Its now 1 year since we opened "Sprogs" - a children's toy and clothes shop in the heart of the Cotswolds.

We still think we were mad to do it! After all, neither of us is on the right side of 40. In fact, one of us is nearly on the wrong side of 60! Having said that, we could have just retired gracefully and been bored and broke. Instead, we chose to take on a completely new challenge - we,re still broke but never bored!

I'm Carol and my husband is Bob. We run "Sprogs," a little shop selling children's toys and clothes in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, which is a small town in the Cotswolds. We sell traditional, wooden, tin and fairtrade toys and clothes from baby to age 8.

Neither of us had ever run a shop before and although we have 5 children between us we had no idea what it would be like to do this MAD thing!

So, how did we start? Well, Bob bought a book called "How To Run Your Own Shop," read it from cover to cover and then said "OK, lets do it!"

A year on, it has been "interesting" to say the least. Hard work? Yes - bloody hard work! Rewarding? Yes, very. Has it turned Bob into the oldest 5 year old? YES! (oops, given away which one of us is the wrong side of 60 now!)

The day starts with a general tidy up and testing of all the toys. Bob says this is vital and that he needs to check that they all work. Mmm, funny how he always spends longer checking the puppets though? Well, anyway, I usually indulge him in this and get on with checking the emails for orders through our website - www.sprogs.org.uk.

Our bestselling toys have been our lovely Rag Dolls. All ethically produced and beautifully made. They all have their own names and they look so cute just sitting there on their own shelf. The puppets that we do have really inspired Bob and he spends most of the day demonstrating them all to children and parents. He's become so good now that last week a parent asked if he came free with the puppet!! I regularly thank parents for bringing their children in to play with him!

The picture at the top is our latest puppet - Mummy Tawny Owl and her Babies - irrisistable!

The idea of this blog is to tell our story really. It's quite unusual for two people at our time of life to change their working life so drastically, and we hope others will find it interesting as well as entertaining. Hopefully we will update every couple of weeks. It would be really nice to hear from anyone who has thoughts on anything that we post on here.

Our new product this month is "The Baby Sling". We have just got stock of these and I predict fun and games ahead. I have created a small display of these in the baby section and have foolishly printed a sign saying "Please ask for a demonstration". Now, this is where it will be interesting. Neither Bob nor I had a baby sling when our children were small. Yes we had baby carriers but these slings are another ball game altogether. The ones we have chosen to stock are ring slings, very simple to use, no fussy fastenings etc and all made in the UK (we really get happy when we find such a product - made in the UK is so rare we have discovered). Having said that they are simple to use, I fully expect to get a phone call on one of my rare days away from the shop, saying that Bob has put on a sling to demonstrate and is unable to extricate himself from it. I think we may have to have some practise runs! The thought of my almost 6ft hubby encased in a baby sling does appeal to my sense of humour though!

Almost as funny as when a mum asked if we sold "GroBags" the other day, and Bob directed her to the garden centre. I had to do a quick bit of training with him on the new fangled idea of a sleeping bag for babies that for some reason are called gro bags sometimes. Oh dear , never mind he'll learn - soon.

Thats it for now, thanks for listening!

Carol & Bob

ready to go shopping? with a beep beep sling in your hand bag you can leave the stroller in the back of your car and head into the smaller spaces without fear of getting wedged or harming innocent civilians.
Check out the official website www.beepbeepslings.com

ready to go shopping? with a beep beep sling in your hand bag you can leave the stroller in the back of your car and head into the smaller spaces without fear of getting wedged or harming innocent civilians.
Check out the official website www.beepbeepslings.com

celebrity baby sling in ballet design

We are looking for parent and baby models for the next Sakura Bloom photo shoot. If you're interested in being considered, please send contact information, child's age, and current photos of both you and baby to info@sakurabloom.com

Mothers and fathers both welcomed!

Looking for a great first stylish baby carrier? Then consider one of the best things ever to happen to modern parenthood – a baby sling.

