Nuzzle Baby Ring Slings

pink and purple diamond batick

2011-06-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is a sling I just finished. It was an order from someone who just happened across my website.

New Fabric

2010-09-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

I just got home from the fabric store, and I have some new fabric to show you! I really just can't stay away from Batik fabrics. I just love them. So I bought some more. I'm also tired of making up weird names for fabric. I tried to remember what it's actually called on the bolt, but of course, I forgot, so here is my not-so-original naming system:

Pink and purple diamonds batik- $35

Blue and yellow paisley batik- $35 Royal Purple dots- those color variations are not shadows! $35
Pink swirl that I am fairly certain I can get more of. $30

Orange, pink and blue shirt stripe- this fabric is a little bit stretchy- $30

Recalls and Warnings

2010-06-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

All of the recent recalls and warnings have really been disturbing for baby wearers. The recalled and warned slings that have been at the forefront of this are VASTLY different from my slings. They are bag slings and you can see one pictured in the link above. They are basically a bag with a strap attached. Babies were suffocating because their chins were forced to their chest. It's the reason we keep tiny new babies at a 45 degree angle in the car for the first several months- chin to chest cuts off a baby's air way.

That said, yesterday I read about a recall (voluntary, I think) of a home-made ring sling that looked a lot like mine. From what I read, the problem was the same as the bag sling- chin to chest or fabric over the mouth and nose causing suffocation.

With that I issue this warning/recommendation: DO NOT CARRY YOUR BABY CRADLED DOWN IN YOUR SLING. Your baby's chin should not fall to his chest. I highly recommend you use the tummy-to-tummy carry when using your sling with your newborn. If you look at the pictures at the top of the page, NONE of them are being carried in a cradled position. You use a sling as a "second set of arms." You carry your baby in it just as you would if you were holding him with your arms. This link does a WONDERFUL job of showing the difference between a safe carry and an unsafe one. I encourage you do do your research and really practice using your sling. Use some of my resources on the right side of the page to learn. There are tons of videos and tutorials out there at your disposal. Your baby's safety is your responsibility.

Wearing Evie

2010-04-23T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a pic of my family on our recent mini-vacation to Branson. This is in Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.

New Fabric

2010-03-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'm back at it! I am going to use this post to show all of the fabric I have in stock. If I have already sold a sling from that same fabric, I am posting a pic of the finished sling instead of just the fabric swatch. Remember, if you don't see something you like, please let me know and I'll work with you to get you what you want!

Denim Blue Gauze- $25
(best used for smaller babies)

light coming through gauze fabric

Blue tie die-$20
flat gauze (slightly used)

Tangerine- $25
flat gauze

Hawaiian shirt- $35
cotton batik

Black and White Check- $30
cotton

Strawberry Lemonade- $35
cotton batik

Blueberry- $30
cotton batik

Butterflies and Flowers- $35
(tail will be lined since it has a "wrong" side)

close-up showing texture of fabric

Bubblegum Plaid- $30

Baby girl on the way!

2010-01-01T12:14:00.001-08:00

I'm due to give birth to baby Evie at any time now! I plan to get back to sewing as soon as I can after her arrival, but for now, I'm taking a break. If you want to get started selecting your fabric and working out the details, please, go ahead and email me!! Just know that you won't get your sling next week :).

Finished sling examples

2009-07-20T14:50:00.001-07:00

Some have asked to see some more examples of my slings. You can see the ones in the pic at the top in use, but here are some more that I took before sending them on their way.

I have enough for 3 more of these:

decorative stitching at hem and around pocket:

I love this pink paisley fabric. I know I can get more of it and the polkadots above.

Currently Available fabric

2009-07-16T18:24:00.001-07:00

This is what I currently have in stock. I can work with you to get what you want so please don't feel limited by this selection!

Butterflies and Flowers (tail will be lined)- $35

Pink eyelet check- $30

Sunset- $35- "sold" (using it for my own baby girl :) )

Blueberry- $35

Cream and Chocolate-$25
crinkle gauze

Chocolate- $25- SOLD
This is crinkle gauze, but it's heavier than the others

Tangerine- $25
flat gauze

Blue Tie Die- $25
flat gauze

Denim gauze- $25

The looking through Denim Gauze at the light. Gauze fabric is better used for small babies, as it is not as supportive as heavier fabrics.

New Blog

2009-07-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

I finally decided to register another blog with the correct name. It was just too confusing to keep the "Baby Capes" name for my Nuzzle Baby slings. Thanks for shopping!

Babywearing under assault

2005-10-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

10/04/10
Soft carriers, including rings slings like I make, have been shown to provide developmental benefits for baby, not to mention all of the convenience benefits for parents. If you want to know more, you can read what Dr. Sears has to say on the subject here.

Babywearing has been regaining popularity in recent years, although many people still see it as a newfangled fad and don't really understand it. The whole industry suffered a setback a few months ago when a particular kind of carrier, a bag sling, was recalled due to infant deaths. This sling positioned the baby far too low on the parent, allowed baby's chin to be forced to his chest, and covered the mouth and nose with thick, padded fabric. This was ONE TYPE of carrier, but it seems that the message taken away from the recall was slings=death trap.

