Hello and welcome! My name is Whitney, creator of Chameleon. Chameleon is a Mei Tai (pronounced "may tie") style carrier (aka Asian Baby Carrier or just ABC). Chameleon was born out of my love for my Mei Tai, my desire to give my sister and best friend each one, and my limited budget to do so. I researched patterns and styles, thought of all the things I wanted on mine, and created a hybrid Mei Tai that I love!

I wanted a name that reflects the basic versatility of a Mei Tai and your ability to change the entire look of this carrier by changing out the decorative fabric. When I researched chameleons I discovered that they actually change their colors and patterns to reflect moods!* Their skin cells reflect light differently depending on how they feel. I decided to call the carrier Chameleon and the decorative fabrics Skins.

It's my hope that more people will discover the ease of and closeness created by wearing their children.

Chameleon's unique design adds many wonderful features to the original style.

A Mei Tai style carrier:

• supports child's spinal development - keeps knees even with or above hips while the two final spinal curves develop**
• provides comfortable weight distribution - child's weight is on your hips and both shoulders
• can be worn on front, back or hip
• automatically "fits" multiple caregivers and/or children
• can be tied on in different ways to alter weight distribution and comfort
• is useful from birth*** until child is too heavy to pick up
• provides the ability to breastfeed hands-free while wearing a child in the front carry

Chameleon's additional features include:

• interchangeable decorative Skins - change your color/pattern with your moods*
• a flip up/flip down head support - flip up and secure to support a sleeping head or provide some privacy while nursing
• padded edges for legs - minimizes carrier "cutting into" child's legs
• lightly padded waist and shoulder straps - reduces bunching and increases comfort without adding too much bulk
• toy loops - use the head support loops to attach a toy (especially useful for the back carry)
• a stuff sack - folded or stuffed, your Chameleon easily fits inside for transport or storage
• compact size - about 8" x 10" x 3" (it's much smaller and more versatile than your stroller!)
• %100 cotton body - unlike synthetics, natural fibers breathe
• easy care - machine wash and dry your Chameleon

* "Chameleons can produce a wide range of colors and patterns on their skin [...] primarily to express mood" http://science.howstuffworks.com/animal-camouflage2.htm

** Spondylolisthesis can result when your baby's legs are hanging down and their weight is supported between their legs (as in most forward-facing carriers)

*** Chameleon works great for newborns!! It's the only carrier style I used with my second son and we loved it. It's especially great for babies with reflux who need to be more upright. If you use a carrier *all day,* you may want to get a ring sling for the first month or two and alternate between carriers so your newborn is reclined at least part of the day.

You absolutely cannot hold a baby too much or spoil them! It's impossible. They yearn to be held and you yearn to pick them up for a reason. :) One of the best things I ever learned was that babies only have needs, "wants" come later. Remembering this made the most difficult times a little easier.

A Chameleon can help you fulfill their need for the closeness and movement that they enjoyed in utero, easing them into this stimulating world.

Wearing your baby has many benefits: your child feels safe and secure, they can feel your warmth, heartbeat and breathing, they can smell you, and the motion of your movements is very soothing. They also feel included in and can learn about your family life as you go about your day. All of this while you free up your arms!

Chameleons are a life-saver for the early years! You can meet their need for closeness, your needs, and even those of any siblings! A Chameleon will allow you to care for one child while you play with another, walk, cook****, do laundry, etc.

According to a randomized controlled test reported in Pediatrics, wearing your baby reduces crying and fussiness 43% during the day and 51% at night!

Because they have so much growing to do and because it's very soothing, babies breastfeed very often. In a Chameleon, your child is against you (no carrier pieces between). Chameleon can help you provide skin-to-skin contact and/or breastfeed (as discreetly as you choose) hands-free.

Later, wearing your toddler can provide a needed break for tired little legs and/or tired adult arms. :)

Here are some links to sites that discuss baby wearing and attachment parenting in general:

• Babywearing by Dr. Sears http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051100.asp
• Attachment Parenting by Dr. Sears http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t130300.asp
• Sling info. on KellyMom (a great breastfeeding and parenting resource) http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sling.html
• The main Mothering.com discussion boards (there are sub forums for babywearing, gentle discipline, breastfeeding, diapering, and many more!) http://www.mothering.com/discussions/
• TheBabyWearer.com is a great website to help you discover which carrier will work the best for you. You need an account but creating one is quick and easy! After you fall in love with your Chameleon, please take the time to review it!

  

**** Please take your child into account when cooking. Exercise basic safety with them in mind...they may reach for knives, handles, etc. Also, please remember that your chameleon is flamable. Keep all parts away from heat sources.