Decoding the Code

Elias in Vatani Whales Aiailik, Size 3

Okay, so now that Jamie's introduced you to the basics - what types of carriers are out there, I thought I'd interject with a note of acknowledgement. I know that if I was new to this and read these "basics" I would be feeling overwhelmed and I would quit. After I all, I have a VERY fancy stroller, why do I need a carrier? But wait - don't quit! If you don't have a Jamie nearby to peer pressure you to try again and force you to keep practicing, let us fill that role. DON'T GIVE UP!

Elias in Diva Milano Merletti Emineza Size 6

Here is what I'm going to suggest:

1. Take a pause. Grab your baby and hug her/him. This is the feeling you are trying to prolong throughout your day, while simultaneously helping you to get things done. Best of both worlds, right?!

2. Remember that often when you start something new there is a learning curve. The first few days at a new job suck. Then you figure it out and it's hard to remember that it was ever so foreign. If I can figure this out, anyone can, trust me!

3. Don't get caught up in all the details. Just find something you like (whether it's the look, the feel, what you are more drawn to...whatever) and just try. 

4. Find a friend, colleague or local Facebook group who might be able to help you in person. Or try The Babywearer, watch Youtube videos or ask us questions. 

Miles in Girasol Chococabana Size 5

Below is a glossary that will help you to sort through this bizarre baby wearing language. But remember, it's just jargon about the details. Don't get caught up in them, it will come with time. And while you're waiting let us help you find a way to keep your baby close!

Elias in Natibaby Deer in Wine, Size 6

Courtesy of Thebabywearer.com!!
http://www.thebabywearer.com/forum/faq.php

• Carrier Types and Styles

  ABC – Asian-style baby carrier

  MT – mei tai

  SSC - soft-structured carrier

  WCMT - Wrap conversion Mei Tai

  HB- Half Buckle

  GSW – German style woven (wrap)

  Onbu - onbuhimo

  Pod - podaegi, podegi, podeagiRS – ring sling

  SPOC – simple piece of cloth (a wrap; often refers to a homemade one)

  LE - limited edition

  
  

  Carrier Positions and Methods of Tying (Wraps)

  BWCC- back wrap cross carry

  BWCC w/ CB- back wrap cross carry with a chest belt

  CHCC – coolest hip cross carry

  DH - double hammock (aka chunei back carry) 

  FCC - front cross carryFFO – front facing out

  FWCC- front wrap cross carry

  HCC - hip cross carry

  RHC - Robyn's Hip Carry

  PHC - poppins hip carry

  SHBC - Secure High back carry

  JBC – Jordan’s back carry

  P-WCC - pocket wrap cross carry

  T2T – Tummy-to-tummy, also called snuggle hold

  WCC - wrap cross carry 

  TC - Taiwanese carry

  WPBC- Wiggle-proof back carry

  DRS2S - Double rebozo with a shoulder to shoulder chest belt

  
  

  
  

  Internet Forum/Chat References and For Sale or Trade Terms

  BN – Brand New

  BRB - Be Right Back

  bump – Contentless post made for the purpose of “bumping” a thread to the top of the forum

  EUC – Excellent Used Condition

  FB – Feedback

  FFS- Free For Shipping

  FSOT – For Sale Or Trade

  FS – For Sale

  FT – For Trade

  FA - For Auction 

  GN - Gender Neutral

  GUC – Good Used Condition

  HTF - Hard To Find

  HSA - Highly sought after

  IHA - I Have Available (usually refers to trade items)

  IRL - In Real LifeISO/IDSO – In (Desperate) Search Of

  NAK – Nursing At Keyboard

  NIP – New In Package

  NWT – New With Tags

  NWOT – New Without Tags

  OOAK - One Of A Kind

  OP - Original PosterOT - Off Topic

  PM – Private Message

  PP - PayPal

  PPD – Postage Paid Domestic (shipping cost is included in price)

  TBW – TheBabyWearer.com

  TDF - To Die For

  VGC –Very Good Condition

  
  

  Family and Relationships

  BF – boyfriend or best friend

  BFF - best friend forever

  DH – dear (darling, darned, doofus) husband

  DF/DP/DW - dear fiance(e)/partner/wife

  DS/DD/DC - dear son/daughter/child*ILs/

  PILs – in-laws/parents-in-law

  LO – loved one/little one

  SO - significant other

  FIL/MIL - father in law/mother in law

  BIL/SIL - brother in law/sister in law

  
  

  General Common Phrases

  AFAIK - as far as I know

  ASAP - as soon as possible

  ATM – at the moment

  BTW - by the way

  BTDT - been there, done that 

  FTR - for the record 

  FWIW - for what it's worth

  FYI - for your information

  HTH - hope this helps

  IIRC - if I recall correctly

  IMHO - in my humble opinion

  IMNSHO – in my not-so-humble opinion

  IME - in my experience

  IMO - in my opinion

  ITA - I totally agree

  IOW – in other words

  IYKWIM - if you know what I mean

  IYSWIM - if you see what I mean

  JIC – just in case

  JM(H)O - just my (humble) opinion

  KWIM - know what I mean?

  LMK – let me know

  LOL - laughing out loud

  OTOH - on the other hand

  POV - point of view

  PSA - public service announcement

  ROFL/ROTFL - rolling on the floor laughing

  ROTFLMAO - rolling on the floor laughing my a** off

  TIA - thanks in advance

  TBH – to be honest

  TMI – too much information (relates to the disclosure of very personal information, often regarding bodily functions)

  TTFN - ta ta for now

  WSS - what she said (agreeing with something said by previous poster