International Babywearing Week 21-28 September 2009

Thursday, September 24th, 2009
“Babywearing” simply means holding or carrying a baby or young child using a baby carrier. Holding babies is natural and universal; baby carriers make it easier and more comfortable, allowing parents and caregivers to hold or carry their children while attending to the daily tasks of living. Babywearing helps a new dad put a fussy newborn to sleep. It allows a new mom use both hands to make a sandwich. It lets an experienced parent or caregiver carry a baby on her back and wash the dishes, do the laundry, take a hike, weed the garden … all while keeping the baby safe and content.

Babywearing is a skill

There are many baby carriers on the market. However, a commercial baby carrier is not necessary for babywearing. Many people use simple pieces of cloth to safely and comfortably carry their babies. Additionally, there is a learning curve with any baby product, including commercial baby carriers. Parents and caregivers often benefit from thinking of babywearing as a skill they can learn, rather than as the result of a product they can buy. Many babywearing techniques can be learned in just a few minutes. Some techniques, such as carrying a baby on your back, take more time and practice to master, but the extra effort is rewarded with liberation and increased comfort.

Choosing a baby carrier 

Cloth baby carriers come in an endless array of fabrics and colors, from basic solid cottons to exquisitely embellished silks. Whether you’re looking for something to use every day, a carrier for a special occasion, or slings to match every outfit, the choices are yours to make, whatever your personal style. Your baby carrier (or carriers) can be both functional and attractive. The array of baby carriers available today can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t let that keep you from finding a carrier (or a few) that work for you!

If there’s a babywearing group near you, you can get free babywearing help and can try several types of carriers, which will give you a better idea of what to buy or make.  Check for a group near you at www.http://www.slingmeet.co.uk/
Another option is free online help, available e.g. at the forum www.naturalmamas.co.uk and other places.
Information on this post is taken from http://babywearinginternational.org/ which also has a beautiful first ever advert for TV about babywearing!
More info can be found from http://www.slingguide.co.uk/

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  1. Cath
    September 28, 2009 at 7:20 am
  2. October 7, 2009 at 11:25 am

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