IBW - Day 4: Babywearing International on the National Mall

Today we had the Family Babywearing Walk on the National Mall.  It was wonderful to see so many families out in support of babywearing in our Nation's Capital.  We had a gorgeous day, and saw some gorgeous mamas, daddies, and children down on the mall.  And now, to the pictures!

 Getting Ready

 

And we're off!

 

 

 

The People Who Made the Day a Success

Babies and Families 

The Dads

The Entire Group

Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate wearing our babies!

IBW - Day 3: Ann Marie's Story

Hmm, I write about half of the posts in this blog, but somehow, I've never told my babywearing story.  So, today, in honor of International Babywearing Week, I bring you my tale.

My oldest daughter, Savannah, was the "perfect" child you read about in books.  The easy, happy, content, long sleeping child.  We knew we were absurdly lucky, and were happy with our good fortune.  I spent much of my day with her propped on my legs so I could hold her and also have my hands.  She was happy in this position, and happy to be put down when I needed to do so. 

When I was pregnant, I had registered for a Snugli which I was given, so early on we tried taking her for a walk in it.  My husband wore her the first time, we went for a walk around the neighborhood.  The next day I took it with me to the mall, I knew it would be wonderful to walk around with her in a carrier and not in the stroller.  I hated the stroller, I hated dragging it out of the car, I hated trying to get it through the door, I hated searching for an elevator, I plain hated it.  However, I got to the mall and tried to put on the Snugli... I couldn't figure out how you put the baby in it without dropping her.  How the heck was I supposed to snap a  heavy gauge snap with only one hand?  And to use 2 hands, I needed to let go of her, didn't they realize this?  Disappointed I took it off and dragged out the stroller.

A few months later I still really needed a carrier for short trips so I didn't have to take out the stroller for a quick trip.  The LC at my breastfeeding moms group at the hospital recommended a ring sling.  I bought the heavily padded sling she suggested in a large so my husband and I could share.  What I discovered was that now I couldn't get it tight enough to be secure.  So, we used it a few times when it was necessary (the airport), but generally I was stuck with the stroller.  But, as I said, she was the most laid back child in history, so she was content and we muddled along. When my oldest was 2.5 and I was pregnant with my second daughter, I announced that I was done with the stroller and she would have to walk from here on out.  I began searching for a better stroller because I thought maybe my hatred of the stroller was a function of the specific one I had.  I didn't find one I liked better before my second daughter was born, so I got a Snap N' Go for the car seat and figured we'd get a new stroller when she got bigger.

Well, she was born and wanted to be held by mommy every moment of the day.  She would only fall asleep while being bounced upright on my shoulder in the burp position.  She was almost a month old when I heard myself in an irritated voice tell my 3yr old, "you can't eat now, the baby just fell asleep, you'll have to wait."  I realized this wasn't working.  I began researching.  After almost a month of research I had determined that there wasn't one perfect carrier, so I made a deal with my husband.  I was going to get one carrier now, and then give one to the baby for Easter.  I was going to get a Moby Wrap for around the house and long carries and a Hotsling for quick trips.  I was so proud of myself.  (this is more amusing when you know the absurd number of carriers that have come and gone since).

Well, I got the Moby at the breastfeeding center at the hospital (they'd moved up in the world since they sold me that horrible padded sling).  I wrapped her up and thought it was genius.  Unfortunately... Siobhan did NOT think it was genius.  She thought the mean mommy was refusing to hold her properly.  Then I got the Hotsling on Easter and popped her in it for Easter Mass.  By the end of Mass, I was sure I was doing something wrong.  I was ready to cry.  I'd pushed so hard for these 2 things, and here they were not working.  My 3yr old didn't seem inclined to go along with not being fed for the next year.... what was I going to do?  I found out about the local babywearing meetings, and discovered there had been one that day.  I'd missed it. NO!  All I could think was, "I have to go another month?  Really?  A whole month before I can get help?"  Then an email arrived announcing another meeting.  They met more than once a month!  Angels sang.

