The Sun (Sydney) Sun 14 Oct 1945 Queues must go, bag and baggage

The Cuddleseat was invented by William Arthur Hancock (and Brenda Anderson Hancock is also mentioned in the patent). William Hancock worked at Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney, as an aircraft technician and during World War II became a test pilot. The carrier took him six months to perfect. He developed the cuddle seat 'to help his wife in carrying their small son. When women began stopping his wife in the street and making envious inquiries about the cuddleseat, he decided to put it into production.' Toodyay Herald, 20 April 1945.

 A US patent (US2411721A) was issued in 1946, and a British patent (GB585378A) in 1947. It is described in the US patent grant as: 'With the prevailing difficulties due to the curtailment of transport, also the necessity for people, particularly women, to go out for essential food purchases and the like, which hitherto were delivered, it has been a tiresome operation for women with young children to cope with the carrying of parcels while holding a baby, and the present invention has been specially devised to meet the urgent need of effectively carrying a child in a comfortable and natural sitting position, without imposing undue strain on the person, and whereby safe control of such child is had while leaving the arms free. By the use of the present invention the weight of the child is distributed evenly about those body parts best suited for the purpose and the limbs are not cramped or restricted in a way to cause discomfort. The device is easily and cheaply manufactured and can be folded away into a small compass when not required for use.'​

​

Source  https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzg0QceAQWz/

Australia war brides with their Cuddleseats pictured above and below.  Above is Mrs. June Liabo of Chicago and her son Paul, nine months  (Acme Newspictures 3/26/46). The photo below shows shows Mrs Jonh McHose who came to California bringing her son Terry and the marketing rights to the Cuddleseat which she intended to popularise with American housewives. (Acme Newspictures San Francisco 1/18/46)

The Cuddleseat became popular quickly. In April 1945 Australian newspapers announced the arrival of the new carrier, including the Toodyay Herald which explained (in an advertorial) that 'Australia's baby-carrier, called the Cuddleseat, is becoming a favourite with American Service personnel as a present for the folks at home. Leading Sydney stores say dozens have already been sent abroad. Production of the cuddleseat began a year ago, and they are now being turned out at the rate of 2,000 a week. Its inventor, Mr. W. Hancock, of Maroubra, gets a fan mail from women who want to thank him for solving the problem of carrying babies and small children on shopping tours and in crowded trams.' (Toodyay Herald, 20 April 1945).  The Cuddleseat was  widely sold in the United States and Europe, as well as Australia.  Sydney Morning Herald, 17 June 1947.)  The carrier was also sold in Canada and New Zealand. One advertisement​ from 1951 claims that 100, 000 had been sold.

Happy Show Visitor - Mr E. Lyne solved a difficult problem with his cuddle -seat and baby Brian was the envy of many children in his 'grandstand' seat.  The Newcastle Sun, Thu 21 Feb 1946, Page 9 KEEN INTEREST IN SHOW RING EVENTS

This advertisement features Mrs Jonh McHose  who brought the Cuddleseat to the US - The box in the ad explains American Mothers Acclaim Cuddleseat "SAN FRANCISCO August 22 - The Cuddleseat Australia's gift to American motherhood, was offered the buying public today in an effort to make the nations babies airborne.  The Cuddleseat resembles a fishing creel, is a canvas sling finished in soothing  pastel colours. Mother may go shopping or persue other tasks requiring two hands or arms while her child dangles at her hip secure and happy"
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Thu 5 Sep 1946, Page 21

An American actress photographed wearing a Cuddleseat provided a boost. Kim Hunter (who played Dr Zira in Planet of the Apes) modeled one as she boarded a plane for Hollywood. The photo from the original news story wasn't republished but the newspaper article explains that" The photograph was prominently published in the New York Herald-Tribune, across 3 columns, .and bore the caption: "A special juvenile test at Idlewild airport... The publicity started  a minor mob scene at Gimbel's, the department store that sells cuddle-seats for five dollars (CA2/4/8) each. Gimbel's recently brought the pouches to New York from its San Francisco store, where the idea has taken on after five years of plugging. "

The reporter explains "With Miss Hunter and Sean temporarily unavailable, I got in touch with Robert  Emmett, Sean's father. He was surprised to hear that the cuddle seat originated in Australia, but said: "You can thank the Aussies for me. I felt guilty about sending Kim to the West Coast alone with the baby, so I went shopping to see how I could lighten her burden. One gadget I came across was a papoose-like contraption made of aluminium, but this faced the baby the wrong way and you couldn't tell what he was up to. "The cuddle - seat just filled the bill. I gave it a trial run in Central Park and, aside from feeling like a freak, found it very practical.. It also solved the baby-sitter problem for use, for now we just take Sean along with us wherever we go." Emmett added: "I do think the name *cuddle-seat' is a bit coy, though. Kim and I refer to it as 'the sling'"
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Mon 16 Aug 1954 Page 19​

In this interesting article - 'It's A Shoulder Style...' Sister Norma Chancellor (who conducts the feature Modern  Motherhood)  reflects on the populararity of the cuddleseat but emphasises that it is a revival not a new idea "During the war, when Australian mothers adopted carrier-seats for transporting their babies, they revived a custom that is centuries old. 

A FEW years back, a nimble minded airman, the late Mr. W. A. Hancock, equipped Australian mothers with canvas seats attached to shoulder slings, with which to carry their babies. Thus was begun one. of the most popular revivals in nursery history...Today in this country, baby carriers are looked upon, at least by city mothers, as being almost indispensable.  And that is likely to remain the case as long as shortage of domestic help compels mothers to take babies on daily expeditions entailing tram and bus journeys. 

What is more, the use of the Australian carrier has spread overseas. Cuddle-seats have been introduced in the. United States and Europe. New Zealand mothers have also adopted them thankfully, having given up, hope of ever again seeing trains and buses empty enough to take a stroller. I have described the baby-carrier as a revival, and that is what it is in modern communities. It is by no means a new device." The author then gives a brief rundown of some traditional ways of baby carrying around the world.