A baby sling is a baby carrier made out of fabric that wraps around the wearer's body from his or her shoulder to the opposite hip and back up to the shoulder, creating a pocket for the baby to sit or lie down. Very common in many cultures around the world, the use of baby slings, or “baby wearing” as it is sometimes called, is gaining popularity in the United States as parents are realizing the many benefits associated with baby slings.

Benefits of Stylish Baby Slings

• Baby slings are "hands-free." They allow your baby to be with you at all times when you are running errands or tending to chores around the house.

• The baby finds comfort in the sling environment which simulates the pressure, motion and warmth sensations they experienced before birth in the womb.

• Slings are great bonding tools for fathers, grandparents and other caregivers.

• Slings may aid in reducing crying and colic, and lower the baby's stress hormones.

• Slings often make it easier to nurse in public.

• A baby sling can be used for newborns and babies up to 35 lbs.

One of the more popular types of baby slings is the pouch sling, also referred to as the tube or pocket stylish sling, where the baby is carried in a semi-prone position. This type of sling often fits around one arm, with baby hanging at about stomach level. There are other types of slings which can be worn like a backpack, with the baby facing in or facing out.

Using a baby sling is often more convenient than trying to carry your baby around in his or her car seat, and much easier on the back. A baby sling also provides a great way to carry your baby around if you don’t want to pack a bulky stroller.

Padded or Unpadded?

Padded or unpadded, that is the question many parents must decide, and there are pros and cons to both. Many parents like padded stylish slings because they give their baby's head some support, and feels more comfortable on the shoulders. Many parents dislike padded slings because they feel padding makes the sling too bulky, and keeps the sling from being adjusted very tightly because the padding won't move through the rings. They also like unpadded slings because they are more easily shared between two people of different sizes. One option would be to choose a lightly padded baby sling which gives support to the baby's head, yet lightly padded enough to slip through the rings.

Popular Brands of Baby Slings

Popular brands of stylish baby sling include Maya Wrap, The Peanut Shell, Moby Wrap, and Hotslings, and will generally cost in the neighborhood of $35 to $70. For hot summer days you might want to check out slings made out of Solarveil™ , a breathable material with UV protection, blocking out 95% of the sun's harmful rays. You can also use the Solarveil ™ sling in the pool, shower or beach.

Baby Sling Tips

When using baby slings, it's important to keep the following in mind:

• A baby sling should not be used instead of a car seat or other infant protection device.

• Do wear your baby in a stylish baby carriers while cooking at the stove or oven, as there is the risk of hot substances splashing on your baby.

• Always keep one hand on your baby when bending over, to prevent your baby from accidentally falling out.

• Remember that babies can be bumped by doorways or sharp corners, so be aware of those things while walking with your baby.

Sponsored Link: Visit - http://www.stylishbabyslings.com

The best part is this: HUGS selendangs are only $20, and they are just plain beautiful. They're 100% cotton with amazing batik patterns. I couldn't figure out why on Earth I would not want a beautiful sling super cheap that would also give two beautiful slings to flood victims, so I just ordered one and am looking forward to carrying my September baby in it!

Even if you don't need another sling, they'd make lovely window coverings, wall hangings, tablecloths, or shawls.

Across this country and around the world, fathers carry their children too. In this Men In Slings column, we're featuring an interview with one of our customers from Chicago--Allan with his adorably handsome son---shown here in our gorgeous, but no longer available Green Tea sling from the Artisan Collection.

How did you discover baby slings?

I discovered them through my wife. She is very proactive at finding the best parenting practices.

What experiences has carrying your child let you have that you would've missed out on otherwise?

Every time that I carry my son is an opportunity to develop a healthy, close relationship with him. It recently occurred to me during a walk with my wife--during which my son was napping on me--how unfortunate it is that so many parents aren't aware of this simple, proactive choice they can make. Just today, for instance, we went for a walk along the stone wall of a riverside, which is a walkway ill-suited for strollers and too dangerous to allow a toddler to surmount. As we walked, I was able to point our two ducks swimming and negotiating the light rapids of the river, to which my son said, "I want to do that!"

