Mark Your Calendars! International Babywearing Week is October 5-11, 2014

It's time again for International Babywearing Week, an annual week of events designed to raise awareness of the benefits of babywearing. This year's theme is “Share the Adventure” and Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA has a whole week of adventures planned across the Washington, D.C. metro area. From picnics to parties, there are events for everyone so come join us!
 

Like Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA on Facebook and keep updated with all of the International Babywearing Week events!  https://www.facebook.com/BWIofDCMDVA.

 

Monday, October 6

Picnic on the Mall, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.

Where: National Mall and the National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C. 

Pack a lunch and join the group for a fun picnic and activities outdoors on the National Mall and then tour through the National Museum of American History.
 

 Thursday, October 9

BWI of DC-MD-VA Bethesda Meeting, 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Where: Eat-Sleep-Love, 4405 East-West Highway, Suite #601, Bethesda, MD 20814

Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support.

 

Cox Farms Outing, 12 P.M. - 6 P.M.

Where: Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA, 20120

Enjoy all day activities and a group hayride at 2 P.M. $5 admission for BWI members and their families.

 

Friday, October 10

Great Falls Maryland Hike, 12 P.M-2:30 P.M.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854
Join other babywearing families for a light fall hike through Great Falls National Park.
 

 

 

 

Saturday, October 11

BWI of DC-MD-VA Alexandria Meeting, 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304
Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support.

 

Takoma Attachment Parenting Meeting, 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

Where: Azalea Room, Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Join Takoma Attachment Parenting members and learn the basics and safety of babywearing with BWI educators.

 

Wrap Up Party, Co-Hosted with The Carrying On Project, 2:30 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Where: George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Hub 2, Fairfax, VA 22030
Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA joins The Carrying On Project to celebrate International Babywearing Week. There will be a raffle, food, and activities for the kids. Free but RSVP required to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-babywearing-week-celebration-tickets-12729577509.

 

 

Monday, October 13

Columbus Day Picnic and Playdate at Wheaton Park, 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902
The fun continues even after IBW ends! Join the group for a BYO picnic and enjoy the trails, playground, and scenic lake.

 

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Mark Your Calendars! International Babywearing Week is October 5-11, 2014 It's time again for International Babywearing Week, an annual week of events designed to raise awareness of the benefits of babywearing. This year's theme is “Share the Adventure” and Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA has a whole week of adventures planned across the Washington, D.C. metro area. From picnics to parties, there are events for everyone so come join us! Like Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA on Facebook and keep updated with all of the International Babywearing Week events! https://www.facebook.com/BWIofDCMDVA. Monday, October 6 Picnic on the Mall, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. Where: National Mall and the National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C. Pack a lunch and join the group for a fun picnic and activities outdoors on the National Mall and then tour through the National Museum of American History. Thursday, October 9 BWI of DC-MD-VA Bethesda Meeting, 10 A.M. – 12 P.M. Where: Eat-Sleep-Love, 4405 East-West Highway, Suite #601, Bethesda, MD 20814 Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support. Cox Farms Outing, 12 P.M. - 6 P.M. Where: Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA, 20120 Enjoy all day activities and a group hayride at 2 P.M. $5 admission for BWI members and their Friday, October 10 Great Falls Hike, 12 P.M-2:30 P.M. Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854 Join other babywearing families for a light fall hike through Great Falls National Park. Saturday, October 11 BWI of DC-MD-VA Alexandria Meeting, 10 A.M. - 12 P.M. Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304 Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support. Takoma Attachment Parenting Meeting, 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. Where: Azalea Room, Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 Join Takoma Attachment Parenting members and learn the basics and safety of babywearing with BWI educators. Wrap Up Party, Co-Hosted with The Carrying On Project, 2:30 P.M. - 5 P.M. Where: George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Hub 2, Fairfax, VA 22030 Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA joins The Carrying On Project to celebrate International Babywearing Week. There will be a raffle, food, and activities for the kids. Free but RSVP required to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-babywearing-week-celebration-tickets-12729577509. Monday, October 13 Columbus Day Picnic and Playdate at Wheaton Park, 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902 The fun continues even after IBW ends! Join the group for a BYO picnic and enjoy the trails, playground, and scenic lake.

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Mark Your Calendars! International Babywearing Week is October 5-11, 2014

It's time again for International Babywearing Week, an annual week of events designed to raise

awareness of the benefits of babywearing. This year's theme is “Share the Adventure” and

Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA has a whole week of adventures planned across the

Washington, D.C. metro area. From picnics to parties, there are events for everyone so come join us!

Like Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA on Facebook and keep updated with all of the

International Babywearing Week events! https://www.facebook.com/BWIofDCMDVA.

Monday, October 6

Picnic on the Mall, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M.

Where: National Mall and the National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.

Pack a lunch and join the group for a fun picnic and activities outdoors on the National Mall and then

tour through the National Museum of American History.

