“Can I get a fit-check please?”

Covid brought a halt to babywearing group meets around the world and took babywearing consultants into a virtual workplace. Retail stores closed.

The shift in babywearing groups was visible almost overnight: parents were only able to shop for baby carriers online, with no opportunities to try before purchasing or receive face-to-face guidance in their use.

Our news feeds increased in requests for fit-checks and trouble shooting. Posts apologising for the mess in the background, the clothes people wore, how tired they looked. But what experienced babywearers and educators wanted to see was often obscured by inadvertent hand placement, camera angles or just not photographed at all!

So here are some tips:

Ask a helper to take the photos: your partner, older child or friend.

Use the selfie mode or other timer feature and prop your phone against something so you can use it hands-free. "Hey Google, take a selfie" might change your life!

Find a well-lit space inside or light shade outside. A blank wall behind you will help.

Capture different angles so we can see key areas. Keep your hands off the carrier.

Wear something which clearly contrasts with your carrier. Black on black is really hard to photograph. Try a third colour for your baby's clothing so we can identify their legs easily.

Coming along to a babywearing meet is always going to be the best way to get personalised help. Or meet us at @bumblebeemarkets !