Napsack Baby Slings

Visit a Napsack in London!

2010-08-08T21:10:00.008+01:00

If you are within reasonable traveling distance of Harrow, London, why not pop in to Sling Jax and try out a Napsack Baby Carrier!

Five T.I.C.K.S for safe babywearing!

2010-03-26T19:06:00.000Z

A look at safe positioning in a sling

2010-03-24T19:39:00.002Z

Take a look at this : http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowTo/Positioning.pdf

It explains with pictures how to (and how not to) position your baby in a number of slings.

Please note, none of the slings shown are BAG Slings.

Another important press release

2010-03-24T17:28:00.001Z

UK Industry Response to Recall of Infantino ‘Bag Style’ Baby Carriers

Press Release

For Immediate Release

UK Industry Response to Recall of Infantino ‘Bag Style’ Baby Carriers

In light of the current recall of the Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” slings in the UK, Europe and North America, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Retailers and Manufacturers says, “We are pleased that steps have been taken to ensure that using a baby sling is a safe way to carry your baby. If you are using a ‘bag style’ baby carrier and have concerns, we urge you to contact the manufacturer. The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.”

Advice for Parents

If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recall”.

If you use a ‘bag-style’ carrier, you can contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings.

If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”

When using a baby sling, follow these basic principles:

Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight

In view at all times

Close enough to kiss

Keep chin off the chest

Supported back

~~ENDS~~

Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 23/03/2010

Media enquiries to Antonia on 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668

Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429

Notes to Editors

More information on Baby Sling Safety will be added to www.babyslingsafe.com

Background

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, including a number linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.

To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:

Benefits of Baby Wearing

In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members

Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, Born, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales,Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection,Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind, Wilkinet

Antonia

Antonia Chitty

Inspirational Business Mum of the Year 2009

Finalist, Women on Their Way Women’s Advocate Award – tba March 19th 2010

Freelance Writer and Author of books including:

A guide to Promoting Your Business - The Mumpreneur Guide

Special Needs Child – Family Friendly Working

@antoniachitty antonia@acpr.co.uk 07900 580668 - 0845 643 1874 – 7a Channel View Bexhill TN40 1JT

Release Date: 03/24/10 07:33:00

[i] For examples of these cases and further reading see “Increased Carrying Reduces Infant Crying: A Randomized Controlled Trial” an article written by Urs A. Hunziker MD and Ronald G. Barr MDCM, FRCP(C), “Saving My Baby” a blog post written on Fierce Mama’s Blog by Sarah Kaganovsky and Dr. Maria Blois’s book Babywearing.

[ii] Source: La Leche League International

Baby Sling Safety : A Press Release

2010-03-23T13:19:00.003Z

Press Release

For Immediate Release

UK Sling Companies Put Baby Safety First

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has raised concerns about “bag-style” baby carriers. It is thought that 14 deaths have occurred in the US over the last 20 years, all linked to the “bag-style” sling. UK Sling retailers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure that parents have the information they need to continue to use safe designs of baby carriers and position their babies in the safest way possible.

One design of sling now seems to have potential risks. In “bag-style” slings, the deep pouch where baby sits puts the baby in a potentially suffocating curved position. Excess fabric with an elasticized edge may cover baby’s face and inhibit breathing. The design may cause the baby’s face to turn in toward the carer’s body, potentially smothering the baby. It also obstructs the baby from the parent’s view, due to the high and gathered side panels.
The majority of baby carriers and slings are still safe to use, if they hold baby in proper alignment and fit snugly by design and instruction. These safe designs of sling include shallow pouch-style slings, ring slings, soft carriers and wrap slings.

Advice for Parents

If you carry your baby in a bag-style sling, Rebecca Ward, of the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers advises you to contact your local babywearing group through Sling Meet, www.slingmeet.co.uk, for advice on alternative slings. She says, “While we are unaware of any fatalities in the UK in these bag style slings at the present time, we would caution against using them in light of the recommendations by the US Safety Commission”. If you have another sort of baby carrier, Rebecca advises, “No safety problems have been brought to our attention with any other baby carriers. Make sure you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.” When using a baby sling, the advice provided by the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers is to follow these basic principles:

Keep your baby close and keep your baby safe. When you’re wearing a sling or carrier, don’t forget the T.I.C.K.S.

Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
~~ENDS~~
Issued by Antonia Chitty on behalf of Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers 22/03/2010
Media enquiries to Antonia on 0845 643 1874 or 07900 580668
Rebecca Ward: 0117 9082479 or 07525650429
Notes to Editors
More information on Baby Sling Safety will be added to www.babyslingsafe.com
To find out more about baby wearing and get advice on safe ways to carry your baby there are several trusted websites to help you:
· Slingmeet
· TheBabywearer.com
· Facebook page for Babywearing Safety
· Mothering.com
· LaLecheLeague
Benefits of Baby Wearing
In well-designed products, studies have shown that baby wearing is not only safe, but is actually beneficial. Such studies have shown that quality baby slings and carriers have been shown to save lives, improve health, decrease crying, increase IQ, and facilitate breastfeeding and bonding. [i] Studies have also shown that worn babies are happier and spend more time in the quiet alert phase. In this phase they benefit more than their non-worn peers in language development and knowledge acquisition. Babywearing also helps babies sleep better, and physical needs, including breastfeeding, are met more quickly by a close, responsive parent. Millions of babies over time have been worn to their benefit making baby slings and carriers more of a necessity than the often-publicized fashion accessory. [ii]

Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Members
Baba-licious, Baby Armadillo, Baby Bean, Babyhut, Big Mama Slings, BORN, Brightsparkslings, Calin Bleu, Close Parent, CN Sales, Daisy Chain Slings, HippyChick, Huggababy, Kari-Me, Lifft Slings, Little Possums, Mama Natura, Napsack, Natural Connection, Naturally Happy Slings, Natural Nursery, Ocah Carriers, SaSaSlings, Sling Jax, Slumber-Roo, Snugbaby, The Carrying Kind, Wilkinet

How to tie your Napsack Baby Mei Tai

2009-10-31T23:59:00.002Z

So how does a mei tai work? Aren't those straps complicated? Well click the image below and see for yourself!

Nursing in your Napsack

2009-10-30T01:26:00.004Z

For nursing, simply loosen the sling so that baby is in a lower position - inline with the breast, then re-tighten. You can then help baby to latch on in an upright position. See attached picture (arms can be out or put inside the sling for more privacy). Re position baby when nursing is finished.

Semi Custom Napsack

2009-05-25T21:33:00.003+01:00

The Natural Mamas forum winner has chosen some beautiful fabric for her Custom Napsack. She has chosen black straps. Beautiful!

And the winner is.....

2009-03-16T17:47:00.002Z

Yes we did it again. We held a prize draw for a free Napsack at the Baby Show ExCel

The winner is CHARLOTTE who has chosen Napsack Khaki. A great choice if I may say so :)

Congratulations to you.

Win a Semi CUSTOM NAPSACK!

2009-03-06T20:00:00.005Z

Napsack has not been available as a custom option for a long time now. However, as a special treat, Napsack has donated a semi custom slot for the competition at the Natural Mamas Forum.

Natural Mamas Forum

Go ahead and enter!

Banner mania

2009-02-14T01:43:00.005Z

We're all loved up for Valentines day. What do you think of our cool new banners?

New Napsack Colours

2009-02-03T23:54:00.003Z

Classic black on one side, deep dark chocolate on the other!

Get yours while stocks last : Napsack Shop

Grab a bargain - help the LLL

2009-01-25T11:39:00.002Z

There is a Napsack being auctioned on Ebay with the entire proceeds going the La Leche League!

Bid generously!

20% Off a Napsack....

2008-11-19T13:10:00.001Z

But be quick - offer ends 25/11/08!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=15196569&postcount=32

Napsack donates and you can too

2008-11-13T23:44:00.003Z

A very dear member of the babywearing community needs our help. Click on the image below for details.

There is a Napsack Baby Carrier up for grabs! Click here to see the listing.
If you are in a position to donate or bid please do.

Camo makes a come back!

2008-11-01T10:02:00.005Z

Since the Baby Show, we have been absolutely overwhelmed with requests for Napsack Camouflage and are happy to announce that it is now back in stock on the Napsack Baby website

Competition winner chose....

