Babywearing Celebration Day 5: In My Wrap’s Embrace

April 16, 2010March 17, 201846 Comments

Babywearing Wrap Rap by Casey Umhoefer (To the tune of Gangsta's Paradise)

I take a look at my kids, and realize they need a wrap!

Cause they've been fussin' and yawnin so long that
Even their mama thinks that wrap time has come.

But I ain't never wrapped a kid that didn't just love it
Baby left to cry alone, you know that's unheard of
You better wrap up your babies, while the time lasts
For you know that kids all grow up too fast
I really love to gaze at my baby's face
As they grow I see them happy, in my wrap's embrace.
I'm the kinda lady little kiddies wanna be with

In my wrap in the night
Lullabies in the dim light

Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise

So here's the situation, they got me facin'
I can't live a stroller life, I want my hands to be free
So I gotta be down with the wrap team
Too much time on TheBabyWearer got me chasin' dreams
I'm an educated mom with wraps on my mind
Got health studies in my hand and a gleam in my eye
I'm an attached mama, keepin' my kids from danger
And my babies are happy, so don't arouse my anger, fool
My baby ain't nuthin but a heart beat away
I'm livin life as a mama, what can I say?
I've done my research, studied but is wearing best for babies?
The way that they're smilin' I just know

I'll tell you how to be, a kind mom, AP

The ones you love, should be wrapped, you see.

Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise

Didymos and Storchenwiege, Neobulle and Elleville
Natibaby, Lana, Hoppediz, oh mama!
Every wrap is different, but half of them ain't for me
Which one should I choose, guess I'll have to try three…
They say I got ta learn, but nobody's here to teach me,
Videos on YouTube, forums online can reach me!
Front Wrap Cross Carry; the Double Hammock

Take action shots; that's the only way to get a good critique, fool…

Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Been spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise
Keep spending most our lives living in a Wrapper's Paradise

I'll tell you how to be, a kind mom, AP
The ones you love, should be worn, you see.

Baby Steps for our Babies

There were loads of comments about the double-babywearers yesterday! Okay, okay. I was one of them (in the flowered hat) and it was a one-time deal with my and my friends' one year olds. (With kids nearly 4 1/2 years apart, there's not much need for double wraps in my house!) The other mama with the green sling (and Casey, shown above) are legitimate frequent double-baby wearers. Rad.

Seeing mamas like these inspires me to take my own babysteps towards my mama goals. For me that's more effective gentle parenting (NVC). For you it might be mastering your wrap or sling for the first time.

Many thanks to all of you who have been sharing links on your blogs, facebook pages, and twitter. We're causing a stir! So many inspired parents, so much positive energy around wearing our little ones. People seem positively encouraged.

I just had to share this one beautiful example of the power of your comments, photos and essays. On Monday Lisa H. Said:

Before my son was born (3 months ago, yesterday) I was sure that I would wear him everywhere. No baby would change my normal schedule. Ha! Silly me. The first 2 months we struggled with a breastfeeding issue (which I successfully conquered!) and I just can't seem to get the hang of the couple slings we were given (one of them being the recalled one, yikes!). My husband uses a homemade ring sling with much success, but it doesn't seem to be for me…I so want to have a beautiful picture with my little Fritz like the ones you have on your site!

On Wednesday Lisa said:

I want to be a Super Mama! And give my tired arms a break from 3 months of holding. This week's blog has inspired me to find a better sling and start my babywearing adventure!

And her comment yesterday:

Success! After following this babywearing week blog, I started to feel a little braver. My husband and I went to the Wildlife Sanctuary a little bit ago and he (the ring sling pro) helped me get it on and adjusted, and then loaded little Fritz in. He didn't scream! And then he fell asleep!I have never enjoyed a walk more. And then it started raining, nothing better than a walk in a warm rain! I just put the sling's tail over baby's head, and he never even woke up. Not sure the ring sling is for me, but it was still incredible! Oh, and did I mention the sun came out at the end and there was a rainbow? Perfect!!!

How awesome is that!? I am smiling from ear to ear, Lisa. Congratulations, Super Mama!

The Giveaways

Today is a pretty fabulous giveaway day as well. We have a Gypsy Mama Wrapsody Water Wrap, a gorgeous Didymos, and the final copy of Tummy 2 Tummy. We'll have one more round of giveaways tomorrow, so be sure to pop by to see what's in store (including a subscription to Mothering Magazine and a mama/toddler sling set, generously made and donated by a friend (thanks, D!) .

