WHAT IS POUCH PROJECT?
Pouch Project brings existing baby carrier enthusiasts together with new parents and other families in Sacramento County to spread baby carrier knowledge and distribute free carriers to families who may otherwise not be able to safely and comfortably wear their babies and toddlers. We collect gently used carriers from individuals and solicit donations of new carriers from companies so that we can match caregivers with a carrier that will work for them and their child(ren).
WHO ARE WE?
We are all caregivers who use baby carriers to “babywear” our children. We have found that wearing our babies and toddlers has made daily tasks — shopping, cleaning, taking care of our other children, etc. — and socializing with other families easier. Some of our founding members also credit babywearing with helping them to bond with their children and minimize the effects of post-partum anxiety and depression. Many of us have also found that baby carriers have helped us to breastfeed our children, sometimes for an extended period of time. Our experiences are supported by recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics (healthychildren.org), which suggests babywearing as a response to crying and as a way to help baby form a strong attachment to caregivers. The benefits of baby carriers have had such an impact on our lives and our relationships with our children and each other that we would like to spread baby carrier knowledge and resources to others in our community.
Samantha
Samantha is a mother of three children, a social worker and a former teacher. When she’s not teaching families how to use baby carriers, she recommends books that help parents have difficult conversations with their kids on her Instagram @iknowabookforthat and gives talks to parents’ groups about the same topic. She also enjoys crafting, travel and Podcasts.
Delilah
Delilah is a lifetime Sacramento resident and mother to two children. She works as an instructional assistant III for young adults with disabilities. Delilah was born without her left hand and is skilled at using a woven wrap to carry her younger son on her back. She is particularly interested in helping other caregivers with disabilities wear their children comfortably and safely. She is also passionate about giving women of color access to affordable ways to wear their babies and connect with their history.
Rebecca
Rebecca is a former leader of Sacramento Babywearers, was on the planning committee for the International Babywearing Conference, and she completed the certification process to become a Volunteer Babywearing Educator through Babywearing International in July 2018. Before becoming a mother, Rebecca worked with children with orthopedic impairments; she’s happy to answer any questions families have about using baby carriers with their children with disabilities. Rebecca loves exploring Sacramento with her four daughters and chronicles their “field trips” on her Instagram account @fieldtripvan. She is also a graphic designer who specializes in one-of-a-kind invitations and gifts.
Angelique
Angelique is a former leader of Sacramento Babywearers and is a trained Babywearing Educator through Baby Carriers Provided (2020). She has been using woven wraps to carry her three children since 2015 and is skilled at teaching front and back carries with a variety of carriers.
Do you, or someone you know, need a baby carrier, baby carrier education and/or a group of caregivers to provide support and community? Please contact us at sacramentopouchproject@gmail.com for more information.
Pouch Project 