The NeoBulle Journal

Pampering his Little Evo

You just received your P’tit Evo, you finally have the box in your hands, and the question arises: « By the way, can it be washed? And how? » Don't panic, we're going to tell you everything! Before using with your little one It's finally here, the temptation to use it RIGHT NOW is so great... But we all know how it ends: we tell ourselves it's okay just to try it and wash it, and then we end up using it and don't find the time to put it in the machine... Be strong, RESIST! Like new clothes, it is highly recommended to wash your baby carrier before first use. Unlike our carrying scarves, which need a first wash at your place to reach their final size and behavior, our P’tit Evo are sewn from a textile whose dyeing process includes a pre-wash and are therefore already “ready to use” in this regard. Nevertheless, the fabric passes through many hands, is handled on various surfaces, etc... So once at your home, it's not very “clean”. One of the great joys for our little ones is chewing on the straps of their carriers, so we strongly recommend that you put it in the washing machine before installing your little miracle! How to wash your P’tit Evo? Since the P’tit Evo is made of quality cotton, it is a not very fragile baby carrier and very easy to maintain, which is a crucial criterion when you have a refluxing baby. Washing can thus be simply done in the machine (and not by hand!), preferably with eco-friendly detergent. To prevent premature wear of the fabric and excessive energy consumption, we advise sticking to a cycle at 30 degrees max, with a gentle spin (800 rpm). Ideally, when possible, wash it alone to prevent other clothes from bleeding onto it, and put it in a laundry net or pillowcase so that the straps or belt clips don't get caught in the drum seal (if not, we recommend closing the belt clip). Cotton, being naturally soft and flexible, does not require fabric softener (which unnecessarily fats the fibers). Remember to set all adjustments (seat width and apron height) to the maximum looseness so that the fibers do not deform and the drying is faster. Unless absolutely urgent (you know who you are...), using a tumble dryer is not recommended. because it risks damaging the fabric and the belt foam. Tip: don't hesitate to use a hanger to stretch it more easily! Besides the first wash, which is highly recommended before first use, the subsequent frequency is quite variable… It all depends on the speed at which it will get dirty (a baby who regurgitates a lot or not especially…), and to what extent it is indispensable in your daily life! We leave it up to you to assess when the smell of curdled milk becomes more annoying than just passing the baby carrier a few hours later. Tip: the little evo is like a pair of jeans: the more you wear it, the softer, more flexible, and more plush it becomes! With each wash, it’s normal for it to be a little more rough, but it will transform back into a cozy cocoon very quickly! And daily use? In everyday life, everything comes down to common sense. For example, avoid leaving your little evo on the back seat of the car and in direct sunlight, which could cause discoloration of it (Note: discoloration does not compromise the integrity of the baby carrier, it’s just a cosmetic issue), and it might be interesting to check from time to time that everything is okay in terms of seams or that there are no rips in the seat. We have carefully inspected it from all seams before handing it over to you… Now it’s up to you to give it a little look from time to time! There are no other particular precautions to take, as our baby carriers are specifically designed to accompany all your daily adventures and are not fragile by nature! You’re now ready for the maintenance of your little evo, we hope it will allow you to share many wonderful adventures with your baby!