Norma Chancellor also notes that modern carriers are not as suitable for young babies as traditional ones and was concerned about safety and was even possibly aware of the risks of positional asphyxiation (although she was fine for the use of baby carrier when horse back riding). She goes on to say" The usual type of Australian carrier is suitable only for a child who is able io sit up strongly.

​We, whose job it is to  advise mothers, recognise the practical advantages of carriers in these days of queues and parcel-carrying, but we regard them with some misgiving, because we see so many examples of misuse. An infant's back needs to be supported when he is first able to sit up. So does his head, which is apt to flop about until the muscles are really strong. The risk of harm, if there is no proper support, is increased when baby falls asleep for, of course he then loses all muscular control. The ordinary canvas earlier does 'not give this support, and we do not recommend it for young infants"

 "Fortunately, this limitation has been recognised, and ingenious people have produced improved designs, which, may be more expensive, but are certainly more suitable for the everyday use to which so many carriers are put. Some of the newer types have supporting straps and stiffeners. Some are shaped, with high sides and foot rests. One I saw recently has a frame of light metal, and can be adjusted to carry baby in various positions from seated bolt upright to lying supine as in a cradle. It even has a hood, like that of a tiny pram, to give  shelter from the weather"

The author prefers this latter baby carrier invention (rather suggesting than any of traditional ones she praised earlier which arguably would be a lot more practical and easier to create amongst a time of shortages). The carrier looks like a portable bassinet with two canvas straps which rest over each shoulder "For travel on horseback,the infant's arms are also wrapped in the "cradle" for protection in the case of a fall. This carrier was invented by Mrs. A. C. Moores, made by her husband to her design."

She also shows the common attitude of that era that babywearing is for really only for practical reasons rather than for soothing or bonding "Maybe we'll return to a time when primitive methods of baby transport will not be necessary - when mothers will enjoy the convenience adequate transport, home-delivered commodities, and reliable inexpensive domestic help. But the golden age looks to be a long way round that corner, so mothers are plodding along, aided by their Australian versions of transportation  systems almost as old as motherhood itself."
The Syndey Morning Herald Tue 24 Jun 1947 Page 11 

The Cuddleseat was not universally popular, as seem in this article from the South Western Times (West Australia).  The writer bemoans  "Dear friends,--I have noticed that Bunbury mothers cling tenaciously to prams and strollers as conveyances for their young off-springs, and have evidently scorned methods of baby transport, so popular in other States.

I am referring to the various styles of "cuddle-seats," that are used so extensively now, for carrying babies.
When Australian airman Mr. W. Hancock invented his canvas shoulder style baby seat, he started something which swept throughout the world, and now baby carriers in various ingenious styles are looked upon by city mothers as being almost indispensable.

Of course, the comparatively uncrowded Bunbury streets, and the obliging and ever helpful 'bus drivers here, do not make baby carriers an essential, but I am surprised that I have not seen even one." South Western Times (Bunbury, WA) Thu 24 Jul 1947, page 6

​Message to Mothers Cuddleseat Advertisement - The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Thu 8 Nov 1945 Page 6 

 Once the war conditions that had made this carrier so essential to many mothers eased so did the sales. Arthur Hancock died in 1947 at the age of 39. The carrier he invented continued in popularity but it didn't last. From what I could find large ads for the Cuddleseat are rare after the early 50sand the carrier has ceased production by 1960. Although the carriers were occasionally being used in this era still as seen in the photo below of Australian tourists taking holiday snaps in front of the town hall in Munich in 1960.  It is still an intriguing piece of forgotten baby carrier history.  Do you have any memories or family photos of the Cuddleseat or the other new carriers which were invented in this era?  I would love to hear from you.

 Below is a selection of some of my favourite Cuddleseat ads. There were many! See the links below to view even more.

These advertisements proclaim the practicality of carrying your baby while still being stylish (the carrier will not rumple your clothes and comes in attractive colours to match your outfits!)  You can protect your baby from rain, wind, and cold by wearing baby under your coat. Scientifically desginged so you can carry baby with a minimum of effort and strain, supporting baby in the correct posture. hands free (and approved by the Australia Mothercraft Society). You can get your shopping done and healthier, happier babies because of the "less handling" that will result! It was the modern thing to do.

There are ads for mini Cuddleseats so kids could wear their dolls and be just like Mum.  Cuddleseats were advertised as a great Christmas or Mothers day gift.   

The ad below explains the importance of bringing a Cuddleseat along to enable you to enjoy your first post war Christmas holiday. The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Thu 6 Dec 1945 Page 19

The Cuddleseat will help you with your shopping and winter outings and even allow you to hold an umbrella if it rains.  You can wear the sling under your coat to protect baby from the cold and wind too.

Another ad extolling the convenience of the Cuddleseat for holidays and outings. You will have and easier day  'free from strain and aching muscles"

Some mothers day advertising from 1951. 100, 000 mothers cant be wrong! 

The Sydney Morning Herald Mon 7 May Page 7 (above)

This Christmas ad also shows off a cute mini cuddleseat for little ones to carry their dolls!

Some more Christmas advertising hightlighting why mums should get a Cuddleseat for Christmas.

Department stores adding their own branding to the Cuddleseat ads. These ads often mention that carrying your baby will make your shopping experience more convenient and pleasant.

The Advertiser (Adelaide) Thu 18 Jan 1945

The Sun (Sydney) Thu 10 May 1945 Page 7

The Newcastle Sun (NSW) Thu 14 Sep 1944 Page 4

Sunday Mail (Brisbane) Sun 23 Dec 1945

​https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/1455194
​https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1397733/cuddleseat-baby-sling-hancock-william-arthur/
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/148635351
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/1007129

Some new research has shown the positive effects of the close contact between infants and caregivers while babywearing, especially for vulnerable babies
The study focuses on coregulation which is the process by which the parents and infants autonomic nervous system influence and synchronize with each other. This system regulates heart rate, breathing and digestion. Parent and infant heart rates were monitored before during and after a babywearing session.

