In preparation for AGM 2024, BWWA Inc. is calling for nominations from current members to make a contribution to the growth and success of the organisation by joining the Managing Committee for a minimum of twelve (12) months. The Committee is seeking a minimum of five (5) office holders for 2025.
The following offices are open for nomination:
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Community Leadership Coordinator
Asset Manager and Library Coordinator
Website and Social Media Coordinator
Fundraising and Grant Application Coordinator
Your nomination can be completed with the EOI Form by 17:00 on Saturday 28 September 2024.
If you have any questions or require further information, please email info@babywearerswa.com.au.
The BWWA Inc AGM 2024 will be held on Saturday 26 October, 10:00 in person and via Zoom
BWWA Inc. Committee 2024
2024 Annual General Meeting
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated
All current members of Baby Wearers Western Australia Inc. are invited to attend and participate in all voting and discussion at the annual general meeting for 2024.
This year the AGM will be conducted in person and via video-conferencing.
Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Time: 10:00
Place: Vic Park Community Space, 10/660 Albany Hwy Victoria Park WA 6100 (entry is from Miller Street)
At the meeting, members will be asked to vote to:
accept the minutes of the last annual meeting
accept the annual report
accept the financial statements
and elect office holders for committee roles.
Members will also have the opportunity to:
find out about the operations and finances of BWWA Inc.
ask questions about the operations and finances of BWWA Inc.
speak about any items on the agenda
vote on any resolutions proposed
Please click the appoint proxy button below if you will not be attending the AGM. In this form you may detail any instruction on how their proxy should vote on your behalf. A proxy must be a current member who will be in attendance at the AGM. Proxy appointments must be received by 25 October 2024.
The AGM is also an opportunity to join the managing committee of BWWA Inc. As a small not-for-profit association, BWWA Inc. relies on volunteers to continue to provide its services in the education, facilitation and promotion of baby wearing. Nominations for office holders of committee roles are vital to the continuation of BWWA Inc. There is a range of roles to suit everyone and we welcome all members to nominate for a role. More information about the roles can be found at the website or members may email BWWA Inc. to speak with a current committee member.
Babywearing Meets 2024
Hello Babywearing Community,
We are pleased to announce that BWWA Inc. will continue in 2024.
Our babywearing meets will be held in our Perth NOR - Woodvale and Perth SOR - Riverton locations thanks to the hardwork of our volunteer peer educators and community team leaders.
We hope that our meets will expand to regional areas in the future. Please get in touch with BWWA Inc. Committee if you’re interested in becoming a peer educator and holding a meet in your area
Our Perth meets will resume in February 2024 - please check the website calendar and follow the BWWA Inc Facebook page for updates. If you need babywearing assistance before the meet please utilise the Facebook BWWA Chatter Group - where our volunteer peer educations and other babywearers in the community will be able to assist you.
Many thanks,
BWWA Inc Committee 2024
2023 Annual General Meeting
Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated
All current members of Baby Wearers Western Australia Inc. are invited to attend and participate in all voting and discussion at the annual general meeting for 2023.
This year the AGM will be conducted in person and via video-conferencing.
Date: Saturday 11 November 2023
Time: 11:00
Place: Vic Park Community Space, 10/660 Albany Hwy Victoria Park WA 6100
At the meeting, members will be asked to vote to:
accept the minutes of the last annual meeting
accept the annual report
accept the financial statements
and elect office holders for committee roles.
Members will also have the opportunity to:
find out about the operations and finances of BWWA Inc.
ask questions about the operations and finances of BWWA Inc.
speak about any items on the agenda
and vote on any resolutions proposed.
There are no special resolutions to be proposed at the annual general meeting.
Members who will not be attending the annual general meeting are requested to appoint a proxy (someone else) to vote on their behalf. Proxy voting enables members to influence BWWA Inc.'s operations and structure, with particular regard to the continuation of BWWA Inc. and its services.
