Sisters share a babywearing tradition We recently sat down with Maggie Shaffer, who talked to us about the babywearing tradition that became a part of her family culture when her daughter Hazel was born 11 years ago. Maggie has three children, now 11, 9, and 6, who she carried in a Maya Wrap sling. Recently, she bought herself a new sling for carrying her newborn niece, Annie. Maggie and … [Read more...]
25 Years: Why Maya Wrap Slings are Still a Family Favorite
Hundreds of thousands of Maya Wrap slings have carried hundreds of thousands of babies over the past 25 years. Many of those have carried more than one baby from more than one family. In 1995, Maya Wrap revolutionized the ring sling. With the open tail, the fully adjustable design, and the beautiful, breathable-yet-durable handwoven fabrics, the Maya Wrap ring sling brought a carrier to the … [Read more...]
Can babywearing reduce postpartum depression symptoms?
Up to 22% of new mothers and 25% of new fathers experience postpartum depression symptoms. It's estimated that half to three-quarters of new moms experience the "baby blues," which is a subclinical form of postpartum depression. This is a significant public health issue that has a long-term impact on parents, their children, and the family structure. Fortunately, in the last ten years there has … [Read more...]
5 Tips for new parents: Parenting during difficult times
Parenting during difficult times can be overwhelming. Whether it's your first baby or your fifth, adding a new baby to your family changes your life in beautiful and unpredictable ways. Even when the outside world is humming along smoothly, the first months with your baby can be overwhelming. Add something like the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment, political upheaval, or major family stressors to … [Read more...]
Why I Reach For My Maya Wrap
I’ve had the opportunity to try out hundreds of different baby carriers, and I always recommend Maya Wrap to my friends. The ease of use for a ring sling is unparalleled— with a short learning curve and one-handed tightening, it’s the perfect solution for tired new parents. Utter adjustability doesn’t just mean that you can share the same ring sling between caregivers of different sizes—it … [Read more...]
How to Carry a Newborn with Legs Out
Start with your ring sling on and ready to go— untwisted, facing the right direction, rings at corsage level or slightly higher, and pre-tightened. Give your baby a kiss—is she changed and fed? Let’s get started, then! Pick her up and put her high on your shoulder, as if you’re going to burp her. Reach up from below the ring sling and grab her little feet. Baby feet go every which … [Read more...]
How to Prepare Your Ring Sling
When you use a ring sling, the little things you do before putting your baby in can have a BIG impact on your experience! Start by examining the ring sling and checking that it’s threaded correctly. To put it on, place one arm through and pull the loop over your head. You can have the fabric resting on either shoulder; most people prefer the right-hand side, but we like switching now and … [Read more...]
Help! How Do I Wash My Ring Sling?
Google “How to wash a baby carrier” and you’ll get all sorts of specific advice. "Spot-clean only!" "Swirl it in vinegar in your tub!" "Use soap nuts!" "Never ever ever put it in a dryer!” Our handwoven cotton ring sling lines are made to be easy to use and easy to care for. First, slip a baby sock over the metal rings to avoid hearing CLINK CLANK CLUNK as they tumble around. Detergents with … [Read more...]
Top 5 Moments of Early Parenthood (Plus One More)
Babies and toddler life gets real, but what about those perfect moments that you only get in the first few years? Here are five early parenthood moments I’m missing hard, now that my boys are growing older. That moment when first they ask for YOU. Speaking it, signing it, giving you that look—it doesn’t matter how the communication is happening, just that it’s so, so sweet when it does. When … [Read more...]
Menstrual Cup Safety – Ask an Expert
Jordan Harrison is a full-spectrum doula, placenta specialist, and Moon Cup distributor. During a recent conversation on menstrual cup safety on the Maya Wrap Facebook page, she stepped up and offered us straight talk on the pros and cons of using cups and and how to stay safe on the go.Hi, Jordan! Thanks for joining us. How did you come to learn about cups?I stumbled upon menstrual cups when I … [Read more...]