International Babywearing Week – How about a giveaway?

Responding to Stephanie and the BICA’s Call to Action, I wrote the other day about what babywearing means to me.

And the response was awesome.  The response in the blogsphere and on Twitter has been tremendous.  Babywearing moms have risen up and voiced their VERY STRONG opinions on the threatened recall and the CPSC’s handling of the whole situation in general….which is shady.  There are nearly 150 links to blog posts on Stephanie’s blog and over 30 blog links on BICA’s Facebook page.  Not to mention the countless links that scroll by in my Twitter feed.

I have read countless stories.  I have laughed.  I have cried.  Oh, I have cried.  I have felt warm and fuzzy.  I have been angered.  I have scooped my baby up, kissed her, put her in her sling and held her close.

Because I can.

And, bonus, we’re getting the word out to folks who don’t know anything about babywearing.  A non-parent friend of mine commented that I’d taught her something in my post.

That is what we should be focused on – teaching.  A blog I read the other day talked about teaching instead of recalling.  And it got me thinking.  Why not offer mom-run babywearing classes?  I took a plethora of classes when I was pregnant.  I would have jumped at the chance to take a babywearing class.  Nothing too complex or long – just a few hours demonstrating various ways of wrapping and carrying.  How much better would we be preparing new moms if they were supported in this fashion?  We offer breastfeeding, car seat, and other safety courses.  Why not babywearing courses?

In any case, tomorrow marks the beginning of International Babywearing Week.  And what better way to kick it off a day early than with a fantastic, you don’t have to do a thing to get it, Babywearing giveaway?

Everyone knows (or should, anyway) that my favorite babywearing supplier is BabyEtte on Etsy.  Plus, it supports handmade, which is also another favorite of mine.  Beth, the delightful gal behind BabyEtte, is offering all my readers code for 15% off their entire order in her shop!! You read that right – the entire order – not just one item!

I have both a ring sling and a wrap from her and I love them.  I also have my eye on a water sling for summer and one of her fancy banded wraps for days I’m feeling, well, fancy.

I urge you to  buy one especially if you are a new mom or a seasoned mom who has never given babywearing a shot.  It’s never too late!  You can wear a toddler!  (ask Stephanie and Beth).  Or buy one for a mom-to-be or a mom you know who is always struggling with runaway toddlers or pesky strollers.  The possibilities are endless.

It’s International Babywearing Week and nothing would make me happier than to not only support handmade items but to know that more mamas are out there wearing their baby close to their heart.

The Details:

1. Visit BabyEtte on Etsy and pick out your favorite Ring Sling, Wrap or Babywearing Poncho.
2. In the checkout page, in the “Message to Seller” box enter the code 15BABY324.
3. After “Commit to Buy” WAIT for Beth to message you an updated invoice reflecting your discount before you pay her.
4. Anxiously await the speedy arrival of your gorgeous sling or wrap!

** This code expires December 22, 2010 so don’t delay!

*** Wraps and Ring Slings make excellent Christmas presents.  Just sayin’.

If you want double the fun, Beth is hosting her very own giveaway at her blog!  Write your best babywearing story, tale, comment, etc in the comments for a chance to win a $44 gift card!

Some Helpful (and Interesting) Links:

• Stephanie’s Call For Bloggers (and another giveaway!)
• Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Position Paper on Babywearing
• Baby Carrier Industry Alliance Call to Bloggers
• When the Watchdog Goes Awry: The CPSC’s Misguided Assault on Slings
• Babywearing Discussion on Twitter