There is a form to complete for appointment of a proxy. In this form members may detail any instruction on how their proxy should vote on their behalf. A proxy must be a current member who will be in attendance at the AGM.
Trial of Reservation System
To our babywearing community,
It has become apparent that there needs to be a change to how babywearing meets are facilitated.
Babywearing meets in the past have been friendly and informal gatherings of caregivers, their children and their families and/or friends. People came together to discuss all things babywearing and to try on and get information about different carriers. Some people came to get their own carriers fitted and/or to borrow a carrier from the library for use at home between meets. BWWA Inc. has tried to make all meets as inviting as possible for everyone.
But recent months have left our volunteer Peer Educators overwhelmed and disheartened by some of the attitudes displayed by persons attending meets. We have a small group of volunteers running very busy events and that group is only getting smaller.
To that end, we are trialling a reservation system to ensure our volunteers can leave at the scheduled close time of 11:30. Sessions of 15 minutes will be opened 24 hours prior to a scheduled meet, based on the number of volunteers available.
There will be at least two calendars open in which you may reserve a slot. Reserving a slot will be on a “first come, first serve” basis. The opening of the calendars will be staggered to allow fair opportunity for everyone to reserve a slot. We cannot guarantee availability of slots nor can we guarantee punctuality on the day. If there is no slot available on any calendar, you may still attend the meet as a walk-in. Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed timely assistance as priority will be given to persons who have reserved a slot.
It is recommended that you watch the recorded demonstration videos that will be linked on the Event page, and can be found in the Chatter Group Files.
We request that the QR code/attendance register is still completed on arrival by everyone, so that a numbered queue can be created to track walk-ins. Our volunteers will attend to the numbered queue as available. Walk-ins arriving after 11:00 are unlikely to be assisted as our volunteers must leave at the scheduled close time of 11:30.
BWWA Inc. volunteers and representatives have full discretion and reserve the right to refuse service. Meets are free to attend but membership is required to loan a carrier. Availability of carriers is not guaranteed.
We thank you for your support and consideration.
BWWA Inc. Committee 2022-23
Updated Infection Control Statement - February 2023
Infection Control Statement 2023
Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated (BWWA Inc.) is committed to maintaining the health and safety of our valued community and all people who engage with BWWA Inc. events and services.
BWWA Inc. is committed to following the advice and guidelines provided by the Western Australian and Australian Governments, and the World Health Organisation, based on best practice for good community health and in relation to the COVID-19 epidemic.
The following information relates to BWWA Inc. meet events and the loan of carriers as of 1 February 2023:
1. BWWA Inc., its volunteers and members will continue to adhere to the current health advice and recommendations of the Western Australian State Government and Local Governments.
2. Please follow basic hand hygiene and physical distancing practices during BWWA Inc. meet events.
3. Please do not attend BWWA Inc. meet events if you or your child are unwell and/or infectious. If you have a loan carrier that is due for return and you are unable to attend the scheduled meet, please contact BWWA Inc. Committee to arrange an alternative return as per the BWWA Inc. Library Terms and Conditions.
4. Loan carriers that are returned to meets are not quarantined or washed and will be loaned out again at the same meet, unless they are damaged or require cleaning. Carriers are washed during the Christmas/New Year stocktake period and on an as needed basis as deemed by the Committee.
5. Changes to scheduled meets may come at short notice and we apologise for the inconvenience. We ask that you follow all relevant Facebook events and the website for updates. Anyone with a loaned carrier due for return at a meet that is cancelled will be contacted to arrange alternative return.
6. Any person who attends a BWWA Inc. meet event and wishes to try on multiple carriers must use a demonstration doll rather than their child while trying on the carriers. Once a carrier has been selected for loan, the person will be assisted with fitting their child in the carrier. The use of suck pads whilst using a loaned carrier is appreciated.
7. Please note that we are all volunteers and if you have any questions please contact us on info@babywearerswa.com.au or via our Facebook Group.
