Support Babywearing - Be a BCIA Charter Member
Thu, Jul 29 2010 12:16
| Permalink
BCIA Seeks Charter Members
Donors will play a big role in helping fund the organization act swiftly to create voluntary safety standards that can be recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal agency that is determining whether baby slings should continue to be sold in the US for babies under the age of four months.
For more information on the BCIA check out their website: www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org.
The Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA) announced today that charter members can begin to join the organization, which promotes standards in baby carrier safety and education. Appealing to parents for support, the group has created a variety of membership plans for both big and small contributors.
Donors will play a big role in helping fund the organization act swiftly to create voluntary safety standards that can be recognized by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal agency that is determining whether baby slings should continue to be sold in the US for babies under the age of four months.
"Infant slings have been recently placed in the 'durable infant product' category, which requires a mandatory CPSC standard," explains Krisit Hayes-Devlin, BCIA board chair.
Hayes-Devlin says the first order of business is to finalize a voluntary standard for infant slings that is both safe and also achievable for small babywearing businesses.
Individual supporters can join as Friend or Champion members.
"We really wanted to have a place for the parents, friends, and supportive organizations to have voice and see what we do, even if they are not financially invested in this industry," says Britt Pegan, BCIA board member and head of the membership subcommittee. "We have some fun benefits for both [membership levels] outlined on the website, but in particular our Champions will receive ongoing discounts and promotions with vendors both in and outside the trade. Also, BCIA 'supporters' also have access to our member-only forums."
Metro Minis is a founding member of the BCIA. We would like your support in joining them as we promote baby carrier standards in safety and preserve the rights of parents to use these amazing products.
Hayes-Devlin says the first order of business is to finalize a voluntary standard for infant slings that is both safe and also achievable for small babywearing businesses.
Individual supporters can join as Friend or Champion members.
"We really wanted to have a place for the parents, friends, and supportive organizations to have voice and see what we do, even if they are not financially invested in this industry," says Britt Pegan, BCIA board member and head of the membership subcommittee. "We have some fun benefits for both [membership levels] outlined on the website, but in particular our Champions will receive ongoing discounts and promotions with vendors both in and outside the trade. Also, BCIA 'supporters' also have access to our member-only forums."
Metro Minis is a founding member of the BCIA. We would like your support in joining them as we promote baby carrier standards in safety and preserve the rights of parents to use these amazing products.
For more information on the BCIA check out their website: www.babycarrierindustryalliance.org.
Comments
Klean Kanteen never disappoints!
Wed, Jul 28 2010 01:16
| Permalink
10:40 @ night... Manhattan.
I'm running to catch my taxi, throwing my bags into the backseat before I jump in... and there it goes, flying out of my bag -- my stainless steel Klean Kanteen water bottle! After it bounces on the concrete and rolls across the street, it settles beneath a parked car.
Not thinking, I run out in front of traffic and hurry to chase it. After I rescue it, I'm thinking to myself, how ruined is my favorite water bottle now?
NOT ONE DENT!
Klean Kanteen water bottles survive the streets of NYC. It took a beating and came out beautiful. I love these bottles!
Baby Carrier Industry Alliance is born!
Fri, Jul 23 2010 11:47
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Berwick, Maine, July 22, 2010 – Leading Baby Carrier Manufacturers, Retailers, Educators, and Component Part and Accessories Manufacturers proudly announce the formation of the industry’s first trade organization, the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA).
The newly formed BCIA will educate families about the indisputable benefits of using quality baby carriers, coordinate information gathering and research, and work with government organizations to ensure safe, quality baby carriers that emulate in-arms carrying are available to parents and caregivers.
“This organization has been a long time coming; the industry as a whole wants parents to feel confident with their choice in baby carrier. We want parents to know that they are offering their baby the best, and safest, possible start to life by carrying their child in an ergonomically correct baby carrier,” says Vesta Garcia, founder of Peppermint and Ellaroo.
The immediate responsibility of the BCIA is to finalize work on a voluntary standard for infant slings. “We are working as quickly as possible to get a strong standard to ballot in the near future,” says Kristen DeRocha, chair of the American Society of Tests and Measures (ASTM) subcommittee on sling standards and founder of Hotslings. The BCIA believes the completion of this standard is key to ensuring the safety and general availability of both commercially produced and handcrafted babywearing products.
