Beginning a new year with gratitude

Babywearing International of Phoenix (BWIP) is a non-profit chapter of Babywearing International, Inc. and staffed completely with volunteers. These Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBEs) are the lifeblood of this group and they are what make all of the amazing education and outreach happen. Whether they served for a short period or have made an ongoing commitment to our chapter, each VBE is so appreciated. Let us take a moment and thank each of them for their willingness to give of their time, energy, and talents to help make our group amazing.

Savoring the Moment

I don't know about you, but 2014 has passed by in a blur! 2014 saw some incredible things going on for Babywearing International of Phoenix (BWIP).

Babywearing Bingo Winter Challenge

Happy Holidays! The Phoenix VBEs have been wracking our brains for the perfect holiday challenge. We think we've come up with something that will be fun, a little challenging and come with rewards! There will be four prize packages!

BWIP's Babywearing Bingo

Just like traditional bingo, you will try and complete a line of activities to get a "bingo". In our version you'll be doing these activities while babywearing.  You can complete them in a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line of five activities. Babywearing International of Phoenix (BWIP) paid members get a free space right in the middle to help complete one of their five spaces. Not a member yet and want to add that square? Find out more about membership here and email us at phoenixbabywearers@gmail.com to complete your membership!

As you are doing the activities, snap a picture. That's how we'll know the spaces have been completed. When you have your line of five pictures, create a collage and post that to the thread in the BWIP group. Each collage will be an entry into the raffle for one of four prize packages. You can enter up to five different collages but they must have all new pictures for each collage.

If you don't know how to make a collage, there are a few free collage making sites including www.picmonkey.com or www.Fotor.com 

Here is an example:

In our example we are making a "bingo" with the spaces from left to right diagonally. A front carry, nap wearing, BWIP member, holiday tradition (visiting Glendale Glitters) and a soft structured carrier. (Note: your entry must be your pictures, we shared from a few of us just as an example.)

Now you want to know about the prizes, right?

Prize Pack #1:

A DoTerra trio oil set, a BWIP vinyl window decal, a snack bag from Itzy Ritzy, & a Didymos wrap scrap tote.

Prize Pack #2:

Bath Bombs from Berwyn Betty's Bath Shop, a BWIP vinyl window decal, a snack bag from Itzy Ritzy, & a Didymos wrap scrap tote

Prize Pack #3:

A handmade nursing necklace from Oh Purple Panda, a BWIP vinyl window decal, a snack bag from Itzy Ritzy, & a Didymos wrap scrap tote

Prize Pack #4:

Hooter Hiders nursing cover, Bamboobies nursing pads, a BWIP vinyl window decal, a snack bag from Itzy Ritzy, & a Didymos wrap scrap tote

So get to it! Post your entries to the thread in our Facebook group. The contest will stay open through December 31st and we will draw three winners in the new year!

Carry of the Month; November: Traditional Sling Carry (TSC)

Carry of the Month is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions. Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group. Check out the bottom of this post for the prize raffled off for participation this month! 

This month we are featuring a Traditional Sling Carry (TSC) that can be worn on your hip or your front. This is a single pass carry that can be great for quick ups and downs. Many people think it feels similar to wearing a ring sling. Most of the "work" of this carry involves tying the slip knot. If your not familiar with a slip knot yet, it's a great tool to have in your wrapping toolbox. You can finish off several carries with a slip knot and it makes for quick adjusting and tightening. This carry is usually done with a size 2 or 3 wrap, but can be done with a longer wrap which will hang down with longer tails. Demonstrating this carry is one of our wonderful new VBEs, Lauren Maynard. Thanks Lauren!

2014 INTERNATIONAL BABYWEARING WEEK - Raffle prizes featured from the Main Event on 10/11

International Babywearing Week is Oct 5-11th this year. We are holding our Main Event at Blossom Birth Center, 2928 N 18th Pl, Phoenix, AZ 85016 on October 11th from 10 am to 12pm. One of the best parts is our raffle! Our amazing vendors and other local businesses and WAHMs show their love of babywearing and our group in such awesome and exciting ways. We love to raffle off their amazing creations and products.

Raffle tickets will be sold at our Main Event for $1 each or 25 tickets for $20.

Check out the list of those we are offering this year! (more to come as we get their information/photo)

1. LILLEbaby - LILLEbaby COMPLETE Original designer in Charcoal/Finch - $130

2.Oh Soy Memorable Candles - Winners choice of Angel Memory Candle or Sprinkles Birthday Candle - Value $25

3.Xavier Rose Jewelry - $25 Gift certificate

4. Younique - 3D Fiber Lash Mascara - Value $36

5. 2 Doulas on a Mission - Postpartum Basket:

-Hard copy of "DIY Placenta Encapsulation: A Step-by-Step Guide"

-peppermint rose sea salt bath soak

-"Joyful Mother" loose leaf postpartum herbal tea blend

Value $30

6.Jamberry Nails Jessica Portillos - One sheet Jamberry Nail Wraps and one application kit - Value $27.50

7.Blue Russ Health Coaching - Health Strategy Session (45 minutes, by phone) - $35

8. Hello Harlow Photography - A one-hour photo shoot with Hello Harlow Photography - $100

9. Diaper Parties by Raechel - Jelly stone teething necklace and reusable snack bags - Value $25

10. The Fast and the Furriest - 

A full service "spaw" day for your pup! Services include bath, nail filing, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, conditioner, blueberry facial, bows or bandanna, and option of haircut depending on breed! And best of all I come to you! Professional pet grooming right at your driveway. Nearly 10 years of experience. 

