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So You Want to Wear the Baby…Part II

Posted on by Angie

In May 2009, we posted about the many options of baby carriers on the market.  Since then, we’ve gotten the scoop from from someone who knows all about babywearing – yep, we want you to wear the baby!  Susie Spence, of Babywearing International of Birmingham has graciously given us a little of her time and knowledge to share with you on babywearing.  Here’s what she had to say:

1.  What is the best way for someone who does not know much about baby wearing to learn more?

There is so much information about babywearing available on the internet, and there are so many different baby carriers, that the information can be quite overwhelming. I think the most efficient way to learn about babywearing is live and in person, either from a knowledgeable friend or at a group meeting. That way, you don’t waste time trying to find the type of information you’re looking for and digging through commercial information from baby carrier sellers promising that their product is the best one available.

Also, when you have in-person help, you get immediate feedback on what you’re doing right or what could be better. For example, at meetings, we almost always have a few cases of troubleshooting-to-solution in less than a minute. A knowledgeable person can often see a problem almost instantly and offer a quick tip that makes a huge difference.

Our group meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. on the bottom floor of the Hoover Public Library, and helping people learn more about babywearing is why we exist! Also, we have articles about the benefits of babywearing, babywearing safety, and  babywearing basics (with links to instructions) on our blog, which can be accessed from the links page of our website, www.magiccityslingers.com.

2.  Do you recommend different slings/wraps for different ages/stages or activities?

There are many different baby carrier options, and most of them are good for many different activities. There is a page at the www.babywearinginternational.org site called “Choosing a Baby Carrier” that describes the main types of carriers. Trying to capture all the variables and create a flow chart to identify what’s best for what circumstance is a daunting task. However, some types of carriers do have standout strengths, so here are some thoughts on that:

Hiking and walking: For hiking and walking, most people prefer a carrier that offers two-shoulder support and can be worn on front or back. There are many options for this, and I don’t want to give the impression that one is “the best.” When we have group hikes and walks, there are always many different carriers represented. Popular choices include soft structured carriers with padded waistbands (which transfer some of the baby’s weight to the wearer’s hips instead of her shoulders), mei tais, and woven wraparound slings. Because they tend to be fast to put on and don’t have long straps that can drag in the dirt, I think soft structured carriers really shine for hiking, but certainly there are many people who love their mei tais or the custom comfort of a wraparound sling for hiking.

Around the house: At home, you don’t have to worry about straps touching the ground, and many people particularly enjoy their wraparound slings around the house. They offer a custom fit every time and can be used to carry a baby in many different positions: on your front, on your back, on your hip, however the wearer and baby are most comfortable. Wraparound slings can be tied in many different ways, so they can offer two-shoulder support, one-shoulder convenience, and even strapless carries where the sling is wrapped around the wearer’s torso.

Quick trips: A lot of people keep one-shoulder carriers in their cars for quick trips to the store, post office, older sibling’s school, etc. A fitted pouch sling is quick and convenient. These types of slings are the most widely available in stores in our area, but correct fit and correct usage are crucial, so I like to encourage pouch-users to watch the DVD that is included with their Hotslings pouch or, if they have another brand, to carefully read and follow the instructions. At meetings, we help lots of people learn to love their pouches. Ring slings also offer a quick one-shoulder carry. Sizing is less important with ring slings than it is with pouches, because you adjust the sling for a custom fit by pulling the tail fabric through the rings. Both ring slings and pouches come in a fabulous array of fashionable fabrics, and lots of people have a few options so they can coordinate their sling with their outfit.

Adopting a toddler overseas: The International Adoption Clinic at UAB recommends babywearing adopted children because it promotes attachment between the child and parent. To promote attachment, eye contact must be possible, so front and hip carries are in order. Although newly adopted children are often small for their age, they can grow quickly, and most families are well served by a carrier well suited for carrying a larger baby. A soft structured carrier such as an ERGObaby carrier (available locally at Swaddle in Homewood), a Beco Baby Carrier, the new BabyHawk Oh Snap! buckle carrier, or a Toddler Patapum, would fit the bill as far as front carries go. An excellent alternative, though, is a dedicated hip carrier. Hip carries allow a baby to look at the parent or to get a good view of the world. The Scootababy hip carrier has a padded waistband and, like the two-shoulder carriers mentioned previously, the baby’s weight is transferred to that waistband and then to the wearer’s hips so that not all of the baby’s weight is born by the wearer’s shoulder and back, so this carrier is very popular with the parents of toddlers. An Ellaroo mei hip is a less expensive dedicated hip carrier and also offers some waist support although it does not have the padded waistband.

