Today’s post written by Leah

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I’m a keen babywearer and love spreading the word about the wonderful benefits babywearing (proving that it isn’t just for hippies!).

Miss N is 18 months now and I am still slipping her into the ERGObaby carrier (which she calls “Ergy”) for our daily jaunts. She loves it and I love it: there is no shoulder or back pain with this amazing carrier, and whichever position I put her in, front, hip or back, she is beaming from ear to ear.

I have to make a special note of the ERGObaby Sport Carrier, which is wonderful for summer as it has a breathable fabric and extra vent to keep bubs cool. The waist band also extends a further 4″ and the waist band 5″ making it the perfect carrier for dads and taller women like me. It’s also the cheapest in the range – very convenient.

If you are travelling this year I highly recommend picking up an ERGObaby carrier -  it will become the best travel companion you’ve ever had! Unlike a pram, you CAN take the path less trodden, the staircase, ride easily on a golf buggy (yes we did this at Hamilton Island easily) and use public transport with ease. Arguably the ERGObaby carrier is most versatile baby carrier on the market.

To help you experience an ERGObaby carrier, Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au are offering all KSF readers 15% off all carriers with the code ‘KSFEBC-0110′ plus FREE Express Post shipping *within Australia until 31 January 2010. Your only issue now is selecting which one…

Join the Babes in Arms Facebook Fan page to keep up to date with the latest babywearing news, and to be kept in the loop for regular giveaways.

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Prices quoted below are available with code only (read above) until 31 January 2010 only.

Pictured from top:

ERGObaby Sea Green (organic) was $209 LESS 15% =  $177.65
ERGObaby Organic Black was $199 LESS 15% = $169.15
ERGObaby Galaxy Grey was $199 LESS 15% = $169.15
ERGObaby Sport carrier $165 LESS 15% = $140.25
ERGObaby standard range Black/Camel was $175 LESS 15% =  $148.75

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $13 Express Post Shipping or $6.50 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $11 Express Post Shipping or $4 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped via Express Post for FREE.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, see here.

Today’s post written by Leah

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The US label Baby Bella Maya label debuted in Australia in September with the booties and lacy leggings (which retail at a very affordable $19.95 each). The range has enjoyed huge popularity, and now the rest of the Baby Bella Maya collection, including the headbands and onesies is arriving just in time for Christmas.

Due to go on sale on 15 December, each product will be available purchase separately, as well as in Gift Set form.  The gift sets either Lollipop Leopard, Pink Champagne, Precious Pink or Zoe Zebra booties, head band and ruffle onesie packaged in the sweetest heart shaped gift box making it the perfect Christmas gift for a little princess. You can pre-order your fancy now for shipping on the 15th: contact Babes in Arms, the Australian distributor for Baby Bella Maya, to place your order.

Babes in Arms are offering all KSF readers a 10% discount off the entire Baby Bella Maya range. Enter coupon code BBMKSF-1209 at checkout to redeem. If pre-ordering please mention the code when you contact Babes in Arms to receive your discount. All orders over $50 will receive FREE Express Postage anywhere within Australia.

Top row: NEW Baby Bella Maya gift sets (featuring pink champagne range) Was $65.00 with 10% discount $58.50
A. Baby Bella Maya Lacy Leggings with Bling Was $19.95 with 10% discount $17.95
B. Baby Bella Maya Zoe Zebra gift set Was $65.00 with 10% discount $58.50
C. Baby Bella Maya Crimson Kiss Designer booties Was $19.95 with 10% discount $17.95
D. Baby Bella Maya Precious Pink Designer booties Was $19.95 with 10% discount $17.95
E. Baby Bella Maya Beary Blue Stripe (boy) Designer booties Was $19.95 with 10% discount $17.95
F. Baby Bella Maya Ruffle pants – available in March/April. RRP $19.95

Baby Bella Maya are distributed in Australia and New Zealand exclusively by Babes in Arms who also stock ERGObaby Carrier, Breeze Baby Sling, Baby Legs, Peanut Shell and Hug-a-Bub.

Baby Bella Maya use Australia Post for shipping and the more pairs you buy the more you save! For Regular Post, 1 pair (of shoes or lacy leggings) is $6.50, for 2 or 3 pairs $4.00 and if you want the best postage deal – 4 or more pairs gets you Express Postage for FREE. International orders are shipped for the flat rate of $18.00. For all specific information regarding shipping see Customer Service Page.

