Black Friday/pre-Christmas Sale!

Please join us for our Black Friday/pre-Christmas sale running from Friday, November 26 to Friday, December 3!

Here are the details:

-- all in stock Beco Baby Carriers, both the Butterfly II and the Gemini, are 15% off from Nov 26-28 only!
-- all CF Pouch Slings on sale for 30% off!
-- get a fleece carrier cover for only $25 OR a FREE babywearing support belt with the purchase of a Pikkolo baby carrier (difference in price will be refunded)
-- FREE SHIPPING to US and Canada on orders over $59 USD (shipping charges will be refunded on qualifying orders)*
-- HALF PRICE SHIPPING to outside North America on orders over $59 USD (shipping charges will be refunded on qualifying orders)
-- lots of other items in our Clearance section on sale at 25% off!

We will also be having some Facebook Exclusive deals throughout the week, so please join us there to get in on those!

*Please note that Beco Baby Carriers do not qualify for free shipping or any other specials while they are 15% off (Nov 26-28) but will after that

Wonderful Wool!

Wool has so many great properties that make it the ultimate textile for baby and mama items. Wool is a natural insulator and will hold moisture without feeling cold or wet. Diaper/trainer covers or undies made from wool are breathable and naturally anti-bacterial. They are also somewhat self-cleaning, as lanolin in the wool neutralizes the ammonia in urine. Ammonia is what causes diaper rash, so switching to wool covers and changing promptly should eliminate diaper rash completely. Damp wool can simply be aired out and reused, and only needs laundering every couple of weeks unless soiled.

The wool interlocks and jerseys we use are the softest around and all Oeko-Tex 100 certified. Check out all the wonderful wonderful wool products we make and carry:

Melton Wool Pad

Natural Felted Wool Pad

Hocosa Footed Baby Pants

CF Split Crotch Wool Chaps

CF Mama Pads with Wings (wool backed)

CF Merino Wool Nursing Pads

CF Wool Prefold Belt

CF Merino Wool Diaper Cover

CF Merino Wool Undies

CF Merino Wool Trainer Cover

CF Wool Jersey Tunic

and of course we carry Eucalan Wool Wash and Lansinoh for wool care.

Oct 2-3: Our FREE offerings for International Day for Empathic Action!

October 2 is International Day of Empathic Action

What is empathy? Empathy can be likened to standing in someone else’s shoes, understanding the feelings and values of another person’s perspective at any given moment. It begins with an internal choice to see from a different point of view, to understand another side of a story. Empathy is the state of being fully present to each other's feelings and needs. Empathy is not agreement, but rather a willingness to fully understand how things look from someone else's point of view. (from http://worldempathy.org)

To celebrate this day we are offering:

With orders over $45 (prior to shipping charges):
A FREE book! Your choice of either Parenting From Your Heart or Raising Children Compassionately

With orders over $90 (prior to shipping charges):

Either a FREE book -- Respectful Parents, Respectful Kids or a FREE Feeleez game!

Please indicate in the notes at checkout which freebie you would like with your qualifying order. This special will run for October 2 and 3 only!

Beco Gemini Release!

As of today, the long-awaited and much-anticipated Beco Gemini baby carrier has finally been released to the public!

If you haven't yet heard of it, the Beco Gemini is Beco's newest baby carrier design. It's a 4-in-1 baby carrier that will allow you to carry your baby comfortable in the front (facing in or out), back and hip.

The Gemini has a few key differences to the Beco Butterfly. Most notably, the Gemini does not have an internal harness, which is one of the key features of the Butterfly. This will appeal to fans of the Beco 4th Generation (retired in 2008) and more experienced babywearers and will also allow for easier nursing in the carrier. A unique design feature of the Gemini is that its base adjusts narrower through snaps to accommodate smaller babies or to allow for an ergonomic forward-facing front carry.

Mainstream babywearers unfortunately often turn to crotch dangling, front facing out carriers like the Baby Bjorn, mostly because they don't know there are better options out there. But now that the Gemini has arrived, there will be no excuse! To those that say the front facing out carry is overstimulating, ergonomically dangerous and/or uncomfortable for the baby, I agree that in general it is best to wear your baby facing in to your body. But some babies do seem to prefer facing outwards at least some of the time. So if you do it, please make sure you do it in a carrier that supports your baby properly (such as the Gemini or Pikkolo, but NOT the Baby Bjorn), pay attention to your baby's cues and turn him back inwards when he shows signs of overstimulation (neck turning, hands coming up to the face, fussing).

Other differences? The Gemini does not include a removeable hood like the Butterfly, but it has a padded headrest that can flip up if need be for support, and which will make the body of the carrier longer to accommodate toddlers. With the Gemini, there is also the option of crossing the shoulder straps in the front carry, to distribute baby's weight more comfortably than in backpack style. This option also facilitates using the Gemini to do a hip carry. The Gemini is a lighter-weight carrier, weight tested to 35 lbs as opposed to the 45 lbs of the Butterfly, but 35 lbs will still take you well into toddlerhood.

