-- Sent from my Palm Pre
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Look for us
Sunday, October 18, 2009
*Free parenting workshops in North Vancouver*
*Free parenting workshops in North Vancouver*
------------------------------
Got this through the email yesterday:
I am facilitating an 8 week parenting education group based on Alfred
Adler’s ideas about encouragement, natural consequences, birth order and
creating a sense of community for children. It starts October 21st: 7-9:00pm
at the Delbrook Rec Centre and runs every Thursday night until mid-December.
It is FREE!
I need help recruiting some parents (like you!) with children between the
ages of 3-13yrs to sign up and attend. It is OK to sign up even if they
cannot commit to every week. Teaching this course is part of my Graduate
School requirement. So far I have only 2 registered but I need 8 (!)
Could you help me out and pass on this email to anyone you think might be
interested. I know it will be hugely beneficial information for parents.
Thanks so much for your help!
Call or email Michelle at Delbrook to register:
Michelle Suter email suterm(at)northvanrec.com
604-983-6326
--
"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to
provide the conditions in which they can
learn." - Albert Einstein, Physicist
------------------------------
Got this through the email yesterday:
I am facilitating an 8 week parenting education group based on Alfred
Adler’s ideas about encouragement, natural consequences, birth order and
creating a sense of community for children. It starts October 21st: 7-9:00pm
at the Delbrook Rec Centre and runs every Thursday night until mid-December.
It is FREE!
I need help recruiting some parents (like you!) with children between the
ages of 3-13yrs to sign up and attend. It is OK to sign up even if they
cannot commit to every week. Teaching this course is part of my Graduate
School requirement. So far I have only 2 registered but I need 8 (!)
Could you help me out and pass on this email to anyone you think might be
interested. I know it will be hugely beneficial information for parents.
Thanks so much for your help!
Call or email Michelle at Delbrook to register:
Michelle Suter email suterm(at)northvanrec.com
604-983-6326
--
"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to
provide the conditions in which they can
learn." - Albert Einstein, Physicist
Thursday, May 28, 2009
What Size are you ?
The Baby Buddha Stretchy Baby Carrier is made of performance fabric that stretches comfortably with you to create the perfect fit. You should not feel constricted but a snug fit will ensure your baby does not droop below your waist creating the most ergonomic carrying position.
small (size zero)You measure 33"-38" (85cm-97cm) around. petite/small build
medium (size one)You measure 38"-45" (97cm-114cm) around. average height/weight
large (size two)You measure 45"-50" (114cm-128cm) around. large chest/broad back
plus (size three)You measure 50"-65" (128cm-168cm) around. extra largeMonday, May 4, 2009
Now that’s a multi-tasking carrier!
If you've never visited the Celebrity Baby Blog - now's the time - they have a feature on Baby Buddha! " Easy to use and a pleasure to wear, the Baby Buddha is an excellent choice for a mom (or dad) looking for a perfect do-everything carrier. " - Stephanie.
"This is by far the BEST baby sling on the market!" Maegan Harvey NYC
"This is by far the BEST baby sling on the market!" Maegan Harvey NYC
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Give a little bit…it’s good for you!
Early mornings, I toast a slice of multi-grain, make a smoothie, stretch my complaining body and listen to CBC radio. Lately I can’t help but notice the mention of job losses across Canada has become a daily feature. If it’s not the fate of Chrysler & GM it’s the financial, forestry or industry X. These aren’t easy times anywhere in the world. You may have friends and family who have been affected, who’ve accepted severance packages or buyouts reluctantly or with trepidation. Maybe you are feeling the tremors of the global economic downturn in your own home, or maybe you’ve already had a full-on earthquake.
What can we do to stay hopeful? I can hear Obama saying:
I’m asking you to believe. Not just
in my ability to bring about real
change…I’m asking you to believe
in yours.
We’re all trying to stay a float. Whether we turn the thermostat down, bike to work, shop smarter or put off a home renovation or holiday for better times, we can’t forget there is something we can do. We can think about the life we’re creating for ourselves and whether it’s meaningful and sustainable. Is it possible that this economic emergency is an opportunity for all of us to review what that looks like? Are we working our lives away for fame & fortune at the expense of health, relationships, the environment and community?
What would feel good or better?
Volunteer
Losing a job can raise anxiety but if you’ve unexpectedly found yourself with a little time on your hands you could volunteer. According to Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, it might even be good for you. I heard him speaking with Mary Hynes on CBC Tapestry and it appears that when we are altruistic, it releases brain chemicals that make us feel good. Keltner believes this is one way we ensure we maintain healthy communities.
