Sling Library was created to inform parents and carers about all things slings: optimal infant positioning in slings, general sling safety, and to enable them to be fitted for a sling and try them out before they buy.

Sling library is run by qualified baby carrying consultants, qualified sling librarians and an army of trained admin volunteer staff, without whom sling library could not exist. Slinglibrary.com is a community interest not for profit company.

We have slings available to try on or hire from newborn to preschooler. Whether you want to borrow a sling for a one off event such as a wedding or walking holiday, or if you’re looking for a sling for using every day we will have the right sling for you.

How it works

First time library users with babies under 5 months

4th Trimester Workshop

The first hour of sling library is devoted to the needs of parents and carers with babies under 5m old who are new to slinglibrary. Unlike the library drop in session this is a workshop. In this workshop we cover unsafe, safe, and optimal slings and carriers and how to spot the difference. Safe infant positioning in slings and carriers, different types of carrier pros and cons. Followed by a session on good technique with 4th trimester slings and a trying on session. Once you have attended a 4th trimester workshop or had a one to one consultancy session you can use the drop in as usual.

(There is a suggested donation for this session of £3 with hire or £5 without this helps us to cover the cost of the room hire.)

Babies and children 5 months and older (Or parents/carers who have had a 4th trimester workshop or one to one consultancy)

Sign in on arrival on the sign in sheet, we will see everyone in turn. You may be grouped together in busier sessions with other parents with similar needs.

 We endeavour to give every parent a free mini sling consultation, 10-15 minutes. In this time slot you can: talk about positioning,  get help with your own sling, OR to be fitted for a library sling, (we can fit for back carries but teaching how to do it yourself would need to be done in a one to one session). In this time frame you will have chance to try on and learn to use 2 or 3 of ONE type of carrier, or learn a wrap technique. You can see the different types of sling and carrier here. You can come as many times as needed to try on different types, or you can book a one to one session if you would like more time. If you wish to hire a sling you will need a £40 deposit (or recent proof of address such as a bank letter and a photo ID) cheques are preferred but we also take pay pal and cash, plus the hire fee of either £6.50 per month for new born stretchy slings or £6.50 per fortnight/£10 per month for all other slings and carriers.

If you feel you may need longer to discuss your needs, or if you or your baby have any special considerations please make an appointment for a private consultation. Consultations start at only £20 for an hour, details can be found here.

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Newborns

Newborns have spent nine months in the cosy womb and love to be nestled close. They recognise your ‘smell’, they want to hear your heart and your familiar voice and they feel with their whole bodies the familiar movements, just like they are used to in the womb. Babies need to be held and using a good sling means you can get on with looking after your older children or yourself without trying to juggle everything with one hand.

Slings can help you get much needed skin to skin in those early days, which helps regulate baby’s temperature and heart rate as well as improving milk supply. Using a sling for three hours a day can reduce the time a baby spends crying by up to fifty percent. Carrying your baby in a sling has even been shown to improve PND.
Older Babies.

When babies are ready to explore their world there is no stopping their curiosity! From the vantage of a sling they can see further than in a pram and are at eye level, taking in everything around them. Being part of your conversations they  learn about their world and can learn from your facial expressions about what is dangerous, funny, exciting and safe.
Toddler hood and beyond.

Toddlers are exploring the big, wide world. It is exciting but can be overwhelming and sometimes only a mummy’s cuddle will do. We have all seen the mum out in town with a distressed toddler trying to push an empty pram through the crowds whilst trying to comfort her little adventurer…..how much easier would it be with a sling folded up in her handbag?
Slings can take you and your baby or child to places you wouldn’t have thought possible. Buses trains and planes are a breeze. The right sling can see you climbing mountains and exploring forests with your little ones.

Resources:

www.slingguide.co.uk

Skin to skin.

Kangaroo care 

Skin to skin improves gas exchange

Breastfeeding

Skin to skin after cesarean

Skin to skin in healthy newborns

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For more information on sling safety please refer to the following websites:

http://babywearinginternational.org/pages/safety.php

http://www.schoolofbabywearing.com/Images/TICKS.pdf

http://www.slingguide.co.uk/

To ensure you are using your sling appropriately please refer to your local baby

wearing instructor, details of U.K. instructors can be found on the following websites:

http://www.trageschule.co.uk/find-a-consultant/

http://www.schoolofbabywearing.com/find-a-babywearing-consultant/

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