Conversion Corner: Bibetts

As Taxmas approaches (i.e. the time when we get our taxes back and treat ourselves to a little wrappers' delights!), and we consider how to spice up our stashes, it's important to have a strong converter in your back pocket for the perfect ring sling conversion. Enter, Bibetts Baby Carriers. This conversion company known for being "affordable, beautiful, and safe" provides gorgeous ring sling conversions that are for a cost that allows anyone to get the ring sling they desire without breaking the bank. 

Recently, I was offered the chance to play with a Little Frog Carnelian converted ring sling with a pleated shoulder. Not only was it comfortable as all get out, the shoulder was pleated to perfection and I felt gorgeous every time I wore it. Also, Millie loved snuggling against me in the comfort of this ring sling. It was perfect for quick ups to the grocery store, but also withstood the test of a long Catholic mass with my family of six. Bibetts has definitely become my go-to for ring sling conversions, so I got in contact with Ashley (owner and seamstress of Bibetts) to learn more about how Bibetts began and how to get started with your own ring sling conversion...

What is your favorite part of converting an item?

Getting to work with new items and hearing the backstory about the wrap and its meanings.

Does your husband babywear?

Oh yes! Sometimes I think he enjoys it more than the kids and I do.

How long have you been in the ring sling business?

We just reached the 3 year mark in January!

What inspired you to get started?

Children are our most precious gift and when I became a mommy I wanted to keep my babe close always. I struggled to find a carrier that was both affordable and comfortable for us. I needed something versatile and beautiful as well. Many ring slings were overpriced and with my seamstress background I decided to try my hand at making a DYI ring sling. After a lot of research and careful planning, I created a ring sling that was not only beautiful, safe and comfortable, it was super affordable! I wanted to use my skills to pass this wonderful product on to other mommas with a budget in mind and so, in 2012, Bibetts Baby Carriers was born.

So, let's move on to some more general questions about Bibetts...

How big is your company? Is everyone in your company compliant?

The company consists of me and my fabulously devoted office assistant Sara. 

Yes, we are CPSIA compliant. (And soon to be ASTM compliant once the sling standard of testing is finalized this year).

What sets you apart from other converters?

I believe my good reputation along with the great prices and quick turnaround time is what attracts most people to my products.

What is your sizing chart?

We have 3 sizes available.

o   S/M (70 inches) recommended for shirt sizes XXS-M

o   M/L (80 inches) recommended for shirt sizes XXS-XL

o   L/XL (90 inches) recommended for shirt sizes S-XXL

*Custom sizes are also available on request.

What size rings do you use?

We use only SlingRings brand rings in sizes Large and Medium.

What color rings do you offer?

We offer every color available from SlingRings.com

Where do I go to get started on a custom conversion?

You can read instructions on how to get started here.

What is the cost for a custom conversion?

$20 per sling and this includes the cost of the rings. Shipping is additional. (Any unused fabric is always returned to the customer.)

What options can you get from chopping different sizes?

There are so many options available that I always encourage the customer to contact me to discuss all the possibilities for their specific wrap.

For the brand new babywearer, do you help walk them through the conversion process?

Yes, we are always available to help in whatever way needed. We also have a list of questions posted on our Custom Conversion Listing that goes over all the details we need to know before the conversion begins.

-          Email: Bibetts@Bibetts.com

-          Phone: 512/660-BABY

-          Etsy messaging

-          Video Chat too!

How much length is required for ____ size or ____shoulder style?

We need at least 5 inches to create most any shoulder so, for example, if you want an 80 inch sling your fabric should be 85 inches long. (If the sling is tapered, we take the measurement down the shortest side.)

Are you willing to hem the extra piece once the ring sling is made?

Yes! Rehemming/tapering and moving the middle marker back to center is just $10.

What types of shoulder styles do you offer?

Currently we offer Pleated, Gathered & Hybrid. If you are unsure what will work best for you, just contact us and we can provide some guidance.

Are you willing to take a photograph of ring colors with wrap?