Today’s post written by Leah

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This weekend let me blow your mind with the mother of all sales at Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au – who have the original reversible Peanut Shell baby sling, favoured by celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Garner, on sale while stocks last, at 50% off. OMG – bargain alert!!!

I’ve used the Peanut Shell a lot. I use it for quick trips to the shops with Miss N riding in the hip position. It’s the perfect sling with 5 hands free positions. What’s more, it has the lowest learning curve of any sling on the market – I worked it out without even using the instructional manual, and there are some great videos to watch if you’d like a demo.

The Peanut Shell has many virtues: it’s the perfect sling for premmies right through to your 16 kg toddler, it’s formaldehyde-free, making it both safe for your bub and environment, it can easily be thrown in the washing maching for a quick clean between wears, and it comes in a range of funky, fun and chic patterns and colours.

There’s not much else to say now, other than be quick: sizes and patterns will sell out quickly, and you don’t want to miss this once-off opportunity.

PS Stay tuned: new Peanut Shell fabrics and patterns are due in early 2010.

Discounted prices below are valid while stocks last only.

1. Peanut Shell Red Yoko Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
2. Peanut Shell Retro Pink Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
3 & 4. Peanut Shell Mudpie Adjustable Sling available in 2010
5. Peanut Shell Flor Cafe Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
6 & 8. Peanut Shell Retro Blue Baby Sling Was $99.00 Now $49.00
7.  Peanut Shell Adjustable Sling Patterns: Choco Cream, Cirrus Whisper and Mud Pie – available early 2010

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $13 Express Post Shipping or $6.50 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $11 Express Post Shipping or $4 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped via Express Post for FREE.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, see here.

Today’s post written by Leah

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When Miss N was just under a year old, I was given an ERGObaby carrier to try. To be honest, I was a little hesitant as I had tried several carriers already, and had some issues with back and shoulder pain.

I slipped the ERGO on and all that changed: no back pain, no shoulder pain – instead I had one content little girl. I even did a number of chores *without* waiting for the babes to have their afternoon nap! Instantly I was an ERGObaby convert.

Since then I have learned the back carry too and I’ve found the perfect way to carry Master R (who is 3 and around 18kg) when his little legs tire of walking – it’s great, and much easier to tote than a stroller.

Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au – is the one stop baby wearing stop for anyone wishing to buy a carrier, including the ERGObaby. The ERGObaby carrier comes in a range of colours with two new colours, Sea Green and Navy, being introduced to the Organics range. As a fan of red, I have my eye on the Cranberry colour as I contemplate converting to the Organic line.

If you are expecting a new addition to the family, or are thinking of gifting an ERGObaby to a friend with a newborn, be sure to pick up a new ERGO Heart to Heart insert which allows you to carry your newborn in the tummy-to-tummy position. The Heart to Heart Insert supports infants in the vertical position, recently determined to be ideal for protecting baby’s developing hips and spine. It can be used from newborn to 6 months of age, and is available in standard and Organic models.

Until 31 December 2009, almost all of the ERGObaby carriers are on sale at Babes in Arms, with at least 10% taken off their regular price. You’ll also receive free Australia-wide Express Postage with the purchase of any ERGObaby Carrier.

Prices quoted below are valid (as above) until 31 December 2009 only.

1. Heart to Heart Natural Insert $35.00
2. ERGObaby Carrier Organic Sea Green $209.00
3. ERGObaby Carrier Organic Navy $209.00
4. ERGObaby Carrier Organic Cranberry Was $209.00 Now $188.10
5. ERGObaby Carrier ERGO Sport Was $165.00 Now $149.00
6. ERGO Front pouch Black $35.00
7. ERGO Doll Carrier, Galaxy Grey $42.00

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $13 Express Post Shipping or $6.50 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $11 Express Post Shipping or $4 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped via Express Post for FREE.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, see here.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Baby Legs are the original baby leg warmer, and with an ever-expanding range of designs; Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au - bring you the most comprehensive range of Baby Legs in Australia.

Baby Legs are a sweet addition for your little one’s wardobe; the perfect items to tie together an outfit (on little arms or legs), a lightweight option for added UV protection, an extra layer of warmth for cool mornings and dusk time playing, and as my little girl begins her crawling adventures, BabyLegs offer perfect protection for her little knees accross our floor boards.

