The NeoBulle Journal

Properly cover the baby in a carrier during winter

Winter is coming… Even though you've explained in the article on "How to protect your baby from winter viruses" that a poor outfit won't make your little one sick, you still fear that he might be cold.Is he sufficiently dressed? Or on the contrary not enough? How to ensure that your baby has enough warmth in his stroller during winter? Shall we take stock together? Why wear warm clothing in winter? Generally speaking, wearing turns out to be more practical on a daily basis, and this is even more true when winter is beginning. Winter means cold and bad weather… Ah the joys of the stroller and its rain cover with obscure installation, which leaves us completely perplexed (and soaked!): we never know which way this thing goes! And anyway, except for some models, the stroller requiring 2 hands to maneuver, it rules out using an umbrella to shelter yourself. Does that sound familiar?More generally, the farther away your baby is from you, the harder it is to assess his comfort. When you carry him, he is in your contact and it’s easier to make sure he has adequate warmth regularly and to know how to dress him.Finally, some activities are simply incompatible with using a stroller. Going away for the weekend to the mountains? Wheels and snow don’t mix well, for example. Covering baby in his carrier system… To keep his baby warm enough, one might be tempted to wrap him up in a snowsuit or thick clothing and a big coat. In fact, this is the first reflex most people will have to protect their little one from the cold.Totally counter-intuitive, it is actually the opposite of what is recommended.Why?The thickness of clothing affects the proper fit of the baby carriers, making carrying uncomfortable and potentially less safe.It can also compress the joints and hinder proper blood circulation in the legs, as well as obstruct breathing.It keeps your baby away from your body, which prevents the thermoregulation mechanisms from working properly and modulating heat according to his needs: he will suffer more easily from the cold.We also add that if you place your baby over your coat , in addition to being very uncomfortable and feeling particularly constricted in your jacket, the buttons or decorations on it could hurt your little one. For a baby carrier, it is therefore recommended to dress your baby normally, as if indoors. The carrying system counts as an extra layer of clothing (if outside of carrying your baby was wearing a small jacket, for example, the carrying scarf will replace the jacket). Your little one thus benefits from the thermoregulation of your own body, which helps him stay warm against you.It is also advised to cover what extends from the baby carrier and is more likely to get cold: a hat for the head, leggings and booties for the legs. Hands are generally tucked between him and you and your baby would hardly appreciate not being able to put them back in his mouth at will, so let’s leave them alone! … and wrap yourself in a cozy blanket Once your little one is dressed (normally, then) and settled in his baby carrier, the wearer can put on their usual coat and wrap their baby in a soft carrying blanket! The carrying blanket allows you to naturally retain the warmth generated by your body and that of your baby, like inside a bubble. No risk of suffering from the cold! Our blanket also features a windproof and water-repellent softshell layer, preventing icy air from seeping into the clothing and causing an unpleasant sensation.Essential for winter, it adapts to your daily needs. You go into a store? Just detach it to reveal your little one and avoid him getting too hot during shopping.Universal, it attaches to all baby carriers and can be used just as well by mom or dad.Is it REALLY cold? If the temperatures become very very low, around -10°C, -15°C or even less, don’t hesitate to opt for woolen clothing, or a blend of wool and silk. Very thin and flexible, they thermoregulate and can pleasantly complement your little ones’ winter outfits. Rest assured, merino wool has nothing to do with the wool of our childhood: it is soft and doesn’t itch! What to watch for when carrying your baby in winter? Despite these little tips do you have some concerns? Don't panic! We provide you with a small checklist of points to watch during the walk:Clear respiratory pathways: even if it's cold, breathing well is always a priority! Resist the temptation to pull up coats and blankets behind the little ones’ heads, not higher than the neck, and their face should remain visible.If the walk lasts longer, regularly move the extremities and possibly massage them a bit, to properly activate blood circulation.Is it freezing cold? Maybe it's better to shorten the hike! Remember that if you warm up when walking because you are active, your baby is passive in their carrying system and may get cold if external conditions are too harsh. And outside of carrying, how to cover the baby? Did you know? It’s not just in carrying that thick clothing is prohibited, it’s also in car seats!To stay well protected in case of shock, your baby needs to be securely held in the seat, so the straps should be relatively tight on them (they shouldn’t be pinched). If they are wearing a coat or a suit, the straps will be adjusted not on their body but on the padding. In case of an accident, this padding will flatten, and since the straps can no longer do their job, the baby risks being ejected.By the way, in a car there is heating, after the first few minutes after departure, it generally feels good and the suit is no longer really necessary!Again, the 3-in-1 blanket is a good asset: placed at the bottom of the seat, it has an opening designed to pass the straps, which will allow you to attach your little one, then if necessary, fold it over them until the temperature rises enough in the cabin to uncover them.In a stroller, it’s up to you to choose between blanket/footmuff and suit! The suit has the disadvantage of considerably restricting your child's movements, while the footmuff is less covering. If you have both, don’t hesitate to test to see what your little one prefers. The cold can arrive, are you ready to face it?

