Babywearing is the practice of wearing or carrying a baby or child in a sling or other type of carrier. Babywearing is perfect for all caregivers, moms, dads, babysitters or nannies, grandparents and siblings, too! Finding the right baby carrier can be quite a challenge. Our babywearing consultants are all trained educators who guide you through the basic skills of how to use any baby carrier safely. If you are struggling with learning to use or manage a particular carrier, or need help determining which carrier is best suited for your needs, we can help you troubleshoot that carrier. Our services include:
Troubleshoot My Carrier
Need help making the carrier you own work for you? Come to the Eat-Sleep-Love offices and we will troubleshoot your carrier. Consultations last 30 minutes and cost $60
Find Me a Carrier
Are you overwhelmed by all of the different brands and types of carriers available? Our consultations take place at the Eat-Sleep-Love offices, where we will walk you through a basic “Babywearing 101” to understand the differences between the types of carriers, guide you in selecting the carrier that will best suit your body and wearing needs, teach you to safely use the carrier you have chosen, and provide you with a packet of written materials and reminders to bring home with you. Consultations last 1 hour and cost $125. A $60 credit will be offered towards the purchase of a carrier from Eat-Sleep-Love.
Teach Me More!
If you are in need of additional babywearing support, from assistance with learning to breastfeed in a carrier, wearing twins, or learning how to wear your baby on your back, we can help! Support is available at the Eat-Sleep-Love offices at a rate of $125/hour. We will also provide support for small groups, up to 4 people. Larger groups may be accommodated upon request and for additional fees.
Interested in learning more about carriers? Modern carriers today include:
Wraps are long swaths of fabric, either made of woven material or a stretchy jersey, and are tied around both wearer and baby to provide support while holding baby on the front or hip (and also back for woven wraps). Wraps come in a wide variety of sizes, materials and colors, and can meet the aesthetic needs of any wearer!
Asian-inspired Carriers include mei tais (pronounced “may tie”) and podegis, and are generally rectangular pieces of fabric with straps to secure baby to the wearer’s body. In the US, mei tai’s are the most common Asian-inspired carrier. A mei tai has four long straps attached at the corners of the rectangular piece of fabric, and is tied on to the waist apron-style, with the top straps securing baby to the wearer. Mei tais are infinitely flexible for different-sized wearers and all ages of babies. Even better, mei tais can be worn on the front, hip or back.
Soft Structured Carriers are similar to mei tais, except that they have a structured waist for support, and attach to the carrier to the body with buckles. Soft structured carriers are great for all caregivers, and may be worn on the front, hip or back.
Ring Slings are long pieces of fabric secured with 2 rings. Ring Slings are worn like a sash, and safely create a hammock seat to support baby. Ring slings are ideal for front and hip carries, and truly shine for little babies and older babies wanting quick ups and downs.
Pouches are a tube of fabric with a curved seam that are worn like a sash and used like a ring sling. Pouches are simple and convenient, and easily portable. Unlike other carriers, pouches are generally pre-sized to fit the wearer, and are less adjustable than other carriers.