We are always learning

I recently discovered this treasure in amongst old family photos. Christmas 1987, my daughter Kaitlyn in my trusty Nursing Mothers' Meh Tai. One of just a couple of photos of me wearing my own babies.

My second thought on seeing it was "Oh dear!"

I hesitated about sharing it from fear I would be shamed over it not meeting any of the #babywearing safety guidelines I carefully explain to others. But here's the thing: TICKS were only developed in the past decade. There was no reference to the M position before the 2010s. We knew the position was good for babies. There were some narrow based harness style carriers around but we only discussed those from a discomfort aspect.

When we know better, we do better. Babywearing safety education is important but we are talking about airway protection and fall-hazard reduction: everything else is comfort.

Some photos of my daughter ... this beautiful baby ... and I grappling with wraps, ring slings and other carriers in the nearly 8 years since her first child was born are a bit cringe-worthy themselves! We are always learning. And that's okay. Carrying babies hands-free has been evolving for milliennia and this blip is barely on the timeline of humanity

Still, this photo brought tears to my eyes when I found it while going through my recently-lost father-in-law's photos for his funeral. Because his late wife captured an important memory, without realising its importance. And 33 years later, I discovered it!