10 Good reasons to wear in town

Are you expecting a child (or have you just had one), you live in the city, and you still don't quite know how to organize your outings with your little one? Between the Stroller Team and the Babywearing Team, your heart is torn? Even if, fortunately, nothing prevents you from having both, we give you 10 good reasons to choose a baby carrier to walk the streets of your city! Reason to Wear No. 1 – Sidewalks Too Narrow Some sidewalks are narrower than others, sometimes even for pedestrians the passage is a bit tight so if you need to add a stroller, it can sometimes become a bit acrobatic!Your little one cuddled against you, you are free as the air and you can sneak everywhere without risking ending up on the road. Reason to Wear No. 2 – Stairs and Paved Streets Floor coverings are not always very smooth, especially when you get closer to city centers: cobbled alleys, stairs, all of which are not particularly suitable for strollers!Carried on you, your baby won't risk being shaken by uneven terrain and you will be able to cross stairs without any worries.Bonus: if you go on a visit to an unknown city, carrying ensures you can go everywhere without difficulty! Reason #3 for carrying – Public transportation Taking the metro with a stroller already means managing to REACH the metro platform… Hoping there is an elevator, hoping it works, passing through the turnstile (which is still too narrow), all among other users who are often a bit too many and rarely happy to see the device that will take up precious space in the train.On buses or trams, there are no turnstiles, but the aisles are also narrow and interior space limited.In a baby carrier, no constraints!Bonus: sometimes public transport can be a bit intimidating for little ones with the noise of the crowd and beeps and announcements in vehicles. Wearing your child helps them feel secure and not be too disturbed by the environment. Reason #4 for carrying – Walks in green spaces What a joy to go discover the trees and flowers in the park near your home with your baby against you!At their height, they can observe everything, so you can share many things with them, showing them a leaf or marveling together at a bird flying away... Reason #5 for carrying – Commutes to school If you have a child to take to school, it’s likely that strollers are forbidden there! Corridors leading to classrooms are already quite crowded, so many schools have decided to ask parents to leave strollers at the entrance.Using a carrying system will allow you to accompany your older child to their class peacefully without having to hold the little one in the bulky (and heavy) car seat, or simply your arms (which is clearly not very practical when your toddler needs help putting on their shoes or taking off their coat). Reason #6 for carrying – Trips to the playground When it comes to seniors, it also means outings to the square to let off steam and have fun! Slides, swings, and other roundabouts and games of hide-and-seek and Mölkky!What could be nicer than involving your youngest in these good moments by having them against you in a baby carrier? It's also the best way to be available for all your children at the same time, secure the climb up the ladder of one while enjoying the peaceful nap on your chest of the other. Reason to wear No. 7 – Construction work An area under construction, a freshly broken asphalt sidewalk still in the form of gravel, and not always the possibility to easily bypass the zone?Hop baby secured in a carrier and off you go! No other precautions needed than avoiding high heels and paying attention to where you put your feet. Reason to wear No. 8 – Going to the market Slaloming through the market with a stroller is a skill and agility exercise! Crowds, sometimes tight stalls, not always a lot of space to move around... and noise that can impress your baby a bit. Moreover, in a cane stroller, he will only see people's knees, which is not the most pleasant for him.Seated in his carrier system, your child can also help you choose fruits and vegetables, and give his best smile to the grocer to get a strawberry to enjoy right there (fortunately, all our baby carriers are machine washable and easy to clean!).Tip: easily carry your shopping using a shopping cart! Reason to wear No. 9 – Bad weather Walking in an urban area with a stroller is one thing. Walking in an urban area IN THE RAIN in a stroller, takes it to another level, because it involves 2 things:Using rain gear, which, once you get home, drips everywhere in your entranceDepending on the stroller model, having to choose between pushing it (with both hands) OR taking shelter yourself under an umbrellaWith babywearing, it’s easier: everyone under the same umbrella! Reason to wear No. 10 – Enjoying baby! The last reason and probably the best: wearing your baby in town is mainly enjoying their contact, rocking them with your movements, and sharing many tender moments and beautiful adventures. in daily life with him ! And you, what is your good reason for carrying a baby in town ?

