Learn how to hold a baby without hands
Mums, dads and carers are encouraged to try carrying their young child in a wrap next week.
International Babywearing Week starts on Monday and the Taupo¯ baby wearing community is running workshops to teach newbies how to wrap and carry their child safely and securely.
Babywearing involves a wrap or carrier and allows parents to have their baby close to them, whilst keeping their hands free.
Natasja Batterman from the Taupo Babywearing group said it gave parents flexibility.
‘‘Many parents enjoy the practical freedom that a carrier offers as they can get on with everyday life, whilst baby is content and safely wrapped on their chest.’’
Babywearing had advantages for babies and parents, she said.
‘‘Studies have shown that babies who are carried spend less time crying and more time in a calm, contented state,’’ she said.
Taupo Babywearers is a nonprofit group run by a committee comprised of four local mothers passionate about the benefits of babywearing.
The Taupo Sling Libary, which allows parents to trial carriers, has been running for a year.
Taupo Babywearers hold a sling meet on the first Wednesday of each month in the upstairs function room at the public library between 10am and 12pm.
Parents can drop in to seek advice on how to get started and to hire a carrier, or they can bring along their own for a safety check and support. BABYWEARING EVENTS: SATURDAY SEPT 30: Woven Wrap Workshop: Taupo Library, 10am–12. Free workshop teaching the basics of using a woven wrap. Limited spaces available. Bookings essential.
WEDNESDAY OCT 4: October Sling Meet: Taupo Library, 10am-12. Come along for free babywearing support and your chance to win a spot prize.
FRIDAY OCT 6: Recarry Stretchy wrap workshop , Taupo Library, 10am-12. Free workshop to learn how to safely use a stretchy wrap. Some wraps will be gifted to families with financial challenges. Limited spaces available. Bookings essential.
* Visit Facebook.com/ BabywearingTaupo