starting a babywearing group in my area

[northcountrymamma]

Ok, so I know that babywearing groups are out there...and they are wonderful. I really feel that the most wonderful thing to do would be to start one in my area as I know there are babywearing mamma's (I see slings from time to time), but it is so so rare. When I talk to people it seems that they are mostly just uncertain about wearing their babies once snugglies and the like become to uncomfortable.

I want to introduce mammas to wraps and mei tais and RS's and SSC's.

Has anyone done this with any success...and what kind of resources would I need to get this off the ground. A supply of loaner slings? Become a distributor for a certain type of sling? I don't really want to make money at it, I just want to spread the word.

I have been sharing the love with close friends by buying and loaning slings and the like...but I just want to get it out there more...whenever folks in our area see mammas with babes in slings they seem to be in awe...

thanks for any help on this!

[Lauren710]

I don't have any personal experience with starting a babywearing group, but there is a whole section on thebabywearer.com devoted to teaching/resources and questions for babywearing groups (Mods, I hope it's okay to post this here, but please remove if it's not ) Good for you for wanting to spread the BWing love in your community!

ETA: And to get started, I'd find a place for your group to meet and start putting together a lending library.. I think you could ask for carrier donations on the ISO forum? But I'd probably clear it with a mod just in case. Same on thebabywearer, but there's a 30 day membership/30 post requirement to see that forum. I'd try to put together at least one of each kind of carrier, and then build up your library according to what carriers get the most interest from the mamas who come to your group.

I know the BWing group here has a $5 fee for borrowing a carrier, and they also take a refundable deposit for the cost of the carrier, I think it's just a check that gets voided when you return the carrier. Hope that helped a bit! GL!

[redvlagrl]

You can just start meeting with moms informally. You can loan out your own slings if you want. You can either do this on the honesty system or ask for a deposit/loan fee to cover replacement if you think that's an issue.

We have a fairly loose arrangement for our BW meetings here. We meet in the local library (not in one of the rooms).

If you like, you can start a yahoo group to keep people informed of the meetings.

If you want to be more organized you might want to look into liability issues - what if a mom injures her kid while under your instruction?

[northcountrymamma]

right I guess with all the sling recalls etc...there is some wisdom in being aware of liabilities.

thanks for the thoughts mammas.