3.  What type of carrier usually works out for moms with back problems?  With large children (I say this gingerly, but I had & have big babies, so I feel I can be frank 🙂

I have big babies too, that’s why I had to become knowledgeable about babywearing … my expensive, highly-recommended brand-name frontpack became unwearable when my babies were about 2-3 months old and I needed another option! Babywearing is a skill, and technique makes a huge difference. Moms with back problems can usually benefit from two things: choosing a carrier that distributes the baby’s weight to both shoulders (not just one), her torso, and her hips; and getting some in-person help to get the fit just right. Our group leaders and experienced members are weight-distribution geeks.

A little information on Babywearing International of Birmingham

Babywearing International of Birmingham is a nonprofit organization and a chapter of Babywearing International, Inc. Our leaders are volunteers. Neither our group nor any of our leaders sells baby carriers, but we do have an extensive library of premium baby carriers that dues-paying members can borrow for a month at a time; dues are $30. Meetings are always free and membership is never required to attend or to try slings at the meeting. At meetings, we discuss and demonstrate various babywearing techniques and provide one-on-one help with babywearing. For more information, please visit Babywearing International of Birmingham at www.magiccityslingers.com

Tuesdays 52 New Things – Week 2

Posted on by Angie

This past week was full of firsts for us. Since we were all in New York together for most of the week, we decided to combine our list into one.

If you’ve been reading then you know that we were participants in the audience of the “Martha Stewart Show.” Attending the taping of a talk show was a first for all us. Trish really racked up since this was her first trip to New York, her list is lengthy. World Trade Center Site, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, first time to almost die in a NYC cab, all the usual’s for a first timer.  Jamie and I added “top of the rock” to our list of new things for this week, riding up 70 stories to the top of Rockefeller Center was truly a breathtaking first. The city view was amazing, we would recommend this on your next trip to the Big Apple.

We ate at some of the most incredible restaurants while we were there, Shake Shack, Da Nico’s, Les Halles, and Cafeteria to name a few. It was a first at all of these eateries and it won’t be a last.

Next week will no doubt seem dull in comparison to a trip like this, but we will try our best to make things somewhat interesting!

For more New Things or if you’d like to participate in 52 new things along with BirminghamMommy, Birmingham Bargain Mom and many others – please join in by posting your new thing to your blog, facebook or on twitter (use #52newthings) – Also, you can head over to www.willblogforshoes.com to link up every Tuesday!

Run the "Heart & Sole 5K and Fun Run" with BirminghamMommy.com

Posted on by Angie

Some of us at Birminghammommy.com are running the 5K, some of us are running the fun run, but either way – we’ll be there!  We would love, love, love it if you would join us too! This is a great way to get out and meet some mommies in our area! So bring a friend, or come alone – but just come – we’d love to meet you.

This is an excellent opportunity to volunteer with the organization or participate in the run – also this is a great opportunity to get outside with your kids – bring them along!

For more information, including runner registration, donation opportunities and general information, visit their active.com page.  For more information about running with us, see below!

Date: February 6, 2010

Time: 5K 8:00 am

Fun Run 9:00 am

(if not registered by the day of the race, registration begins at 7:00 am)

Where: Greenway Trails which runs along Lakeshore Parkway (Greensprings Entrance).  Parking available at Second Presbyterian Church (located on Greensprings/Columbiana Rd)

If you want to run with us, go to the active.com page and register.  Then return here and comment below.  We will email you the week of to set up a meeting spot.  Also, BirminghamMommy runners who register online by February 4th will be entered to win a monogrammed stainless steel water bottle! We’ll draw for the winner on February 5th!

Mingling with "Marth" The Wrap Up.

Posted on by Angie

What an exciting experience! We had such a great time seeing “The Chosen One” in person. As we mentioned in our first segment, the set is absolutely beautiful and exactly what you would think of when you think of Martha. Lots of lush green plants, meticulously decorated,  and we can only imagine the deliciousness that was being cooked up in the kitchen.

Martha was very personable with the audience and caught us all off guard when she cut loose a bit. During the question and answer session after the show, an audience member asked her about her very, very high heels.  We’re talking 5 inches or more here!  Martha is dignified and always a proper lady, so naturally when she responded that those very high heels were “good for…  you know” we were confused, then shocked. We don’t think she meant gardening.  We like edgy Martha!  Edgy Martha throws her leg up on a table to show us her shoes!