Also, almost every Saturday (when its nice outside), my son will take his nap while I'm carrying him on a walk with my wife. As he sleeps, he will intermittently give me hugs and squeezes, and it makes me feel like the happiest father in the world.

Have you convinced any of your friends to use slings with their babies?

By practice and through conversation I think I have convinced several of my friends and family members that "baby-wearing" is a clearly superior alternative to strollers. Slings are particularly wonderful for infants, and I have some long-time friends who live in Texas who decided to use a sling after they stayed with us for a weekend before their child was born. I think that once you've been around a family who integrates baby-wearing into their everyday life, it would be difficult to rationalize not using a sling or at least some kind of baby carrier.

What is your Sakura Bloom sling of choice?

Anything double layer. I trust my wife to make the pattern choice!

Anything else you'd like to add?

Yes--using a sling has been particularly important in the formation of a healthy, deep bond between myself and my adopted son. We're in the process of adopting a little girl and plan on using slings again when we bring our daughter home. There really is no substitute for closeness in the parent-child relationship, and using a sling makes achieving this ideal accessible and convenient.

(Our thanks to Allan and family, and congratulations on the newest member of your family. We hope she's here with you soon!)

Our first father is Marco from Fremont, California, pictured here with his beautiful daughter. We love how comfortable they look, his daughter's sweet polka dot pants, and that West Coast foliage in the background!

Read on for Marco's insights on why baby slings are just as good for dads as they are for moms:

What is your favorite thing about a ring sling?

This is a bit selfish, but I love the freedom and independence it gives me. I'm able to do things without lugging around a huge stroller or worrying about accessibility.

Describe the moment you *got* it.

My wife has worn our daughter from her second week of life, so I've always seen that she was happiest that way. At first we had a Bjorn, but it pulled on my shoulders. I used it for a bit and then my wife did a lot of research and found out that Sakura Bloom ring slings are much more ergonomic and enjoyable. So after many conversations and trying out her slings, I got a Sakura Bloom of my own.

What do you wish other fathers knew about baby slings?

I wish other fathers knew how wearing your baby helps you to carry on doing the same things you did before you had the baby. I think a lot of dads think they're stuck on the floor playing with their kids without being able to do anything else. I do chores, I am on the computer, I cook, I work on the garden, and I know exactly where my daughter is.

What is your Sakura Bloom sling of choice?

Although we own several Sakura Blooms, there is one that is just mine: its a Storm Simple Linen.

What do you use your sling for most?

I use it to put my daughter to sleep at night. When she's really fussy and in a mood, cradle carry and a song puts her to sleep in 10 minutes!

(A big thank you to Marco from everyone at Sakura Bloom!)

Is there nothing sweeter than when your baby lays her head on your chest?

Check out this beautiful new woven fabric in the shop...

Men In Slings!

People often assume that its just women who use baby slings, but no. Slings are for fathers, too.

So, starting this week, we'll be showcasing fathers carrying their children in Sakura Bloom slings.

Dads who use slings will tell you that they can be like magic: soothing an unhappy child, perfect for nap time, and fun for a walk.

For those of you who haven't yet discovered baby slings, here's some encouragement from the SB Men In Slings home team:

Top 10 Things a Man Can Do While Hands-Free in a Sakura Bloom Sling:

10. Walk around Home Depot.

9. Play Tiger Woods '08.

8. Watch the Red Sox.

7. Clean bottles.

6. Fix stuff.

5. Tie flies.

4. Make a sandwich.

3. Read the sports page.

2. Play at the park with your toddler.

and

1. Cuddle with your baby.

Of course, you don't have to camp to have an adventurous family vacation with your little one(s). Here are some beautiful photos of local babywearers Heather and Eric on their Colorado vacation last year that included plenty of hiking with their baby and toddler.

