Issue Eight
Buying Preloved
Our guide to buying with confidence
On the High Street
Is the high street catching up with babywearing?
Shortie Curious
We get to grips with shorter woven wraps
Explore Wrapping
How to do a Shepherds Carry
Winter Wearing
Top tips on how to stay toastie
Advice · Shopping · Babywearing · Reviews
monkeymeitai Luxury carriers for the discerning customer Transform your vision into reality with our bespoke freehand embroidery. “I have rarely felt that a company took such genuine interest in what I wanted from a product.” - Elizabeth M.
“I felt totally taken care of at every step of the process.” - Sarah C.
Discuss the possibilities:
helen@monkeymeitai.co.uk
"Absolutely first class workmanship and attention to detail." - Harriet R.
facebook.com/monkeymeitai @monkeymeitai www.monkeymeitai.com
3
A Word From The Editor Its International Babywearing Week 2016, this year the headline is 'best seat in the house' a fitting title for a babywearing event. In the past 6 months there has continued growth within the industry and huge support for the re-launch of Close Enough To Kiss Magazine. With a record number of readers and our fanbase ever increasing it makes designing and working to produce the magazine a real joy. I recently spent some time in Sweden courtesey of BabyBjorn surrounded by babyearing professionals from over 10 countries. Getting to see what other countries value most about babywearing and making international contacts was amazing and something i could only have dreamed of 5 years ago. Collaboration within our industry is the only way we will realise our dream of carrying being truly mainstream and some exciting times are ahead as various international bodies take the arduous task of getting proper medical research set up to measure just how good babywearing is for babies, wearers and society as a whole. Our Next issue will be out in March, so keep your eyes peeled!
If you would like to contribute to our magazine in any way please contact info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Enjoy x
Renee www
www.closenoughtokiss.co.uk closeenoughtokiss
Front Page Credit Rob Bowers @ The Carrying Works Carrier Credit Nova Baby Carrier Toddler Onbu
@closeenoughtokiss @closeenoughmag @closeenoughmag Issue Eight
5
Contents 8
14
24
30
36
07 Easy As ABC
24 Explore Wrapping
08 Buying Preloved
26 Setting Up A Sling Library
11 Is The High Street Catching Up?
29 Big Camp 2016
14 Do You Onbu?
30 Visiting A Sling Library
16 Shortie Curious
33 Why Babywearing Matters?
17 Why Slings Are Like...
34 How To Babywear In Winter
23 Babywearing App Art
36 How To Check Your Carrier
Editor Renee Jeffery
Disclaimer
Design & Artwork Colin Jeffery Renee Jeffery Photography Je Mon Porte Bebe, Siobham Thompson Caroline Osborne, Charlotte Filcek, Anthea Masterson, Rob Bower, JPMBB, Amy Towers, Vivienne Cruddace, Becky Sarah, Clair Halliday, Emily Reid, Gabrielle Lynne, Joanne Robertson, Lindsay Miller, Mary Walden, Natalie Marczewski, Rebecca Haddock, Jess Hippey, Valerie Aspinall, Ginny Sharp, Abbie Kennedy, Rosie Knowles, Lindsay Rhodes, Siobhann Thompson, Roamy Hunt
Writers Chiara Evans, Lorna Blanchard, Caroline Gardiner, Amy Towers, Charlotte Filcek, Vivienne Cruddace, Ginny Sharp, Dawn McKie Promotions Carrying Aid International, Prisma Contact Us by Email info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk advertising@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Find Us Online www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk www.facebook.com/closeenoughtokiss www.twitter.com/closeenoughmag www.pinterest.com/closeenoughmag www.instagram.com/closeenoughtokiss
All information in Close Enough to Kiss Magazine or website is intended for entertainment purposes only and professional advice should be sought for those who are in anyway unsure how to carry their children in a safe manner. The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way whatsoever for the actions or results taken by any persons, organisations or any parties on the basis of reading information, stories or contributions of Close Enough to Kiss Magazine or website. The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing professional advice or services. The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any persons or parties, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication or not in regards to the consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of Close Enough to Kiss Magazine. The publishers, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party. Whilst we try to ensure all advertising in Close Enough to Kiss Magazine is relevant to our readers, we do not necessarily endorse the products shown. No part of this magazine is to be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission from the publisher. All views expressed in this publication are those of individuals and not of Close Enough to Kiss or the companies we represent. All information included was correct at the time of being published online.