Of course! Since the rings from SlingRings.com can vary in color tone we are very happy to send pics before we begin the conversion so you can make sure it will be perfect.

How do you choose which side of wrap to face outward on the sling?

We let the customer tell us which side they prefer but are always happy to provide some assistance too.

What is the anticipated timeline once the wrap is received?

In most cases, our conversion will be ready to ship back to you one week from the time we receive the wrap.

How do you ship the converted ring sling back to its owner? Do you provide insurance for high market value wraps?

All items are shipped back via USPS Priority mail. Insurance always is available upon request.

WANNA WIN A BIBETTS CONVERTED RING SLING? ENTER HERE!

Win this Little Frog Carnelian Ring Sling!

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Top 5 Reasons Mommy Con is for Every Mom!

Mommy Con 2016 is upon us, and for the first time this mama is considering going! Why haven't I considered before, you ask? Well, Mommy Con promotes itself as a "celebration of natural parenting". Frankly, I couldn't even tell you how natural the chicken nuggets were that my kids ate for lunch! The truth is, even though I breastfeed and babywear, I've never really considered myself a "natural" parent, and I kind of assumed this event wasn't meant for me. But after researching a little bit more, let me explain 5 reasons why it totally is...

1) The Gentle and Positive Approach

Mommy Con is an event geared toward educating parents in a "gentle and positive" way. As a mom of four who has been judged more times than the diapers she's changed today, let me tell you: gentle and positive sounds pretty nice right now. I may have a lot of kids, but sometimes I don't have a lot of answers, and I am excited to go to an event that will offer some in an upbeat and helpful way! The Mommy Con mission is "to create a community of support, acceptance, and non-judgment for women". Sign me up!

2) The Babywearing Lounge and Sessions

As a huge fan of babywearing, I would go for this reason alone. How many opportunities do we as parents get the chance to try out various carriers? In most stores they come in boxes and you just have to hope for the best with your purchase. Also, I love that they have a "try-no-need-to-buy" philosophy. No pressure on me to make a big budget purchase, just a chance to see what I like (and love!) in the babywearing world! If you are babywearing-curious but need to learn the ropes, they even have sessions filled with how-to tutorials just for you!

3) Baby Safe Play Spaces

If you are a new mom like me then let's face it--we're not getting out of the house alone for this event. Since I am my baby's nutrition, I need to find events where both my baby and I are welcomed which isn't always easy. Mommy Con, recognizing the need to be family friendly, provides Baby Safe Play Spaces throughout the venue, offering you an opportunity to let your little one get out some energy without worrying about what they might be getting into. This is definitely a plus for me!

4) Sleep Consultation Area

Raise your hand if you like sleep! Now raise your hand if you don't remember what sleep is! Yeah, these days I feel like sleep is a hit or miss event in our home, and I need all the help I can get to make it a reoccurring theme once again. Enter, the Sleep Consultation Area. Nothing excites me more than the chance to talk with someone who has a clue to help my little one and I find restful nights again.

5) Vagina Village

Oh yes, I went there, and Mommy Con is going there too. Good parenting includes good self-care, and Mommy Con has sessions available to help encourage positive self-care and self-love throughout mama's life. Topics include that time of the month, intimacy, tata's and more! So let's take pride in US and remember, "Happy mama, happy baby!"


Now that I've reached my 5 reasons to go to Mommy Con, I'm realizing that I haven't even gotten to cloth diapering, baby-led weaning, sessions for dad, and more! So, how about we just agree that Mommy Con is a must-see event and it's time to go buy your ticket, eh? Good. Use the code below to get $5 off your ticket, and share this post with your friends to encourage them to go with you!

The Underground Review: Bijou Wear Royal Blast

Wrap: Bijou Wear Royal Blast
Size: 3
Wrappee: 6 month old, 22 month old, 3 year old, & 4.5 year old!

