An angled strap pod feels a little different to wear than the straight strap version - it feels like a cross between a mei tai and a wrap (whereas the straight strap feels more like a wrap with training wheels to me). There are not as many tying positions as the straight straight (you can't do a torso carry for example) but some people prefer the feel of an angled strap in a rucksack carry so if that is mainly what you would like to use a pod for it's a good option. However it will tend to put more weight on your shoulders if not positioned correctly (higher is better), so if your shoulders are picky you may prefer a straight strap pod (for a torso carry option). Front Carry Hold your baby with one arm and place the carrier over your baby. Bring the straps over your shoulders, cross them and bring them around to the front again over your baby's legs. Cross the straps and bring them under your baby's legs and tie in back. Check that your baby is in a good seated position with knees higher that bum. Done! Back Carry This method shows a hip scoot which can be used with a baby who is sitting well. For smaller babies I like to use the santa toss method to get baby on my back. You can find instructions for this in the straight strap podaegi instructions. Put your baby on your hip and scoot your baby onto your back. Pull the straps over your shoulders and pull one strap so there is no slack. Put the strap between your knees and repeat for the other side. Tuck some of the podegi blanket under your baby's bum and knees. Bring the straps back behind you (or alternatively cross them over your chest). Cross the straps over and then under baby's legs and bring back around to the front. Tie in front or tie tibetan style (see next series of pictures). Tibetan variation: Hold one strap between your knees. Bring the other strap across your chest and under the shoulder strap. Repeat on the other side. Pull both straps to get out any slack and tie in front with a square knot.
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Some of the wraps I have dyed - before and after. I overdyed the Didymos Antara Dragon with ocean blue and the Didmos Puder (Powder Silk) dark pink and then Violet. I am very happy with both. I used Dylon for both and used my laundry sink. It is easy to do - just follow the packet instructions carefully and don't forget to stir!
I was visiting relatives in Melbourne for a few days so I decided to visit the Art Gallery as I hadn't been there for years. My older children found it interesting even though beforehand they thought it wouldn't be. My three year old needed keeping a close eye on though so she didn't touch the art which was very distracting. If I go again I will bring along a carrier for her. I did have a stroller with me but no one wanted to sit in it except my 10 year old who asked my husband to wheel him around because he was tired! While I was there I spotted this painting - The Crossing of the Red Sea by Nicolas Poussin. It was painted in 1634. Spot the babywearing Mum! Carrying on the tradition! My niece is staying with us for a few days over the school holidays so we decided to go to the Fairy Park at Anakie. It's a nice place to go with little kids. The girls liked the animated fairy tale scenes. Although it is advertised as pram friendly the path between the displays is quite steep in places (the path winds up a hill leading to a castle on the top). I remembered this from last time so I didn't even consider bringing a stroller. On the way home we picked some strawberries for dessert. And finally this is another reason why my sewing is a bit slow in the school holidays! (Older children forgot to close the pantry door)
This is an angled strap podaegi I made to play with. (Well remade actually as I redid the top of a podaegi I already had). It's great in a front carry.
Here are some quick photos. I'll try to get some better ones later. I'm still not 100% sure I will offer a full buckle but I am having fun experimenting. This full buckle is made from a cotton jaquard fabric. It's not a wrap but I love it. The fabric is so soft and has a nice feel to it. It would make a nice summer wrap I think (but I have too many of those already!).
I decided to try a semi structured waist - a stiff foam in the middle and soft padding at the sides. I find it quite supportive but I think I still prefer a padded waist a bit more. I'll see what I think of it as my son grows (he's almost 10kg now). The top folded over slightly when worn at my waist but didn't when worn at my hips. Perhaps it's the shape of the waistband (which I don't want to change as it works really well for me). I'll see what I think after I have used it more. It bends far less than the foam I first tried anyway. This carrier is a baby size (4 - 18months). It's a slightly smaller size that the mei tai baby size since it's harder to modify by rolling or scrunching like you can with a mei tai or half buckle. It also has seat darts which help to direct baby's weight onto your waist/hips. The darts are shallower than the toddler size so baby is still held quite close to you. I thought I would share a poem I wrote about being close to my babies. Do you have a poem to share? Send me the poem - via my contact form, (and let me know the source) and I'll put it on my blog.
Little Night Owl Let him cry is want they said Come, let my arms be you bed Your sleepy eyes are now content Little Night Owl, so small so new Time passed and you grew. Made your room cute, look full of sheep ! Still only with me could you sleep Your feet too big for the little mattress next to our bed Your little pillow too small for your head Bedtime stories and songs you like Though being by yourself you still dislike Time passed and you grew. Now you’re older you sleep on your own Though your daddy and me are not alone For now I have another little one With red hair and soft brown eyes just like you. Time passed and you grew. At night he sleeps with me cuddled close, During the day he sleeps in a sling in the warmth of my love for him. Little Night Owl, so small so new Time passed and you grew. My children (and friend) helping to wash walls as part of our spring cleaning. My youngest is hanging out in the sling and feels part of the action but isn't in the way or in danger of crawling out to the road. Babywearing is great. Without it it would be very hard to get anything done!
Here is the first photo of the second half buckle I ever made. It has a structured waist - my toddler was too heavy for it and the waist would fold although it was still comfortable (I have since found a foam that holds up better). I found it in the bottom of my cupboard and decided to try it out with my 10 month old. It was super comfy! - and it still comes with sleepy dust! A photo with my then two year old when I first made the sling. This the first buckle I ever made, also with a structured waist. The waist is a one piece waist. I am working on a three piece structured waist which will pack up smaller. I like to be able to offer lots of options to customize your carrier. The structured waist is the same shape as the padded waist I offer now. I tried 3 different waists on this carrier before I decided which shape I liked. I tried deeply curved, slightly curved, and straight (with a slightly curved bottom edge). I liked the straight waist best and that is the waist shape I offer on my current half buckles. Here is the padded waist which is standard on my current half buckles. It is very comfy too. And can you tell purple is my favourite colour?
I thought I would share these great videos.
First is an easy back carry by Purple Elm Baby. The next video shows you how to create a twist in your ring sling which helps to create a deeper seat for your older baby or toddler. Then the video covers how to get your baby onto your back. The link to the video is here. This video was made by Paxbaby and shows how to use your ring sling in a ruck sack style back carry. Very cool! Check it out here. Finally some great ring sling tips (getting a good seat and how to stop your ring from sliding) form Babywearing Internation of Birmingham. |
AuthorI love to sew. I have five curious and active kids who keep me busy! Archives
May 2024
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