Organizational History
The babywearing industry has grown tremendously over the past decade. While there are certainly well-loved, quality brands of baby carriers that have been with us for years if not decades, many of the available babywearing products today are being produced by companies that began within the past ten--or even five--years. While there are organizations in existence that represent the broader needs of companies engaged in manufacturing products for the juvenile market, no one organization served the needs of those who make or sell to consumers, or educate them about how to use baby carriers. Kristi Hayes-Devlin felt strongly over the past few years that such an organization was vital to the continued health and growth of the industry, and so, at 36 weeks pregnant, she decided to formally incorporate the BCIA. Along with 12 other founding members, Hayes-Devlin launched the BCIA in July 2010. The formation of the BCIA continues her work on the ASTM Sling Safety Standards subcommittee, on which she has served for the past 3 years.
Vesta Garcia, Executive Director of the BCIA, first approached ASTM International about the creation of a voluntary sling standard in 2007. In additional to Hayes-Devlin and Garcia, several other board members have been instrumental in working towards the creation of a sling safety standard, including Kristen DeRocha (former CEO of Hotslings and former Chair of the ASTM Sling Subcommittee) and Rochelle Price (current Chair of the ASTM Sling Subcommittee). BCIA looks forward to continued growth as we serve as advocates for members of the baby carrier industry.
Founding Board Members
Kristen DeRocha, formerly of Hotslings (USA), (2010-2011)
Hamilton and Melissa Radcliffe,
TogetherBe (USA), (2010-2011)