Je Porte Mon Bebe (JPMBB) stretchy review

The ultimate in stretchy wrap? As one babywearing friend described this wrap, it is a beast. It is a stretchy  like no other stretchy, suitable from birth to toddler.

http://jeportemonbebe.com/en/photo/photos.html

But now 2 years later we have baby Isaac and slings are a life saver with a toddler to chase after.  I have fallen so much for slings I run a sling library so I thought I would try a stretchy. Hey we have 6 in the library to choose from.  There are lots of types of stretchy wraps on the market by lots of different manufacturers.  But as I discussed in my ‘Not all Stretchies are created equal’ blog they are all very different and the JPMBB is like no other stretchy.  It really should have its own category. Yes it stretches, it is made from 95% cotton and 5% elastic/spandex but it also has excellent elasticity and quickly jumps back into shape and doesn’t sag.  The JPMBB is the only stretchy wrap on the market which stretches in all directions; horizonatally, vertically and diagonally along the wrap.  JPMBB have also developed their own weave/knit which unique to them adds to the supportiveness of the wrap and was specifically designed for babywearing.

As a babywearing consultant I am regularly found saying “stretchy wraps should not be used for back carries”, the JPMBB is the exception rather than the rule. The wrap is 70cm wide, which is 30% wider than the Moby wrap for example and on a par with the width of woven wraps. I have to admit though despite knowing the JPMBB could be used for back carries I was a little sceptical. But with a Sunday lunch to prepare for 5 adults I sat and watched the Double Hammock (which I know how to do with a woven but wanted to check) and the Reverse Double Hammock videos that JPMBB have on their website and proceeded to santa toss Isaac (now 8weeks with good head control –must be all the slinging) onto my back. Well he was asleep within 5 minutes.  The videos that they provide are exceptionally clear and detailed, taking you step by step through each carry.  In addition the website also has extensive FAQs section which includes detailed explanations of benefits of babywearing, the wrap itself and physiology.  I therefore felt confident enough to give a back carry ago.  Unlike most stretchy wraps which I have found do start to sag, although safety tested to around 35lb, as a baby gets heavier (seemly between 16-20lb) or if the wearer is not an expert wrapper, the JPMBB doesn’t sag. It is comfortable even with older babies. I would happily carry Henry in the JPMBB, well I would need to catch him first as he no longer accepts ‘mummies back’ willingly.  

http://jeportemonbebe.com/en/photo/photos.html

The only negative comments I can make about the JPMBB instructions is that our wrap did not come with a set of printed instructions unlike other manufacturers. I don’t know if this was because our wrap was donated by them to the library or if they all do not come with instructions. I would have preferred a booklet so that I could double check quickly a carry without needing access to a computer. But this is only a small downside. The videos on their website, their facebook group, dedicated forum and the workshops they run provide extensive support to parents if they need them.  A novice wrapper may be slightly intimidated by this wraps bandage like qualities but it is these qualities which make it perfect for them. The PWCC will not start to sag even if you take baby in and out several times and believe me I have tried.

I discovered ‘proper’ babywearing (not mass produced front packs) with my first baby was almost 13 weeks old.  In those first few weeks I had tried a lot of different carriers but not a proper sling. I had been scared. I can remember sitting in a coffee shop feeding Henry when a mother came in with her son in a wrap. I sat in awe as she took him off her back, drank her coffee and then rewrapped her onto her back. I thought; “how is that even possible”. Never did I think I would be wrapping. Yet, now I wrap.  So when I eventually plucked up the courage to wrap Henry was approaching 16weeks and almost 18lb.  I did a lot of research and discovered the Natural Mamas forum. After chatting to mums on there I was advised to try a woven rather than a stretchy wrap which I had been looking at, as they suggested “it would sag”. As a novice I followed their advice and didn’t bother buying a stretchy. 

http://jeportemonbebe.com/en/photo/photos.html

http://jeportemonbebe.com/en/photo/photos.html

Isaac fast asleep.

The choice of stylist colours, the pocket and the choice of two different lengths (short 3.5m/long 5m), combined with truly French styling make this stretchy a cut above the rest.  The long length can also be cut to size if it is too long and it will not fray. Again instructions on how to do this are on their website, while the shorter version is perfect for hip carries.  It is also possible to breastfeed in a JPMBB and again comprehensive video instructions are provided.

So in conclusion a stretchy like no other which really needs to be used to be believed as it is in a class of its own.

Web links
Their website (in English!): http://www.jeportemonbebe.com/en/

The FAQ: http://www.jeportemonbebe.com/en/faq/all-sections/choose.html

The videos: http://www.jeportemonbebe.com/en/tutorial-videos/all/choose.html

UK retailers include
Maverick Baby http://www.maverickbaby.com/category/jpmbb
Babycalm http://www.babycalm.co.uk/