November 12th kicks off the start of International Babywearing Week and is brought to you by the nonprofit Babywearing International Inc. and TheBabywearer.com.  The theme for this years inaugural event is Celebrate Babywearing.  Visit Babywearing International this week to nominate your favorite babywearing advocate or group.  There are several contests to enter with $2,400.oo in prizes given away.  You can also find babywearing organizations near you.

Tell us how you plan to celebrate International Babywearing Week, and register to win a free pair of BabyLegs.

• Find a local Nine In Nine Out (NINO) Group.  This organization promotes babywearing to families and health care providers.  Their website contains details on how to find or start a local NINO group.
• Contact your local La Leche Group.  These women are committed to breastfeeding and the well being of babies.  Many La Leche Groups have enrichment meetings once a month where they discuss other topics beyond breastfeeding.
• Visit online baby forums.  Many online baby forums have local forums or specific babywearing forums.  Check out the Babywearer, Mothering, or the BabyCenter.  Join the group, post your own comments, and in no time you will be able to meet others in your area.
• Start your own babywearing group!  There is no better way to experiment with all the different types of baby carriers than to get together with supportive mommas interested in learning the same thing.  You can attract interest by posting notices at your local health food store, libraries, birth centers, etc.

Do you know of any other local groups?  Reply tour post and we will include them in our next local babywearing update. 

The Babywearer – This is hands down the best and most extensive resource for all of your babywearing needs.  Chat with other parents and find out what works for them, learn about the best types of baby carriers for special needs children, or having twins.  Post your own thread and undoubtedly you will have many responses and be on the way to being a part of a tight knit online  community. 

Mothering – This magazine is the go to for all of your mommy needs.  Find groups devoted to babywearing, parenting, natural family living, current mothering magazine issues, gentle discipline, pregnancy, dads, birth, breastfeeding, nutrition, vaccinations, and activism.  This is our absolute favorite all around parenting resource.

Babywearing Yahoo Group – This is a great resource for parents interested in all aspects of babywearing.

Traditional Baby Carriers Yahoo Group – Yet another online community devoted to babywearing. This group focuses on traditional carriers such as the rebozo, manta, mei tai, amautik, and more!

Do you know of another online parenting resource?  Respond to our post and we will include it in our next La Stella Blu write up.