1. Why wear my baby?
2. How long can I use my carrier with my baby? What is the weight limit?
3. Can I wear my older baby or toddler while I'm pregnant?
4. Does measuring during pregnancy give accurate measurements? Will my pouch fit well, after baby is born?
5. Can I REALLY breastfeed while wearing my baby?
6. Are your pouches adjustable? How does this affect the way it works?
7. Are the carriers comfortable? Are the pouches padded?
8. Can my baby fall out of my carrier?
9. I have an older baby. Is it too late to start wearing him?
10. Do you do gift certificates? Gift wrapping?
11. I followed your directions for sizing, and my pouch still seems too small/too big. Now what?
12. Will my baby's daddy actually use one?

1. How do I choose which type of carrier to get?
2. I have a real wiggler, what would you recommend?
3. What is a Mei Tai? How does it work?
4. How do you PROPERLY tie the straps of the Mei Tai?

FABRIC INFORMATION QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between the different fabrics?
2. I love the look of the fleece, but will I be hot using it?
3. I don't see a fabric that I like here, how can I get one that suits my needs/style?
4. How do I wash my Annabear?

1. Why wear my baby?
   

   For 9 months, your baby has been with you all the time. It is all they know, the warmth of you, your voice, your heartbeat. After birth, it's no wonder that babies seem disoriented and scared. Everything has changed. Being worn close to your body simulates the womb, and gives comfort like nothing else. You'll find your baby is more content, and you can get more done with your hands free.

   http://askdrsears.com/html/5/t051100.asp
   
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2. How long can I use my carrier with my baby? What is the weight limit?
   Usually, your baby will no longer want to be carried before the weight limit is actually breached. Either that, or your back will hurt from the weight before the carrier gives out. My 3 yr old is 36lb and will let me show people how the carriers work, but will not stay up there for very long. She's too busy! The actual weight LIMIT is hard to say, but I'll give it a safe guess: 45lb for a pouch, 50-60lb for a Mei Tai.
   
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3. Can I wear my older baby or toddler while I'm pregnant?
   YES! I used my pouch up until I was about 9 months pregnant. My daughter started wanting to walk more around the time I was biggest pregnant, but I still carried her when she was too tired to walk anymore. The Mei Tai would be great for pregnancy, in my opinion, and I've seen many pictures of women wearing their older babies in a Mei Tai while the new baby was on the way. The Mei Tai's straps make it so you could tie over or under the belly, however you are more comfortable, and will ease you from a high front carry to the hip or back nicely.
   
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4. Does measuring during pregnancy give accurate measurements? Will my pouch fit well, after baby is born?
   Generally speaking, yes. I have found that taking a measurement LATE in pregnancy and going with the size UNDER that works well. Or measuring at 5-6 months will give an accurate measurement, as this is the size you will be when baby is newly born.
   
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5. Can I REALLY breastfeed while wearing my baby?
   YES! I have nursed my baby in both a Pouch and a Mei Tai with little problems. Both were discreet, and people just thought baby was sleeping if they saw me. They take practice, for nursing in public, so keep trying it at home once you get breastfeeding down, and you'll have the hang of it in no time!
   
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6. Are your pouches adjustable? How does this affect the way it works?
   The pouches are NOT adjustable. There are some pros and cons that go along with this:
   
   First, you have to get sizing right. I will do my best to get the sling to fit you well. Most people do get the sizing right on the first try. I wear the same size NOW, 6 months postpartum, that I did while pregnant, and with a newborn. (My late pregnancy measurement was about 1.5 sizes bigger than I typically like to wear, but the same size sling I usually wear still fit.) If our best guess at sizing is wrong, I will work with you to get that resolved so you have something that you can use.
   
   Once sizing is figured out, these are one of the easiest carriers out there to use. They have a "poppability" factor, as we like to say! You can pop baby in, pop baby out. These are great to take to the store with you, or to use for other quick trips. I actually wear my empty carriers while I'm driving, and it is a snap to get baby in there to go shopping.
   
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7. Are the carriers comfortable? Are the pouches padded?
   I think so! The pouches restrict arm movement a LITTLE, but not much. The Mei Tai distributes the weight over 2 padded shoulder straps and frees up your hands a bit more.
   
   I love both of mine and wouldn't trade either! I don't leave the house without at least one carrier in tow. I have had bouts of Sciatica since before my first baby, and I have not had trouble with either of these carriers. However, one sign that your pouch is too big or your Mei Tai is too loose, is that it might hurt your lower back a little. If this is the case, try tying the Mei Tai straps a little tighter, or get in touch with me about the pouch.
   
   YES, the pouches are padded. One leg rail is lightly padded, long enough for even a 2-3 year old's knees to have protection. This is NOT the thick padding you may have seen on some easily available ring slings (Nojo, OTSBH). It is barely-there. Just enough to ease pressure on baby's sensitive knees when in the hip or tummy to tummy positions.
   
   
   
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8. Can my baby fall out of my carrier?
   If you follow the directions carefully, place baby's bottom on the seam of the pouch, and tie the straps of the Mei Tai carefully, you should not have any problems. With a very small or wiggly baby, you might want to tie the straps of the Mei Tai around baby's back, so it closes the open sides, and reduces the space there. If your baby is uncooperative, use your best judgment, and maybe put the carrier away for a day. As always, use your common sense when wearing your baby. Use an extra hand on them when going through a doorway or crowd, when bending over to pick something off the floor, etc.
   
