Calin Bleu - The baby carrier of happy babies

New Website

2010-12-06T16:53:00.000Z

Our new look Calin Bleu Website is now operational and has been taking orders from Saturday 4th December. The new site boasts a custom design option for the microfleece fabric and the personalisation and embroidery option for the cotton wrap range. There is plenty in stock ready for the christmas push as our manufacturers have bent over backwards to accommodate and coincide their production with the launch and our thanks go to them.
9 British Companies benefit or have benefitted every time a Calin Bleu Wrap is purchased - as we exclusively use British Companies in our process from the importing of the fabric material direct to the delivery of the wrap(s) to our retailers and direct clients.
We are proud to be British and proud to support Britain.

A beautiful video to celebrate International Babywearing week

2009-09-14T10:41:00.003+01:00

Babywearing International has released this beautiful video to celebrate International Babywearing Week.
International babywearing week takes place between Sept 21 and Sept 29th and is a great opportunity to share the joy of carrying our children. Check out the website for more details.

Sling Meeting in Histon, Cambridgeshire

2009-09-03T16:36:00.003+01:00

The mums at Truly Bumptious are helping mums and dads find the baby sling that will work for them. The next meeting is on Saturday September 5th 10h30-12pm.

Victoria says: "If you're interested in wearing your baby in a sling, come along & find out more; drink coffee and meet other parents. Try out all of our slings and see what suits you or bring along one you already have and get some help with different ways to use it."

Truly Bumptious Ltd
51 Station Road
Histon
CB24 9LQ
Tel: 01223 501023

Try a sling at the API meeting in Peoria, Illinois

2009-09-03T15:48:00.002+01:00

The Attached Parenting International (API) of Peoria, Illinois has many baby slings for you to try on, including a new fleece baby wrap. Beth emailed to say: "The wrap was waiting for me when I returned from a short vacation. How excited I was! It is so lovely and cuddly, perfect for the cool days we're starting to have. I've never tried such a cozy wrap."

Join them on Saturday, September 19th, 2009, from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie center court for "Handmade on the Prairie: a fundraiser for Attachment Parenting International of Peoria." Explore and enjoy goods from our many vendors ranging from books, scrapbooking, and home goods to cloth diapers, handmade soaps, toys, and much more!
Learn more about Attachment Parenting, childbirth and babywearing.
Try on a new baby/child carrier and learn where to buy your own.
Join us for a day of fun and fundraising "on the Prairie!"
Grand Prairie Center Court, 5201 W. War Memorial Dr., Peoria, IL, USA.

http://www.apipeoria.org/

Low stock on very popular baby wraps

2009-09-02T16:42:00.002+01:00

We are running really low on stock for the Cloud M and the Teal both M and L.
They are both very popular so it won't be long before they're gone. Grab yours now!

Selling some wrap fabric

2009-08-24T21:37:00.000+01:00

I have two pieces of fabric for sale:

- A piece of a green wrap: about 4.30 by 60cm, cut on one end, hemmed with red
thread

- 2 pieces of a cloud wrap: twice 2.10m by 60cm approx, hemmed.

£5 each plus postage, email us

Thanks!

Buy your baby wrap in the US

2009-08-19T20:19:00.002+01:00

Just a 'wee' reminder as the Scots say that our customers in the US can buy their Calin Bleu baby wraps from Attached to Baby.
Attached to Baby is well known for their excellent customer service and their fast shipping. Don't hesitate to contact Sara and her team, she'll be able to help you.

New Simple Baby Slings...

2009-08-18T20:05:00.003+01:00

The Simple baby slings have just arrived, take a look!

Slightly shorter than our normal range of baby wraps, there are so many reasons to choose a simple wrap?

* Great to start carrying your little one while watching your budget
* Buy a second wrap when the first one is the wash
* Shorter wraps are convenient for back carries
* Shorter wraps are ideal for petite mums (sz 6-8)
* Compact to keep in your handbag as a backup sling.
* Convenient for quick carries like the simple cross carry

Now available in Yummy Chocolate, Mystic Cloud and Brilliant Red
Size 4.20-4.30m 100% cotton, we recommend washing before using.

Winners of the baby sling competition

2009-08-11T15:00:00.003+01:00

We are pleased to (finally!) announce the three winners of our babywearing dad competition.

Matt, Nick and Amber's husband-who-forgot-to-give-us-his-name ;) all win a Calin Bleu baby sling.

It's been a pleasure reading you all. Keep an eye out for more testimonials published over the next few days and for a new competition! More free baby slings to be won!

2009-08-06T11:25:00.003+01:00

The new school year starts soon (at least in Scotland!) and I feel the need to make the office nice and tidy to start the year on the right foot. So I'm clearing my shelves (again!)

2 medium natural baby slings: £30 incl postage

1 amber wrap sling medium: £30 incl postage

1 red S (this one might have been washed, I'm not sure): £25 incl postage

1 green medium (not exactly the shade shown on the photo, slightly more moss green, the hem is done with a cream thread), super soft and crinkly gauze. £30 incl postage

And a used charcoal fleece baby wrap £25 incl postage

email me: anneATcalinbleu.com

Thanks

A babywearing book, well, a kangaroo ...

2009-08-05T18:33:00.004+01:00

Another cute little book to add to our collection of children babywearing books. Where are you Blue Kangaroo? by Emma Chichester Clark is the story of a little girl looking for her blue kangaroo every where in the house. In the last image she carries it in what looks like a sling.

We're back!

2009-08-04T15:32:00.004+01:00

Well, it's been a busy summer around here. Thanks to our lovely shipping team, we were able to stay open while the family traveled around France, visiting friends and relatives.

Now we're back and more stock is coming in tomorrow. More at the end of the month as well, and a new colour for the fleece wraps as well... surprise!

We received this lovely email from Emma after she received her wrap sling and she added a photo, she's kindly agreed to let me share it. If you have some photos of your baby in a baby sling, send them to us, it's always a pleasure to see them.

Hi Anne. I just wanted to thank you for my sling! Alfie and I have used it every day since it arrived - perfect for the lovely hot weather we have been having. Alfie was born with club feet and has to wear a brace 23 hours a day. As an experienced babywearer I looked forward to carrying him when he was born but found all of our existing carriers were no good with his brace. Since your wrap arrived we have delighted in being close so much more without causing backache! A million thank you's! Emma and Alfie xx

A future babywearing dad...

2009-07-22T20:18:00.002+01:00

First a word of apologies for things being quiet around here. We are busy making the most of the summer and enjoying going around with the kids, catching up with relatives, travelling but Calin Bleu is still open. We're doing our best to reply to enquiries as quickly as possible. Our lovely shipping team, Aidan and Catherine are busy as ever sending your wraps quickly.

Back to our babywearing dad competition, this is a word from a future babywearing dad:
"All I really have to say is give it a try! I occasionally carried our oldest daughter in a cheap and uncomfortable baby carrier. Now we get to baby number 3 and we don't have a buggy or a pram in sight. My wife wanted to buy a stroller "just in case" her back was hurting or something, but I encouraged her to cross that bridge if we come to it. I think babywearing is really important and it's already obvious to me the benefits our youngest daughter is getting from being close to Mummy or Daddy most of the time."

Come and meet the mums of the Southampton Sling Meet

2009-06-25T11:07:00.001+01:00

Southampton Sling Meet was founded in November 2008 by two local Mums who enjoyed 'wearing' their babies and wanted to give others the chance to try out some of the many available slings, many of which are currently not for sale in high street shops. Our Sling Meet also provides an opportunity to meet other babywearers and obtain advice on using carriers which you may already own. Alongside the Sling Meet, we run the Southampton Sling Library, which means that you can take a sling home with you to try out for a month for a small charge.

The Sling Meet moved to The Windmill Children's Centre in April 2009 and the new venue is proving to be a huge success. There are lots of toys for older children to play with, as well as an adjoined room in which we can lay out the slings.

For more information on our meets and what we currently have in the library, please see www.southamptonslingmeet.com

Babywearing dads rock!

2009-06-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

Babywearing is just for mums ….

I'm a fairly traditional chap, and when son #1 arrived I had a fairly traditional idea of what was involved

Cot – check
clothes – check
pram – check …

Having an older sister who already had two children we inherited a bunch of bits and bobs, one of which was a fairly standard Baby Bjorn carrier. When we jetted off to the US ten weeks later it was an obvious item for the trip. That said, it was hardly used, little one was easy enough to carry – especially for a big strong bloke (Ahem …)

When we returned from holiday the carrier was resigned to the back of the cupboard, and the pram was the transport of choice. Simple, convenient, and we'd spent 400-odd pounds on it…

Son #2 arrived just under 2 years later, and 8 months later we were off on Holiday again. After a few days of carrying the (Rather clingy) 8-month old around the hills, and rugged streets of France, my wife gave the a sling a try and it turned out to be a god-send (We didn't take a carrier of our own – but our sister-in-law had a mei-tai baby sling with her).

When my arms got tired (About 5 minutes in – I'm pathetic I know!), she would strap him on and off we'd go – tricky little lanes were a breeze, and forest tracks were a doddle. We got to see so many places that would have been completely impractical with a pushchair.

I, of course, being a beer-swilling, football watching, manly-man didn't touch the sling at all, preferring to struggle along swapping arms every ten minutes to spread the strain rather than "look like a bit of a tree-hugger".

My wife, of course, immediately saw the advantages (Did I mention that son #2 was a bit clingy and son #1 was toddling around like a man on a mission?) and set about fashioning her own sling for around the house, and when out and about so she could carry #2 and still get stuff done.

I, on the other hand, was still resolutely a pushchair kind of guy – after all I could always carry him if needs be – right? Well, time for a confession … I'm not even as manly as I perhaps made out (Apart from the beer-swilling!), and carrying a child in your arms for any length of time, especially when they get 6 months plus and wriggle constantly is actually quite hard work.