Which carrying system should be used for a short trip?

We often talk about the choice of carrying systems for hikes and walks... But less so when it comes to carrying over shorter distances. Yet, it is also a real issue! And yes... Quick trips, school/nanny/crèche runs, and other short errands punctuate the parents' daily life. So which baby carrier to choose? Can we use the same as for hikes? We tell you everything! What is my main need for carrying my baby? To choose the right carrying system, it’s a bit like when you want to buy a pair of shoes or clothes: you need to be clear about your main need, to avoid ending up stuck on the beach in flip-flops. Most often, when you want to carry over short distances, you will look at the following criteria: Practicality: the baby carrier must be easy and practical to put on in all circumstances (including in the middle of the street)Quick donning/doffing: the baby carrier should be put on (or taken off) very quickly, possibly in a waiting room or in a parking lotNo straps dragging on the ground: the baby carrier must be able to be installed in the middle of the street, for example after getting out of the carThese criteria are, of course, not exhaustive but already help to get a sense of the overall situation.In daily life, unlike during a walk where once properly adjusted and fitted you don’t touch anything for a long time, you need to imagine that the baby carrier will be frequently put on and taken off, sometimes a bit "on the fly" (not to say completely haphazard!), so it’s really important to choose a model that is not a headache and that truly makes your life easier! If it takes too long to put on (meaning more than the travel time itself), it can quickly become frustrating and discouraging.Then, you will find several configurations depending a bit on your lifestyle and whether you have other carrying systems to complement or not. I just want a model to carry my baby during my short urban trips If you only want a small carrier for short trips: the sling is your friend!This is THE portable baby carrier par excellence. Set up over the shoulder on one side, it pre-installs and can be kept on you, for example in the car while the baby is in the car seat, ready for easy installation as soon as you arrive at your destination. He adjusts easily and detaches with one hand: tensions are self-blocking in the rings and do not require any knot at the end.Since it is quite compact, it easily slips into the diaper bag to stay, for example, at the daycare in the baby bag during the day.By offering off-center carrying, the sling allows you to show your little one many things and to share many beautiful moments with them. Off-center carrying is also appreciated when you have a bigger one to manage because it frees up a bit more space in front! At the "expert" level: the sling is the only carrying system that does not require you to lay down your baby to be able to install it! Bonus? The most skillful among you will also be able to breastfeed their little one while walking (not too fast!).Disadvantage: carrying on one shoulder is not suitable for long-term carries, where it will become quickly uncomfortable. I also want to go hiking with it! Want to combine the needs inherent to both small and large movements? Why not opt for a preformed baby carrier? The Neo range is the ideal solution for parents who like to alternate between metro rides and café terraces, and open spaces. Installed in 2 clips, preformed carriers blend into daily life and provide both comfort and freedom.Like the sling, the preformed can simply stay clipped at the waist while waiting to welcome your child, and even then , it doesn’t drag on the ground and stays clean, which is all the more appreciable when it rains.At the "expert" level, the baby will do the shopping with you on your back and will show you all the vegetables and fruits they want to put in the basket!Disadvantage: when changing carriers, there are a few adjustments (quick ones!) to be redone. My toddler is walking When the child walks, the needs change and often carrying becomes less and less necessary… Especially since toddlers love exploring their environment on their own and playing superheroes as soon as they find a nice stick!Nevertheless, even the most enduring superheroes are entitled to be tired and need a super-parent to rescue and carry them during a more challenging journey than usual.This obviously happens when you no longer have a backup baby carrier with you. We recommend all parents to have a hip seat carrier support of the Hop-la type on hand in their bag! Ultra-compact, the hop-la fits in a handbag, designed to support your child's bottom and relieve your arms. It does not replace a real baby carrier but can save your day in many everyday situations and proves to be a wise choice for many small trips with a "small-big"! And the other carrying systems? What about other carrying systems? Indeed, we did not mention slings and mei-tai in this article. These tend to be a bit more time-consuming to set up (especially for the sling) and/or have significant fabric lengths, making them less suited for quick uses than a sling or a preformed carrier, and we would not recommend those for specific quick-use scenarios. However, if you already own them, do not hesitate to experiment with many different configurations to see for yourself and in your daily life whether they suit you, before considering other purchases!As always in carrying, there is no single truth and it is up to each individual to choose based on their feelings.You are now equipped for your small trips with babies! So, which baby carrier will you choose?

