Meet one of our rocking VBEs, Natalie Cross!
Ages of Kids: 11, almost 4, and 18 months.
Where are you originially from?: My father was air force, so I'm from everywhere!
How long have you been babywearing?: Technically 11 years, but really only seriously for 4. I wore my oldest in an SSC when she was very small, but didn't start using wraps or other carrier types until #2 was born.
How long have you been a Volunteer Babywearing Educator/in Training?: I've been officially volunteering with the group since our affiliation in 2014, but only teaching since June.
What's your favorite type of carrier or go-to carry?: I can't pick a favorite! I love everything depending on the situation, but my most used carrier/carry right now is my Ringsling, and a half JBC using a short wrap.
What BWing obstacle/challenge/goal would you like to tackle/master next?: I'd like to figure out how to do a Kangaroo Carry propersly. That shoulder flip is my arch nemesis.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not babywearing?: Don't you mean "what hobbies do you have 4 minutes to enjoy, because you can strap a kid on and have a moments peace?" haha. I like to sew, and I homeschool my oldest, which is actually fun quite a lot of the time. I can't wait until all three of the kids are old enough to participate.
What are your future goals?: I am working toward becoming an Advanced Babywearing Educator with BWI, and then in the future also becoming an MBE.
Meet Alena, our go-to girl for all things DIY Babywearing (Do-it-yourself)!
Name: Alena Sutherland
Ages of Kids: 3 and 1
Where are you from originally?: Sioux Falls, SD
How long have you been babywearing?: I've been babywearing since my oldest was 2 weeks old.
How long have you been a Volunteer Babywearing Educator?: I've been "training" since that first meeting in August or September. I've been DIY-ing since just before my son's first birthday.
What's your favorite type of carrier or go-to carry?: I flip flop between a Mei Tai and ling size 4 or 5 woven wrap. Double Hammock with a Candy Cane Chest Belt (DH CCCB) is the carry I always do. Seriously, always.
What BWing obstacle/challenge/goal would you like to master next?: My next goal is to weave my own wrap. Or weave the most marshmallowy rainbow fabric you've ever touched and covert it to a Mei Tai.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not wearing?: Lots of crafty things: sewing, crocheting, paper quilling.
What are your future goals?: Make sure my kiddos grow up into good people and figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
Meet Your BWI Staff!
In this post, meet Bailey Hornback!
Name: Bailey Hornback, Advanced Babywearing Educator
Ages of Kids: 3 1/2 and almost 2
Where are you from originally?: Springfield, MO
How long have you been babywearing?: I started wearing when my youngest was a newborn. It was a necessity when a I had a newborn and a 21 month old at home to chase. I tried to wear with my oldest, but was using a carrier that was uncomfortable for us, so I just gave up.
How long have you been a Volunteer Babywearing Educator?: 1 year
What's your favorite type of carrier or go-to carry?: I like to wrap with woven wraps (right now, I'm loving a size 4). However, now that I have 2 toddlers on my hands I am often sporting a SSC as it is so quick to do ups and downs. My boys seem to need up and then right back down.
What BWing obstacle/challenge/goal would you like to master next?: In terms of wearing, I would like to become more proficient in using a ring sling. It is one of those things that I can teach, but can't do. I have a new ring sling coming and I am determined to become more comfortable with them myself. In terms of being a babywearing educator, I have my eyes on becoming a Master Babywearing Educator. I am really passionate about being an educator. Even when my kids are grown up, I can't see myself leaving the babywearing community. I love it too much.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you're not wearing?: I really don't have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy swimming and doing Zumba at the YMCA. I have also found an appreciation for hiking since we moved to CO. My family also volunteers to walk dogs every week at the local no-kill animal shelter in Pueblo.
What are your future goals?: My future goals are to get my 2 year old to sleep in his own bed. I would also like to implement a Pueblo babywearing meeting and see it grow to be successful before my time in Pueblo is up.
Overwhelmed by how many types of carriers there are out there? Never fear! Your VBEs broke it all down at the January meeting. If you weren't able to make it, keep reading for a run-down of the major carrier types. :)
Ring Slings: Ring slings are a great option starting from newborn to toddler. It's a one shoulder carry that can be easily adjusted for a comfy fit for you and your baby. The bigger the baby/toddler, the shorter amount of time this carrier will be comfortable as it distributes weight on only one shoulder instead of two. For many mamas, this is a great carrier for quick trips in and out of the store. It's a great carrier for nursing as you can easily lower your baby to your breast and/or use the excess tail length for discreet nursing coverage. This is also great for front or hip carries. You can use it for quick back carry, but nothing too long term and you should be experienced with your ring sling before you try back wearing with one. Here's a great ring sling troubleshooting tutorial!
Woven Wraps (and Stretchy Wraps): Woven wraps are the most versatile in the carrier world. They come in different sizes/lengths and can wrap any size baby/toddler. Great for front, hip or back carries. There are so many types of ways to use a woven wrap, you will never get bored. There is a bit of a learning curve when you begin learning how to wrap, but once you do you might not go back. Also great for nursing your baby on the go. Check out our past blog post with even more information on woven wraps and safety tips, including why stretchy wraps shouldn't be used for back carries!
Mei Tai: A Mei Tai is a traditional type of Chinese carrier. They can be used with newborns and into toddlerhood. It consists of a square panel of fabric and four straps. Some Mei Tais come with wider wrap straps, allowing for a woven wrap feel. These are said to be the best of both the soft structured carriers and woven wrap worlds, since they have features of both. A Mei Tai is tied on waist first, like you're tying on an apron. Your insert your baby in the body of the fabric and bring the straps around your opposite shoulders to tie off. Another great nursing on-the-go option! Here's a great video to watch for using a Mei Tai with a newborn.
Soft Structured Carrier: These are the mainstream carriers people tend to know the most about. There are many on the market and people have their favorites based on preference. SSC's or buckle carriers can be used for front, hip or back carries depending on which carrier you have. Some buckle carriers are more comfortable than others, so it's important to try a few out before you commit to one. A good waist belt can offer a lot of back support and padded straps make for comfy long term wearing. Can be used most often with newborns through toddlerhood, although you might need to use a few tricks to get a newborn fitting comfortably. Some buckle carriers are easier to nurse in than others due to lack of adjusting action.
Pouch Sling: Pouch slings are easily stowed in a diaper bag or purse. It's super important to have the right size specific to your body so your baby can be high, tight, and close enough to kiss. Not great for long term wearing as it is a one-shoulder carry. Not ideal for newborns or toddlers either, but fine in a pinch. These carriers do best for a baby sitting unassisted.
As always, if you're unsure where to go from here or have ANY questions, feel free to ask a Volunteer Babywearing Educator in our Facebook Group or at our next meeting. We would love to meet with you!