So, the next summer came around, and we were off again. This time we stuck to the UK, but with two children there was little space left in the boot for the pushchair once we'd got various toys, books, cuddly toys, clothes, nappies, etc wedged in. "No worries" piped the wife, "we'll just take the sling".

Hmmmm…

Not being in much of a position to argue, off we set. At this point Son #1 was almost 3 and a half and generally pretty good at walking, and son #2 was 18 months old and walking for short distances. If it was flat, and there were no distractions, and if he felt like it, and if luck was on your side.

In short, I was looking at two weeks of him wriggling in my arms, or on my shoulders and associated neck ache.

A few days in, having struggled to navigate shops, and events with #2 careering off into the distance in pursuit of a "big dog daddy look!" out came the sling. We were actually off that day to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta – a great event, that is hosted in a park.

A park in England … in the good old British summer. It was wet. Very wet.

Less a park, more a mud-field… and the car park was helpfully about a mile away, up what I swear was a 90 degree muddy slope.

So, on went the sling, and I felt like Saul on the road to Damascus.

Considering how heavy he was to carry normally, and how much he wriggled, the sling truly was a revelation – I could hardly tell he was there. Apart, that is, that I got to talk to him; all day we chattered, we watched the Red Arrows fly overhead together, pulled silly faces at each other, and sniffed out the doughnut stand together.

From that point on the sling was a firm favourite as I got to go out wherever we fancied without worrying about whether a pushchair would make it up the track, or whether my arms would drop off! The best bit, however was the time we spent together that would otherwise have been completely missed out on with a pushchair in the way.

My only regret about babywearing is that I didn't put aside my macho pretences and try it sooner!

babies, twins, dads and baby slings...

2009-06-22T17:14:00.000+01:00

Thanks Chris for taking the time to email us.
Remember, you still have a couple of days to email us your stories. Are you cool dad who uses baby slings?

For us a sling was a must we have twins and dual breastfeeding for my wife tricky, we found that if I had one of the babies next to me and I walk about singing and talking, this gives a bit of time for feeding one.

They are absolutely though such a natural way to be with your little one and that little warm body next to yours is a memory to treasure.

Thanks Simon & all the babywearing dads

2009-06-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

We are getting more lovely emails from dads around the world who enjoy carrying their children. Tell us why you love 'baby wearing' for a chance to win one of 3 free baby slings. Today, it's Simon writing:

It started when my wife bought a stretchy wrap. I liked the adaptability and how many different positions she could carry our baby in, it was very clever, although I wasn't a keen fan of how long it was! I liked the idea though of carrying my son so close, and to be able to get good quality time with him, as being breast fed means he was and still does spent a lot of time with his mum. She wrapped me and baby in it and it felt wonderful. I had my little baby son all snug and tight, close to me. Just thinking about it fills me with so much love. It's hard to explain the bond I feel when I carry my son, I'm just so close to him when he's wrapped in the sling with me.

After learning how to use the stretchy wrap I soon found my own technique of getting him in it that I was comfortable with. From here the wife bought and borrowed many more styles, all slightly different, and I haven't found any I dislike. Each has something different that I like, taller, wider, longer, shorter, less stretchy, firmer etc. I soon had an opportunity to buy my own wrap, a manly one with skulls on! I hasten to point out that I've never felt uncomfortable or embarrassed in ANY wrap I've used. I always feel a great pride carrying my son, not only do I feel such closeness, warmth, love and bonding, but I look at everyone waiting for a reaction! So many people look or stare, I love it! To say I'm a proud Dad is an understatement, and the wrap helps me to show of my boy, and the attention it gets gives me an excuse to show him off, not that he needs it! I jump at every chance to carry him, I'm all excited inside as I ask the wife calmly if I can carry him, hoping she wont want to carry him today.

Not only does the wrap give me such a wonderful bonding with my son, but it helps to calm him very quickly. It's usually near instant from having an upset baby, to one in the sling with me that has calmed and I'm holding close to me as I sooth him. It's not often we use the pushchair now, and that was my pride and joy! The sling is not only more comfortable but it gives me 2 free hands, I don't have far to look to check he is ok, and getting about a busy town is sooooo much simpler without the pushchair. He is now nearly 7 months old and it's still comfortable, wraps distribute the weight evenly over your upper body, making it very easy.

Dads, if you haven't worn a wrap and carried your baby around town or whilst food shopping, I urge you to try it. The bond and closeness is the most wonderful thing in the world. It can been colourful, patterned, or just plain black, give it a go and you'll realise I'm not a Dad gone mad!

Did I mention the time I carried him facing forwards at the zoo? I could go on for days! Thank you for reading the ramblings of a proud baby carrying Dad, in England.

Simon

Babywearing dads, thanks guys for your lovely emails

2009-06-21T10:00:00.001+01:00

Only a few more days to take part in our babywearing dads competition and win some free baby slings

Before our daughter was born, I thought it would be nice to have the kiddo close to me in a baby carrier. Once Madeleine was actually born, I found I enjoy it even more. I didn't know quite what it would be like, and it's even better than I thought. I love having her right there next to me, able to see my face and make a connection with me.

My favorite part of babywearing is watching Madeleine look around at everything, whipping her head from side to side to see it all. It's fun to see her get so excited about the world. Of course, wearing her also gives me lots of opportunities to kiss the top of her head.

I like to wear her while we're walking around the neighborhood, to the park, coffee shops, or down to the harbor. I wear her every other day or so, and she seems to like it a lot more than being pushed in a stroller!
~Dakota Bailey (and Madeleine, 3 months)

See of green, a baby sling in the Iran demonstrations

2009-06-20T10:13:00.002+01:00

I came across this website while reading news about Iran. And half way down the page, there's a mum carrying her child in an Ergo.

We often cite among the benefits of babywearing that the baby is close to mum, can hear her voice, feel her heartbeat, smell her scent, which help the child 'interpret' the world around them. A loud fire engine siren in our streets startles mum but doesn't scare her, the baby learns that it's not a dangerous noise. I can't even begin to imagine what the experience of such a huge crowd would be for this child without his mum close.

Thanks Victoria (babybean) for your help, I wasn't sure it was an ergo or something else.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Iranian people, we are praying for their safety, peace and freedom.

A babywearing dad at the zoo

2009-06-20T10:00:00.001+01:00

You still have a few days to win one of 3 free baby slings

I love being a baby-wearing daddy!
These photos are of my daughter Faith on her 1st birthday last week, we went to the zoo for the day and the baby carrier meant that Faith could see everything at the right level and she could interact with me and the animals!

Carrying her makes me feel proud - proud to be a babywearing dad, proud of my daughter and proud of what a little character she is! She is very much a daddies girl and so whenever we go out we take at least one carrier with us so that if she wants daddy snuggles then she can have daddy snuggles and daddy can still do all the things he needs to (like the shopping!).

Our second daughter is due in October and this time we hope to wear her from the outset and I think that baby wearing will allow us to achieve a great father-daughter bond.

From
Matt - daddy baby-wearer, husband of Suzie - also baby wearer!

Another cool babywearing dad

2009-06-19T10:00:00.002+01:00

Remember, you still have a few days to win one of 3 free baby slings. Here is the email we receive from Rob, cool photos too!

So your e-mail caught me on my Thursday treat day, when I have sole charge of our 17month old monster, I know that if I didn't enter this and my wife ever found out that I'd missed a chance of a competition my life wouldn't be worth living so here goes!

My wife decided that she wanted to wear George from very early on and was lent a Bjorn Borg by her sister, but that was quickly forgotten about, as she never really liked the way that he hung in it, I never understood the poppers and buckles so never even tried just went along with whatever she said. When George was about 6 months she bought a mei tai, it was black and had skull and crossbones all over it, so I thought it looked pretty cool, but what on earth did you do with those straps? So that was another one that I never really touched, until she hurt her back, only slightly but enough to not be able to carry George when we were doing the school run, so occasionally for a week I was chief carrier (with her tying the baby to me, I still had no idea what to do.

It was about this time that our summer holiday arrived, and that is when I found the love of baby carriers, by this time, she had managed to sneak another one into the house, this time a ring sling, and I discovered that when camping in mud up to your knees I was able to still move about, the pushchair had sunk on the first day, and being a responsible parent I was even able to hold a pint in my other hand, just don't tell anyone that bit!!!

Slowly Sarah's carrier collection grew, some of which I have no idea where they came from, but I enforced a rule of one in one out, so she sold my skull and cross bones carrier, much to my disgust, it did however get me to change my rule to, you can only have as many as will fit in the basket where they live, she likes to think that I don't know how many are there, but I do and I now have come to terms with the fact that the woman is obsessed!!

In return for my carrier that went, she got hold of a second hand connecta, which I have fallen in love with, I can even manage to get it on without any help, although sometimes he is a bit wonky, but as he has got older I have realised just why she loves wearing him all the time, to be able to walk along and have your little fella chatting away in your ear is the most fantastic feeling, only beaten by the feeling of his head nuzzling into the gap between your shoulders while he falls asleep (although I need him to get out of the dribbling quite so much!).

I know am looking forward to the summer, another holiday of music festivals, hopefully not so muddy, but with the advantage that there will be no buggy being taken instead I will pick the carriers, I'm secretly quietly happy that she is now pregnant again, which means by the summer I will be doing most of the wearing of my little fella, obviously not for my own benefit, but for the benefit of my wife, I wouldn't want to put any strain on her

So that is my baby wearing story, I look forward to the future, the joys of having a toddler up and down and the learning curve of those long wraps with the new baby, how she does that I'll never know, but I really hope to learn as when she has tied George onto me I know just how comfortable it has felt, if only I could do it myself, without tripping over, but for now I will carry on with my connecta, and the ring sling and carry on telling all my pregnant friends just how amazing it feels to be so close to your little one!

Pictures included are of the connecta enabling a family hike and the rocking baby ring sling (or how to keep three kids under control and still enjoy a music festival, although remember to keep an eye out for those pesky little fingers!)