The essentials of family hiking

Long live holidays! The fresh air of the countryside, the little paths lined with flowers and wild strawberries, the beautiful panoramas… You're eager to share your passion for hiking with baby, and we understand you! But planning baby’s gear can sometimes be a real headache, so how about we help you not forget anything before departure? 1 – A baby carrier Have you already imagined taking a stroller on a steep trail? Forget right away this ridiculous idea! Some have tested it (yes, we’ve already seen it at Néobulle!), and frankly, it’s a no-go. The baby carrier is by far the ESSENTIAL accessory for all hiking parents, whether their child walks or not (because even good walkers, little ones tire quickly, and carrying them by the arms along with the bags is not very practical). Want to know more about how to choose your ideal baby carrier? Here it is! Otherwise, know that our new version of the Néo+ has been specially designed to support family adventures, with lots of little details (thumb rests, loops for attaching accessories…) that make a difference! 2 – Things to protect It’s difficult (impossible) to ensure you’ll stay in the shade throughout the trip… So it’s essential to plan how to protect baby from the sun: A hat, ideally that covers the neck Sunglasses suitable for their size and with a good protection (at least category 3) Comfortable and lightweight clothing but covering (which also protects against insects) Depending on your child's age, also consider sunscreen (SPF 50 and apply every 2 to 3 hours). And because the weather can sometimes turn bad and/or cool down unexpectedly, a light jacket and waterproof clothing can complete the equipment! 3 – How to stay hydrated This is obvious, but we still remind you! Always carry plenty of water, for both adults and children. Plan for an ultra-large amount, and add another 1 or 2 liters for safety to these generous estimates, so you will have the right quantity! Children do not always realize If they are thirsty too, don't hesitate to take frequent breaks to offer them a few sips of water. Note that a child is perhaps simply slightly dehydrated! If your baby is still exclusively breastfeeding, no need for water (which is less hydrating than your milk!), but small snacks. 4 – Things to treat minor injuries Even if it’s not necessary to carry the entire house, it is always recommended to have the basic essentials on hand to treat the most common minor inconveniences: An antiseptic and some gauze, to clean scratches Our 2 emergency sticks badaboum and p’tits bobos, to help absorb small wounds and bruises Bandages An analgesic suitable for all family members and easy to administer (99% chance it will be unnecessary but it takes up little space and we’re glad to have it when needed!) A tick remover Our Adoupik stick to relieve insect bites and falls into nettles! 5 – Time to eat! Hiking with an empty stomach, by default, is already a bad idea… With kids, it becomes more than critical! If usually the little one nibbles on their plate with difficulty, be assured that fresh air will open their appetite and it’s highly likely they will turn into a bottomless pit. So now is not the time to forget snacks or to worry about quantities! Focus on everything that provides energy but remains digestible: dried fruits, cereal bars… off? A little convoi struggling to move due to fatigue? Now is the perfect time to boost the troops with a small snack! 6 – How to change the baby A few diapers, some wipes, and a spare onesie… The basics of all outings with a baby! We also recommend adding a small bag that will serve as a trash bag, which you can throw away upon your return. Nothing worse than ending up with a messy diaper overflowing in your hands and nothing to store it in until the end of the walk! 6 – And how do we carry all this? Once the child is strapped into their baby carrier, how do you easily carry all that without turning into a Sherpa? Thanks to our 2 new accessories! From changing to clothing to pharmacy items, the wandering swaddle will allow you to store everything related to baby. Attached directly to the neo+ V2 baby carrier, its load distributes perfectly and it takes up very little space for the carrier, while avoiding accumulating XXX bags and straps that get tangled. On the meal side, the wandering bib as its name suggests can keep the bottle water warm… but not only! It can just as well be used to keep a small water bottle or the baby's meal at the right temperature. It too attaches directly to the neo+ V2, or if not, to your shorts' loop… You're ready to go on an adventure with baby!

