CONSULTATIONS
What is the difference between a sling library and a babywearing consultant?
Over the last decade, sling libraries have popped up all over the country. They usually offer free sling advice (although some may charge a small attendance fee), and are run on a voluntary, non-profit-making basis by volunteers who want to share their love of babywearing.
They are often, (but not always), run by a trained babwearing consultant, and a busy library may also have assistants who have been trained to peer support level. Sling libraries carry a range of slings and carriers for hire. Each sling library will have its own pricing structure but their aim is to make it affordable for customers to hire several slings so that they can "try-before-they-buy".
Sling libraries can also serve as social gatherings/coffee mornings and are a good place to meet other new parents and make friends.
A babywearing consultant is someone who has been independently trained to teach others about babywearing,and to provide advice and expertise on the range and variety of babywearing options available.
If you have no experience of slings at all, a consultant can demonstrate all the different types of carrier so that you have a good understanding of all the options. They can help you use slings that you already have or they can teach you something more specific like back carrying, using a woven wrap or hip carriers etc
If you have any special requirements, such as a disability, surgical equipment, premature baby, C-section, twins etc, a consultant can help you find the best carrying options for your situation.
Consultations are a charged service, compared to the libraries which are free (or a nominal cost) to attend. Here are some of the reasons why:
Over the last decade, sling libraries have popped up all over the country. They usually offer free sling advice (although some may charge a small attendance fee), and are run on a voluntary, non-profit-making basis by volunteers who want to share their love of babywearing.
They are often, (but not always), run by a trained babwearing consultant, and a busy library may also have assistants who have been trained to peer support level. Sling libraries carry a range of slings and carriers for hire. Each sling library will have its own pricing structure but their aim is to make it affordable for customers to hire several slings so that they can "try-before-they-buy".
Sling libraries can also serve as social gatherings/coffee mornings and are a good place to meet other new parents and make friends.
A babywearing consultant is someone who has been independently trained to teach others about babywearing,and to provide advice and expertise on the range and variety of babywearing options available.
If you have no experience of slings at all, a consultant can demonstrate all the different types of carrier so that you have a good understanding of all the options. They can help you use slings that you already have or they can teach you something more specific like back carrying, using a woven wrap or hip carriers etc
If you have any special requirements, such as a disability, surgical equipment, premature baby, C-section, twins etc, a consultant can help you find the best carrying options for your situation.
Consultations are a charged service, compared to the libraries which are free (or a nominal cost) to attend. Here are some of the reasons why:
- During a consultation you have the consultant’s full attention; this is difficult to achieve in a sling library setting.
- You are able to take your time - even taking breaks for feeding and settling baby without losing the consultant's attention. Many libraries have to limit each person to 15 minutes of 1:1 advice as it can be extremely busy.
- You are able to try out the slings yourself with the consultants full attention. Sling libraries will often offer demos but, because of the time constraints, there is no specific 1:1 teaching.
- You are able to practice back carrying. Most libraries don’t allow people to practice back carries with their child in the sling library due to the potential risks of working in a busy environment.
- Whereas at a library you will be shown the basic mode of carrying for a particular sling, during a consultation, you have the time to explore several different carrying positions with your chosen carrier.
- A a sling library can also be noisy and overwhelming for some parents - especially in the early days when one is feeling most vulnerable. Consultations take place in a quiet, calm environment - even in your own home if necessary - (see below)
Payment:
Payment can be made in advance by Paypal (I will email you an invoice), or by cash or cheque on the day.
USING THE SLING LIBRARY AFTER A CONSULTATION
During the consultation, we will look at many different types of slings and you may want to go on to try a few different carriers out before going on to buy something.
I have a small lending library which you can access once you have had a consultation with me. Slings can be hired for £5 per fortnight on payment of a refundable deposit.
If you know specifically which sling you would like to hire you may reserve it and then pop in to collect it. I will show you a basic carry in the sling of your choice and ensure that you understand how to use the carrier safely before hiring. This takes no more than 15 minutes and there is no charge for my time but this will mostly be admin and safety checks. All slings will come with a set of wearing instructions for you to use at home.
However, if you feel you need specific tuition before hiring a sling, please book a minimum half hour slot (fees as above).
Library fees apply separately.
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The baby carrier market has exploded over the last few years and there are now 100's of different brands and styles of baby carrier. Due to the cost involved in keeping up with every new carrier, I am only able to carry a small number of brands that best represent the different TYPES of carriers on the market.
If you would like to sample a wider range of slings and carriers, the nearest large sling library is www.coventryslings.co.uk
If you are unable to attend either a consultation or a sling library, you may still hire slings by post from It's A Sling Thing:
https://itsaslingthing.co.uk
I have a small lending library which you can access once you have had a consultation with me. Slings can be hired for £5 per fortnight on payment of a refundable deposit.
If you know specifically which sling you would like to hire you may reserve it and then pop in to collect it. I will show you a basic carry in the sling of your choice and ensure that you understand how to use the carrier safely before hiring. This takes no more than 15 minutes and there is no charge for my time but this will mostly be admin and safety checks. All slings will come with a set of wearing instructions for you to use at home.
However, if you feel you need specific tuition before hiring a sling, please book a minimum half hour slot (fees as above).
Library fees apply separately.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The baby carrier market has exploded over the last few years and there are now 100's of different brands and styles of baby carrier. Due to the cost involved in keeping up with every new carrier, I am only able to carry a small number of brands that best represent the different TYPES of carriers on the market.
If you would like to sample a wider range of slings and carriers, the nearest large sling library is www.coventryslings.co.uk
If you are unable to attend either a consultation or a sling library, you may still hire slings by post from It's A Sling Thing:
https://itsaslingthing.co.uk