I grew up very close with my Nan who was a UK trained nurse/midwife. She was also passionate about prenatal, postnatal and infant health with a masters in Sociology. It was from her that I first learned about babywearing - why humans do it, how they practice it and it all just made so much sense to me!
it started with a baby...
First Exposure
"This Makes So Much Sense"
First comes loves then comes...
Planning for babies
Fast forward to starting my own family, I knew that I needed a baby carrier. I very quickly fell in love with the apparent ease, speed and style of a ring sling. I started learning about how to use one and about other carriers so that I could use this tool immediately. My first baby was in a stretchy wrap at 8hrs old!
Something was missing
A brand is born
I decided to try my ring sling one afternoon at two months postpartum. It went horribly wrong and resulted in me and my newborn crying at the kitchen table, but I was determined to figure it out! I quickly fell in love but couldn't find a brand that offered what I wanted to pour my money into. And so I learned to sew my own ring slings and Heritage was born.
Not a brand for all
Standing On business
I named Heritage to celebrate the diverse crowd of parents that would wear my carriers - naming every carrier after a place that someone calls home. From the beginning, I have prioritized accessible babywearing from the content I put out to the pricing structure, rental program and so much more. This brand is for anyone who cares that my carriers are made ethically, slowly and with the best fabrics.
the world shut down
babies being held close
We welcomed our second baby in January of 2020 while my Nan was being moved into memory care. Jump to March when the world shutdown, we no longer had easy access to our amazing network. I wasn't alone. I made so many connections with other parents feeling stuck inside with their littles and really found my voice speaking up for the postpartum community. Business boomed while I was on my maternity leave from my corporate work which allowed to me to develop another carrier.
time to expand
stretching out
The stretchy wrap became a fan favourite at Heritage! I couldn't have imagined it, but I couldn't keep them in stock. To this day, people love their HBD stretchy wraps and have been able to wear them with multiple babies. A favourite among postpartum doulas, this carrier is something I am so proud of.
and another one
next of kin
I always knew that another carrier was in the cards for this brand, and after over a year of trial an error, the Kin was born! knew that I wanted something that would be easy enough to use, versatile and respect the traditional Meh Dai design. Half buckle carriers are much more popular in other parts of the world, and the Kin is helping to popularize it in Canada & the US.
maybe one more
all in the family
The latest member of the lineup: The Kin Full Buckle. Based off of the Kin Half Buckle, this carrier will allow you to wear your newborn, baby and toddler. I am so excited to see this carrier grow to be a pillar of this brand.
more than a pretty product
Please believe me when I say that I want you to LOVE what your carrier looks like and how it pairs with your wardrobe and lifestyle, but I really want you to feel good in your Heritage Baby carrier. I want you to know that you've supported a brand that aims to support families of all shapes and sizes. I want you to know that the fabric touching your baby's skin was thoughtfully sourced, sustainably produced and ethically made into a baby carrier that fits many bodies. When you wear a HBD baby carrier, you're part of a diverse set of parents who care deeply about those around them, amplify inclusion and love the planet.
things that we do that are probably bad for business but help us sleep at night, aka
sustainability
rent-a-carrier
Sometimes you just want to touch and try a baby carrier before it's yours for keeps...that's where a rental comes in! Especially popular for the Kin and ring slings. And don't worry, you can get some one-on-one help from us once your rental arrives on your doorstep.
consignment
Called the CarryOn program, this is a favourite with those who have outgrown their stretchy wrap or feel like rocking a new ring sling colour. We'll buy back your gently used Heritage baby carrier and sell them on consignment. If you're shopping for one, know that each carrier is well inspected.
materials
From day one of this brand, we knew that we wanted to use natural fibres. Not only are they better for our planet, they're better for you! They're nice and breathable in the warmer months and a great layer in the colder ones. Feel good knowing that you're choosing the best for your baby.
labour
We want you to feel good about your baby carrier, and that's why all Heritage carriers are made ethically in Canada and Europe. All workers are paid well above a living wage, and we pride ourselves on making quality items slowly with intention.
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all things business, babywearing, parenthood and more.