Earthsling a hands-free way to carry your baby

Watching a new mother struggle to carry around her baby led Jennifer Zwicker to design a product that makes it easier for moms and dads to hold their babies and toddlers.

The Clayton Park resident is owner of My Little Earthsling, a home-based business that makes handmade slings.

"I always wanted to run a home business, but wasn't sure what to do," said Zwicker, who started the business a year ago. "The idea came from seeing my sister trying to carry around my little niece. Car seats were big and bulky and her back hurt with backpack carriers. Slings spread over your shoulder and distribute the weight. She tried it and loved it."

Slings have been used for centuries by different cultures. Worn over the shoulder and tied, they create a pouch for the baby or toddler to lay in. Zwicker found a pattern and customized it with pleating over the shoulder to keep the fabric from bunching up. The rings the fabric is pulled though lock in place with the weight of the baby.

"They're not only for use outside. You can wear it while doing housework and get stuff done, rather than leaving the baby in the corner. Your hands are free," said Zwicker. "You see so many people around walking with a stroller. They'll be pushing it with one hand and have their baby in their hands. If you take a sling with you, one hand can be on the stroller while you reach for groceries."

The slings come in different colour and fabrics. Zwicker uses cotton twill along with some organic cotton fabric and a product made of 60 per cent bamboo and 40 per cent cotton.

"You wouldn't think bamboo would be soft, but it is (and) it's a renewable resource. Bamboo grows four inches a day," said Zwicker.

The slings are adjustable, which means mom, dad or others can use the same one. They work from premature babies to toddlers up to 35 lbs and are machine washable.

"You can start carrying preemies in the sling from day one. You just have to be aware of their position," said Zwicker. "Premature babies need extra stimulation. In the sling, they get warmth and are close to your heartbeat."

Zwicker's business has grown and the sling is available at several stores, including On The Grow Fit Family Centre in Bayers Lake and Bib 'N' Tucker on Quinpool Road.

They can also be ordered online or directly through Zwicker.

Zwicker's sister, Leanne Jacobs, has been using a sling for her daughter Jane, 2, for a year. She said it helped save her back.

"With the snugly, I'd be OK for 20 minutes, then I'd have to pass her along to someone else. The sling is so easy on my back," she said, "I wasn't sure at first and was really surprised. I didn't think of myself as a sling person, but they're great (and) they are stylish."

For further information, go to www.my littleearthsling.com or call 404-1609.

suzyteubner@yahoo.ca