In order to better get to know the volunteer educators for Patuxent Babywearing, we will be featuring an interview with a different volunteer every week.
This week’s volunteer spotlight is Kristin Emerson!
Name: Kristin Emerson
Children: Max – 5, Maren – 3, Ian – 10m
Meetings attended: Odenton
How did you discover babywearing?
YouTube! It was winter of 2010 and I had a brand-new baby. He was high needs and I was stuck inside holding him all day, every day. And then I realized Meredith Sinclair, one of my favorite video-makers on YouTube, was local to me at the time, and was starting up a babywearing group. I started attending meetings and was hooked.
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What is your favorite type of carrier (wraps/ ring slings/ SSCs/ MDs, etc.) and why?
I love wraps because they are the ultimate all-in-one, any age carrier. I’m the first to admit that they take some dedication to learn to use, though. For that reason, I’m a big fan of wrap-strap meh dais, which have much the same feel as a wrap but are easier to learn to use. What is your favorite carrier you have owned?
I have this one old dyed orange Didymos Prima* that I wore all the time with my now-5-year-old. I sold it when churning up my wrap stash for the arrival of my second baby. Out of the blue a few months ago (3.5 years later), the original buyer contacted me and offered it back. She’d carried two babies in it and was no longer using it. I was thrilled to have it back to use with my second son, who is now 10 months old. There’s a lot of love in that Didy. |
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With three kids 5 and under, babywearing is a great tool. We’ve never needed a double stroller, even with two under 2. I mostly wear my kids when we’re out and about – it’s at least one less kid to keep track of!
Wrap! Hands-down. Not only is it a carrier, it’s a blanket, a way to secure a kid without a high chair, um..a tourniquet?…a hammock….still thinking…
I love to teach! My “day job” is teaching college writing, and it seems like as soon as I learn something new, I MUST start teaching others to do it, too. I also see so many new parents struggling in their new roles, and I remember how much babywearing helped me feel more in control of that chaotic phase of life.Is there anything babywearing related you are still learning or looking forward to improving?
Every baby is different! Each of my three have/had definite preferences on when and how to be carried, though all three benefited from it. I look forward to learning every day for the rest of the time I wear my little ones.
I have a Master’s in English Literature and I am a perpetual student. I also love to sew and do crafty things.Thanks for sharing Kristin! We are super lucky you moved to our area!
*Please note, the formerly culturally appropriative name of this design has been changed to Prima.
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