My mom has volunteered her whole life. She’s canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society, been a reading assistant at an inner city elementary school and put in untold hours at her church…all while raising 3 children and working! I look back at my volunteer record and while it didn’t stop in high school, it’s certainly thinner. The 3 years I lived in a small BC town demonstrated that people are still out helping in their communities. Whether it’s checking in with an elderly neighbour for a game of canasta, supporting the local hockey league by eating at the spaghetti feed or helping with community theatre…it seems like everyone’s doing something. It’s free – try it!
Micro giving
One of the best ideas I’ve heard comes from Pas Paskaran, a physics prof at NAIT in Edmonton. He thought if he could find 10 friends willing to put away $5 a week for a year, they could then decide together to whom they would like to donate the money. That’s a significant donation for any organization and yet $5 a week is just a latte for many of us. You could do this with friends, colleagues or use it as a way to get children thinking about the responsibility we all have to our greater community. Don’t forget that when times are tough, donations to charitable organizations go down when they’re most needed.
Some of my favourite people to donate to are:
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
http://www.msf.ca/
http://www.unitedway.ca
http://www.vch.ca
Be creative
What feels better than creating? It’s been a secret desire of mine for years to sing in a choir. A friend in LA does and it’s one of the most joyous moments in her week and she’s a very successful animator. What do you secretly long to do? Make bread? Play the guitar that’s been lying dormant? Learn to paint? Whether you just make cookies with the kids or hang out at the arts & crafts table at the next local festival, you’ll have a good time. Being entertained by others is ok but teaching your children to cook or knit, builds relationships. Check out www.etsy.com to get inspired.
Get healthy
Despite my daily stretch, I ache in the places where I used to play, as Leonard Cohen said so well in his song “I'm Your Man”. Working too much these last few years has taken a bite out of my exercise schedule. Regular swimming, skiing and climbing have fallen away and I’ve been left with yoga and urban walks. It’s something, but what’s better than that deep sleep you fall into after being outdoors in the fresh air all day? For many of us, exercise and eating right get sidelined before anything else. How can we make them priorities?
Be green
As a kid there was nothing I liked better than shopping at the annual flea market. I found treasures – some that I still own. Cashmere sweaters, a crazy teapot, books, unique oddities no one else has. Now I can’t help thinking that if we all keep buying “Ready to assemble” furniture from our favourite Swedish store and clothes that fall apart after one wash –there won’t be anything “retro” or “vintage” left for the next generation of kids. Saving up for something we really want that’s better quality is really the way to go. We may have a little less but we’ll have a lot better.
Look around. The recession may be bringing you more opportunities than you first recognized. What are you really missing?
References
http://my.barackobama.com
Tapestry - April 5, 2009 - Survival of the Kindest
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/tapestry_20090405_13897.mp3
Waldie, Paul. "Donation physics: Take a small number and multiply." The Globe and Mail 31 Jan. 2009: B2.
http://www.leonardcohen.com
Early mornings, I toast a slice of multi-grain, make a smoothie, stretch my complaining body and listen to CBC radio. Lately I can’t help but notice the mention of job losses across Canada has become a daily feature. If it’s not the fate of Chrysler & GM it’s the financial, forestry or industry X. These aren’t easy times anywhere in the world. You may have friends and family who have been affected, who’ve accepted severance packages or buyouts reluctantly or with trepidation. Maybe you are feeling the tremors of the global economic downturn in your own home, or maybe you’ve already had a full-on earthquake.
What can we do to stay hopeful? I can hear Obama saying:
I’m asking you to believe. Not just
in my ability to bring about real
change…I’m asking you to believe
in yours.
We’re all trying to stay a float. Whether we turn the thermostat down, bike to work, shop smarter or put off a home renovation or holiday for better times, we can’t forget there is something we can do. We can think about the life we’re creating for ourselves and whether it’s meaningful and sustainable. Is it possible that this economic emergency is an opportunity for all of us to review what that looks like? Are we working our lives away for fame & fortune at the expense of health, relationships, the environment and community?
What would feel good or better?
Volunteer
Losing a job can raise anxiety but if you’ve unexpectedly found yourself with a little time on your hands you could volunteer. According to Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, it might even be good for you. I heard him speaking with Mary Hynes on CBC Tapestry and it appears that when we are altruistic, it releases brain chemicals that make us feel good. Keltner believes this is one way we ensure we maintain healthy communities.
