I came across a vintage baby carrier on ebay called the Maral which led me to discover an interesting bit of babywearing history. This carrier was patented in the 1969 in New Zealand and was part of a revival of interest in babywearing that occured in the late 1960's. Baby carriers were especially popular among Le Leche League members. Marilyn Campbell in 1969 ran Maral with her husband Alistair and also organised the first formal La Leche League meeting in upper Hutt. Diane Hildreth "Yes Maral. When I was with Parents Centre Upper Hutt we promoted them in our magazines. I had one for my son Iain when he was a baby. They were fantastic. You could wear them back and front, adjust the straps and they provided head support which others on the market did not. I could do the veges for tea, vacuum, do the washing, all while I had in safely close to me." (Facebook comment from You know you grew up in Upper Hutt, Zealand when you remember.........' on the 29/30 September 2017 Christine Oliver "All of my 4 babies were carried in a bright yellow one of these in the 1980s. I offered to sell them in Perth WA as I had so many queries about where to purchase but Marilyn was content to keep the business small and local." (Facebook comment Upper Hutt Heritage Facebook page on the 29/30 September Photo by Wilfred Revelle Jackson 1970 Photo by Revelle Jackson 1970 Maral baby carrier back and front view. A different baby carrier from the same era from the Upper Hutt City Library Heritage Collections. There is not much information about this one, possibly handmade. Lynne McLellan and bay Tascha. Photo by Revelle Jackson date unspecified. Some parents made their own carriers, the Le Leche League offered a pattern (printed in their magazine) https://dunedinbabywearinglibrary.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/may-tielllphoto.jpg Do you have any memories of the Maral baby carriers or of babywearing in the 1960's or 1970's in New Zealand? Sources:
https://dunedinbabywearinglibrary.wordpress.com/background This is a comprehensive article covering the history of babywearing in New Zealand. https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/21615 https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/2273?keywords=marilyn%20cambpell&type=all&highlights=WyJtYXJpbHluIiwiY2FtcGJlbGwiXQ==&lsk=0d1c146c0e7a22f218341709c97a0a8c https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/9425?keywords=campbell%20baby%20carrier&highlights=eyIwIjoiY2FtcGJlbGwiLCIxIjoiYmFieSIsIjIiOiJjYXJyaWVyLiIsIjQiOiJjYXJyaWVycyIsIjEyIjoiY2FycmllciJ9&lsk=6a7a7743138d923d210d814d8a2f7f53
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AuthorI love to sew. I have five curious and active kids who keep me busy! Archives
November 2024
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