New sling-carrier for babies New sling-carrier for babies (May 06, 2005)

Inventive mom comes up with comfy design to haul infants

By Allison Gerard

Many of today's moms wonder how they can maintain their active lifestyles while caring for a small child. An inventive Mountain View mom has come up with one answer: the Peanut Shell.

Alicia Shaffer's pouch-style baby sling combines fashion and function, allowing mom to be stylish and snuggly with baby while keeping her hands free.

Although the concept is not a new one, Shaffer said she tried several carriers after the birth of her son, and could not find one that fit all her needs. Her slimmer shoulder-strap model allows for a more comfortable fit than similar products, and the stretchable fabric allows the weight of the baby to be evenly distributed -- which, she says, prevents back pain by eliminating pressure points.

"I really wanted to wear my baby and for him to be on me as I worked, but I also wanted something cute, stylish and easy to use," said Shaffer.

Shaffer never set out to turn her idea into a business, but after several moms spotted her on the street wearing her "peanut shell" and asked where she got it, she realized she should sell them. Her Web site has been up and running for almost a month now, and she's already had several orders, including from out of state. Best of all, several local stores are planning to sell the Peanut Shell.

"We really have not found anything like this," said Paula Sulkis, a lactation educator at Maternal Connections. "It's a really great product because it gives mom a lot of flexibility and keeps baby close, which we really want to encourage moms to do."

The practice of carrying a baby in a sling goes back thousands of years, and in the past 30 years numerous studies have shown that wearing one promotes bonding and parental responsiveness.

"The whole attachment-parenting idea and the products that go along with it can be a little bit hippy-ish, but Alicia has really taken the concept and made it hip," said Gaylene Biggs, mother of a 10-month-old who has purchased six of the slings.

Aside from being practical and comfortable, the sling's hip factor comes into play by offering a wide variety of prints and fabrics. Ranging from roses for mom to camo for dad, there is a print for every outfit and occasion. The slings come in cotton or a stretchy micro-fleece, and Shaffer said that this summer they will be offering a mesh one for use in the water. All the fabrics provide good air circulation for the baby, Shaffer said.

The Peanut Shell's price ranges from $38 to $48 -- substantially cheaper than other popular carriers which are often priced over $100 -- so moms can buy several. (Or their friends and family -- after all, Mother's Day is May 8.)

"I like to have a good selection of products, and any mom knows you can't have just one because something is always in the wash," Shaffer said.

The slings can be purchased on her Web site, www.goo-ga.com.
E-mail Allison Gerard at agerard@mv-voice.com

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