There are some fabulous new Baby Legs designs to be found at Babes in Arms for both boys and girls.  If you are die hard BabyLeg fan, you might like to use the ’shop by collection’ tool as most new designs can be found as part of the ‘Modish’ collection.  Or, if you like a more leisurely browse, you might like to make your way through the entire collection, by gender, colour, the top 20, or whatever else takes your fancy!

My top picks of the latest designs are the Funky Green Dot and the Fresh Jelly Bean designs.

BabyLegs also have a new range of socks in designs for both girls and boys. Now, I don’t know about you, but there is most definitly a sock monster in residence at our house, and he has a never-ending appetite for just one sock from each pair!! The best news about the new BabyLeg socks is that they come in packs of either 2 or 6 to help keep the sock monster at bay for a little longer!

Babes in Arms currently has a super selection of Babyleg designs* on sale for the ripper price of $10.00 per pair (rrp $16.50) PLUS KSF VIPS (that’s *you*!) can take an extra 15% off with the purchase of 2+ BabyLegs products (includes socks, tights or leg warmers). Pop a whole heap of cheap-as-chips BabyLegs in your cart, enter discount code ‘BLKSF-1009′ at checkout and give yourself a pat on the back: you’ve got yourself a steal! This offer ends 31 October 2009.

* Try saying this fast – it will make you giggle with glee: Busy Bee , Supersoft Rainbow, Chipotle, Forest, Red Bandana, Blackand White Argyle, Sedona, Purple Bandana, Polo, Navy and Red Ribbed, White StarBurst, Blue Polka Dot, Queen Ann, Purple Polka Dots, Marco, Red and White Stripes,  Brown and Blue Argyle and Pink Polka Dot!

Purchase 2 or more BabyLegs products until 31 October 2009 and take 15% off with code (read above).

1. Funky Green Dot BabyLegs $16.50
2. Fresh Jelly Bean BabyLegs $16.50
3. Funky Blue Polka Dot BabyLegs $16.50 $10.00
4. Princess BabyLegs $16.50
5. Modish His Camo BabyLegs $16.50
6. Lighthouse BabyLegs Socks – 2 Pair Pack $13.95
   
7. Classic Red Ribbed BabyLegs $16.50 $10.00
8. Anime Spirited Fun – Strawberry Baby Legs $16.50
   
9. Nanaimo Babylegs Tights $21.95
   
10. Tea Party BabyLegs Sock Gift Box – 6 Pairs $32.95

Babes in Arms ship Australia wide using Australia Post.  Orders valued less than $30, cost $13 Express Post Shipping or $6.50 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  Orders valued between $30 and $50 cost $11 Express Post Shipping or $4 Regular Post Shipping within Australia.  All orders over $50 are shipped via Express Post for FREE.  For full shipping details, including International Orders, see here.

Today’s post written by Leah

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When you hear the the word ’summer’ what do you think of? Invariably water! Lazy days at the beach, pool side barbeques are key activities, and keeping cool and comfortable is the name of the game.

Despite the heat duing the summer months little bubbas still need to be held close to mum or dad. How can this happen while still preserving the comfort factor for parent and child? Enter the Breeze Baby sling!

This awesome US-made baby carrier is made out of a high-tech silky, breathable mesh fabric, which makes baby-wearing in hot weather a breeze. The Breeze Baby sling can be worn in the pool, ocean or even shower; ensuring baby is safe and able to experience the sensation of nature’s summer love, water.

The Breeze Baby’s non-absorbent quick dry fabric ensures that it dries in the time it takes dry yourself and bubs off and get dressed for land-based living. The Breeze Baby’s breathable mesh also means you can say goodbye to sweaty slings this summer.

The Breeze Baby sling caters for babies up to 15kg, offers 5 different carry positions, is available in black or white fabric, and comes in a reusable storage pouch.

Just in time for summer Babes in Arms are offering an introductory special on Breeze Baby slings: KidStyleFile readers receive 10% off PLUS free Express Post shipping until 30 October 2009 – use code ‘BBKSF-1009′ at checkout to redeem.

Breeze Baby Sling (available in black or white) normally $79.00, 10% of with code (see above) = $71.10 + FREE Express Post until 30 October 2009.

Today’s post written by Anna

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Nothing get’s oohs and ahhs of out people faster than a sweet little baby shoe, especially when they are as gorgeous as the ones I am delighted to introduce you to today!