Now, the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance is alleging that a popular maker of safe slings was told by the Consumer Products Safety Commission to cease all operations and issue a recall of all of their products. This supposedly has happened without any proof of unsafe products, and with a threat to the entire industry, according to BCIA. You can see more info here as well as the BCIA.

There is a campaign to write or call these members of Congress to express your concern about this. I will copy a form letter below the contact info. You are encourage to email and add your own experience with slings or other carriers. If you are in Arkansas, it is especially important that you do this, since Mark Pryor is the chairman of The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance.

SENATE:
Mark Pryor – Chairman, AR (202) 224-2353
Byron L. Dorgan, ND (202) 224-2551
Barbara Boxer, CA (202) 224-3553
Bill Nelson, FL (202) 224-5274
Claire McCaskill, MO (202) 224-6154
Amy Klobuchar, MN (202) 224-3244
Tom Udall, NM (202) 224-5941
Roger Wicker – Ranking Member, MS (202) 224-6253
Olympia J. Snowe, ME (202) 224-5344
Jim DeMint, SC (202) 224-6121
John Thune, SD (202) 224-2321
Johnny Isakson, GA (202) 224-3643
David Vitter, LA (202) 224-4623

HOUSE:
Bobby L. Rush, IL, Chairman 202-225-4372; 773-224-6500
Jan Schakowsky, IL, Vice Chair 202-225-2111; 773-506-7100
Ed Whitfield, KY, Ranking Member 202-225-3115; 270-885-8079
John P. Sarbanes, MD 202-225-4016; 410-832-8890
George Radanovich, CA 202-225-4540; 559-449-2490
Betty Sutton, OH 202-225-2266; 330-865-8450
Cliff Stearns, FL 202-225-5744; 352-351-8777
Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ 202-225-4671; 732-571-1140
Joseph R. Pitts, PA 202-225-2411; 717-303-0667
Bart Gordon, TN 202-225-4231; 615-896-1986
Mary Bono Mack, CA 202-225-5330; 760-320-1076
Bart Stupak, MI 202-225-4735; 231-348-0657
Lee Terry, NE 202-225-4155; 402-397-9944
Gene Green, TX 202-225-1688; 281-999-5879
Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC 202-225-1976; 704-362-1060
Charles A. Gonzalez, TX 202-225-3236; 210-472-6195
Tim Murphy, PA 202-225-2301; 412-344-5583
Anthony D. Weiner, NY 202-225-6616; 718-520-9001
Phil Gingrey, GA 202-225-2931; 770-429-1776
Jim Matheson, UT 202-225-3011; 801-486-1236
Steve Scalise, LA 202-225-3015; 504-837-1259
G. K. Butterfield, NC 202-225-3101; 252-237-9816
Robert E. Latta, OH 202-225-6405; 419-668-0206
John Barrow, GA 202-225-2823; 912-354-7282
Joe Barton, TX 202-225-2002; 817-543-1000

Dear _______,

I am writing as a concerned parent about the broad and overzealous scope of many of the recent CPSC recalls. In particular, I’ve learned that the CPSC is threatening a unilateral recall action against a reputable brand of baby sling.

I am appealing to you, as a member of the The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance.
Today, I am asking that:
1) all baby sling recall actions be stopped immediately;
2) the ASTM sling carrier standard should be voted on so that sling carriers may be tested for this safety standard;
3) the CPSC be forced to follow their own internal procedures of due course, rather than using scare tactics and bullying to intimidate reputable, responsible companies.

I am aware that this particular product was in use at the time of death of an infant in one case in 2005. This incident was fully investigated by the CPSC and the company was told, in 2007, that the product was not at fault. In early 2010, this case was reopened despite no new evidence. The company was bullied into closure by the CPSC. No testing or report showing evidence of a defect has been made available to the company. The CPSC is now using the fact that the company is closed to issue the unilateral recall, despite lacking the science and statistics that would be the norm for this agency. At this time, there are indications of many more baby carrier recalls to come, including CPSC language that indicates that they are considering action against this "entire class of product".

Recalling this particular product, and potentially this "entire class of product", will have a decidedly negative impact on parents all over the United States. Babywearing is a practice that has proven health benefits for both babies and their caregivers, and is an essential part of parenting for millions of people across the country and worldwide. The CPSC is attempting to drastically limit a personal parenting choice through this unnecessary recall. Please consider the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance’s Position Paper (http://babycarrierindustryalliance.m...hite_paper.pdf) as scientific evidence of both the necessity and the safety of baby carriers.

There is a strong network of babywearing safety advocates and volunteer groups throughout the nation whose mission is to teach caregivers how to use their baby carriers safely and effectively. Baby carriers are absolutely safe; perhaps even safer than many other baby care devices such as swings and car seats. Additionally, ASTM International is set to vote on a voluntary standard for sling carriers this very week. This standard is the result of 3 years of hard work by consumer advocates, manufacturers, and members of the CPSC's own staff.

The recent light shown on the tactics taken by the CPSC is shocking. Bullying small family-owned business to get the outcome they desire should not be how the US Government does business. I ask you to stop this recall, look into the actions of the CPSC, and consider allowing the voluntary standards process to be completed. I hope we can count on you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best, __________________