The Magic of Learning Together: Reflections from HELD Vancouver
Jun 15, 2026
We just wrapped The Babywearing Weekend, and HELD in Vancouver! YAY!
One thing I enjoyed about the three-day event was that we started and ended in a smaller group. We grew our ranks by expanding our group to include allied health professionals and parents (both of whom wanted more time!) on the second day. But I, for one, found it grounding to start and end together as babywearing educators.
Our merry band of educators was varied in experience and primary role. We had a few manufacturers with us, a former manufacturer, and several attendees who offer integrated services and combine several roles with their babywearing education.
I find it fitting that several manufacturers were there; they’re often the first educators for families, through their manuals, videos, marketing, and websites. As such, it’s a good thing for them to be included in the discussion.
One theme that popped out to me was related to: Community.
Community, both in our space and thinking about the community we each serve. We were developing our practice together, learning from each other. Exploring carriers, fits, and preferences (and the why behind them) while also observing active practice with our many parent/baby participants. The integrated aspect, from personal use to helping others, was heightened due to the nature of being together and bringing the local community in to help us explore. We couldn’t have done this without our parent/baby models! (Thanks Y’all!)
Periodically, we took time to pause and reflect, to consider what we are learning, sharing, and taking away from the experience, and then we shared them as a group. Here you can see some of the captured takeaways.
“If I don’t have the answer, it is highly likely someone else does. I can reach out for their insight!”
“I love watching people develop their sense of community as an educator, and individually.”
“Making strong connections.”
“It’s been so inspiring to see other people doing this work while also being full-time active parents. It gives me hope that I can do it too.”
“Love how comfortable all the educators in my group were with helping each other. This is usually a hard one!”
“Connection”
“Sharing the work and ideas, building a community.”
“The babywearing community [here] really touched my heart with the way it’s open [to] all ages. And is especially such an important place for younger parents.”
“Trying on carriers is more fun with friends & music!”
There is something fun about being together and digging into a topic you’re passionate about. This group was especially team and community oriented. Making the exploration and discussion easy and flow organically.
A second theme that emerged from the takeaways was: encouragement.
Encouragement to see the value you bring to the group, a potential client, the broader community (theres that word again), and to the discussion. The holding space for a quieter voice, and many ‘let’s hear what XYZ thinks’ moments. This wasn’t only from our hosts (who were amazing! Thanks, Karla and Auriane!) but from the attendees, who were eager to hear more voices. Eager to see more of the carriers, on different people, and then hear their thoughts and opinions. It was the small moments of encouragement that made my heart sing.
Here’s a few takeaways that embody that encouragement.
“Try on the carrier. Even if you don’t like it, you’ll learn something new.”
“Give the carrier a chance - it might surprise you!”
I feel like these two themes, community and encouragement, are indicative of the nature of our work. Families and caregivers need both to embrace the practice of infant carrying. The educator also needs both to be fulfilled in their work and move beyond being considered a ‘one-trick pony,’ which was another phrase that came from the weekend. The idea that all we do is put a carrier on people is an old trope that is ready to be left behind. Just the simple comments and questions that the parents and caregivers asked on our second day proved this point emphatically. They wanted more from us, wanted to stay and hear, learn, try more, more, more.
Something we know their local community of educators will be happy to provide!