My mom has volunteered her whole life. She’s canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society, been a reading assistant at an inner city elementary school and put in untold hours at her church…all while raising 3 children and working! I look back at my volunteer record and while it didn’t stop in high school, it’s certainly thinner. The 3 years I lived in a small BC town demonstrated that people are still out helping in their communities. Whether it’s checking in with an elderly neighbour for a game of canasta, supporting the local hockey league by eating at the spaghetti feed or helping with community theatre…it seems like everyone’s doing something. It’s free – try it!
Micro giving
One of the best ideas I’ve heard comes from Pas Paskaran, a physics prof at NAIT in Edmonton. He thought if he could find 10 friends willing to put away $5 a week for a year, they could then decide together to whom they would like to donate the money. That’s a significant donation for any organization and yet $5 a week is just a latte for many of us. You could do this with friends, colleagues or use it as a way to get children thinking about the responsibility we all have to our greater community. Don’t forget that when times are tough, donations to charitable organizations go down when they’re most needed.
Some of my favourite people to donate to are:
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
http://www.msf.ca/
http://www.unitedway.ca
http://www.vch.ca
Be creative
What feels better than creating? It’s been a secret desire of mine for years to sing in a choir. A friend in LA does and it’s one of the most joyous moments in her week and she’s a very successful animator. What do you secretly long to do? Make bread? Play the guitar that’s been lying dormant? Learn to paint? Whether you just make cookies with the kids or hang out at the arts & crafts table at the next local festival, you’ll have a good time. Being entertained by others is ok but teaching your children to cook or knit, builds relationships. Check out www.etsy.com to get inspired.
Get healthy
Despite my daily stretch, I ache in the places where I used to play, as Leonard Cohen said so well in his song “I'm Your Man”. Working too much these last few years has taken a bite out of my exercise schedule. Regular swimming, skiing and climbing have fallen away and I’ve been left with yoga and urban walks. It’s something, but what’s better than that deep sleep you fall into after being outdoors in the fresh air all day? For many of us, exercise and eating right get sidelined before anything else. How can we make them priorities?
Be green
As a kid there was nothing I liked better than shopping at the annual flea market. I found treasures – some that I still own. Cashmere sweaters, a crazy teapot, books, unique oddities no one else has. Now I can’t help thinking that if we all keep buying “Ready to assemble” furniture from our favourite Swedish store and clothes that fall apart after one wash –there won’t be anything “retro” or “vintage” left for the next generation of kids. Saving up for something we really want that’s better quality is really the way to go. We may have a little less but we’ll have a lot better.
Look around. The recession may be bringing you more opportunities than you first recognized. What are you really missing?
References
http://my.barackobama.com
Tapestry - April 5, 2009 - Survival of the Kindest
http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/tapestry_20090405_13897.mp3
Waldie, Paul. "Donation physics: Take a small number and multiply." The Globe and Mail 31 Jan. 2009: B2.
http://www.leonardcohen.com
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Pouchy Pouch
From time to time we get asked if the baby buddha works for pets , the answer is YES !
It's not Just for babies. Dog, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are enjoying the stretchy baby carrier too.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Upcoming Events
Baby Buddha is excited to be in attendance this years birthfest on March 14th (10:00 - 3:00) Birth Fest. Britannia Community Centre, Vancouver. It's an opportunity for you come down
with your baby and family and try out our products, ask your questions and meet the designers.
Baby Buddha's
One-of-a-Kind Fabrics in Double Sling plus sash Design incorporates everything you like about
slings, pouches and wraps - ALL-IN-ONE - voted colicky baby's top products picks of 2008 - popular with midwives, birth attendants & parents. European constructed triple flat seams.
Featured in Apartment Therapy, the Georgia straight, and soon to be on the Celebrity baby blog.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Capturing Wonderful moments in Growing Up with Blogger Meg & her baby Eli
Growing up Charlie
I love bloggers, especially when I see or read that our lives connect, and we have touched each other in some way .In the fabulous blog ' growing up charlie' written by Megan. There is an amazing photo journal of Eli growing up in the East Vancouver community. Thank you Meg for sharing your stories and capturing those magic moments on film. Awesome simply awesome.
Here is an excerpt for 'Growing up Charlie' .....
So, Eli LOVES his Baby Buddha. He will actually sleep for long periods of time in it. After our lunch date at Little Nest on the Drive, he test drives the 'womb with a view' position--and LOVES IT.
He even fell asleep while we were shopping.
He even fell asleep while we were shopping.
First we went to the car free day celebrations on the Drive. Everywhere we go we find people who bring their home to street festivities.
