NEW NATIVE BABY POUCH (By New Native, Inc.)
Chasing after two toddlers all day while trying to take care of my latest addition, I am always looking for new ways to simplify my life and be able to do more with less hands (don't we all as moms? ;)
So I was delighted and excited to be trying out a new carrier for my 7 month old. With my first two babies, I had used the harness-type carriers with the straps, buckles and clips because honestly I didn't think there were other options out there. Most of the ads I had seen in pregnancy and baby magazines featured those same harness-type carriers where the baby is usually carried in the front chest area and are strapped in like they're going skydiving.
But this time round wanting to explore other options, I did more research and also met some local moms espousing the wonders of natural, fabric carriers because they mimicked the environment in the womb and the baby felt more bonded with the mom. So I was ready to try something new and I decided to try New Native's Baby Pouch.
I chose this product because in visiting the company's website I read about their business philosophies that include using organic materials in their products, supporting corporate social responsibility and environment-friendly practices. As per their website, they have received accolades from organizations and they are a brand popular with trend setters including celebrity moms like Cindy Crawford, Rachel Weisz, Kate Hudson, Kerri Russell, just to name a few.
This carrier is worn over one shoulder and the opposite hip. The first thing I noticed was how practical it was. I could easily fold it like a blanket and put in my diaper bag and didn't have to worry about clips, strings, straps and buckles. The baby can be worn on the side, back or front. My little one especially loves the "craddle" position the best. She snuggles and cuddles and I can tell she feels so much more connected to me by hearing my heart beat and feeling the warmth of my body when she rides on it.
It's convenient for nursing because you can cover part of your breast if you need to. It's also good for swaddling and can be used with newborns up to toddlers (around 35 lbs). I tried it with my 22 month old and he liked it too especially the cuddling part. His legs dangled so it served as a hip carrier with him although he got heavy pretty quickly at 30 lbs. I also carried him facing me which was easier. My eldest weighs nearly 40lbs so I didn't try it with her even though she insisted she wanted to ride on "mama's kangaroo pouch" (too cute).
It's important to realize that the initial folding and placement across your body is key for a comfortable fitting. I also recommend switching shoulders once in a while to avoid any straining, stretching your neck regularly and definitely trying the position carrying your baby on your back. You'll be amazed how sturdy that is. Also, it works as a hands-free carrier if you fit it tightly around you. If you don't, then you'll need your arms to support the baby.
The carrier is made of 100% organic cotton and is available in a wide array of patterns, fabric colors and sizes. I recently learned alot about regular cotton vs. organic. I didn't realize that regular cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop on the planet and the chemicals used are among the most toxic in farming so was happy to have a safer fabric near my baby.
The carrier comes with an instructional DVD that illustrates all the different ways the baby can be worn and New Native Inc's site also has an informative section with photos so you can try different positions and choose the one most comfy for you and your baby.
So if you're expecting or just recently had a baby and are considering a carrier, consider looking into this one in addition to any others you may have in mind. The more options you are educated on, the better so you can make the best decision that is right for you and your sweet little one.
I like this one because it's practical and can empower you to continue bonding with your baby as you run errands, take a walk, do chores or even chase after your other kids! And you'll know it's made by a company that has a great reputation for supporting healthy and eco-friendly parenting methods and organic materials.
It retails for about $52 (which is less than the standard harness-type carriers which can cost upwards of $100).
Keep your eyes peeled for my next review on the New Native 100% Organic Cotton Footed Blanket. I got this recently and will be trying it out with my little one soon. I am excited to see how she likes it especially the softness of the cotton and the fact that I can tuck her little feet into it especially now that it's getting colder. So stay tuned! :)
Review Submitted By: Empowered Mommy Ivanna