Why Does a Local Lending Library Matter?
Whether you’re trying to find options beyond what the local grocery store offers or wondering what justifies a $200 carrier purchase, BWI of Oklahoma City’s lending library can help. 1. Fit is important. Go beyond the product specs.While staying within weight limits is important, how the carrier fits both wearer and wearee makes a huge in difference in whether you will find wearing to be comfortable, doable, and enjoyable. Carriers are like jeans- they fit everyone differently. The best way to achieve an ideal fit is to come try them on. 2. Try more options for longer. Big box stores are starting to carry more options (hooray!), but they still won’t have everything and you won’t get to try it on in store before buying. Do you know how woven wraps are sized? BWI of Oklahoma City has 69 carriers in our libraries that can be checked out by members. You can take a carrier home for a whole month: see how it fits in your everyday life, find out if your partner/grandma/babysitter can work the carrier, figure out if you can remember how to use it easily or if this isn’t the right option for you. 3. Get individualized help. Tell us your concerns. Do you want a one shouldered or two shouldered carry option? Something that is easy to take on and off? A carrier that allows for maximum versatility? We can point you in the right direction, help troubleshoot, and offer alternate suggestions if a carrier isn’t comfortable. 4. Know that you will LOVE the carrier you choose. Spending a month wearing and using a carrier lets you experience all the pros and cons first hand. You may find your needs are different than expected or that your child has different preferences. Or you may even decide you want more than one carrier. It happens to the best of us. :) 5. Can I feed my baby in this carrier? The answer is often “It depends...” on your build, your baby’s age, your experience level, etc. Trying a carrier on, and more importantly taking it home to try for an extended period, can help accurately answer this question. 6. Balance your budget and your needs. Even though it’s not uncommon to drop some money on many short term baby items, it can be harder to understand why a carrier costs what it does. Borrowing a carrier or carriers lets our members weigh their options and find a carrier that fits both their budget and needs. Additionally, borrowing a carrier short term may allow a family more time to save up for a carrier that fits their long term needs. Our lending library is a valuable asset to our local community and members. Interested in checking out a carrier from our libraries? You can find our upcoming meetings here: http://bwiofokc.wix.com/home#!meetings/c1jxp