2008-10-30T13:49:00.003Z

Napsack Baby in Khaki. This gorgeous Napsack reverses to solid black.
Great choice Emma!

Baby Show Earls Court London

2008-10-21T23:11:00.006+01:00

We recently attended the Baby Show at Earls Court, London. We love the Baby Show and although we are all exhausted by day three, we left smiling having completely sold out of Napsack stock!

As usual, we held a free prize draw for a FREE Napsack Baby Carrier. The lucky winner is ... EMMA 'G' - Which Napsack will Emma choose? All will be revealed in due course :)

There were so many lovely babies, we just had to take photos for the Napsack gallery. Take a look at www.napsackbaby.com

Press Release

2008-06-01T00:10:00.004+01:00

BABY GEAR TREND WATCH:

NapsackBaby see’s big sales following Mothercare launch and Sunday Times feature
Sponsors of the ‘Summer Sling Show 2008’

LONDON (30th May, 2008) -- Rising popularity of “babywearing,” as the practice is called, has led to the wild success of Napsack Baby slings, of which a number of new designs will debut during the Summer Sling Show on 27th July 2008.

The use of slings to carry babies is an ancient tradition turned modern trend, and it’s now sweeping the UK. While it originated centuries ago in the developing world, babywearing is now enjoying resurgence in Western countries. It has become an indispensable practice for busy parents—as well as a fashion statement. Babywearers are spotted everywhere from supermarkets to fashion runways sporting a range of sling styles sewn from designer fabrics.

“The overall message from mums and dads is loud and clear: Parenting is easier with two free hands,” says Shani Dale, maker of Napsack Baby slings and founder of SlingJax.co.uk, which has a wide choice of slings and related products for sale or hire.

Dale established her business when she suffered from a condition that left her in crutches temporarily after the birth of her fourth child. During the early weeks of her son’s life, Dale struggled to find a way to carry him until she discovered the world of baby slings.

“Slings change lives, especially for parents with babies who do not want to be put down or who have acid reflux disease. The mother or father is able to carry baby and still chase after their brother or sister, make a sandwich—or even get a haircut or pedicure!” says Dale, who is so passionate about sharing the advantages of babywearing, she is in the process of creating a service that will provide free slings to families in need.

Shani Dale said ‘There has recently been a fantastic demand for her slings especially from Dads’ Shani Dale said ‘Dads feel great carrying their babies and some of our more gender neutral designs support their confidence’.

Mothercare were keen to support my product and it was this opportunity that made me leave my teaching career to develop my business. When the Sunday Times reviewed my story it was great to realise that I was making a positive difference to peoples lives.

In addition to convenience, babywearing also has many other benefits including enhanced parent-child bonding and relief from back strain and other aches and pains that can result from carrying a baby for hours at a time.

Napsack Baby slings offer a modern twist on an ancient style of baby carrier, called a mei tai, which originated in Asia centuries ago. A sturdy panel of fabric with four straps is used to securely tie the baby to the wearer’s front, back or hip.

With demand for modern slings on the rise, trade shows catering to parents and juvenile product industries are featuring many designs. Napsack Baby is sponsoring The Summer Sling Show in London on 27 July 2008, which will feature some of the latest trends in sling styles, fabrics and designs—including the new Napsack Buckle Carrier. Napsack Baby was also recently featured at The Baby Shows three-day exhibition in Birmingham on 16-18 May 2008.

About Napsack Baby
London-based Napsack Baby was developed in 2006 by Shani Dale, whose mission is to make babywearing comfortable as well as beautiful. Napsack Baby slings are an innovative design with a contoured body panel and uniquely shaped wide straps to distribute baby’s weight evenly across the back and shoulders for greater comfort. The Napsack Buckle Carrier combines the comfort of the original design with the modern convenience of buckles and Napsack’s trademark wide shoulder straps. Cost range £65-£85. Available at www.napsackbaby.com and select retailers.

For more information about the advantages of babywearing, please visit http://www.slingjax.co.uk/pages/info.php
To schedule an interview, please contact Kay at Napsack Baby via email: pr@napsackbaby.co.uk

Great site

2008-05-05T18:26:00.003+01:00

So we came across this today: Thisnext Clearly a great site!

