JOHOR BAHRU, October 18  2014 – Babywearing 101 workshop organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Community Transformation Centre (UTMCTC) in collaboration with Selat Tebrau Babywearers (STB) received an overwhelming response, with a participation of more than 100 parents from all across Johor .
The Workshop was held in conjunction with the International Baby Wearing Week 2014 which was launched by the Director of UTMCTC, Assoc. Prof. Dr Nur Nuha Abu Mansor at Dewan Sri Menanti, Kolej Rahman Putra, Johor Bahru campus.
Project Coordinator, Shafinaz Mohd Yusof said that the main objective of the Babywearing 101 workshop is to give exposure to parents on safe and effective techniques of babywearing, which is the practice of wearing or carrying a baby in a sling or in another form of carrier
Among the advantages of correct babywearing for babies include less crying, increase growth, reduce GERD (gastric reflux), better sleep and physical development.
“Babywearing would be helpful for parents in carrying out their daily routine and it has become popular among parents in Malaysia. So, in conjunction with the International Babywearing Week 2014, STB feels that it is timely to hold a workshop like this. As organizers we hope that this workshop will enhance parents’ awareness on the correct practice of holding their babies,” she said.
The Babywearing 101 workshop was divided into two sessions consisting of theory and practical.
The theoretical session highlighted the advantages of using the arms in carrying a baby. It also touched on the different types of Baby Carriers and safety aspects to be considered when carrying a baby.
The theory session was delivered by Dr Nyazirah Abdul Wahab and Mrs. Asha Hasnimy Mohd Hashim, both are Baby Holding consultants recognized by Trageschule, United Kingdom.
“Meanwhile, the practical session was facilitated by 26 facilitators who are experienced ‘baby wearers’. This session provided an opportunity for parents to try different tools and how to use Baby Carriers correctly and safely,” she said.
Of late, babywearing has become increasingly popular among parents. Thus, STB senses an urgent need to create awareness on the safest way to practice babywearing. Furthermore, the number of dealers selling counterfeit carriers are also on the rise, creating a cause for further concern.