Sound good? Our shipment of Beco Geminis will be on its way to us very soon, and you can pre-order yours today! We also have a layaway option available.

Happy Babywearing! <3

Giveaway Winner Announcements (Baby Buddha and Animalz set)

Hope everyone had a good weekend! Without further ado, let's see who the winners of our giveaways are:

For the Baby Buddha Stretchy Baby Carrier in Organic Bamboo, the winner is post #3:

Katherine says:

July 1, 2010 5:49 AM

Would LOVE to win the Buddha wrap in plum!! :)


 Congratulations Katherine!!

For the Animalz set, our winner was drawn from all orders placed on our site between July 1 and 4, and the winner is....Michelle A., of Seattle. Congratulations Michelle!!

Thanks to all who entered! We will likely have another giveaway yet this summer so stay tuned...

And don't forget to follow us on Facebook -- as of this writing we are at 183 followers and once we get to 200 we will be giving away a $25 gift certificate for Continuum Family to a random follower.

Canada Day Specials and Giveaways!

9:49 p.m. July 1, edited to add: We realize that many of you are away at family or other events today instead of at the computer (and so you should be!) so we have decided to extend our giveaway offers through the weekend to give more of you a chance to participate!

Help us celebrate Canada Day, no matter where you live! We are promoting our favourite Canadian-made products and want to spread the love by giving them away!

So on Thursday July 1st ONLY  between 12:00 a.m. PST Thursday, July 1st and 11:59 p.m. PST Sunday, July 4th:

• spend $40 or more and get a FREE Ringley natural teething toy!

• spend $75 or more and get a FREE Family Pastimes cooperative game of your choice!

• spend $100 or more and get a FREE Continuum Family Pouch Sling of your choice!

Just let us know in the notes at checkout which free item you would like and we will confirm your choice before shipping.

• plus, ALL orders (no minimum $) placed on July 1 (between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. PST)  between 12:00 a.m. PST July 1 and 11:59 p.m. PST July 4 will be entered into a draw for this adorable brand-new set of Animalz (valued at over $40):

Animalz are Australian-designed and made from sustainable maple wood and textile products that have the unique function to bend in different poses. They are hand painted using waterbased paint and the fabrics are azo dye and formaldehyde free. Recommended for ages 3 and up due to small parts.

Fine print: July 1 giveaways limited to 5 in each spending category, first come first serve, from available stock. Specials cannot be combined with any discount coupons.

And, Canada Day will also be the kick off for our next giveaway: a Baby Buddha Organic Bamboo Stretchy Baby Carrier!

I absolutely loved this carrier with my son when he was small. As a newborn he didn't like the cradle hold, wanted an upright tummy-to-tummy exclusively. Now, I've never been much of a wrap lover, I could never get them tied right and always hated the ends dragging on the ground while I was getting it on. The Baby Buddha solves those issues with its 3-piece system (2 pouches and a support sash). All the comfort of a wrap with the ease of a pouch sling. You can wear this carrier in several different ways (wearing instructions included). And their organic bamboo stretch fabric is so soft and supportive.
 
To enter for your chance to win this carrier, please leave a comment to this post, telling us which colour you would like to win (choices are plum, charcoal, forest green and warm sand). Please note that comments are moderated. Comments from "anonymous" will be deleted. You will not see your comment immediately after posting so please don't post again thinking your post didn't go through. I will be approving comments several times a day.

Contest is open to all until 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, July 4 and I'll close comments and announce the winner on Monday, July 5. Winner to be chosen by random number generator. To get extra entries (please leave an additional comment for each extra entry):

~ Come follow us on Twitter
~ Add our Facebook Page to pages you like
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY ONLY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Happy Canada Day!

Soft Structured Baby Carrier Comparison Chart

I have been wanting to put this chart together for some time, as we get so many questions from people asking about the differences in features among the various soft structured carriers out there. Choosing the right carrier for your needs can be an overwhelming decision to make, and I'm hoping this chart helps make that decision a little easier.

I have chosen to include in this comparison chart the two that we sell (Beco and Pikkolo) and two that we don't (Ergo and Baby Bjorn). I include the Ergo and Baby Bjorn because they are probably the two most well-known carriers -- BUT they are not the most well-designed soft structured carriers out there (in fact the Baby Bjorn is probably one of the poorest designs out there in my opinion).

I used to use an Ergo and loved it at the time, but then discovered Beco and Pikkolo and you will see that both of these come out above the Ergo based on the chart features. I've never used a Baby Bjorn, so cannot speak from experience on this one. I include it because it's mass-marketed but in my opinion a it's a very poor option that I would like to prevent people from choosing if at all possible. I just cringe every time I see a baby dangling in one of those things! Baby Bjorn, you make a good potty but please, get out of the babywearing market!

