Recently I was introduced to AYU baby slings, manufactured with handicraft adornments made by Colombian Wayuu natives located in the Guajira zone. The fabric of these slings is rich on designs that come from environmental elements and imply a mystical meaning. Many of the natives creating these slings have been displaced by violence and live in very unstable conditions. Through the sale of their handicrafts, they try to survive. More information on these unique slings, including how to purchase them, can be found at PortabebesAUY.blogspot.com.

This fleece baby sling in the black retro style is great for keeping your little one extra-warm when he or she is next to your body. It helps baby snuggle into your warmth and feel comfortable and cozy. This reversible sling is especially appropriate for newborns, as it tends to fit a bit more snugly (since it’s made of fleece). It comes in sizes from X-Small (20″-22″ long) to X-Large (29″-31″ long) and sells for $35 at Wallababy.com.

For a limited time, you can save on a number of gorgeous wraps at Sugar Sweet Baby’s End of the Year Clearance Event. Prices of clearance items range from $50-$60. Included is this great pink and off white bamboo wrap which I personally own and love ($60). You can check out all of the clearance items at sugarsweetbaby.com. Instructions for use are included on the site.

I remember as a new mom one of the things that frightened me most was baby’s bath time. It just seemed to me that so much could go wrong: baby could slip out of my hands while I was bathing him, hit his head on the sink or baby bathtub, the list went on and on. I really like the idea of this Baby Shower Sling by Bathing Buddies. Made of a soft athletic mesh, it allows a parent to wear the sling over the shoulder, keeping baby close to you while you both get a shower. It can also be used in swimming pools to keep baby close while still enjoying the water. I can’t believe no one thought of this before, because it’s such a great idea. You can view a video on this product at BathingBuddies.com, where the sling sells for $25 and is available in women’s sizes from XS to L.

There’s no shortage of gorgeous infant carriers to choose from these days. This Ophelia Pink & Olive Reversible Baby Sling by Polkadot Papoose recently caught my eye. I love the print–the colors are perfect together. This handcrafted reversible sling can be used for three different carries and features a binkie pocket for convenience. You can purchase one for $64 at jujubeaneboutique.com. It would make a generous new baby gift.

Parents know you can never have enough hands when trying to carry a baby, whether in a sling or in your arms. The makers of the Jazsling Perfect Pouch Baby Sling took that into account when designing the sling, incorporating two well positioned, easy access pockets to stash things such as binkies, toys, even diapers and wipes. Made of 100% cotton, Jazslings are available in a wide variety of colors appropriate for Moms or Dads to wear. They sell for $76.14 at Jazslings.com.au.

There are so many gorgeous baby slings out there to choose from these days. This Karma Baby Ara Sling is another great option. I love the green and white print, which is modern and fun. The fabric is a soft and casual cotton linen blend. It is available in sizes from XS to XL. You can purchase one for $59.95 at mykarmababy.com. The company makes a lot of other equally-attractive slings as well. Instructions for use are included on their Web site, so you can check them out before you buy.

This is a really unique baby carrier. The Mei Tai has four straps, two on the waist, two on the shoulders, and was traditionally used as a back carrier, but can also be used as a front carrier/sling, or even as a hip carrier (my personal favorite). Baby So Smart uses beautiful fabrics and will even custom-make a Mei Tai for you if you send them your fabric/style choice. The styles they already have available, however, are gorgeous. They also make a Toddler Mei-Tai (shown above), with extended body length, padded waist, fold down headrest with snap ties, and wider shoulder straps with extra padding. This could be very useful in crowds, when your squirmy toddler doesn’t want to hold your hand. The Mei Tais start at $75 (Toddler Mei Tai starts at $125) with other options extra, at BabySoSmart.com. From now through August 31, UpscaleBaby.com readers can take 20% off purchases (excluding sale items) by using discount code UBB at checkout.