Thursday, October 9

BWI of DC-MD-VA Bethesda Meeting, 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Where: Eat-Sleep-Love, 4405 East-West Highway, Suite #601, Bethesda, MD 20814

Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support.

Cox Farms Outing, 12 P.M. - 6 P.M.

Where: Cox Farms, 15621 Braddock Rd Centreville, VA, 20120

Enjoy all day activities and a group hayride at 2 P.M. $5 admission for BWI members and their

families.

Friday, October 10

Great Falls Hike, 12 P.M-2:30 P.M.

Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854

Join other babywearing families for a light fall hike through Great Falls National Park.

Saturday, October 11

BWI of DC-MD-VA Alexandria Meeting, 10 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22304

Educators will demonstrate the different styles of carriers and offer one-on-one support.

Takoma Attachment Parenting Meeting, 3:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

Where: Azalea Room, Takoma Park Community Center 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Join Takoma Attachment Parenting members and learn the basics and safety of babywearing with

BWI educators.

Wrap Up Party, Co-Hosted with The Carrying On Project, 2:30 P.M. - 5 P.M.

Where: George Mason University, 4400 University Dr., Hub 2, Fairfax, VA 22030

Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA joins The Carrying On Project to celebrate International

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Babywearing Week. There will be a raffle, food, and activities for the kids. Free but RSVP required to

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/international-babywearing-week-celebration-tickets-12729577509.

Monday, October 13

Columbus Day Picnic and Playdate at Wheaton Park, 11:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Wheaton Regional Park, 2000 Shorefield Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20902

The fun continues even after IBW ends! Join the group for a BYO picnic and enjoy the trails,

playground, and scenic lake.

 

 

Meet a VBE: Nicole

Name: Nicole N.

Wrapping the 7yr old for fun!

Name/Age of Child/ren: Kadin(12 years) and Ansel(7 years)

What jobs, activities, hobbies, volunteer work, etc. did you do before kids?  Do you still do that thing?

Before kids.... I didn’t have much of a before kids! I had Kadin when I was 18, and I was thrust into responsible adulthood and had to figure it out as I went. But, I did play a lot of piano and I had various internships at different historic sites in the area.

When did you start babywearing? I started when Kadin was born, so 12 years ago! But I had worn babysitting charges as a teen as well.  

Did you know you were going to wear before you had kids, or what prompted you to try it?

I did. I was pretty accustomed to seeing parents with Bjorns and Snuglis and backpack carriers and it seemed practical to me. I had done a lot of baby-sitting as a teenager, and at times I had worn the kids I was watching, especially in one family that had toddler twins and an infant. So at 14 I was spending every afternoon with an infant strapped to my chest while feeding french fries to toddlers.

Who was the person who most influenced your babywearing and what did they do that was so influential?

I didn’t find the world of babywearing until we were in the process of conceiving our second child. I found lots of resources on the internet and that really opened my eyes. Then I found the babywearing group when Ansel was a baby, and that was it for me! I was amazed by all the options and wanted to learn everything. All of the leaders were great to me and I am so glad to be friends with them still.

The early days

If someone took away all of your carriers and said they were handing you a newborn and you could only choose ONE carrier from birth until the end of wearing, what would you choose?

A cotton 4.6 meter (size 6) woven wrap, hands down. Didymos would be my preference, probably a standard or stripes because they’re rough and tumble wraps and can take a beating.

If you had to choose ONE carrier from what you already own to be the only one you had to use from now forward, what would it be?

My Neobulle Manon Grise wrap. It’s a 3.6 meter(but measures long), if I remember right. I love it and I will never let it go.

Which carrier do you find you return to time and again, whether it be for each newborn, or just a consistent workhorse?

I had a Girasol wrap conversion Sleeping Baby ring sling that just solved so many problems for me. It was great for quick hip carries and I nursed Ansel about a thousand times in it. I have since passed it along on a long-term loan to a friend.

Tell me a story of a time that babywearing made a huge difference in the outcome of a family outing.

Aside from all of them? My family had a fondness for hiking. You can’t use a stroller in these areas, so without babywearing, we simply would not have been able to participate as a whole family. Someone would have had to stay with the baby, and since I have the boobs, that would’ve been me!

An outing downtown rallying for rights for moms

If you were stranded on a desert island, which carrier would you want?

A wrap. The material itself would have a lot of versatility in addition to working as a baby carrier.

What is your favorite thing to do while wearing?

I love cooking and baking, and I was able to juggle so much more in the kitchen by wearing on my back.

What is your least favorite thing to do while wearing?

Yardwork. It’s possible, but so cumbersome!

Why did you decide to become a VBE?

I was attending a lot of babywearing meetings by then, and I really enjoyed spreading the love. There was interest in holding more meetings each month, but there were more leaders needed to make that happen. I just loved watching a caregiver find the sweet spot, and I selfishly wanted to experience that again and again.

What is your favorite things about being a VBE for BWI of DC-MD-VA?