There are three fabric choices, each of which is manufactured in different styles (probably more than I have listed!)
Mesh (comes in ring slings and pouches)
Solarveil (ring slings, pouches and mei tais)
Solarweave (mei tais and sscs)

Mesh doesn't offer UV protection but it is fairly comfortable and water passes through.  Solarveil has UV protection and water passes through, but it's a bit scratchy. It will soften with use.  Solarweave has UV protection and is comfy, but it is made of something similar to bathing suit material and water sometimes hangs in there.

There is also a water wrap (made by Gypsy Mama) that is made of a sport knit that is supposed to dry very quickly and offer some UV protection as well.

I hope that helps someone as they decide what they need to buy for long months out at the pool! Leave a comment if you have trouble finding what you are looking for and we'll do our best to find a good brand that matches up with your needs.

 By helping her out this will be your chance to bid to win a Sewfunky sling, a waldorf doll, or some sweet summer dresses for the amazing price of $2 per ticket.

I really want to be able to help her out with covering the costs of replacing this much needed item so I am offering a $100 gift certificate from my website for instock items up for raffle this week.  The cost per entry is $2 per ticket payable through paypal to tanja@sewfunky.ca .   I will email each raffle ticket purchaser to confirm I have received your name for the draw.  All proceeds from the raffle will go to Julia and family towards a new bike trailer/stroller.

 The raffle will run until Friday, May 23rd at noon at which time I will print out all the ticket names and have one of my kids draw it from a hat.  I will announce the winner on my blog and contact the winner by email.

Thank you so much!  Together we can make a difference!

Congratulations Rachael!

Isn't she sweet? She has silk/wool Noro Blossom yarn for hair.  She is made with organic cotton skin and local wool for stuffing.  She has become one of my favourites by far!

Life has been busy, sewing, gardening and spring cleaning.  We had a lovely time at the spring fair at our local waldorf school.  It is such a beautiful place and it was so nice to see so many families we know.  The kids had so much fun doing different crafts, seeing a play and having great food.  The artists had so many beautiful things in the craft market.

I finally have instructions up for the PandaWrap on the website thanks to my gorgeous friend Kasia and her chubby little man ;)

I have received so many lovely photos from customers lately and it makes me so happy to see your beautiful babies happy in their sling! 

Custom order a special spring dress for you little one with a matching sun bonnet.

There are several reasons that I ended up being a babywearing fan...

First off, its good for the baby (and what is good for baby is great for mama)...

Babies who are carried cry and fuss less than babies who spend most of their days out of physical contact with their parents. In Hunziker and Barr's (1986) study of increased carrying and its affect on infant crying it was shown that increased carrying throughout the day reduces both the duration and the quality of infant crying. In this study, which included 99 mother-infant pairs, the experimental group (49 pairs) was provided with soft infant carriers and asked to carry their children for a minimum of three non-crying, non-feeding hours a day for eight weeks. It was found that at six weeks of age, the time of normal peak crying for infants in Western society, the supplemented carrying group of infants cried and fussed 43% less than the control group; this was about one hour less of crying per day. These children also fed more frequently, though not for increased duration, and were quiet and alert for more time each day than the control group of babies. This quiet and alert period is typically regarded by child developmentalists and pediatricians as the time when a baby is most capable of learning (Sears, 1995a; Sears & Sears, 1993).
     The development of attachment is also affected by infant carrying, as shown in a study of mother-infant dyads by Anisfeld, Casper, Nozyce, and Cunningham (1990). In contrast to the Honziker and Barr (1986) study which enlisted middle-class Canadian mothers, this study was conducted with the participation of lower socioeconomic mothers of minority ethnic backgrounds in a large city of the United States. The Anisfeld et al. study consisted of 49 participating pairs. The study sought to prove that mothers who carried their infants in soft carriers in the first three months of life would be more sensitive and responsive toward their babies after 90 days than mothers who toted their babies in plastic seats and, further, that this responsive behavior would be related to the child's security of attachment at 13 months. Indeed the authors' hypotheses were proven correct. Not only were the cloth carrier moms more responsive towards their babies in infancy, but 83% of their children were securely attached to them at 13 months of age. This was compared to the control group in which only 38% of the children were securely attached to their mothers. Curiously, within the control group, four of the mothers used a soft baby carrier in addition to using the car seat-type carrier and three out of those four mothers and babies had secure attachments. The authors also noted that a high percentage of avoidant relationships within the control group (38.5%) was consistent with existing data on mother-infant attachment for similar inner-city, low-SES populations. It was clear that the increased carrying of the infants in a soft front-pack carrier improved considerably the chances of the mother-infant pairs having a securely attached relationship and was a worthy intervention to be tried with high-risk populations.