Rob

More lovely photos from babywearing dads

2009-06-18T09:00:00.005+01:00

We are getting more lovely emails from dads around the world who enjoy carrying their children. Tell us why you love 'baby wearing' for a chance to win one of 3 free baby slings.

I love it as it keeps my child close to my heart and comforts them with the beat of my heart. I have always loved carrying my children in this way and if my wife has any more children, I cant wait to do this again.
I love the chance to bond as well, most of all I love my child's smell!
Also its the looks I get and the attention which I must not grumble about especially as I am nearing my 40s!
John

For us a sling was a must we have twins and dual breastfeeding for my wife tricky, we found that if I had one of the babies next to me and I walk about singing and talking, this gives a bit of time for feeding one.
They are absolutely though such a natural way to be with your little one and that little warm body next to yours is a memory to treasure.
Chris

Meet Nick, another sling dad...

2009-06-17T12:22:00.007+01:00

We're enjoying hearing from all babywearing dads and how much they love carrying their children. Today, Nick sent us this lovely photo and this email. Thanks Nick for sharing with us!

Remember, you still have a few days to win one of 3 free baby slings

I'd like to tell you about my babywearing experiences so far and enter the competition.

My daughter is only 14 weeks old so I've not been wearing her for long and I am still somewhat of a novice (my wife has to help me tie it up!) but I already know that it allows for an amazing closeness and makes me feel so proud to be a dad.

I work long hours during the week and only see my daughter for a half an hour in the mornings, and then half an hour each evening. I often feel that I am missing out on such a lot of our bonding times because I am away from her so much during the week. However, babywearing has enabled me to spend good quality time with her on the weekends and really develop our father and daughter bond.

I love wearing her walking around shops or walking down near the beach and she will often fall asleep whilst in the sling, which makes me feel so proud. I'm glad she's so close to me and I can't imagine sitting her in a stroller when she would feel so far away from me. I love to feel her close and I love that she gets used to me, my smell and my voice. My wife doesn't get a look in on the weekends as, as far as I'm concerned, the weekend means it daddy's turn to babywear!

My wife will probably tell you that she wears a baby sling for the convenience, but for me babywearing has really helped me to really bond with my little girl and make up for those times that I am away from her during the week. I am a proud proud father when I wear the sling and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I hope that this does help other dads. The closeness that you get from wearing your child in a sling is so hard to put into words but I really hope this helps others.

I've attached a photograph of me with my daughter Sylvie in a wrap.

Some lovely contributions from sling dads

2009-06-16T16:10:00.003+01:00

The Father's Day baby slings competition has another 10 days but I can't resist sharing some of the lovely emails we've already received. Keep them coming!

"Why do we carry Fien?
- because roads are not accessible for strollers, shops are even worse (and we are bad drivers bumping into everything:-))
- because a wrap sling doesn't take much space in the car
- because a wrap sling can be used for other purposes as well: blanket, table cloth, cloth to sit upon on the grass, strap for a chair, "hangmat" (is that the English word as well?)...
- because Fien is at the same height as yourself, so she can see what we can see, and that starts a conversation
- the height has also safety advantages: no risk for dog bites, no inhalation of car gasses,...
- because you can see what your baby is up to: happy, snotty :-), sleepy,...
- because there is no clumsiness with the umbrella to keep you baby's face out of the sun (she'll turn her head) - because it opens conversations, you get to speak to people you don't know - because she doesn't want to sit in that stupid stroller anymore - because the weather is no objection for a walk: you carry your baby, bring an umbrella and both will remain dry - because sooner or later during the walk, your child needs to be carried anyway, so you'd better have the support of the wrap.

How many times have we seen toddlers whining because they don't want to walk or sit in the stroller, until dad picks them up... and that's bad for your back...

When Fien returns from the daycare centre, she needs our full attention, she needs to be carried, so that's what we do every day after daycare! And when she's ill or teething, she needs more attention. We can do our household chores while she's in the wrap sling. Multitasking is the word :-)!"

There's a new sling shop in Cambridge

2009-06-15T16:05:00.003+01:00

Cambridge Bumps has opened a shop to sell maternity & nursing wear, cloth nappies, baby slings, baby clothes and much more: Truly Bumptious
Visit them at 51 Station Road, Histon, CB24 9LQ.
Tel: 01223 501023
Tuesday - Friday, 10.00 - 4.00pm, Saturday 9.30 - 3.00pm
They can also offer appointments outside these times.

You can browse a large range of maternity clothes in all sizes from 8 to 20+ and from designer and High Street brands. The business was set up by Victoria & Jake Ward who have two young children. Victoria found it difficult to find maternity clothes in Cambridge and was reluctant to spend huge sums of money on clothes which she knew she wouldn't get much wear from. After the birth of her daughter in February 2007, she decided to set up Cambridge Bumps and help other Mums-to-be to find good quality affordable maternity and nursing clothes.

Truly Bumptious stocks Calin bleu baby wraps in all sizes and colours.

Calling all baby slings dads! Celebrate Father's day with us.

2009-06-11T11:25:00.004+01:00

I have to admit I have a soft spot for baby sling dads. They look so sweet with their little ones snuggled up on their chest or excitedly discovering the world perched on their back! Tell us your baby wearing stories, the high and lows of living the life of a baby sling dad. Why do you love carrying your baby? What decided you to use a baby sling? What do you do when you're together? Do you feel it allows you to build a special connection with your little one or is it just the convenience... we want to know everything.

Your words will help other dads who are thinking about getting a baby sling. Send us your photos of cool baby slings dads too! Any sling, anywhere, we want to them all.

Email us your stories and photos to: competitionATcalinbleu.com before June 25th, 2009. 3 entries will drawn at random to win a baby sling. They will be able to choose among the fleece baby slings and the cotton baby slings.

Baby Sling Clearout!

2009-06-01T22:25:00.003+01:00

It's this time of the year again, I'm clearing out the shelves of our demo models/ my own wraps...

- Gauze wrap size M chocolate, washed twice before using. In VGC apart from some white marks on it, not sure what it is and haven't tried to wash it. Old style middle label. £25 including postage.

- Gauze wrap size L amber colour. New no packaging a bit crumpled. £30 including postage.

- Gauze wrap green L. New no packaging a bit crumpled. £30 including postage.

- Gauze wrap red 5.20m. New no packaging a bit crumpled.
£30 including postage.

- Red S no packaging, new (I think!) £25 including postage

plus selling two of my old wraps, a plain charcoal fleece wrap and a navy sky wrap. Both well used so selling £20 including postage.

A pen with a baby sling!

2009-05-21T14:07:00.003+01:00

Look what someone brought me from Japan, a 'baby wearing' pen.

I love the sleeping baby face on his mummy's back.

We have a lot of customers from Japan, the Cool Wrap baby slings work well in the hot summer.

Another baby slings book!

2009-04-30T19:47:00.001+01:00

You'll be familiar by now with my beloved collection of children books showing babies carried in baby slings, wraps, blankets, baskets...

The latest addition to our collection came from the Salvation Army. I love charity shops and their unexpected quirky finds like this one. Fun on the bus shows people getting on and off the bus.

This simple little book has a little baby carried in a baby carrier facing forward. Carrying a baby facing forward isn't necessarily the most comfortable for mum or baby but it's very common and lovely to see babies not in a pram.

A new find in my library of baby slings books

2009-04-24T10:11:00.003+01:00

I love finding children's books with images of babies being carried, even if it's not part of the main story. It slowly builds a picture where carrying babies is normal, part of every day life, the 'obvious' way to look after a baby.

'Aani and the Tree Huggers' is dear to my heart as it shows an Indian woman bouncing her baby on her back while opposing men from the city who came to fell down the forest. I haven't come across many photos or images of Indian women carrying babies in a sling (and if you are aware of any, please get in touch, I would love to hear from you).
Reading 'Aani and the Tree Huggers' also brought up an interesting conversation with my daughter on the power of women and of non-violence. She was amazed to discover that strength isn't just physical strength (I can lift my little brother she said) but inner strength.

If you know of more books showing children in baby slings, we'd love to hear from you.

Sling meet, learn to use your baby slings

2009-03-21T14:39:00.003Z

It's been a while since I last posted about sling meets.
Mums (and dads) are meeting up regularly around the UK to learn to use their slings, decide which one to buy, talk about their babies, their joys and difficulties, meet new friends, build the confidence to carry their children on their back ...
There is no set format for the sling meetings. Some groups choose a topic for each meetings, a type of carriers, or a type of carry, other groups are very informal, answering the mum's questions and exchanging tips on how to use their own baby carrier. Sometimes, the fabric just needs to a bit more snug, the baby a bit higher, with her legs wide apart in a froggy position. It makes a world of difference when it comes to carrying your baby for long periods of time.

In Glasgow, we meet once a month on a Friday at The Lane in the West End.
It's a cafe with comfortable sofas where we can both enjoy a coffee and pizza while trying on new baby carriers. We all bring our slings and usually have a wide selection of baby slings for you to try.

Everyone is welcome, many new mums come before their baby is born. They get a good idea of what to buy so they can use their baby slings from day 1. A few tiny babies and toddlers.

It's a nice time together, relaxing and informative. My favourite moments is when a mum's eye light up saying: 'Oh wow that's comfortable, I can't feel his weight'.
So come and join us. Find the details of your local meeting.

A changing bag to go with your baby slings

2009-03-20T15:42:00.002Z

It's not always easy to find a comfortable bag to go with your baby slings. It needs to be big enough to hold all the bits and bobs baby needs for the day, yet light to carry and rest on your shoulder comfortably no matter how your baby sling is tied that day.

A baby wearing mum has invented the Boho Mama Bag with an adjustable shoulder.
She is giving the pattern free on-line (on the express condition that it is not used for commercial reasons, please read her blog carefully)

A clever design for a very convenient bag!

