Thursday, Oct. 4 — International Babywearing Week — held Oct. 8 to 14 around the world — is sponsored by Babywearing International, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote babywearing as a universally accepted practice, and TheBabywearer.com, an Internet babywearing information resource.

Babywearing simply means carrying a baby or young child on one’s body using a cloth baby carrier.

Babywearing clubs across the country and around the world are commemorating the week with special events and activities. Here in Susanville, Emily Strength, owner of Blessed Babies and Bellies Boutique, will host several free events during Babywearing Week.

The schedule includes:

•A babywearing walk down the Bizz Johnson Trail at 11 a.m. today, Monday, Oct. 8,

•A Babywearing 101 workshop held at the Party and Main store at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, and

•A play date held at Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11. 

“Even if you don't have a baby carrier or are pregnant, you're welcome to come and learn more about ways to comfortably and safely wear your baby or toddler,” said Strength.

According to Strength, some carriers are more comfortable than others. She said even the popular carriers commonly sold in retail stores could be uncomfortable if used incorrectly.

Strength also wants people to know the term babywearing can be a bit misleading. She said “carriers are great for toddlers too because it’s much easier to carry a quick-footed toddler through the store on your back than worry about them running off.”

For more information about Babywearing International, Inc. visit thebabywearer.com. For more information about babywearing outings and to learn how to wear your baby or toddler safely and comfortably, call Strength at 310-0634 or stop by Blessed Babies and Bellies Boutique located inside Party and Main (next to The Health Nut) in Susanville.