It’s the most wonderful time of the year… International Babywearing Week! This year’s theme is “Best Seat in the House” and here at BWI of Greater Austin we are very excited about celebrating our most important VIPs .. the little ones we carry! This year we have a fun week planned and hope to see many of your smiling faces in person and online. There will be oodles of goodies we’re giving out at all in person events as well as special online only giveaways! IBW is one of our biggest times to raise funds to continue supporting our local community with babywearing education. This year we will be selling these awesome cross body totes with a Texan flair, perfect for using while babywearing so your bag doesn’t fall off your shoulder. Get yours before we sell out! Available at all in person events as well as online.

Hike It Baby Adventure at Walnut Creek

Wednesday October 5th 9:30am to 12pm

12138 N Lamar Blvd. Austin Texas 78723

Your baby carrier is the best seat in the wild woods! Hike it Baby is an amazing group which promotes caregivers getting outside with their little ones, and the Walnut Creek Hike is one of our favorites here in Austin. Come and enjoy some lovely fall weather, hike with friends, and get help with your carrier.  Meet up at 9:30 by the playground for a short introduction to babywearing while hiking, and  our Volunteer Babywearing Educators can help you get the perfect fit with your carrier. At 10am we will break up into several groups for the hike, including a toddler pace hike and an adult paced hike. Hike it Baby leaves no one behind, so even if this is your first time on the trails, you can do this! Afterwards enjoy some snacks and let the little ones play on the playground.  RSVP for the event through our Facebook discussion group! More information can be found here  on the Hike it Baby website. Please sign the HiB liability form if you plan to come!

Seat with a View at Whole Foods Lamar

Friday October 7th – 10am to 12pm

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin Texas 78703

Come enjoy a seat with a view from the Rooftop Plaza at Whole Foods. We will be enjoying a laid back playdate and early lunch with a beautiful view of the city. Bring your favorite carriers, favorite kiddos, and favorite babywearing friends (or future babywearing friends!). Look for the orange headbands and settle down for a chat about all things babywearing while the children enjoy the playground. There will be no formal instruction at this event. Just lots of socializing! Feel free to buy a snack or lunch at Whole Foods while you are there (no outside food or drinks please).

IBW Meeting and Celebration at BabyEarth

Saturday October 8th 10am to 12pm

106 E Old Settlers Blvd D-100, Round Rock, TX 78664

The Best Seat in the House fits perfectly, looks great, and has lots of sleepy dust. Or at least 2 out of 3! If your baby carrier isn’t quite meeting your needs, or you just want to try something new come to our meeting at BabyEarth. The Lending Library will be available for returns and rentals, and there will be Volunteer Babywearing Educators to teach you how to use your carrier.  In addition, we will have special giveaways, a photo booth, balloons, and goodies to make this an exciting party! Don’t miss out on the fun.

Sweet and Savory IBW Fundraiser

Monday October 10th 11am-9pm

Phil’s Ice House and Amy’s Ice Cream South Lamar
2901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78704

The Best Seat in the House has the very best food in the house – Ice Cream! Oh and hamburgers, French fries, and other many delicious items. Your favorite BWI of Greater Austin volunteers will be enjoying some well earned treats from 11am to 7pm at Phil’s and Amy’s. Come join us for fun giveaways, food, baby carrier talk, baby cuddles, and ice cream. Did we mention ice cream? The first 100 people will receive a $10 gift certificate from our sponsor Whole Earth (find the BWI volunteer after your purchase)! You must tell the person at the register you are with BWI of Greater Austin so our organization will get the credit. Volunteers will be on site all day until 7pm with giveaways happening every hour. Come for lunch and then back for after dinner ice cream for multiple chances to win! These funds help us keep you babywearing all year long!

Scavenger Hunt!!!

We know that caregivers have busy lives! Even if you decide to double up your shopping with our Whole Foods Seat with a View, and save yourself cooking by having dinner at Phil’s and Amy’s, you might not be able to make every event during IBW! No fear, you can still join the fun! The best seat in the house is wherever you and your worn children may find themselves, and what better way to make that fun than a Scavenger Hunt. This is the perfect excuse to take a lot of selfies and potentially win giveaways while exploring Austin and doing real life. Join our Facebook group to get details on the rules, post pictures, and WIN PRIZES!

The Scavenger Hunt List is as follows (list will also be available in the FB group):