Wearing winter

Too hot? Too cold? It's the eternal question of ALL parents, which becomes a reality until the child is old enough to clearly express how they feel (and where, generally, you don't believe them anyway, but that's another topic...). The most obvious solution is to favor contact and proximity with your little one, and therefore carry them. But how to cover them and be sure they won't be cold when temperatures drop? We offer you a brief overview of best practices. Dress baby in the baby carrier It is always recommended to dress your baby normally, as indoors, remembering that the carrier counts as clothing: if your little one has a small undershirt on the floor on their mat, for example, you should remove it in the carrier, because the material of the system around them replaces it. When you want to go outside, you dress more warmly, but around the baby and yourself, not each individually. The first reflex is often to want to put a jumpsuit (pilot suit) or a coat on your child. This raises several problems: It is very uncomfortable for your baby, especially if you try to maintain a physiological position: imagine sitting, crouched in a ski suit, and you'll get a little preview! It's quite stiff: it generally prevents your baby from bringing their hands to their mouth, which they need to calm and reassure themselves. This is also true in a stroller! It creates significant layers at the joints, which can especially hinder proper blood circulation in the legs It can hinder the proper clearance of the airways by creating thickness at the throat It prevents proper adjustment of carrying systems and can pose safety issues (increased risk of falling, especially in a sling) And most importantly: since the baby is farther from you, they also cool down much more because they no longer benefit from your body heat! Which is totally counterproductive. Carrying over your coat is also discouraged: Impossible to make a proper installation this way Risk of injury from buttons and zippers And like with the jumpsuit: the farther the baby is from you, the easier they cool down. The idea is then to have your little heart dressed in normal indoor clothes, possibly a thin undershirt if it's really -10°C, and then: Cover what extends beyond the baby carrier: hat, slippers/leggings (hands are against you and do not get cold) Put on your usual coat and we position a carrying blanket to make the connection on the baby (wide coats tend to cover the respiratory pathways). The advantage of doing so is that in case of passing through warmer places (such as a store), it allows you to easily uncover your baby and prevent him from "cooking" in his suit and crying while you finish your shopping. Note that thick clothing is also discouraged in cars:  The harness of the car seat or shell must be very snug on the baby; with a suit, it adjusts to the thickness, but in case of shock, it flattens and the child can pass through the harness, so he is no longer protected The car's heating quickly warms the interior and your baby will be way too hot. NB: Neobulle's carrying blanket is designed to be used also in the car, making it a go-to tool for everyday logistics! Clear the airways The fear of cold should not make you forget the basic safety rules; clearing the airways is at the top of the list. It is not uncommon in winter to see parents pull up the blanket or their coat all the way to the top of their toddler’s