Behind the Business - Scootababy

Scootababy have just released a new and updated version of their popular hip carrier, and we thought this would be a great time to focus on the brains behind this ingenious sling.

Audra Meng started the business, 'We officially launched in August 2007... however, the design and development of the Scootababy carrier had been in the works for a full year prior to that. I actually first started thinking about a fast and comfortable hip carrier when my first son was a baby (he is now almost five!). After my second son was born, I decided I had to figure out a way to make exactly what I wanted... and so Scootababy was born.'

Audra says 'The best thing about being in the sling business is helping a mom try on the carrier, and watching her eyes light up when she realizes how comfortable and easy it can be to babywear! Making things just a little bit easier, and helping parents get on with their day gives me great satisfaction. Having a baby is such a huge impact on your life -- I had no idea how much our lives would change. But babywearing helps you do all the things you would normally do -- run errands, shop, go on hikes. For me personally, it's been great fun learning the steps involved with setting up and running a business, particularly the manufacturing process.'

Audra is a keen babywearer and has used many different styles of carriers with her children: 'Any comfortable sling that promotes attachment and babywearing is a great sling! I'm a particular fan of ring slings for tiny babies, used in a reverse cradle position -- very handy for babies wanting to nurse a lot. I also love mei tais for back carries while hiking.'

Audra's top babywearing tip - 'Bring baby's weight in closer to your body as much as possible -- this makes it more comfortable for you. And make sure baby is in a sitting position, with knees up above his/her bottom -- this makes it comfortable for baby! And please always keep baby's safety in mind when babywearing.'

Probably the most beautiful pouch in the world...

Hotslings have just released this beautiful new pouch, just in time for summer. Called 'Kyoto' it features a subtle asian-inspired print which is feminine without being too girly. We love it and hope you will too! In stock in sizes 1-5, other sizes available on request.

Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier - Back in Stock

Following the recent buckle upgrade by Beco Baby, we now have our first shipment of the new Butterfly carriers in stock featuring the improved hardware on the carrier. This carrier is a great choice for small babies up to toddler and has a unique inner harness which holds your baby safely in the carrier. Available in a choice of four fabrics: Ava (pictured), Isabella, Solid Black and Jack. Stocks are limited and as Beco Baby are changing their fabrics monthly we advise grabbing one while you can.

Sakura Bloom Ring Slings - Hana and Pure Ranges now in stock

Sakura Bloom are known for their beautifully simple ring slings, offered in a range of natural fabrics and colours. The shoulder design is especially comfortable for carrying older babies and suits most parents, whilst the fabrics used are so comfortable and supportive that even the heaviest toddlers can be carried with ease. Big Mama Slings have now added to our existing range of luxury slings offered by Sakura Bloom to offer you the Hana and Pure ranges - both still as carefully made with the same attention to detail and lovely fabrics, but featuring more simple designs. The Pure range is also suitable for both parents, making it a great choice for a family sling. All silk and linen slings are also very comfortable in the hotter weather.

Sakura Bloom are also offering a wonderful chance to win a set of the slings - simply purchase one of the Ring Slings through the website and you will automatically be entered in the competition by us.

Competition Details:

Purchase a Sakura Bloom baby sling between April 1 - May 11, 2008 and you are automatically entered to win an entire baby sling wardrobe vlaued at £580. The baby sling wardrobe consists of 4 Sakura Bloom baby slings:

• 1 baby sling from our pure or hana collection
  
• 1 baby sling from either our linen simple or linen essential collections
  
• 1 baby sling from either our silk essential or artisan collections
  
• 1 baby sling from our tussah luxe collection

Calin Bleu Limited Edition Gauze Slings in Stock

Big Mama is delighted to be able to offer these delicious gauze slings from Calin Bleu. Available in the 'crinkly gauze' fabric and batch dyed for a beautifully rich colour, these 4.3m wraparounds are a must for all fans of light-weight slings. Even the contrast stitching is a wonderful dark burgundy, adding a special extra touch. As with all Calin Bleu slings, a colour booklet is provided which shows step-by-step how to get the most out of your baby sling.

Rose Silk Millefiori Didymos Wraparound Sling now in Stock

Big Mama has a very small amount of the Size 6 length Didymos Silk Millefiori in a very spring-like pink in stock for immediate shipping.

New Babyhawk Designs in Stock

We've just had a delivery of Babyhawk Mei Tai Carriers with some lovely new designs, as well as restocking the popular Cathedrals on Natural combination which is a summer bestseller for us. We were so taken with the new Mod Sakura fabric (pictured) that we have stocked it in both the natural and charcoal straps. Perfect for summer!

Clearance Sale of Slings and Carriers - More Stock Added

We've added a few more designs which are being discontinued to our Clearance Sale, in addition to the remaining end of season items we have left. The following items are still available in very limited quantities and are not being restocked:

• Little Gems Mothering Necklaces
• Zolowear Pouches
• Zolowear Jade Lite Ring Sling
• Zolowear Cotton Sling - Limited Fabrics including Organic Berry, Sustainable Sable and Organic Stone
• Beco 4th Generation Accessories
• Hotslings Detachable Pocket - Limited Fabrics

The following items are still available in seasonal clearance at fantastically reduced prices:

• Wool Babylegs
• Supersoft Babylegs
  

Hotslings Baby Pouch - Spring 2008 Prints Now Instock

Hotslings Baby Pouches are one of our bestselling ranges, and rightly so. We have sold Hotslings for many years now and watched them grow from a small business to one of the most successful baby carrier businesses around. All Hotslings pouches now come with DVD instructions as well as an illustrated how-to booklet, all neatly packaged in a handy storage bag. Hotslings are a wonderful birth to toddler option, as they pack up so small and can be stashed in your changing bag or under your pushchair for that 'carry me NOW' moment all parents know so well. How often have you tried to hold on to your baby in one arm while steering your pushchair precariously with the other? Hotslings pouches are the answer!

We're delighted with the Spring 2008 range from Hotslings, featuring NYC - a subtle and stylish print; Full Bloom - gender neutral yet pretty enough for dressing up; La Vie en Rose (pictured left) - dark pinks and browns for a sophisticated look and Parisian Blue Hemp for those looking for a greener choice.

New Napsack Colours Now Instock

We're delighted to offer the popular Napsack Mei Tai in solid chocolate Java and Khaki, reversing to solid black (pictured left). Both colours are offered in the same comfortable yet sturdy twill and come complete with illustrated instruction booklet. These carriers are a great choice for newborns and for babies who like being carried on the front.