Quick Kiwi Fact

So we thought we should inject a few random facts about kiwis - not the people, not the fruit, but the bird. Afterall, some google searchers may stumble across our site when wanting info on the feathery version!

Best start with an actual photo or two of the bird ...

FACT: The Kiwi's name doesnt come from its call, but from the Polynesian name for the Bristled- Thighed Curlew, the Kivi. This bird has the same way of feeding as the Kiwi, by poking it's long beak into soft ground.

Benefits of baby ring slings & pouches

So you've read the 'how' on wearing a ring sling or pouch but maybe some of you are wondering on the 'why'.

Michelle from Serenity Slings (one of the stores on Little Kiwis Nest) has a real passion for babywearing & is happy to share her thoughts...

Have your Hands Free
One of the great benefits of wearing your baby is having your hands free. Whether it is doing housework, shopping, cooking dinner, attending to other siblings needs, or going for a walk, it all can be achieved while still attending your babies needs of being cuddled up close to you.

Great for Breastfeeding
Slings are a great way to breastfeed discreetly while out and about. They also organize problem suckers as some babies breastfeed better when on the move, the movement helps organize there sucking. Ring Slings would be the best for discreet breastfeeding as you have a built in breastfeeding cover

Great for babies who suffer from colic
The gentle movement and pressing of baby tummy when wearing your baby will help breakdown the trapped gas and when being help upright in the tummy to tummy hold will promote digestion. Also the feeling of security will calm and sooth your little one.

Cry Less
Research has shown that babies who are carries cry less on an average of 43% this is because your babies needs are met and they feel a sense of security .

Great for Traveling
Baby slings are a great traveling companion as they are lightweight and compact so easily stored in a suitcase or bag. No need to lug around a stroller when catching public transport and can be very handy when you have hours to wait in between boarding planes.

Great for Mental Development
When your baby is carried they spend more time in a happy quiet alert state which is the ideal state for learning. There senses are stimulated even carried and your baby/toddler gets to see the world from your view, you spend more time talking and interacting with your baby too which is a lot better than steering at a wall or ceiling when lying in a stroller.

Great for emotional and Physical development
Babies feel a sense of security and trust when being carried and will help them feel secure and confident throughout there childhood. When your baby is being held close to your body they feel your heartbeat, feel your breathing , hear your voice voice and feel your warmth . These are all familiar and help them get into rhythm more quickly. It is especially great for premature babies who respond to mummy’s touch.

You will find many more great benefits from baby wearing. Having a happy baby makes a happy family!

Convinced? Now for the fun part ... choosing your sling or pouch HERE ON LITTLE KIWIS NEST! And remember, these would make a FANTASTIC baby shower gift too :)

http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz

Baby Pouch wearing instructions

We have covered how to wear your ring sling correctly (thanks to Serenity Slings information) so now we're on to pouches.

Pouch slings are a no fuss native style baby carrier. Many people prefer a Pouch Sling if they are not fussed on the tail of a Ring Sling. Because they are such a non bulky simple design they are easily folded up compact to fit in your handbag or glove box. They are a great traveling companion.

Serenity Pouch Slings are a NON adjustable sling and are made to fit the wearer, the size of your baby does not influence the size of the sling. You will be able to wear the same sling comfortably from BIRTH to TODDLER HOOD.

And here is how to wear the pouches comfortably ...

How to put on your pouch sling

• Hold your sling in front of you with the opening of the sling facing up towards you. This is where your baby will sit.
• pop it over your shoulder and place the curved seam where your baby will be. For most holds it should sit at your navel area. For the hip hold it will be placed on the side you will be carrying your baby in

THE CRADLE CARRY ( birth +)

• Hold baby in your arms as shown
• gently place baby into the sling bottom first.
• gently lower the rest of baby into sling, though its not shown in pictures, its best to have baby's head closer to the outer rail so you can see baby and doesn't get lost in the sling.
• please make sure that baby is not to curved up in the sling and that there chin is not pressed up against there chest.

TUMMY TO TUMMY ( Birth +)

• Hold baby in front of you as shown in picture.
• place baby against your shoulder and bring sling up and over baby, or you can lift baby and place into sling, whatever feels more comfortable for you.
• pull the bottom rail under baby and place right to the back of the knees with his bottom sitting lower than the knees, this secures baby in the sling so no chances of slipping underneath.
• Pull top rail up back to wards neck for support. Older babies like to have their arms out.
• Young babies can have their legs in a frog like position where older babies have their legs out.
  

KANGAROO CARRY ( 5 months +)

• hold baby in front of you like shown. fold there legs in the frog position.
• gently pop baby into the pouch, making sure they are siting in the sling with fabric on both sides.
• bring fabric up towards the front so baby is secured into the sling.
• You MUST keep an eye on baby at all times while in this position, It is a good idea to keep a hand on the sling for support. Be extra cautious when bending over.
• Only use with babies who have good head control.
  

THE HIP CARRY ( 5 months +)

• Hold baby in front of you as shown in picture.
• gently place baby into sling
• place the bottom rail all the way to the back of the knees and have baby's bottom sitting lower than his knees.
• bring the top rail up towards the neck for support.
• Older babies can have their arms hanging out.
• you can flip the shoulder as shown in picture .5 to pull the sling in closer for a more snug fit.