Swimming with your baby

Whether it’s because the nice days are coming, or more simply because we’re considering a family pool outing or swimming sessions with baby swimmers, questions about swimming with a baby are frequent. From what age? How? With what precautions? Can you carry them in the water? We tell you everything! When can you take your baby swimming? Before planning a trip to the pool or the sea with your little one, you need to be a bit patient! Indeed, it is generally recommended to wait around 4 to 6 months (mainly for immunity reasons). This recommendation is based on the fact that it usually involves crowded places, where humidity and heat can promote germ spread, but not only... A very small baby generally has more difficulty regulating their body temperature, and as a result, risks getting cold very quickly in water cooler than 37°C. Even in your well-maintained personal pool, unless the water is at 36-37°C, you’ll need to wait a bit! Meanwhile, if it’s very hot, nothing prevents you from dipping your baby’s little feet at home if you feel like it! What precautions should be taken? We mentioned the child’s age above, as well as the water temperature. It’s important to note that even with an older baby, this remains a key parameter to consider because the smaller your little one is, the faster they will cool down. As a rough guide, for baby swimming sessions, the water is generally a bit warmer (around 33-34°C) than during regular opening hours. A tip when planning a family outing is to come right after a session, while the water has not yet cooled down to its usual temperature. Generally, we always remind that during summer it’s advisable to avoid exposing your child to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Ideally, choose swimming times before 11 am and after 4-5 pm, in the shade, with appropriate sun protections (hat, sunglasses, UV-protective top, sunscreen, etc.), and remember to offer drinks regularly. Stay vigilant and keep constant watch over your child whenever you are near a water point (reminder: a child can drown in just a few centimeters of water, and unfortunately, it can happen very quickly!), and also be attentive to their general condition. (blue lips, shivering, heatstroke…) And what about carrying during all this? Already your everyday ally, carrying is also a real asset to facilitate going to the pool or the sea. First of all because unfortunately, you can't teleport from the car or bus directly to the water's edge! You need to carry the bags, but especially possibly manage a hyperactive baby, etc... Carrying the youngest allows you to be more reactive and more pragmatically just cross the beach, for example, which is not possible with a stroller. If you go to the pool, it is also not allowed to move around inside with the stroller (hygiene, etc...), having them in a carrier is simpler and more stable than holding them in your arms. Secondly, it allows you to secure your movements on sometimes slippery ground, or again to take care of 2 children at once in an environment that requires vigilance. There are now dedicated swimming carriers systems. This is notably the case with our Aquabulle, made of lycra, which offers the advantage of being very quick and easy to put on, and to dry very quickly. Note that the "real" baby carriers are generally, like strollers, forbidden in pools, while the aquabulle is allowed! Water carrying can help some little ones who are a bit overwhelmed by reassuring and containing them, and open up to new sensations during this special contact with their parent. Carrying in the water requires a system that can be easily removed so you can immediately take the baby out in case of problems (forget straps designed for swimming, as they are dangerous). It is not recommended to be alone to manage 2 young children in the water, nor to go to places where there is no foot support. You are now prepared for the next swims! So, pool or beach near you?

Which baby carrier should I choose for hiking?

Stand up campers and raise your hearts! You are eager to share your passion for hiking with your baby, and to introduce them to beautiful landscapes, but you are hesitant about the carrying equipment that would be most suitable for this activity? This article is for you! The Classic In the field of hiking, when we think of baby carriers, we immediately imagine rigid "tours", which offer some storage but are quite not very physiological or ergonomic. These models are designed by hiking gear specialists certainly, but not by baby-carrying specialists. This small nuance is actually a key point, because logically: a baby does not behave exactly the same as technical equipment, clothing, or water bottles (if that’s the case: consult!). Among other things: The child is often suspended by the crotch: top comfort during several hours of walking… There is no real support for the baby, so they cannot fall asleep without ending up completely crooked (corollary: the parent ends up with a completely unbalanced load) The child is very far from their carrier: the center of gravity is very shifted backward and their movement perception is amplified. This design choice is all the more surprising as it goes completely against usual best practices, which involve positioning heavy loads as close as possible to the carrier, to limit lever effects and the perceived weight increase! No one would think of placing a moving water pack 30cm behind the top of their bag. This type of gear is also particularly heavy and bulky (frames, large volume), and you need to wait until the child is at least 9-10 months old to install them. The Comfortable So what gear to choose? Well, it depends. Not on the wind direction or the captain’s age (although... ), but mainly on whether your little one walks or not… Option 1: Babychou does not walk In this setup, you can be sure that they will be carried throughout the entire hike. It’s on comfort that you should focus! Since comfort is subjective, the simplest is to use the carrying system you feel most comfortable with: wrap, mei-tai, or preformed, even if some lengths hang down anyway you are not supposed to re-install the baby 15 times Once gone. Bad point: If your usual favorite is the sling, in this case, it’s probably not the one to prioritize, due to the asymmetry that might make it quickly unpleasant ! Option 2: cute but functional In this configuration, things get complicated. The child is TALL. The child is STRONG. The child wants to CONQUER THE WORLD. And they want to do it ALL BY MYSELF. But not too much, though… Understand that he will launch an assault on the universe, but only 100 meters at a time. Then he will be too tired. You will need to carry him. Then let him re-explore ME ALL ALONE, ME BIG 100 meters. And so on. During the X (insert a very high number here for your patience) km of the hike. Preserve your mental health (and your eardrums) and put away the baby carrier. This is exactly the right moment to pull out a preformed baby carrier ! Clipped to your waist, it will allow you to let your little one climb up and down as often as needed during his trip, while avoiding complicated adjustments. Lightweight and compact, preformed ergonomic baby carriers are really essential for parents who enjoy walking without being too bulky. And they guarantee comfort for both the baby and the carrier! Tip: Is the walk a bit long? Our neo + offers 2 different carrying modes that allow you to switch during the hike which part of the carrier is used, and comfortably extend the outing. So, ready for new adventures with baby?