Value $50-100

11. BabywearingFaith - One babywearing consultation via Skype/Hangouts/Facetime, up to 30 minutes - Value $25

12. Sling Rings - Super Sampler with 1 pair of each color of large aluminum SlingRings. - $48

13. Moxie Meditation 

(1) Free Birth Hypnotherapy Session (relaxing 1 hour session for processing past trauma, or preparation for birth) ($85 value)

AND

(1) Free Chakra Balancing Session (relaxing 1.5 hour session, using mudras, guided imagery, sound healing, and reiki to balance the energy centers of the body) ($120 value)

AND

(1) Free One-to-One Meditation Training Session (relaxing 1 hour session sampling various meditation techniques and breathing exercises) ($45 value)

14. Isla Handwoven - Set of 4 Isla Handwoven placemats and matching napkins AND Handwoven tote bag - Value $80

15. Breathe Birth Services - $75 off a birth pool rental

16. Lovelies, LLC - 45 minute child or family session with 25 edited digital images in color and black and white - Value $125

17. Usborne Books & More - Contemplating Your Belly Button book, Mouse Moves House book and 100 Things to do on a Trip card set - Value $27

18. Hipsters Cloth Diapers -Purple pocket diaper with microfiber insert and blue charcoal bamboo ai2 with snap insert - Value $28

19. Barefoot Books North Phoenix - Portside Pirates book, Portside Pirates Puzzle - Value $25

20. Barefoot Books North Phoenix - Gunapod Wearable Baby blanket- pink polka dots - Value $40

21. Toto Wraps USA - One African babywearing doll with removable baby and kanga- Value $30

22. The Power Company - Chiropractic - Gift Certificate for Initial Visit (Exam & Adjustment) AND Large Purple Power Company T-shirt - Value $160

23. Body and Breast Thermal Imaging - Gift Certificate for 1/2 off a Thermal Breast Scan AND Tea Cup with Chai tea sampler and chocolate. - Value $110

24. BellyBabyBreast - 1 Pillow for Belly, Baby, and Breast. - Value $60

25. Kinderwood Coaching - Gift certificate for parent coaching services to include one free assessment and one free coaching session. - Value $150

26. Children's Museum of Phoenix- 4 admission tickets - Value $44

27. Shannon's Cloth and More- Gift certificate for $25

Carry of the Month: October; Double Sling tied Shoulder to Shoulder

Carry of the Month is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions. Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group. Check out the bottom of this post for the prize raffled off for participation this month! Fans of Pavo Klee will be very interested.

  

Carrier of the Month; September: Front Carry in a SSC

Carry of the Month is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions.  Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group.  This month our sponsor for COTM is Oh Soy Memorable Candles. Scroll down to the bottom for info about this local WAHM and see the prize for this month.



Congratulations Phoenicians, we've almost made it to the end of the summer! This month we're taking a little bit of a different direction and doing "Carrier" of the Month. We're hoping this will give those who don't wrap a chance to take part in COTM and get a chance to win too. For September we have: Front Carrying in a Soft Structured Carrier (SSC). A special thank you to my husband, Trey, for demonstrating for us this month! He is using a standard size Tula in Gray Zig Zag.

Start by buckling the waist band around your hips or waist depending on what is more comfortable for you.

Carry of the Month: August; Robin's Hip Carry

Carry of the Month is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions.  Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group.  This month our sponsor for COTM is The Mason Jar Man Scroll down to the end of the page for more information about this local entrepreneur!

For August we are showcasing our first hip carry, though it can easily be positioned as a front carry. This is Robin's Hip Carry it can be tied with a size 3 or 4 woven wrap. If you have a longer wrap you can use that as well, the video shows a variation at the end of the carry.

Carry of the Month: July; Rear Reinforced Rebozo Ruck AKA Pirate Carry

Carry of the Month is an ongoing feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions.  Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group.  This month our sponsor for COTM is Shannon's Cloth and More scroll down to the bottom to read more about this local WAHM business!


Arrrgh! Are you ready to embrace your inner pirate? This month we are showcasing the Rear Reinforced Rebozo Rucksack AKA RRRR AKA the Pirate Carry  because of how it sounds when you try to say RRRR. You can use a size 2 or 3 wrap. Ignore how long my wrap is in the photo tutorial, I used a 5 because that's what I had on hand. 