In 2007, a small group of sling manufacturers voluntarily approached the ASTM, the body responsible for creating standards for thousands of consumer products in the United States, to request that work on such a standard begin. In Spring 2008, several manufacturers of infant carriers and carrier component parts began work on the standard along with the CPSC, Health Canada, and several consumer groups. The BCIA looks forward to the eventual adoption of the voluntary safety standards so it can move towards its larger goal of education and research.
For more information on the BCIA visit our website:
www.BabyCarrierIndustryAlliance.org
Brooklyn Babywearers New Meeting Location
Tue, Jul 20 2010 07:30
| Brooklyn Babywearing
| Permalink
Need help with babycarriers? Come to the Brooklyn Babywearing Meeting at the Park Slope Food Coop.
In-Store Upgrades!
Fri, Jul 16 2010 11:42
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Some long awaited upgrades for our Park Ave location were installed this week to improve the look and feel of our store.
With a completely redesigned electrical system, we were able to install new lighting throughout the store and add two new air-conditioners to help fight off that pesky summer heat (our old single unit AC just couldn't handle 2010!).
We've also setup a complimentary stand of ice cold water for customers to enjoy while they're in our store.
With all the great new selections we are offering each day, we hope you will come in and enjoy our more relaxing shopping experience!
Ergos! and OhSnaps! and Freehands! Oh My!
Tue, Jun 15 2010 03:17
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Yesterday we got the nicest alert that a very smart and savvy mama had blogged the reasons she decided upon an Oh Snap! over an Ergo. I have to agree with her reasoning.
I always tell parents who ask that the Ergo is a great carrier and difficult to improve upon -- certainly, it is all but impossible to beat the price of Ergo without buying used. But there are specific improvements made upon Ergo's orginal soft-structured carrier which as a parent I find useful, stylish and comfortable.
Here are the various soft-structured carriers you will find at Metro Minis today:
Ergo
Beco
Boba
Oh Snap!
Pikkolo by Catbird Baby
the new Freehand SSC
Angelpack
and last but definitely not least,
Scootababy, the only soft-structured *HIP* carrier that we really like.
I have always maintained that babywearing is hot sport, but the summer-worthiness of a carrier depends more on its comfort than on the amount of fabric or the weight of the fabric, or even the weight of the carrier. More on THAT issue in the days to come.
Come to Metro Minis and check them out!
I always tell parents who ask that the Ergo is a great carrier and difficult to improve upon -- certainly, it is all but impossible to beat the price of Ergo without buying used. But there are specific improvements made upon Ergo's orginal soft-structured carrier which as a parent I find useful, stylish and comfortable.
Here are the various soft-structured carriers you will find at Metro Minis today:
Ergo
Beco
Boba
Oh Snap!
Pikkolo by Catbird Baby
the new Freehand SSC
Angelpack
and last but definitely not least,
Scootababy, the only soft-structured *HIP* carrier that we really like.
I have always maintained that babywearing is hot sport, but the summer-worthiness of a carrier depends more on its comfort than on the amount of fabric or the weight of the fabric, or even the weight of the carrier. More on THAT issue in the days to come.
Come to Metro Minis and check them out!
Gift Registry @ Metro Minis
Tue, Jun 8 2010 02:11
| Permalink
I admit: gift registries used to float somewhere beyond my consciousness. Then I realized that it's much nicer to get people gifts that they really want.. so a good friend had a baby shower recently and I was delighted to set up a registry for her.
In fact, it is really fun to set up a few gift registries each month for Metro Minis customers.. nobody is more surprised than I am to find it's one of my favorite things to do.
It's always interesting to discuss with new parents what slings, diapers, toys they enjoy and why. What do they look forward to? What do they think they want? What will the baby play with at 6 months? What will we need right away when the baby is born? What will the baby be doing at a year? Will I really be able to carry my kid until 3? (*Answer: I did not always, but it was really good for me to keep it open as an option.)
