If the parents-to-be on your baby shower gift list have a soon-to-be sibling in the family and a “wrap style” baby carrier in their registry, you’ll love today’s tip. Moby Wrap, Inc makers of the popular cotton baby wrap now offer a fun version for kids called Mini Moby.

Designed for children ages 3 and up, the Mini Moby is the perfect toy and doll carrier for the older sibling often left out during the baby shower. Find the standard Mini Moby wraps in 14 colors at MobyWrap.com, or choose from one of their 3 organic cotton wraps!

Have fun and stay healthy,

Dr.MOZ

> Thanks to baby blog reader Christina for the tip!

include an adjustable infant seat (estimated 6-30 month-old children), padded/ergonomic straps and back support, baby gear storage, a fold-out head support, and a rain/sun cover.

Summer is here…so this is the part where you look at the functionality and fantastic Dutch design and wonder what something like this will cost right? This is where things get a little tricky. Dadanana is a new brand launched in 2006 which means distribution is limited for those in North America. I did a little digging for you and from what I can tell, your best bet for strapping-on a JoinUS carrier on anytime soon would be to visit geboortewinkel.nl of Amsterdam. You’ll need to contact the store for shipping costs, but the carrier will run approximately €139.96 ($185 US).

What do you think parents? Is the JoinUS baby backpack carrier by Dadanana something you would like to see available in the US? It looks like a sweet design perfect for hitting the trails with baby, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see it sold in the states soon!

Have fun and stay healthy,

Dr.MOZ

> tip thanks to Yanko Design!

There’s a new European baby gear manufacturer on the scene that you’ll want to know about and it’s name is Mima. I know…you’re probably thinking that I’m about to tempt you with yet another well-designed, feature-rich baby product from Sweden that you can’t buy in the US. This simply isn’t true. These well-designed, feature-rich baby products are from

Spain. Mima’s “pushchair” features include:

Kobi: 3-position reclining seats, adjustable height positions for seat/carrycot, adjustable handle, removable changing bag, car seat adaptable, folds with and without seat, coverts to hold multiple children.

Xari: 3-position reclining seats, adjustable height positions for seat/carrycot, adjustable handle, removable changing bag, car seat adaptable, folds with and without seat, single child only.

The official website at MimaKids.com doesn’t mention prices or distribution, so I’ll post an update once they’re available in North America. Thanks for the tip Julian!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

> also see The Mutsy Urban  Rider Stroller

I was scrolling through Trend Hunter’s Best of 2008 lists this morning and was surprised to find the tot-pod. I’m not sure how I missed Canadian designer Aldo Barreto’s winning entry from Samsonite’s design competition earlier in the year, but I love the flexibility of this baby car seat. The concept product includes a hidden storage space (in back), a seat-mount for easy installation in cars, and drop-down wheels which instantly turn the seat into a stroller. The versatility of Tot-pods are sure to make them big hits with parents, so I’ll let you know if Samsonite announces a release date in 2009!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

> also see: Mystery Product by Babymoov

Leave it to me to feature yet another cool baby product that you can’t yet have, but here you go! Although you’ll see this product referred to as “Babymoov” on design blogs, this is actually the name of a great baby company in France that commissioned the design firm EDDS to create this mystery product. In any case, my limited French skills (and the pictures) tell me that this three-in-one mystery product is (a) a diaper bag, (b) a mobile baby changing station, and (c) a super-light baby carrier. Comment dit-on awesome en français?

Á la prochaine!
Dr.MOZ

> Related Links: Babymoov Company Site, Babymoov’s Blog

(found at The Design Blog)

Beco has received eight reports of straps slipping through the shoulder buckles on their “Butterfly” baby carriers. No injuries have been reported, but they have announced a voluntary recall yesterday (April 22nd) to see that families using the carrier fix the potentially dangerous product.

Approximately 2,000 carriers (styles: Mia, Pony Express, Carnival, Addison, Ethan, Sophia, Cameron, Ava, and Joshua) were sold for about $140 in specialty stores nationwide between January and February 2008. If you own one, you should immediately stop using the carrier and contact Beco Baby Carrier to receive instructions for returning the carriers for repair at (888) 943-8232 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m PT Mon-Fri or visit their website at www.becobabycarrier.com. Additional information can also be found at the recall posting found at CPSC’s website.

Hello GoodFather,

My wife and I are researching baby carriers for our baby registry, but we’re having a hard time choosing from the various styles. Do you have any advice for new parents trying to choose a baby carrier?

Thanks,
Tyler

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Hello Tyler,

Congratulations with the expecting baby! For a good “baby carrier 101“, I recommend spending a few minutes on the following baby carrier websites to help

weed out the designs that won’t work for your needs. You’ll quickly be able to create a “wants list” after learning about the strengths of each design, and can then find a few contenders based on their descriptions of each brand. A few of the most popular baby carrier resources include:

• Pittsburgh Babywearers: You’ll find many links to the Pittsburgh Babywearers because they have an easy to understand “Pros and Cons” page describing the 4 main types of babycarriers. This is a great place to start because it will help you pinpoint your favorite design type (pouch, ring sling, mei tai, or wrap).

• TheBabyWearer.com: Quite possibly the most comprehensive baby wearing resources out there, it covers everything you’ll need to know. Sections of particular interest include: Benefits of Babywearing, Babywearing Positions Chart, and their Products Directory for the ultimate list of international carriers.

