Did you know that it is International Baby Wearing Week (IBW)?  I have spent all week trying to post something about this but have been so flat out that I haven’t had a chance.  So, here it is, 9pm on a Friday night and I’m finally getting to it. 

The theme for International Baby Wearing Week’s ninth annual celebration is Threaded Together. The inspiration for the theme comes from the many different threads that, when combined through the weaving process, form all of the carriers we use. All of these individual threads, once woven, create a material in the same way individuals and groups worldwide come together to create a global baby wearing community.

When I look back at my own baby wearing journey, I am filled with a multitude of emotions.  There have been times when baby wearing has been the only thing that has gotten me through the day.  Occasions when baby wearing has allowed me to get things done.  Times when baby wearing has calmed and soothed my tired / cranky / teething / overwhelmed baby and times when it has soothed me.  I have made a multitude of friends through carrying my children and I know that these friendships will last through the ages.  I think the best was when another school mum introduced herself to me by say “Your middle marker is on point love.” lol That one certainly cheered me when I was still feeling lost and alone after moving the kids to a new school and missing my mums circle at our old school.  I have felt so much love while carrying my babies and will carry that with me always.

My own journey started nearly 12 years ago and at the time I knew very little about being a parent.  In fact, this time 12 years ago, my first child was already overdue and I was anxiously awaiting his arrival.  I had my terry flats for his bum, I had clothes, I had a bassinet, I had a pram.  What I didn’t have was a carrier and I had no idea on what to look for either. In those days before Master B arrived, I went looking and ended up with a carrier from my local big box store that  looked like it ticked all the boxes.  The box said it would work from newborn and would allow me to wear my bub facing out. It looked perfect.  Mr Nest and I discussed it.  It fit the budget.  He agreed he would wear it and so it came home. 

When my little man finally decided to make his entrance to the world I was busting to get home and try out my new carrier.  Unfortunately, it put pressure on my ceasar wound and I found it uncomfortable.  Never mind, I thought!  Once the wound heals I can start wearing my bub.  But even after the wound healed, I still found the carrier uncomfortable and awkward to wear.  Weeks turned to months and I was consistently opting for the pram instead.  Finally, I decided to try another carrier.  This one stated that it had soft, wide straps designed to mould to the wearer and provide comfort whilst wearing.  As a bonus, I could also carry my bub on my back now that he was getting bigger!  So, this carrier came home and Mr Nest and I excitedly ripped it out of its box and took it for a spin.  Unfortunately I, once again, found it uncomfortable and was unable to wear my little man for anything more than half an hour before I was in pain.  Soon I was turning back to the pram and resigning myself that baby wearing just wasn’t for me.

When number 2 arrived, I had learned a little more and had friend who baby wore as well.  I decided to try a ring sling and a stretchy wrap. I loved them!  I was able to wear my little lady within days of leaving the hospital and having her close meant that I could still do all the things with my toddler that I wanted to.  As she out grew her stretchy, I reached for the ring sling more and even investigated hip carriers with masses of success.  Yippee, it wasn’t me!  It was merely the carrier I had been using. I was over the moon and loved the bond that carrying her close created.

Fast forward seven years to Master K making his appearance and I had learnt so much more.  I knew that I wanted to hold my bub close and with two older kids who needed school runs and play dates, I had to find something that worked.  I no longer had the carriers I had used with the big kids so it was  time for a new one.  I had researched and investigated.  I looked at carriers on and off the market.   I eventually decided that the Close Parent Caboo was the one for me.  It’s gorgeous, stretchy, organic cotton and ease of use meant that I would be able to do quick on and offs.  it held my little one in the optimal position for both of our comfort and it came in our family’s favourite colour – purple.  So, into Nest I trotted and ordered one in for myself.  When Master K arrived, my Caboo was in my hospital bag.  It was amazing!  When I started back at the shop, Master K was with me and tucked up safe and sound in the Caboo. He would stay snuggled close to my chest all day and it was easy for me to feed him while still chatting with mums and dads to be.  When I needed to take him out, it was simply a matter of loosening off the rings and sliding him up.  I remember him being such a chilled bubba (such a rambunctious toddler now!) and he would often go through hours just snoozing on my chest while I chatted nappies.  

Vashti is wearing her Caboo while chatting nappies for the Australian Nappy Association at the Green Heart Fair

When he finally out grew our Caboo, I will admit that I shed a tear or two but I was also excited about what other options were available to me.  I have been lucky enough to test some amazing wraps and carriers over the last three years and have had several wraps come visit me (an awesome way to make friends near and far <3).  These days we no longer baby wear.  Master K has decided that he is too much of a big boy and loves to walk instead.  We have once again moved our carriers on and I am happy to say that our beloved Caboo went on to snuggle another gorgeous little man when we gifted it to our nanny when she fell pregnant.

So, what does all this have to do with Nest now?  Well, I have a gorgeous Caboo + Cotton in the limited edition Orla design to give away in celebration of IBW.  All you have to do is like our Facebook or Instagram pages, leave a review for a product that you have used on our website and promise to leave a review for the Caboo once you have used it and comment below with your Face Book or Instagram name and which product you reviewed here on our website. 

Close Parent Caboo + Cotton in Limited Edition Orla

If you just can’t wait to see if you are a winner, we are doing 15% off all carriers* until Sunday 8th of October.  Head over and check them out now!

If you wanted to meet other baby wearers and try some different carriers, why not check out your local Baby Wearing Group.  If you are in Brisbane this weekend, come along and join the Mega Meet on Sunday at Roma Street Parklands.  There will be tons of lucky door prizes and even a couple from us.

The Giveaway Fine Print

– this comp is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Facebook, Instagram or any other platform except for Nest Nappies
– the prize is not redeemable for cash

– whilst this carrier is in new, unused condition, it will come with no packaging
– postage is the responsibility of the winner

– winner will be drawn by Nest Nappies on Friday 13th of October 2017
– winner will be drawn at random
– winner must be a follower of Nest Nappies on Instagram or like Nest Nappies on Facebook

– winner must have left a review for any product on the Nest Nappies website and / or be prepared to leave a review for the Caboo +
– Nest Nappies has the final say
– sharing isn’t required but is appreciated
– this is not a competition of skill, although we love hearing about your experiences with your little one

* discount only available on in stock carriers and not valid with any other offer.