Get to know Liz!
Hi! I'm 24 and was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. I joined the Air Force out of high school and got stationed in CA after basic training. Only a few weeks later I met my husband and less than a year later we were married. Shortly after I became pregnant with our son and left the military. Since my husband was (and still is) active duty we remained in CA which is where our babywearing journey begins...
How were you introduced to babywearing?
When Sonshine was born we had been given a Snugli. I wore him a total of twice in it and both times was extremely uncomfortable so I never picked it up again When he was about 5 months old, while I was look into cloth diapers I stumbled upon carriers and decided to give an Ergo a try.
How has babywearing changed your life?
Around the same time I got my Ergo my husband deployed. I was a young new mother who suddenly had to take my baby EVERYWHERE. He was too heavy for his infant carseat but hated sitting in carts so I wore him. It amazed me (and others) how calm he was and would often fall asleep while we were shopping. I decided to look into this babywearing stuff more and later got a mei tai from Nuzzleme Creations. I got a wrap eventually but got frustrated with it and it was left untouched for a long time. I became pregnant with Rosie and delved even deeper into the babywearing world just soaking in information. I decided to dive into wraps and bought a few different ones and a ring sling and practiced with Sonshine. I discovered with the right support and practice wrapping was comfortable, fun and easy. We moved to South Georgia back in October and was asked to speak at the Moody (AFB) Mommas meeting about babywearing. There was so much interest I began the South Georgia Babywearers and start having playdates, helping organize local events and teaching moms all about babywearing!
What's your favorite carry/carrier?
O My! I'm not sure I could pick just one!! I default to Double Hammock or Ruck carries most days. I always have trouble picking which wrap though since I truly do love everything I have!
What's currently in your stash?
I currently have a Beco Butterfly II "Ever", Nuzzleme Creations UMC MT, BBSlen Pineapple Med. WC Ring Sling, Didymos Pink Punkte 2, Oscha Starry Night Raven 2, Didymos FHI 4, Girasol Snow Rainbow 4, Natibaby Grey Silk Dandies 4, Hoppediz Timbuktu 6, Didymos OS Lago dyed Plumberry 6, Ellevill Zara Origional dyed hot pink 6, Oscha Roses Aphrodite 6, Oscha Starry Night Orchid 6, EasyCare Prism 6, Natibaby Lutea Sky 6, Natibaby Green/White Tulips 7, Wrapsody Bali Breeze "Presley", Wrapsody "Stella" and an Oscha Roses Eros Toy Sling. I know my stash is currently quite large but both my husband and I wear them plus I teach and I know that my local babywearers really appreciate being able to try out different fabrics, styles and sizes.
What has been your biggest babywearing struggle?
I'm not really sure...I did struggle as I mentioned before with wraps before really learning how to wrap. I struggle with any negativity that comes my way too. I handle it but that doesn't mean it doesn't bother me.
What do you wish everyone knew about babywearing?
OMG it makes life SO much easier! I've survived two deployments, a tdy, and taking two kids ANYWHERE all because of babywearing! I wish everyone knew that babywearing can be super comfy, easy and fun! There are two things that solve 99% of the cries or meltdowns in my house and that's milkies and uppies! <3