Issue Eight
easy as...
A
written by Chiara Evans
irway
Make sure baby's airway is always open. With baby in an upright position, keep baby's chin off her chest. No fabric should cover baby's face and with baby close enough for you to kiss, so you can gently tilt your head and kiss the top of theirs, you should also be aware of the gentle rise and fall of baby's chest against yours.
Body Positoning
Your baby should be respectfully supported with your sling or carrier appropriate to their age and stage. For optimal positioning, baby should be in a seated-squat position, supported from knee-to-knee, encouraging the knees higher than baby's bottom. The sling should support baby's back to make sure that she can't slump down.
C omfort
A well-fitting, correctly worn sling, makes babywearing comfortable for both you and baby. Keeping baby high and tight in your sling means that baby's weight is spread evenly and should not pull on your back or shoulders. If you are not comfortable or confident, get in touch with your local babywearing consultant or library. Issue Eight
7
8
Buying PreLoved Slings and Carriers pros and pitfalls written by lorna blanchard You can most definitely buy amazing slings and carriers preloved. There is a huge community out there and an active market of buying and selling is at your fingertips. Here are a few handy hints to make sure that you get what you’re paying for. The best places of toImage buycourtesy are mainly Themio Schuff online, namely good old Facebook. There are other online sources, but by far the most successful sales I have done are through Facebook groups. The busiest sales pages are; Affordable Slings and Babywearing FSOT. There are others and some are local, check with your local sling library to see if they have a sales page as local mummies are often keen to pass on without paying for postage. I got a bargain stretchy from a local sales page and don’t rule out bootsales if you don’t mind a rummage. Paying needs to be safe. Paypal in my opinion is the only way to pay for preloved slings and carriers. Unless you are collecting in person and can check the item before you take it away, then cash is fine. Paypal protects both buyer and seller and stops you from ending up empty handed. Most of the time you are buying from someone that you don’t know. Paypal has a system to make a claim if a sling goes missing for whatever Issue Eight
reason. Always pay for ‘goods and services’. II’s important to remember that you’re paying for a product and sometimes you’re spending a lot of money. Be safe and however friendly someone is, insist on a Paypal payment. Quality of the sling and carrier is important. A few things to ask a seller...
Buckled Carriers
. . .
Please can I have photos of the webbing and seams? Is there any damage on the carrier, stains etc? Have there been any alterations made to the carrier?
Woven wraps and Slings
. . .
Are there any pulls, thread shifting. Permacreasing or stains? Have there been any alterations made to the original product? Is there a middle marker and the original label in place?
9
Avoid Homemade slings, unless someone is a recognised business. There are work at home mums who make amazing products and go through safety testing and quality control. However, if you’re unsure about a brand ask your local sling library or an online help page such as ‘Babywearing Advice' to confirm before you purchase.
Avoid Anyone who is not forthcoming with details and photos. You have the right to request information about the product you are buying.
Avoid Falling in love too often, this is a dangerous game, you may end up with hundreds of slings and carriers!
Handy Hints Look through the Facebook pages and see what similar items are selling for. Ask your local sling library or someone in the babywearing community for help if you are unsure. Specialist items often have a separate Facebook group Happy browsing and don’t be afraid to haggle if something has been for sale for a while. Enjoy your purchases, some of the best slings around can be found preloved. Issue Eight
Ca
tional .com rna
Little Possoms Full Page NIY
ing Aid Inte rry
The Babywearing World United For Refugees We organise and coordinate the collection, shipping and safe distribution of much needed baby carriers to refugees arriving in Europe.
WE NEED YOU! We need donations of carriers and funds to cover shipping We need people to set up collection points in their local areas and we need volunteers to work on the ground supporting existing organisations and fitting carriers
To donate or get involved please find us here:
www.carryingaidinternational.com www.facebook.com/carryingaid carryingaid@hotmail.com
Back in flush w of Gree washed in the G islands who ra arriving and se
When y conditi face, y much d is just a They s multipl to try to from ch at chec they ha
As Ros “Small desper chaos (breast with dir childre long an snow is safety, But the
11
IS THE HIGH STREET CATCHING UP? "Thanks to the tireless work of babywearing professionals across the country, we are now used to the option of walking into a sling library and having the opportunity to try out several carriers with professional support for minimal cost. But how easy is it to recreate this experience on the high street? I spent some time shopping around in London to find out.
"
By Caroline Gardiner Issue Eight
12
John Lewis, Westfield Store, London
Mamas & Papas, WestField Store, London
John Lewis, Westfield Store, London
John Lewis, Oxford Street Store, London
Issue Eight
13
Connecta Display at Westfields Marks & Spencers Flagship Store in London There has been a great improvement in the capacity for customers to try out carriers in store. In the larger branches of John Lewis, customers can try out all of the available carriers, and in some stores they even have a demo doll available. The product range was excellent, including ergonomic buckle options, stretchy wraps and ring slings. Despite having a beautiful display of all the demo carriers, Mamas and Papas were not very progressive in their product range. A huge missed opportunity in their brand new flagship stores.
try out. So, based on those experiences in stores, there is still a lot of catching up to do. Even if some larger branches now have a range containing a better balance of ergonomic carriers, the emphasis is still on buckled carriers, and in the absence of instruction books and without trained support parents may feel confused trying certain options, especially where it is not immediately obvious how to use them.
Mothercare lost out due to their lack of care in presentation (slings were clearly a neglected afterthought), and the emphasis was on pricey narrow based options. However, they have an incredibly wide range of carriers on their website, which the other big hitters don’t.
For example, the Close Caboo or equivalent was stocked in most of the stores I visited, but would parents new to babywearing really feel confident enough to choose this over the leading brand? I would also have concerns over those with a tighter budget being put off babywearing by the price points in high street shops, walking away unaware of the cheaper options.
Marks and Spencers had Connecta's stocked in the Westfield flagship store, along with one other option, but I imagine this would not be the case in other branches. Neither Mothercare or Marks & Spencer offered the option to try out carriers. JoJo Maman Bebe had a small rather incoherent range perched on a high shelf, with no option to
Having assessed the offer on the high street I am so glad of the wide and growing network of sling libraries and consultants now available to parents and carers across the UK. Retailers take note, there is a wealth of knowledge available in the babywearing community, and many options for collaboration! Issue Eight
14
do you
ONBU?
why onbu are the latest trend in babywearing
"No waistband, very quick to use, folds up small; it's easy to see why they are taking the baby wearing world by storm. But what is an Onbu"? Modern Onbu carriers, inspired by The feature that draws a lot of people to the Japanese Onbuhimo, come in Onbu is the lack of waistband. Perfect for pregnancy, sore tummies or tender several forms. scars, or if you're just fed up of the Each type of Onbu features a panel muffin top other carriers create. Less that sits behind the child, curving under sweaty, more freedom of movement, the bum to make the seat, and straps it's great! which secure each of the top corners of the panel to the bottom corners. Because onbu have no waistband, you've got a lovely small item that folds Some have wrap straps and rings to perfectly into your bag ready for any fasten, but the increasingly popular adventure. Perfect for toddlers who bucklebu uses webbing and plastic love to get up and down, or those "just buckles, like you find on SSC's. in case" moments with an independent Issue Eight
15 preschooler. You could have them up on your back in a matter of seconds whenever they need a rest. Though they may look similar and share some of the same features, buckle Onbu are used quite differently from their full buckle cousins. Since there's no waistband to spread the load, Onbu can be tougher on the shoulders, especially if you are yet to find that "sweet spot". There's a divide amongst those who have tried Onbu, some love it, some hate it, and I'm sure the fact that it is much less forgiving and a bit of a learning curve has put some people off. But isn't there a need to practice everything? Once you've got it, the practicality and beauty of Onbu wins through day after day.
