What's the vibe today . . .

Once upon a sling

Babies come in all shapes and sizes and so do baby carriers. These days the options are endless so Babyvibe is offering you the lowdown on a few fantastic slings.

(hug)

Super soft, simple, modern, and very West Coast comes to mind with the (hug) sling, a new product from B-Cozy Blankets. The pouch-style sling is made out of a non-pilling Canadian-made fleece. We like it because the sling is easy to put on and is available in various sizes for differently shaped parents. The fleece sling makes it perfect for snuggling with your little one during cool fall and winter days. Made in Vancouver, we like the fact that the slings are able to carry babies and toddlers up to 35 pounds. They are versatile, doubling as a change mat, blanket and helps mom breastfeed with a bit of privacy. The simple design accented by an appliqué (which is simple but cool as well), make this comfortable sling a winner.

Where to find it

Crocodile Vancouver
dandelion KIDS, 1206 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Aunt Em’s in Kids Market on Granville Island
Will be available at Little Blessings (both locations)
Inhabit , a new store in Yaletown
Will also be available online soon at www.bcozyblankets.com

By the way, Kim, the creator of the hug sling, is scheduled to be at Little Blessings, 3010 Cambie St., in Vancouver, on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. She will be offering demos and answering questions.

Metromamma

At first, the length of the sling, which has to be wrapped by the wearer, is intimidating as it feels rather long. Babyvibe product tester Marley, 18 months, took a shine to it immediately as she thought it was a great way to pull mommy around the house. Length of fabric aside, the MetroWrap by Metromamma is easy to tie/wrap after following the instructions. Most importantly, the MetroWrap, we find, is incredibly comfortable, versatile, and is great for colicky babies as it snuggles them close to mom (or dad) in the upright position. You can carry your baby in the same way you would as if he was in a Baby Bjorn baby carrier. As a bonus, toddlers can still be carried in this position, leaving your arms and hands free without breaking your back.

Where to find it

E-Children, 130 71st Ave., SE Calgary
Baby's World, 6-1300 Woolridge, Coquitlam, and 1946 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Crocodile, 2156 West 4th Ave., Vancouver, and 230 15355 24th Ave., Peninsula Village in South Surrey
Room for Two, 1409 Commercial Dr. Vancouver
Kiss & Makeup, The Village at Park Royal in West Vancouver, or online at www.kissandmakeup.ca

Gorgeous slings

Those looking to find a designer-type sling should look no further than Gorgeous Baby, a local online business run by a Lower Mainland mom. Gorgeous Baby makes reversible pouch-style slings in modern and fun fabrics that are high quality cotton, perfect for any stylish momma (this is the type of sling that you would see Gwen Stefani sporting). The slings can hold babies up to 35 pounds and up to five different positions, depending on their age. Slings, which are made locally, are also available in minkee.

Where to find it

The hip slings are available online at www.gorgeousbaby.ca
You can also check out the slings at the Lower Mainland Annual Toy and Product Fair, Nov. 22, from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Langley Golf and Banquet Centre, 21550 44th Ave., Langley; and at Portobello West, the outdoor fashion market, on Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plaza of Nations, 750 Pacific Blvd., Vancouver.

Win a sling!

Gorgeous Baby has graciously donated a sling (just like the one in the photo on the right) in size medium to be snapped up by one lucky Babyvibe reader. Simply visit their website and check out the features of the slings. Then e-mail three of the features to prize@babyvibe.ca. Good luck!

Name Your Tune winners

Congratulations to Michele D., of Calgary; Meghan S., of Prince George; Laura T., of Port Coquitlam; Nina G., of Etobicoke; Nicole D., of Vancouver; and Tracey W., of Coquitlam. All are winners of a Name Your Tune gift certificate.

What's the vibe today . . .

Social media . . .

About babyvibe . . .