Sometimes they will want an item that is not on the website and I get to add it. Sometimes we don't want a particular item available to the general public on the website, so I get to add it anyway, but in such a way that it is visible on that particular gift registry and nowhere else, which appeals to my inner rebel. So you must let me know if I can help you set up a registry. And especially if there is something in the store you wanted, but didn't see it on the website. Because I may be able to put it on there for you!
We have oodles of toys on the website now and more to come, both in the store and on the website. Light a fire under me & get them online!
In fact, it is really fun to set up a few gift registries each month for Metro Minis customers.. nobody is more surprised than I am to find it's one of my favorite things to do.
It's always interesting to discuss with new parents what slings, diapers, toys they enjoy and why. What do they look forward to? What do they think they want? What will the baby play with at 6 months? What will we need right away when the baby is born? What will the baby be doing at a year? Will I really be able to carry my kid until 3? (*Answer: I did not always, but it was really good for me to keep it open as an option.)
Sometimes they will want an item that is not on the website and I get to add it. Sometimes we don't want a particular item available to the general public on the website, so I get to add it anyway, but in such a way that it is visible on that particular gift registry and nowhere else, which appeals to my inner rebel. So you must let me know if I can help you set up a registry. And especially if there is something in the store you wanted, but didn't see it on the website. Because I may be able to put it on there for you!
We have oodles of toys on the website now and more to come, both in the store and on the website. Light a fire under me & get them online!
Comments (2)
Sakura Bloom Pixie Collection are in!
Mon, May 10 2010 08:17
| SAkura bloom
| Permalink
What happens at a Intro to Wrapping class
Sun, Apr 18 2010 08:55
| Classes and Workshops, intro to wrapping
| Permalink
What happens at a Intro to Wrapping class
Sun, Apr 18 2010 08:55
| Classes and Workshops, intro to wrapping
| Permalink
Girasol Gotham Dark Night is here!
Sun, Apr 18 2010 08:39
| Girasol exclusive, Wraps
| Permalink
Proudly presenting our new colorway Gotham Dark Night. We still have some available in most sizes so come on by and get one.
In a few weeks we will also have some ringslings available slingified from Sleeping Baby.
In a few weeks we will also have some ringslings available slingified from Sleeping Baby.
Wrap Cast!
Sun, Mar 14 2010 08:40
| Permalink
Here is our first podcast from Metro Minis. Learn how to do a FWCC with a woven wrap. We're using one of the MM exclusive Girasol colorways--Green Tea.
The podcast will be available on iTunes soon!
The podcast will be available on iTunes soon!
Press Release from Sling Manufacturer
Thu, Mar 11 2010 03:25
| Press Release
| Permalink
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Babysling Safety
Tue, Mar 9 2010 08:22
| Babysling safety
| Permalink
Story Time with Pearl and Mirela -- Free Sample Class March 11th
Musical Storytime is a 45-minute weekly class for children ages 10 months to 4 years, with a parent or other caregiver. Classes are led by Pearl Port, storyteller and specialist in children's literature, along with Mirela Chitiu, professional music teacher.
Free Sample Class ~ March 11th at 3:30pm
6 Consecutive Weeks ~ March 18th through April 22nd
Thursdays ~ 3:30p
Sing-a-longs, stories, movement, puppets and songs... Each week enjoy a musical journey through song and story.
Pearl and Mirela delight children by reading stories along with their own songs from around the world, all played on the guitar. They choose books filled with humorous tales, animal adventures, fantasy, stories of seasons, families, friendships and much more... all inspire and ignite your child's imagination.
A treasure trove of children's literature and song, fun to hear, sing and read along.
Within every story is a song!
At Musical Storytime, your children:
For a quality experience for all the maximum number of participants is ten and the minimum number is five. If the minimum is not reached within 48 hours before the start of the first day, the event will be canceled and paid registrants will receive a full refund. After payment is received there are no refunds for the classes. If for any reason class must be canceled by us it will be rescheduled. No refunds for missed session(s.) However, you can send a friend in your place on the day you cannot attend. Please make arrangements and let us know in advance so we can welcome your friend.
Free Sample Class ~ March 11th at 3:30pm
6 Consecutive Weeks ~ March 18th through April 22nd
Thursdays ~ 3:30p
Sing-a-longs, stories, movement, puppets and songs... Each week enjoy a musical journey through song and story.
