Can I wash my Musical Carrier?

YES!  After much experimenting the musical devices are sealed in a manner that makes the carriers machine washable.  (You should have seen my husband's face when he looked in the washer to see a load of musical devices...lol!) 

Can I have Custom Work Done?

Yes!!! Simply e-mail me at jenncatsmeow@yahoo.com to make custom inquirys.  I can adjust many things to your liking, just ask.  The most common custom request is fabric/color choices.  Try me!

How are the Cloth Diapers sized?

How do I measure for Wool Longies, etc.?

With a soft tape measure or piece of string take the following measurements:

• Rise--While wearing a diaper, measure from the child's navel/top of diaper, down between the legs and up to the top of the backside of the diaper.  Then add one inch to be sure your longes "cover" the diaper.
• Inseam--While wearing a diaper, measure the child from crotch to ankle.
• Waist--While wearing a diaper, measure around child's waist, just above the upper-most part of the diaper.
• Thigh--Measure around the widest part of the child's thigh.

How do I care for my wool?

WASHING:  Fill Basin with Lukewarm water. Wet wool item, add wool wash (liquid or bar...baby shampoo works too), creating suds.  Swish the woolen and allow the lanolin to reach all the pores of the wool.  Soak for 15 minutes.  Drain basin.  Gently squeeze (do NOT twist) and air dry.

LANOLIZING: (Only needed every 3-4 washings, if you are using a lanolin rich wool wash)  In a small jar add a pea size amount of lanolin (solid or liquid...Lansinoh even works) to HOT water with a drop of baby shampoo or liquid wool wash.  Shake to mix thoroughly.  Add mixture to sink basin filled with lukewarm water and dampened wool.  Swish and allow to soak for 20 minutes.  Drain basin.  Gently squeeze (do NOT twist) and air dry.

Where can I get more of those Samples?

Soap, wax tarts, and bath fizzies are available at  http://www.theserenedreamshop.com/store/.  Serena is wonderful to work with and her products are amazing.  Wool wash is available at www.sudzndudz.com or www.londonfrogg.com.  The recycled toddler crayons are available right here, under "Child's Play."

What type of rings are used for the Ring Slings and Onbuhimos?

I typically use the nylon rings from a company called SlingRings, although I have used their aluminum ones by special request.  They are  specifically made for use in baby carriers and have been thoroughly tested to withstand the weight of your baby and/or toddler.  (In fact, they are rated to withstand much, much more...)

What is the weight limit of your baby carriers?

The recommended weight limit for most baby carriers (including mine) is 35 lbs.  I have personally tested my carriers with my 20 lb. daughter, my 30 lb. nephew, and my 60 lb. nephew.  While the carriers themselves are structurally sturdy enough to endure all of these tests....my back and shoulders were put to the limit with my 60 lb. nephew.  My other nephew and my daughter could both be carried comfortably at length in any/all of the carriers. 

Can my child sit front facing in a carrier? 

Yes, Maybe and No!  If you would like to wear your child on the front, facing forward, we suggest a ring sling or pouch style carrier in a Kangaroo Carry.  This is best for developing hips. Our Asian style baby carriers can also be used with the child facing forward, provided that the child's legs are crossed inside the carrier, buddha style.  It is not recommended that the child's legs be spread apart and hanging out forward facing in a front carry.  This puts too much strain on the child's pelvis and legs and is difficult to get a good "seat" (bum lower than knees) for the child's comfort.   

What is the difference between a Mei Tai and an Onbuhimo?

Both of these carriers are considered Asian Baby Carriers.  The Mei Tai is of Chinese decent, whereas the Onbuhimo has its origins in Japan.  The most obvious difference between the two is the number of straps.  The Mei Tai has 4 straps (two at the shoulder, two at the waist).  The weight of the child is dispersed on the shoulders, across the back, and at the waist and hips.  The Onbuhimo has only 2 strap at the shoulder, which are then threaded through rings at the waist.  This disperses the weight a bit differently, yet still on the shoulders and across the back.    Another difference between the two is the body dimension of the carriers.  The onbuhimo features a narrower body width and a height between our square and tall version MTs. 

Why would I choose one (Mei Tai or Onbuhimo) over the other?