Napsack goes to the Baby Show - NEC Birmingham

2008-05-02T01:53:00.006+01:00

Come and see us at stand F20

16-18th May 2008

NEC Birmingham

Mention "www.slingmeet.co.uk" for a 10% discount on the day!

Can baby face forward in a Napsack?

2008-04-23T20:07:00.006+01:00

Although this carry is not recommended for long periods it is perfectly viable if done correctly and as long as baby is happy. The sling is tied on in the same way as for front facing in, but baby is held the other way around and straps are placed under baby's arms. Baby's legs should be bent at the hips and knees and the bum positioned lower than the knees. Baby should be leaning backwards against your chest. You may need to fold the sling at the waist straps before putting it on to make the body shorter.

Sunday Times

2008-04-06T13:13:00.005+01:00

Napsack has been featured in the Sunday Times! Read the full article here.

Napsack went to the Harrogate Nursery Fair

2008-04-06T12:45:00.005+01:00

We were delighted to discover how many people turned up specifically to meet Napsack. It was an extremely busy three days but we had a lot of fun. Judging by the response, Napsack Baby is set to have a very busy year!

Summer Sling Show

2008-03-19T23:10:00.006Z

Napsack Baby is a proud sponsor of Summer Sling Show 2008 to be held at Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London. The date for your diary is 27th July 2008.

Napsack's been Chicken Scratch'd!

2008-02-08T02:48:00.000Z

Napsack has been complaining about his website. He's getting rather opinionated these days ... sigh. In order to appease him we introduced Napsack to Laura Jane of Chicken Scratch Studios. They got on like a house on fire and this is the awesome result! :

Mothercare

2008-01-20T12:59:00.000Z

Yes the rumours are true! Napsack is now being sold at Mothercare. This is a very exciting time for Napsack and for babywearing in general. At last parents can have a real alternative to the currently available baby carriers - now they can carry their babies in comfort for longer and still look great!

Four new Napsacks

2007-12-21T01:21:00.001Z

Hooray! Here are the four new Napsack colour combinations:

Chocolate Cherry

Creme de Coco

Classic Black

Camouflage Black

Each one is fully reversible

We think you'll agree that there is something for everyone :)

Fabric Samples ... AGAIN!

2007-10-17T03:17:00.000+01:00

Well its that time again ... time for a new selection of fabrics at Napsack! The samples are here and we are just playing around with different strap combinations. There are plans afoot for a few Napsack Lux's in this stocking, just in time for the festive season. Here is a sneek preview:

New Stock

2007-05-20T13:19:00.000+01:00

Phew! It has been crazy busy in the Napsack camp. We are finally getting through the pre-orders and should be able re-stock the Napsack site in a day or two.

Labels

2007-04-28T22:32:00.000+01:00

All Napsacks to be branded with the NapsackBaby logo!

Fabric Samples

2007-04-28T21:40:00.000+01:00

We received some of the fabric samples for the next stock of Napsacks. Strap colours are black, chocolate and natural.

About time

2007-04-28T20:01:00.000+01:00

Well it's time for Napsack to have his own Blog. At last.

What is Napsack? Napsack is a baby carrier. He was designed in Maine, USA by a mother who's baby would only sleep when held in her arms. Hence the name "NAP - sack". The design was inspired by the traditional Asian Baby Carriers also known as Mei Tai that have been used in Asia for thousands of years. The design underwent many incarnations before the Napsack that we know and love was born.

There are many Mei Tai style carriers, so what is so special about Napsack? Napsack is unique with its contoured body and oar shaped straps. It has a lightly padded body that is made up of no less than 5 layers. It is suitable for use with a newborn baby through to a toddler. The contoured shape of the body is narrow at the bottom for a small baby's legs and wide at the top providing privacy for nursing. The top folds down providing head support for a sleeping baby and allowing an older baby to look out at the world around. The wide straps "hug" the wearer, spreading the weight of the baby evenly with no pressure points. Each Napsack is fully reversible.

Napsack has been living in London, England since August 06. His website is called NapsackBaby and can be seen here: www.napsackbaby.com