Babywearing International of Chicagoland was created by merging City Slingers of Chicago with the Lake County Babywearers in January 2011. Lake County Babywearers was founded in May 2007. Here is some information about our Volunteer Babywearing Educators (VBE’s) and BWI Chicagoland Board Members:
Colleen – VBE Meeting Leader & Board President
I am a stay at home mom to two beautiful spirited girls, at 5 and 3 years old their babywearing days are growing less frequent all the time but I’ve got another due in January! Babywearing is in my blood…my parents used a snuggli to continue on with their life when my brother and I were little; and my husband and I use all types of carriers now that we are parents. My youngest was a high needs baby and was worn from day one. We started with a Maya ring sling and quickly moved on to Mei Tai’s, pouches, buckle carriers and wraps. I found out late in my babywearing days with my oldest, that I’m a wrapper, and that my youngest at six months was no longer a wrap fan. We have used our Ergo so much it needs to be replaced!
I co-lead the BWI Chicagoland because babywearing has been instrumental in my parenting and I want everyone to reap the amazing benefits of wearing their baby while skipping as much frustration as possible!
Heather – VBE Meeting Leader & Board Vice-President
I am a stay at home mom to two little boys, (6 and 3 years old). My babywearing journey really took off with the birth of our second son. With our first, I used a baby bjorn and linen ringsling. When our second was born, learning about the other carrier options really saved my life and sanity. Babywearing made it much easier to chase around an energetic toddler. I’ve found that although I like wrapping and ringslings, we’re really a mei tai and buckle carrier family. My three year old still gets worn frequently on my back, while doing anything from shopping, walking back and forth to the bus stop, to hiking in the mountains. I’m glad you found this blog and hope you find the entries and support useful and inspiring, as I have. I also want to say thank you to Kristy Garceau photography for use of the top photo. She takes phenomenal baby and babywearing photos, and her website is HERE.
Tabitha – VBE Meeting Leader & Board Member
I’m a stay at home mom to my 2 year old son, an 12 year old daughter, and a 15 year old stepson. I started wearing my son in a Moby which was perfect for the little baby snuggling. I loved being able to wear him and keep him close. He had colic and wearing him helped so much. He loved being able to cuddle right up to my chest, listen to my heartbeat and fall asleep. I then branched out and bought a woven wrap once my little guy was too big for the Moby. I’ve also used mei tais, buckle carriers and ring slings. I’m still partial to wovens because they are so versatile, great for cuddling and so supportive. I still wear my youngest everyday usually in a backwrap on my back (when we walk the dog, do the dishes) in a front carry (great for snuggling when we’re outside watching my oldest son play football), or in a ring sling (for quick shopping trips) I love being a co-leader of the BWI Chicagoland because I love spreading the babywearing love to other parents and caregivers.
Janelle – VBE Meeting Leader & Board Treasurer
Hyacynth – VBE Meeting Leader & Group Linguistics
A mother of two little boys and wife to her very own babywearing husband, Hyacynth has been wearing her children since her oldest was just a week old. She loves babywearing because it is practical, beautiful and helpful. She began her stint as co-leader of the Lake County Babywearings in 2008 alongside of Colleen, who, interestingly enough, introduced her to babywearing. 
Hyacynth writes about babywearing, attachment parenting, faith and life as a mother and wife at her blog Undercover Mother.
In her spare time, she owns a Curves, writes a parenting column and does dishes.
Marion – VBE and Babywearing Industry Alliance
Hi, I’m Marion, mom to four kids ages 2.5, 6, 8 and 11. My husband and I have been babywearing for almost 10 years, starting with a vintage Snugli and ending with our current small rotation of short wraps and buckle carriers.
Using babywearing skills and carriers has gotten our family through colic, preemies, sickness, toddler tantrums, ADHD meltdowns, car break-downs, Christmas plays, family reunions, airport security, parent-teacher conferences and many, many grocery trips. But babywearing has also allowed our family to do many things you ordinarily might not try to accomplish with four small kids. Multi-day hiking trips, museums, zoos, public transportation, stroller-less shopping, camping, marathons, volunteering with charities, cold-weather sports, crowded concerts and lots of outdoor exercise.
I love to share how using baby carriers and babywearing skills enables a family to go out, explore and make new memories together rather than always staying home in their comfort zone. Learning to wear your kids is amazing tool in the parenting toolbox, even when most of your kids aren’t babies anymore!
Rachel Dreyer- VBE
I’m a stay at home mom to 6 amazing kids, ages 10 yrs to 10 months. I started my babywearing journey with a Bjorn right after my oldest was born. He went everywhere in that carrier with us. After a few months, when he was much bigger, I knew there had to be something more comfortable available. We eventually found ringslings and pouches. When my daughter was born 2 years later, I soon discovered wraps and mei tais. With each child I would find something new to try. I love learning about babywearing across history and different cultures. I can’t even say I have a favorite carrier since I love them all. Babywearing has become a very important part of my life. Without it I would have a very difficult time meeting the needs of everyone in my home. It also allows us to get out as a family and do things with 6 young children like hiking, geocaching and other fun trips. I’m really excited to join BWI Chicagoland as a VBE and share my knowledge and love of babywearing with others.
Susan Field- VBE
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