Fun Saturday
A VERY busy Saturday! First off to the Farmers Market at Trout Lake. We happened to be there during a fabulous dog show--it felt like we were in Best in Show:)
Then we went home to wait for our piano to be delivered. We got her for free on Craigslist from this very nice lady who gave Eli an elephant statue.
Here is Eli in the Baby Buddha (www.babybuddha.ca) with Brooke & Beth.
Then we went home to wait for our piano to be delivered. We got her for free on Craigslist from this very nice lady who gave Eli an elephant statue.
Here is Eli in the Baby Buddha (www.babybuddha.ca) with Brooke & Beth.
The dads show off their babes on our gelato date.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Mothers Unfolding
Every Wednesday Eli & I go to a Mothers Unfolding group (www.mamarenew.ca). It's a six week group for new moms. Before each group, the moms get together for coffee at Laughing Bean. Here we all are are (late for class..)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Mortin Slags Baby Wearing
 | |
| Have you seen this ad for Motrin, which slags baby slings? This Ad not only makes me sad for the millions of new parents that maybe effected by it's ill message. I feel extremely upset if any baby should go without the close bonding, attention and affection that goes hand in hand with baby wearing. | |
| © 2008 YouTube, LLC | |
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Share the LOVE contest
Share The Baby Buddha Love
What does it mean to be an empowered parent with the right gear to help you do your job.
Word of month is the best way to know if a product really and truly works.
Do you blog, chat or share on-line ?
Baby Buddha wants to hear your shared stories about our products.
Tell us about where you shared your baby buddha product reviews, stories or showed off your pictures and we will enter you to win a $100 gift certificate.
Contest ends December 23, 2008.
Winner will receive a $100. gift certificate redeemable at babybuddha.ca
Send Entries to:
love@babybuddha.ca
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
The Baby Wearer
Alison Cross and Paula Violiare the co-founders of Baby Buddha, a Canadian company producing stretchy baby carriers. Read our article to learn about how they are creating a healthy and sustainable company they love to work for…
Describe your business.
When we started Baby Buddha we dreamed of developing baby gear that parents could feel good about – from the way things were made and the materials chosen to the way they maximize quality of life. Those already familiar with our stretchy baby carrier know we’re achieving that. Baby Buddha is parent-led design, baby-tested and vetted by an industrial designer. We’re very much a part of our local community and we feel responsible to it and the planet.
Tell us a bit about where you live.
We live in Vancouver, BC. Vancouver is a great community and a beautiful place to be every single day…despite the rain. Some days we’re so busy we only dream we can smell the ocean but other days we’re on the beach or in the mountains or hanging out on Commercial Drive, an artsy multi-cultural district, at an outdoor café. Many Vancouver shopping districts are along streets and parents do a lot of walking. The sidewalks are bustling with babywearing parents. You really get the sense of a growing attachment parenting community. The best thing about being a parent in Vancouver is the free community play centres offered in every neighbourhood. They are great places for children to play, to meet other people and to get advice from health nurses.
Tell us a bit about your family.
Alison ‘Joy’ Cross
My partner Bob and I were leading a creative and wonderful life when we realized it was the perfect moment to have a child. During my pregnancy I took time away from my work in the film industry and went for long stays at silent meditation retreats to really embrace this transformation in my life. From woman to mother. At the end of one retreat, the orange-robed Buddhist monk who taught meditation sent for me and told me to be peaceful and calm with my new baby. If I remembered this advice, my child would live as Buddha did. He told me that the mother is very important to guide the child and if I meditated my child would be calm. I really believed this until I had a colicky baby, who would only stop crying when she was bounced. Bob, I and took turns bouncing baby Coco, until I developed tendonitis in both wrists and needed help. Thankfully help came in the first stretchy baby carrier that I made to mimick our bouncing sessions. The colic lasted until she was 3 months old, and despite my patience, I would never call her a calm child. However, I am totally in Love with her.
Coco, now 3, is a raging artist who expresses herself in every medium. She creates food sculptures, dresses herself very creatively, loves all things “tutu” and when no one is looking loves to experiment with crayons by colouring on any surface. Who knows maybe this is her special gift to the world?
Bob has been endlessly supportive and patient as the partner of a mompreneur. During the week, he’s the director of photography on The L Word and was guest director for season five. At home, he’s a babywearing dad who believes in the success of Baby Buddha. He has helped with everything from photo shoots to saving inventory from a flood! We couldn’t do it without him!