Pearl and Mirela delight children by reading stories along with their own songs from around the world, all played on the guitar. They choose books filled with humorous tales, animal adventures, fantasy, stories of seasons, families, friendships and much more... all inspire and ignite your child's imagination.
A treasure trove of children's literature and song, fun to hear, sing and read along.
Within every story is a song!
At Musical Storytime, your children:
- Learn new stories, songs, movements and fingerplays.
- Discover wonderful picture books to expand their imagination and language development.
- Explore their creativity and rhythm...
For a quality experience for all the maximum number of participants is ten and the minimum number is five. If the minimum is not reached within 48 hours before the start of the first day, the event will be canceled and paid registrants will receive a full refund. After payment is received there are no refunds for the classes. If for any reason class must be canceled by us it will be rescheduled. No refunds for missed session(s.) However, you can send a friend in your place on the day you cannot attend. Please make arrangements and let us know in advance so we can welcome your friend.
Metro Minis Video Pod Cast
Our first shot for our video podcast took place on Sunday.
Stay tuned the first babywearing podcast will be up in March.
Stay tuned the first babywearing podcast will be up in March.
Fun with your little one! Musical Storytime at Metro Minis
Sat, Feb 6 2010 09:25
| Permalink
Sing-a-longs, stories, movement, puppets and songs...
Each week, ENJOY a musical journey through song and story.
Pearl and Mirela delight children by reading stories along with their own songs from around the world, all played on the guitar. They choose books filled with humorous tales, animal adventures, fantasy, stories of seasons, families, friendships and much more… all inspire and ignite your child’s imagination.
A treasure-trove of children’s literature and song, fun to hear, sing and read-a-long.
Within every story is a song!
At Musical Storytime Your Children:
Learn new stories, songs, movements, and fingerplays.
Discover wonderful picture books to expand their imagination and language development.
Explore their creativity and rhythm.
All while singing along to the guitar and making new friends in an interactive and fun-filled musical storytime!
For children ages 18 months to 4 years. (With a parent or caregiver.) Classes led by Pearl Port, storyteller and specialist in children’s literature, along with Mirela Chitiu, professional music teacher.
To register and for further information, please eMail us. Registering will be shortly placed on our shopping cart
Metro Minis
821 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 313-9600
Each week, ENJOY a musical journey through song and story.
Pearl and Mirela delight children by reading stories along with their own songs from around the world, all played on the guitar. They choose books filled with humorous tales, animal adventures, fantasy, stories of seasons, families, friendships and much more… all inspire and ignite your child’s imagination.
A treasure-trove of children’s literature and song, fun to hear, sing and read-a-long.
Within every story is a song!
At Musical Storytime Your Children:
Learn new stories, songs, movements, and fingerplays.
Discover wonderful picture books to expand their imagination and language development.
Explore their creativity and rhythm.
All while singing along to the guitar and making new friends in an interactive and fun-filled musical storytime!
For children ages 18 months to 4 years. (With a parent or caregiver.) Classes led by Pearl Port, storyteller and specialist in children’s literature, along with Mirela Chitiu, professional music teacher.
To register and for further information, please eMail us. Registering will be shortly placed on our shopping cart
Metro Minis
821 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
(212) 313-9600
Put a Sling on 'Em
Tue, Dec 8 2009 02:58
| Permalink
Slings in the City member Zakia posted this on Facebook, and we couldn't resist a chance to share it here! Enjoy!!
"Green" Wrapping for the holidays.
Sun, Nov 29 2009 11:45
| Eco Friendly, Holiday Gift Guide.
| Permalink
I have been becoming a big fan of Chico Bags Those reusable bags are coming in fun styles and designs. So this year Chicobag came up with the ingenious idea to wrap holiday gifts in one of their chico bags. Video below. If you come to Metro Minis we have tons of Vitae bags and Limited Edition Snowman Chico bags. Regular price is 8.99 but if you buy something in our retail location and get it giftwrapped you can get a Chicobag gift wrap for only 6 dollars.
Babyhawk Report
Sun, Nov 29 2009 11:22
| Asian Style Carrier, Babyhawk
| Permalink
The Babyhawk Mei Tai is one of our bestsellers. NBC San Diego just ran a little story about the business.
Check it out below
Check it out below