Tag Archives: babywearing calgary

Maternity Care Provider Fair by Birth Unlimited

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Come and join us at the Maternity Care Provider Fair this Saturday hosted by Birth Unlimited.

When and Where:
Saturday October 24, 2015 10:00am – 4:00pm
Pine Ridge Community Centre Calgary
6024 Rundlehorn Dr NE, Calgary

Babywearing Calgary will have a booth set up for you to come and touch some carriers, ask questions and maybe try a few out! If you don’t have a babe yet, we have a weighted baby to simulate what it will be like.
We will be providing a stroller check so you can check your stroller, get into a carrier and wander hands free.

Don’t miss out on our fashion show happening at noon. We will be showcasing everything from newborn to toddler, tandem and a variety of carriers. All of our models are from our local babywearing group.

Come and say hi and see what all the babywearing fuss is about.

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Lending Library Meet ups

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This gallery contains 14 photos.

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting a Lending Library meet up. This is different than our regular monthly babywearing meetings because it allows our members to come, try some carriers we have in our library and play a … Continue reading →

The Men of Babywearing Calgary: Father’s Day Edition

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Happy June! With Father’s Day fast approaching, perhaps you’re scrambling for a present for the special dad, grandfather, uncle or brother in your life. But instead of giving him yet another kitschy tie or pair of sports socks to wear, why not give him something far more wonderful to wear: a baby! That’s right, babywearing isn’t just for ladies (though gentlemen, if you missed the chance to give a Mother’s Day carrier or wrap, it’s never too late!). This blog post is devoted to the strong, caring, supportive, and – dare we say it? – sexy men who babywear in our city.

When we asked the members of Babywearing Calgary to share photos and stories of the babywearing men in their lives, boy, did we ever get a positive response! It turns out that men love wearing their kids just as much as the mamas do, in everything from Kinderpacks to Kokadis. Below, read our profiles of six babywearing dads and learn about what they like to use for babywearing, why they do it, and their best advice for other dads this Father’s Day
Babywearing Fathers in Calgary

Babywearing Papa #1: Christopher

Dad babywearingWhat do you like to babywear in?
SSC’s (soft structured carriers) – but I’m still looking to find the perfect fit.

When do you like babywearing?
Whenever mom is out on a mom’s night out, or when mommy has her hands full (Author’s note: I think most moms would agree this is pretty much all the time!)

Why do you like babywearing?
It gives me both my hands free.

Can you share a memorable babywearing story with us?
One day I took all three kids to see Kung Fu Panda, and my oldest son didn’t want to stay, so I left. I had one child in each hand and the baby in the carrier and all these people kept commenting on how good of a dad I was. I just wanted out of there!

Any advice for other men who want to start babywearing?
Find a carrier that fits you well.
And Christopher’s parting words…he wanted to add that he didn’t understand how the pieces of cloth that we buy are now a hundred-dollar industry (should we tell him the going price for an Uppymama? Probably not!).

Babywearing Papa #2: Rob

dad babywearingWhat do you like to babywear in? 
I like a Boba or a mei tai (his wife wrote in and said that he’ll use a wrap if she wraps it for him).

When do you like babywearing?
When we are out, when we are home and a kid needs to be worn…anywhere and anytime, really!

Can you share a memorable babywearing story with us? (as told by Rob’s wife)
Recently I (Rob’s wife) came home from a day out to see him (Rob) walking down the sidewalk with our almost four-year old and almost two-year old… chasing the toddler like a total goof. He explained that I had all of the carriers he knew how to use in my van (oops!) so he let the little guy walk (run). When I asked him why he didn’t drag out a stroller, he said “because that’s not how we roll!”

Babywearing Papa #3: Denis

dad babywearingWhere was this picture taken?
This is me (Denis) wearing our son Roanan and carrying our son Kian, while hiking in Banff.

What do you like to babywear in?
The Toddlerhawk, because it’s easy to use, and the Maya Wrap ring sling, because I can get the baby to sleep in it and then easily transfer him to the bed without waking him up.

When do you like babywearing?
Whenever my wife is at work and I have all three boys on my own.

Why do you like babywearing?
I like it because it’s much easier than pushing a stroller around, and it works as a comforting tool whenever their mama is not around.

Can you share a memorable babywearing story with us? (as told by Denis’ wife)
He (Denis) once said to me, “I don’t know why you call it the Maya Wrap. It should be called ‘MY’ wrap!” – because he likes it so much!

Any advice for other men who want to start babywearing?
Babywearing is a life saver when your wife isn’t around and you have to put a baby to sleep while taking care of your older children!

Babywearing Papa #4: Steve

dad babywearingWhat do you like to babywear in?
My favourite for a long time was the Boba, but now I am loving our full-buckle Bamberoo. I also babywear in stretchy wraps, mei tais, size 7 wraps, and ring slings if that is what’s close. I even have a Starry Night Raven (an Oscha wrap) on preorder!

