Babywearing

MillerMama13 · November 2015

Wondering if any of you are experienced baby wearers or have gone to any classes.

There's a local baby wearing international group in my area and they have 2 different classes once a month. One is with an educator and they have a 20 min session on some topic and then they have open stations. The second class is led by a volunteer and it's just the open stations.

I'm completely new to baby wearing since with my DD we just used a stroller or carried her in her car seat. But having a toddler plus a newborn I think I will use a carrier with this LO. So my question is about the classes. Since I know the best way to decide on a carrier is to try them, I want to attend one of the classes. I feel totally out of my element.

Is it typically for Moms to go without having the baby yet? Will I really know what will feel comfortable just carrying an empty carrier? Which class do you think would be most beneficial for my situation?

Emztron500 · November 2015

If you're looking at just a straightforward buckle carrier or something, then just trying the carriers on is likely enough. Hard to say what they'll be doing there, but in my experience, babywearing educators (and even good babywearing-oriented boutiques) have weighted dolls on hand to let you try on the carriers with a "baby". You'd probably get more use out of a scenario like that now than when you're super pregnant and your body is all differently shaped and weighted.

I went to a babywearing class when I was literally 2 days past my due date and pregnant as can be, and it was informative, but I ended up having a private consult with the teacher again a few months later when I was struggling to wrap my actual outside baby. I mostly used woven and stretchy wraps though which are a little more complicated to get the hang of. Love them though!

sthomas1222 · November 2015

I run a BWI group. If it's a meeting with carriers there are always instructors (VBEs) there. Our liability insurance requires only educators teach. The whole organization is run by volunteers.

I always love when pregnant ladies come (especially with the husband/partner). There are so many carriers on the market now and what your best friend loves may not be what you love.

You may also find an amazing community there. My best friends I've ever had I met through BWI. I joined and never really borrowed anything. But I came to all the meetings just to socialize and talk to other moms.