head, to be sure that cold air will not bother him. In fact, cold air won't bother him, but the air in general will not circulate! And it’s likely you’ve noticed that he needs some air to breathe. Like with the baby carrier, the blanket or coat should reach up as high as the back of the neck of your child, leaving the face visible and clear. A hat or a hood is more than enough to protect his head. "Put on your little woolly sweater, you'll catch a cold!" In quite general terms, behind the fear of cold is actually the fear that the child won't get sick, largely fueled by popular beliefs and the injunctions to "dress the baby well because they get cold easily, you know". On one hand, overbundling is not better than underbundling. And most importantly, you don’t get sick because of the cold, but because of pathogenic elements in the environment (viruses, etc...). If cold can slightly sensitize the mucous membranes and humidity can promote germ proliferation, it is not directly responsible for falling ill. You could run naked in the snow, for example; if your path did not cross with a virus, you would stay healthy (plus cold preserves). ) !   Avoid passing from arm to arm and kisses, airing out the home, washing hands well, and wearing a mask if you are ill will be much more effective measures to protect your little one from winter ailments (bronchiolitis, for example)!   Singing in the rain  Carrying your baby also makes outings easier in rainy weather. We dedicate this paragraph to those who have already had to urgently figure out how to install the rain cover on the stroller in pouring rain, to those who had to mop up their flooded entryway with water dripping from the rain cover and mud from the wheels, and to those who found themselves pushing the stroller in a deluge without a free hand for an umbrella. We know you know! (Others, we leave it to your imagination)  With just an umbrella, you can continue your journeys calmly and dry !   Carrying and winter activities  Mountain activities, does that appeal to you? Yes, but with a good baby carrier!   Many winter activities are accessible when you carry your baby. Of course, we advise against climbing Mont-Blanc, but a short walk or snowshoe hike is entirely possible ! The usual precautions are quite basic:  Favor back carrying due to increased fall risks with front carrying Avoid a too long walk, especially if it is very cold (remember that your baby does not exert physical effort and cools down faster than you)  Take small, regular breaks to move your baby a bit and ensure that their extremities do not get too cold. Feet, in particular, are very prone to frostbite. This risk is greatly reduced by using a physiological baby carrier and by the close proximity to the carrier (far from you in a child carrier with supports, the child cools down much faster !)  In case of extreme temperatures, you can opt for lightweight woolen clothing instead of cotton: soft and thin, they keep the baby warm without making them sweat or overheat, and allow freedom of movement and comfort.  You also appreciate carrying if you have clothes to retrieve from the snowfront (étonnantly, the wheels of the stroller roll much less well on snow).  In short, you understand that close to you, it is much easier to assess whether your child is hot or cold, and they better regulate their temperature.  Incidentally, it also keeps you warm, which adds to the pleasure ! 