Le P'tit Evo: Birth of a baby carrier

On the occasion of the arrival of the P'tit Evo in our ranges, we invite you to dive with us behind the scenes of creating a baby carrier.From the initial idea to carrying your little one, the journey is long and full of obstacles! Shall we tell you about it? 1 - The origins: the idea It seems simple written like that, but finding new product development ideas, it's sometimes a real headache! Especially since it’s not just about designing an item, but first ensuring that it will be aligned with parents' needs that we support. At Néobulle, since the carrying range has become quite extensive, the field of possibilities narrows. However, there are still some gaps to fill, and notably we had in mind for a while that it was a shame not to offer a baby carrier inspired by Asian designs (mei-tai) that would be suitable for a newborn. The mei-tai is a perfect compromise between wrap carriers and preformed baby carriers. It combines comfort and the enveloping feel with the ease of installation. To learn more about mei-tai, click here! Our évolu'bulle, which falls into this category, is very well appreciated but it only allows carrying from 3 months old, which is too late for many families who love the cocoon-like feeling of a wrap but do not want to learn the knots. With more and more requests from carrying instructors (indicating that the interest was also present among parents for whom it would be intended), we decided to embark on this adventure! 2 - Defining the criteria The first step in design is to define the specifications that the baby carrier must meet. For us, it included: suitable for a newborn expandable shoulder straps easy to use comfortable evolving at an affordable price And of course, in addition to Néobulle's usual requirements, including the complete components of the baby carrier made in France, sewing done in our workshops in Saint-Bonnet-le-Château (42), and fabric certified organic cotton without toxic dyes. The shoulder straps were a tricky point because depending on whether you carry in front or on the back, the behavior of the strap changes: in front, the straps that unfold are often more comfortable, but on the back, they are less stretchable and padded straps are then preferable. Since the P'tit Evo is intended for carrying young babies, we favored front carrying but included removable padding for parents who might use it on the back later. Having similar age criteria to those of the Néo model, (our preformed baby carrier for 0-2 years), very naively we thought that it would be easy and that it would be enough to reuse the same apron and replace the straps (spoiler alert: no!). In general, it is important that the ranges are coherent and that the specifications take into account the other baby carriers we offer so that all complement each other in their use and that it is easy for parents to find their way around. 3 - The prototypes The prototype is the realization, the moment when we start serious things. It is also the moment when we often realize that the idea that seemed brilliant on paper is actually disastrous! Take this story of reusing the Neo apron, for example: well it doesn’t work at all. Because between the preformed straps and mei-tai straps, the tension lines applied to the apron are not at all the same, and we ended up with a very wrinkled fabric and a baby that was not at all wrapped. Critical failure. To better explain the course of this testing phase, you need to imagine that there are several people involved more or less closely, and who need to coordinate, all across different locations! Séverine (the big boss) sends precise manufacturing instructions to Caroline (our prototype sewing specialist). Caroline makes a prototype at home.Elise (who is responsible for home seamstresses) picks it up to bring it back to Séverine. Séverine has Delphine (the carrier instructor) try it on when she is in the premises. Delphine notes what’s wrong. Séverine and Delphine rack their brains trying to understand how to fix it, noting everything carefully on the analysis and report sheet (or rather: forgetting to note it, then getting scolded by Elise for thinking about it and doing it)Elise brings everything back to Caroline, who creates a new prototype taking the comments into account.etc... etc... Of course, every time we correct something, there’s a risk that it will modify everything else! Starting with a strap that doesn’t fit, ending with an apron that’s too loose, then returning to poorly fitting straps... The corrections must take into account the result in carrying, but without forgetting that it is not only about producing a prototype, then our seamstresses must be able to manufacture it on a large scale without too much risk of error (which could lead to later after-sales returns). In the middle, it’s also necessary to insert tests with other instructors to get their opinions and ideas, always very valuable. And real babies. , because babies are just substitutes that are not always realistic enough in their behaviors. Also with parents of various morphologies to ensure that the baby carrier will fit everyone. Friends and family are then involved (they serve science and it's their joy!). And above all, after a while, you need to try to make sense of the different trials, correct without reproducing the previously encountered problems (after 7 or 8 prototypes, it becomes difficult!), not to mix up the prototypes... and not to give up! 4 - The Holy Grail! 15 prototypes and several hours of head-scratching later, finally, the Grail! The perfect prototype! Dance of joy and champagne, we can now launch production! Our little hands in the workshop are briefed on all the details of manufacturing: cutting, sewing, tips for assembly, nothing is left to chance. They are the ones who add the little doses of love and sleep powder necessary for the baby to be perfectly settled and soothed! The baby carrier is sent for testing to ensure it complies with safety standards. And meanwhile in the offices, we need to prepare the launch: Photo shoot (thanks to our one-day models!) Step-by-step photos for the manual Video tutorials Color choices and their names Packaging design Manual creation (layout, texts, legal notices...) Internal training on usage (so everyone can advise you properly afterwards!) Product sheets for our websites, partners, and resellers and I forget some! 5 - It's starting Finally, the big launch day! Moment of truth: will our little newcomer appeal to you? Did we think of everything? A big release is always a bit stressful. Coincidence of the calendar: from idea to sale, about 9 months will have passed (which is exceptionally short! We are usually closer to the gestation of an elephant than that of humans!)... At Nébulle, baby carriers are our real babies ;-) And so: do you like this little evo?!