That Saturday, I was the first person in the room.  I had my tiny crying machine and my 3yr old.  I had my Moby.  I was ready for help.  They had me wrap her and said, "you're doing it right, she just doesn't seem to like it."  Now what?  I tried on a mei tai, and she fell asleep.  She was asleep and I didn't have to sit still afraid to move! I could feel my left arm!  I also found out they had another meeting coming up later that week.  I was determined to be there and sort out the Hotsling.  Well, at that meeting we discovered the Hotsling I got was too big which was why it wasn't working right.  They lent me a mei tai.  I took it home and decided I was going to learn back carries.  I envisioned trips to the playground without trying to awkwardly watch a stroller and push the swings at the same time!

That was the beginning of a revelation for us.  I found some carriers that worked for her.  I found that when nothing else was working for Siobhan, I could pop her in a carrier and she immediately settled.  That is still true now at 2.5yrs old.  It helped her become secure enough to let go of mommy.  It also was the beginning of having mommy friends.  I had tried so hard to find some friends when my first was born, and I just failed.  I was terribly lonely during the days until my husband came home.  But through babywearing, I found parents who were accepting.  They may not have been "just like me," but they liked me "just like I am."

Even Savannah, my oldest, finally got a chance to be worn properly.

I've since had our third daughter.  Teagan was worn from birth.  I now know that this was what I sought way back when my oldest was born. I was able to care for both of my older girls while also seeing to the needs of the baby. Carriers are more convenient for me and make it so that I don't have to take a stroller 99% of the places I go.  They also help my children feel confident, relaxed, and less stressed.  I can take a stressed or frightened baby or toddler and pop them in a carrier, and it is like they have found their own cone of silence.  There is a confidence that "all is well in the world and nothing can remove me from my safe spot on mommy."  And nothing can compare with the snuggles you get from a worn baby or toddler.



Posted by Ann Marie

IBW - Day 2: Helping Mamas to Wear Their Babies Safely!

Today, Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA hosted a carrier safety check at At Play Cafe in Reston, VA.  A few mamas came for the check, but most of the mamas we helped were there for their children to play and they jumped in to ask for help when they saw us there.  We also staged an intervention on one poor mama who somehow had managed to get her ring sling on backwards.

Anyway, we'll let the pictures speak for the happy mamas and babies.

Thanks for coming out mamas!  We had a great time!  We hope to see you all on Saturday at the Family Babywearing Walk!

International Babywearing Week - Day 1: Jenni's Story

Like many new moms, when my daughter was born, I was overwhelmed.  After my husband went back to work and my mom went home, I didn't know how to cope, to be a mom and get the things done that needed to be done - like eating, going to the bathroom, and showering, for instance.  Not to mention the luxuries such as preparing and cooking dinner, cleaning the house, or walking the dogs.  

My husband and I read a lot of parenting books, websites, magazines, etc, before we had our baby, and we had decided that we fit the "attachment parenting" bill.  And, as a result, while pregnant I bought two baby carriers - a Moby Wrap and an Ergo Soft Structured Carrier.  Little did I know then that the Moby would be my sanity saver for months to come!  

Because we decided we wanted to be attached parents, I took that quite literally, and almost never put our daughter down during the day.  If she fell asleep while I was holding or nursing her, I just held her for her nap.  I had no idea how to get in her "tummy time" because, well, I was holding her all the time.  I also soon discovered that my baby loved being outdoors.  She could be crying and fussing and screaming, and I would open the door and step outside, and voila! She was a happy baby again.  

On Day 2 of being a Stay At Home Mom (after my mom had left and my husband was at work), I started using the Moby.  In the morning, I was able to put dinner in the Crock Pot so that it would be ready that evening (there was no cutting or cooking involved, just putting things into the Crock Pot).  I was able to use both hands to eat the what-seemed-like-millions of calories I needed to nurse her.  I wore her when I needed to go to the bathroom.  I wore her during her naps.  In the afternoon, when nothing I tried would calm my baby girl, I put her in the Moby and we went for a walk.  It soothed her, killed time until daddy (finally, thankfully) got home, and it helped me get back into my pre-pregnancy jeans sooner (we did this nearly every day for months).