We were able to stay after the show and watch her tape promos for upcoming shows. Stay tuned, we’re already planning a trip back for the Pole Dancing episode. (We kid, we kid.)

We received a copy of guest Pim Techamuanvivit’s book, The Foodie Handbook. We’ll be giving that away soon, so keep an eye out.  She has a Pad Thai recipe that made our mouths water.

Check out those shoes!!

For a complete rundown of our Martha Experience, check out:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Mingling with "Marth" Part 3

Posted on by Angie

Finishing up the show now  – We heard that Brian Williams was supposed to be a guest today, but he ended up in Haiti. We’ve been wondering how much of this show was filler or planned, you would never know it all ran so smoothly.

And for the record, they play some kickin’ music during the breaks!

We’ll be back in a bit with a wrap up!

Mingling with "Marth" Part 2

Posted on by Angie

The show is underway. They are introducing us to all of the guests. We’re learning the in’s and out’s of when to clap loud and when to clap medium. Laugh, don’t laugh and most importantly they want our media in view at all times.

One guest talks about his inspiration from Julie and Julia, he actually gave Martha “F” on her Mango Sorbet…. Brave Man!

We’re learning how to make pad thai with Martha, it smells so good in this studio right now.  Yummy! Martha is trying something new with the egg for the dish,  how often can you say that you watched Martha try something new… and of course it worked.

This is such a surreal experience. We can’t believe how awesome this opportunity is. Doing what we love, on the road, in a cool city, with MARTHA!

Mingling with "Marth" Part 1

Posted on by Angie

We arrived early this morning and have moved through a series a holding rooms, a security check and are finally seated and awating “Marths” arrival onto the set. It’s latops, iphones and bloggers, Oh My!

The set is beautiful, everything you would expect from Martha. We can see the kitchen where they are cooking cakes… Samples, please.

The lady 2 rows in front of us has been picked for an interview so there is a good chance you wiill see us toward the end of show…

Be back soon!

Gimme 5!

Posted on by Angie

by Kristine Gresh

…Because bits of random advice from a mediocre Mom increase at least one level of credibility when neatly packaged in list form.

This month: Raising a ‘free-thinking’ kid

It’s my introductory month here on BirminghamMommy.com (which I’m stoked about, by the way) so I thought I’d discuss the most important thing I hope to pass on to my child – an open mind. Simply put, a closed mind is dangerous. And such a waste. So, if you’re in this boat with me (the one that wants to sail our kids over to “independent thinking” and away from “I-don’t-know-why…that’s-just-what-I’ve-always-been-told,” here are a few tips…

  1. Let your child make age-appropriate decisions and then (crucial part) make sure you adhere to said decision. If he’s a baby, let him choose a favorite stuffed animal, even if it’s not the perfectly adorable one you bought and have been gently nudging in his direction. As he gets older, let him pick out outfits, bedtime books, and favorite places to go. When he first starts writing words and sentences, don’t rush to correct his spelling – instead, let him tell stories and express feelings with his (at least usually ‘phonetically accurate’) words and tell him you’re thrilled he’s writing. There’s plenty of time for correcting things that don’t impact your child’s immediate safety or health.
  2. Answer questions with questions. Not certain questions, of course, and don’t do it all the time, because that’s just annoying. However, there are moments when a child will discover something on his own (which is the best way to completely understand and retain information anyway) if prompted to try come up with a possible explanation himself. Plus, once in a while, if you start a whole conversation with your response to a child’s question, you might be giving him more than he was asking for. Literally. Example: Your grade school child wants to know what happens when two people get married. Fearing it’s time for “the” discussion, you begin sweating and putting into plain words the “birds and the bees,” remaining as composed as you possibly can in this situation. He listens, politely nods, and says, “Okay, but I mean do you have to find somebody with the same last name as you?” See, if you let them do more of the talking initially, you tend to find out exactly what it is they are curious about. Trust me.
  3. Let the kid see your open mind in action. As adults, we are sometimes jaded by our history, life experiences, etc…and we tend to make snap judgments about people and places, sometimes without even realizing we are doing it. Try to pay attention and remember you’re being watched and imitated. Children and their young minds…these are sponges we’re dealing with. If you do voice a strong opinion about something, try to (at least on occasion) also voice a few facts and feelings that led you to it. If your child can understand your thought process (or even simply see that you used one) he might be more apt to do the same next time he’s looking to form an opinion, instead of assuming opinions are to be made quickly and without much thought.
  4. Always reinforce that it’s alright (even preferable) that people act/look/do things… differently. Just because most people eat turkey on Thanksgiving, it’s fine that the family next door (who happen to be vegetarians) eat tofu. It’s not weird, it’s merely different… and that makes our community, our country, our world a better, and an exponentially more interesting, place. (Note to self: possible bumper sticker idea.) This particular lesson can sometimes be difficult to demonstrate, because we all tend to think that the way we do things is the most appropriate and dare-I-say ‘superior’ way. But children need to grow up knowing that diversity is a good thing. (Personally, this is the one I take to the extreme in our house…trying to work in discussions about things that other cultures do or believe or simply looking up a random word in a few foreign languages just for the fun of it – hopefully fostering my kid’s ability to see variety as an appealing part of life and not an abnormality.)
  5. Travel. Simply put, traveling allows your child (and you) to experience things from all sorts of different perspectives. And it is fun (well, it’s fun if you leave the stress and the “oh-no-he-will-cry-on-the-plane-and-maybe-he-won’t-find-something-to-eat-at-the-hotel-restaurant” behind). Traveling helps your child become more adaptable. Traveling also helps him learn that routines and schedules might be fabulous for keeping order at home, but sometimes letting that all go can lead to some of the most relaxing and enjoyable times a family can have. Too strict of a regimen and your child will start to think it’s not okay to think outside the box. Again, dangerous and wasteful. Bottom line: get going.

