Hi everyone, I posted this on TBW, too (I'm 'wcleary' there), but I wanted to make sure I was reaching everyone involved or invested in this wonderful world of BW. So please forgive the duplicate post if you've already seen my question.

I'm curious if you know of any research or have #s collected for your own purposes that you'd be willing to share re: the growing popularity of BW? If not, do you know of anyone doing this kind of research?

I personally have been blown away at the increase in #s of products, Web sites, classes, books, etc. that are available today than were around when I had DC #1, six years ago. Not to mention the numbers and "types" of parents who are open to it and wanting info about how-tos and products.

Do you think that more women (and men) really are BWing today in our country than, say, 5 years ago? Have we really made headway into the stroller-pushing crowd? Are Bjorn-type carriers falling in popularity or rising, right alongside all the wonderful WAHM ones (MTs, pouches, slings)? Or are those BWs like us out there simply buying MORE carriers, due to the proliferation of carrier makers and types that are now available?

If more people are not BWing today, how can we explain how so many vendor WAHMs have arisen and are continuing to grow? I'm looking for (reasonably) hard data here, even if it's anecdotal.

Thanks so much in advance for your thoughts and shared research on this important topic.

best,
Wendy  :)

I truely think the computer has lite a fire to babywearing. People use to just check Target and Baby's R Us for products. The computer has opened the door to information and products to be distribed at a better price. How else could I have bought a Freehand. A WAHM that started sewing carrier in her own home and now is all over the world.
Beth

Well, at least in my town, babywearing has definitely become more commonplace.  I'm sure part of it has to do with availability - we have 2 local OSBH distributors, and a children's outdoor gear shop downtown that carrys Kelty & Baby Bjorn carriers (along with that Premaxx monstrosity )  We also have a centrally located Natural Foods market, and lots of people go there to get info on natural family living topics.  So for me, even living in a small town, it's not too unheard of to see a couple sling-wearing moms walking through Wal-Mart, or to have a lady at the fabric store say "you should get one of those sling things to carry him in!"

I'm also noticing fewer bucket babies.  I think the recent rash of flat-headedness (and the resulting products on the market geared toward preventing flat heads without actually picking up the baby) really hit home to a lot of people.  I'm definitely seeing a lot more baby carrying.  Granted, most of it is in a Bjorn or Kelty Kangaroo or a frame, pack, but at least they're being carried!

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Stell - mama of 5 (for now)