If you haven't already done so, leave a comment on the previous day's posts! (You can enter once every day, so if you've missed our first givewaways the comments are still open.) All will close on Saturday at midnight, CST. To be entered, simply leave a comment here.

Comments are closed. I'll announce winners later this week!

Didymos Interview

I've been enamored with Didymos wraps since Sage was a baby. They are the top of the line woven wrap on the market by many standards. However I never made the investment in one of these arguably wonderful wraps. Two babies later, I wish that I had. Now I have the knowledge (and confidence) to know that a few yards of fabric can't beat me – but rather, can free me.

1. What is your company and how long have you been in business?

Didymos: I started with DIDYMOS in 1972, shortly after my twins Tina and Lisa were born. I was completely unfamiliar with baby wearing and it took almost 20 years to really establish this original way of babycare in Europe.

Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?

Didymos: I have never made any compromises with respect to quality and have always striven to find ecological ways of manufacturing and ecological sources. That is why we put emphasis in manufacturing exclusively in Germany or neighboring countries. We think it is important to point out that it was DIDYMOS to introduce the typical baby wrap fabric which is elastic in diagonal but firm in straight direction. Moreover, we were the first to develop and introduce the sizing and shape (tapered ends) which are used for almost all baby wraps nowadays.

Clean: Why do you believe caregivers wear their babies?

Didymos: It is the most natural way of transporting and caring for a baby. Being always close to your body, your baby feels safe and secure and helps him/her to develop a deep confidence of being welcome, accepted and looked after.

Clean: Any Babywearing tips for beginners?

Didymos: Do not put too much pressure  on you by trying to be perfect. It takes some exercise and practice,  but every time you wear your baby, you will become more confident.  Soon, baby wearing will be as easy as putting on a nappy, which  sometimes,in the beginning, seemed to be a challenge, too.

Gypsy Mama Interview

My parenting style is pretty hands on. If my kids are distressed at something I am about to do (go to the coop by myself, take a shower, go get the mail all alone) I rarely do it. I'll take them along. Because of that I mastered the showering-with-baby thing when Sage was little. I also enjoyed taking my babes into the water (lake, pool, or river) when they were small. But hands free? That sounds like a dream. And safer, too. Gypsy Mama's Wrapsody Water Wrap sounds dreamy for mamas like me…

Clean: What is your company and how long have you been in business?

Gypsy Mama: I founded Gypsy Mama in 2004 with the goal of providing affordable gauze wraps to every family — I loved the ease and lightness of them. When I separated from my husband a year later, I realized that if I could grow the company fast enough, I might still be able to stay at home with my little ones — and things worked out beautifully! I have added several products during my 6 years in business, but the ones that stayed (and I personally love and use) are the Breeze Wrap, which is made from sturdy cotton gauze, the Water Wrap, which is a really unique product in our market — it wears like a supportive bathing suit for taking babies wading and in the shower, and the Stretch Wrap, which met my goal of creating a wrap with all the benefits of stretch fabric but without losing the versatility woven wraps provide.

My commitment to uncompromised quality, a strong commitment to fair trade practices, and Gypsy Mama's ability to find unmet needs in the market that really set my carriers apart from others.

Clean: Why do you believe caregivers should wear their babies?

Gypsy Mama: I was initially drawn to babywearing after reading an article in 1999 linking sling use to higher IQ — that article led me to the "babywearing lifestyle," where many parents find convenience melts into attachment theory and instinctive parenting, and babywearing becomes as integral to parenting as sleep.

Clean: Any babywearing tips for beginners?

Gypsy Mama: Always be aware of your baby. Listed to his or her cues, never cover her face, and be patient with yourself. Like all aspects of parenting, babywearing takes time and practice. If you or your baby don't quite get the hang of it at first, try again — and if possible, seek out someone with experience who can help you choose the right carrier for your needs and who can show you some tricks for using your carrier that may really make it work in a new way.

Clean: What else should we know about your company or babywearing in general?

Gypsy Mama: I really think babywearing is a keystone in facilitating healthy parents and children. It solves so many problems and has so many benefits that I think soft carriers are as crucial to raising children as diapers or blankets. Physically, psychologically, neurobiologically …. the benefits to both baby and caregiver cannot be understated. I think parents should remember that they are babywearing experts and should not be shy about sharing the information they have with others who can benefit.

Gypsy Mama his offering $5 off any purchase over $50 through the end of April from their web store. Use coupon code LO2010.