As my daughter grew, we relaxed on our approach to holding her all the time, but I still used baby carriers daily to get things accomplished around the house; in fact, I still do, and she's 14 months old!  If I need to vacuum, I typically put her up on my back in a Soft Structured Carrier.  Sometimes I will wear her to wash dishes or empty the dishwasher if she wants to be with me but is getting into too much to be walking around while I'm doing my chores (or if I need to get them done quickly).  Sometimes I'll wear her in from the car so I can carry the 10,000 things I seem to always have to bring in to the house, and once she's up there she's happy, so I'll find a task to do that is doable with her on my back.  

I am expecting my second baby in November and can't imagine the newborn stage without (several) baby carriers.  I especially can't figure out how moms can do it when they have a toddler to chase after and a newborn to care for too!  I'm looking forward to the new adventure, especially because I have a plan - at least for the newborn. ;)

Bring your family to our Babywearing Walk on the National Mall!

Join Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA as we walk in celebration of the joyful and beneficial practice of wearing our babies.  We will meet on the National Mall at 10am on Saturday, October 9th near the Smithsonian Metro exit.  From there we will proceed around the mall enjoying a nice day with other babywearing families.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Will we be sent away if we bring a stroller?
A. No, of course not.  A carrier is a tool of parenting, a stroller is a tool of parenting.  We would never begrudge a parent any tool that makes their lives easier.  Many families will have more than one child, or will want to pack a picnic, or will want to have something to schlep bags.  I'm sure there will be several strollers (I'll even have one to carry all of the BWI stuff  ;) ).  However, we will likely want to stage some stroller free pictures.

Q. How vigorous will this walk be?
A. Many families will be bringing toddlers and preschoolers.  I anticipate we will walk at a brisk toddler stroll.


Q. I heard I have to sign something, what do I need to sign?
A. There will be a model release form to sign for any adult and child attending so that we can use pictures from the event on the Babywearing International website.

Come to Our Carrier Safety Check!

As part of our plans to celebrate International Babywearing Week, Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA is hosting a carrier safety check at At Play Cafe in Reston, VA.  This check will take place Thursday, October 7th from 10am to Noon.  At the check, volunteers will check your carrier for safe construction and will help you to ensure that your baby is in the best possible position when worn in your carrier.  This event is free; however, you may choose to allow your toddler to play in the supervised play area for a fee.

Farm Fall Fun!

If you’re looking for a fun, outdoor activity for your family this fall, you may want to consider checking out some local farms.  Our family recently spent the day the spent the day at Clark’s Elioak Farm in Ellicot City, Maryland.  Babywearing definitely came in handy, as we quickly found that much of the ground not very stroller-friendly as we were either in grass or on unpaved (dirt or gravel) paths.

We noticed that one family created a bit of a dust storm trying to move along a gravel path, then stopped for a break. 
 
We started our visit in the enchanted forest.  Your children are apt to enjoy the stations that illustrate some of their favorite fairy tales like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, 

Humpty Dumpty,  

   
Cinderella,

 
the dish running away with the spoon, 

  
and the crooked man with the crooked house. 

If you’re carrying your child in-arms rather than in a carrier, you can find areas to stop for a break and to give your arms a rest. 

  

You can also relax a bit while your children roll down the hill along with Jack and Jill.   
 

After a visit with the fairy tale characters, we spent some time with the animals.  You may decide to go inside to pet the chickens and goats.  Our family opted to see the goats and sheep with a bit of a barrier in between us and the cute animals.   We did, however feed them.

  
We didn’t go on the hay ride, but you may decide that it’s worthwhile to use it for a spin around the farm.   

There’s also a neat picnic area with a tree house and a train.  There’s food available for sale, and you’re also allowed to bring your own food.  There’s even a separate area for birthday parties.  

Of course, when it’s all said and done you can’t forget to spend time picking out some pumpkins to take home with you.  We decided that the pumpkin patch was a good place for me to unwrap our daughter and to hang out a bit.

    
I hope you and your family can find a farm that you’ll enjoy this fall.  Now I’m off to bake some pumpkin bread with the pumpkins we chose. 

Posted by Cynthia