Babywearing is an extremely convenient way to keep Baby close to you in a hands-free situation while you get things done like housework, grocery shopping or enjoying a walk through the park. Babywearing is an art of carrying Baby snuggly against your body by way of a specialized wrap. While you might think it sounds like a recent trend, it's not. Women have been practicing it around the world for centuries. It's become more mainstream in recent years thanks to meetups, lessons and specialty dance classes.
Learning Babywearing
You can't just put Baby into a carrier and hope for the best. Positioning your baby comfortably in a cloth carrier depends on his age and height along with your size and body. You need knowledge to manage different ways of wearing Baby or you can quickly grow frustrated and give up, says local baby-wearing mom Lacy Greer.
Babywearing International (BWI) of Middle Tennessee
A chapter of the international organization, BWI holds free “Learning Library” meetings every month throughout Middle Tennessee. Moms can learn what BWI is all about, try on different carriers and meet other moms with their babies. BWI memberships ($30 annually) give you access to the BWI free lending program which allows you to try out different wraps and carriers to discover what works best for you as your baby grows.
Babywearing Fun
After you finally get the hang of wearing your baby, learn to do even more with him. Here are a few ways to take babywearing to the next level.
GroovaRoo Babywearing and Dance!
Franklin Recreation Complex (registration code: 15523)
1120 Hillsboro Road, Franklin
Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville (registration code: 15599)
7250 Nolensville Road, Nolensville
wcparksandrec.com
Have fun and exercise with Baby at the same time during a GroovaRoo class through the Williamson County Parks and Rec department. Certified GroovaRoo instructor Michelle Lloyd gets moms, dads, grandparents — anyone comfortable with babywearing — movin’ and groovin’ on Tuesdays, Sept. 3 – 24 from 10 – 11 a.m. (skip Sept. 9). This low-impact dance class is for caregivers and babies 6 weeks old to toddlers. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your own ergonomic baby carrier or stretchy wrap for newborns (ages 6 weeks and older). The class is open to pregnant moms in their second trimester, too. Cost is $45 for three classes.
GroovaRoo Babywearing and Dance!
Baby + Co
3212 West End Ave., Ste. 100, Nashville
615-647-8220
Begin to feel and foster the connection with your growing baby or while wearing your baby, and connect with other expectant and new parents all while having fun. Fridays, Sept. 27, Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 27. All classes are from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Beginners encouraged and all welcome! Free. Register.
Bambino Brigade
This Nashville-based activity group is committed to outdoor activities and meets up for hikes with adults and children, worn or walking. Hikes are Mondays and Wednesdays from August – May at Radnor Lake at 8:15 a.m. and Thursdays August – May at Percy Warner Park at 8:45 a.m.
Babywearing Barre
Blooma Nashville
4107 Charlotte Ave., Nashville
615-797-8064
Caregivers are invited to bring their baby (birth to pre-crawling) along in a carrier, helping you get in your workout without leaving baby. Dates, times and prices vary. Register.
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