Postpartum after a cesarean

Your labor was or will be by cesarean section and you don't know if carrying your little one is possible and if so under which conditions? This article is for you! The immediate postpartum, what precautions Whether after a vaginal birth or a cesarean, carrying your baby in your arms or using a carrier system is possible right after birth, but requires some precautions: Avoid pressure on the abdomen: the perineum being weakened by pregnancy, it performs its role less effectively and pressure on the belly tends to push the organs downward, increasing the risk of complications such as organ prolapse Take time to recover: pregnancy and childbirth are trials for the body; taking care of yourself allows to recover physically and psychologically Sometimes it is said that after a cesarean, you should wait a month before carrying your child. While it is true that a cesarean being an operation, recovery can sometimes take longer, the scar may take more or less time to heal, pain may be observed, and it is therefore important to be especially cautious not to push too hard. It is also worth noting that it is not realistic to imagine that the young mother will not carry her baby at all! Sometimes we find ourselves in very paradoxical situations where carrying a baby with a carrier is discouraged but where the new mother ends up carrying the baby in the stroller or in a car seat, which turns out to be much worse than the initially prohibited situation! A well-adjusted baby carrier allows distributing the load across the entire chest, often relieving tensions observed in the arms (tensing, fear of dropping the baby, baby appearing heavier) and overloading the abdomen, so it is a real ally, especially after a somewhat complicated delivery. Whether carried in arms or with a device, it is recommended to listen to your body: when a feeling of heaviness is felt in the perineum, if possible, it is strongly recommended to lie down to relieve the area. Which baby carrier to use? All physiological systems allowing to carry high on the chest (to avoid pressure on the abdomen, especially the scar which can be painful) are usable. In brief: Carrying scarves Slings Mei-tai carriers Preformed carriers allowing high shoulder carrying (Neo or MyNeo, for example) Preformed baby carriers that distribute the load only on the pelvis are not recommended, not least because the waistband will be positioned directly on the scar! Non-physiological baby carriers that do not allow a proper fit and promote the baby hanging on the caregiver's body will tend to put more strain on the abdomen to compensate for their poorer stability. You understand, using a carrying system after a cesarean is entirely possible. It is always important to listen to your body and not push yourself in case of pain or heaviness. Remember that baby carriers are not meant to allow you to tidy up the house immediately postpartum: rest is essential above all!