Thank you for working together for everyone’s health and safety.
Baby Wearers WA Inc Committee 2023
We're making changes to our library terms and conditions
Dear BWWA Inc. members
We're writing to let you know that we're updating the BWWA Inc. Library terms and conditions for borrowing baby/toddler carriers and accessories.
BWWA Inc. Library Terms and Conditions have been updated to clarify procedure for the recovery of overdue/unreturned library items, how overdue fees are calculated and when a member may be liable to replacement costs. Reference is also made to the BWWA Inc. Constitution and Code of Ethics to highlight the responsibilities of the members, volunteers and management of the Association.
These changes will come into effect from 1 February 2023 and will apply to new and existing library memberships of Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated.
You can view the amended policy here: Final draft of BWWA Inc. Library Terms and Conditions policy
If you do not agree with these changes, please let the Secretary know in writing that you will be resigning from your membership as per rule 10 of the Constitution. Email us at info@babywearerswa.com.au.
We thank you for your support.
Kind regards
BWWA Inc. Committee 2022-23
Meets COVID-19 Update - May 2022
COVID 19 Update – May 2022
The managing committee for Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated (BWWA) are committed to maintaining the safety of our valued community and adhering to all advice and guidelines provided by the Western Australian and Australian Governments.
In light of the recent changes to requirements and restrictions, BWWA would like to provide the following information in relation to meets and the loans of carriers as of May 2022:
1. BWWA, its volunteers and members will continue to adhere to the current health advice and regulations of the Western Australian State Government and the Local Governments.
2. Please do not to attend baby wearing meets if you or your child are unwell. If you have a loan carrier that is due for return and you are unable to attend the scheduled meet, please contact BWWA to arrange an alternative as per the Carrier Loan Terms and Conditions.
3. Loan carriers that are returned to meets are not quarantined and will be loaned out again at the meet, unless they are damaged or require cleaning. Research has shown that the risk of infection from COVID from contaminated cotton is small.
4. Changes to scheduled meets may come about at short notice and we apologise for the inconvenience. We ask that you follow all relevant Facebook events and the website for any updates. Any loans of carriers will be extended or alternative return can be arranged.
5. BWWA meets will require any participant who tries on multiple carriers to only use a demonstration doll rather than their child for trying on carriers. Once a loan carrier is selected, participant’s can be assisted with fitting and wearing with their child in the carrier. The use of suck pads whilst using a borrowed carrier is appreciated.
6. Please note that we are all volunteers and if you have any questions please contact us on info@babywearerswa.com.au or via our Facebook Group.
Thank you and stay safe,
Baby Wearing WA Inc Committee 2022
2022 Meets COVID-19 Update
The managing committee for Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated (BWWA) would like to take this opportunity to address our valued community regarding the current Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
BWWA is committed to actively monitoring the evolution of COVID-19 and adhering to all advice and guidelines provided by the Western Australian Government and Federal Government.
BWWA would like to provide the following information that relates to its meets and the loans of carriers:
1. BWWA, its volunteers, and members will adhere to the current health advice and regulations of the Western Australian Government and the relevant Local Governments.
2. Babywearing Meets are a gathering place for families with children. The youngest children are often at the greatest risk of serious consequences from contagious diseases. To protect yourself and others in our organisation we ask you not to attend baby wearing meets if you or your child are unwell, have been to an exposure site listed on wa.gov.au that requires you to get tested immediately and isolate, have travelled interstate or overseas in the past 14 days. If you have been to one of these exposure sites please contact BWWA to arrange pick up of your loan carrier or an extended loan.
3. If you are diagnosed with COVID and you have been wearing a loan carrier please contact BWWA for the carrier loan to be extended. Once the carrier is returned to BWWA it will be quarantined, washed and sanitised. Research has shown that the risk of infection from COVID from contaminated cotton is small. However, BWWA will apply a high risk rating to dealing with said carriers.
4. Changes to scheduled meets are inevitable. These changes may come about at short notice and we apologise for the inconvenience. We ask that you follow all relevant Facebook events and the website for any updates. In the event a meet is cancelled any loans of carriers will be extended.
5. BWWA meets will require any participant who tries on a carrier to only use a doll rather than their child for trying on carriers. The use of suck pads whilst using a borrowed carrier is appreciated.
6. Please note that we are all volunteers and if you have any questions please contact us on info@babywearerswa.com.au or via our Facebook Group.
Thank you and stay safe,
BWWA Committee 2022
Healthy Hips Week
As we’re nearing the end of Healthy Hips Week Australia 2021, let’s discuss the importance of an optimally fitted carrier and other safety considerations.
The Hips of an Infant
The skeleton of a newborn is mostly still cartilage (partially ossified) with underdeveloped hip sockets where the head of the femur has not yet settled into its adult position. Weaker muscles and bones that are not yet ossified signify an importance to support an infant’s preferred natural position of the seated-squat/squat-straddle. This position is that of the knees drawn up and in towards the navel, with the lower legs dangling free, so that the femur head can seat deeply into the hip sockets. As the baby grows, the assumption of this position changes with a widening of the knees so that the legs are not so closely pulled inwards to the navel. It is important to support this “optimal position” at all stages of infancy in order to aid appropriate hip development.
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Hip dysplasia in infants is described as the hip socket and head of the femur (the top of the thighbone) not fitting together appropriately and it can range in severity, from slight misalignment to dislocation (the femur head comes out of the hip socket). It does not present only at birth but can “develop” within the first few months after birth, which is why it is called Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) when it refers to infants. The cause of DDH is not known but there are risk factors which may contribute to the development of DDH:
a family history of DDH
gender (girls are two to four times more likely to develop DDH)
first born babies (because the uterus is tighter than in later pregnancies)
breech position during pregnancy, especially during birth
babies born over 4kgs
tight swaddling with legs extended
Treatment for DDH varies but will always focus on restoring the hips to the natural and correct position of the joint. This can be through surgery and/or use of a brace. There are a number of different types of braces available, all of which hold the baby’s legs and hips in a position to more deeply seat the femur head and aid healthy hip development. Treatment is optimised when diagnosis occurs within the first 3 months of life.
Optimal Carriers
An optimal carrier is one which supports baby’s thighs and hips (from knee-to-knee) in the natural position seated-squat position. In this position, baby is better able to move and adjust their own straddle which in turn helps to strengthen muscles and aid development.
Characteristics of an optimal carrier:
adjustable base of panel to support baby from knee-to-knee at different stages of growth, with the knees higher than the bottom allowing for the spine to curve
adjustable panel height to support baby’s neck at different stages of growth
side straps that connect to the waistband of the carrier rather than mid-panel; this prevents an inversion of the spine (if the straps are tightened too much) which can cause the femur head to move to a shallow position in the hip socket
Note: a carrier that does not follow these characteristics is not likely to cause hip dysplasia nor is it damaging to use if there are no risks or definite hips issues identified. It is not ideal to use a narrow-based carrier for a baby identified with hip issues.
Babies should be fitted in a carrier with their feet out of the carrier and their lower legs should be allowed to hang freely with the carrier resting at the kneepad. This prevents upward pressure on the ankles and avoids stimulating the stepping reflex (present during birth in response to a contracting uterus) where baby tries to “stand” out of the carrier.
In appropriate cases (and under professional care), an optimal carrier may be used in place of a harness to maintain hip position in babies that have been diagnosed with DDH. However, this should be reviewed case by case by your specialist.
More information about DDH can be found at Healthy Hips Australia.
Disclaimer: This information is intended to support discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals and not replace it. Every effort is made to ensure this information is up to date, accurate and easy to understand. Baby Wearers Western Australia Incorporated does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies or information perceived as misleading.