Paula Violi
I am happiest when I am creating or playing outdoors! After completing an industrial design degree at Emily Carr in Vancouver, I knew that I wanted to work with textiles. Whatever work I did also had to be sustainable, ethical and feel good. Meeting Ali and starting Baby Buddha has been a great fit.
I have an incredible network of family and friends who extend far and wide into Canada, the US and Europe. They frequently request updates on the growth of my “Baby Buddha”. I have many children in my life including my niece and nephews and the students I teach.
How long have you been in business?
The seed of Baby Buddha Baby Gear Ltd. has been germinating since Alison had Coco three years ago. Alison began "babywearing" immediately, creating a beautiful mother-daughter bond. A choosy client, when she couldn't find a sling that was comfortable, easy to use and stylish she decided to make her own, unexpectedly embarking on a sling-sewing career. Alison wanted help getting her idea to market and that’s when she and I, an industrial designer, met. We realized that together we could create a baby carrier with integrity. We incorporated in 2005 and after much proto-typing and testing, the first Baby Buddha Slings were in stores by September 2006. Basically the phone hasn’t stopped ringing with orders since.
What inspired you to start your business?
Happy people and happy babies. Alison was “slightly” obsessed with creating the perfect baby carrier and creating products we believe in became our goal. We both loved the idea of creating work for ourselves that felt good…not compromising on creativity or ethics. It’s our goal to be a business that is socially, ecologically and economically sustainable and to enjoy our work everyday.
What is the most challenging thing about manufacturing/selling baby carriers?
Who knew how long it would take to get the Baby Buddha to market? We were in development for a long time because we had super high expectations for quality, safety and style. We wanted the Baby Buddha to surpass Canadian safety standards. Ultimately we didn't settle for serged seams; we safety stitched them. Also we engineered our tube slings to create structurally safe pouches for baby to ride in. As an industrial designer I know that when you make choices based on function you often end up with a better looking product and that was certainly true here. We set some tough criteria for ourselves and we’re happy to say we met them.
What is the most rewarding thing about manufacturing/selling baby carriers?
Alison
The most rewarding thing about making a baby carrier is the positive response we’ve got. I would have stopped doing this a long time ago if it were about making money. I make the stretchy baby carrier because parents really love it. We have a really simple product, 3 easy to use pieces with no buckles or rings - it makes carrying your baby easy and that’s what parents want. The feedback and testimonials are unbelievable proof that we are doing a great thing, and that feels more satisfying than all my years of film work.
Paula
Baby Buddha has really demystified babywearing for a lot of new moms and dads. New parents face this huge learning curve and we realized that showing new parents how to use the Baby Buddha really empowered them. We’ve participated in some great grassroots baby events in Vancouver, done in-store demos, been to new-mother groups, doula events and even baby showers. Parents who’d never heard of babywearing are amazed at how quickly their babies are soothed when they’re in the Baby Buddha. And parents who already have a collection of other slings and carriers have sold the whole lot once they’ve discovered the comfort and versatility of the Baby Buddha.
Tell us about your personal babywearing journey.
My passion for babywearing started in 2003 while studying Thai massage and meditation in Thailand. I lived in a Lahoo village where every member of the tiny community took turns carrying the village babies. The babies were tied around an adult’s torso with a longyi (a square piece of woven fabric used as a skirt). The babies were so exceptionally happy, I knew something very special was going on and knew that I would do the same with my own baby. I moved into a young family’s guest hut and slowly got to be a participant in the community babywearing roster. Soon I would be handed a baby when I appeared in the village. Last year we traveled to Thailand and I wore Coco in the Baby Buddha and the Thai people really got excited to see that this tradition was being picked up in the west.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Balance is something we are always talking about and working towards but truthfully it is a challenge when you have a small business. Alison and I are both creative types, but we have different skills. There have been times when her skills have really been in demand and she has been working around the clock and vice versa. It’s always our goal to get enough sleep, to maintain our personal yoga and meditation practices, to get outdoors to ski or hike, to travel and to nurture our relationships with friends and family but it doesn’t always work that way. Baby Buddha is our baby too and we need to nurture it and it takes time and energy but it’s growing and we’re trying to create a company that takes care of us.
What do you see for the future of babywearing?
Babywearing is the best possible start you can give your baby! The benefits are obvious for both baby and wearer. Being in a Baby Buddha carrier is just like being swaddled, which as nurses tell us, is how new babies are most comfortable. Our carrier is as close to being back in the womb as possible. Infants are close to mom’s heartbeat and less colicky. Older babies are more integrated, as they’re at eye-level. They see everything the wearer sees, and therefore learn faster.