So, without further ado, here's the chart. I welcome constructive feedback in the comments.

SOFT STRUCTURED BABY CARRIER COMPARISON CHART

	Beco Butterfly	Pikkolo	ERGOBaby	Baby Bjorn
Price	$139 USD $149 CAD	$129 USD plus $22 USD for Babywearing Support Belt	$105-135 USD plus $25-38 USD for infant insert accessory	$80-145 USD
Wearing Positions	Front carry (facing in only), back carry (made easier than with other carriers due to internal harness)	Front carry (facing in or out, ergonomically), back carry, hip carry (not recommended for long periods of time due to uneven distribution of weight)	Front carry (facing in only), back carry	Front carry only, facing in or out BUT does NOT allow baby to be carried in ergonomically correct seated position; instead baby hangs suspended by the crotch which concentrates pressure at base of baby's spine
Age/Weight	Newborn through toddler with removable infant insert (included in purchase price) 7 to 45 lbs	Newborn through toddler 8 to 40 lbs	Newborn through toddler but need infant insert for babies <4 months (purchased separately) Up to 40 lbs	Newborn to about 1 yr maximum but more likely 6 months 8 to 25 lbs stated but due to its design it is likely to be very uncomfortable by about 16 lbs
Carrier Fabric	Shoulder straps and carrier lining are 100% organic brushed cotton as of 2010 collection; select organic options in prior years' models;gorgeous printed panels (non-organic) on body of carrier as well as solid color options	No organic fabric options at this time; 100% brushed cotton straps with gorgeous printed panels on body of carrier as well as solid color options	Both organic and non-organic options; solid colors only, some with embroidery	Both organic and non-organic options; solid colors only
Carrier Height	16" from top of waistband	15" when worn folded at the bottom with apron-style waistband; 17" from top of waistband when Babywearing Support Belt is attached	13" from top of waistband; wearer may find it too short in the body for older babies	11.5"
Carrier Body Width at Seat	13"	8" when cinched to narrowest setting; 13" at widest setting	14"
Infant Insert	Yes, removable insert for babies 8-15 lbs (included in purchase price) that holds them higher in the carrier and allows for minimal leg spread	No, but carrier body cinches narrower at base to accommodate smaller baby	Yes, purchased separately, a bit awkward and bulky	No
Harness System	Yes, baby is buckled into carrier and carrier is then put on; baby can be passed from one person to another while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier
Sleeping Hood	Yes, elasticized and snaps to shoulder straps; detachable with snaps for storage in sleeve on carrier base	Yes, elasticized and attaches with snap hooks to D-rings on shoulder straps; detachable with velcro but no storage on carrier; height not adjustable	Yes, hood-shaped to hold baby's head; elasticized sides; non-detachable with snaps; height adjustable	No
Shoulder Straps	Always worn backpack style and held together with height-adjustable chest clip; single direction pull to adjust strap	Can be worn with straps crossed at the back for front carries or backpack style with a height adjustable chest clip for front and back carries; dual adjustable straps can be tightened from either direction and buckle can be relocated forward or back for customized comfort	Always worn backpack style and held together with height-adjustable chest clip; single direction pull to adjust strap
Ergonomics	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via padded hip belt and balanced on wearer's shoulders with nicely padded shoulder straps	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via unpadded hip belt (padded belt is an optional accessory) and balanced on wearer's shoulders with comfy memory foam shoulder straps	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via padded hip belt and balanced on wearer's shoulders with fairly bulky padded shoulder straps	Does not have a hip belt and therefore does not distribute the weight to the wearer's lower body; the baby's weight is almost entirely borne by the wearer's shoulders and upper back
Ease of Nursing	Possible for most moms: loosen shoulder straps and lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back in proper carrying position; T-shaped harness might be in the way for some wearers; high carrier body and sleeping hood (if attached) provide good privacy	Easy for most moms: loosen shoulder straps (easy due to placement and dual-adjustment straps), lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back in proper carrying position; sleeping hood provides good privacy if attached.	Fairly easy for most moms: loosen shoulder straps, lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back to proper carrying position; sleeping hood provides decent privacy coverage but shorter carrier body means less privacy than with other carrier	Possible,but likely not very secure, comfortable or private (due to small carrier size and lack of sleep hood)
Where Manufactured	California	Chicago and Estonia	China	Sweden

Winner of the Carnival Beco Butterfly II!

Wow! What a great response to this giveaway! So nice to see all the comments-- lots of bECO fans out there, but also many fairly new to babywearing and wanting to get into it. Love it! :)

Anyways, without further ado, we have a winner with post #174:

Laura Beth said... I like your page on fb.

Her original comment was:

Laura Beth said... I am in love with this carrier, it just looks so cute! Thanks for the chance!

