Custom Baby Wraps, by Rozlyn Mignogna

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I made my first baby wrap when my first daughter was born in 2008.  I loved the idea of wearing my babies in the wrap-style, but was very disappointed with the wraps available (particularly that most well-known version of this wrap-style sling).  I found that the 100% cotton was terribly uncomfortable for my sensitive back. After only a short while of wearing my baby, the one-way stretch of the cotton was pulling in all the wrong places and I was constantly adjusting the wrap.  It was also not easy to nurse my baby in it without completely adjusting it.  I also found that the styles were either boring or too “mommy-like”.  So, I decided to make one myself, and I’m so glad I did.  I could pick cute, modern styles and totally comfortable fabric.

Since then, I’ve made many wraps for family and friends, and now am offering them on this little Etsy shop.  I’m not a big fancy, schmancy baby-wrap making business, so all wraps are hand made with love and care.  Everyone who wears my wraps (especially those who have tried others) say they are much more comfortable, they can wear them much longer (all day), can easily nurse discreetly without adjusting the wrap, and they are much more attractive!  I use a combination of an ALMOST 100% cotton on the sides, which means the fabric stretches two ways, and a non-stretch fabric in the center for a “lock” to hold baby in place.  The entire piece is 20 inches wide and about 18 feet long.  All wraps are shipped with instructions for wearing.  You can also learn more about my wraps, including pictures and instructional videos, at www.RealFoodFamily.com/baby-wraps.  There is a video showing how to shorten your wrap if you need to.  You may also contact me (etsy@RealFoodFamily.com) to order a custom wrap that is longer (for larger women) or has a desired color, style, etc..

“Baby-wearing” in a tight, Asian-style wrap is very beneficial for both you and baby. Baby feels secure and calm in the wrap, close to Mommy or Daddy’s heartbeat. Mommy and Daddy can carry baby safely while having their hands free, and Mommy can breastfeed baby discreetly anywhere! Babies who are worn in wraps, especially during their first few months of life, tend to be calmer, happier babies. “Baby-wearing” successfully calms colicky babies, and baby will take long naps next to Mommy or Daddy’s chest.

Check out these resources for more information on “Baby-wearing”:

• The Attachment Parenting Book, by Dr. William and Martha Sears
  *Also check out their other books, and their website: www.askdrsears.com
• Another baby wearing resource website is: www.babywearing.com

Instructions for using your custom baby wrap:

1. Place the center of the middle panel of your wrap in front of your stomach, and wrap sides around your back.
2. Criss-cross the side panels of your wrap behind your back, then lift the panels over your shoulders.
3. Criss-cross panels again in front of your chest, then pull through the middle panel of your wrap, keeping the side panels crossed.
4. Wrap crossed panels around your waist and tie in a secure double-knot behind your back. If you have extra material, you may wish to wrap around again to the front of your waist and tie.

Placing your baby in the wrap:

*This is the basic “tummy-to-tummy” way of wearing your baby. You may find other ways to wear your baby on baby-wearing websites or on YouTubel videos.

1. Hold baby, facing you, and place on leg through the crossed panel in front of your chest that is closest to you.
2. Place baby’s other leg through the other crossed panel. Make sure both panels are spread across baby’s bottom.
3. Pull middle panel of your wrap over baby’s back, pulling baby’s legs through.
4. If baby falls asleep, turn head to the side and secure back of baby’s head with panel material.

*Drop baby to the side for discreet breastfeeding.