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A lot of expectant parents are unsure as to when is a good time to come to a sling library to get a feel of what slings are out there, and how they feel on them.

Here are my top tips and how things work at Wrap a Hug Sling Library:

• Don’t hesitate to try slings on while pregnant. It’s never too early to try some on. You can come and see us anytime during your pregnancy. So get in touch and we’ll book you in to try some slings on using demo dolls.
• Trying slings on before baby arrives will help you make you feel prepared and have an idea of what’s out there. Plus, you don’t have a tiny human to look after during the consultation (just yet!), and some parents find this make things easier.
• Always try slings on before you buy one, and try them with your baby once your baby is here! You’ll get a good idea of the comfort and support you get with different types of slings and carriers, and how they support your baby.
• You can learn to belly wrap with a stretchy or woven wrap to support your belly
• Not all buckle carriers fit all people, so try some on. Don’t fall in for marketing techniques, popularity and friends’ recommendations. Slings are personal, very much like shoes: every body is different, mobility varies between people and preferences are preferences! Here’s a handy blog about sling types
• Not all carriers will fit all babies from birth, even if your baby is within the lower weight limit of the carrier, so come see us! We’re here to help. Read my blog about buckle carriers here
• We can help you find ‘THE’ sling that works for YOU. Skip the big baby shops where the only aim of the salesperson is to sell you the most expensive carrier (not to mention that many are not trained to explain safety and will likely show you unsafe positioning).
• Types of appointment (see question above for more details):
  • 20mins sling library appt, 1-0-1 or grouped (£12, inc. 1 sling hire for 2 weeks or 1 month for Close caboos and stretchy wraps): best if you only want to try one type of sling on (e.g., wrap/Caboo, ringsling, carriers…)
  • Mini-group session at the Bethnal Green sling library to learn and try on stretchy wraps/caboos and/or buckle carriers (£12, inc. 1 sling hire for 2 weeks or 1 month for Close caboos and stretchy wraps). Best if you like to learn in group and want to have more time.
• You can pick-up your sling for hire when you want.

Help support the sling library! If you have enjoyed this article and would like to support the sling library, you can ‘Buy me Coffee’ All donations go towards supporting parents and keeping the sling library going. Thank you so very much!