Blog Archives

Volunteer Spotlight: Kristin Emerson

3/28/2015

In order to better get to know the volunteer educators for BWI of Southern Maryland, we will be featuring an interview with a different volunteer every week.

This week’s volunteer spotlight is Kristin Emerson!

Name: Kristin Emerson
Children: Max - 5, Maren - 3, Ian - 10m
Volunteer Type: ABE (Advanced Babywearing Educator)
BWI Meetings attended: Odenton

How did you discover babywearing?
YouTube! It was winter of 2010 and I had a brand-new baby. He was high needs and I was stuck inside holding him all day, every day. And then I realized Meredith Sinclair, one of my favorite video-makers on YouTube, was local to me at the time, and was starting up a babywearing group. I started attending meetings and was hooked.

What is your favorite type of carrier (wraps/ ring slings/ SSCs/ MTs, etc.) and why?
I love wraps because they are the ultimate all-in-one, any age carrier. I'm the first to admit that they take some dedication to learn to use, though. For that reason, I'm a big fan of wrap-strap mei tais, which have much the same feel as a wrap but are easier to learn to use.

What is your favorite carrier you have owned?
I have this one old dyed orange Didymos Indio that I wore all the time with my now-5-year-old. I sold it when churning up my wrap stash for the arrival of my second baby. Out of the blue a few months ago (3.5 years later), the original buyer contacted me and offered it back. She'd carried two babies in it and was no longer using it. I was thrilled to have it back to use with my second son, who is now 10 months old. There's a lot of love in that Didy.

When do you babywear most often (either during a particular activity, time of day, or place)?
With three kids 5 and under, babywearing is a great tool. We've never needed a double stroller, even with two under 2. I mostly wear my kids when we're out and about - it's at least one less kid to keep track of!

There is a zombie apocalypse. You have time to grab only one carrier, what do you grab?
Wrap! Hands-down. Not only is it a carrier, it's a blanket, a way to secure a kid without a high chair, um..a tourniquet?...a hammock....still thinking...

Why did you decide to become a VBE?
I love to teach! My "day job" is teaching college writing, and it seems like as soon as I learn something new, I MUST start teaching others to do it, too. I also see so many new parents struggling in their new roles, and I remember how much babywearing helped me feel more in control of that chaotic phase of life.

Is there anything babywearing related you are still learning or looking forward to improving?
Every baby is different! Each of my three have/had definite preferences on when and how to be carried, though all three benefited from it. I look forward to learning every day for the rest of the time I wear my little ones.

Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with babywearing or children or your Mom status?
I have a Master's in English Literature and I am a perpetual student. I also love to sew and do crafty things.

Thanks for sharing Kristin! We are super lucky you moved to our area!

1 Comment

Volunteer Spotlight - Ryann Gerwig

3/21/2015

3 Comments

How did you discover babywearing?
My mom wore my sis and I in a snuggli 30+ years ago buuuuuut I don't remember than a bunch so I consider my discovery happened in the walmart parking lot. It was when having kids was still in the "some day" category and I saw a new mom wearing her baby in a stretchy wrap. I stopped her to ask what kind it was because I KNEW I HAD to carry my future babies like that.

What prompted you to try babywearing?
I was a high needs baby that would never be put down and figured pay back was coming my way and why wouldn't you want to snuggle your baby all the time?

What is your favorite type of carrier (wraps/ ring slings/ SSCs/ MTs, etc.) and why?
I would say mei tais...right now. I go back and forth between that and wraps. I love mei tais because they are quick, easy and secure even with a leg straightener and seat popper. I have bad shoulders, so back wrapping when I'm having a bad shoulder day isn't the easiest but mei tais are still doable.

What is your favorite carrier you have owned?
Oh this is a tough one. I'd have to go with my Didymos Jade triblend wrap. It's super soft and comfy for the baby but still supportive enough for the toddler and it's my faaaaaaaaavorite color.