​It was found that babywearing strengthened the correlation between parent and infant heart rate and that babywearing may facilitate emotional communication by providing a a physically close environment which allows the infant and parent to respond readily to each other's emotional cues, especially touch. Babywearing also allows the parent-infant dyad to handle mental stressors such as pain and anxiety more easily by promoting a calming emotional state. The research article can be found here https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101996

Ausssie Mama And Son Model ''Cuddle Seat".  Mrs. June Liabo of Chicago, an Australian war bride, and her son Paul, nine months, introduces a new technique in baby carrying in Chicago.  A cloth sling, called a "cuddle seat"in Australia, goes over the mother's shoulder to facillitate carrying a youngster.  Mrs. Liabo is the wife of a former Marine captain and has been in the United States for 18 months (Acme Newspictures 3/26/46)

Like A Papoose, Only Different.  Ingenious idea from Australia that has been welcomed in America is the "Cuddleseat" a nifty contraption that allows a mother the freedom of both hands, and at the same time, supports her baby comfortably at her hip. So popular was the idea among busy housewives engaged in war work in Australia that one Aussie women brought marketing rights with her when she came to America with her Yank husband. She is Mrs John McHose, who demonstrates the Cuddleseat with her son Terry. (Acme Newspictures San Francisco 1/18/46)

-This photo is dated February 3 1943.  Shortage of baby carriages doesn't seem to bother Mrs. Jacobs Karro of Arlingto, Va.,who hit on this novel method of transporting 10-month-old baby David.  Carrying baby on back papoose style, she's shown boarding a streetcar in washington.  (Acme Newspapers Washington Bureau).   It was also published in another newspaper with a similar caption.

This mum is also using a cradle board to carry her baby (photo taken on 18 March 1945).  Two of these photos were on ebay but with different captions (perhaps from two different newspapers)

Here are some intersting photos I have found covering this era.

Danish mother carrying her baby on her back in a metal framed seat in 1953.
Mothers have always found ingenious ways to carry their babies. Metal straps though – ouch!
I have come across quite a few photos of this kind of carrier and they look strikingly similar to car seats of the era so I suspect that is exactly what they are.
​
The caption of the press photo explains – "Papoose Caboose -  Copenhagen: In a modern version of an old American Indian fashion, the mother carriers her 'papoose' in a seat strapped to her back.  Troublesome prams, which are always in the way in stores and subways, are unnecessary when the housewife shoulders her baby burden this way' Credit (United Press Photo) 11/25/53 

Complimentary baby carriers were provided by Tesco in  1970s, so mothers wouldn't have to leave their babies unattended.


"A Tesco spokesman said that the bid to best baby snatchers would cost £8000. Housewives Shirley Veritu and Christine Probert tried out the sling in a North London branch on Thursday (14-2-74) and found just one snag. They couldn't see what the little rascals were getting up to behind their backs."

This initiative doesn't seem to have taken off, though. Do you like this idea?

Photo: Trinity Mirror, February 1974

These photos are from a much earlier eara when traditional babywearing was more common.

This photo depicts two traveler women selling their wares while baby wearing (New Forest 1910)

These next two photo show babywearing using traditional carriers in New Zealand from around the same era. Babywearing in Ohinemutu in New Zealand, 1908. I don't have a source for the second image which is possibly a postcard. 

​So cozy! This photo of an Inuit mother and child was taken on King Island Alaska between 1915 and 1925.

Linen (flax) is one of the most sustainable fibres that can be used for ring slings. Flax requires minimal water and pesticides and will grow in poor quality soils. Between the textile and food industries every part of the plant is used with nothing going to waste.
​
Linen can be both lightweight and strong, and is great at absorbing moisture without holding bacteria, so is perfect for summer babywearing. The moisture wicking properties of linen will help you and baby to feel cooler on hot day. Linen softens up beautifully with use.

Linen colours pictured - graphite, nimbus, ice mint, natural and truffle.

Do not use fabric softener or bleach products - or detergents which include them.  Also avoid detergent with optical brighteners.

Unthread the ring sling for washing.  You can slip a sock around the rings so they do not knock about in the washing machine.  Wash on delicate cycle on cold with a liquid detergent. 

Hang dry and iron while still slightly damp, this is the easiest way to minimize wrinkles in your ring sling (although linen will always have a tendancy to wrinkle, I think this just adds to the beauty of this verstatile fabric) 

A linen ring slings will naturally get softer as you wash and wear it but to hurry it along you can steam iron, tumble in the dryer with tennis balls on air dry, run it back and forth through the rings, or sleep with it for a few days, leave it in a hot car, or sit on it. You can also braid your ring sling (but don't store long term like this to avoid permacreasing your linen). There is a great tutorial about how to do that here ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L26Nqfr3g7c

Cuddleseat advertisement  November 1953 (The Nursey World - UK)

1950's

1947

1947

Cuddleseats were not the only baby carrier around although maybe the most popular judging by the number of ads compared to the other styles.  There was also the Margaret Shaw carrier pictured below (previously named the Women's Weekly Carrier as it was fist available to buy through that magazine by mail order).  There was also the Cuddle-Bye plus a few other similar carriers which I haven't been able to find newspaper ads for but you can read more about them in my article Mid Cenury Baby Carriers and Vintage Baby Carriers

A hip seat style baby carrier (not sure it was ever comercially made).
Pix. Vol. 11 No. 17 (24 April 1943)

Tip: Wear a breastfeeding singlet/tank top under you t shirt and then you can pull up your shirt from the bottom. This is also really great for cooler weather.  Remember to always return your baby to an upright position and adjust your carrier after you have finished feeding.