THE BACK CARRY ( 1 year +)

• place baby into sling as shown in picture.
• follow the instructions for the hip carry.
• all you need to do now is shuffle baby towards your back, as shown in picture .3
• make sure the bottom rail is sitting right to the back of baby's knees and fabric is high up towards the neck for support and security.
• This carry is only for older babies. Other sling manufacturers suggest you can carry your baby in this carry but i do not recommend this carry for young ones.

Thanks again Michelle for letting Little Kiwis Nest publish your instruction guide. You can contact Michelle with any questions you may have through Little Kiwis Nest HERE.

And don't forget you can find gorgeous, limited-edition baby pouches & ring slings on Little Kiwis Nest too :) http://littlekiwisnest.co.nz

5 ways to wear your Ring Sling

Need a little help in finding the most comfortable way to carry your baby or toddler in your ring sling? Michelle from Serenity slings is more than happy to share her expertise :)

The Cradle Carry ( birth +)

• gently lower baby into the sling, you need to make sure that he is in between the layers of fabric
• pull up the fabric to support the neck and head
• bring the fabric right down past baby's bottom, you want the fabric to sit at least at the back of the legs, Newborn baby's can have there whole legs inside the sling
• you can find a position that is suitable and comfortable for you and baby
• please make sure that you can visibly see baby and that the chin is not pressed up against the chest.
• IF you have a small baby and feel that he/she is getting lost in the fabric you can place a blanket underneath to prop baby up.
  

Tummy to Tummy (birth +)

• Place baby gently in the sling
• bring fabric up to baby's neck for support
• make sure the fabric is to the back of baby's knees with his bottom lower than his knees for security.
• make any minor adjustments
• tighten the sling and now you have successfully put baby in the tummy to tummy position.

The Kangaroo Carry (5+ months)

• firstly have the sling adjusted very loose to give you plenty of room to put baby in easily
• hold baby in front of you with his legs in a frogged like position
• while holding baby securely with your arm bring the sling fabric up from under baby and place baby into the pouch of the sling.
• Make sure baby is placed in between the 2 layers of fabric.
• bring the fabric up as high as you can in the front to support your baby.
• now tighten and adjust for a snug fit.
• It is best to keep a hand on the front of baby for security, keep an eye on baby at all times in this position and take extra caution when bending over.

The Hip Hold (5 months +)

• Hold baby in front of you
• gently place baby into sling and place him on your hip as you would normally do
• make sure fabric is supporting baby's back and that the fabric is at the back of baby's knees with there bottom lower than the knees for security and comfort.
• adjust the sling nice and snug and you have baby in the hip hold.
  

The Back Carry (1 year plus)

• The back carry is pretty much the hip hold but you slide baby to the back, It is a must that you make sure that the fabric is right up to the back of the knees with the bottom lower than the knees, this will ensure your baby will not start to slip out.
• make sure you have a good snug fit .
  

Next we will bring you Serenity Slings instructions on how to wear a baby pouch. Stay tuned !

There are SOOOOO many benefits for using slings - hands free, colic-friendly, handy for travelling - & they make a fantastic baby shower gift. Be sure to visit Serenity Slings store HERE at Little Kiwis Nest.

Ring Sling Instructions

Michelle from Serenity Slings was kind enough to let us publish her instructions on how best to wear your ring sling.

Serenity Slings aim to bring babies & parents closer & have been doing so in their own way since since 2007. Michelle is based in Porirua, which is about 20 minutes north of Wellington City (New Zealand). All her slings are handcrafted by herself &, in our opinion, all are unique & stylish!

Instructions:

• Grab each end of your sling in each hand.


• thread the tail of the sling through set of rings


• now take time to spread ( gather) your fabric evenly, this makes it a lot easier to adjust.


• Now thread the sling through 1 of the rings like you would do with a belt.


• Now you have formed a pouch.

• decide what side you want to wear your baby and pop the sling over the opposite shoulder like a sash.


• Now you have your sling on, its best to adjust your sling but leave enough room to pop baby in, this makes the adjusting a bit easier when baby is inside. the rail closest to your hip will adjust the underneath of the sling, the rail closest to the outside will adjust the top of the sling.


• Now you can pick up your baby to put into sling.

Tomorrow we'll share 5 different ways you can carry your child, from birth throught to 1yrs+ . In the meantime, be sure to visit Serenity Slings store on Little Kiwis Nest if you are interested in buying a ring sling.

Travelling with Kids

I know we've written quite a few posts on this subject but we love supporting NZ businesses & I have just found this one.

Newbawn Limited is the brain child of Maria steele - Registered Nurse, Safe2go Technician and Adult Educator.

A love of the outdoors and the inclusion of an adorable baby in the mix, inspired the creation of NewBawn.

Primarily a Baby Education company, we aim to inform & support new and expecting parents & grandparents with solutions to their Baby Road Travel requirements.

Maria and her partner Robert, live in Auckland, New Zealand with their daughter, Siena.
Maria is currently working to publish her first book entitled 'Hit the road - there are no baby secrets'.

Pop on over to check out NewBawn's website - http://newbawn.co.nz/

Give an Easter Gift that Lasts!

Yes, the majority of us Looooooove chocolate treats at easter but these handmade easter finds are a great alternative!

Snuggleb Toys Cuddle Rabbit is always up for a cuddle!

Made it Baby have a sweet cross t-shirt to convey the real meaning of Christmas. Only two left!

Crochet by Beth's Biscuit Bunny would delight anyone with its unique personality & cuddle qualities!