Babywearing Celebration Day 3: Your Secret Weapon

April 14, 2010March 17, 201866 Comments

A Supermom's Super Secret, by Kristi Dalberg

Yes, I am supermom but shh…I have a secret. I'm only confessing this so other moms can become the supermom they need to be for their families.

From the beginning of my supermom days, Hudson has always desired my complete and total attention. Being a mommy, you know there is a connection between mommy and baby…a confidence, a need for comfort.

For the first several weeks after Hudson was born, all I wanted to do was cuddle my newborn…and I did. But eventually, I had to start getting stuff done, also. Dishes were piling up, and we had no clean clothes. Our house was officially a disaster zone. I felt so overwhelmed and I just wanted to go hide away in the nursery with my newborn.

That's when supermom was born. I had to figure out how to get things done. Whenever I'd lay Hudson down, he'd cry and I'd feel like a bad mommy because I wanted to be there to soothe him and cuddle him. After all, he had been inside of me for nine months and was used to that. I needed to show him that being in the world was no different – I'd still always be there for him to care for his needs.

So…I came up with my secret weapon – baby-wearing. My mom gave me a baby carrier so I strapped it on and…never took it off! Hudson cuddled to me, slept on me, fed, and played while I did dishes, laundry, errands, etc. Yes, baby-wearing allowed me to be the supermom I always dreamed of being!

We both absolutely loved it! I felt I could still be his sweet mommy caring for his every need yet still be the amazing wife (and house-keeper) my husband needed me to be.

The Giveaways

We are again indulging in a three-giveaway day. One lucky winner will receive Baby K'tan double sling. A second winner will receive a Kangaroo Korner fleece pouch. And a third winner will receive the babywearing DVD Tummy2Tummy , as described on Monday.

To be entered in the drawing please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts on babywearing, something that inspired you to wear your baby, or a hope you hold in your heart. (One comment per person per post, please.)

Comments are closed. I'll announce winners later this week!

Feel free to ask questions. I'll respond to just as many as I can. If you missed the posts from earlier this week feel free to read and leave a comment there as well.

To let more families know about this week's events, I encourage you to re-blog, post to your Facebook page, and share on Twitter. Thanks for spreading the word! I will close comments on Saturday, April 17 and announce all winners the following week.

Baby K'tan Interview

I interviewed the enthusiastic, joyful people at Baby K'tan earlier this week. Because the Baby K'tan Baby Carrier came into existence after my last baby was born, I do not have personal experience with this carrier. If any readers have one and would like to post their experiences in the comments that would be wonderful!

Here is what Baby K'tan had to say:

Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?

Baby K'tan:The Baby K'tan Baby Carrier first launched in April 2007 as a new, innovative carrier that is a cross between a sling and a more structured front carrier, providing the positions and benefits of both.

In a Baby K'tan parents and caregivers can comfortably carry infants and toddlers, from preemie to preschool (up to 42 pounds) in eight different positions. It has added security and back support compared to a traditional sling, and added comfort and ease of use compared with a traditional carrier.

The Baby K'tan has no buckles, snaps, rings, or hardware that might otherwise complicate your babywearing experience and is made with a double loop design and an adjustable back support band for distributing weight across both shoulders.

Clean: Why do you believe caregivers wear their babies?

By being so close to your body's rhythms, the newborn "gets in rhythm" much more quickly. Research has shown how this helps babies to adapt to life outside the womb. Babywearing is also good for babies whose caregivers are overwhelmed. Babies who are not held need more verbal interaction and eye contact, just to be reassured that you're there. Carrying a baby is a great way to connect with him or her (and provide stimulation too) without the constant necessity of having to interact.

It is also good for baby's mental development. Babies spend more time in a "quiet, alert state" when carried – the ideal state for learning. Their senses are stimulated while being carried (yet there is a place to retreat too). Studies indicate that 'worn' babies have improved visual and auditory alertness relative to children that are frequently left on the floor or in a crib or playpen.

Other studies indicate that carried babies have improved speech development since they are more directly exposed to normal adult conversation rather than 'child directed speech'. Babywearing is also good for baby's emotional development. Babies are able to quickly develop a sense of security and trust when they are carried. They are more likely to be securely attached to their care-giver/s and often become independent at an earlier age.

Baby K'tan is offering 10% off to all Clean readers until May 1. Use coupon code "LUSAKTAN".

Kangaroo Korner Interview

The fleece pouch is another carrier that I have not had the pleasure to use. Below is my interview with the owner of Kangaroo Korner. I especially love what she said regarding tips for beginners.

Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?

