RIVER CITY SLINGERS

We are a Decatur, Alabama babywearing group . Our group (River City Slingers) teaches parents and caregivers how to carry babies and toddlers in a variety of ways.

    Why we do this is very simple...to help people. Babywearing has changed our lives, and because of this we are compelled to share our love of babywearing with others. No longer do we have to put our children in cribs or other places to get things done. I can do everything I need to do with my baby on my back or in front of me. I can do dishes, laundry, hike, all hands free. Carrying my child this way promotes bonding which can't be achieved using a crib or stroller.

    Who hasn't had a day where your little one would not let you put them down? How many of us have prepared dinner one-handed or cleaned house while listening to our child cry? By babywearing, parents and caregivers can avoid these situations.

    Our meetings are filled with moms and of course children. We answer questions, teach people how to use baby carriers and help them find one that will work for them. New members are always welcome and don't be afraid to bring your child, because without them there wouldn't be a River City Slingers!

My name is Veronica and I'm the leader of the RCS in Decatur, Alabama. I'm a stay at home mother of five children ranging in age from 16 years down to 19 months. After the birth of my daughter in 2006, I found myself trying to get things done but not accomplishing anything. I found babywearing on a parenting message board that I was a member of at the time. A light went on in my head and angels sang. I was so excited that I woke my husband up at 3 in the morning to tell him that I wanted to wear my baby!! He thought I was nuts. Little did he know how babywearing would change our lives.

As I became more knowledgeable about babywearing, I realized how much it could have helped with my previous children. Colic, going to soccer games with an infant and even doing my daily work in my home could have been much easier. Once I realized that I had to spread the word and I decided to become a babywearing group leader. As my husband can attest we have had a lot of carriers come through our house!

I believe that while some baby carriers are expensive you don't have to spend a bunch to wear your baby, I started by using a sheet. But my favorite carrier is a curtain that I use to wear my daughter on my back.

While our main goal at River City Slingers is to promote the art of babywearing safely so mothers in Alabama can bond with their babies while accomplishing what needs to be done, we also are here to support each other in the unique parenting choices that we make. All parents and caregivers are welcome...babies too.