This is a great group! I found them online when I was looking to buy a new carrier after my second child was born. There were so many choices and I had no idea what I wanted! I have attended meetings almost every month for the past year and I have been able to try many different carriers. The leaders are phenomenal! They are dedicated to helping you learn and being safe in the process. They work in small groups at the meetings to work with all different types of carriers and skill levels. They also give one on one attention! I have received many compliments on the different carriers I have been able to try and I always recommend this group as a great starting point for anyone interesting in looking into babywearing or wanting to try a new carrier before investing any money.
This amazing group of dedicated volunteer baby wearing educators and other babywearing members have been a huge blessing to me . Due to various complications, i was unable to breastfeed my baby and was desperate to find a way to bond with my daughter. I found out about this group online and asked for help.The leaders and other members were very helpful and incredibly kind. I felt welcomed right away.They have always been patient with any questions related to babywearing and go over and beyond in helping those who seek help. I have had all my questions answered and have found an incredible way to bond with my child through baby wearing. I also find the baby wearing meetings helpful and have benefitted from the lending library program. Living in Chicago, I know it would have been impossible for me to navigate public transport if it wasn't for babywearing since we don't own a car. I have recommended this group to several of my friends who have also been encouraged to wear their babies closer and develop a secure bond with them. As a first time mom that often encounters a lot of challenges and some judgement from other moms , Babywearing International of Chicagoland stand out as something different. It is my safe place where i can not only ask my questions, and have them answered , but find a community of mothers who are warm, and welcome you and cheer you on on the journey of motherhood with Babywearing as the link that connects us.
I want to give a shout out to the ladies in the Grayslake Chapter. When I found out I was going to be a grandma, I looked into babywearing to learn more about it. When I heard that there were free meetings I could attend, I went to it as soon as possible. The ladies were quite helpful in answering all my questions and I got to try on the various carriers and doll which helped a lot. I told my daughter about it and she came as well. She has a wrap, sling and kindercarry which would have never happened if we hadn't have had the chance to talk to these knowledgeable ladies. Thanks fo r all you do and keep up the great work!!
When I found this group back in 2011, I was in desperate need of help. I was using a flannel mei tai I had bought off of Etsy and was frustrated with the carrier in terms of use and safety. The leaders and the other members of the group helped me immensely. If I hadn't found this group, I either would have given up on babywearing in general or, surely, would have continued using unsafe baby carriers. Three years later, I'm now a leader with the same group and only hope that I help people who need it just like I was helped years ago.
What a wonderful group of moms, volunteers, people in general. I have turned to this group many times for babywearing help, advice, and support and I'm constantly amazed at the level of care this group takes in responding to the needs of its members. The VBEs are generous with their time and talent, and maintain an impressive "library" of carriers while also making sure that everyone who comes to a meeting or event leaves feeling knowledgable and empowered. Fantastic organization all around!