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 ! 

Which pre-shaped baby carrier should be used from birth?

Your little miracle will arrive soon and you want to carry her. You have read everywhere that the sling is ideal, but it scares you or doesn’t appeal to you at all. Don’t panic: the carrying market is very diverse and there are now preformed baby carriers perfectly adapted to the specifics of the newborn! What should we pay attention to in order to choose well? We’ll explain everything to you! The Hypotonic Newborn At birth, the infant is completely hypotonic: to simplify, it is all soft, a bit like a rag doll, and is not capable of voluntary and controlled movements nor of simply stabilizing its body. This is mainly due to the immaturity of part of its nervous system (myelin sheaths, which help transmit nerve impulses, are not well formed), and also the muscles that have not yet been trained. The tone of the newborn will follow the maturation of the myelin sheath: initially along the spine, which will allow axial tone development (around 3-4 weeks, you will notice that the baby begins to stabilize on its vertical axis), then along the arms and legs (about 5-6 months for the baby to voluntarily grasp something). Carrying a newborn involves taking into account the lack of tone to offer an arrangement that compensates for it. In a carrying sling, precise fabric adjustments are used; in a baby carrier that doesn’t allow such fine tuning, you can play with 2 factors: The size of the panel The fit of the bodies A baby carrier of the right size A too-large baby carrier risks floating and gaping in the back of a small baby, not offering the necessary stability to compensate for the lack of precise adjustments: the newborn risks collapsing inside, which is not optimal for freeing their airways To reduce the size of the panel, brands offer several options. Option 1: using a reducer / cushion: With a reducer or cushion, the panel itself is not adjustable, but the baby sits higher on the device, which artificially decreases the height. In this configuration, the baby’s feet cannot come out because the seat is too wide, so they remain inside. This causes a problem where the support under the soles of the feet stimulates a pushing reflex: the baby will automatically start pushing with their legs, and soon they may stand up inside the system. Generally, around 3 or 4 months, they will be too big for the reducer but too small for the main system, and you will be stuck. The use of a reducer should always catch your attention: you are sold a baby carrier designed for a child of at least 6-8 months, trying to fudge so that it looks like it’s for a younger one. A more illustrative corollary: it’s like selling you a pair of shoes two sizes too big, claiming the foot will grow, and telling you to use insoles until it fits properly. Option 2: offer adjustments on the panel: Adjustments allow you to reduce the height and width of the back panel and adapt it to the actual size of the baby. This solution is more relevant because it allows for better overall adjustability of the system. The limitation is that you cannot evolve a panel from birth to 4 years because the amount of material necessary to carry a larger child cannot be folded enough for the size to be small enough to stabilize a newborn. There are therefore baby carrier sizes, generally with ranges such as: birth/2 years, 3-4 months/3 years, 1 year/5 years. A carrying system sold to carry from birth to 4 years must always catch your attention too! No material in baby gear is as adjustable because the needs of a newborn and a 4-year-old are too different. You need to change stroller, bed, car seat, etc. Carrying systems are no exception to this rule. The fitting of bodies The concept of body fitting is a key notion that involves finding a carrying height that allows the newborn to naturally align with the carrier’s body. This enables stability and is largely what allows physiologic carrying to avoid needing to hold the head because it rests on the chest. Respecting body fitting is essential as long as the child cannot support their back on their