Our first uppies in Royal Blast were by accident. I had checked the mail to find it had arrived just before arriving at the pediatrician to realize I had forgotten a wrap! So, I quickly thanked my lucky stars for good timing and pulled the mystery wrap from its packaging. Immediately realizing it was a shortie, I tied a quick rebozo and plopped by six month old in it for her check up. I was instantly amazed by how comfortable this carry was, how content my daughter felt (despite her shots that day), and how unwavering the slipknot was throughout the visit. If you've tried slipknots before, then you know how often wraps can fail at holding a solid slipknot, despite re-tightening and re-tightening. This was a whole new level of wrap. Solid from the start, it stood strong throughout the 2 hour event. This was the beginning of getting to know the Slipknot Tester.

I nicknamed Royal Blast as such because it has the perfect amount of grip to hold a solid slip knot. In fact, I loved it so much, rebozo become my favorite carry! (You know a wrap is good when it causes you to rethink your favorite carries.) The strength of this wrap makes it a true workhorse. Comfortable for your baby, as it feels lighter than its density would suggest, but solid enough to handle any test you give it. If you are in need of a wrap that can handle a slip knot like a boss, then this is a must have. It has the grip you need with some of the glide that forgives. But alas, I am getting ahead of myself. Because I haven't begun to discuss my favorite part of any wrap: the design.

Royal Blast is named for the gorgeous icy blue coloring and the design that mimics blasting fireworks. If you are like me, and desire wraps that are unique and beautiful, this is definitely a wrap to add to your stash. In darker lights, it boasts of a true royal blue. It sunlight, it shines like a winter ice. And the design allows for beautiful right or wrong side wearing (which is my favorite part of any wrap!). My daughters loved this design so much that even my 37 lb, 4 year old begged to be carried before I sent it away.

So, what do I think? Is this a wrap everyone should have in their stash? If you are like me and have an older baby or toddler in your wrappee group, then YES! Snatch this wrap up! I am already missing my tester greatly, and might have to snatch this up myself when it goes on sale this morning. So don't miss it! Grab your Royal Blast today!

The Woman Behind Twirleez

When Twirleez partnered up with Colorful Baby, I found myself giddy to see the creations that awaited us. I was not disappointed. The blankets, scarves, and-oh my!-the hippo are absolutely perfect. They speak to the beautiful wrap designs of Miranda Kay and the talented sewing fingers of Kelly Pfau Borsman. I couldn't help but speak to Kelly about how she came to this wonderful collaboration, and I learned quite a bit about this awesome woman. Kelly, wife of 12 years with five beautiful babies, has been sewing since childhood. Learn more about her in our conversation below...

Why team up with Miranda Kay of Colorful Baby?

Teaming up with Miranda is super cool. She is already an established online business, people love her wraps, and it gives me the opportunity to create stuff without as much overhead. Plus she lived in my town and is super sweet and kind.

When is the first time you touched a sewing machine? What was it like?

Oh gosh.... My mom taught me. I think I was like 9 or 10. My first 'big' project was an apron for 4-H. My mom had an old vintage black metal Singer machine that was my great grandma's. It was ancient but created so many things.

What is your favorite thing it has ever created?

Hmm that's a hard one.... I've made my baby's blankets, and clothes and toys. That WcMT (Wrap Conversion Mei Tai)! That was fun. Some super fun costumes for the kiddos. I can't really come up with one thing, the list grows as I think of what I've made over the years.

So you still use that same machine?

No, it finally got retired about 5 years ago.

Did your mom, grandma, or great grandma sew for a living?

No, it was just for household use. My mom made us clothes and curtains and bedding.

Do you consider this to be a job for you?

I guess I haven't sold enough to really consider it a job. I just enjoy sewing! So to be able to sell is a fun bonus.

How does it make you feel to imagine that your creation could become a baby's first toy or dedicated blankie?

Oh I love that part! I love thinking about people using them! And hopefully enjoying them.

Miranda gave me this quote about you: "Her work and sewing abilities are impeccable."

Oh wow!!!!! That totally made my day!!!!!