What people think of their baby slings

2009-03-19T14:30:00.003Z

Today we got a lovely email from Esther in New Zealand. She sent us a picture of herself with her 3 year-old son.

Esther says: "I managed to get my 13kg, 2 years and 10months son up in the Calin Bleu wrap!
It wasn't the best tied wrap but he must have been comfy, he was asleep in no time.
Your wraps are wonderful, even with toddlers! It was a hot and muggy day here, so the CB was the perfect wrap sling."

Esther makes ring slings in New Zealand. She is part of the Down Under baby wearing community.
If you're local, you can also attend baby slings workshops and borrow baby slings (including 2 Calin Bleu) from the sling lending libraries.

Have you had a baby suffering from reflux?

2009-02-24T21:16:00.003Z

Today I was helping a new mum with a baby suffering from reflux. She had been recommended to use a sling to carry her baby upright while breastfeeding and after feeding.
Many customers have mentioned that they liked their Calin Bleu wrap to carry their reflux baby. The fleece wrap can be just wiped clean during the day and washed and dried overnight. The cotton wrap also washes easily with your normal laundry and can dry overnight.
Carry your reflux baby can be carried upright in the wrap while you're feeding or after feeding, just use the normal wrap cross carry.

Becky at BigMamaSlings has also helped us with more advice. Her children also suffer from silent reflux. She recommends wedging a pillow under the changing mat, avoid bouncing the baby to comfort them, and most of all, if you're breastfeeding, remove all dairy products from your diet. You might have to check the list of ingredients in anything you buy as dairy might be hiding in unexpected places...

If you have any advice or tips that worked for you and your little one, I would love to hear from you so that we can pass your advice to other mums. Tell me your story, how old was your little one when you noticed something wasn't right, what did you try, what worked, and what didn't. Thank you very much for your help

The new baby slings are ready to go!

2009-02-05T16:15:00.004Z

The new baby slings have arrived, they're all here, nice and soft, ready for a little one to snuggle up while mummy and daddy can get on with their lives.

Which baby carrier will it you choose? Amazing Amber? Nicely red or Tempting Green?

For parents who wish to carry two children or plus-size parents, we have a handful of size XL (6.0m) baby wraps available.

A new baby carrier for spring!

2009-01-30T12:44:00.007Z

Calin Bleu is opening 2009 with a new selection of colours, cheerful, elegant, fashionable. As usual, the classic colours will suit both mums and dads and will go with very pretty much everything in your wardrobe.
Sure, the most important things in choosing a baby sling are comfort and safety. The 'look' of it is also important. You need to feel good wearing your sling. You will be wearing your wrap day in and day for a long time so keep that in mind when you choose.

The new wraps are even softer than before, the fabric has a slight crinkle which makes them even more comfortable, especially for older children.
We also have a limited number of XL wraps (5.60m) for XL parents and if you wish to carry two children at the same time.

help us name the new colours

2009-01-22T21:58:00.004Z

We have three new colours coming in soon: red (left), amber and green (below).

We are looking for colour names for our new wraps, rich red or cheerful red? gleaming amber? sereen green or gleaming green? nicely red, truly red, mossy green, if you have any idea, let us know FAST!

They are all dyed now, they'll be on their way to us within a couple of weeks.

We are still waiting for a photo of the amber. If you're in the Glasgow area and have a young baby, email us with a photo of you and your baby.

Cool kind kid clothes make an entry at Calin Bleu

2009-01-10T12:35:00.000Z

Calin Bleu is pleased to introduce a new range of organic clothing for children. We're not really baby pink and baby blue kinda people, give us funky, nice clothes for our kiddos.

And here comes Arabella Miller!
Their clothing is 100% organic cotton, even the inks are certified organic. The choice of lovely prints makes it a great new baby present!

New colours on the way! Cheerful baby slings

2009-01-09T12:16:00.000Z

Look at what's coming soon at Calin Bleu. A lovely mossy green, much brighter than the olive without being too bright. Perfect for spring!

Also coming soon is an amber wrap, slightly peachy, the photo will come soon. We're working on that. If you're in Glasgow and you would like to model for us, just drop us an email: infoATcalinbleu.com with the age of your baby and a recent picture of you and your little one.

Grab your cameras and get a chance to win an 'enhanced' shot of your children

2009-01-09T12:07:00.004Z

Not a sling-related post today but a fun competition to enter with the children. Budding photographers, take out your cameras and have fun!

www.enhance-me.com is running a competition for three new background themes and needs suitable photos of children to work on them.

There are 3 categories, as Vicky explains:

GIRL theme: ‘Popstar’ – For this theme I will ideally need one or two girls standing, taken from a front view – they will need to be full body shots. Feel free to dress your children up for this one in popstar outfits!

BOY Theme: ‘My Robot Friends’ – I will need a good clear photo of a boy taken from a front view - full body shot, seated or standing....possibly with arms out to either side so they could be draped around a robot next to him!

UNISEX Theme: ‘The Wild Things’ – I will need up to two children, a boy and a girl....full body shots - ideally seated taken from any angle....

ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED MUST BE BETWEEN 500KBS AND 4000KBS (4MBS) IN SIZE and I will also need your full permission to use the completed enhancements and original photos for my galleries and marketing purposes.

Email your photos to: info@enhance-me.com

With ‘January competition’ and ‘Popstar', 'My Robot Friends' or 'The Wild Things ’ Theme in the subject line.

Closing date is 5th of February 2009

The most suitable photos for each theme will be selected, and the winners will receive a completed 8x10 digital version of their enhancement in thier chosen theme.

Also currently running a JANUARY sale, enhancements are being offered at a price of £12.50 for up to 4 children in a theme of your choice - for a limited time only!

Enjoy!

New Babylegs at Calin bleu

2009-01-08T19:50:00.003Z

I've known baby legs for years and used them with both our children. To keep their little legs warm and also just because they look so cute!
When I opened the packet of these supersoft rainbow baby legs, I couldn't believe how soft they were. When they say super soft, they actually mean super soft.

So here they are now in Calin Bleu (and at a super price as well!)

When the press talks about slings!

2009-01-06T12:20:00.005Z

Don't just take our word for it, read for yourself what the press has to say about Calin Bleu. Calin Bleu is featured all over the baby magazines this month!

The Calin Bleu (teal) was awarded 4-stars in Junior Pregnancy & Birth. 'The Calin Bleu is wonderfully easy to use thanks to the excellent instructions and seven positions.'
I'm Pregnant magazine featured the red micro fleece wrap in their selection of baby essentials along with the changing bags, saying there's no need to sacrifice style for function!
And the teal wrap (again!) was featured among the Top 10 Super Slings in Practical Parenting.

Now is the time to take advantage of our special offer on the Teal Baby Wrap!

Baby wearing with a disability

2008-12-22T10:20:00.003Z

Today's post is dedicated to Melissa. Melissa is the owner of Lemon Balm Essentials. If you have an interest in hard-to-find wraps, you might already know her passion for anything wrap related. She is the expert of limited editions, bringing new fairly unknown brands to the market.

She has two young daughters and still carries the youngest one.
Melissa suffers from Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain all over the body. The condition affects the muscles, tendons and ligaments (bands of tissue that connect bone to bone), resulting in widespread pain, fatigue and extreme sensitivity to pain.

Melissa shared what happened to her recently at her doctor. Her PT saw her carefully lift her toddler on her back, slip her backpack over her and went off, holding her older daughter with one hand and her cane with the other. Her PT concluded, that's the safest way to do it, better than just holding her hands or pushing her buggy.

A great resource for disabled parents wishing to carry their children is the Disability, Chronic Illness and Special Needs Board at The Baby Wearer.
Many times, several vendors and baby wearing teachers have pulled their knowledge of baby wearing and disability to design a carrier specifically for a mum and her child. Cinda at Tentoes (now closed, unfortunately) was one of them. Of course, you should always consult with your health care practitioners but if you wish to carry your little one or not-so-little one, don't give up. Many mums and dads manage to do it and actually find it safer than trying to run after a toddler, push a pram or lift a child without a sling.

Any question? Join the baby wearer for advice, chances are you'll find another parent who's been there, done it.

Do you Twitter?

2008-12-18T16:09:00.003Z

Calin Bleu is on Twitter, come and join us, follow us and tell us where you are so we can also follow you!

http://twitter.com/calinbleu

Super cheap wraps on sale, only a few left!

2008-12-18T12:58:00.005Z

I have found a few rolls of fabric I had bought to make wraps before I started Calin Bleu. We made them up as wraps and selling them to make space in our stock room (again!)

There are only a few left so if you'd like to start wrapping on a budget, now is the time!
100% woven cotton, not stretchy. The fabric is handwoven in India and they were made in the UK.
They are sent without any packaging and just one sheet of instruction of the most popular carry. Of course, you can find the rest of the instructions on our website.
Once washed, they will shrink to 4.60m

This is how they look once wrapped.
There are two colourways left: red/blue, green/turquoise.
£18 including postage to the UK, no return no exchange on these clearance items. They're not on sale on the website, so email us to order: infoATcalinbleu.com

Are you in Beds, Herts or Bucks?

2008-12-18T12:12:00.002Z

Today, Jonathan Vernon-Smith is talking about slings in his consumer clinic. I was interviewed earlier in the programme for Sling Meet.

Have you bought a sling? Did you make it yourself or did you buy a fancy one? Why do you choose to carry your baby?

Call the team directly on 08459 455 555 or text 07760 173737 between 11am and 1pm.

A beautiful baby wearing painting

2008-12-01T16:00:00.003Z

Nicki is a mum of three and a keen baby wearer.

I love browsing her blog and her Etsy shop. Today I came across her newest baby wearing painting, a mum with her child on her back. The background lets your imagination take you far away, a peaceful sea or an early morning sunrise, an imaginary forest?