own! It is considered that sitting is well acquired (around 8-10 months if we want to be precise, when they can sit up alone). Generally, to find the right position, aim above the woman’s breasts and the man’s pectorals: if the carrier is too low, the baby’s head ends up right in the middle and has no choice but to lean backwards or to the side to avoid it (it’s like putting two rigid cushions right on your head—you will try to go around them and won’t settle into them). The other consequence is that the baby, losing the necessary anchoring for stability, sinks. While body fitting is quite intuitive for women, for men it initially requires a bit more reflection because it’s not natural to bring the child up on their body: you really need to aim as high as possible, as if you wanted their head nestled in the neck. (for more comfort, the installation can be slightly shifted). Let's go back to our preformed baby carriers, problem: the vast majority of these are designed to distribute the load on the belt. This results in carrying low on the pelvis, which is not at all compatible with what we just saw regarding body fitting. Therefore, it is necessary to look for a baby carrier whose design allows for high carrying on the chest: these are recognizable by the attachment of the strap on the belt and not the apron. This allows, by adjusting the straps, to lift the child instead of pressing him down. Attention: this type of carrying distributes the weight entirely on the straps (meaning: the carrier’s shoulders), so for comfort it is essential to take the time to tighten well to have a baby as high as possible and in close contact with you. This prevents the very unpleasant hanging effect. The body of the young mother We have covered the needs of the little one; it is also important to consider the needs of the young mother. Immediately postpartum, it is strongly advised against applying pressure on the abdomen to allow the perineum to strengthen and the organs to return to their proper place. With a baby carrier that distributes the weight on the belt, one might be tempted to place the child at the waist to lift him and seek proper body fitting, but doing so compresses the belly by exerting downward pressure, creating a "toothpaste tube" effect between the organs and the perineum, which, as you understand, is a very bad idea! Even without going to such extremes, simply feeling pressure on the belly is generally quite uncomfortable, especially since the belt is often rigid. Using a baby carrier that distributes the load on the straps is therefore essential for the mother’s proper recovery. The belt, in this context, only serves to stabilize the initial setup; during carrying, it becomes useless and could even be unclipped if desired. It is also preferable that this belt be flexible and not rigid: even if not tight around the abdomen, it could hinder the young mother. Worn high on the chest, the weight of the baby will also be less felt, which is reassuring when one has not yet fully regained control of one's body. The Neo range At Néobulle, the Neo range was designed to try to best adapt to the various constraints listed above. Neo and my Neo have been specifically designed for carrying a newborn, with a reduced apron size and a carry mode exclusively on the straps to avoid having to worry about choosing the right type of carrier when the baby has just arrived and you're tired. The My Neo in knit is perfect for the first year, the Neo in fabric wrap can be used up to 2 years old for your little one. Neo Plus is aimed at slightly older babies, from about 3 months up to 3 years. It is a transitional age product for a child who still requires high chest carrying but, as they grow, will weigh more and will find carrying more comfortable with a weight distribution on the hips, this baby carrier offers two carrying modes with two possible strap attachments: on the belt or on the apron. You are now a little better equipped to choose your ideal baby carrier by outsmarting marketing tricks! Now all that's left is to enjoy your little sweetheart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZfwO6HLkYY