Below is a video showing how to breastfeed a newborn in a ring sling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RvgjJm0ruo
A video with an older baby
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN8Eono1rlg&list=PL9hKPtJid7hSa2h_FVbkSPriC-20QvO2t&index=2
Some more tips and how to switch sides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLJLFQnUCGY

This carrier has gone on lost of adventures with us including to Anakie fairy park and strawberry picking!

And now it will accompany me on new adventures as a bag.

Photo by Wilfred Revelle Jackson 1970

Photo by  Revelle Jackson 1970

Maral baby carrier back and front view.

A different baby carrier from the same era from the Upper Hutt City Library Heritage Collections.  There is not much information about this one,  possibly handmade.

Some parents made their own carriers, the Le Leche League offered a pattern (printed in their magazine)
​https://dunedinbabywearinglibrary.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/may-tielllphoto.jpg

Do you have any memories of the Maral baby carriers or of babywearing in the 1960's or 1970's in New Zealand?

Sources:
https://dunedinbabywearinglibrary.wordpress.com/background
This is a comprehensive article covering the history of babywearing in New Zealand.
https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/21615
https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/2273?keywords=marilyn%20cambpell&type=all&highlights=WyJtYXJpbHluIiwiY2FtcGJlbGwiXQ==&lsk=0d1c146c0e7a22f218341709c97a0a8c
​​https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/9425?keywords=campbell%20baby%20carrier&highlights=eyIwIjoiY2FtcGJlbGwiLCIxIjoiYmFieSIsIjIiOiJjYXJyaWVyLiIsIjQiOiJjYXJyaWVycyIsIjEyIjoiY2FycmllciJ9&lsk=6a7a7743138d923d210d814d8a2f7f53

A meh dai has four long straps and a rectangular shaped body panel. This carrier style was inspired by traditional Chinese baby carriers. It is a very versatile carrier and can be worn on front, back, and even on your hip.

A meh dai is is supportive for long periods of carrying. This carrier style will  fit a fairly large age range so it's great if you have both a baby and a toddler. The relatively unstructured nature of the fabric panel means it is easy to modify through small adjustments. This carrier style is also great for sharing  between different sized wearers. 

The shoulder straps can be tied in different ways to vary how weight is distrubuted on your shoulders  and you can wear the waistband at your waist or at the top of your hip bones (where ever is most comfortable for you). You also can spread the shoulder straps over baby's bum for added support if desired. There are severeal different shoulder strap styles to choose from. Your can read about the different styles here. 

Most meh dais are reversible so you can potentially get two different looks in one.  

Meh dais have good airflow due to open the open sides so can be a good summer option.

To adjust your meh dai for a perfect fit you can roll the botton to make the carrier shorter or make it narrower by cinching the botton with a ribbon.  Built in adjustments (an optional extra) make this even more convenient.  The sides of the panel cinch down with a drawstring and the waist is sewn in a channel making it easy to cinch.  There is a velcro closure to make sure the panel stays in the right spot when fully extended and when not in use the velcro is covered by a piece of fleece so it won't pull on you carrier or clothing.  The waistband is quilted which offers great support without being bulky.  The waist can be be worn apron or non apron style (see this article for more information).

Meh dai's do take a little longer to put on than a full buckle carrier but not by much.  You will get very quick at putting your baby in with a  bit of practice.

Wraps vary in thickness so some wrap conversion meh dais can be somewhat bulky to carry around if the wrap it's made from is quite thick, but this is easily solved by bringing a bag if you have and up and down toddler, or you can tie the carrier up into a handy bundle with carry handle (see this article for instructions).  

Some people are concerned that long strap tails are at risk of getting dirty in muddy weather. However I found I could almost always find somewhere dry to tie the carrier on (and if not they are easy to wash).  Alternatively there are clever solutions like tucking the tails into your pockets or braiding the staps to shorten them (or even partly pre tying your carrier). You can find some more tips here.

A meh dai is easy to learn to use and while it's fun to explore fancy finishes with your straps you don't need to do this to enjoy your carrier. The basic carries are quick to tie and comfortable

A small advantage of the meh dai over the half buckle that it is a little quicker and easier to roll the waist to shorten the carrier (with a half buckle you have to take the buckles off and rethread them to do this otherwise they will be upside down). Your can also tie your waist straps though the shoulder straps for a waist free high back carry.  

A half buckle  is a hybrid baby carrier that combines the ease of a buckle carrier with the comfort and versatility of a wrap.  It is the same basic design as the meh dai but with a buckle instead of a tie waist.
A half buckle can be used in the same ways as a meh dai and feels very similar to wear.  The advantages are that it is a bit quicker to take off (and you will never accidentally untie the waist straps instead of the shoulder straps!) and the buckle can help you tie the waist a bit more firmly, which is useful when you prefer your waistband to sit at a particular spot.  It is also slightly less bulky without the long fabric waist straps.

A reverse half buckle has buckled shoulder straps and a tie waist (or ring waist).  Quick to put on and folds up fairly small so is a great carrier to have in your bag just in case.  Also great if you don't like the feel of a buckled waistband but want the convenience of buckled shoulder straps. Some people like the look and comfort of spreading the wide waist strap over their stomach. 

Pictured below is a revese half buckle with ring waist.

The poadegi is a traditional baby carrier used in Korea. The western version has a narrower blanket but can be used in a similar way.  Similar carriers are also found across South East Asia (eg the nyia used by the Hmong or the bei bei from China).  A podaegi has two long straps which are sewn horizontaly and a long blanket body panel.  It is similar in use to a meh dai without the bottom straps and with the added advantage of being able to be used for torso carries.

​A podaegi is the most versatile of the carrier styles and one size truly does fit all.  Where you tie the straps determines the height of the carrier so your baby will not grow out of the podaegi.  You can wear this carrier as a torso carrier or use the straps for shoulder support.  There are many ways to tie (you can use any carry that you would in a woven baby wrap as long as it is a carry where baby sits in the centre of the wrap).  You can wear your little one on your front, back, or hip.  Similar to a woven wrap you don't need a hood but you can add one if you prefer, or a headrest. Podaegis like meh dai's and half buckles are great for sharing between different sized wearers. There are only two straps to deal with so can be very quick to tie on. Fairly compact when folded so easy to carry around. 