Start with the wrap very off-center. If you're using a size 2 or 3 wrap it will be about two feet from the tail over your shoulder.

Get baby on your back in your preferred method. (It is sometime easier to place the wrap on the baby's back and then get them up on your back. Refer to Rhiannon's video below for an example of that.) 

With baby on your back, and both tails over your shoulders, make a deep seat under baby's bottom.

Pull the wrap at both shoulders and tighten any slack out of the wrap.

Pass the longer end of the wrap under that arm and behind you, then up and over baby's back.

Tuck the bottom rail from that pass under baby's bottom.

So the wrap goes over your shoulder, under that arm, makes another seat under baby's bottom and then comes out under your opposite arm. Tighten out any slack.

At this point you can tie the two loose end together at your shoulder. For the RRRR tied at shoulder:

Alternately, you can twist the ends together a few time and bring it across your chest to the other shoulder strap.

Then, tuck one end through that strap and tie off. This is called a Candycane Chest Belt.

Spread the straps to cup your shoulders and get comfortable!

There you have it!

One of our very talented VBEs, Rhiannon, made a video tutorial for this month's carry:

Our sponsor for June's Carry of the Month is Shannon's Cloth and More. She is donating a set of custom suck pads, which are great if you have a kiddo who likes to suck and the straps of the carrier while they're sitting in it. Shannon said she the winner can pick any of the fabrics in her selection or if they have a wrap strap, she can make them out of that too! Here is a little info about this wonderful local WAHM:

  "Our philosophy is simple - create beautiful, useful things out of a variety of textiles, and sell them for affordable prices that make them possible for anyone to own.

My name is Shannon, and I am the proud creator of everything you see on my site. Each piece is lovingly created with the hopes that other women and families will benefit from their use. My own journey began several years ago when I was looking for a solution to painful, heavy menstruation, and I discovered the idea of cloth menstrual pads. My research led me to discover that disposable products often times have chemicals in them that alter the body's chemistry, leading to heavier flow and longer duration - necessitating the purchase of more products, much to the manufacturer's delight. I decided I was going to make the switch to cloth, but when I started looking at the prices many other places offered, I had to come up with another option to fit within my family's limited budget.

My first cloth pads were the ones I made for myself, and I very quickly discovered the difference cloth made for my body and health. It was amazing! I began sharing my excitement with friends, who asked me to make some pads for them to try as well. One thing led to another, and referrals became more referrals, and Shannon's Cloth & More was born.

I encourage all women to learn about the options available to them, and to try my products out and see the difference in comfort and health that they can bring to you. I try to offer great quality at affordable prices, so anyone can obtain the benefits I have found for myself.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have, either about the products you see, custom orders, or resources to learn more."

You see more of her work at www.shannonsclothandmore.com or on Facebook at:  www.facebook.com/shannonsclothandmore

To enter to win, simply post a photo of you trying out RRRR in the comments below or on the COTM thread in our facebook group. At the end of the month we'll draw a winner. To earn additional entries, you can post a new picture of you trying it out everyday.

(Valid only for Arizona residents)

As always, let us know if you are having problems or just have questions. Carry on! 

Rachael Bender

Volunteer Babywearing Educator, Babywearing International of Phoenix

Disclaimer:Any tutorials or advice given on this blog by Babywearing International of Phoenix or representatives of BWI of Phoenix are to be used at your own risk. Please use caution when attempting any of the carries highlighted on this blog and using any of the carriers discussed on this blog.
Some of the information or advice may put some users of this site at risk due to health issues, physical limitations, or misuse. If you or your child have health issues or physical limitations, please discuss the appropriateness of the carry or carrier with your health care practitioner.BWI of Phoenix cannot be held accountable for any injuries sustained by the reader when attempting these carries or using these carriers.

Carry of the Month: June; Kangaroo Carry

Carry of the Month is a new feature for the BWIP blog and Facebook group. Each month one of the VBEs will choose a wrap carry or carrier to showcase and write a blog post with instructions or videos. At our monthly meetings throughout the valley, we will designate time to demonstrate the carry or carrier in person and answer your questions.  Feel free to join in on the fun! Post pictures of you trying out the COTM in the comments here or on the Facebook group. June's Carry of the Month has generously been sponsored by Knit Together Photography. Participation in this month's COTM challenge enters you into a drawing for a free 30 minute babywearing photo session from Knit Together Photography.

For June we picked a quick little front carry. You can do this carry with a size 3 or 4 woven wrap. I used a size 4 Didymos silk NINO. I apologize for my mean mug in these photos, apparently that's my thinking face! The most difficult part of this carry is getting the "shoulder flip" flipped completely and straightened out. If it doesn't make sense from the photos, check out the video below. They show the technique a bit more clearly.

 Start with the middle marker of the wrap centered in front of you and both of the ends over your shoulders behind you.