Some prefer the conveinence of only two straps on the onbuhimo to the four straps of the mei tai.  I find the onbuhimo easy to tie on in a front carry, without putting baby down. Some find an onbuhimo more appropriate for a child from about 3 months old up to about 25 lbs or so, as the weight dispersment may be tough on the shoulders and upper back. But, those with lower back trouble sometimes prefer the onbuhimo, just for that reason.  Many choose a mei tai, since it is a bit wider and can be used from birth (froggy legged) on up.  And, because of the four straps many prefer the more even weight distribution across all parts of the back and shoulders, especially for heavier children and long wearing periods.  It is really a matter of personal preference.  Until you have tried each, it is difficult to determine which one you will prefer.

What is the difference between Straight & Angled Waist Straps on my MT? I personally have tried both the angled and straight straps with my daughter, and did not find much of a difference in comfort level.  Granted, she is barely a year, and just 20 lbs.....it may make a difference with an older child.  I have asked and read reviews of other products both with angled straps and with straight straps and it seems pretty mixed in preference.  Some find the angled straps more comfortable to wear, others prefer the "j" "pouch" for the child's bottoms when the legs stick out, that the straight straps can make when flipped up and tied.  Some think it's a style issue.  I personally like the look of the straight straps and feel it looks more polished.  It really seems to be a matter of personal choice. 

Here is a reply I received from someone when I asked for others' opinions:

"The angled straps make more of a pouch for the baby to snuggle down into.  A lot of people don’t notice that much difference and some people WAY prefer one over the other.  I don’t have a preference really.  One other difference I can think of is that with straight straps it’s easier to roll up the bottom if you need to :)"

Her comments also seem true in my experience.  As your child is small, it's easier to shorten the body of the mei tai with straight straps, then unroll it as the child grows.  If your child is already older/larger the angled straps could make more sense.

How do I decide betwen Square, Tall, & Plus sized MT's?

For Square vs. Tall, it doesn't matter what size or shape *you* are, it depends on how much height of fabric you want on your baby.  I use both the square and tall versions, for diferent reasons. I think it's totally personal preference, plus your baby's preference. I do a lot of back-carries & my daughter usually falls asleep within seconds of being carried in an MT on my back, so I choose to go with a Tall for the most part, so that the body panel comes up higher behind her head to give her more head support. Now, some babies prefer to have their arms out & look around, as my daughter does in a front carry in a MT.  During those times she does not like the extra fabric coming up behind her head, so a square version would works great. One nice thing about longer bodied MTs, such as the Tall, is that it does give you the versatility of 2 options: you can roll the waist up to create a shorter body panel when your baby wants to put their arms out or play and be active in the MT, and you can leave it full size when they are sleeping. It can be a bit tricky to roll it up & down when your child is already in the MT, but it is possible.  Basically with a Tall, you get more versatility, and it's great for more discreet nursing. HOWEVER--some may prefer the shorter version and think rolling is a P.I.T.A (lol).  Another thing to consider....Is your child a "leaner"?  If so, a tall body style gives more support.

As for regular vs. Plus...If you are a particularly "fluffy" momma or daddy, then you may want to go with the PLUS sized carrier. This option adds a slight bit more to the body of the carrier, as well as longer length to the straps for a better fit.

Why would I want Padding in my MT or Pouch?

All of our Asian Baby Carriers, as well as our Ring Slings come with paddin in the shoulder areas.  We also offer additional padding options.  Padding in the MT  itself (leg & headrest) and in the Pouch leg rails is more for baby comfort and support.  It is not Necessary, but some moms (and babies) prefer it.  If you go with the shorter body MT with a very young baby for example, you may wish to have headrest padding to provide more head support.  Or, if you have a child with particulary chubby legs, you may wish to go with leg padding in your pouch or mei tai.  It gives just a little bit of cushioning, so that the fabric doesn't not dig into the leg.  I have used both with my daughter and have not had any problems with or without padding.  Many moms use MT's without padding and love it...actually finding the padding annoying.  Others refuse to go without it.  As far as padding in the mei tai waist straps; that's for mom's comfort.  This helps fluffier mom's keep the straps from cutting into the waist.  It also helps to keep the waist straps nice and flat, so they don't bunch up.  I am a fairly thin mom (somewhere between an 8 & 10) and haven't had a need for padding in my straps, and prefer to go without it.  Many larger moms do just fine without it, as well, provided they keep the straps flat when tying them.  It's just an option I offer for those who prefer it.

My question is not answered here....How do I find out the answer?

HereI have answered some frequently asked questions and provided you with some things to consider for your own (and your child's) preferences.  If there is anything else I can answer, please contact me at jenncatsmeow@yahoo.com.

Jenn for The Cat's Meow