Every time I see the topographical features of the barangays in the Cordillera, I always wonder how do they carry their babies?
Batad Rice Terraces, Ifugao
Obviously, strollers are not an option here. Mother’s in the Cordillera carry their child by tying both ends of a cloth together and wrapping it around their body and placing the child in the cloth. The mother then does her everyday work/chores carrying the child. They call this style of child-carrying Aban.
(Left) Mother carrying her child while washing the dishes; (Right) Mother carrying her child while walking down the steep slopes of Batad - Photo by Maki Romulo Bajit; Both pictures were taken in Batad, Ifugao
The cloth used can be a simple blanket, flour sack or their famous ethnic weaving. But they rarely use the ethnic weaving because of its thickness making it hard to tie a knot.
What are the advantages of using the child-carrying style Aban?
- The mother and the child feels each others rhythm making them closer together.
- The mother’s hand can be free making her do work or chores while carrying her child.
- The child will see the reality of life by seeing the everyday life of their mother.
- The mother feels the weight of her child making her stronger.
- Whenever the mother will use the stairs, she does not have to worry or look for another route, unlike the stroller. She could also use her hands to hold onto the railings of the stairs to for additional balance.
- Whenever the mother will not use the Aban, she will just fold the cloth and put it inside her bag, unlike the stroller.
- If the time comes that the Aban can no longer be used, the cloth can be used as a rag and since cloth are biodegradable it can be disposed without having much effect on the environment. Unlike the stroller that has plastic parts.
- Strollers are big that you need to have a car or get a taxi just to transport them. The cloth can just be folded and placed inside the bag and you can ride the jeepney or bus while carrying your child.
(Left) Mother carrying her child while taking a look below; (Right) Mother texting while carrying her child; Both pictures were taken in Hungduan, Ifugao
If you use your creativity, you’ll notice that even a modern woman can also use the Aban. In fact, one of my favorite Pinoy Travel Bloggers uses the child-carrying style Aban, she’s the Pinay Travel Junkie.
The city may not have the same topographical features of the mountains in Codillera but if you observe carefully we actually go up and down a lot of steps and stairs in our daily lives. So if you do not want to be hassled by these small obstacles and you want to be closer to your child while they grow and still be hip, cool, environment-friendly and strong, do not be ashamed to use the Aban.
The father carrying his child by using the Aban while they were walking down the road in Babalak, Kabayan, Benguet
Mother carrying her child while selling vegetables in Mount Polis, Ifugao
Thanks for including me and Luna here π I actually learned how to use it when we were still residing in Baguio. It’s honestly not an easy task, and you’re correct that it’s appropriate to use such in hilly/mountainous areas. But I do hope more women try it, you’ve pretty much summed up all the advantages. Awesome job!
Thanks Gaye. Actually, thank you for letting me include you and Luna. π
Iniisip ko palang kung paano gagawin yung knot at paglagay sa bata, nachachallenge na ako. π
It’s great to have two hands free ya know…
it is also less complicated than commercial baby carriers.
i use the modern type which has a plastic loophole at one end.
http://www.indieescape.com/2011/02/10-tips-for-2011-philippine.html
Coooool!!! π It’s my first time to see a modern type Aban with a plastic loophole. Nacurious tuloy ako how does it work. π
Thumb’s up for Aban, I like the bond and connection formed betweeen the mother and the baby.