A ring sling is a long piece of fabric, usually around 2m long with a pair of sling rings sewn in.  It is based on traditional tied on shawls or lengths of fabric used as carriers all over the world (for example the rebozo found in Mexico). 

Ring slings are great for newborns and small babies as it is very easy to get a customised and snug fit.  Ring slings are also great for sharing between different sized wearers. There is a small learning curve to get used to positioning baby and tightening the sling but soon it will feel like second nature.  Most ring slings I make are wrap conversions but I also offer linen ring slings. Ring slings made of linen can help to keep your baby cool in summer.  Linen is a very strong fibre so the fabric can be thinner than other fabrics typically used for ring slings, but will still hold your baby comfortably and safety.  This makes them perfect for hot weather and their lighter weight makes them very easy to adjust for beginners.  The only disadvantage is that if you have a heavy toddler you make prefer a thicker double layer linen sling or a wrap conversion for more cushiness on your shoulder.  Alternatively using a heavy weight linen instead does make quite a cushy toddler sling but you then lose the advantages of being hot weather friendly somewhat (contact me if you would like that option)

​A wrap conversion is made from a woven baby wrap cut to length.  If your wrap is a size 5 (4.2m) the wrap can be split into two ring slings (great for sharing with a  friend). 

Since ring slings are a one shouldered carrier it can be a bit tiring to carrier heavy toddlers for long periods of time but they are great for situations where your toddler is up and down a lot. A ring sling allows your toddler to rest tired legs on a long walk, or get a little bit of connection before going off to play again. They are also great for a quick trip to the shops or for school drop offs and pick ups. I also really liked ring slings for picking my sleeping baby up from their car seat- since they are so quick to put on baby will often just snuggle in a continue their nap. 

A ring sling is the easiest carrier to have on hand for when you need it. It folds up small so is easy to just pop in bag.   

Handy for breastfeeding on the go and the tail can be used as a cover up or sun shade.

Ring slings are great for nosy babies who aren't old enough for a back carry.  A hip carry gives your baby or toddler a good view of the world but they are still able to snuggle in for a bit or rest or sleep if they need to.  
​

Woven baby wraps make great ring slings and can be converted into any of the other styles of carriers I make.  Woven baby wraps are specifically woven to carry babies so they have just the right amount of give to mold around your baby and are very strong and hardwearing.  If your wrap is not long enough I can add in some extra fabric to make up the extra length (depending on your chosen carrier style).  Further information about wrap conversions can be found here and if you would like to order your own wrap conversion or custom carrier visit my shop.

What if you are interested in a wrap conversion but don't have a wrap? There are some alternatives to buying a brand new wrap to convert (although that can be a good option if you are love a specific colour or pattern).  Used wraps are fine as long as they are in good condition. It is fairly easy to source a second hand wrap as you can often find a good deal on facebook groups or marketplace or on ebay.  Another alternative is to use Colimacon & Cie.  This is a woven fabric specially made for babywearing produced in France from organic cotton, and comes in a wide range of beautiful colours. I have a small selection in stock but can order in any of the colours. Some wrap companies also produce plain white wraps which can be dyed if prefered.

Linen makes breathable and light carriers and is available in a huge range of colours.  Linen is great for summer and packs up small and will also soften beautifully with with wear and washing.

Australia 1951

What were the baby carrier options available in the 30's, 40's and 50's? It was far more common for babies babies to be transported in prams but some parents did carry their babies at least occasionally. The most commonly found options were repurposed car seats, homemade carriers and hip carriers.  Of course traditional babywearing was still practised in some places too.  This article mainly focuses on Australia and New Zealand but the United States and the UK had some similar trends.

In the 1930's I couldn't find any advertisements or photos of commerically made carriers (although I did find one mention of them).  There were several homemade patterns puplished in newspapers so that seems to be the most popular option (often suggested as handy for parents to take with them holidays). These carriers looked like little canvas seats with handles. This changed in the 1940's when a pram shortage (caused by supply disruptions and materials being redirected for the war effort) led to a mini babywearing boom.  There were also less home delivery options available which made the war years difficult for mums with small babies.

In December 1941 there were 950 prams were manufactured in Victoria, Australia but by November 1942 the current production was down to 450 (more than half) and at the same time there was a steady increase in the birth rate. This caused some consternation about how to transport baby without a pram. One New Zealand newspaper  (the Evening Post on  18 June 1942) suggested the government should sponsor a pram factory as the best option to solve this problem. Another article from Australia titled. 'Shortage of Prams: Papoose Frame Suggested' published in the Evening Post on 15th June 1942 was more in favour of babywearing. The matron of the Karitane Mothercraft Centre Sister M. Jacobs is quoted as saying 'It would be much less tiring for the mother if she carried the baby on her back instead of in her arms. From the baby's point of view,  it is a much more natural way to be carried. Babies are more comfortable if they are in an upright position,' The matron also said 'We'll have to evolve some method of baby transport if prams become unprocureable.  A mother came to see me recently with her baby in a canvas bag slung over her shoulder like a knapsack. A sling in front is another way of carrying the baby. Mothers like it better than the bag at the back, because they can watch what the baby is doing"
​https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19420615.2.111  