Our Kangaroo Korner Adjustable Pouches are snug yet not constricting so you are easily able to wear your child and have two hands free to accomplish almost any task. Unlike non-adjustable pouches, our Adjustable Pouches are designed to grow with your baby and will accommodate your changing size due to a pregnancy. Each pouch has 4 rows of adjustment – for one low price, you are essentially receiving 4 pouches in 1!

Clean: Why do you believe caregivers wear their babies?

Less crying, fussiness & frustration. Less boredom. Protection from overstimulation. Encourages a healthy dependency. Less clingy as baby gets older. Benefits special needs babies. Counteracts sibling rivalry. Promotes bonding. Better for baby's back and legs. Allows for richer stimulation. Improves motor skills and muscle tone. Easier on baby's digestive system. Breastfeeding friendly. Gentle on parent's back.

Clean: Any babywearing tips for beginners?

Move. While eventually you will be able to putter around the house with your baby in the sling, at first your baby needs the steady rhythm of your walking. As soon as you slip your baby into the sling, start walking! Pacing in the living room is OK, walking outside or at a shopping mall is even better. The new environment will distract your baby, allowing him or her to become used to the snugness of the sling. Next to finding a comfortable position, this is probably the single most important factor in successful babywearing!

Clean: What else should we know about your company or babywearing in general?

We are a locally owned and operated company. All of our products are manufactured in Minnesota where our employees are all paid a living wage. In addition, we have donated hundreds of Adjustable Pouches to Family Medical Center in inner-city Minneapolis, a clinic that serves low-income families.

Kangaroo Korner is offering Clean readers 25% off of any purchase of Kangaroo Korner brand items during the month of April. Please use coupon code "April25%".

Babywearing Celebration Day 1: Your Cheek on my Heart.

April 12, 2010March 17, 201885 Comments

My second daughter slept on my chest from the moment she was born. She screamed all the way home, in the car, from the hospital because she wanted to be near me. For months, she spent every nap and every night with her cheek on my chest.

When I look back I can see clearly why she fussed in slings, why I felt so uncomfortable too. I had bought a Moby wrap before she was born but had been too intimidated to try it out. Finally, I took her and the wrap to the shop. When the woman working there finished adjusting the baby and the wrap, all the tension left my body and everything felt so perfectly right. I opened up my shirt, turned her little head to the side and lay her cheek on my bare chest.

When my baby, was six weeks old our family moved to Ukraine. I felt like the only person in the country using a wrap — or carrying my baby. I was stared at. But the stares and the comments never made me feel uncomfortable. There was nothing better than having this baby next to my heart.

I walked my older daughter to school every morning. There were 180 stairs between our apartment and the school. With my little child on my chest, I quickly lost all the baby weight — and more.

Even the French women at our school made comments — perhaps even more than the locals. Most believed that my baby would never walk — nor be a social, autonomous being.

How marveled when that spring, following a long winter, I let my baby down and she walked all over the schoolyard. Until then , they had only glimpsed her face and legs. But when she emerged, the community was astonished and full of love for this little being who had spent the previous twelve months in a warm cocoon listening to her mama's heartbeat and blocking out the sounds of distrust. I doubt any of them decided to wear their future babies, but I am sure many still tell the tale of the cocoon baby.

My daughter continued to sleep "on me" until recently. Even after my mastectomy, nearly two years ago, I managed to find ways for her to be on my chest. Now, at four and a half, she is too heavy to lay there. It was a bittersweet night when I knew she would never say, "I want on you," again. But she still opens up my shirt and lays her cheek on my bare heart.

MamaShift, Vilnius, Lithuania

Welcome to the LuSa Organics Babywearing Celebration! The response to this joyful week has been astounding. I am so grateful for all who submitted or donated their writing, photos, baby carriers, materials, information, and support. Thanks to all who's eyes are here this day!

I am of the mind that wearing your child is nothing short of magical. Babywearing promotes bonding. Facilitates multitasking. Soothes fussy babies. Eases the life of multi-child parents. Connects your child with their world. Promotes healthy communication. Is simple (after you learn a few basic steps). Is affordable. Is low-impact. Is good for your body. Is phenomenal for your baby. And it is as old as humanity.

And babywearing has been getting a bad wrap lately (pun intended). The CPSC recently released a statement discouraging sling use for children under four months of age after several infants died in a poorly made, poorly designed carrier.