Simplicity at the heart of the carry

The birth of a baby is an emotional and physical moment of rare intensity. How can one not be amazed and astonished to have succeeded in creating such a perfect little being? He is finally here, in our arms. So tiny. After the tsunami of his arrival has passed, it is still common to suddenly ask a billion questions. Doubt sets in, insidiously. Will I be up to the task? Will I succeed in taking care of him? Which young parent has not felt suddenly crushed by the awareness of the responsibility that falls on them? Responsibility greatly amplified by the societal expectations to do well. Carrying is an excellent revealer of everything that can happen around parenting in terms of involvement and fear of doing wrong. Everyone carries. Yes, yes! When we talk about carrying, we often imagine a baby carrier, but in reality, the first and main carrying in everyday life is done by holding in the arms! Each parent has one or two functional arms, and every baby, at some point or another, needs to be handled, if only to be changed, everyone does it… Then indeed, various tools have been proposed throughout the evolution of the human species, initially rudimentary and increasingly refined. Depending on cultures and traditions, carrying a child can be encouraged, essential, or on the contrary poorly perceived or even discouraged. Sometimes carried swaddled, sometimes not, in more upright or more curled positions, vertical or horizontal, and so on… As soon as you search for information about carrying on the internet, it’s panic! You need to carry physically, with a sling, but beware if the knot is poorly tied, it’s bad for the baby, and if he’s dressed in footed pajamas, no, really, that’s not good… A non-physio baby carrier? But what an horror, it will ruin his spine… Among all this, let’s not forget the famous advice from Aunt Cunegonde, who reminds us that in her time, they didn’t bother with all this, and anyway, they didn’t die from it… and moreover, it will make a spoiled, arm-carrying baby. So, what do we do with babychou? Well, it depends… Primarily on him. Because let’s not forget that he is still the main interested party! Babies all have their own needs; some will love from the start having their little space and splashing on their mat, others, on the contrary, will only calm down when constantly carried by their parents. Neither of the two situations is abnormal, and especially in cases where the child needs more carrying than average, keep in mind that it won’t last forever. We don't know any 15-year-olds in good health who are still carried or pushed around. Birth remains a challenging stage for the newborn who comes from a very contained environment, where they floated in zero gravity in a liquid filtering most stimuli, and where they knew neither hunger, nor discomfort, nor pain. Some need a bit more time than others to acclimate and ask to be a bit more supported. On average, we observe that by around 3 months, most have passed this milestone and are starting to demand to go to the ground. And what about the parent then? Everyone also needs to find their balance in their relationship with the baby. Sometimes it's easier not to question oneself and to respond to the child's needs without thinking, knowing that it will pass. Sometimes it's more complicated to live through and we negotiate with them to find common ground, a compromise... In both cases, there is no rule. No "better" way. The ideal is always to do what suits us and to observe our child. And to accept that needs and responses can vary from day to day because we are not machines (and too bad for Aunt Cunegonde's good advice)! And what do we carry the baby in? Continuing along the same lines, flexibility is key. No study to date has demonstrated increased risks of injuries or malformations related to a so-called "non-physiological" carrying method practiced with a baby who has no underlying pathology. We recommend opting for physiological carrying for comfort reasons, but that's all. The perfect carry does not exist in real life, the only rules to follow are safety rules: carry the baby vertically, with clear airways, and ensuring they won't fall. These are the first objectives to achieve when carrying your little one; the rest is just a matter of comfort. We remind you that behind a pretty photo, there are sometimes many attempts and hundreds of other failed shots! As for baby clothes, it's a matter of common sense: soft and comfortable clothes (who would take a nap in a wedding dress or do yoga in skinny jeans? No one? Then the same applies to baby, ditch the frilly dress and tight pants). And if the pajamas start to be too short and pull on the feet, just change to a bigger size. In short, it's about bringing simplicity back into the equation. Does the baby need to be carried? Let's carry them, as much as necessary for everyone to be satisfied. Does the baby prefer to be laid down? Let's lay them down. The tool suits us and makes our life easier? As long as it respects safety, everything is perfect. Being a parent is undoubtedly the most complex task of our lives, the one that will crystallize all our energy, all our thoughts, and above all our anxieties, for many (decades) years. It is always easy to criticize and judge others' ways of doing things, and whatever we do with our children, it will never be enough! So as long as we are going to mess up, might as well do it wholeheartedly with something that seemed right to us. And incidentally, to build oneself with perfect parents, but what pressure for our children! Carrying in a sling is above all the pleasure of contact with your little one, creating an indestructible bond. No matter the tool or the beauty of the gesture, no one will judge anyone for how well they manage to use a wrap! What matters are the desire, the needs, and that it helps facilitate daily life by reducing tears.

