Is a baby sling/wrap okay in Boro Park?

amother

Blonde

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 8:57 am

We don't live in the US but are planning a trip to Boro Park. This will be my first time there with a baby and I realized -- in past trips there I've only ever seen babies in carriages. Is baby wearing just not the trend or is it viewed as problematic in some way? I always wear my baby and I don't mind being different, but I don't want to be offensive.

Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks!

Amelia Bedelia

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 9:03 am

For some reason, baby wearing isn't very popular in Boro Park, but Afaik there's no hashkafic issue with it. Do whatever you're comfortable with!

mommy3b2c

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 11:04 am

No one will get offended, but if they did, they are obviously not a normal person, so why would you go by their feelings?

rising hero

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 11:06 am

In boro park it's monkey-see-monkey-do or monkey-don't-see-monkey-dont-do in this situation. For some reason it's not a 'thing'...dont get caught into it. Do what's best for you; whatever you want.

amother

Silver

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 11:17 am

I wore my baby in a carrier in Boro Park when I visited. Yes, I was the only one and I did feel a bit out of place, but I also got many positive comments and interest in the carrier. They thought it was so nice, they were thinking of getting, etc.

zaq

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 1:44 pm

Madam F. wrote:

In boro park it's monkey-see-monkey-do or monkey-don't-see-monkey-dont-do in this situation. For some reason it's not a 'thing'...dont get caught into it. Do what's best for you; whatever you want.

This. Go ahead and do what works for you. If the natives think it odd or unattractive, too bad on them. Consider yourself fortunate to be in a position not to have to care what they think. I feel truly sorry for people who live in circles where you have to worry about pushing the "right" stroller, wearing the "right" styles, serving the "right" foods and so on. G-d gave us 613 commandments that we MUST observe; everything else is optional.

abound

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 1:46 pm

THere is no hashkafic issue but it is not done culturally. I walked the streets there with a baby wrap though and did not care, it was best for my baby. Yes people might eye you.............so if that makes a difference to you then you need to decide.

nyer1

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 1:47 pm

so interesting - I don't live in boro park but I am there on occasion because my husband works in the area. I never even thought about the fact that I've never seen anyone wearing a baby carrier (outside the home) there before-- but now that you mention it, I realize that I've never seen it! how funny. but I don't see why anyone should or would be offended by it. do what works for you. who knows.. maybe you'll start a new trend!

amother

Lawngreen

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 2:08 pm

I lived in Brooklyn when I had my first baby and I used to go everywhere including boro park with my baby carrier. My baby hated the stroller and it was the only way he'd behave. Sometimes I would wear a baby carrier and push a stroller in case he would fall asleep in the carrier and then I'd transfer him to the stroller. You gotta do what you gotta do. I almost always got a comment (usually positive).

black sheep

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 2:17 pm

I have worn my baby in boro park. there is no issue with it at all, halachic, hashkafic, or trend-wise.

cbsp

Tue, Mar 31 2015, 8:16 pm

The only halachic objection I can think of is it would be carrying if you don't use the eruv. But then you wouldn't be using a stroller at that time anyway...