Mums are often concerned that they won't have the same connection carrying their baby on their back than they are on their front. Everyone has their preference, I can only tell them that I love feeling my child on my back, their head slowly feeling heavier on my neck until I hear a gently snore. All that walking about on mummy's back must be exhausting because my son always falls asleep pretty quickly! Maybe instead of saying that I love it and that the only way to know if they'll like it is to give it a try, maybe I should just point you to Nicki's painting?

I was going to talk to you about the VAT going down today and the wraps being even better value than before, but it seems a bit prosaic after Nicki's beautiful painting, maybe I'll leave that for tomorrow!

Babies pushed in buggies facing away from their parents could suffer lasting psychological damage

2008-11-24T10:51:00.002Z

Everyone has their own reasons to choose a baby sling, need to get stuff done around the house, love that snuggly feeling and feeling them close to you, breastfeeding on the go, enjoy going out and about with your hands free...
Choosing a sling doesn't mean that you can never use a buggy. Some families choose not to own a pram or a buggy at all and go through their children's childhood with just a sling (or many slings!). For others, using a sling at time and using a buggy other times works better. Only you can judge what works best for you and your child.

Scientists have been studying mothers and children in their buggies.
Their findings very much confirm what we know as mothers.

"A quarter of parents using face-to-face buggies talked to their baby - more than twice as many as those using away-facing buggies.
Babies facing towards the buggy-pusher enjoyed a reduced heart rate and were twice as likely to fall asleep.
Only one baby in the group of 20 laughed during the away-facing journey, while half laughed during the face-to-face journey.
Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, from Dundee University's School of Psychology, said: "If babies are spending significant amounts of time in a baby buggy, that undermines their ability to communicate easily with their parent."

"Our data suggests that for many babies today, life in a buggy is emotionally impoverished and possibly stressful. Stressed babies grow into anxious adults." Continue reading.

You're often told that the child needs to see the world, that a forward facing buggy allows them to see everything while a rear facing buggy (and moreover a sling!) limits their view to their mother. We're talking babies here, not teenagers! Seeing mummy, hearing her voice, being able to touch her, see her smile at your giggles ... for a baby, there is nothing better in the world. Seeing the outside world means seeing things, hearing noises without a familiar reference point to help you make sense of it.
I often use the same example. A firetruck races by all sirens on, is it a noise signaling danger? In a sling, the baby can feel that his mum is startled but her voice is calm, her heartbeat is regular, her scent hasn't changed... While the noise was loud, my mummy isn't scared, I'm still safe.

Only you can decide what's right for your child, depending on their character, how you feel about it, their age, their preferences, where you're going...

When baby wearing becomes the most chatted subject on the net

2008-11-20T16:07:00.003Z

Motrin thought it might be a good idea to make fun of the mums they were trying to sell to. I'm not sure how they could have ever thought it would be a good idea but anyway!

Anyway, they publish a clip on their website, and printed it in popular parenting magazines, making fun of mums who use slings and carry their baby (it hurts you need pain killer!)

Little did they realise that mums around the world would rally so quickly to defend themselves.

Baby Wearing International published a press release to outline the benefits of baby wearing and protest against the ad. Bloggers & Tweeters were buzzing over the weekend. Facebook's boycott group already has more than 1000 members. Quickly, the company (owned by Johnson & Johnson) withdrew the ad and apologised.

You can still view the original ad on You Tube along with lots of responses, including some really funny ones!

Here is the original ad:

And the replies are flying in:

Are baby slings any good for mothers and baby? Ask The Times

2008-11-17T14:35:00.004Z

Of course at Calin Bleu we believe that slings are good for mothers and babies. They're the easiest way to regain some kind of normality after baby is born, you can put the baby to sleep easily, feed him or her with just one hand, move around the house, go out and about, look after other children, cook, clean even catch a movie (!) with baby snuggled against your chest.

But this weekend The Times had a long article about baby slings, some great information for parents who may have never heard of 'baby wearing' and some not-so-good (Gina Ford and baby being 'just an accessory' doesn't make a lot of sense to me but hey, what do I know, I have 2 young children and she has ... well, none!)

I'm pleased that Calin Bleu is mentioned for our instructions on how to wear a sling. That's something that's very dear to me:
"Putting on a sling for the first time can be an intimidating prospect, especially when they require instructional booklets and DVDs. But help is at hand; for clear instructions go to www.calinbleu.com/baby_sling_instructions.html."

And Sling Meet, whichI founded with my friend Stephanie French in 2006 is also mentioned. "Another sign of their popularity is the mushrooming of “slingmeets”. In 2006 two mums set up the first group, a place where mums can get together and talk about “baby-wearing”, as well as try each others' slings. Now there are 40 nationwide (www.slingmeet.co.uk ). "

This weekend saw celebration of the first International Baby Wearing Week ... more to come soon!

Join the Sling Meet fans on Facebook

2008-11-15T12:51:00.003Z

After the Calin Bleu Facebook page, we're pleased to introduce the Sling Meet fan club on Facebook. Come and join us, post your photos, details of your meetings...

Buy a baby sling and help a mum in great need

2008-11-15T12:42:00.003Z

There is no limit to solidarity between women, together we can reach the sky.
Today, a group of mums around the world are working together to help a mum and her children in great need. They are the victims of heartbreaking domestic violence and have lost absolutely everything.

A new shop has been set up to raise funds to help them.

http://hyenacart.com/TBWFundraiser/index.php?viewall=1

This is an amazing opportunity to grab some bargain slings, nappies, jewellery at amazing prices and help a family get back on their feet.

Please also consider forwarding this link to your family and friends.

If you have items to donate, please contact tbwfundraiserATwvi.com

More and more and many more items will be added later, including raffle tickets for some amazing prizes!

Join us in Glasgow for a Sling Family Day!

2008-11-13T11:04:00.004Z

This week is the First International Baby Wearing Week, to celebrate the joy of carrying our babies (and toddlers!)

Join us for a Coffee and Yummy Cakes Sling Sunday.
Try a different kind of baby carrier, get some help with your sling, help others with theirs, learn to carry your little one on your back, just share a cup of tea and chat with others.

Sunday 16th november
1-3pm

The Annexe 9a Stewartville Street Partick G11 5PE

Everyone is welcome, whether you usually don't use a carrier but fancy having a try, pregnant mums, families... The event is open to all and free. We'll ask for a small donation to cover the cost of the hall. Bring a cake to share.

email me if you have any questions: infoATslingmeet.co.uk
or call: 0845-862-0073

WE HAVE GOODIES TO BE WON AND EVERYONE PARTICIPATING IS ENTERED IN A PRIZE DRAW FOR LOTS OF LOVELY BABY CARRIERS.

PRIZE LIST

1- A Napsack Mei-Tai donated by Napsack (worth £66)

2- A £30 voucher from Little Possums

3- A micro fleece wraparound sling from Calin Bleu (worth up to £39.50)

3- A Unakite Circle Little Gems Nursing Necklace donated by Big Mama Slings

4- A Storchenweige wraparound or ring sling donated by Big Mama Slings , winner chooses colour & size (worth up to £56)

5- A Storchenweige wraparound or ring sling donated by Big Mama Slings (worth up to £56)

6- A fancy red Calin Bleu wraparound sling donated by Calin Bleu (worth £38.50)

7- A Unakite Circle Little Gems Nursing Necklace donated by Big Mama Slings

8- A Napsack mei tai donated by Natural Mothering, worth £66

9- A Unakite Circle Little Gems Nursing Necklaces donated by Big Mama Slings

10- A Napsack baby carrier donated by Sling Jax

11- A ByKay wrap donated by Rumplebums

12- A pair of huggalugs, a toyclip and a slingview mirror donated by Rumplebums

13- A Zidee custom or instock Podeagi donated by Tiddlybums worth £60

A comfortable budget wrap

2008-11-04T13:19:00.002Z

Are you looking for a comfortable baby carrier but watching your budget? Then we have the perfect carrier, a limited edition Calin Bleu. Only £29.95 including postage, choose a cheerful red or simply natural. The simple size is slightly shorter than our normal range:

Ideal for the simple wrap cross carry
For wrapping when it's wet or something light under your coat
For breastfeeding on the go
For parents under size 10 and of course
For back carries
Packs small so ideal for travelling, leave at nursery, grand parents, or while your other sling is in the wash.

Why is a Calin Bleu such good value for money?

One wrap from birth to toddler, that's less than 2p a day!
One wrap for front, hip and back carry
One wrap for mum and dad

It's the present for a new baby, for Christmas or just because it's lovely!
The carrier distributes the weight evenly across both of your shoulders and provides excellent support for both baby and adult. Easy to care for, just pop it in the washing with your regular laundry.

Krusedull is opening in Norway

2008-10-30T20:00:00.004Z

Krusedull is opening a new shop in TRONDHEIM, Sør-Trøndelag
The store is opening on Saturday 1st November 10-15

This is a great opportunity to buy your baby carriers, see cloth nappies for yourself and lovely products for the babies and families.

The address is Nedre Bakklandet 22. Regular opening time mon-fri 10-14, thursday 10-18

Look at what arrived today!

2008-10-30T19:03:00.002Z

Yes! some red wraps, the colour is absolutely gorgeous, vibrant but not too bright. Just what I was looking for to beat the winter gloom.
The fabric finish is slightly crinkly, similar to the hand-dyed Calin Bleu we had in the past.

The short ones and a couple of L ones are already on the site.
Watch this space for more

How to carry your baby in winter (1)

2008-10-27T11:21:00.008Z

How do you keep a little one warm and dry when you're outside in the winter? That is the question.

With a little one, I love wearing the baby in the front in a micro fleece wrap with just a coat over us. The coat doesn't even have to be that big. The micro fleece will keep the baby warm, it's water repellent in case of rain without making you feel too warm when you come back inside. If you need, you can just slip off your coat.
The micro fleece wraps are supportive enough for an older baby, with no 'bounce' effect so you can carry a child on your front longer than with other wraps.