If you want to purchase some of the Twirleez goodies, please check out http://www.mycolorfulbaby.com/twirleez/.

'Tis the Season for OCD

'Tis the season for cookie baking, tree decorating, and mental illness mocking--among other things. I must admit, I never noticed this trend before this year. If someone had mentioned the ridiculous ways people compare the mental illness of OCD to loving Christmas, I would have scoffed. That is, until I was diagnosed myself.

In September of this year, I was diagnosed with postpartum OCD. I was shocked and confused. I didn't have to have everything in a specific place. I didn't need to count to number five every time I opened or shut the door. I was not what everyone says OCD is. Except that I learned that most people who talk about OCD use it as a joke. Take the following Target sweater for sale this season: 

It likens OCD to loving a holiday very very much. Is that what OCD really means? Or take this meme by @simoncholland and shared by Scary Mommy:

It compares OCD to being a perfectionist when it comes to Christmas tree decorating. I could barely keep the house clean at the time of my diagnosis. There was no way I had OCD. Not if these truly reflected the symptoms.

Well, it turns out they don't. OCD is not the same as being passionate about a holiday or being a perfectionist. My symptoms were not nearly as joyful and pretty. My symptoms came from a much darker place. I worried. All. The. Time. Not normal worries mind you. I worried that my children were going to kill my infant daughter. I kept her hidden away in another room for hours to ensure they couldn't touch her. I also worried that someone would take away my children because I was not a suitable mother. This worry drove me to weeping and shaking, as I could not think of anything else once they showed up. They got so loud and so scary that I sat in my doctor's office rocking and crying, begging her to make the bad thoughts go away. This was all on top of the normal worries, that I turned into obsessions, like whether I had remembered to put all of the children in the car or turned off the coffee maker before I left. My life was filled with so much fear I physically shook on a daily basis. I couldn't control the intrusive and irrational thoughts, and my mind was so broken that it would obsess over every thought that invaded my mental sanity.

But no, I didn't suddenly love holidays more or decorate Christmas trees any better.

I have received tons of support and help since those days, and I am doing much better with the assistance of therapy and medicine. But as these light-hearted jokes have been creeping up this holiday season, it got me thinking. Would we make these kinds of jokes about cancer? A broken arm maybe? Why is it that mental illness is so easy to mock without any feelings of guilt or fear of repercussions? And when someone attempts to call out such bad taste in humor, they're actually shamed for not being able to take a joke, like Scary Mommy whose warning to those offended for any reason is this:

I am not saying I can't take a joke. I am simply saying that my illness isn't funny. It is scary. It threatened my very existence, and changed my life forever. I wish it came with the symptoms of baking lots of cookies or beautifully decorating my home, but alas it does not. OCD is not the same as being particular about how you like this or that. It is a much darker illness that makes it impossible to see Christmas as something beautiful and joyful all together. So please, reconsider how you use the term this holiday season. Because part of this season should include being grateful you don't have OCD, not pretending that you do.

Black Friday Deals 2015: Babywearing Edition

Are you ready for deals??? I will be posting all babywearing deals I find for Black Friday, including wrap scrap businesses as well! 

5 Minute Recess is offering up to 50% off on early Black Friday deals NOW. Check out the deals HERE. 

Babyhawk is offering 15% off all orders right NOW. Use code "xmas2015" 

Cuddle Stuff Boutique is already offering Black Friday deals! Receive 15% off by using code "RINGDEAL"

Cari Slings is doing a sale from now until Monday, making certain wraps only $110. You can find their selection of sale wraps HERE. 

Diva Milano is offering 20% off on their entire store with code "BF2015" through November 29th. 
Flying Feathers Shop is offering $25 off all swings in the shop. Use code "Take25"

Little Hugs Boutique will be offering 15% OFF the whole shop from Thanksgiving thru Small Business Saturday. Use Coupon Code "THANKS15"

Madame Googoo is offering 15% off in-stock baby carriers. Email them at info@madamegoogoo.com with BLACKFRIDAY2015 in the subject line.