Baby in a Fishbowl produces handcrafted baby items. One of them is this Custom Made Sling. You choose the color, fabric, size, reversible or non-reversible, and email your specifications to Theresa, who then custom handcrafts your sling. With prices starting at just $15, this is an affordable, fashionable, practical accessory many moms can’t do without. Visit BabyInAFishbowl.com to see the array of choices available.

Papa Products has introduced 1Z, a baby carrier cover designed to fit over leading brands of baby carriers. It’s a neat way to customize your baby carrier to fit your personality. The 1Z also protects your baby carrier from baby drool or spit-up, and is machine washable. The 1Z is patent pending. Right now, three styles are available for purchase on mbeans.com: Basic, Peace Sign, or 09 Imprint, priced from $24.99 to $29.99.

Recently I found this unique, upscale baby carrier in suede and leather by Ramalama. Based in Australia, Ramalama carries baby carriers, luxury diaper bags, and eco-friendly maternity and baby clothing. Calling itself a company that produces baby items that possess “functional luxury,” the Ramalama baby carrier is designed to be easy to use and fun and fashionable to wear. The carrier is designed for babies 5 months and older. While I wasn’t able to find a US retailer that carries Ramalama online, I did find one in the UK: monstersandmunchkins.com currently has the Ramalama suede/leather baby carrier available for 129 GBP (approx $196 USD). They do offer world wide shipping as well.

Once your baby is old enough to keep her head steady, a hip carry is one of the most practical holds around. It feels natural, it distributes weight well, and it seems to please little ones to no end. While I have several different carriers that offer a hip carry as one of several options, I often find them difficult to use. I’m therefore intrigued by this Scootababy Carrier, which is designed expressly for that purpose. Made for babies and toddlers from 5 months up to 40 pounds, this carrier is sturdy and attractive. It also allows for easy nursing. You can purchase one for $119 at heavenlyhold.com. Shipping is free. It would make a very generous gift for new parents.

These days the Sleep Wrap Baby Carrier seems to be the wrap of choice for moms in an online community I belong to. Available in a number of fun colors, the wrap was developed by parents who wanted a sturdy way to carry their little one. It is made from a thicker fabric than many other wraps on the market, so it won’t stretch out and loosen up as you move. One size fits all, so you can use it from birth through the toddler years to keep your little one close and your hands free. You can purchase one for $38.95 at SleepyWrap.com.

 
The fourth item on my list of necessities for baby is a stroller. If you’re not into pushing your baby around in a buggy and you travel by foot as often as I do, I think a carrier of some sort is in order. You’ve got to have your hands free (and save your back and arms) at some point in time and for that, I have a Mei Tai. However, I also have Evenflo Congo Journey Travel System. We have dragged this thing through mud, muck, rain, snow, gravel and whatever else dares to cross our paths for over 3 years and it is still in good shape. The front tires had to be reinforced but otherwise, nothing is awry.

My favorite features are the bug net, relatively simple folding system, and smooth steering. It is rather bulky but great for long treks and durable (we’re on our second son.) The front piece lifts, making getting your child in and out simpler, and there’s even a detachable piece that stores away underneath to keep legs and feet protected until they’re too big to be kept in. The car seat attaches to the top and is a handy carrier and travel rocking chair for baby. It comes with a canopy and head cushions to keep baby’s head steady. We paid much more than the $129.99 price tag on Amazon.com but, happily, it was worth it.  

We have a heavy frame hiking backpack for our little ones, but I would very much like to have the option of back-wearing without quite so much weight. I haven’t yet ventured into the world of Mei Tais, but I am thinking that might be the way to go. I know my sister and several friends speak very positively of this style of carrier. I have been shopping around to see what is out there, and I really like this carrier from CatBird. Not only is it extremely functional, but the fabric options are gorgeous. I loved this Oasobi print, but there are many other options as well.

The carrier is made from 100% cotton and features an adjustable strap and a hideaway sleep hood which can be used to form a headrest. It can be used for newborns or older infants/toddlers. This is a carrier that will definitely grow with your child. You can purchase one for $89 at CatBirdBaby.com. Baby carriers also make great gifts.