However, it comes a point where back carries are the way to go. Your baby can fall asleep on your back while you get on with the shopping, playing with the older kids at the park... It's time for a 'baby wearing coat'.

There are many baby wearing coats and jackets on the market, however, they also tend to be expensive (and not exactly funky!). I thought I would share with you my quest for the perfect baby wearing coat.

The Magic City Slingers (the Sling group from Birmingham, Alabama) have this great no sew fleece poncho tutorial. All you need is 1.2 yards of thick good quality fleece (don't go for cheap light fleece or the fringes will stretch). You can even download the instructions
On another note, they have a lovely picture of a dad wearing his baby in a Calin Bleu, I love seeing dads use a sling.

... more to come soon...

Come and join us on Facebook!

2008-10-14T09:15:00.002+01:00

We've set up a page for Calin Bleu on Facebook - we will be posting special discount codes, competitions and offers for use by members there only.

Come and join us now!

Calling all Wilsthire mums!

2008-10-06T12:09:00.003+01:00

Mums in Wiltshire, discover Mother's Markets!

Mother's Markets are launched by two mums, passionate about slings and lovely children related items. Starting

Sarah Brough, of Slingtastic says: "I have discovered that lots of people think that slings, wraps and carriers aren't for them - until they actually see them! So i need to get the goods to all those mothers out there, so they can see how fabulous they really are."

With another local mother who has been selling second hand clothes, she has set up a round of Mothers' Markets in East Wiltshire, West Berkshire, and South West Oxfordshire. These are going to have all sorts of different things for babies, children and for the mothers too, from slings, to books, to knitted baby hats to jewellery and lovely grown up presents too."

Their website will be launched soon.
If you're a vendor in the area and would like to exhibit, contact Holly
To purchase your baby sling, contact Sarah.

OCT 16th Hungerford Town Hall 10:00 - 4:00 : map

OCT 18th Devizes St John The Baptist Hall 10:00 - 4:00 map

NOV 4th Newbury St Nicholas Church Hall 10:00 - 4:00 map

NOV 13th Marlborough Methodist Church Hall 10:00 - 4:00 map

NOV 15th Wootten Bassett Memorial Hall 10:00 - 4: 00 map

NOV 18th Wantage Dale and Downlands Museum 1.00 - 3.00 map

NOV 19th Tidworth Leisure Centre 09:30 - 1:30 : map

NOV 27th Salisbury United Reform Church Hall 10:00 - 4:00 : map

DEC 11th Witney Langdale Hall 10:00 - 4:00 : map

Some tips about your wrap

2008-09-30T09:50:00.004+01:00

I was helping a mum recently and noticed something so here is today's tip ~ To be comfortable, your wrap needs to be snuggly tied. The easiest way to do this is to keep good tension in the fabric from the beginning: place the middle label over your tummy and bring the ends across your back and over your shoulders. Resist the temptation to loosen the pocket to slide the baby in, instead, gently pull on the fabric.There is always enough give in the fabric to slide the baby in. Once you've placed the baby, do the 'snug enough test': take your hands off the baby briefly. Does it feel secure? Yes then it's snug enough. No,then lift the baby's weight by pushing under his bottom with your hand and gently pull on the fabric. Then continue!

I hope this helps.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us.

We welcome to the new Calin Bleu retailer in Spain

2008-09-26T14:56:00.005+01:00

El Pequeño Canguro es una empresa familiar, creada en 2008 por una familia comprometida con la crianza natural. Cuando nació mi hijo en Octubre 2007, tenía mucho miedo de no ser capaz de crear un vínculo con mi pequeño, de
calmarlo, de que pasase unos cólicos terribles, lo típico que te dicen que es normal, que puede ocurrir y que no es el fin del mundo. Pero después de haberlo llevado 9 meses dentro de mí me resultaba imposible dejarlo llorar, sentir que no estaba bien, y quedarme a mirándolo. Una vez que sentía mi contacto (o el contacto del su padre) se calmaba enseguida.
Además a él no le gustaba nada estar tumbado en el carricoche, las pocas veces que lo probamos lloraba desconsoladamente. Conocía los fulares y su uso a través de mi hermana mayor, que vive en Francia y tiene dos hijos. Allí son bastante más conocidos que en España. De hecho, me regaló ella uno al nacer mi hijo. Fue un auténtico descubrimiento y me convenció el mismo día que lo probé. Sentir a tu hijo pegado así es una sensación única. Lo llevé así hasta que empezó a querer andar. Para ir de tiendas, hacer la compra o irse de paseo me resultaba mucho más cómodo que llevarlo en una silla muy aparatosa. Mi hijo de naturaleza bastante inquieta y muy activo, y hoy todavía cuando quiero calmarlo, lo cojo contra mí y entre el calor mío, los latidos del corazón y el olor de su mamá, se calma enseguida.
En El Pequeño Canguro vendemos fulares pero también porta bebés ergonómicos. Hacemos parte de la Red Canguro que difunde por España el uso de los fulares. Para ver una demostración, por favor ponte en contacto con nosotros.

El Pequeño Canguro is a family business, created in 2008 in the heart of a family committed with bringing up children in a natural environment. When my son was born in October 2007, I was very scared of not being able to create a link with my little one, of not being able to calm him down, or help him through terrible stomach pains, and other the typical problems, which are after all, not the end of the world. After having carried him in my womb for nine months, I found it impossible to leave him crying, knowing he is not feeling well, Once he felt my contact, or
that of his daddy, he calmed himself down easily. He never liked to stay lying down on the pram, he cried endlessly every time we tried. I knew about the slings and baby carriers through my sister who lives in France and has two children. Over there they are much better known than in
Spain, in fact, she bought me one when my baby was born. It was a total discovery for me, I was convinced the very first day I tried it on. It is a unique feeling to have your baby so close to you. I carried him like this until he started to want to walk. It proved to be more comfortable
than a bulky pram, especially for going shopping. My sons is very active, and even nowadays, when I have to calm him down, I hold him close, and mummy’s warmth, my heartbeat, and my scent calm him down quickly.
At El Pequeño Canguro we sell slings and ergonomic baby carriers. We take part in La Red Canguro, a network that promotes the use of slings in Spain. To see a demonstration, please contact us.

Join Lilababy in Utrecht

2008-09-16T19:43:00.002+01:00

Join Kirsten and Lilababy at the Utrecht baby expo from October 30th. Get a chance to see and try your wrap in person, get advice from the experts!

This baby expo is held for the 6th time in the Jaarbeurshal in Utrecht, Netherlands. It is for parents to be and young families with kids up till 8.

There is a lot to see and do:
- The newest trends on baby- and kids rooms;
- A fashion show 4 times a day that includes womens-, maternity- and kids cloting;
- A playroom for the kids and some popular kids tv personages are present, for example Bumba;
- A creative square where you can find do-it-yourself stuff for the nursery or kids room;
- A lottery for the Ronald MC Donald house in Utrecht;
- And so much more...

Lilababy will be there with a nice selection of baby carriers.
Among them Calin Bleu (including a new Red cotton wrap!), the Active Baby Carrier, and some nice accessories to go with the baby carrier: Huggalugs to keep legs and arms nicely warm at all times. Sling View Mirrors, so you can see your child even when its on your back. And Sling rings for making your own sling.

When? 30/31 October and 1/2 November from 10:00-17:00 Where? Jaarbeurshal, Utrecht, the Netherlands Stand number: 131

The microfleece wraps are on the way

2008-08-13T21:10:00.003+01:00

Get ready to place your order soon; or contact your local retailer.
The micro fleece wraps will be ready to ship the week of August 18th.
Click here to view the beautiful colours.

Red or Bordeaux for a new Calin Bleu?

2008-07-15T10:16:00.004+01:00

Would you like to help us choose the colour of the new Calin Bleu?
Would you prefer the bordeaux (top) or the red (bottom)?
You can email us: colours@calinbleu.com
Or you can vote on The Baby Wearer. You need to be a member but it's free to join and this is no doubt the biggest resource when it comes to carrying your baby. Thousands of parents around the world joined by one passion: carrying their children.

A wearing tip: tighten your wrap

2008-07-04T16:52:00.004+01:00

When you tie your wrap sling on, keep it tight from the start. Place the centre of the sling on your tummy and bring the two ends across your back and over your shoulders. Resist the temptation to loosen the belt to slide your baby in, pull the fabric tight instead.
The fabric has enough 'give' for you to wiggle the baby in. Do the tightening test: once the baby is sitting in the 'belt', legs bent and wide apart, can you briefly take your hands off the baby without him or her sliding down? If yes, it's tight enough. If it doesn't feel secure enough, use one hand to lift the baby's weight slightly and use the other hand to pull on one side of the wrap. Do the same thing on the other side.
Then continue as normal!

Not strictly slings! Reusable shopping bags

2008-06-24T14:49:00.005+01:00

Sure this blog is about slings but there are lots of other things we like and you might enjoy too.
Today's find is those lovely reusable organic cotton bags, they will be make an unusual teacher's present.
They're comfortable to wear even when loaded with heavy shopping, and they look fab too! They remind me of the shopping bag my grand mother had back in the 70s and 80s. Back then, they were so un-cool (probably because they were made of polyester string and black!)

The Olive & Cloud wraps are on pre-order

2008-06-19T12:09:00.002+01:00

Be among the first to get your Cloud or Olive wraparound sling!
They are now on pre-order. Order yours now and it will be shipped the first week in July!

Enjoy!

New! A size S wraparound sling & baby wearing in the Alps

2008-06-10T09:20:00.005+01:00

We have a limited edition of shorter wrap slings. The new size S is 4.30m natural, now why would you need a size S. Let's see:

Convenient for petite mamas,
Perfect for the simple wrap cross carry
Use the simple wrap cross carry for breastfeeding on the go
Also good for the rucksack back carry
At £28.50 including postage, it's THE wrap of choice for baby wearing on a bugdget!