Guides for making your own baby carrier existed from at least the 1930's. I found several similar articles describing a style of carrier that looks like a cloth seat.  An article titled 'A Carrier for Baby' published in the Evening Post (New Zealand) on 25 May 1939 described how to make one -
'Nothing is more useful than a carrier for transporting a baby, either by car, bus, or train. In the shops carriers made of kid in pretty pastel colours are attractive but expensive'  The article then adds advice for making your own inexpensive baby carrier at home 'You need pieces of deck chair canvas doubled (you can get it in charmingly coloured stripes nowadays) cut to the size you require. Stiffen them by slipping in pieces of plywood and sew them round a ply wood bottom, also cover on both sides with canvas. Fasten the double pieces of canvas together with large press studs, in order to hold the plywood in place, and make handles of cotton webbing. When the carrier is not in use the plywood sides may be taken out and the pieces put flat into a little case made of the canvas, so that it may be stored neatly and unobtrusively.
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19390525.2.188.6
This would be carried like a bag - in most photos caregivers are carrying the seat between them rather than using it to strap baby to their body. See this article on vintage baby carriers for some photos of this carrier in action. This style of baby carrier may have been inspired by early infant car seats (car seats were just starting to be commercially available in the 1930's and look quite similar).  Below is an example of a pattern from 1935: It appeared in the "Ideas for the Home" column in the Western Mail Thu 24 Oct 1935  Page 35 ​ A Baby Carrier. ​(Perth, WA).

A more ergonomic handmade and quite modern looking baby carrier (from the United States) can be seen in this article from 1934 featured in the San Diego Union newspaper (December 24 1934) in an article titled 'Child Sees all in 'Rumble Seat' .  George Hellickson made the carrier himself out of blue denim and flat cords and used it to carry his toddler daughter. 
"George Hellickson came to The Tribune-Union-Ryan party yesterday equipped for comfort. Hanging from his back in what he termed a homemade rumble seat was his 3-year-old daughter Helen. The 'seat provided a clear view of proceedings for Helen, assurance that she would not be injured and free use of Hellickson's hands with comfort for both ... He took the baby through the Chicago fair in it he said"

Car seat for babies were available to parents from the 1930's and by the 1940's these were commonly a canvas seat with leg holes stretched over a metal frame with hooks. The hooks hung over the back of the bench-style car seat and kept the baby suspended above the seat, allowing a better view through the front windshield. Before this burlap sacks with a drawstring were used or whatever the parents could come up with at home to prop them up. Some mid century car seats handily doubled as baby carriers like the Hike-a-Pose pictured above. You could unhook the car seat and sling it over your shoulder to wear it as a back pack. This one looks like it may have some straps attached for this purpose hidden at the back.  Most parents just seem to be slinging their babies just using the metal hooks that attach to the seat over their shoulder (it really doesn't look comfortable!). Car seats were certainly seen by some parents as muti purpose items and doubled as high chairs too.

 Man using car seat as baby carrier on the beach Bettmann c1960 

Baby car seat doubling as a high chair. https://www.oddee.com/item_98981.aspx and pictured below  a similar car seat/ carrier from the late 1940's (United States)

I also came across this carrier from 1944 (from Australia).  It's a similar shape but perhaps this one was created to be actually used as a baby carrier rather than a car seat. The straps certainly look softer.

Hip carriers seem to be the most popular of the carrier style available in the 1940s.  Most photos I have come across from this era are of this style. There seems to be at least a few different brands, although except for the Cuddle-seat and Margaret Shaw, brand names aren't often mentioned in newspaper articles (although the Cuddle-Chair got a mention). Many of these styles of carriers were really carrying aides rather that true hands free carriers as one hand was often needed to support baby.

April 1946: Mother carrying her baby in a sling next to a newly built shopping centre in New Zealand. (Photo by George Silk/The LIFE Picture Collection) 

The two most popular hip carriers available in Australia from the 1940's were the Cuddle-Seat and a carrier sponsored by the Australian Women's Weekly and available by mail order (later renamed the Margaret Shaw carrier and sold at David Jones).  

Sydney 1951  (https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzg0QceAQWz/)  ​

Margaret Shaw Carrier​
'Mothers are finding The Australian Women's Weekly baby-carrier a wonderful boon. It fills a much-needed want because it carries the baby who hasn't reached the sitting-up stage. As the child lies in the carrier, only one arm is needed to support its weight, so mothers have a free hand to" lead a toddler or carry the inevitable parcel. The sling, which weighs only two ounces, is made in off-white material, with a plastic-lined base, and can also be obtained with blue, beige, or grey straps. The straps are adjustable to make the sling slide-proof.  The baby-carrier, which costs 15/6, is obtainable at The Australian Women's Weekly Pattern Department, 168 Castlereagh Street. Add 3 d post age (or 6 d registered) for mail orders.
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney) Sun 10 Aug 1947 Page 50 ​ 

The Women's Weekly/Margaret Shaw carrier was designed by an Australia woman and cost $53.54 (when converted to today's money).  Margaret Shaw was the the Matron of the Womens' Hospital Crown Street and was interviewed by the Australian Women's Weekly in July 1947.  She explained that carrier was 'meant to help the mother in the early months, before baby can sit up and while he still needs support for his back. I have always felt sorry for the mother who has to carry a young babe and, at the same time, juggle with shopping bags and parcels. She feels that she may drop the babe, just as the babe, if he does not feel VERY SECURE, fears that he may be dropped'.  A young baby could be wrapped in a shawl and put into the carrier. Only the seat of the carrier held the baby but it took some weight off and the mother only needed to support her babies' head and shoulders by cuddling baby in the crook of her elbow leaving her other hand free. 'This is what she finds a very great advantage. The young mothers to whom we demonstrated the carrier were delighted with it. One, Mrs- S. Butcher, mother of three-months-old Arthur Butcher, said:"It's wonderful. I don't notice the baby's weight at all." Mrs. T. J. Nilstrom, of Mascot,whose baby daughter Selma is seven weeks old, said:"Baby is happy in it."  The Australian Women's Weekly  Sat 19 Jul 1947  Page 40 