What is your favorite carrier from the lending library?
The size 3 wrap nap fairy gray 100% linen wrap. I was afraid of linen until I found the rebozo love but wanted something that would give me a nice small knot so I ventured to the library to try linen. I found the linen love. It's broken in and not crunchy which is what I was scared of. It's supportive and sooooo nice and thin. It also helped me find shorty love. I had a size 2 and wasn't so much a fan, but 3s and I are buddies now :-)

How has babywearing benefited your life?
Wow, how has it not? My eldest was a high needs baby that needed to be held all the time and couldn’t sleep alone. Babywearing allowed me to be hands free, give her what she needed and made me feel like an awesome mom for being able to take care of my baby AND myself! My youngest is super chill. But I have a toddler to keep up with also now. Babywearing allows me to be close to the baby, bond with her, and even nurse her on the go all while still meeting the needs of an energetic toddler.

When do you babywear most often (either during a particular activity, time of day, or place)?
Everyday dinner prep and Saturday morning cleaning.

You are having a baby and you can pick any carrier (but only one) to last from the newborn stage to the toddler days, what do you pick?
A size 6 wrap.

There is a zombie apocalypse. You have time to grab only one carrier, what do you grab?
Am I just grabbing it to save one or am I using it? To use- a ring sling. To save to use from now on: a size 6 wrap.

Why did you decide to become a VBE?
I love babywearing. I love teaching. I love sharing the awesomeness that is babywearing. Put them together and what do you get...a VBE!

Do you have a favorite moment assisting someone with babywearing?
I recently helped a mom with newborn twins and 4 older kids. By the end of our meeting she was wearing AND nursing both babies hands free. It gave her so much freedom and ability to care for her older kids and herself by being able to carry both babies. Add nursing them on top of that...wow it was so fulfilling and rewarding to see her gain that "I can totally rock this mom of 6 attitude <3

Is there anything babywearing related you are still learning or looking forward to improving?
Always! There are like a billion fifty different carries out there so I'm constantly learning. I also love leaning from my fellow V/A/MBEs. Watching and listening to how they teach and picking up new tricks on how to help caregivers is awesome.

What are your other hobbies/ interests/ passions?
Dance! I started dancing at age 3, teaching at 16 and was a dance major my freshman year in college. I had 4 major hip surgeries that sort of put a damper on majoring in dance but I did keep it up as a hobby. I'm haven't taken regular classes or taught in years (though I plan to soon) but you will always find me at the Babywearing Ballet classes!

Thank you for sharing Ryann! If you are interested in becoming a VBE or volunteering in some other way let us know!

3 Comments

Volunteer Spotlight - Jessica Grimm

3/20/2015

0 Comments

In order to better get to know the volunteer educators for BWI of Southern Maryland, we will be featuring an interview with a different volunteer every week (or almost every week - sorry for the brief hiatus!).

This week’s volunteer spotlight is Jessica Mullins Grimm!

Name: Jessica
Children: Logen (6) Oliver (4) Jaxen (3)
Volunteer Type: VBE (Volunteer Babywearing Educator)
BWI Meetings attended: Waldorf/ LaPlata

How did you discover babywearing?
When my oldest was born I knew I wanted to keep him close. I came across the Moby brand and started with that. After that I moved to the Beco Butterfly 2 in the scooter print. I still own the carrier it's one I plan to pass down to my kids.

What is your favorite type of carrier (wraps/ ring slings/ SSCs/ MTs, etc.) and why?
I am a SSC and ringsling girl all the way.

What is your favorite carrier you have owned?
I love my wrap conversion toddler SSC. It was converted but Nuzzle me creations.

What is your favorite carrier from the lending library?
I don't have a favorite. I love being able to try new things all the time

How has babywearing benefited your life?
My youngest two are 17 months apart. And my middle was a late walking. Babywearing allowed me to take care of both of them at the same time and still tend to my oldest.

When do you babywear most often (either during a particular activity, time of day, or place)?
My Babywearing is as needed. Often it is when we are out and about but when someone needs a little one on one at home we always have a carrier on hand.