Baby Bella Maya are a range of designer baby shoes which have quickly become very hot property in the US (a complete sell-out in fact!) and now, Baby Bella Maya – www.babybellamaya.com.au is your exclusive location to buy these products in Australia.

Created in the US in 2005, Baby Bella Maya is the brainchild of Marta Rothwell, a fashionista mum wanting to add some style to her baby’s wardrobe. Pushed into the limelight after winning awards early on, demand just keeps on growing – the world can’t get enough of Baby Bella Maya!

Baby Bella Maya baby shoes come in a fabulous selection of designs, and at $19.95 a pair, these shoes are high fashion that is so affordable.

My personal favourites are the Pink Champagne and Lollipop Leopard designs for gilrs. And for boys the BearyBlue Stripe is my top pick.

Currently they are available in two sizes; 0-6 months and 6-12 months. And by popular demand, larger sizes are coming soon!

Plus, if you’re shopping for a little girl, make sure you also check out Baby Bella Maya’s range of Lacy Leggings for an oh-so-cute pair of leggings to wear with her new shoes!

KidStyleFile Readers have access to a fantastic introductory deal – buy 2 or more Baby Bella Maya products and get 10% off the total value of your purchase. Enter Coupon code ‘BBMKSF-0909′ to redeem until 14 October 2009.

1. Precious Pink $19.95
2. Lollipop Leopard 19.95
3. White Lacy Leggings With Bling $19.95
4. & 5. Pink Champagne $19.95
6. BearyBlue Stripe $19.95
7. Camo Blue $19.95
8. Limon Swirl $19.95
9. Ocean Mist $19.95
10. Pink Lacy Leggings $19.95
11. Crimson Kiss $19.95

Baby Bella Maya are distributed in Australia and New Zealand exclusively by Babes in Arms who also stock ERGObaby Carrier, Breeze Baby Sling, Baby Legs, Peanut Shell and Hug-a-Bub.

Baby Bella Maya use Australia Post for shipping and the more pairs you buy the more you save! For Regular Post, 1 pair (of shoes or lacy leggings) is $6.50, for 2 or 3 pairs $4.00 and if you want the best postage deal – 4 or more pairs gets you Express Postage for FREE. International orders are shipped for the flat rate of $18.00. For all specific information regarding shipping see Customer Service Page.

Today’s post written by Angela

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I brought you news of the new ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’ model landing in Australia recently, and now I have even more fab news on this new edition babywearing icon:

Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au – are offering KidStyleFile readers 15% off the ERGObaby Carrier ‘Sport’, PLUS Free Express Postage (rrp $12.40) PLUS a FREE pair of unisex BabyLegs (rrp $16.50) until 10 July 2009.

To redeem this offer phone 1300 725 276 (between 9am-5pm weekdays) to place your order, and mention the KidStyleFile to automatically receive your 15% off discount, FREE postage and FREE Babylegs.

Offering multi-carry (back, front or hip) functionality to Mums and Dads for babies from birth (with optional insert) to pre-school age, the ergonomic design of the ERGObaby Carrier supports a correct sitting position for baby’s physical development and eliminates compression on baby’s spine. ERGObaby Carriers also have a long lifespan, catering for your offspring up to 18kgs, and offering continued support when a baby sling or front carrier is no longer comfortable, and being lighter, and more secure, than a hard-frame baby backpack.

The ERGObaby ‘Sport’ features a detachable sleeping hood, a split at the back for better ventilation, and a 65% cotton/35% polyester blend fabric which effectively wicks moisture away, making it cooler than the standard 100% cotton carrier, and over 20% lighter.

The new ERGObaby Sport was also designed for larger people in mind, especially tall dads who sometimes had a hard time fitting into the regular carrier. In comparison with the standard carrier, the shoulder straps are 4″ longer and the waist belt is 5″ longer as well as being slightly wider.

Babes in Arms/ERGObaby are a sponsor of the 2009 KidStyleFile Annual Reader Survey: complete the survey and go into the draw to win 1 of 8 prize packs, including an ERGObaby Sport Carrier.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Baby-wearing has been proven to be one of the best ways to transport your baby, strengthening the bond between parent and child and resulting in a more settled bubba, with the added bonus of leaving both parent’s hands free to go about other business.

