Past One Year

Many people wonder if there is any benefit to breastfeeding a baby beyond one year. Here are some references that might give some helpful info to answer that question. I believe there are many, many, many benefits and they go far beyond just nutrition (though, nutritionally, you can't beat breast milk ;)

These references were collected by Kathy Dettwyler while compiling research for her own studies and published material. Kathy has a Ph.D. in Anthropology and studies breastfeeding and other infant behavior from an anthropological standpoint. I find it very interesting.

http://www.kathydettwyler.org/detrefs.html

Breastfeeding a Toddler: One Mom's Perspective

A friend of mine passed along this link about a Mom who is breastfeeding her toddler (3 yrs) and she expresses some of her feelings about the experiences she has had doing so. I enjoyed it so I'm passing it on, too.

http://www.kveller.com/blog/parenting/it-may-be-time-to-wean-my-three-year-old/

Troubleshooting Tips for Ring Slings

I found this awesome website with tips on troubleshooting problems with ring slings and it has pictures! Hope it helps!

http://zolowear.com/WearingTroubleshooting.aspx

Semi-FFO

This link shows how to put baby in a semi-forward facing out position using a ring sling, such as the Maya. Very helpful, since a picture is worth a thousand words!

http://www.thebabywearer.com/articles/HowToO/SRNewborn.htm

Baby Carrier - Hot Sling & Ring Sling

I have been dabbling in making some simple baby carriers. I can sew, decently, so these are all pretty easy patterns to follow.

Here is one that is similar to a Hot Sling:
http://www.ida.net/users/stace/sling.html

This is a discussion board that I thought had some helpful information for a beginner:
http://www.mothering.com/community/t/528506/can-i-make-my-own-hotsling

And here is a link for a ring sling pattern:
http://www.mayawrap.com/n_sewsling.php
The background doesn't go with the text font very well, so its a little difficult to read, but good instructions.

Here is where I purchased my rings for the ring sling:
http://www.slingrings.com/index.php
These rings are very affordable and quality rings - metal or acrylic

To give you an idea on cost, I paid $9 for my rings (but I accidentally bought two sets, so it would have been just under $5... only order ONE from slingrings.com - their wording is a tad confusing) and I had the fabric on hand. You need about 2 yards of fabric for the ring sling. It only requires being able to sew a straight line so its pretty easy. I usually find my cotton fabric at Joann's or Hobby Lobby and use a coupon to get it for about $2-5/yard.

The hot sling-type, I also had extra fabric on hand so it didn't cost me anything. I would guess you would need about a half a yard, one yard, max. So, that would still be pretty inexpensive. Its pretty much just sewing a straight line - pretty easy, even for a novice like me.

I'll try to add pictures later, once baby is awake and can model for me. ;)