Probably the best newborn tricks I learned working at the hospital include kangaroo care (which, if you can't breastfeed, minimizes all but the nutritional difference between breastmilk and formula--but don't let the milk nazis hear you say that one) and swaddling...combined with babywearing, it seems to ease the transition for the baby between in the womb and "oh shit, big wide world!" 

I think about it this way...baby bakes at 98.6 degrees F for 9 months in a dark, squished place where it sways around with whatever motion mommy makes...it hears mommy's heartbeat, mommy's voice, mommy's tummy gurgling (most estimates of what it sounds like invitro, compare it to a vaccum cleaner in volume)---and then, it gets yanked out into the big wide world , let loose into bright lights, strange noises, cold (hey, 98.6 is downright HOT), and SPACE...swaddling provides security, babywearing provides the same motion and some of the same noises and a wee bit of the coziness and darkness that it had in the womb...

Second of all, its convienent...wearing a baby is HANDS FREE!!!  Strollers are big and bulky--especially if you are going to go shopping (unless, of course, you are going to be trying on clothes), and a sling is FAR easier than lugging around a baby carrier... some carriers even come with pockets or clips to attatch a pouch to hold a diaper, bottle, etc...  A friend of mine's mother is a seamstress and made her an adjustable sling that has a zippered pocket sewn in and snaps that attatch to a big fleece blankie that can be wrapped around and tossed over baby in the sling

Third of all (this is so shallow)...it looks cool-------AND you can coordinate with your outfits.  (my hubby even has his own sling---its black  )...and it covers that baby bulge that takes a while to go away...

for more info on baby slings and other carrieres, try here.

Many people don't even realize that the tummy to tummy position is an option for their newborns. But yes, a pouch can hold a newborn in an upright position, and most babies like it. His feet will just curl up under him in the fetal position ... which he's used to! Pull the fabric on the outside of the pouch high enough to support his back well, but make sure there's still fabric between the baby and your body. If you need to tighten the fabric, try a shoulder flip (see step six here). 

Older babies like this position as well. There comes a time when he'll need to change from being "feet in" to "feet out."  When that happens, remember to make sure his bottom is well below his knees ... his weight should be on his bottom, not the backs of his legs. Also, you may need to pull the fabric back from behind his knees so it doesn't dig in to the backs of his knees. 

If you have educational materials or other cool stuff for Magic City Slingers to give away to promote babywearing, please contact the leaders ... leaders @ magiccityslingers.com ... we'll put your items to good use! 

One great thing that I've found with all 3 of my children is that carrying them around is the best way to keep them feeling safe and secure and will eliminate one of the reasons that babies cry!  When they were infants, they did NOT like slings of any kind, so I carried them on my shoulder or in a cradle hold ~ whichever was comfortable for me and them.  When they got a little bigger, I started using a mayawrap and we love it!

Now I know what you're thinking ~ holding or wearing them constantly will spoil them.  Poppycock!  I'm here to tell you that is not true.  First off, even doctors say that it's impossible to "spoil" an infant.  I'm not saying that you NEVER put them down ~ of course you're going to put them down to play with them or even to take naps, at times.  (Although most times, when my children were babies, I also held them at nap time.)  But they are newbies in this world and all their instincts tell them that they are to be near you.  To hear your heartbeat, feel your warmth, hear your voice, watch you, learn from you...

So, when your baby cries and you've checked all of the usual culprits (diaper, food, etc..) ~ pick her up..hold her..carry her..let her know that you are there and give her the comfort and the security that only you can!