What are the benefits of babywearing? TOP
With all the fancy strollers available, why should you wear your baby
in a sling? There are many great reasons. Various studies have shown
that wearing babies in carriers reduces crying and colic and promotes a
"quiet alert" state that is optimal for learning. Studies also indicate
that wearing babies promotes bonding and closeness with the wearer
(usually Mom or Dad). Many adoptive parents especially find baby
carriers an excellent tool for establishing a secure and loving
attachment. Beyond these benefits, baby carriers are practical for
navigating narrow store aisles, using subways and buses, and
breastfeeding discreetly in public. And besides, it’s great exercise
for the wearer.
Why choose a Catbird Baby mei tai? TOP
The Catbird Baby carrier is based on a traditional Chinese carrier
known as a mei tai. This design provides comfort for baby and wearer by
bringing the baby's legs up into a seated position (rather than hanging
straight down) and employing the wearer's waist and hips to bear some
of baby's weight. The padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly
across the back and both shoulders. Discreet breastfeeding is also a
breeze in a Catbird Baby carrier. We strive to bring you fabrics that
are beautiful and eye-catching; we want your baby carrier to be a
fashion statement and not just a utilitarian parenting tool. Our
carriers are also proudly made in the U.S.A.
Is it safe? TOP
Definitely! All seams are stitched, turned, and stitched again. Strap
joints are reinforced. However, the wearer must take care to learn how
to properly tie the carrier and make sure to create secure double
knots. Please also inspect your carrier regularly to make sure there is
no damage. And, of course, use common sense: do not cook while wearing
the carrier, engage in strenuous exercise, or wear in a moving car. The
recommended maximum weight is between 35 and 40 lbs. For more
information on safe wear, please visit our How To Wear page.
How do I wear a mei tai baby carrier? TOP
A
mei tai is basically a rectangle of fabric with four straps. The lower
straps are tied around the waist and the shoulder straps go behind you
or in front of you and back around beneath the baby's bottom. For a
complete guide to correct use, please visit our How To Wear page.
Is it one-size-fits-all? TOP
One size will
fit a wide variety of people. The carrier should accommodate up to an
approximately size 20 woman and will also fit a man with a 40-42" chest
and 35-36" waist. Please inquire
if you are interested in a carrier with longer straps. If you are
purchasing a carrier as a baby shower gift, please let us know the
mother’s due date in the comments field during checkout. We will mark
on the receipt that the recipient may exchange her carrier up to 60
days past her due date so that she may see how it fits without a
pregnant belly.
How do I care for my Catbird Baby carrier? TOP
You
may wash your Catbird Baby carrier in cold water on the gentle cycle
with a mild detergent. Placing the carrier in a mesh lingerie bag may
prevent the straps from getting twisted and tangled. Line dry or dry on
low heat until damp. Press with a medium to hot iron, using steam. For
any carrier with silk fabric, dry cleaning or spot cleaning is
recommended. You may submerge the straps of a silk body carrier to wash
the straps only; however, the silk will shrink and lose its sheen if
washed. You may spot clean silk with a small amount of water. If you
wash your silk carrier, it is not ruined--a steam iron will stretch the
fabric back some, but not entirely and the fabric will lose luster (but
gain softness). With the weight of the baby in the carrier it will not
be very noticeable. In other words, the carrier is still functional, if
you choose to wash a silk fabric. But to retain its original look, dry
cleaning or spot cleaning only is recommended. Fabric content of all
carriers is noted on the product pages.
How will you ship my purchase? TOP
Shipping within the US is divided into zones. Zone A is $6.95, Zone B 8.95, and Zone C $9.95. Global Priority to Canada is $19 and to the rest of the world $26. Illinois residents must pay 9.25% sales tax.
What is your return & exchange policy? TOP
We want you to love your Catbird Baby mei tai carrier. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, please contact us
right away and we will work with you to resolve any problems. You may
return your unwashed, unused carrier for a refund or exchange within 14
days of receipt. If your carrier is defective (not damaged due to improper use),
you may return it for replacement within 90 days. Contact us to arrange all returns or exchanges. Returns or exchanges not arranged in advance of sending the product will be denied.
Where did the name Catbird Baby come from? TOP
The
expression "sitting in the catbird seat" means to be in an advantageous
position, a fitting description for a baby who is lucky enough to be
carried in a sling and experience the world snuggled in close to Mom or
Dad. In nature, the catbird (a real American bird that is known for its
ability to mimic a cat's meow) is said to find the highest spot in a
tree from which to sing and keep an eye on things. James Thurber used
the expression in his short story The Catbird Seat, which was published in The New Yorker
in 1942. "Red Barber announces the Dodger games over the radio and he
uses those expressions...'sitting in the catbird seat' means sitting
pretty, like a batter with three balls and no strikes on him."
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