For some people, baby wearing is a way of life and strollers an unnecessary investment. For the rest of us, baby carriers are simply another tool in our parenting arsenal.  Baby carriers can be especially helpful for parents who navigate the city on the MBTA, since baby wearing eliminates the need to wrestle a stroller on and off a bus and negotiate for precious floor space.

Wanting to use a baby carrier and knowing which kind to use can be two completely different matters. Ranging from fairly user-friendly soft structured carriers like the Ergo, to the more complicated wraps--which are essentially five yards of fabric used to tie baby to parent, different carriers will suit different body types, baby sizes, and lifestyles. Prices tend to be inversely related to complexity, although you can pay premium prices for moderately complicated ring slings in fancy organic fabrics. The prices and complexity of baby carriers might dissuade some new parents from wearing their kiddos.

Fortunately, there is an alternative to spending a hundred dollars on a carrier that ties you up in knots: the Babywearers International of Greater Boston (BWI), formally known as the Boston Babywearers , has monthly meetings where experienced baby wearers give demonstrations and answer questions about various kinds of baby carriers. They also give presentations on special topics like nursing in a carrier, winter baby wearing (including DIY alternatives to expensive baby wearing coats), and carrying multiple children (twins or otherwise). Best of all? They have a lending library of over 40 different ring slings, stretchy wraps, woven wraps, Mei Tais, and soft structured carriers. While they do ask for a deposit that covers the cost of the carrier in cash or check, they return the money when the carrier is returned undamaged. This allows parents to try different kinds of carriers at no cost for a month at a time. 

For parents who already have their carriers of choice, BWI offers an opportunity to meet and get to know other parents in the area. Meetings and events are filled with parents, babies, and older children--often with their dolls in miniature baby carriers.  And now is the perfect time to get involved! From October 7 to October 13, BWI will be celebrating International Baby Wearing week with free activities everyday and a huge raffle at the end of the week. Raffle tickets will be available at all of the events, and prizes include baby carriers, gift certificates to local businesses, and passes to local attractions.

International Baby Wearing Week Events:

• Monday, October 7, 2013: 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

             Apple Picking Honey Pot Hill Farm

• Tuesday, October 8, 2013: 10-11 AM

            Babywearing in the Woods-- Hike the Middlesex Fells Greenwood Park

• Wednesday, October 9, 2013: 10:00 - 12:00 pm

            Monthly Meeting and Picnic MIT Campus, Bush Room 84. Special Guest: Jenny the Juggler! 

• Thursday, October 10, 2013: 10:00 - 11:00 am

            Baby Sign Language Class Gardengate Academy 

• Friday, October 11, 20123 1:30 - 3:00 pm

              Meeting Mama and Me,  Jamaica Plain Meetings this far south are rare, so take advantage of the opportunity!

• Saturday, October 12, 2013:  8:30 - 11:30 am

              Local is for Lovers: Get Carried Away Arts at the Armory Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA