When I first started babywearing years ago, I never imagined how much it would shape me — not just as a mother, but also as an educator and part of this community. Over time, I wore my babies through just about every stage and season of life. I worked alongside a babywearing brand, helping parents troubleshoot fit and feel confident using their carriers. I’d spent countless hours teaching, adjusting, and encouraging.
So when the idea of certification came up, I honestly wondered: Was it really necessary? I already had years of experience, both personally and professionally. I knew the different types of carriers inside and out. I had walked alongside so many families. Part of me worried certification might just feel like a box to check.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
What I gained through certification
The process turned out to be one of the most worthwhile investments I’ve made in this work.
New ways of teaching – Even though I already knew how to use the carriers, I learned fresh ways to showcase them. Sometimes it’s not about what you know, but about how you explain it — and having different tools for different learning styles has been invaluable.
Deeper safety insight – I’d always emphasized safe positioning, but certification gave me the reasoning behind so many safety recommendations. That’s what allows me to communicate with more confidence and help caregivers truly understand the “why.”
Biology and beyond – The coursework gave me a stronger foundation in infant biology and human development, connecting what I’d seen in practice to the bigger picture of why babywearing is so powerful.
Mentorship – One of the best parts was learning from a babywearing educator who has been in this space for decades. Having the chance to ask questions and get clarity on nuanced topics was something I didn’t know I needed until I had it.
I went in wondering if certification would validate what I already knew — but instead, it expanded and deepened my knowledge in ways I couldn’t have gained on my own.
How to get certified through the center for babywearing studies
If you’ve ever thought about taking this step yourself, the Center for Babywearing Studies (CBWS) offers the Foundations in Babywearing Education course. This is where I completed my training, and it’s a comprehensive program that brings together evidence-based teaching, practical carrier skills, and developmental insights.
Here’s what to expect:
Foundations Course – This is the entry point for certification. It’s an in-depth training covering carrier use, teaching methods, infant biology, and safety.
CEUs (Continuing Education Units) – The course qualifies for CEUs recognized by organizations like DONA, Lamaze, and CAPPA, making it especially valuable for doulas, childbirth educators, and health professionals.
Requirements – Attendance, webinars, homework, and exams are all part of the process. Meeting these requirements qualifies you as a Certified Babywearing Educator.
Recognition – Certification is respected across a range of fields, from birth work to nonprofit community work, giving you both credibility and a supportive network.
If you’re interested, you can explore or register here:
why it was worth it
Looking back, I’m so glad I took the leap. It wasn’t just about adding a credential to my name. It was about refining the way I serve families, strengthening my understanding of the science behind carrying, and joining a larger community of educators committed to helping caregivers feel confident and connected.
Even with years of experience, I came away with new insights, new confidence, and a deeper sense of purpose in this work. And that’s something no amount of self-teaching or trial and error could have given me.
If you’ve ever thought about becoming certified, my advice is simple: it’s worth it.
What carriers are you wearing in these pictures?! They’re all beautiful!
Hey! The first is a LoveHeld waffle woven, the second a Lillebaby Serenity, the third a Didymos prima pebble woven wrap, and the last one is a cotton wax print chitenge from a friend who purchased at a local African shop.