Babywearing creates the closest possible connection you can have with your baby after birth and we hope it signals a move away a technology-based society where people are increasing isolated. A happy baby in a Baby Buddha carrier is all the advertising babywearing needs!
Describe your favorite babywearing memory/moment(s).
After learning I was pregnant in 2004, I looked up baby slings online and discovered amazing web sites like Rev. Jan’s and the babywearer – and at that moment I knew I was not alone and parenting was going to be about community and wonderful new areas of exploration. Another favorite moment was bringing Coco, 7 months old at the time, to a 5 day yoga retreat/camping event. Some of the other participants and organizers didn’t think I’d get much yoga done and told me I should go home. To everyone’s amazement Coco and I fully participated in every class from meditation to yoga to chanting. At the end of a class, instead of lying down, I would sit in a seated meditation posture and Coco would fall asleep.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge in getting carriers into the hands of new parents?
Education. We know how beneficial it is to wear your baby but there are people out there who either don’t have that information or have walls up against it as some crunchy-granola idea. We’d like to see more mainstream healthcare professionals sharing the benefits of babywearing with their patients.
Cost. One of the biggest challenges is making quality baby carriers accessible to all parents. Presently the cost of making a product in Canada that uses locally milled or organic fabrics and pays fair wages is high. Our hope is that as more people believe in the philosophy of sustainability and commit to buying locally, the cost of these products will drop for everyone.
Describe a typical day in your life.
There are rarely any typical days. We’ve just been to LA to celebrate the gala opening of the Lword. Today we rented bikes and rode along Venice beach stopping at every playground along the way, and there are many! Right now I am flying home from LA to Vancouver, with a few days to prepare before we go to Cuba. Coco is nearly 3 years old now and has traveled to 12 countries. Last year we celebrated her birthday in Laos and this year it will be in Havana.
Anything you'd like to add?
when you’re done with your baby carrier pass it on to your sister, friend or neighbour! Let’s make babywearing accessible!
Vancouver’s Chinatown
Describe your business.
When we started Baby Buddha we dreamed of developing baby gear that parents could feel good about – from the way things were made and the materials chosen to the way they maximize quality of life. Those already familiar with our stretchy baby carrier know we’re achieving that. Baby Buddha is parent-led design, baby-tested and vetted by an industrial designer. We’re very much a part of our local community and we feel responsible to it and the planet.
Tell us a bit about where you live.
We live in Vancouver, BC. Vancouver is a great community and a beautiful place to be every single day…despite the rain. Some days we’re so busy we only dream we can smell the ocean but other days we’re on the beach or in the mountains or hanging out on Commercial Drive, an artsy multi-cultural district, at an outdoor café. Many Vancouver shopping districts are along streets and parents do a lot of walking. The sidewalks are bustling with babywearing parents. You really get the sense of a growing attachment parenting community. The best thing about being a parent in Vancouver is the free community play centres offered in every neighbourhood. They are great places for children to play, to meet other people and to get advice from health nurses.
Alison and Coco
Tell us a bit about your family.
Alison ‘Joy’ Cross
My partner Bob and I were leading a creative and wonderful life when we realized it was the perfect moment to have a child. During my pregnancy I took time away from my work in the film industry and went for long stays at silent meditation retreats to really embrace this transformation in my life. From woman to mother. At the end of one retreat, the orange-robed Buddhist monk who taught meditation sent for me and told me to be peaceful and calm with my new baby. If I remembered this advice, my child would live as Buddha did. He told me that the mother is very important to guide the child and if I meditated my child would be calm. I really believed this until I had a colicky baby, who would only stop crying when she was bounced. Bob, I and took turns bouncing baby Coco, until I developed tendonitis in both wrists and needed help. Thankfully help came in the first stretchy baby carrier that I made to mimick our bouncing sessions. The colic lasted until she was 3 months old, and despite my patience, I would never call her a calm child. However, I am totally in Love with her.
Coco, now 3, is a raging artist who expresses herself in every medium. She creates food sculptures, dresses herself very creatively, loves all things “tutu” and when no one is looking loves to experiment with crayons by colouring on any surface. Who knows maybe this is her special gift to the world?
Bob has been endlessly supportive and patient as the partner of a mompreneur. During the week, he’s the director of photography on The L Word and was guest director for season five. At home, he’s a babywearing dad who believes in the success of Baby Buddha. He has helped with everything from photo shoots to saving inventory from a flood! We couldn’t do it without him!
