I’m so absolutely digging my Kokopax blakely ring tote.  I have never used a tote/diaper bag like this one and I’m finding it quite useful (currently with my 3-1/2 yr. old and soon with the new baby to come).  I actually consider it a perfect summertime tote.  The one pictured above is the one that was sent to me.  I have to comment on its durability.  The material is 100% cotton canvas, so it’s nice and sturdy, not flimsy.  There are several deep pockets inside and a zipper pocket, as well as a detachable mini-tote (about the size of a wallet).  The blakely ring totes retail for about $79.99.

Kokopax is also known for their carriers and sunhats.  All three items are available in matching designs and currently, there are six designs to choose from.

If you’re interested in purchasing something from Kokopax, search for a retailer near you or shop online at their website.

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My friend Stephanie over at Adventures in Babywearing replied to a text that I sent her last night telling me that it’s not too late to post about International Babywearing Week, November 12th-18th.

Regrettably, I did not wear my one and only child when she was a baby.  I was intrigued by the babywearers in my mom’s group and online but just wasn’t sure if it was for me.  In retrospect, that was a silly thought.  Babywearing is for anybody .  Most of all, babywearing is for your baby.  To feel a mother’s closeness is safe and reassuring and that is something any baby needs.  And for a mother, feeling her baby so close is sweet and heavenly, not to mention extremely convenient.

Don’t get me wrong, I dabbled in babywearing.  I even own a sling, pouch, and wrap.  I’m saving them to use with the next member of our family.

The first time that I tried to wear Hailey was somewhat disastrous.  My first carrier was the Evenflo Snugli.  When I say disastrous, I mean when I tried to lift her and place her into the carrier, I bumped her head on the chandelier above the dining room table.  I cried and cried and felt like a horrible mother.  I swore I would never use that thing again.

I know, it looks ridiculous.  My mom and I laughed so much because Hailey was obviously too small to wear in this carrier.  Honestly, the Snugli was so much of a pain with all of the straps, I would not use a carrier like this one again.

I also own a Rockin’ Baby Sling: The Ziggy Stardust Loves Nicole pouch (below).  I’m actually just modeling it here.  Truthfully, I just never wore her:

One carrier I wish that I would have owned and used is the Baby Hawk carrier.  Here is my friend, Kerry, wearing her youngest at the park.  Super convenient when you’re chasing after your toddler:

Wearing your babe isn’t just for women.  A lot of men wear their kiddos too.  I think it’s quite nice to see a man bond with his child like that.  Here is Conor, the husband/dad of What to do, Poopsy Woo? wearing his youngest in a Wise Woman ring sling:

Now that I’ve been formerly introduced to babywearing and have a network of friends and acquaintances who do so, the next member of our little family will be worn.  Because it’s a kind of bonding that I want to experience myself.

Stephanie the babywearer has a link-up over at her blog where if you post about babywearing during International Babywearing week and link up on her post, you will be entered to win either a Pop Nest Sling or a Sparrow Hatchling Sling from Nonny & Boo.

Even if you aren’t a babywearer, like me, I hope you take a moment to familiarize yourself with the benefits of babywearing.  Celebrate Babywearing!

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Are you tired of carrying your child around all day? Then get hip to a new trend known as babywearing. One babywearing product that is touted as “the only baby carrier you will ever need” is the ERGO Baby Carrier. It is a versatile carrier that can handle babies from newborn through 40 pounds plus it looks great just about anywhere.

The ERGO Baby Carrier can be worn on your front, back, or hip and adjusts to fit even the manliest of waist sizes (up to 43″+). The ERGO Baby Carrier’s ergonomic design also supports a correct sitting position for the baby’s hip, pelvis and spine growth while dispersing most of the baby’s weight between the hips and thighs. Just imagine being able to carry you squirmy kid and have both hands free.

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