Babywearing NI to hold fair in village

its first local fair in Hillsborough this Saturday.

The organisation was set up three years ago to encourage more mothers to use slings and carriers for their babies.

The volunteer-run, non -profit organisation is run by parents and meets every fortnight in Lisburn at the Bridge Community Centre.

Set up for parents to provide information on the safe use of ergonomic slings and carriers for carrying babies and toddlers, the group will next meet on October 11.

BWNI was established more than three years ago, following the birth of its founder, Beth Beaney’s, second child.

Beth discovered what she called a lack of information and support about slings and carriers and natural baby products within Northern Ireland.

Beth explained: “We set up the Fair, firstly as part of our groups’ celebrations for International Babywearing Week 2013 (IBWW), and also to help spread the word about what we do as a group.

“It will promote the idea that carrying your baby in a sling is an essential parenting tool, whether it’s to help you get out of the house, or to encourage bonding.

“Promoting a more natural type of parenting (which of course includes baby carrying) is the reason behind the selection of stalls chosen to attend on the day.

“It’s a first for Northern Ireland - a natural parenting fair dedicated to natural baby products and services.”

Beth is a Trageschule UK Certified Babywearing consultant.

She has attained the highest level of certification. She is the only consultant in NI with this level of qualification.

Babywearing NI meetings are now attended by another two Trageschule UK trained consultants Chrisy Bracewell and Claire Douglas.

The fair takes place in Hillsborough Village Centre from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

It offers you the opportunity to shop, as well as be given expert advice, baby and pregnancy information, a babywearing fashion show and a guaranteed fun filled day out for all the family.

On the day you can expect to find unique products, special offers, free advice and fabulous raffle prizes.

There will also be advice and information available on sling demonstrations and workshops from Babywearing NI, and Breastfeeding Information.

Tickets are £3 per person or £5 per family.

To log on go to their website www.babywearingni.co.uk/autumn-baby-fair .