Babywearing around the world – Turkey

Today’s interview partner is Gamze EVKURAN DAL (34). She has a daughter (5) and a son (21 month-old). Together with her family she lives in Istanbul, Turkey.

Nestwärme: How popular is babywearing in your country?
Gamze Evkuran Dal: It’s rather new but getting popular day by day. Unergonomic full-buckle carriers have been used for at least 15 years (maybe even longer). Stretchies, ergonomic carriers and woven wraps are seen for the recent 5-6 years. Meh dais, onbuhimos are pretty new with 1-2 years. However, a traditional type of back carry is very popular at some regions of our country.

Why did you want to become a babywearing consultant and which school did you visit? 
I love babywearing and want to share this beauty with other parents. My aim was to improve my knowledge and learn how to transfer that in the right way when attending to the basic course of Die Trageschule. I’m looking for the advanced course which is two weeks later:)

How important is it for you and/or your clients to wear babys ergonomically?
It’s one of the most important thing for me, it must be ergonomic both for the baby and for the caregiver, but especially for the baby. Clients are also already interested in ergonomical positions in general, but some individuals resist (especially dads).

How many parents are you „teaching“ per month?
Well, I’m new in consultancy. I am a bw consultant since november 2017. I performed four individual consultancies and a workshop. Also attended to a bw meeting as one of the consultants. So let’s say 1-2 per month 🙂

What’s the thing, most parents ask or have trouble with concerning babywearing?
The primary problem is the suitable size and model of the carriers, especially soft structured carriers. Then, spread-squat position and tightening the wrapjob.

How big is your «consultancy stash»?
Big enough. Stretchies, soft structured carriers, meh dais, ring slings, many woven wraps in different sizes and blends and an onbu.

What’s your favourite wrap and/or carrier and what’s the favourite product chosen by your clients?
I love all of them… My Neko wraps, Fidella zen with wool, Oscha with tencel-linen-occ, Neko SSC, Huggyberry Huggytai (meh dai), Didytai are favourites. Clients prefer Neko and Huggyberry SSCs and ring slings. Many of them are not familiar with woven wraps (I’m also taking into consideration whose are supported online)

What’s the word for babywearing in your language?
Bebek giymek / bebek taşımak

Thank you for your insights and keep on the good work in making babywearing more popular in Turkey! 🙂 
Feel free to follow Gamze on her channels:

She’s on YouTube, Instagram and owns a Facebook Group.