Your Baby s Development At Around 12 Months

Your Baby s Development At Around 12 Months: "As baby is becoming more mobile, her view of the world changes dramatically. Find out all about baby s development."

Campaign for Affordable Organic Living

January 11, 2008, Leeds, UK-In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of using organic cotton clothing for children Tina Rychlik, a stay-at-home mother and the creative force behind BabysBest.co.uk. is declaring war against leading manufacturers of clothing for infants and children through her Campaign For Affordable Organic Living.

As the world's population becomes more aware of the need to "think green", companies everywhere are beginning to offer more eco-friendly products for consumers to choose from. These products include everything from organic food to eco-friendly building materials; yet one industry has fallen fatally behind the times - that of the manufacturing of clothing for infants and children.

According to a 2007 study by the Institute of Science in Society, the cotton industry accounts for at least 16% of the world's chemical pesticide use. This chemically treated cotton is then sent to textile mills where more chemicals are used during the cloth making process, then it is dyed and washed with yet more chemicals. This cotton is then used in the process of making clothing for infants and children. In contrast, organic cotton contains none of these chemicals, as pesticides and chemical treatments are not used in any part of the growing or manufacturing process.

Until recently, the high price of organic clothing has kept it out of reach for all but the wealthiest of parents. As the mother of two, Tina Rychlik decided this needed to change; and so has begun offering an affordable line of organic cotton Baby Basics for infants and children through her BabysBest.co.uk online store, and is launching a full-scale awareness campaign entitled the Campaign for Affordable Organic Living.

"We all talk about creating a more eco-friendly environment," said Rychlik in a recent interview, "but it's difficult for the majority of parents to put this into practice as long as organic products remain such an expensive alternative." Rychlik hopes that her Campaign for Affordable Organic Living will attract other retailers of organic clothing, and inspire them to make their products more affordable so that consumers can have a wider selection of products to choose from for their children.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Campaign for Affordable Organic Living can visit Rychlik's website at www.babysbest.co.uk.

Ways to Wear Your Baby

Nowadays there is an endless list of different style baby slings available for parents to choose from.

This is a selection of widely available slings and carriers.

Front carriers are designed so your baby can either face inwards which is especially useful for a newborn or when your baby is sleeping or face outwards which is said to be helping with baby’s social development. They feature adjustable straps so the weight of the baby is distributed evenly across your shoulders and back. Some have an additional strap around your waist so it distributes the weight even more. They can accommodate an infant of up to 13.5kg which may already be too heavy for many parents to carry. When choosing a front carrier try to find one that is easy to put on and take off as a lot of straps can be disabling if the parent has to put it on all by himself. The carrier should be able to support your baby’s head and shoulders.

Soft carriers are equally versatile as baby can be worn at the front, back or the side on the hip. The shoulder and waist straps are tied around your upper body to allow individual comfort and they can be used for babies of up to 18 months.

Sling carriers come in different styles, both fabric and design.
The pouch sling is the easiest in design which means no extra bulk when not in use and quick and easy to put on and take off. By using the sling properly you distribute the weight over the full width of your shoulder and across your back. This kind of sling allows for discreet breastfeeding anywhere anytime and doubles as a soft changing mat, stroller cover or baby blanket. It is fuss free, allowing the wearer to carry the baby in various positions: babies can be worn to sleep in a cradle position, tummy-to-tummy, kangaroo carry or hip carry while you go on with your activities. The pouch sling comes in different sizes for the correct fit. (http://www.babysbest.co.uk/products/out-and-about)
The ring sling is very versatile and adjustable to any size baby or wearer. The sling is designed to cup the shoulder and spread naturally over the back, keeping baby secure and close to your center of gravity. It may take some time to get used to the handling and adjusting but it is a very good sling for those who feel comfortable wearing it.
Wraps are a wide swath of fabric that slings across your body. It is very versatile as infants can lie down in them and can face in- and outwards. An older baby can straddle around your hip or back while being supported by the sling. They also allow discreet and convenient breastfeeding.

A framed carrier, used for long walks and hikes (hiking carriers) has a backpack frame made of light metal with a fabric seat. Unlike front carriers and slings, which distribute baby’s weight across the shoulders and the back, a backpack carrier places the weight on your back and waist. This type of carrier is not recommended for babies under six months old as it requires them to sit upright and be able to hold themselves reasonably stable. It can be used for children up to 18kg. When choosing such a carrier, look for lightweight models that have a built-in stand. This will help make loading and mounting easier. A framed carrier should be moisture resistant and have a cleanable fabric, adjustability for both wearer and baby, safety straps, firm shoulder strap padding, a lumbar support to help distribute the weight down towards your hips, and some storage pockets for all your needs while hiking. If you like long-distance hikes you should look out for heavy-duty backpacks but a light-weight model is fine for shorter tours.

Please keep in mind: all slings and carriers must be comfortable, padded, straps should be adjustable and comfortable. The fabric must be breathable to prevent overheating and washable. Most importantly, your and your baby must like it!

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