Happy International Babywearing Week!
Enjoying some Eleanor Snuggles
To those who don’t babywear, celebrating babywearing for a week might seem a bit “odd.” But there are plenty of reasons why babywearing deserves a week of celebration all its own…
First of all…babywearing is a vital parenting tool to many. It’s a way to snuggle little ones, to get our hands back, to give our children a view of the world they wouldn’t get from a stroller/bouncer/etc. For many of us, it has become such a part of the fabric of our parenting that we can’t imagine parenting without it.
Secondly…like many other days/weeks/months of celebration, International Babywearing Week is about advocacy. It’s about drawing attention to why babywearing matters and to how it can improve the lives of parents and babies. And it’s about promoting safe and comfortable babywearing – connecting parents and caregivers with carriers that fit their needs and showing them how to use them safely.
While I’ve been interested in spreading the babywearing love since I started researching carriers prior to Callum’s birth almost 3 years ago, I found myself turning from interested to advocate during the CPSC Slingrider recall. Seeing the lack of knowledge about sling safety and the benefits of wearing in the general public made me want to get involved, to do something to educate other parents and to support the work of baby carrier makers and advocates already at work. The babywearing content here at Becoming Mamas is one way I’ve found my advocacy role. And if you know me from any online forums, you’ll know that I do lots of advocating for babywearing throughout cyberspace 
If you wear your baby/toddler/preschooler, do so just a little bit more visibly this week. The best way to promote safe and comfortable babywearing is to get out there and do it! For more information about International Babywearing Week and other ways to become involved in babywearing advocacy and education, visit Babywearing International.
How are you celebrating/advocating for babywearing this week?
Hear, hear!
My facebook status from this morning alone elicited two emails from expectant mama friends asking about babywearing. One was already interested in wearing her newborn but had been told by others it was dangerous!
I never expected to feel as strongly about babywearing as I do, but I just cannot imagine parenting without it!
It’s crazy to me that people get told that it’s dangerous…sure, if you use a carrier wrong or use something like a “bag” sling. But people seem to forget that everything is dangerous when used incorrectly…carseats, strollers, cribs…. Glad you were able to spread the love
I wore my baby at a grocery store, which is typically for us, but someone did ask & I explained how awesome it is.
Even better, Check out my friend’s facebook status:
So Charlie had a dentist appt today. I wore Henry on my back in the wrap so i could freely help calm down Charlie. All the assistants and dentists were so stoaked on my wrap. Henry napped while i had char inbetween me and dentist calming her down. Gave out a couple cards! Oh…Char doesnt have any cavities and is looking good!