Frequently Asked Questions
*How do I get in touch with you? My email is mandyharry@excite.com. My cell phone number is 410-302-4046. If you need my home phone number, email me for it:)
I had to remove the contact form from the site in case anyone was wondering - I have been having problems receiving the messages so please EMAIL me at mandyharry@excite.com to place your order for the fastest results.
* Can I wear a newborn in a Piggy Sack?
Yes! In fact, the newborn stage is one of the best stages to use a baby carrier such as a Mei Tai. Your baby will love your warmth, sound of your heartbeat & just being close to you. You may want to use the newborn hook for extra head support, or you can roll a towel to put behind baby's head. Newborns need to be frog-legged in the carrier until they are between 10-12 pounds. After that, they can have their legs out, straddling you. See my How to use your Piggy Sack page for instructional videos.
* How long can I wear my baby in a Piggy Sack?
You may continue to use the Piggy Sack as long as you want to carry your child in it. I still wear my 35 pound daughter on my back occasionally. I would say that they are best used for children under 40 pounds.
*Which carries are best for which ages?
The tummy to tummy carry can be used for newborns up. Put baby's legs in until he is around 11 pounds, then his legs can hang out of the carrier. When your child gains good head control you may try the Kangaroo (front or forward facing) carry so he can see out. After your baby has good head and body control (able to sit up) - the hip carry can be used. In my opinion the back carries are best for older babies (over 6 months), but there are many moms who like to wear even newborns on their backs. Always use extreme caution when putting your baby into any carrier. See the How to use your Piggy Sack page for all the instructional videos.
* I need help with a carry- what do I do?
Definitely check out the videos first, but if that doesn't help, there are many great resources online with pictures & videos. Just google "Mei Tai" there's a lot of great info out there. Also, you may contact me at any time for personal help. I have moms come over at least once a week for a personal babywearing lesson. If you live locally, I would love to meet up with you to help you use your Piggy Sack. I also attend the breastfeeding support group at Upper Chesapeake hospital regularly - meet me there for a lesson as well.
* I already have another baby carrier that I bought at the store, what makes this one so special?
Well, I'm so glad you asked that question! I guarantee if you tried one out you would understand- these carriers are so different than the ones you can get in the big stores. They are just so COMFORTABLE! The straps are lightly padded & since they are wide, they distribute the weight across your entire back, not just on your shoulders. There are no clips or buckles to deal with, they can be used by both mom and dad (or anyone else) since they are not size-specific. You can also use them for a much longer time than other carriers - I could only wear Lucy in the 'other' carrier until she was about 14 pounds then it would just kill my shoulders & neck. I'm still wearing her (at 3.5 years) in the Piggy Sack! Also you have the benefit of all the different carries - you can't do that in the store bought carriers. Plus- it folds nicely & can fit right in your diaper bag!
* I saw a fabric that I love in a store - can you use my fabric?
Yes, I love making custom carriers. Just give me 3/4 of a yard of the fabric for the panel. Non stretch fabrics work best. The cost of the Piggy Sack does not change.
*Does this carrier fit all sizes of mommies & daddies?
The Piggy Sack is a one sized carrier so mom and dad can both wear it. Smaller moms just use less of the strap fabric & bigger moms use more. The straps are long enough to comfortably fit a mama up to size 20. If you think that you or your husband would need longer straps just let me know. I can add longer straps at no charge.
*Can I use the Piggy Sack while pregnant?
Yes- It works best with wearing the child on your back, then you can choose to tie the straps above, or below your belly.
* What about preemies?
I have had a Piggy Sack mom with a baby as little as 3.5 pounds use the carrier. It is easy to roll down the body of the carrier before it is tied on to make it shorter for the teeny ones. Kangaroo care is very important for the development of preemies, so using a carrier like this is a must for their health. Having preemies so close to mom helps regulate their body temperature and breathing patterns. Wearing them mimics the womb, which is benefical to babies who were supposed to still be "cooking". It also protects them from over stimulation and from germs. Of course these are points that can benefit all babies, just much more important for the preemies.
