Tummy 2 Tummy: The Babywearing Instructional DVD

We asked Sharon Pickersgill, creator of the Tummy 2 Tummy DVD, the following questions:

What was the inspiration behind the creation of this instructional DVD?

In 2003, I had my first baby and like most parents went out and bought a Baby Bjorn. After just 6 months, I thought my back would break and saw someone else use a sling. I went to a local breastfeeding store where they sold slings and asked someone who worked there to please show me how to use it. After spending almost an hour with me, I quickly fell in love with babywearing and wanted to learn everything I could about it. I did a lot of research on the internet and found a few small video clips with a home camcorder but the quality wasn’t that good. At the time, there were only 1 or 2 big name baby carriers that had their own DVD to accompany it, but it was specific to that particular carrier. My husband is a Videographer and I said to him that we need to make a DVD on how to wear your baby. I contacted 4 babywearing experts throughout the country and flew them to our home, one by one, to videotape the DVD. A year later, after many, many hours of editing, the DVD was done. I choose the name Tummy 2 Tummy, because in the Babywearing community "tummy-to-tummy" is one of the most common ways to carry your baby no matter which baby carrier you are using.

Who is the DVD designed for?

Our DVD is targeted for retail and online stores that sell baby carriers. Also, we sell to babywearing educators, natural parenting organizations and anyone who wants to learn about babywearing.

What do you think distinguishes your DVD from other products on the market?

While a few other major baby carriers make their own DVD to accompany their product, our DVD is unique in that it can be used for all types of carriers and can be sold on its own.This is a wonderful DVD for someone who is new to babywearing and wants to see how all of the different carriers work before buying one. It is also great for experienced babywearers. I have heard feedback from many babywearing educators that said they learned so much more by watching our DVD.

How did you select the 4 presenters on the DVD?

When I was researching the internet about babywearing in 2003, I joined a Yahoo Group called “Babywearing”. This group is made up of thousands of mothers throughout the country and the world that are passionate about babywearing. I learned so much through this group. The four experts that I choose where very active on this group and where known as the experts in their particular field. It was an easy and obvious choice.

How did you decide on the content of the DVD?We coordinated this with each expert while they were here. We eventually came up with a consistent format for each section but it took time and planning between both of us.

Has your DVD been well received and do you plan on marketing it to an international audience?

Our DVD has been very well received and is selling well. We now have close to 70 distributors and more than 10 of them are international. We do want to have a larger international market, but for now our focus has been in the US.

FEATURES:

• Tummy 2 Tummy is the first non-product specific babywearing instructional DVD available, taught by prominent babywearing experts.

• It covers all traditional baby carriers: Ring Slings, Pouches, Asian Back Carriers (Mei Tai’s) and Simple Pieces of Cloth (Wraps).

• Learn beginning and advanced positions for newborns through toddlers.

• Completely interactive, allowing you to jump to any particular section or position you want.

• Covers safety instructions and common babywearing mistakes.

• This is the perfect “all-in-one” DVD to introduce you to all the major types of baby carriers.

PURCHASING

Please click here for purchasing details

Success Through Play™ comments:

The Tummy 2 Tummy Instructional DVD is a professionally produced DVD which will teach you all about Ring Slings, Pouches, Asian Back Carriers and Simple Pieces of Cloth. It has a handy insert which will help you follow along. The insert features a key code which corresponds to the carrier positions so you can see at a glance which positions are appropriate for your baby, given her age. Advanced positions are also referenced. For those who are on a budget, refer to the chapter on "Simple Pieces of Cloth", where you will learn how to make your very own wrap, shawl and pareo at a very reasonable cost. The DVD menu is super easy to navigate and very well organized. You can thus refer to a particular sub section as needed which will save you time. Please click here to view the chapter lists. What is so unique about this DVD is that it demonstrates how to safely get baby both in and OUT of the carriers. Each expert demonstrates the instructions in an easy to understand, step-by-step manner and adds unique tips along the way. We really liked seeing a dad being featured in one of the segments, which will serve as a positive role model for other dads who are interested in babywearing. A stand out feature of the DVD is a segment where a split screen is used to depict "incorrect" and "correct" ways of wearing your baby, so that the viewer can compare and contrast the images for easy comprehension. A circle highlighting the areas of concern adds clarity. We really appreciated the ergonomic advice such as advising the viewer to switch sides when using a one shouldered carrier such as a sling or pouch, which we agree with. We applaud the fact that 5% of the profits made from the DVD is donated to NineInNineOut: A non profit babywearing organization. Highly recommended.