Calin Bleu - The baby carrier of happy babies

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:51:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:42:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:04:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:19:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:00:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:03:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:21:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:15:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:09:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:50:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 20:10:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:52:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:09:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:20:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:14:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:01:00 +0000

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 ...

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:00:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Calin Bleu) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:57:00 +0000

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.