Paula Violi
I am happiest when I am creating or playing outdoors! After completing an industrial design degree at Emily Carr in Vancouver, I knew that I wanted to work with textiles. Whatever work I did also had to be sustainable, ethical and feel good. Meeting Ali and starting Baby Buddha has been a great fit.
I have an incredible network of family and friends who extend far and wide into Canada, the US and Europe. They frequently request updates on the growth of my “Baby Buddha”. I have many children in my life including my niece and nephews and the students I teach.
How long have you been in business?
The seed of Baby Buddha Baby Gear Ltd. has been germinating since Alison had Coco three years ago. Alison began "babywearing" immediately, creating a beautiful mother-daughter bond. A choosy client, when she couldn't find a sling that was comfortable, easy to use and stylish she decided to make her own, unexpectedly embarking on a sling-sewing career. Alison wanted help getting her idea to market and that’s when she and I, an industrial designer, met. We realized that together we could create a baby carrier with integrity. We incorporated in 2005 and after much proto-typing and testing, the first Baby Buddha Slings were in stores by September 2006. Basically the phone hasn’t stopped ringing with orders since.
What inspired you to start your business?
Happy people and happy babies. Alison was “slightly” obsessed with creating the perfect baby carrier and creating products we believe in became our goal. We both loved the idea of creating work for ourselves that felt good…not compromising on creativity or ethics. It’s our goal to be a business that is socially, ecologically and economically sustainable and to enjoy our work everyday.
What is the most challenging thing about manufacturing/selling baby carriers?
Who knew how long it would take to get the Baby Buddha to market? We were in development for a long time because we had super high expectations for quality, safety and style. We wanted the Baby Buddha to surpass Canadian safety standards. Ultimately we didn't settle for serged seams; we safety stitched them. Also we engineered our tube slings to create structurally safe pouches for baby to ride in. As an industrial designer I know that when you make choices based on function you often end up with a better looking product and that was certainly true here. We set some tough criteria for ourselves and we’re happy to say we met them.
What is the most rewarding thing about manufacturing/selling baby carriers?
Alison
The most rewarding thing about making a baby carrier is the positive response we’ve got. I would have stopped doing this a long time ago if it were about making money. I make the stretchy baby carrier because parents really love it. We have a really simple product, 3 easy to use pieces with no buckles or rings - it makes carrying your baby easy and that’s what parents want. The feedback and testimonials are unbelievable proof that we are doing a great thing, and that feels more satisfying than all my years of film work.
Paula
Baby Buddha has really demystified babywearing for a lot of new moms and dads. New parents face this huge learning curve and we realized that showing new parents how to use the Baby Buddha really empowered them. We’ve participated in some great grassroots baby events in Vancouver, done in-store demos, been to new-mother groups, doula events and even baby showers. Parents who’d never heard of babywearing are amazed at how quickly their babies are soothed when they’re in the Baby Buddha. And parents who already have a collection of other slings and carriers have sold the whole lot once they’ve discovered the comfort and versatility of the Baby Buddha.
Tell us about your personal babywearing journey.
My passion for babywearing started in 2003 while studying Thai massage and meditation in Thailand. I lived in a Lahoo village where every member of the tiny community took turns carrying the village babies. The babies were tied around an adult’s torso with a longyi (a square piece of woven fabric used as a skirt). The babies were so exceptionally happy, I knew something very special was going on and knew that I would do the same with my own baby. I moved into a young family’s guest hut and slowly got to be a participant in the community babywearing roster. Soon I would be handed a baby when I appeared in the village. Last year we traveled to Thailand and I wore Coco in the Baby Buddha and the Thai people really got excited to see that this tradition was being picked up in the west.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Balance is something we are always talking about and working towards but truthfully it is a challenge when you have a small business. Alison and I are both creative types, but we have different skills. There have been times when her skills have really been in demand and she has been working around the clock and vice versa. It’s always our goal to get enough sleep, to maintain our personal yoga and meditation practices, to get outdoors to ski or hike, to travel and to nurture our relationships with friends and family but it doesn’t always work that way. Baby Buddha is our baby too and we need to nurture it and it takes time and energy but it’s growing and we’re trying to create a company that takes care of us.
What do you see for the future of babywearing?
Babywearing is the best possible start you can give your baby! The benefits are obvious for both baby and wearer. Being in a Baby Buddha carrier is just like being swaddled, which as nurses tell us, is how new babies are most comfortable. Our carrier is as close to being back in the womb as possible. Infants are close to mom’s heartbeat and less colicky. Older babies are more integrated, as they’re at eye-level. They see everything the wearer sees, and therefore learn faster.