The Peanut Shell sling is the ultimate functional, funky and fun baby carrier: it is suitable from birth up to 16kgs, can be worn in a variety of modes – cradle (suitable for newborn breastfeeding), tummy-to-tummy, kangaroo carry (upright facing out), hip carry and  back carry, it’s compact, and there are no straps, clips,  belts or adjustments necessary, making the Peanut Shell fuss-free and easy to use. The Peanut Shell also has a massive A-list celebrity following. Click here to find out who wears a PS.

The Peanut Shell is available in a impressive range of reversible snuggly microfleece and chic patterned sateen cotton designs, which are just gorgeous, but my new favourite Peanut Shell design is the new ‘Serendipity’ range of Peanut Shells, which is now available to buy in Australia.

The PS Serendipity line is features breathtakingly beautiful print designs, and the fabric is the highest quality cotton. I was lucky enough to meet the Peanut Shell girls and see and feel the range first-hand earlier this year and it looks even better in real life!

To celebrate the launch of the Peanut Shell Serendipity range in Australia Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au - is offering 15% off all Peanut Shell Serendipity Slings + FREE Express overnight delivery* valued at $7.70 + a FREE pair of unisex BabyLegs** valued at $16.50, to all KSF readers within Australia until 6 July 2009. WOW!!!!!! This is a stupendously good deal – I suggest moving fast to secure your preferred PS Serendipity design.

Here’s how to redeem the Peanut Shell Serendipity 15% off/Free postage/Free BabyLegs offer:

1. Visit the Babes in Arms website to choose your preferred Peanut Shell Serendipity design and sling size – as the Peanut Shell sling isn’t adjustable the sizing is crucial. Please click onto ‘sizing and fabric info’ button to determine your correct size before placing your order.

2. Phone Babes in Arms on 1300 725 276 9am-5pm weekdays, and place your order. Mention KidStyleFile to receive your 15% off/free postage/free unisex BabyLegs.

The Peanut Shell Serendipity sling range is available in Australian from Babes in Arms. Choose from ‘Window Shopping’, ‘Walk in the Park’, ‘Champagne’ and ‘Park Avenue Stroll’ prints. Please note that Park Avenue Stroll hasn’t arrived into Australia yet, but may be pre-ordered for early July delivery. The special offer details still apply if you order this gorgeous sling – yay! All Peanut Shell Serendipity slings are priced at $129.00.

*Delivery time may take longer for regional areas. Offer open to Australian residents only.
** Babes in Arms will choose a pair of unisex BabyLegs for you from the Standard ($16.50 range). Free choice is not available on this offer.

Today Nerida road-tests the ERGO Doll Carrier for you. This is a great product for baby-wearing families with older kids who want to be just like Mum and Dad. Read on…

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ERGO Baby Doll Carrier

Cost $42.00

Where to Buy

The ERGO Baby Doll Carrier can be purchased from Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au

Special Offers

1. Postage is free when you purchase an ERGO Doll Carrier with a Baby Carrier from Babes in Arms.
2. Babes in Arms currently have a range of special offers running on full-size ERGO carriers.

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Review

The ERGO Baby Doll Carrier is a replica of the hugely popular ERGO Baby Carrier, designed for “all those ERGO-babies who have grown up and would like to carry around baby dolls of their own”.

The product is designed for children from 2 to 4 years old, and looks exactly like the ERGO Baby Carrier but in a smaller child friendly size.

The doll carrier is made from a tough cotton canvas and can be machine washed and dried. It is available in a Hawaiian print with cranberry accents, and comes nicely boxed.

On receiving the carrier, my almost 3 year old daughter was a little bit skeptical that it would be something fun to play with but once we found an appropriate doll, and put it on her back, she was quite delighted and wanted to keep in on most of the afternoon (how is that for comfortable doll carrying!)

She is quite familiar with baby wearing – her cousin is carried around in something similar, so this made the product more interesting for her. It was easy for her to  put on herself once we showed her how and she quite liked fastening and undoing the front buckle on her own.

Kat’s daughter Charlotte also tested the carrier, and she preferred to wear it on her front. Having both front and back wearing options is a big plus.

Pros

Little children love role playing and this is something a little different from a doll pram. If my 6 month son was carried around in one as a newborn, it would have helped in those difficult early months of having a newborn and a toddler when the toddler is just becoming familiar with having another child in the house. As a gift, it could be bought in conjunction with an ERGO carrier if there is an older sibling in the household.

Cons

Only available in one fabric colour choice.