What’s special about babywearing in your family:
Sharon (Steve’s wife) sent us beautiful photos of how babywearing has been a tradition in her family for several generations. From her own father babywearing her, to Steve enjoying bonding with their son, to male relatives (a 16-year old uncle and a grandpa) getting in on the babywearing action, there are a lot of babywearing men in Steve’s crew!

Babywearing Papa #5: Kurtis

dad babywearingWhat do you like to babywear in? 
I use the Boba and the Babyhawk – generally I like the Boba better, and I like not having to tie it, plus I like the hood on the Boba.

When do you like babywearing?
I babywear to go out for a walk or going to the store…also it’s a great way to put Max (our son) to sleep. Currently I am wearing Max daily, or almost daily, as I’m the primary caregiver.

Why do you like babywearing?
It soothes the sleepy or sleep-fighting baby, and it’s more convenient than a stroller on the LRT.

Babywearing Papa #6: Aaron

dad babywearingWhat do you like to babywear in? 
I like using our Bambino, and also the Ergo. Babes in Arms helped us pick it, as we are sturdy types and it is easy to use. Back carries in the Ergo are great for me, as I had back surgery last summer and weight on the front isn’t great for me. (Aaron’s wife wrote in and explained that Aaron has generously supported her financial habit of procuring carriers over the years – they’re now on baby #3! Now that is one awesome dad to celebrate this Father’s Day!)

When do you like babywearing?
We coach rugby, so we wear our little man at practice and games to keep him happy and safe – plus it is great bonding time when we haven’t seen each other all day! We also like to hike – we haven’t trekked out this year yet, but Waterton is in our future.

Why do you like babywearing?
I feel like a badass hands-on dad when babywearing! (Aaron’s wife and the rest of us ladies couldn’t agree more!)


The following photographs were submitted by members of Babywearing Calgary and show the proud papas in all their glory.
Babywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in CalgaryBabywearing Fathers in Calgary

By Caitlin Walton & Kate Rhodes

A very special thanks to the following members of Babywearing Calgary who were kind enough to submit photos and share stories of the babywearing men in their lives: Alisha B, Amy W, Angela B, Brooke M, Dawna Z, Elizabeth P, Freya P, Heather G, Heather K, Jené W, Jennifer M, Kaylee R, Krysten Anne, Laura H, Lindsie B, Maja M, Melissa F, Melissa R, Morgan C, Nikayla R, Sarah Louise S, Sasha S, Sharon D, Summer L, and Tara S. We couldn’t have done this without you!

A Member’s Perspective – guest post

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Calgary: host of The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth (the Stampede), hometown of
country music superstar Paul Brandt, and along with the rest of Alberta, sometimes
referred to as the “Texas of the North”. It’s a wonder that with all these prairie cowboy
distinctions, that our concept of babywearing doesn’t look like this:

babyholster

Pinterest users, beware! This isn’t recommended babywearing.


I’m relatively new to babywearing (my son is just shy of a year old), but I’m not new to
Calgary. And over the many years that I’ve lived in this city, I honestly haven’t seen
much babywearing – at least not until I started looking for it. Many months ago, I got a
message from a fellow mama in Toronto. She wrote (of Calgary): “I sure felt like an
outsider wearing my baby there…hopefully it’s better now!” At the time, I wondered if it
really was better now – are we a city set up for babywearers? Do we embrace it? What
resources and assistance is available to babywearers in Calgary? It was around that
time that I really became immersed in the babywearing world, as well as the community
of babywearers here in Calgary.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re already aware of one of the greatest assets available
to any parent- the Babywearing Calgary group. When I first “liked” their Facebook page,
I didn’t know the difference between an Ergo and a ring sling, much less how parents
seemed to take the equivalent of a rainbow-hued table runner and use it to support a
30-pound child (sometimes two at once!). I’ve since learned the answers to these
questions, and much more, but the most valuable thing I have learned from
Babywearing Calgary is the power of support and encouragement from loving, likeminded
parents – especially for “newbies” like myself. Babywearing Calgary hosts
monthly meetings to learn about babywearing, has social outings to connect with other
babywearers in the city (which can be a novelty in our sprawling, car-commuting
culture), and a lending library from which to borrow a diverse range of wraps and
carriers. And their Facebook group of over 200 members offers an opportunity to get
answers to questions, troubleshoot problems, and even buy or sell used carriers.

