So, where do you start? First of all, you'd want to make sure this is what you really want to do. Becoming a babywearing educator is donating your time, effort and love for babywearing to others who are interested or desperately need it. You also need to figure out what you are prepared to put into it as far as time and effort and decide if that is enough to have a group going. Do you want a play date like setting? Are you interested in the structure of an official group? Is BWI for you? These are all things to evaluate and go from there as far as the direction you want to go in. Also, are you a member of Thebabywearer.com? If not, join. Its free and there are a lot of resources there.
Now to the big stuff. What should you know about babywearing to be an effective educator? I'm not going to lie, it's kind of a lot. It's especially a lot for someone who isn't familiar or comfortable with each type of carrier option there is. To start, you want to be familiar with the basic safety that includes all types of carriers. You may already be familiar with them but in case you aren't, get yourself familiar with "TICKS" and the ABC's of babywearing. Some of those are a little repetitive, but they are important.
Now, as far as each type of carrier and what you should know. It is always good to practice yourself with your baby or with a demo doll. Practicing is especially important because yes, you can learn from a youtube video, but you'll still likely fumble when it comes to trying it until you do it a few times. You also want to be confidence in what you are teaching and having done it at least a few times will help you have that confidence rather than showing something you have only seen videos of rather than done yourself.
Stretchy wraps:
You want to know the safety information for these and why that is important for safety. For example, a stretchy wrap is only safe for front carries. It is also so long because multiple layers are needed for adequate support. Stretchy wraps such as the Moby have a weight limit on them of around 35 pounds. That is what they are tested to hold up to at least that, however, many find they start to sag and become less supportive somewhere between 15-20 pounds. A stretchy wrap is commonly used with a PWCC (Pocket Wrap Cross Carry) which can be pre tied and the baby popped right in. You'll need to be comfortable with doing and teaching a PWCC for a stretchy wrap.
Ring Slings:
A ring sling can be safely used for a front, hip and back carry depending on the baby's level of development. Front from newborn, hip from assisted sitter and back starting at an unassisted sitter. A back carry in a ring sling is considered an advanced skill. It should not be done by someone who is new to ring slings or has a small baby. There are a lot of great videos out there to learn about how to use a ring sling. Here is one that I made which shows a front carry. I'd also recommend any made by Babywearing Faith or Wrapping Rachel as well. It is important to feel comfortable showing at least the front and hip carry, but the back carry as well is a plus. You are bound to have someone who is set on doing a back carry with a ring sling and it's better for them to learn from someone who knows so they can do it safely.
Woven Wrap:
A woven wrap is great from newborn up through toddlerhood and can be safely used in front, hip and back carries depending on baby's level of development as well as the wrapper's experience and comfort level. Woven wrap carries that I've found I teach often are: Front Wrap Cross Carry (FWCC), PWCC (Pocket Wrap Cross Carry), Rebozo, A hip carry such as Coolest, Robin's or Popins Hip Carry, Secure High Back Carry (SHBC), Double Hammock (DH), Rucksack and Reinforced Rear Rebozo Rucksack (RRRR). Knowing a variety of carries that can be done with different size options is great because there will be people who are either intimidated by a longer wrap or have already gotten a mid or shorter length wrap and need to make it work. Being able to offer them a front, hip and back carry option for a long and shorter/mid wrap depending on their needs is really important.
Mei Tai (Asian Inspired Carrier):
A MT can be used from newborn up to toddler for most with some modification for smaller babies and is most ideal for a baby that is an assisted sitter. It is a great option if there will be multiple wearers like mom and dad so there is no readjusting between different people and can be easier to use for those who aren't as comfortable with woven wraps. It can be used in a front, hip and back carry depending on baby's level of development. Knowing how to do all 3 positions is important.
Soft Structured Carriers (SSC):
A SSC can be used from newborn through toddler hood with some modification/available insert for smaller babies and ideal for a baby that is an unassisted sitter. All can be used in a front and back carry, and those that the shoulder straps buckle can be used in a hip carry as well. Knowing each position is important as well as playing with adjustments to get familiar with the all the buckles and clipping the chest clip.