That's us, baby wearing in the Alps at the Mer de Glace, a gigantic glacier (well, not as gigantic as when I went there as a child. Sadly, it's shrinking fast!) There are hundreds of steep steps to get you from where the train and the cabins leave you to the ice grotto. Way too many for a two-year-old! She was much safer in a wrap and fell asleep before we reached the bottom to wake up just as we got back to the top.
Wrapping a child on your back when you're both wearing warm clothes and standing on some narrow steps with a steep drop under us wasn't something I would recommend to our customers. I was glad that my niece had been worn from birth: she knew she was tired and that the wrap would allow her to catch a nap and cooperated fairly easily.

New instruction booklets coming out soon

2008-06-04T21:14:00.002+01:00

We're working on some new instruction booklets, they should be out soon.
If you have some feedback on our step by step instructions on how to use your wrap sling, just drop us a note.

the chocolate baby slings are on pre-order

2008-05-29T11:07:00.003+01:00

We told you it wouldn't be long!
We've open the pre-orders for the Chocolate wraps, both size L and M. Order now and your wrap will be one of the first ones to go out, the week of June 2nd!

The natural wraps size L are arriving tomorrow so back orders will be sent out on Friday or Monday.

Enjoy!

Scottish Baby Show

2008-05-27T20:01:00.002+01:00

I know it's been a little while but I hadn't had a chance to post these photos before!
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Scottish Baby Show. We were rushed off our feet all weekend long, helping parents find a baby sling that works for them. We were sharing the stand with Andreja of Natural Mothering and Shani of Napsack came up to give us a hand on Saturday.
It was hard work but great fun, see you all next year!

The new collection of wraparound slings is arriving ...

2008-05-24T17:00:00.003+01:00

First up is the new Teal Blue baby sling.
You will love this new colour, a rich vibrant blue . It looks stunning! As usual, both mums and dads will be able to enjoy it. It complements pretty much anything in your wardrobe, casual jeans or dress up occasion, you'll love it!

They all arrived on Friday and will be shipped out on Tuesday.

We had received a few for the Glasgow Baby Show and they flew off the shelves pretty quickly.

We have also restocked the natural gauze wrap.
Now available in 3 sizes. The size S (4.30m) is convenient for the simple wrap cross carry or back carries like the crossed rucksack.
Once you receive your natural wrap, pop it in the washing machine with your regular laundry (no softener). You will see the fabric crinkles and softens nicely.

Coming soon is the chocolate wraparound sling. We will be opening pre-orders soon so keep an eye on the website.

Where to buy a Calin Bleu Baby Sling

2008-04-24T12:57:00.003+01:00

Following unprecedented demand, our stocks are running extremely low.

We're clearing out the last few slings on our shelves in our bargain corner. The opportunity to grab a great sling and discover baby wearing on a budget.

You can also contact our team of retailers who will be able to assist you.

We apologise for the inconvenience. We are working hard to restock as soon as possible.

Scottish Baby Show

2008-04-24T08:11:00.004+01:00

This year again, we'll be at the Scottish Baby Show in Glasgow this weekend.

From Friday 25th to Sunday 27th

Come and see us on Stand 429F (Natural Mothering)

Be the first to grab the new teal blue wrap, the colour is absolutely gorgeous!

On Saturday, Shani of Napsack will be here to demonstrate their mei tai carrier.

Baby Bliss - Calin Bleu featured in the Sunday Post

2008-04-14T15:14:00.006+01:00

Calin Bleu was featured in the Sunday Post on April 6th.

Remember, we'll be at the Scottish Baby Show in Glasgow on April 25-27th.
Stand 429F (Natural Mothering) come and see us, try a sling, learn to use yours...

In the spotlight at BigMamaSlings!

2008-03-17T14:10:00.003Z

Calin Bleu is in the Spotlight on Big Mama Slings' Blog.

Becky has recently started her blog, telling all about the amazing collection of carriers she sells in her shop. She has the largest personal collection of slings I have ever come across, her kids are very picky when it comes to choosing a baby sling they like. Her feedback has always been invaluable to help us improve the Calin bleu over the years.
Thanks Becky!

Best wishes to Johanne

2008-01-28T17:35:00.000Z

This post is for Johanne, the mum behind Babyo, our lovely retailer in France.
She has been diagnosed with Acute Leucemia and is starting treatment this week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her, her husband and her two adorable children.

She will be sharing her fight against the disease to be reunited with her family as soon as possible in her blog.

Best wishes Johanne!

The Navy Baby Sling is now on sale

2008-01-19T00:39:00.000Z

We've just received a new delivery of baby slings and there's not quite enough room in our stock room! So this is your chance to grab a navy baby sling at an amazing price.

And if you reside outside the EU, the UK tax will be deducted at checkout (-17.5%).

The micro fleece wrap slings are comfortable, easy to use from newborn until about 12kg/25lb. The fabric is light, highly breathable and sooooo soft!

It is the ideal sling to learn to use a wrap.

It comes with a detail instruction booklet showing you step by step how to use your baby sling. If you're still not sure, we've collected our top tips for a first time baby wearer. And you can always drop us an email to get more information.

If you would like to meet other parents who use slings locally, remember to visit Sling meet.

Enjoy!

Limited edition of Calin bleu Baby slings

2008-01-09T23:42:00.001Z

To celebrate the New Year and beat the winter gloom, we are pleased to introduce this limited edition of Calin Bleu Wraparound baby slings.
Choose a hot pink or a burnt orange, the fashionable colours of the season!

These baby carriers are all hand dyed and quantities are extremely limited.

They should be released on Sunday!

Baby sling sale

2008-01-05T11:34:00.000Z

It's the beginning of the year and we're making space in our stock room!

Grab a bargain quickly in our baby sling sale.

The navy micro fleece wraps are on sale, one of the fashionable pumpkin designer wraps, some gauze wraps...

A baby wearing nativity

2008-01-03T00:52:00.000Z

Obviously, our passion is baby wearing, not just the various baby carriers out there, comfy, pretty and so on but the thought of all those children snuggled up with their parents, discovering the world from a safe, loving view point.

And look what I discovered our Christmas: two baby wearing mums in our nativity!

Both mums have their babies on their back. The African lady in Orange (bottom right) is carrying the baby in what seams a simple piece of cloth. The lady with a blue had (just left of the first one) seems to be from South America. Interestingly, the baby seems to be lying down.

I'm trying to find out the French Monastery where they are made and see if they have more of these beautiful mums

The Burgundy Cool Wrap

2008-01-03T00:39:00.000Z

I had to add this new photo of the Burgundy Cool wrap. We're still tweaking it so that the colour reflects exactly the wrap .

This baby sling is on special at the moment!

The Cool wraps are 100% cotton and made in the UK.

Let's talk shoes!

2007-12-17T09:34:00.000Z

Baby is nice and snug in his/her baby sling but little feet are still sticking out! How to keep them warm is today's topic.

First things first. Tiny babies should have their legs tucked in the wrap. They are so small, you just wrap the fabric over their legs. When you start taking their legs out depends on the child's preference and their height. 1-3 months approximately.
When they grow, you can start taking their legs out of the wrap.

Here are a few ideas:

Socks that would normally be too big for them will ride nicely up their legs, keeping their feet and legs warm
Baby legs either shop bought or home made will be worn on top of their socks and shoes (I like soft sole shoes babies - Inch Blue, Robeez, Bobux...).
You can easily make your own by cutting the foot of a sock and hemming it.
Hand knitted booties (featured in the photo) or shop-bought like the Padraig Slippers are super cute and warm as well.
We also like very much the Swedish mocassins at Raindrops. A sock and a shoe all-in-one, they are lovely!
Natural Mothering has a similar sock/shoe solution.
I also like the leather booties like the Robeez ones, or like these

Now I'm heading out to our last Sling Meet of the year in Glasgow.
I have lots of new goodies to play with: a Jetpack soft structured carrier, a BabyHawk mei tai.... This should be fun!

Baby sling bargains

2007-12-13T22:22:00.000Z

We have listed a few baby sling bargains in the shop.

Customer returns, slight sewing irregularities (with our manufacturer's quality system is accredited to ISO 9001 standards so sewing irregularities are RARE!)

Free postage to the UK.

Customers outside the EU, log in to see the VAT-free prices.

Website feedback & holiday opening hours

2007-12-13T19:56:00.001Z

We will be bringing some improvements to our website in the New Year.
If you have any comments, suggestions, ideas, things that you're finding difficult to navigate, please let us know!

Christmas Holiday Delivery Times:

To receive your baby sling in time for Christmas, please note the latest posting dates:

UK 1st Class - THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 9AM
UK Special Delivery - THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 9AM
EU Airmail (Western Europe) - THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER
EU Rest of World - FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER

Please note that orders made between Thursday 20th December and January 2nd will be sent on January 3rd.

A babywearing holiday: travelling with the kids

2007-12-09T23:03:00.000Z

This blog is a business blog but I hope you won't mind me sharing some personal stories...

Our little guy was born in August, it was time we went to France and visit our relatives. I booked our plane tickets and said to myself, I'll think about the practicalities of travelling with the two children on my own later! I have my wrap, I'll be fine!

Baby in the wrap, we're off. He fell asleep between the checkout and the boarding gate in a front wrap cross carry. My little girl is proudly dragging her little suitcase with her things.

I'm glad to go through security and the metal detectors without having to take the baby out of the wrap. Only once in 3 years of baby wearing through airports have I been asked to remove my daughter from her baby carrier. The regulations do specify the child should be removed from the baby carrier but with no buckle, no clip, no ring, it doesn't set off metal detectors.