Carry the baby in the summer

The sun is settling in, summer is arriving, and with it the entirely legitimate question:  "But if it's hot, will I still be able to carry my baby?"  The answer is YES, but with some common sense practices, which we will take the time to detail below. 1 – Carrying and thermoregulation  We all generally know that when it's cold, having your baby in close contact helps them warm up. We also know that skin-to-skin greatly helps the newborn regulate, especially in the first weeks of life.  What is less known is that in hot weather, close contact also helps the toddler regulate, and thus suffer less from the heat!  Whether it's 30, 40, or 50 degrees, your body is always at 37°C. Luckily, that’s the temperature babychou also needs to maintain internally! Close contact allows them to have a reference point to rely on, and will greatly help them spend less energy to regulate their internal temperature.  Also, in a completely counterintuitive way, when it is very hot, it’s better to keep the baby on you than in a stroller, which is entirely made of synthetic padding. The temperature inside the stroller is often higher than the outside air, and additionally it does not help with thermoregulation and is therefore much more difficult for your little one's body to manage. A quick safety note: if your baby is in a bassinet during summer, using a swaddle to protect from the sun recreates an oven and should therefore be avoided!  Tested and approved: even for the carrier who might think they will get too hot, after the first 10 slightly uncomfortable minutes, regulation then sets in and… ultimately it balances out!  Did you know?In case of fever, skin-to-skin contact and carrying can help lower your child's temperature in addition to what the doctor has recommended (only if you yourself do not have 40°!) 2 – Choice of material  Articles in the media have recently highlighted the danger of carrying wraps during heatwaves. These articles are incorrect: they do not differentiate between the various types of carrying systems available on the market and only discuss the most sold wraps in traditional stores, namely knitted wraps!  Using a knitted wrap, especially one containing elastane (synthetic = heats up), will be indeed discouraged in hot weather: these wraps require 3 layers Material around the baby to ensure the safety of the installation, and you will indeed end up cooking a little past the 20-25 degrees mark!  We also advise against systems that include padding on the seat, as is the case with some popular brands.  Carrying scarves and woven slings are, on the other hand, entirely usable without presenting a risk of overheating for your little one:  The fabric is always a bit less dense than a knit and is more breathable  Being more supportive, one layer of material is sufficient to secure the installation  In pre-made baby carrier ranges, we will especially appreciate those made with scarves fabrics that are more breathable than canvas ones.  Asian baby carriers (Mei Tai) are also appreciated for their less enveloping aspect.  In woven ranges, you will generally find cotton, which is a very pleasant natural material to wear in summer. You can potentially gain additional freshness by choosing blends of materials that include, for example, Seacell, which is a seaweed viscose that provides fluidity and a sensation of freshness to the scarf (note, it’s not air conditioning either!).  Seacell "Azalée Rose" "Eucalyptus" sling P'tit Evo "Savane" 3 – Baby clothing  Baby clothing in hot weather is generally very minimal: a small cotton bodysuit, or even just a diaper , and that's it! It is always recommended to keep a layer of fabric between your little one and yourself, ideally made of natural material (cotton, linen, hemp, etc.) : direct skin-to-skin contact makes you sweat and isn't the most pleasant.  Bonus: don't hesitate to use a burp cloth at the neckline to avoid the "schloupsss" effect that can be quite unbearable when baby lifts their head and gets stuck by the sweat from your chest!  Once outside, we gear up a bit more! Hat and sunglasses are mandatory, preferred over bibs and other sunshades that can be useful but hinder the child's head and offer less protection (plus increased risk of suffocation if too covering).  The detail we always forget: beware of reflections from certain surfaces that can cause sunburn on the soles of the feet! You can choose to put on a pair of thin socks, use a bit of baby-friendly sunscreen, or simply cover the legs of your baby with a thin burp cloth.  4 – Choose the right time  Common sense but it's always good to remind: avoid peak sun at 2 pm! Opt for walks in the morning or evening, preferably in the shade.  Note: don't panic if you have to spend 3 minutes in the sun to cross the street!  If it's really too hot and you have no urgent reasons, stay calm at home.  5 – Cool down during carrying  Nothing very exotic here: it is recommended to take very regular breaks to hydrate your little one (reminder: for breastfeeding babies, water is not only unnecessary but potentially harmful: breast milk at the start of weaning has a composition close to rehydration solutions, and hydrates much better).  You can help them better tolerate the heat by using a spray bottle (on the legs and arms, avoid the head!), by passing a cool washcloth, or by lightly humidifying their hat. Regularly check that everything is okay for your little one; if they turn very red, especially remove them from the carrier and offer them a drink.  Avoid: putting an ice pack on your baby's back (yes, we've seen it before)...  In short, as you understand, carrying your baby in summer is not only not a problem if the clothing and carrier system are well adapted, but it can also help them better manage the heat!  Now all that's left is to enjoy! 

Carrying your baby: is there a maximum duration?

a baby in a physiological position, curled up against his mother in an ecru mesh sling