Babywearing creates the closest possible connection you can have with your baby after birth and we hope it signals a move away a technology-based society where people are increasing isolated. A happy baby in a Baby Buddha carrier is all the advertising babywearing needs!
Describe your favorite babywearing memory/moment(s).
After learning I was pregnant in 2004, I looked up baby slings online and discovered amazing web sites like Rev. Jan’s and the babywearer – and at that moment I knew I was not alone and parenting was going to be about community and wonderful new areas of exploration. Another favorite moment was bringing Coco, 7 months old at the time, to a 5 day yoga retreat/camping event. Some of the other participants and organizers didn’t think I’d get much yoga done and told me I should go home. To everyone’s amazement Coco and I fully participated in every class from meditation to yoga to chanting. At the end of a class, instead of lying down, I would sit in a seated meditation posture and Coco would fall asleep.
What do you feel is the biggest challenge in getting carriers into the hands of new parents?
Education. We know how beneficial it is to wear your baby but there are people out there who either don’t have that information or have walls up against it as some crunchy-granola idea. We’d like to see more mainstream healthcare professionals sharing the benefits of babywearing with their patients.
Cost. One of the biggest challenges is making quality baby carriers accessible to all parents. Presently the cost of making a product in Canada that uses locally milled or organic fabrics and pays fair wages is high. Our hope is that as more people believe in the philosophy of sustainability and commit to buying locally, the cost of these products will drop for everyone.
Describe a typical day in your life.
There are rarely any typical days. We’ve just been to LA to celebrate the gala opening of the Lword. Today we rented bikes and rode along Venice beach stopping at every playground along the way, and there are many! Right now I am flying home from LA to Vancouver, with a few days to prepare before we go to Cuba. Coco is nearly 3 years old now and has traveled to 12 countries. Last year we celebrated her birthday in Laos and this year it will be in Havana.
Anything you'd like to add?
when you’re done with your baby carrier pass it on to your sister, friend or neighbour! Let’s make babywearing accessible!
Vancouver’s Chinatown
www.baboobaby.com is so cool !
We are loving the web site baboobaby for all sorts of do it yourself tips & awesome resources.
Natural Baby Bum Balm Recipe
Here’s a quick little recipe for natural baby bum balm to help prevent and sooth diaper rash.
Ingredients:
1oz shea butter
1/2 oz. sweet almond oil
1/2 oz. rice bran oil
Instructions:
Melt shea butter and add remaining oils. When slightly cool, whip with mixer or hand blender until smooth and well-incorporated. Choose unscented or add a small amount of lavender oil (1-2 drops) for scent and antibacterial properties.
Do-It-Your-Self Cardboard Play Kitchen
Using this detailed and illustrated 14-page instruction kit, you can build a toy that will wow any small child and leave you feeling happy about your green building practices. With recycled cardboard, wire hangers from the dry cleaner, and odds and ends you may already have around the house, you will construct a functional kitchen for your child that is adorable and remarkably sturdy.
Corrugated cardboard is an incredibly strong and durable material, yet is at the same time very lightweight and portable. This kitchen maximizes those qualities by being able to always be disassembled and reassembled in minutes! No glue, no nails, no screws - instead, it is held together with a few clever joins.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Share The Love Contest
Share The Love Contest
Share The Baby Buddha Love
What does it mean to be an empowered parent with the right gear to help you do your job.
Word of month is the best way to know if a product really and truly works.
Do you blog, chat or share on-line ?
Baby Buddha wants to hear your shared stories about our products.
Tell us about where you shared your baby buddha product reviews, stories or showed off your pictures and we will enter you to win a $100 gift certificate.
Contest ends December 23, 2008.
Winner will receive a $100. gift certificate redeemable at babybuddha.ca
Send Entries to:
love@babybuddha.ca
Monday, November 3, 2008
IN THE PRESS
www.organic-baby-resource.com
Baby Buddha's Stretchy Baby carrier is on the Organic Baby Resource, an informational guide for parents interested in organic baby care.
Baby Buddha's Stretchy Baby carrier is on the Organic Baby Resource, an informational guide for parents interested in organic baby care.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Maternal Creations
Host : Lehe Elarar, RM BA
Pomegranate Community Midwives
2647 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5k 1Z5
tel: 604-255-5556
www.pomegranate-midwives.com
office@pomegranate-midwives.com
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