Mercy Baby Boutique will be offering 25% off water slings, and purchases come with a free teether, Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Use code "Thanks25"

Natural Days Shop will be doing 20% off everything in their store. 

Paxbaby.com will be offering the following deals on Black Friday:

Take 40% off PAXbaby's entire KoKaDi category! code KKD  Take 30% off our Woven Wrap category! code WRAP  Take 20% off all ring slings at PAXbaby.com! code SLING  Take 10% off any Tula order PLUS add a $200 Grab Bag for only $100! code WEAR EVERY ORDER OVER $150 WILL RECEIVE A FREE rainbow Unicorn Horn from Brooklyn Owl! Please use UNICORN in your order notes; supplies are limited!

Risaroo Baby Carriers will be holding a "12 Days of Christmas" starting on Black Friday that will include sales, giveaways, and new releases!

Risaroo Wovens will be holding a "12 Days of Christmas" starting on Black Friday. On Friday, get 25% off all in stock items by using code "BLACKFRIDAY".

SweetPea Ring Slings will be offering $10 off all ring slings during Thanksgiving weekend. Use code "Thankful"

Tender Toes will be offering free shipping to any order placed on Black Friday AND Small Business Saturday! Use Coupon Code on Etsy "TENDERTOES"

Wrap Scrap Creations will be giving a free keytag with any purchase made during Black Friday/Thanksgiving weekend.

Wrap Scrap Frames will have 20% off all frames on Black Friday.

Wrap Scrap Stash will be doing freebies from Thanksgiving through Monday with all orders. There will be special codes that will go live throughout that time for % off various items. There will also be one special right to buy a woven wrap (surprise - WSS picks) at the awesome price of just $10 (free USA shipping) for anyone who places an order during that time as well.

Wrap Your Baby is offering 25% off all in-stock wraps from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Use code "FAMILY"

Your Favorite Attic will be offering 25% off on Black Friday. Use code "TURKEY25" Also, on their FB Page they will be offering giveaways and flash sale codes!

Zanytoes will be offering 30% off from November 28th-November 30th. Use code "THANKS2015"

The Underground Review: Sweet Pea Doll Sling

Wrap: Sweet Pea Ring Slings Doll Ring Sling

Wrappee: Little Baby Hope Doll

I wasn't sure how my daughters would react to wearing their own baby dolls, but I figured it wouldn't hurt for them to have a carrier of their own. I will admit now that having only one available for them to try was a mistake. Their excitement over getting to "wear like mommy" was overwhelming, and bickering quickly ensued over who would get to try it first.

This doll ring sling from Sweet Pea Ring Slings as absolutely beautiful. The fabric is soft against my little ones' skin, the colors are precious and perfect for my sweet daughters, and the quality is top notch. Just because it is made for dolls does not mean it is created with any less care or consideration.  I should also add that while we received a ring sling made from a more feminine fabric, Sweet Pea makes doll ring slings with a variety of fabrics to suit your son or daughter's tastes. I was very impressed with this wonderfully designed and well-made doll carrier. This is obviously a play item made to last throughout one's childhood.

All of my daughters took a turn with this lovely ring sling. We only had a very petite doll for this wearing session, but this sling could easily accommodate a doll or teddy bear of most sizes and provide a comfortable carry. Notable quotes from our doll-wearing session included the following:

"Wow, it's so pretty!"
"Mama, look I'm wearing like you!"
"Awww...baby sweeping now."

My girls were able to tighten and loosen the ring sling on their own without difficulty. Front carries and hip carries, with baby doll's arms in or out were not a problem for my 4 year old, 2.5 year old, or 22 month old. My most enthusiastic babywearing daughter requested to do a back carry, and this mama was easily able to adjust the ring sling to fit my daughter's desired carry with ease.

If you are looking for beautiful, budget-friendly babywearing play items for your children, let me be the first to recommend Sweet Pea Ring Slings for your purchase. Inexpensive in price but high quality in its creation, this ring sling will be a treasured item for years to come in your home.