SAFE IN MY ARMS The safety of children has always been of great importance to families. The smaller the child, the more care we need to take, but since the COVID pandemic broke out, keeping all our loved ones safe and well is at the centre of all of our thinking. Where else could a baby feel most safe than in the arms of their caregiver, protected by their body, shielded by their arms, reassured by their warmth and nurtured by their microbiome? Continuous body contact and gentle motion makes babies feel safe and brings calm them when they are distressed. We caregivers all instinctively know the speed and pace to move when our babies need rocking and settling. All caregivers hold and carry their babies: some of us use our arms, others use tools (slings and carriers). The essence is the same: we want to provide close contact and for them to be safe in our arms. We might be feeling lonely in the long months of the pandemic, being physically separated from many of our loved ones, often being on our own with tiny babies and older children. We may feel pushed to our limits by trying to balance working from home, educating our children, amidst the usual day routine and the complexity of the restrictions. However, this doesn’t mean we are alone. Through the 5th European Babywearing Week we can connect with each other from a safe distance by sharing our thoughts, photos and moments of our lives, encouraging and uplifting each other, recognising and listening to each other. We are looking forward to connecting with you all around Europe!