How easy is it to use a Chrysalis Carriers sling?
What age is the carrier suitable for?
How old for each carry should my child be?
Is it possible to nurse my baby in the sling?
Are the carriers strong?
Who are the carriers suitable for?
Are the slings seasonal? How do I wear them in all weathers?
How much does it cost for a standard carrier?
Why should I carry my baby? What are the benefits?
How do I get a custom made sling?
The Mei Tai may look technical, but it really isn't. If you have used other types of slings you will probably tie without any effort, if this is your first babywearing experience, then welcome and be assured that after the first few times you have used the sling, you should be tying like a pro! It just takes a little bit of patience and care and once you and baby are happily together you will wonder why you never tried it before!Remember to experiment to find positions comfortable for both of you. The Podaegi takes a little more practice as it only has the 1 strap used to wrap around both mother and baby, however don't let this put you off! With a little practice it is a fantastic, secure and comfortable carrier..
What age is the carrier suitable for?
They are both suitable from young babies to toddler age (approximately 40lb). The front carry is recommended for younger babies, with their arms and possibly their legs tucked inside the sling. I believe that it would be possible to use the carrier for a newborn, but as I not tried this yet, I would advise waiting until your baby has head control until you wish to sling them upright. If you wish to hold your newborn in a reclining position then perhaps a ring or wrap sling would be more suitable initially. As your child ages, then you can experiment with more positions and find a comfortable carry for both of you. The back carry is excellent for older children as it is slightly more comfortable for mum for long periods of time. The carriers are also ideal to slip into a bag, and once your toddler becomes too tired to walk then you have it at the ready! As you can see from some of the pictures on my site, Charlie is 2 years old and is happily having a lift in the sling, with a comfortable mum to boot!
How old for each carry should my child be?
This is dependant upon your child, as they each progress at different levels. The front carry can be used for any age child. For young babies you may wish to keep their legs inside the pouch section and make sure that the material is providing good head support. Hip carries is more suited to children that have good sitting control, and the back carry requires good head control (there is a newborn back carry, but as I have not tried this, I have not provided any instructions for it). The most important thing is to use your common sense and safety. If your child does not seem comfortable in a position, then adjust or change positions as necessary.
Is it possible to nurse my baby in the sling?
Yes, this is possible. The front carry and possibly the hip carry are both suitable for this. Keeping baby secure, loosen the straps slightly so that baby is slightly lowered to make it easier to reach, re-tie and then feed away.
Are the carriers strong?
The carriers are both made from strong cotton drill, and all seams are double stitched and straps are re-inforced for extra strength and reassurance. As you can see from my photos under About Our Slings, the Mei Tai easily took my 11 year old niece, and the Podaegi made my 13 year old nephew very happy! They have also been tested with me having a ride as well (although as my bottom is more...mature than my niece's it wasn't a pretty photo!). As with anything that will be holding your child please check all stitching before you wear each time. Used correctly your Chrysalis Carrier should last you and your baby a long, happy time.
Who are the carriers suitable for?
Practically anyone can wear the standard size carriers. They are suitable for a wide range of sizes, different ages ranges, as well as for men or women (as there is always a reversible plain side on the standard carriers, men don't have to worry about having some decorative pattern they don't feel comfortable wearing!). The dimensions of each carrier are provided on their individual pages. All current photos used on my website have been taken using standard size Chrysalis Carriers.
Are slings seasonal? How do I wear them in all weathers?
Slings are definately not seasonal! Wear them all year round! Wear them inside and outside! Wear them anywhere and everywhere! In cold weather they are so versatile you can wear the sling over a coat or under a coat which can wrap around you and baby (probably not advisable in the back carry! although you can purchase special babywearing coats from other sites), or even wear a shawl to keep you both snug. In the summer, dress your baby in cool clothes, and let them feel the breeze with their legs and arms out of the sling. Please remember that as your baby is close to your body, they will also be getting your body heat as well as their own, so please make sure you take this into account when dressing your baby. In the wind your baby is protected from the worst of the elements by you and the sling, and in the rain, you can either dress your little one in a splash suit or kagoul, or hold an umbrella over both you. They are so versatile that there is very little that will stand in you or your baby's way!
How much does a standard carrier cost?
A standard Mei Tai carrier and short blanket Podaegi costs £28. The long blanket Podaegi is an additional £2.50 dependant upon decorative fabric chosen.. Postage and packaging is £3. All slings are sent first class post. As each sling is handmade upon order, please allow 7 days for your sling to be made, however we aim to have it to you earlier than this.
Why should I carry my baby? What are the benefits?
The benefits for you and your baby are numerous and there has been much research on the benefits of babywearing.
How many times has your child asked to come out of the pushchair or trolley, or just to be picked up for a cuddle? Do you need to get odd jobs done that little one won't let you do? Or what if you just don't want to take your pushchair around busy and clutted places? Babywearing keeps your baby close and happy without giving you aching arms after 5 minutes!
Not only does wearing your baby help you, but you will be happy to know it benefits your baby too. For example, carried babies cry less, especially when young babies just want to be carried. Imagine if you had been dumped out of your lovely warm secure home into the big wide bright world, you'd be scared too! Carrying your baby helps them feel secure and happy, and therefore they have no need to fuss or cry.
for further information on babywearing there are many websites that can give you more details, but one I recommend is www.thebabywearer.com which has a variety of imformation and forums on babywearing.
How do I get a custom made sling?
Click on the Contact Us section at the top of the website and advise us of what you are looking for. We will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss the options and costs.