One complaint I’ve heard from rural parents is the difficulty of purchasing carriers or
wraps in their hometowns. At best, sometimes only one or two types are available – and
even then, they aren’t always ergonomically sound. We are incredibly lucky to have
many places in Calgary that retail safe and comfortable carrier options (Posh Mommy,
Riva’s Eco Store and Baby & Me Maternity, to name a few) – with the greatest selection
being found at Babes in Arms (who just so happens to be one of our lending library sponsors).
I’ve found that visiting a store like Babes in Arms is about
more than just making a purchase. I’ve gotten education, advice, and support – both
from staff as well as from frequent customers. Not only that, but Babes in Arms offers
monthly classes as well (Babywearing 101 and Back Carries) for intensive education
from a certified babywearing instructor.

babeslogo

My sister-in-law recently told me that she had mentioned my varied collection of wraps
and carriers (a.k.a. “stash”) to a friend of hers. “Oh yes, babywearing!” her friend had
commented. “That’s really trendy right now.” I had no idea when I purchased my first
carrier that I was participating in any fad or trend – I was just trying to find a way to keep
my reflux-ridden baby happy, and get some housework accomplished at the same time.
And although there are new wrap designs and brands hitting the scene every month, it’s
hardly a modern phenomenon – babywearing has been around for centuries. And if
you’re in Calgary, fear not, you can participate without resorting to turning a Bjorn into a
hip holster a la John Wayne turned babywearer. Join the Facebook group, attend a
meeting, and get involved. I know I can tell my Toronto friend with confidence – this city
gets better and better for babywearers every day.

bczoo1

 

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caitlin

 

Caitlin lives with her husband, Scott, and their son Finn (just shy of one year old!). Although she loves the Calgary Farmer’s Market, the Rocky Mountains, and the Calgary Zoo, she generally avoids both country music and the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Caitlin also blogs athttp://propositionzen.wordpress.com.

Taking Social Media by Storm

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Babywearing Calgary has been around a while (since 2006 actually)… so we’ve got all the typical social media presences…. like Facebook, Twitter (not active currently though… we got bored with twitting)… and the rockin’ old school Yahoo group.  All we we’re missing in that list is MySpace.  Well, the latest social media program to rock the world is Instagram.  If you haven’t heard of Instagram, it’s an app you can get on an iPhone, iPad, iPod, and now Android as well!  It’s basically a photo sharing app, where you take pictures and share them with the world (or not.. if you choose to have a private account).  You can tag people, comment on pictures, and basically just have a lot of fun.

Well, I {Andi} have a personal IG (short for Instagram, consider yourself in the know *wink) account, and thought it would be fun to introduce Babywearing Calgary to the IG world.  So there you have it, Babywearing Calgary is now on IG!  If you want to see some behind the scenes photos of Babywearing Calgary and all things related to babywearing, please search us up on IG.

Here is a little sneak peak of a couple pics already uploaded.

The picture above is of one of the woven wraps we got donated to the lending libary, and I am just softening it up.  😉  This carry is a double hammock with a double lexi tie.

 

Testing another carrier with a monkey on my back… This one is an Ergo Performance.  Things sure have changed since I bought my first Ergo.

If you are on IG, please follow Babywearing Calgary.. and also tag your pictures with the hashtag #babywearingcalgary and tag us at @babywearingcalgary!  We are looking for babywearing pictures to share with the world, so if you have any, please send them to babywearingcalgary@gmail.com or tag us on IG.

Also, while you’re at it.. look up @carrythem.  Absolutely stunning babywearing pics.

Oh wait… don’t have an iPhone or Android?  No worries!!  You can stalk our pictures on Statigram from your computer!

Thanks for visiting our blog, maybe we’ll see you on IG as well!  🙂  xoxo

International Babywearing Week

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Today marks the beginning of “International Babywearing Week” (trusting that I finish this post by midnight, haha), and thus, we thought it would be fun to launch this blog right along with it. Babywearing Calgary has been spreading the babywearing love in Calgary since 2006, and it is continuing to grow larger every day. Our group is composed of numerous experienced babywearers along with plenty of new babywearers, with everyone being welcome of course. It is a place of resource, and an environment for newer babywearers to come learn what it is all about, and a place for more experienced babywearers to share their knowledge.

In 2010, Babywearing Calgary won the Best Babywearing Outreach Program from Babywearing International.

“As part of Babywearing Calgary’s International Babywearing Week activities, they organized a carrier drive to benefit Elizabeth House. Elizabeth House provides care and support to women in crisis pregnancies. They offer shelter, and education on many aspects of parenting and life to help women become self-sufficient. At the end of the carrier drive, Babywearing Calgary held a class at Elizabeth House on proper carrier use and then match the carriers they had collected with the mothers there to help ensure comfort and safety for moms and babies.”

This program is in collaboration with Babes in Arms and is ongoing, the next workshop at the Elizabeth House is on November 1st.

If you are new to babywearing and want to learn more about the benefits, check out our “Benefits of Babywearing” page. If you want to know more about who is behind the scenes, go meet the Babywearing Calgary co-leaders. And if you want to meet other babywearing mamas, then jump on in on our Facebook group and come to one of our events!

The next event will be on Friday, October 12th at Prince’s Island park from 12:00pm-2:30pm. We are having a picnic in celebration of International Babywearing Week! C’mon Calgary, let’s show this city how much we love babywearing! The event on Facebook can be found here.

Thanks for stopping by at our little spot on the web… hope to see you at a meeting soon!