Written by Leah
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Babywearing is often referred to as the most ancient and practiced of all parenting tools known to man. In my experience, babywearing facilitated a return to my active lifestyle quite quickly after my first born arrived. With the use of a sling, and then my Ergobaby carrier, I was able to keep on top of the housework, cook and even shop whilst bonding with my little man.
This year marks the third Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week – www.babywearingweek.com.au – a celebration initiated by Babes in Arms – www.babesinarms.com.au. The event is designed to raise awareness about the advantages of babywearing, and to demonstrate how modern parents can enjoy active and peaceful post-baby lifestyles by utilising baby slings and carriers.
Running in parallel with International Babywearing Week, events will run between 8-14 October 2012, following the theme ‘Carrying on Traditions’. Babywearing parents across Australia and New Zealand are invited to join their community at babywearing events that they have initiated and organised (there are currently 25 registered events across Australia and New Zealand). As extra incentive, each event is in the running to win up to $3000 worth of community grants to donate to their nominated local community project or not for profit organisation. How awesome is that?!
Community grants will be awarded for Biggest Babywearing Group Awards, Media Attention Award and Ergobaby Flash Mob Award. There is also a blogger award and regular prize opportunities. If you belong to a club (whether a book club, mother’s group or even a sporting group), and a number of you utilise slings and carriers, you may consider having a get-together during Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week. You could raise $3000 for your community! Register your event here.
For regular updates, check out the Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week Facebook Page for charity spotlights, event incentives and a whole lot of babywearing love. Visit the Ergobaby Australia and New Zealand Facebook page to find about new release carriers, babywearing stories and daily images. You can also join the I Love Babywearing Club! Simply download the icon from the Australia and New Zealand Babywearing Week page and use it as your avatar on Facebook and Twitter to show your support for babywearing.
Australia and New Zealand Babywearing sponsor Ergobaby® and key retailers will host free babywearing demonstrations, morning teas and test drives at key baby stores to educate parents and caregivers on the safe use of slings and carriers.