You are having a baby and you can pick any carrier (but only one) to last from the newborn stage to the toddler days, what do you pick?
I would get a ringsling. A ringsling works for all ages. But it also will allow anyone with any skill of Babywearing or age to enjoy Babywearing.

Why did you decide to become a VBE?
I enjoy spreading the Babywearing love. When I started Babywearing it was a new concept around here. I was explaining it to everyone I passed.

What do you love most about BWI of Southern Maryland?
That we are spreading love. Spreading love for our babies. Spreading love for comfort and closeness. Spreading love for bonding.

Tell me something about yourself that has nothing to do with babywearing or children or your Mom status.
I dream of living on a farm with hundreds of animals.

What are your other hobbies/ interests/ passions?
My children keep me very busy lol. I also love taking pictures of families and capturing those moments.

Thanks to Jessica for sharing. If you want more information on how to become a VBE or are interested in volunteering in some other way, please let us know!

0 Comments

Thirty Kinds of Worn Babies

3/6/2015

0 Comments

We saw and thoroughly enjoyed "The 15 Kinds of Nursing Babies" and it got us thinking about the worn babies we've met in Southern Maryland. Babies have all sorts of silly antics while being worn. Here are some of the babies we've encountered in Southern Maryland.

The Leaner

This baby likes to scare random strangers by hanging his or her head back as far as possible. Sometimes baby just hangs out this way for fun. Other times baby's trying to get something that's just a little out of reach.

The Sideways Leaner

This kiddo wants to see what's going on just behind you. Sometimes the sideways leaner plays peekaboo this way. Other times baby's just checking out what's going on.

The Hair Puller

This baby thinks hair is the second coolest thing ever. Coolest thing ever of course is hearing the reaction to the hair pulling. But So. MD babywearers have some solutions for this!

The Sleepy Hair Snuggler

When the hair puller gets sleepy, he just gently holds his mama's hair while he falls asleep.

The Beard Puller

Babies like to pull on beards and ears too.

The Jewelry Grabber

This baby loves your jewelry. Just be careful wearing earrings!

The Face Smacker

Yeah, this baby is really fun.

The Baby Who Must Be Bribed

Want this baby to take a babywearing walk with you or stay still while you grocery shop? Better have a good snack or a lollipop stash in your purse.

The Turtle

This baby says "Enough with the selfies already!"

Teething Wrap Chewer

This baby wants to eat #allthecarriers. This baby is why they sell suck pads.

The Tattoo Artist

This baby thinks you could use a new tattoo.

Baby who insists you also wear or carry a doll.

Because wearing dolls around is totally normal.

The Fishhook baby

Caught ya!

The Hungry Baby

This kid is always smearing food or dropping crumbs on your back.

The Dentist

Just making sure you flossed.

The Unimpressed Baby

This baby says "Why are you taking a picture, we do this every day!?"

The Bubble Blower

Yum, drool bubbles.

The Tantrumer

Even worn babies have tantrums. Usually a minute of snuggles will do the trick though.

The Toy Loving Baby

This baby demands that a toy comes along for the ride. Sometimes the toy loving baby hits you with their toy or decides that now you must carry it.

The Glasses Snatcher

You don't need those do you?

The Sleep Fighter

This baby is afraid if he falls asleep he'll miss out on something. Must . . Keep . . . Eyes . . . Open . . . The carrier always wins though.

The Seat Popper

This baby tests the integrity of your wrap job. This leg straightener sometimes even digs their feet into the back of your pants in an attempt to stand. Thank goodness for cross passes.

The Equestrian

The equestrian thinks he's riding a horse. Bounce, bounce, bounce.

The Shoplifter

Alarms go off when you leave the gift shop? Check this kiddo's hands!

Lolling Head Baby

This baby insists on sleeping with her head hanging back, probably because she likes scaring strangers, who think her head will certainly fall off if she sleeps like that. She won't wake up if a toddler is screaming right by her face, but put her head against your chest, instantly awake.