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9. I have an older baby. Is it too late to start wearing him?
   I didn't have a sling of any kind until baby #2 was on the way, and my daughter was 14 months old. I got my first sling and used it with her, just to try it out. I ended up wearing her often, up until baby was born. Is it too late? I don't think so, unless he's 4 or 5!
   
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10. Do you do gift certificates? Gift wrapping?
    We do have online printable gift certificates available through Paypal. Just choose your gift amount! Gift wrapping is currently not available.
    
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11. I followed your directions for sizing, and my pouch still seems too small/too big. Now what?
    If it seems too big, you can let me know, send it back to me, and I will alter it for you. If it seems too small, let me know, and we will work something out. I'm pretty flexible. I do ask, though, that you take care of shipping costs for any alterations or exchanges. We do not accept returns at this time.
    
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12. Will my baby's daddy actually use one?
    Well, that depends on the guy! One good thing with the Mei Tais is that they are solid on one side, so it can hide the "girly" print you ordered. I know my husband said he wouldn't use one, but when I was making dinner with a fussy 6 week old, and he wanted to play video games, he jumped at the fleece sling on the couch and admitted he could understand all the fuss behind "those things". Shhh, don't tell, but I have a picture to prove it! :)
    
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1. How do I choose which type of carrier to get?
   Part of that depends on how you want to carry your baby, and how old your baby is. With a newborn, I personally would not trade a pouch for anything! Some people absolutely love their Mei Tai with a new baby all the way up. Mei Tais work beautifully for those who have Acid Reflux babies, as it holds them securely upright. I prefer my Mei Tai for an older baby, since it distributes the weight nice and evenly.
   
   Does the Mei Tai look like too much work to get used to? It's easier than it looks, but if it makes you uncomfortable to try it, go with a pouch. If in doubt, email us and let me know what your concerns are, and I'll do my best to help you choose what will work best for you.
   
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2. I have a real wiggler, what would you recommend?
   For a pouch, I'd recommend one of the less stretchy options. This way, baby cannot throw himself backward suddenly and go very far. The Mei Tai is great for wigglers, because you can tie it around their back, and help keep them in place better. If baby simply will not sit still in a carrier, though, it's best not to push the issue. Often, this means baby is signaling "down". My son does this when he wants to practice crawling on the floor.
   
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3. What is a Mei Tai? How does it work?
   A Mei Tai is a traditional Chinese baby carrier. Pronounced "May Die" or "May Tie", depending on the dialect, it translates literally, "Carrying Tie" or "Wrap for Carrying."
   
   My version is a little different, a little modernized. It has wider, padded straps, and a slightly modified body frame. It works like many other soft carriers, but instead of messing with buckles and clips, it just ties on, so it is super adjustable. The way I cut the straps right now, it will fit most people. Really! If you feel you or your husband may need longer straps, or even shorter straps, just email us and we'll take care of you!
   
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4. How do you PROPERLY tie the straps of the Mei Tai?
   The quick answer is with a square knot. Basically this is a double knot with the second knot going the opposite directon of the first. I tie once, swap straps in hands and tie once more. You can tell it is a square knot by looking in the mirror, most times. The straps will come out straight to the sides, instead of twisting.
   Think of it like a shoelace tie: If the bow sits sideways, it is a Granny knot. If the bow sits straight and flat, it is a Square knot.
   
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1. What is the difference between the different fabrics?
   The 100% cotton carriers are firm weaves, and are not stretchy at all. The stretch cotton is typically 97% cotton, 3% spandex or lycra. They have a LITTLE give to them, but not a lot, it's just enough so baby can wiggle without feeling trapped. These two are breathable and lightweight and fold up nicely. The fleece is super soft and cushy, nice and stretchy, but still gives great support. Fleece breathes well, and still folds up nicely, but is a little bulkier than the cotton fabrics.
   
   > Mei Tais are made from heavier weight fabrics, like Poplin, Twill, or Canvas. It depends on the colors I need at the time, and what is available. Though thick and sturdy, these still are lightweight enough to be comfortable in the summer. The Brocade Mei Tai is made from a brocade silk on one body panel, a hidden layer of canvas or twill for durability, and the straps and inner body panel are made from a rich velveteen or twill.
   
   Solarveil fabrics are a mesh, with sun protection worked into the fabric. Great for the pool, shower, or just outside in the summer sun! Can work with a Mei Tai or a Pouch.
   Please note: Solarweave is not in-stock at this time, but I would be happy to make you a Solarweave carrier as a custom.
   
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2. I love the look of the fleece, but will I be hot using it?
   It is a little on the warm side, like wearing a blanket. I personally will not wear my fleece pouch outside once it is 70-75* F out. It is too warm for mom and baby that way. But indoors, in the A/C, it's nice and cozy again. My fleece Mei Tai is on my back right now, and it is acting like a light blanket for my sleeping son. Fleece for winter~ nothing better!
   
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3. I don't see a fabric that I like here, how can I get one that suits my needs/style?
   You can go shopping online or in town, and buy fabric to send to me (I will give you the dimensions I need to work with, depending on the product you want). I am no longer able to go custom shopping FOR you. However, I am happy to give thorough information on fabrics available, and double check online purchases before they are made.
   
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4. How do I wash my Annabear?
   Machine wash with similar colors/fabrics, on cool. Tumble dry low, or hang dry. If you are not careful to dry it on a lower heat setting, it may shrink. I do pre-wash and pre-shrink all my fabrics, but there is always that little bit of shrink left in them. If your sling is just a hair too loose, drying it on high heat once should help with the fit. This really helps a well-loved fleece pouch spring back to life again!
   
   The same washing directions for all carriers. For Brocades, be SURE to treat as "delicate".
   
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