The age-old practice of wearing babies with a proven track record of safety and innumerable benefits has been underminded a bit by a single, cheap carrier. I mourn for the families effected, and also worry about new parents who are now confused about the safety of babywearing. This week we intend to clear that confusion and inspire you to pull out that carrier you've been nervous to use (or perhaps buy or make a new one). And we'll be showing off some beautiful babes while we're at it.

Is Babywearing Safe?

Yes. If you choose a good carrier and learn to use it properly. It's easier than installing your car seat properly, I promise you that. And I'd bet money that your newborn will take the carrier option over the car seat if given the choice every time.

For those of you with reservations on babywearing's inherent safety, Mothering Magazine is a perennial resource on all things mama, baby, and child. (If you don't have a subscription yet get on it! I'll be here when you get back. I mean it. Go. This magazine changed my life.) Mothering Magazine responded eloquently to the CPSC, and I will refer you to their response which includes six bullet points for fool-proof safe babywearing. Throughout the week's posts we'll address getting your child accustom to your carrier, safe wearing tips, making your own wrap or sling, and we'll share some amazing online resources for babywearing.

The Giveaways

Today we are hosting three giveaways. One lucky winner will receive a Moby Wrap. This was my favorite everyday carrier for the first six months of Lupine's in-arms-life and along with Booty Balm is a favorite gift for new families. I LOVED my Moby. Love, love, love.

Another winner will receive the babywearing DVD Tummy2Tummy. This marvelous DVD teaches proper use of four different carrier styles (ring slings, pouches, asian carriers, and simple fabric carriers). I used this DVD to perfect use of my sling, my mai tai, and my Moby. It was indispensable.

A third winner will receive a digital copy of Mothering Magazine's Babywearing 101. This, too, is a fantastic, well written resource for new parents and experienced babywearers alike. We read it, used it, and shared it many times.

Comments are closed. I'll announce winners later this week!

Moby Wrap

The Moby Wrap fits into a category of carrier I'll refer to as stretchy wraps. Made of jersey (heavy tee-shirt type fabric), they have a gentle stretch and give, making it easy to get a little one in and out of the wrap and making them forgiving and comfortable for the adult. I've worn Lupine in some amazing holds in a stretchy wrap – both front and back, facing in and (at home) facing out. Most of the time she was simply asleep on my breast, nuzzled in against my heart.

My Moby was my uniform for six months and I can't imagine that time without it. I've since passed it along to friends, who enjoyed it and passed it onto friends, who again used and passed along the wrap to another family. I occasionally have the pleasure of seeing other cute babes snuggled into our carrier and recall Lupine and I spent our loving days together, heart to heart when she was small. Four babies and counting? Not bad for a $35.00 investment.

I interviewed the folks at Moby Wrap about their carrier, benefits of babywearing, and tips for newbies.

Clean: What makes your carrier one of the best?

Moby: A Moby Wrap is a long piece of ultra soft, breathable cotton that is wrapped around the wearer to create a safe, custom-fitted and versatile baby carrier. Wrapping around both shoulders and the entire back, the Moby Wrap evenly distributes baby's weight making it comfortalbe to carry baby for long periods of time. All Moby Wraps are machine washable and provide one-size versatility. There are no buckles, snaps, or other fasteners, making a Moby Wrap simple and convenient.

Clean: Why do you believe caregivers should wear their babies?

Moby: Babywearing helps a baby develop a strong and secure attachment to parents. It meets baby's security needs: baby can feel, smell, hear, and see their parent. Babywearing communicates to children that they are loved, safe, secure, and cared for. It is a naturally soothing baby tranquilizer which helps fussy and tired infants fall asleep. It lowers the levels of stress in the infant and parent. It enables parents to accomplish their day to day activities while maintaining close physical contact with their babies.

Clean: Any tips for beginners?

Moby: The best time to start putting your baby in a carrier is when he is happy, fed, and rested. Use gentle movements to soothe baby. It is best to walk or slowly sway than to remain still. Always use your senses to be aware of baby. Look, listen, and feel baby.

Moby is offering 15% off your entire purchase at www.mobywrap.com. Use coupon code cleanmoby before April 25, 2010.

Your Stories, Your Poems.

Thanks to each and everyone of you who opened your hearts and shared your stories, your thoughts, and your images. We were all so touched. I put four friends to work reading your contributions (thanks ladies!) and I dare say we all cried. Frequently. If anyone has a creative way for us to share every entry let me know. (I am wanting the literary equivalent of Flickr.).

They were so lovely that it was nearly impossible to choose just five. In fact, I didn't. Today I selected two. And we'll have a bonus Haiku day (so feel free to submit to your heart's content. Please title your email "Haiku" to simplify my sifting process.)

