Putting in the Leg Work: Tips on Networking for Babywearing Consultants

When I first started as a babywearing consultant, the idea of networking made me cringe.

I imagined awkward conversations, forced small talk, and trying to “sell” myself to professionals who barely knew what babywearing was. And honestly? I didn’t want to do it.

But I quickly realized that if I wanted parents to have access to trusted babywearing support, I couldn’t just sit back and hope they’d find me. I had to go where parents already were—and that meant building relationships with the people they already trusted.

And that’s what local networking really is. It’s not about handing out business cards or making cold calls—it’s about creating real connections with perinatal professionals who, like you, care about supporting families.

It’s about showing up, offering something valuable, and becoming part of the larger network of care that surrounds new parents.

If the idea of networking feels intimidating, you’re not alone—but I promise, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Here’s a snippet of Carry On Collective Content on how to get started, build relationships authentically, and make babywearing an essential part of perinatal support in your community.

1. Find the Right People to Connect With

Not every local professional is the right fit for networking. Your time is valuable, so focus on connecting with those who already work closely with new parents and who would naturally see the benefits of babywearing.

Start by making a list of professionals in your area who serve pregnant and postpartum families, including:

• Doulas & Midwives – Supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, they’re always looking for ways to help new parents adjust.
• Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs, CLCs, and peer supporters) – Babywearing can support breastfeeding, so a partnership with an IBCLC is mutually beneficial.
• Pediatric Dentists & Feeding Therapists – They often work with babies who struggle with tongue ties or latch issues, and babywearing can help with positioning, soothing, and pain reduction.
• Occupational & Physical Therapists – Especially those working with infants who have torticollis, low tone, or sensory sensitivities—babywearing can be a tool for therapy.
• Pediatricians & Chiropractors – Parents trust their medical providers, so having a pediatrician or chiropractor on board can increase credibility and referrals.
• Infant Massage Therapists & Bodyworkers – Many parents who seek bodywork for their babies would also benefit from learning about comfortable babywearing.
• Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Instructors – Babywearing and postpartum recovery go hand in hand, making fitness professionals a great audience for collaboration.
• Children’s Librarians & Parenting Educators – Libraries host tons of early childhood programming and are great community connection points.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just look for “big names” in your area. Smaller, community-focused professionals are often the ones looking for meaningful collaborations and will refer their clients to you regularly if they trust you.

2. Make the First Move (Without Feeling Awkward)

So you’ve made your list—now what? Reaching out can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about coming across as salesy or transactional.

Here’s what worked for me: Start with an introduction that focuses on THEM.

Instead of launching into what you do, start by acknowledging their work.

Example email or message:

“Hi there, I came across your work through [mutual connection / website / social media], and I love what you do! I'm a babywearing consultant, and I often work with parents navigating [breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, infant development, etc.]. I’d love to connect and learn more about how you support families in our community! Can I drop by with coffee sometime next week for a quick chat?"

Offer something of value right away.

Instead of asking for referrals immediately, offer a collaboration that benefits them.

•  “Would you be interested in co-hosting a free workshop for parents on babywearing and postpartum recovery?”
•  “Could I offer a quick training for your team on how babywearing can support breastfeeding?”
•  “Would you like a simple handout on babywearing to give to your clients?”
  

💡 Pro Tip: Professionals are busy. Keep your outreach short, warm, and easy to say yes to. If they don’t respond immediately, follow up once after a few weeks with a friendly check-in.

3. Get in the Room (And Stay Visible)

Once you’ve made initial connections, the key is showing up consistently—not just reaching out once and hoping for referrals.

Here’s how to stay visible:

Attend Local Meetups & Events

Many birth workers and parenting professionals have local meetups, conferences, or networking groups. Find out where they gather and show up. Not only does this help you build relationships, but it also gets babywearing onto their radar as a valuable service.

Get on Their Referral Lists

Some professionals have go-to referral lists for parents (especially doulas, lactation consultants, and pediatric therapists). Offer to provide a short, clear babywearing resource they can share with clients—along with your contact info.

Show Up Where Parents Are

Even if perinatal professionals don’t refer clients to you immediately, you can still establish yourself in your community by:

• Offer babywearing demos at library storytimes
• See if a local maternity clothing store will hand out your gift certificates in customers’ bags after they purchase.
• Offer a Q&A session at breastfeeding support groups.
  

When professionals see you engaging with the community, they’re more likely to remember and refer to you later.

4. Nurture Your Professional Relationships (So They Last)

Networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about maintaining them.

Here’s how to keep your professional relationships strong:

✔️ Check in regularly. Send a quick message every few months—ask how their work is going, share a helpful babywearing tip, or invite them to a new event.
✔️ Send referrals their way. If a client asks for lactation support, pelvic floor therapy, or birth classes, refer them to the professionals you trust. Giving referrals strengthens relationships and encourages reciprocity.
✔️ Stay engaged on social media. Commenting on their posts, sharing their events, or shouting them out in your content keeps you on their radar.

💡 Pro Tip: The best networking doesn’t feel like networking—it feels like genuine community building.

Final Thoughts: Overcoming the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There

If the thought of reaching out to professionals in your area makes you hesitate, you’re not alone. Maybe you’re afraid of being ignored. Maybe you worry about rejection or not knowing the “right” thing to say. Maybe you just don’t know where to start.

But here’s the thing: Your work matters.

Every day, parents struggle with exhaustion, feeding challenges, postpartum pain, and the overwhelming mental load of early parenthood—without realizing that babywearing could make things easier.

And they don’t know to ask for help unless someone tells them it exists.

That’s why this work is worth it. Every conversation, introduction, and small connection plants a seed—one that could lead to a referral, a new client, or a parent who finally finds the support they need.

So if you’re hesitating, remember your why. You’re not just promoting a service—you’re making sure parents have the tools and support they need to thrive. And that? That’s worth putting yourself out there for.

Looking for Support on Your Journey

to Become the Go-To Babywearing Consultant 

in Your Community?

In our Carry On Collective, we support you and fill in the blanks on everything you need to know—not only about babywearing (which we do talk about) but also about how to build a thriving yet sustainable practice, connect with perinatal professionals, and expand your impact.