I love meeting so many new, awesome people! I have made so many friends through the group, my kids have made friends, and I think it is just such a great opportunity to share something I love with others.

Tell me a story about a time you helped someone at a meeting that stands out to you.

photo credit: Melody Yazdani

There have been a lot of great moments! There was one time that stands out, though, where a dad was looking for something to wear his baby in. His wife was using a Moby(stretchy wrap) and a ring sling and was happy with those, but they didn’t appeal to him or didn’t work for him somehow or whatever the reason, he was unhappy. He just didn’t understand how this could work. I suggested trying a mei tai. His baby was still very small, so she was just curled on his chest and we tied the carrier around her. When I tied the shoulder straps and let go and he realized that he was hands free cuddling his baby, I could see his facial expression change and in that moment, he got it. It was fantastic! I never saw him again, but I really hope he continued to share that time with his daughter and that they had many great babywearing memories because of it.

Thanks, Nicole!  It was great getting to know you!

Babywearing in the Garden

Summer vegetable gardening season is starting to wind down, but hopefully your garden is still producing tasty tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and maybe a late crop of berries. For those without a garden, U-Pick farms are still producing fresh peaches and blackberries for you to harvest.

Gardening (or harvesting) while wearing your baby is a wonderful way to bond while enjoying the great outdoors together AND providing nutritious food for your dinner table. Any style of carrier can be used while gardening, though some carriers (and types of carries) have unique advantages to allow for range of motion for the wearer and comfort for the baby.

 Let’s explore some of the major carrier types and their advantages and disadvantages.

 

SOFT STRUCTURED CARRIER (SSC):

SSCs are wonderful no-fuss carriers. They allow for quick ups and downs, which may be helpful for a toddler who wants to participate in harvesting, but who may also need some snuggles or help walking to and from the garden. Two-shoulder front, hip and back (for infants that can sit upright) carries are possible. Back carries are advantageous for keeping baby comfortable during frequent bending. However, some may find that SSCs are not ideal for long periods of gardening, as baby may tend shift with frequent bending by the wearer (SSCs are the least-customizable carriers from a fit perspective).

MEI TAI:

 

A more customizable fit for wearing while gardening.  As with SSCs, front, hip and back carries are possible with a mei tai. For back carries, wearers have the option of tying backpack-style straps or crossing the straps in front. In the second photo below, the straps are crossed high on the wearer’s chest. This may not be comfortable for everyone, but he found that it afforded him greater range of motion for picking, weeding, etc. As a bonus, baby often falls asleep while being worn this way in the garden. Similar two-shouldered back carries may also be accomplished with a woven wrap (discussed below), podaegi, or onbuhimo. However, some may find that range of motion is still compromised when gardening with a two-shoulder carry, and there may still be fit/shifting issues with a mei tai.

ONE-SHOULDERD CARRY (RING SLING / REBOZO CARRY WITH WOVEN WRAP):

Provides for full range of motion with one arm, which can be especially useful for harvesting. As with SSCs, ring slings and pre-tied rebozo carries can be used for quick ups and downs, which may be helpful at U-Pick farms. However, some may find asymmetrical carries uncomfortable, with the weight-bearing shoulder tiring quickly.

 

WOVEN WRAP (TWO-SHOULDER FRONT CARRY):

Front, multilayer carries with a woven wrap are very secure and (arguably) easiest to execute, because the wearer has good control of the wrap placement on the baby. The two-shoulder carry distributes the weight evenly and the woven wrap allows for the most customizable fit. However, a front carry may be uncomfortable for repeated bending by the wearer, as baby’s weight hangs downward on the wearer’s chest – this may also be uncomfortable for baby!

 

WOVEN WRAP (TWO-SHOULDER BACK CARRY):

Woven wraps allow for high back carries, which can provide baby a better view of the garden or farm, and may even allow them to reach up and help with harvesting! Baby may also fall asleep easily despite repeated bending by the wearer, as the back provides a supportive surface for a snooze. Again, some wearers may find that a two-shoulder carry restricts range of motion, but using a carry that pulls the straps away from the shoulders (e.g. front wrap cross carry or ruck tied Tibetan) can help with this. Back carries with woven wraps may also be challenging to accomplish for less experienced, or physically limited wearers.

 WOVEN WRAP (TORSO CARRY):

This type of carry provides the greatest range of motion, with both shoulders unrestricted to harvest, weed, etc. more efficiently. Note that a torso carry can be accomplished in front or back (though back may be more comfortable), and can also be done with a woven wrap or mei tai, podaegi, or onbuhimo. Some may find a torso carry uncomfortable, or not as supportive as a one or two-shoulder carry.

As always, we encourage you to join us in person at a Babywearing International of DC-MD-VA meeting, so that our leaders can provide you with more specific help.

 Hope you’re as excited as we are about the fall harvest season!

 

(Thanks to Shannon, Pamm and Rosemary for the gardening photos.)