Family

Sling and you’re winning

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If you’ve ever tried to soothe a crying baby while single-handedly making dinner for the rest of your family, you’ll already know that carrying your child in a sling can be an absolute godsend.

Not only does your baby get to be close to you and see what all the action is at grown-up level, but you get to carry on with a few essential jobs at the same time.

When my son was much, much smaller than he is now, I tried using a few baby carriers but he just never seemed happy in any of them. I loved the idea of being able to carry him but for me, it just never worked out.

It wasn’t until he was too big for me to carry (he’s now five but about as tall as the average seven-year-old), that I heard there was a sling library where I could try out baby carriers for just a few pounds a week as well as getting expert advice on which ones would suit me and my child the best.

I booked in for a consultation with Wibke from the Wirral Sling Library when baby gal was just three months old, and we spent a good hour at my house trying different carriers and how to use them. The main thing for me was finding a sling which would help me carry my daughter easily between the car and my son’s school, a journey not far enough for the faff of getting out the buggy and too far to carry her just in my arms.

I ended up with a ring sling (in glorious technicolor) and a Connecta Integra in beautiful turquoise silk. Yay, comfortable, practical and looks good! I still use the Connecta, despite baby gal being at a very wriggly just walking stage.

Wibke now runs the sling library from a shop in Birkenhead, The Owl Tree, as well as holding various sessions around Wirral each week. For more up to date info, take a look at her Facebook page or pop into The Owl Tree to say hi!

Here’s a photograph of me carrying baby gal on a recent holiday, looking like I am completely in control with my babe strapped to my front while she tries to nip her brother’s nose… Well, you can’t be in control of everything with two kids can you?

Below, you can see Wibke in her natural habitat, and a few of the wraps and carriers she stocks to hire or buy.

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5 Comments

  • Reply
    Nortonmum
    August 1, 2014 at 11:01 am

    That is a fantastic idea, will definitely spread the word.

  • Reply
    Steph Oakes
    August 1, 2014 at 11:56 am

    I’ve heard about Wibke and her sling library and keep meaning to get in touch! Sounds like such a great concept and glad you found one you love.

  • Reply
    Becky Willoughby (@LakesSingleMum)
    August 1, 2014 at 12:36 pm

    I had a couple of slings with mine one modern one and one cloth wrap. Things have moved on since those days and there is much more choice. My son was 10lb from birth and grew out of them quicker than his big sister!

  • Reply
    ghostwritermummy
    August 5, 2014 at 5:47 am

    I was given a Babasling when Luka was born and at first I wasn’t keen at all. But he was such a refluxy baby who cried a lot, and he’d had a difficult birth so when someone suggested it could help, I went for it. I was SO glad I did. I wore him practically all the time and it made the school run so much easier too. When Bella was born she went straight into a wrap and I never looked back. I treated myself to an Emeibaby carrier when she was a little older and now I have all three ready for the new baby. I find babywearing such a comfort for us both and on a practical level, you get so much more done!! x x x

    • Reply
      Rainbeaubelle
      August 5, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      I’m going to have a look at the Emeibaby carrier now! I think carrying definitely helps reflux, my daughter suffered with that too. Baby number three will benefit from your babywearing experience! Xx

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