Alta spent a few years in Prague with her husband and it was here that Isabella was born. “From Isabella’s first weeks of life I carried her in a baby carrier and still remember baking scones in the early morning hours with her tied dreamily to my chest. Living in a European city I soon realised that people tended to carry on with their lives in the way they did before they had children.

“One very helpful aid was the wraparound baby carrier and being hands-free I found that I was able to carry out most tasks easily … and get on with my life!

“I can honestly say that Isabella was a happy baby. She hardly cried and never had reflux, not the way my friends’ babies seem to have it. Isabella fell asleep within minutes of being tucked into her baby wrap and since I decided to breastfeed, it gave me the privacy to nurse her anywhere, anytime, without feeling exposed.

“Isabella is now two years old and very aware of her surroundings. She talks in full sentences and can identify most things she sees. I’m inclined to think that this is as a result of baby wearing.”

Eager to share the benefits of a wraparound baby carrier, the sisters decided to set up their own business and manufacture them locally. In this way they could earn an income whilst at the same time help to build a better future for other South Africans … and ultimately assist future generations of Tigo babies.

Of course there were obstacles along the way. Not importing from China, for example, meant that their profit margins were reduced, but giving back to the community and providing local jobs was their over-riding priority.

“We strongly believe that the one small effort can make an impact, while lots of small efforts can make a meaningful impact,” says Janet, who was keen for their business venture to enhance the lives of others and the world we live in.

And so Tigo Baby was born!