Focus on the Mei-tai

The article of the day is dedicated to the mei-tai, also called Asian-inspired baby carrier or more simply "the thing like a scarf but easier". What is a mei-tai? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of system? We explain everything to you! So, what exactly is a Mei-tai? The Asian-inspired baby carrier is presented in the form of a rectangle of fabric (called the apron), with four straps inserted at the corners which form the waistband and shoulder straps. Many traditional carrying systems are used in Asia, but the versions we find here have been highly westernized and often bear little resemblance to their original models (hence the increasing avoidance of the term "Asian baby carrier" in favor of Asian-inspired). What are the main characteristics of the Mei-tai? There are many different mei-tai models on the market. While the earliest versions were very basic (no adjustments), the most recent ones allow for adjusting the size of the apron, notably by reducing the width between the legs and the height, which allows significantly improving comfort and ensuring a better fit to the baby’s size (at least for the reference brands). Among the possible variations, you can find: Straps that are extendable or padded at the shoulder of the wearer Belts that can be tied or clipped (mei-tais in this category are called "hybrids" because they are halfway between preformed models) Most Asian-inspired baby carriers on the market are suitable for children from 3 or 4 months: this is because, even when maximally reduced, the apron often turns out to be a bit too wide and too high to comfortably and safely carry a newborn (risk of collapse in the system). They can be suitable for carrying up to about 3 years old, after which they are generally too narrow to allow for physiological use (support up to the hollow of the knee no longer possible). It is highly recommended to choose a mei-tai with long enough and wide straps to be crossed outside the baby's legs and then attached at the back of the wearer: this provides better support, ensuring the baby is positioned high on the chest, and most importantly, that the load is supported by the straps and not the belt. When passing the straps between the wearer and the child, as suggested in some instructions, the load shifts onto the belt, which exerts quite strong compression on the wearer's abdomen (very discouraged for the integrity of the young mother’s perineum since it increases the risk of organ prolapse!), and the baby will inevitably slide lower on the chest. which makes carrying less stable and less comfortable. Straps that are too narrow, even if long, cannot be crossed outside the baby's leg risk hindering proper blood circulation. The question of whether to pad the strap is much more subjective and totally depends on the wearer's preferences. Nevertheless, in ventral carrying, one often prefers panels that unfold over the shoulder and back, whereas in dorsal carrying, padding is often more comfortable because the strap can unfold less and "pinch" the trapezius a bit. The advantages of the Mei-tai The mei-tai is the perfect compromise between a carrying scarf and a preformed baby carrier. It is a system that has managed to combine some of the advantages of both systems to give a simple, lightweight, and comfortable result to wear. This baby carrier presents very few difficulties in installation: no fold upon fold nor adjustments on the baby (other than those of the panel but which are done beforehand), very little risk of mishandling or error. It is more enveloping than the preformed baby carrier and allows for better close contact, making it consequently more comfortable. It remains less enclosing than a scarf and is perfect for parents who do not like to feel too tight. Regarding the baby, it is an interesting solution to address some installation difficulties, notably: Babies suffering from gastroesophageal reflux, who often struggle with overly enveloping carriers and can be very stiff when they are in pain. Since it passes between the child's legs, the mei-tai allows for a safe installation with a stiff as a board baby and who screams, not very academic but at this stage, we don’t care much — the main thing is to survive! Babies a bit more "older" who haven't been used to the scarf: after 3 or 4 months, it can sometimes be more delicate to install a toddler in a scarf, as they are not used to the sensations and are often not patient enough to let their parent learn the technique. The mei-tai, being more immediate and less enclosing, is generally better tolerated. Babies who present hyperextension and/or torticollis issues, who tend to adopt very stiff and sometimes twisted postures naturally: here again, the mei-tai is often more accessible for parents and better accepted by the child. Note that both its breathable cotton twill composition and the fact that it is open on the sides make it one of the most comfortable carrying systems to use in hot weather. The weaknesses of the Mei-tai The main weakness of the mei-tai is that it can be less adjustable than other carriers, especially for very small or very large babies, and may require additional accessories or adjustments for optimal fit. It remains its less versatile and evolutive nature compared to a baby carrier wrap. This is mainly due to its panel, which, even adjustable, cannot optimize coverage for a child's large age gap: it will be ideal for a newborn but a bit short from 2 years old, or it can be used up to 3 or 4 years old but only from 3 or 4 months old. Another small downside is that its easier installation is less precise adjustments than those of the wrap. If the use of the wrap is very well mastered, one might feel a slightly less comfortable in comparison. The corollary is that it is better to have a well-mastered mei-tai than a poorly adjusted wrap. Finally, like the wrap, you find straps dragging on the ground during setup, which makes outdoor installation in the rain more complicated than with a preformed carrier! Nothing too disabling! The Asian-inspired baby carrier, less known than its counterparts the wrap or the preformed, thus quite rightly deserves its place within the family of ergonomic carriers and would benefit from greater recognition! It’s an excellent choice for parents who are intimidated by using a wrap but still want more closeness than with a preformed carrier.