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Happy February!
I hope this letter finds you all well.
January was an exciting month for Peppermint.com. We added
baby carriers from around the world to our inventory (see
below). We will continue to search out new carriers, but
if you know of any that we don't yet have, we would love
to hear about it.
Parents in cultures around the world have balanced the
duties of caretaker and provider by tying their babies to
their bodies. Most accomplish this using simple rectangular
pieces of cloth. Over time, these cloths became integral
parts of women's wardrobes, functioning as body coverings,
scarves, light blankets, and cushions, as well as carriers
for babies and other loads. These carriers fit into a category
that I call "whatever you need it to be at the time".
The fabrics are usually colorful and vividly expressive
of the local visual esthetic. And they are the lightest,
most versatile types of carriers you can find.
New baby carriers from around the world
We have added beautiful baby carriers from Kenya. They
are called kangas, (kikoys are the woven version), and they
are pictured above being used by a group of Maasai
mothers in Enkaroni,
Kajiado (picture from a 2002-2003 Peace Corps calendar).
We have two several options, colorfully printed, with sayings
in Kiswahili along one edge. [details]
We also now offer Indonesian selendangs. The Javanese
use selendangs to carry their babies (among other things).
Interestingly, the Balinese do not tie their babies to their
bodies, even though tradition dictates that babies not touch
the ground for the first three months. We have three beautiful
colors, with more styles coming in the next month or so.
[details]
Resources for in-arms parenting
You have all made the commitment to the in-arms style of
parenting. As with anything in life, it helps to know that
there is support for your decisions. Barbara Wishingrad,
of the Rebozo Way Project,
has compiled a list
of studies, books, articles, and organizations related to
in-arms parenting. There is lots of great information
here; plenty to get you started. However, it was last updated
in 1999. If you know of more resources that you would like
to share, please email
them to me and I will post them on our website and pass
them along to Barbara.
Book & website recommendations
A Ride on Mother's Back : A Day of Baby Carrying around
the World - by Durga and Emery Bernhard. This is a children's
book (ages 4-8), with wonderful illustrations, that looks
at baby wearing around the world.
KidsHealth is a
website devoted to exploring kids-related health issues
(including body piercing and internet surfing) from the
perspective of kids, teens, and parents. There are three
separate entry points for each of these groups, and even
a limited Spanish-language version. The site has a positive
parenting focus.
The O'Mama Report
is a website devoted to disseminating "organic information
and inspiration". There are articles, recipes, reports,
links, all about organic foods and products for Mom, baby,
and family.
Thank you!
How are we doing? I love to hear and see how your slings
are working out for you. If you get a spare moment in your
busy, busy schedules, I would very much appreciate a note
and a picture.
If you like what you have read here, I would greatly appreciate
it if you would forward this to a friend - or two!
Thanks for your support! And have a good month.
~Vesta Hartman Garcia
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