​The Daily Telegraph  Wed 16 Jul 1947  Page 9  Baby-Carrying Problem Solved

The Australian woman's mirror.​ Vol. 24 No.47 (13 October 1948) pg 16​

The cuddle seat is another similar hip carrier invented in Austalia by William Hancock, a test pilot who had been forced to retire due to illness. He  exprimented for six months before perfecting his design. The cuddle seat was marketed as being suitable for older babies and toddlers too unlike the Margaret Shaw carrier.  The cuddle seat seems to be the more popular of the two (I found more references to it in newspapers and magazines and it was also later imported to the United States and the UK).  A newspaper article entitled 'Novel Baby Carrier Eases Weight' from 1946 explains - the 'Cuddle-seat' has the recommendation of thousands of Australian mothers, who by practical experience know the advantage of this method ol carrying baby, especially in crowded areas and when shopping,  Popularity achieved by the 'Cuddle-seat' with Australian mothers now extended to England and America, where it has been acclaimed as a definite boon. When carrierd in  a 'Cuddle-seat' the baby is less weight on the mother and leaves her two hands free, Another very important feature is that the baby itself is carried In a natural position and is more comfortable. The 'Cuddle-seat' Is scientifically designed to carry babies of from four weeks to two years, It distributes the weight evenly, and balance is maintained'
The Farmer and Settler (Sydney)  Fri 1 Nov 1946  Page 13 

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The Australian woman's mirror. Vol. 20 No. 49 (31 October 1944) pg 13

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/history-cribs-other-brilliant-bizarre-inventions-getting-babies-to-sleep-180972138/
​The hip style carrier was also found in other countries too (although is does seem to have been more popular in Australia and New Zealand) . This baby carrier patent above is from the 1940's (United States). While this carrier was not a commercial success I love how the illustration shows how a baby carrier can help a mum go about her daily life by helping her with her shopping. 
Hip carriers seem to have faded in popularity after the war but I have found photos of parents wearing them into the 60's and it was popular enough for a major pattern company to produce a pattern for one in 1972 (McCalls 3357).

This ad for a convertible carrier looks like it's from the 1950's judging by the clothes but I haven't been able to find any details about it. If you have any information let me know! It may possibly an updated a version of the Carry-bye which looks quite similar.

 

The Carry-Bye was invented in 1943 by Mrs A.C. Moores, while her husband was away at war so she could have her hands free for her other child and to carry her parcels.  She spend many hours perfecting her design originally a folding canvas sling 'Mrs. Moores laughs when she thinks back to the clumsy contraption  her first Carry-Bye was in comparison to the smart little job it now is, with' its nickel clips and adjustable buckles, its gay piped hood and its press-stud fasteners in colors to match the canvas."But," she will tell you, "I spent hours and hours on my first 'models' until I made one which was exactly right. I knew that no one, excepting a mother with a mother's difficulties, would take the trouble to find the very right thing they need, but this is it. Satisfied mothers have popularised my Carry-Bye, nobody else, because we have had no money for advertising."  Her husband was injured during the war and could no longer farm so the couple focused on patenting and manufacturing the sling. It was succesful and was sold worldwide and was especially popular in England according to the article in the Women's Interests section of the The Land (Sydney)  Fri 2 Apr 1948  Page 16  The carrier was available from at least 1947. Marketed as suitable from birth to two years The Carry-Bye weighed 15lb/6.8kg and was construction on a paper thin collapsible steel frame which enabled baby to carried in a reclining position or after six months sitting up.  It came with a weather hood and a covering canvas sheet to shield the baby from wind and rain. Two adjustable straps meant that the weight of the baby was distributed to both shoulders and it also could be carried in the hand by a handle.  Glen Innes Examiner  Mon 27 Oct 1947  Page 4  NOVEL BABY CARRIER

In some places in this era mothers were still carrying their babies in this era as they always had.  This Maori mother is carrying her baby in her feather cloak (1938).

​(Photo by George GreenwellDaily Mirror/Mirrorpix)

A similar shawl carry from Ireland

Attitudes to carrying  babies and toddlers seem quite positive (with the exception of the Cuddle Chair sales girls quoted above) and the practicality of using a baby carrier seemed to be one of the main appeals.  One Mum explains in her letter to the Mothercraft section of the  Australian Women's Mirror (24 November 1948)  'Nurse While You Work'  that her four month old son was recovering from a cold and wanted to be held all the time, but she also had other children who needed her  She found the cuddle seat a good compromise. It allowed her to sort and put away the washing, set the table, do some tidying up and even sit down with her son in the carrier to do some darning "Small Son, happy to be snuggled up to me, would soon fall asleep, and I could then put him down again for a while" 

Another respondant to the Mothercraft collum reported admiringly about a mum she met in a train who had travelling with a baby sorted (The Australian Womens Mirror 8 February 1950). Her Cuddle-Seat was very convenient for travelling, and was combined with a hands free shoulder bag (matching her travelling costume of course) to hold her essentials.  Baby was happy and it gave her some hand freedom to look after her other three children. 

It wasn't only mums who carried their babies, dads did too and this was mentioned in several articles and newspaper photos. In the article 'A Word From Father (Baby Clinic for Men)  published in The Australian Women's Mirror on 15th May 1945 the author explains  in a very honest way what life is like as a new dad.  At one point his wife was so exhausted he took over looking after the baby for a few nights 'with the cosy-bye at my elbow'.  His wife's health was deteriorating so much that he decided he should learn to change nappies too (his wife and mother and law were quite horrified at this so it must have been quite unusual).  The family doctor advised he attend a baby care class for dads run by a local baby clinic for fathers whose wives were ill.  He resisted going at first as he found it too public (he seemed pretty happy to help out with any baby care needed but didn't really want other dads to know about it!).  Part of the clinic visit covered baby carriers (which is good evidence that their use was fairly commom in the 40's).