I'm really annoyed when the stewardess makes me take the baby out of the wrap and hold him. She is worried that if I fell forward abruptly I could bend his spine. Of course he wakes up, which means I have to hold him. That leaves me only one hand to help my daughter with her colouring, help her change into clean clothes after a smoothie incident (I'm glad she packed an extra outfit in her little suitcase!).
On the flight back, I managed to wrap him in a cradle carry. That carry holds him just in the same position as if you were holding the baby without a sling. You can slide the extra seat belt around the child.

He happily breastfeeds through take off and falls asleep half way through the flight. Still asleep, I manage to put him back in the wrap, we get off the plane, down the outside stairs in freezing rain, in the bus and back into the freezing rain. At passport control, I hand out both our passports and the woman looks at me with a puzzled face, why do you have two passports, she says. Cos I have a baby! She hadn't seen him still tucked in the wrap. He only wakes up when I pop him into the car seat.

And off we drive to Paris, our first stop.

Next Glasgow Sling Meet: December 17th

2007-12-04T20:09:00.000Z

If you would like to try some slings before you buy, get some help to be comfortable with your sling, meet other baby wearing mums...

We'll be meeting again at:

Theo's Cafe
380 Great Western Rd Kelvinbridge Glasgow G4 9HT

(between the twin spires of St Mary's Cathedral and Lansdowne Church, on the sunny side of the street)

From 10.45 am to 12.45
Monday 17 December

We can get coffee, sandwiches and there is a space at the back where we can play with the slings. There is a changing area as well.

There are lots of buses and it's close to the Kelvinbridge tube station if you're coming from the train stations.

We'll have a pretty complete stash: wraps, ring slings, mei tai and pouches. If you want to try anything in particular, just let us know!

See you all there

Choose the new colour of the Calin Bleu baby sling

2007-12-04T20:06:00.000Z

It's this time of the year again! Time to choose a colour for a new Calin Bleu Cool Wrap.

Many of you have been contacting us over the last few months suggesting colours, telling us what you dream wrap would be, well now is the time! We've gathered some of your suggestions (and ours!) in the swatches. Or do you have any another idea?

VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE COLOUR!

Email us with the colour in the title of your email at: colours@calinbleu.com

Click here to view larger colour swatches.

Calin Bleu featured on MothersWhoWork

2007-12-04T14:47:00.000Z

Anne Dhir and Calin Bleu are featured on Mums who work.

From mums who do yoga classes for toddlers to those who have set up a jungle-themed park, MothersWhoWork have a bumper selection of inspiring mums. These women are like you - they wanted some flexibility at work and decided that going into business and being their own boss was the best way forward.

How Calin Bleu started, and our tips to someone who would like to start their own business.... Read more

Welcome back!

2007-11-23T00:49:00.001Z

I can't believe it's been a month since I last updated this blog. So much has been happening, the micro fleece are flying off the shelves now that the cold weather has settled in.
They are THE best thing to snuggle up with your little one this winter. More to come on this subject soon...

The news is also the new site for the Calin Bleu retailers. They can order their products on line and find all in the information they need in one place!

New changing bags to go with your sling.

2007-11-11T18:13:00.000Z

Wow, I can't believe I haven't had time to update this blog since the beginning of October! Time flies. So many things have happened in the meantime.

The micro fleece wraparound slings have been flying off the shelves.

We are down to a few Candy Dots and Candy Stripes. If you like them, get it now because when they're gone, they're gone.

We are also pleased to introduce some cool changing bags. What's the point of a comfortable carrier... if you're still carrying around a bulky changing back, your back will still hurt! And don't get me started on bags that keep slipping off your shoulder.
They're light and small yet you'll be surprised how much you can pack in them!

The new photo gallery of baby sling is up

2007-10-05T00:08:00.001+01:00

We love receiving photos of our customers using our baby slings.
We love them so much, we've made a new photo gallery. Photos come from the UK, the USA, France, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland...

Thank you to all the parents who have given us permission to publish their photos.

The gallery of baby sling photos is here.

Sling Meet in Glasgow

2007-09-30T20:42:00.000+01:00

After a few quiet months, Sling Meet are starting again in Glasgow.

The first meeting at Theo's Cafe on Great Western Road was a big success.

About 15 mums came with babies from newborn to toddlers, lots of young babies and lots of slings! For the mei tai: Ball Baby Mei Tai, Kozy Carrier, Baby Hawk, Napsack. For the ring slings: Maya wrap, Freedom Sling. For the wraps: Calin Bleu, Didymos, Moby, Girasol...

We will meet again on Thursday October 25th 10.45-12.45

Details of the Glasgow Sling Meets

We help you choose a baby sling

2007-09-29T22:34:00.000+01:00

Need some help choosing your wraparound sling? Just email us and we'll be happy to assist you.

Sarah asked: "Could you help me choose - I want to be able to wear it inside the house and out - my baby is coming in feburary. I would like my partner to be able to use it as well I am a size 10 5ft tall he has a slim build and is 5ft 10."

It depends on where you live and your lifestyle.

If you are very outdoor people, then I would choose the micro fleece and only wear a T shirt and keep the baby lightly dressed inside the house.
If not, then you could be more comfortable with a Cool Gauze wrap: they are nice and light, so you would wear it like a shirt when you're inside the house and add jerseys and coats ontop when you're outside. Choose a large jacket that goes around you two. Or invest in a baby wearing coat.

Another thing to consider, if you live in a house fairly warm in winter, a Cool Gauze would be more comfortable. On the other hand, if you live in a house that tends to be quite cold, you might prefer the micro fleece.

The micro fleece wraparound sling is one size and for the cotton wraps, Size Medium would be best for both of you.

New Candy Stripes Baby Sling

2007-09-18T09:58:00.000+01:00

Our newest wraparound sling has landed. A limited edition of the designer micro fleece: Candy Stripes.
We love the way the funky panel brightens up the navy background.

Gorgeous wraps!

2007-08-27T22:35:00.001+01:00

Kids are going back to school, autumn is just around the corner and with it, it's time for our gorgeous micro fleece wrap baby slings to come back.

They are YUMMY, soft, easy to wrap, light, just warm enough to keep you comfortable and yet not too warm so you can wear them indoors as well.

There are available in 4 colours: plain navy or charcoal or for a sense of fun & style, BlueSky (sky panel on a navy wrap) and Pumpkin (pumpkin panel on a charcoal wrap)

One size fits all.
They make lovely present for a new baby.

And with them we introduce our new team member: our little boy was born on August 2nd and you will see his little face on more photos over the next few months.

A massive Raffle for Baby Slings...

2007-08-10T09:38:00.000+01:00

Members of the Baby Wearer are raising funds to help a long time member in need.
They are running a massive raffle with an impressive list of baby slings and carriers:

Click here to see the details and buy your tickets

New brochures on the way

2007-07-14T10:18:00.000+01:00

Our new Calin Bleu brochures are on their way and should arrive here early next week.

If you would like to receive some to drop off at GP surgeries, baby clinics, breastfeeding groups, baby wearing groups, mum and baby groups, don't hesitate to let us know.
We'll be happy to pop some in the post for you.

Calin Bleu - The baby carrier of happy babies

New Website

A beautiful video to celebrate International Babywearing week

Sling Meeting in Histon, Cambridgeshire

Try a sling at the API meeting in Peoria, Illinois

Low stock on very popular baby wraps

Selling some wrap fabric

Buy your baby wrap in the US

New Simple Baby Slings...

Winners of the baby sling competition

A babywearing book, well, a kangaroo ...

We're back!

A future babywearing dad...

Come and meet the mums of the Southampton Sling Meet

Babywearing dads rock!

babies, twins, dads and baby slings...

Thanks Simon & all the babywearing dads

Babywearing dads, thanks guys for your lovely emails

See of green, a baby sling in the Iran demonstrations

A babywearing dad at the zoo

Another cool babywearing dad

More lovely photos from babywearing dads

Meet Nick, another sling dad...

Some lovely contributions from sling dads

There's a new sling shop in Cambridge

Calling all baby slings dads! Celebrate Father's day with us.

Baby Sling Clearout!

A pen with a baby sling!

Another baby slings book!

A new find in my library of baby slings books

Sling meet, learn to use your baby slings

A changing bag to go with your baby slings

What people think of their baby slings

Have you had a baby suffering from reflux?

The new baby slings are ready to go!

A new baby carrier for spring!

help us name the new colours

Cool kind kid clothes make an entry at Calin Bleu

New colours on the way! Cheerful baby slings

Grab your cameras and get a chance to win an 'enhanced' shot of your children

New Babylegs at Calin bleu

When the press talks about slings!

Baby wearing with a disability

Do you Twitter?

Super cheap wraps on sale, only a few left!

Are you in Beds, Herts or Bucks?

A beautiful baby wearing painting

Babies pushed in buggies facing away from their parents could suffer lasting psychological damage

When baby wearing becomes the most chatted subject on the net

Are baby slings any good for mothers and baby? Ask The Times

Join the Sling Meet fans on Facebook

Buy a baby sling and help a mum in great need

Join us in Glasgow for a Sling Family Day!

A comfortable budget wrap

Krusedull is opening in Norway

Look at what arrived today!

How to carry your baby in winter (1)

Come and join us on Facebook!

Calling all Wilsthire mums!

Some tips about your wrap

We welcome to the new Calin Bleu retailer in Spain

Join Lilababy in Utrecht

The microfleece wraps are on the way

Red or Bordeaux for a new Calin Bleu?

A wearing tip: tighten your wrap

More out of topic! Baby signing...

Not strictly slings! Reusable shopping bags

The Olive & Cloud wraps are on pre-order

New! A size S wraparound sling & baby wearing in the Alps

New instruction booklets coming out soon

the chocolate baby slings are on pre-order

Scottish Baby Show

The new collection of wraparound slings is arriving ...

Where to buy a Calin Bleu Baby Sling

Scottish Baby Show

Baby Bliss - Calin Bleu featured in the Sunday Post

In the spotlight at BigMamaSlings!

Best wishes to Johanne

The Navy Baby Sling is now on sale

Limited edition of Calin bleu Baby slings