Today we begin and end with a reader submission. I can relate to Meg and the feeling of expectations and life turned upside down with a first child.

Love to all.

~ Rachel

Baby Carrying, by Meg Grant

I wish I could say baby wearing came to me from a place of love and warmth, rather than its true source…desperation. My first baby, Ava, took all of what I expected life with an infant to be and turned it upside down. She rarely slept, ceased to stop crying, and never simply relaxed. After many days of insanity, I finally asked my pediatrician what to do and his callous response was, “well, you need to remember who the parent is, you’re letting this baby dictate your life.”

Crestfallen, downhearted, and angry barely describes how I felt leaving that office. I could not believe he actually said what he said and could not understand how, as a new mother, my baby should not dictate my life. She was two weeks old, for goodness sake. I walked home in tears, along with Ava who was supremely quiet. The moment I stopped walking, she would scream. This was probably the closest I’ve ever come to an epiphany, with the realization that movement was the only way to soothe her. I raced home and opened the carrier I purchased, never really sure I would use it. I strapped it on myself and put a very calm Ava in, holding my breath. Not a peep, not a scream, just a quiet, content baby. For the rest of that day, I found myself overwhelmed by the freedom the carrier provided while simultaneously allowing me to be close to this little creature. It was truly the first time I relaxed as a new mother. I accepted that this beautiful baby was forever going to dictate my life, a fate that I was more than happy to accept.

It is hard to believe, but that little baby is turning six soon and I have two other little babies that I have been lucky enough to carry. With my second baby, Lillian, carrying her was a necessity; Ava was only nineteen months when she was born and I quickly learned a toddler waits for nothing. Lily lived in the carrier a good portion of the day and in the quiet moments of bedlam, the love and warmth I felt from her soft breath and quiet coos on my chest got me through the day.

Today I sit here writing this while my nine week old son, Oliver, sleeps soundly. I have since updated my baby carrier to the Moby Wrap, which is my new accessory I wear with pride. Although the carrier has changed, my feelings of carrying these precious babies has remained the same. I am a better mother because my hands are free, my heart is warm, and my baby is happy when I have them close to my heart.

Call for Submissions: Your Babywearing Stories; Your Babywearing Photos.

April 1, 2010March 17, 201812 Comments

Update April 12,2010: The Babywearing Celebration is now going on. Go here to see the latest posts, read stories, and enter your name for the giveaways.

For those of you new to Clean, welcome!
Take a look around. We think you'll love it here. We post daily on
natural cooking, baking, crafting, and homeschooling.

We're hosting a Babywearing Celebration. Every day during the week of April 12 we'll have a safe, comfortable carrier or two to give away (see list at bottom of post) plus other babywearing resources. To you! Just for popping by.

We will also be posting five reader stories, (or poems, prose, essays, haiku, etc.) on Clean. Stories that illuminate the simple magic of wearing your little one. What it means to you – or to them.

Was babywearing an important part of your journey in becoming a mother or father?

Did it affect your experience as a grandparent, nanny, aunt, or uncle?

Did wearing your little one ease a painful time or allow you a joyful adventure?

What did you see in the child you wore that spoke to your heart?

Has babywearing changed your life?

Share your story. Inspire us. The five selected essays will be published on Clean the week of April 12 and the author will receive a $25 LuSa Organics gift certificate. Oh, and fame and glory. Plenty of fame and glory. I have no requirement on length or style. Bring it on in whatever way inspires you. To submit your story email it to: rachel <at> lusaorganics <dot> com. Deadline is April 9th. Deadline extended to April 11th, 12pm CST! Reader submissions are now closed.

And photos! Sweet babywearing photos.

I expect ya'll are getting tired of seeing Lupine and I allover this blog by now. I want your photos! They needn't be professional. Just photos of ordinary people wearing their kids. Upload them to our flickr page and I'll begin sharing them throughout the month of April here on Clean (or send them via email to rachel <at> lusaorganics <dot> com.) (If the photo is not of you and your child, please get permission before submitting.)

Edited: For more up-to-date information (including a schedule for giveaways) go here.

Thanks everyone for the great response the babywearing celebration is receiving. I can't wait to read and share your stories. So far we have the following giveaways lined up:

Mothering Magazine subscription,

3 copies of Babywearing 101,

Over the Shoulder Baby Holder

five copies of Tummy 2 Tummy babywearing DVD,

a carrier from Kangaroo Korner,

a carrier from Happy Bambino,