• WearYourBaby.com: This is a great baby wearing resource, although it focuses on sling-style baby carrying which may or may not be of interest. You’ll begin in the “start here” section, and then learn more about specific carrier types based on position (front carrier, side, back, etc.), and the baby’s age. They even have a great online video section showing different wrap styles.

Once you have shaved your list down to a few baby carriers, I recommend visiting a small baby boutique because they tend to carry quality products and go the extra mile to ensure that it will fit your needs. Employees in smaller boutiques are usually very well informed, and most are happy to let you and your wife try out their products for comfort while in the store.

Do you have any advice for our soon-to-be GoodFather Tyler? If so, please click on the comments bubble above to share your tips. Thanks for the great question Tyler, and don’t forget to check this post again in the near future to see what our readers recommend!

Your favorite family man,

The GoodFather

(meet the GoodFather at DrMOZ.com)

I was making my rounds through some of my favorite baby blogs during lunch today and I made a great discovery at the Pupsik blog. Su Ling (blogger and mom of baby Vera) launched the Pupsik Studio which makes baby pouch carriers and nursing ponchos! In addition to offering stylish new baby carriers, they also offer a few great babywearing safety tips including:

• Check the seam for wear and tear before using.
• Ensure that the baby is positioned deep in the fold of the pouch before letting go.
• Support your baby when leaning or bending over.
• Allow good airflow to your baby’s face.
• (click for more safety tips at the Pupsik Studio)

Baby wearing is a great way to bond with your baby and the Pupsik carriers would be a great baby shower gift, so visit Pupsik Studios and tell her that Dr.MOZ said hello!

Have fun and stay healthy,
Dr.MOZ

Dear Dr.MOZ,

My sister and brother-in-law are expecting their first child and I’d like to get them a baby carrier because both mom and dad can use it. People tell me to get one of the Baby Bjorn carriers. I like the way they look, but I’m wondering if they are really worth the money. What can you and the GoodFather tell me about the brand and product features?

Thanks!
Nate

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Hi Nate,

You’ll certainly find cheaper baby carriers on the market, but it is really hard to match the overall quality of a BabyBjörn. The fact is, if you think your sister will use the carrier at all…BabyBjörns are worth every cent. Here are a few features of the Baby “Active” Carrier:

• Can be worn with children 8-26 pounds. Not all carriers can be used with babies this small.
• Baby can face towards you or away from you (depending on baby’s age/strength). Some carriers require a single position.
• Padded shoulder straps are wide for parents’ comfort. Cheaper carriers are equipped with thin straps with little padding that can dig into shoulders and back for a less comfortable experience.
• An adjustable buckle between legs and a padded headrest that folds allows for a good fit as baby grows.
• Lower back support provides extra comfort for longer wearing. This could be the best back support on any carrier in the market.
• Machine washable which is a big plus!

In a nutshell, you can feel good about buying a BabyBjörn because they are comfortable and functional for parents and babies. There are a few other nice carriers out there like the ERGObaby line and the Red Castle Sport Carriers which are also in the $100 range. Thanks for coming to the GoodFather Nate, your sister will love her baby gift!

Your favorite family man,
The GoodFather

(meet the GoodFather at DrMOZ.com)

Dear Dr.MOZ,

I received a baby sling as a gift, but the excess material that loops through the ring seems to get in my way. I’m also not big on the rings and would love something that fit my body without buckles or the elaborate wrapping/tie system. Have you heard of anything like this? I like the baby sling concept, but not all the work and wrapping that seems to come with it.

Claire P.

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Hi Claire,

There are quite a few baby slings out there that I think you’ll be happy with, so I’ll mention two that match your “wants” list. Be sure to check the comments bubble during the week because our readers are sure to have great baby carrier suggestions as well.

Two popular “no wrap” carriers without buckles include:

• Baby K’tan Baby Carrier: is a no wrap baby carrier with no rings, snaps, buckles, or plastic. The double-loop design was created to comfortably hold babies and children from birth to 40 pounds. Because there are no clasps or other fastening tools, the Baby Ktan is machine washable and dryer safe! (Baby K’tan Baby Carriers are available at Hip Mama Couture)

• The New Native Baby Carrier: is another great option without heavy padding, rings, and excess material. Choose a baby carrier size based on your chest measurement, and then put the carrier over one shoulder. With this 100% cotton carrier, the baby can be worn in front, side, or back and is great for discreet nursing. (The New Native Baby Carrier is available at Village Maternity)

Whichever carrier you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and don’t forget to routinely check your carrier for wear and tear. Thanks for the great question Claire and to our readers for their suggestions!

Have fun and stay healthy,

Dr.MOZ

Today’s healthy dose of fun is an amazing looking carrier by lillebaby called the EuroTote. I haven’t seen it in action, so I’m curious to hear what the new parents out there think of it. The EuroTote claims quite a few ergonomic features and functions including:

• Ergonomic Moses Carrier: protects baby’s fragile neck and back and the only carrier that fits directly into convertible seats

• Bunting Bag: keeps baby warm and adjusts to baby’s size

• Stroller Bag: wind/water repellent and made of non-toxic materials

• Play Blanket: simply open up for a clean place to play in any environment

• Travel Bedding: snug as a bug where ever baby may be

The EuroTote meets FMVSS 213 convertible car seat standards and the covers are interchangeable to allow for temperature control. It allows your baby to face you while being carried which is nice, and it claims to be back-friendly for parents as well. Add a comment below to let everyone know what you think of the EuroTote if you’ve used one, because they appear to be the perfect design for the family on the go. Visit our friends at sparkability to find out how to get one of your own.
Have fun and stay healthy,

Dr.MOZ