles are stylish, mom-made X-sling baby carriers available in a variety of fabrics from cashmere to cotton, and showcasing eco-friendly fabric like organic cotton and bamboo.



Why choose an X-sling (x-shape or "obi" style) carrier?
• Easy on and off
• No buckles, rings, or complicated ties
• Wide straps evenly distribute baby’s weight
• Ergonomic “legs up” position for baby, especially with the optional leg gussets
• Folds down small, not much bigger than a cloth diaper.


Organic cotton in chocolate brown with cashmere/silk blend accents in light blue



Cashmere Cuddles carriers have the look of a wrap, but the convenience of a soft-structure carrier without the hassle of buckles, rings, or complicated ties. The carrier slips over your head easily and snugs your body. Just slide your baby in from the top and you are ready to go. The criss-cross construction evenly distributes your baby's weight across your shoulders and back and cradles your baby close to your heart. This unique x-shape allows your baby to be carried inward-facing, in a good ergonomic position with his or her weight distributed across the sit bones, rather than the spine. A separate obi sash is tied around and under your baby to give additional support and stability. The carrier can be altered for larger babies with the addition of leg gussets and an adjustable accent piece. See the policies section for details.

X-slings are designed for younger babies. They can be altered to support a larger baby by adding gussets at the leg openings, to keep their legs from dangling, and with an adjustable accent piece that can be lowered while one places the baby in the carrier and then tied into position.

Most users should be able to carry up to 20-25 pounds comfortably.



Cashmere Cuddles on etsy.com is a proud member of the MDC Street Team (MDCEtsy), Etsywearers, and NorCalEtsy