Kristine Gresh is a Birmingham-based freelance writer who thinks it’s okay to choose to have just one child, or to enjoy an afternoon cocktail with a friend instead of cleaning…and that it’s definitely okay to jump on hotel beds.

Curiosity Days at McWane

Posted on by Angie

Do you have a Curious George fan or 2 in your house? Well, if yours are as “ape” about this lovable little monkey as ours are, you will want to be at the McWane Center this weekend.

GO BANANAS all weekend with Curious George and the Man in the Big Yellow Hat! Meet them in person and enjoy story time science programs in the museum. Included in admission to the museum and FREE for members!

Don’t forget to take your camera!

January 15th – 19th 10am – 5pm

Did Birmingham Moms Flip for Flip Burger?

Posted on by Angie

In case you haven’t heard, Birmingham is home to a swanky new burger joint called Flip Burger Boutique. The original and only other location in Atlanta GA, was launched by Richard Blais (as in Top Chef, Richard Blais) and his partners, who have succeeded in giving diners a unique menu of gourmet burgers, innovative sides and liquid nitrogen milkshakes, all in a modern and hip atmosphere.

While we have never really met a burger we didn’t like, BirminghamMommy.com decided to invite some friends to lunch and see what the buzz was about.

Touted as “Fine Dining between Two Buns” that’s exactly what we got. The atmosphere is sleek, trendy and listen up…. Definitely not kid friendly. While we were there with children, it’s definitely not a place we would go again with the little ones. There are no highchairs, or booster seats, and no kids menu. If you go with a child, make sure they are old enough to sit in a big seat and eat from the “grown up” menu.

With that said, we don’t really think it’s such a bad thing. Not being kid friendly means it will be a great place for a Moms Night Out! They have a full drink menu with a top selection of beer and wines, as well as specialty martini’s and margarita’s. While I did not partake over lunch, the ginger margarita peeked my curiosity, and I’m putting that on my list of must try’s for our next visit.

Everyone agreed that the food and service, across the board was good. From the lamburger to the vodka battered onion rings, it was fresh and creative. While it is slightly pricey for just a burger, my bill came to just over $15.00 for the meal, before tip. I opted for the Daily Combo that includes a Flip Burger, Fries and a Milkshake. Depending on the day, this combo could be a flip burger or turkey burger. It was more food than I could eat, and it wasn’t because they brought my Krispy Kreme Milkshake out first, I swear!  Overall you pay more for the experience and atmosphere than the food but if you want the full experience of paying for the food, they do offer an imported Japanese Kobe burger, called the A5, it comes with fois grois, truffle oil and a price tag of $39.00.

If you’re just looking for a really good burger, stick with Five Guys, if you are looking for a fun night out with the girls or a date night out with the Husband, this is the place to go.

Flip Burger Boutique is located at 220 Summit Boulevard, Suite 140. Phone 205-968-2000.  Hours: Monday – Thursday 11am – 10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am – 11pm, Sunday 11am-9pm

Photo by Heidi Geldhauser for The Reynolds Group

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