So, Laura Beth, I'll contact you through Facebook and we'll get that bECO out to you right away! Please note that I need to hear back from you within 72 hours (so, by 8:00 am PST on Friday, June 4) or I will redraw.

Edited:  I almost forgot I have two organic bECO shoulder bags that I meant to give away as well.

So here are the draw results for those:

1) Post #50: Laci said...
following you on twitter
laciboudreauRMT from original post: Laci said...
I'm sure whoever the lucky winner is will be delighted!

and


2) Post #210: Stephanie said...
I am a Facebook fan of Continuum Family from original post: Stephanie said...
I just borrowed a bECO from a friend for a weekend trip and fell in love. I would so LOVE to win this! Great giveaway!!!

Thanks so much everyone, and stay tuned for more giveaways and summer specials!

bECO Baby Carrier Giveaway!

To kick off the summer, we are launching another giveaway and this is a big one... a bECO Butterfly II Baby Carrier!! This is the must-have soft structured carrier, featuring:

• an internal harness that makes it possible for baby to remain in the carrier while putting it on, moving it from person to person or changing from the front carry to the back carry. This feature is especially popular with less confident / brand new babywearers. It makes the back carry very easy and very safe, although we still firmly suggest baby be at least 5 months or older before doing any sort of back carry.
• a removable infant insert that is sold with the carrier, which allows the carrier to truly be used from newborn to 45lbs.
• tall and wide body that supports baby in the proper ergonomic position.

We are giving away one brand new in the box bECO Butterfly II carrier in the Carnival print shown below:

To enter for your chance to win this carrier, please leave a comment in today's post. Please note that comments are moderated. Comments from "anonymous" will be deleted. You will not see your comment immediately after posting so please don't post again thinking your post didn't go through. I will be approving comments several times a day.

Contest is open to Canada and the US only until 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, May 31 and I'll close comments and announce the winner on Tuesday, June 1. Winner to be chosen by random number generator. To get extra entries (please leave an additional comment for each extra entry):

~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Add our Facebook Page to pages you like
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY ONLY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Winner of Mother's Day Giveaway!

Our contest is now closed - thanks to all who entered! The winner (picked by random.org) is... Angela A.! Angela, please contact me within the next 72 hours with your mailing address.

Happy Mother's Day everyone! Hope you all have a joyous and blessed day with your families!

Mother's Day Giveaway!

In honour of Mother's Day, we are giving away a gift set featuring two wonderful products from LuSa Organics body care. The gift set (shown below) includes: Ylang Ylang and Lavender Goat Milk Soap, Lemongrass Lotion Bar, and we're also throwing in a luxurious 12" washcloth made from organic bamboo velour on one side and hot pink cotton terry on the other (an exclusive item, not found on our website...yet!). This sent would make a perfect gift for any mama!

To enter, please leave a comment in today's post. Contest is open worldwide until 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, May 8 and I'll close comments and announce the winner on Sunday, May 9.

To get extra entries (please leave an additional comment for each extra entry):
~ Follow us on Twitter
~ Add our Facebook Page to pages you like
~ Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment
~ Tweet about the contest (tweet ONCE PER DAY ONLY for extra entries and leave the link in your comment(s) please.

Earth Day Sale at Continuum Family!

Our third annual Earth Day sale is on for today only!! Get 15% of many, many items storewide, including all organic and eco-friendly products. I've only got a few slots open for many of my CF custom items so shop early for your chance to get these at a great price!

Children and Nature vs. Technology -- The Garden

I just came across this great little short -- a must watch! "A young girl briefly escapes her mother’s grasp, discovering nature within the city’s chaos."

My favourite part is the look she gives her mother at the end when her mother is trying to get her to take back her video game...:)


The Garden from Jason Stefaniak on Vimeo.

EC with a Newborn

I just wanted to pass along this great blog post on newborn EC from a customer of ours in Quebec, Canada. EC from birth is such a fantastic experience!

Where to Find Continuum Family Around the World

I am often asked if we offer our CF line of EC-friendly baby clothing and accessories at wholesale. The short answer is "sorry, no". While I love the idea of having other small businesses support us in bringing our custom items to as many places around the world as possible, we have made a conscious decision to keep things small here at Continuum Family. For now at least, it suits us best to be a family-sustaining business. We have embraced the business practice of smallering, which means we plan to grow the business only as much as we want to grow it, running our business instead of letting it run us.

That being said, there are currently two companies, Dream Nappies in Japan and Windelmaus in Austria, that are carrying select CF items. Dream Nappies carries our prefold belts and T-shirt tunics/gowns and Windelmaus carries our tiny undies and pull up training pants.

 tiny undies order destined for Austria

While we will remain the exclusive distributor for our CF line in North America, we will review any requests for other international companies to carry our CF items on a case by case basis.