'Now I either have to carry the baby or wheel it in a pram, and if there is anything worse or sillier feeling than pushing a pram I have not met it.  On the job the men talk about these new carrying seats the women have.  Singapore slings, we Diggers call them, and all men without a baby think they are an affectation ... I felt pretty much the same way, but when Doreen got one and showed me how comfortable it was both to the baby and to herself I changed my opinion.  The clinic gave us a lecture on slings one night, and they rate high with the clinics.  Since then a couple of the men wear them to carry the baby in.  The sergeant was the first to start.  He said it was like a bit of his uniform, it was khaki, and it did not look so bad at that.  I am tempted to say you will never see me in one, but looking back at the hurdles I have already jumped I am not game to be definite about anything.  There is one thing I might point out about babies and their care, and that until some of the names are changed men will always feel sillier than they need. A cosy-bye, for instance.  What man can ask about a cosy-bye and not feel silly? Then a cuddle-seat.  A man, any man, might wear a Singapore sling but what man will admit to toting the baby in a cuddle-seat!

The Australian woman's mirror.Vol. 21 No. 25 (15 May 1945) pages 5 and 17
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-507435521/view?sectionId=nla.obj-567210538&partId=nla.obj-507481716#page/n6/mode/1up

Parents loved the cuddle seat and other styles for the same reasons parents enjoy babywearing today - the convenience, closeness, and the way it helps you get on with your day.  There was interest in how people from other cultures carried their babies (I found one letter to a newspaper titled 'Cuddle-seats of Other Lands' and I came across a handful of similar articles and letters but there didn't seem to be  much interest among Australian and New Zealand mothers in adapting and using traditional carriers.  Although it could be possible that those carriers were used at least occasionally but just didn't get written about.  Caregivers generally seemed to just use what they had available to them (backpacks/bags or car seats) or invented and constructed their own with varying degrees of success, some later becomming commercially available.

Interest in babywearing seems to have waned after the 1950's (possibly because prams and other baby holding gear was easily obtainable again) but babywearing  never completely dissapeared (after all you can't take baby hiking in a pram!). I have found a picture of Australian tourists using a Cuddle-Seat to tour Munich with ther baby in 1960. Framed backpacks and soft packs like the snugli started to be seen from the 1960's, as well as the Meh Tai, based on an asian style traditional carrier (sold be the Australian Nursing Mothers Association) also from the late 60's. Eventually there was another revival (from around the late 1990's and probably fueled by the easy sharing of information the internet made possible) which made baby carriers much more readily available in western countries and has continued to this day 

The Sun  Fri 25 Mar 1949  Page 17 ​ LOUIE

​https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/49280/brief-history-7-baby-basics
 https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g2870/car-seat-history/

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld) Mon 30 Nov 1942  Page 2  CARRYING THE BABY  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/151382435?searchTerm=baby%20carrying#

Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954)  Thu 8 Dec 1938  Page 34  A CARRIER FOR BABY: HANDY FOR HOLIDAYS. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/44789984?searchTerm=baby%20carrier#​

A CARRIER FOR BABYEVENING POST, VOLUME CXXVII, ISSUE 121, 25 MAY 1939 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19390525.2.188.6?query=baby+carrier&snippet=true

SHORTAGE OF PRAMSEVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIII, ISSUE 139, 15 JUNE 1942
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19420615.2.111​

​BABY'S OUTINGS EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIII, ISSUE 142, 18 JUNE 1942
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19420618.2.22 
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The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954)  Wed 29 Dec 1943  Page 5  SHOPS WITH BABY IN CUDDLE CHAIR
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247809500?searchTerm=baby%20carrying#

https://www.facebook.com/historybabywearingireland/photos/rpp.141327056666106/141349509997194/?type=3&theater

The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954)  Wed 16 Jul 1947  Page 9  Baby-Carrying Problem Solved​
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248395973?searchTerm=baby%20carrier

​Cuddle-seats of Other Lands (8 January 1947). (1947-01-08). In The Australian woman's mirror. 23 (7), https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/233204385?keyword=cuddle%20seat​

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954)  Thu 3 Aug 1944  Page 4  JOE INSPECTS "CUDDLE SEAT"
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/134263850?searchTerm=cuddle%20seat

The Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982)  Sat 19 Jul 1947  Page 9  NEW CARRIER FOR BABY... ​​
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/47226580?searchTerm=baby%20carrier

​The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954)  Sun 10 Aug 1947  Page 50  New carrier for young babies
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/248098508?searchTerm=baby%20carrier

The Farmer and Settler (Sydney, NSW : 1906 - 1955)  Fri 1 Nov 1946  Page 13  Novel Baby Carrier Eases Weight
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/117337090?searchTerm=baby%20carrier

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)  Tue 17 Jun 1947  Page 7  Death Of Inventor Of Cuddle-seat
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/18030705?searchTerm=cuddle%20seat

​​The Australian woman's mirror. Vol. 24 No. 53 (24 November 1948)
​https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-486657879

​The Australian woman's mirror.​Vol. 26 No. 11 (8 February 1950)https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-565425578/view?sectionId=nla.obj-567846693&partId=nla.obj-565442456#page/n31/mode/1up

The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954)  Tue 20 Apr 1943  Page 6  Busy Mothers' Baby Carrier​
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231750076?searchTerm=baby%20carrier#

Sydney Woman's Inventions Baby Carrier Makes Shopping Easy PIX (24 April 1943)
https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-438628554/view?sectionId=nla.obj-477287868&partId=nla.obj-438694374#page/n11/mode/1up

Glen Innes Examiner Mon 27 Oct 1947  Page 4  NOVEL BABY CARRIER
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184630326?searchTerm=baby%20carrier

The Sun  Sun 3 Apr 1949  Page 1  HANDY BABY CARRIER
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231070352?searchTerm=baby%20carrier#titleModal​

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate  Thu 3 Aug 1944  Page 4 ​Joe Inspects 'Cuddle Seat'
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/134263850?searchTerm=cuddle%20seat#

Sunday Times (Perth)  Sun 18 Mar 1945  Page 5  'CUDDLE CHAIRS' BOOM ​
​https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/59331570?searchTerm=cuddle%20chair#

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