Written by Amy Towers
Issue Eight
16
Shortie CURIOUS By Charlotte Filcek
Put off woven wraps because of all that fabric? Or perhaps you’re in love with your long wrap. You can Front Wrap Cross Carry with it and there are a zillion other carries to try. All your carrying needs are sorted, right? Either way, this page is for YOU. I won't lie, I intend to provide you the justification for another sling. If you really don't want one, look away now... Short wraps can be used for very simple carries, a double knot or adjustable slipknot creating a pouch-style carry on the front, hip or even back. These carries are possible with the shortest of wraps: size 1 and 2 (around 2.2-2.7m). You can also add rings for a nosew ring sling, or skip rings and knots for a NoNoNo carry. But shortie carries don't have to be simplistic. You can tie several one or two-layer ruckvariant back carries with a size 2, secured under the bum or at your shoulder. Add a Issue Eight
smidgen more length and size 3 (around 3.2m) opens up a world of possibilities. Add chest belts to all those ruck variants, or try adding a torso pass to your back carry with Shepherd's or Double-Hammock Rebozo (if you're small-framed you might even squeeze these out of a size 2). The extra length brings more front carry options too, such as semi-FWCC, Short Cross Carry with a ring, and perhaps even kangaroo. The benefits? Shorties have the comfort and versatility of woven wraps in a package that is compact enough to shove in a change bag or wrap around you as a long scarf. Short tails won't drag in puddles or trip you while you wrap. Fewer passes mean cooler summer carries. Also, less fabric means they're cheaper... Case closed!
Why Slings are like
Wedding Dresses?
Issue Eight
17
18
6 years ago, I was on the hunt for a wedding dress. I trawled through websites, magazines and wedding blogs perusing dresses taking in all the different styles, materials, colours, cuts and tried to envisage the 'look' I was going for. In my head I thought I wanted a dress like this: ivory, lacy, fishtail and slinky.... And when I went shopping, that's what I wanted to try on. I soon discovered that my body shape and that style of dress weren't really going to work. So the very lovely lady in the bridal shop looked me up and down, ummed and aahed, pulled out some dresses and found me 'The One' It couldn't have been further away from what I wanted. Where was the lace? Where were the sleeves? Where was my 'so tight you can't sit down in it' fishtail?. Instead there was layer upon layer of taffeta silk and a train as long as the Caledonian Sleeper. But it was perfect for my body shape - accentuating the nice bits and hiding the slightly wobblier bits and making me feel like a princess as soon as I stepped in to it. It's a common story, brides having very firm ideas about what they want and coming away with something entirely the opposite. It's not that surprising to be honest. Yes, wedding dresses may all be mostly white, long and beautiful to look at, but the differing styles and designers mean that there's a million different variations of a wedding dress - and not each one is going to suit you. So why am I talking about wedding dresses in a sling magazine? It's because slings are exactly like wedding dresses. Every day, in a babywearing facebook group near you, you will see someone ask 'Whats the best sling to get for my 6 month Issue Eight
old?' Or 'I'm pregnant, what's the best sling to buy?'. You can certainly suggest the option that has worked for you, but it's impossible to say definitively what the best sling for them would be. Choosing a sling is as personal as choosing a wedding dress - there are so many factors to take in to consideration.
. . . . . . . . . . .
How old/heavy/tall is your baby How tall/what clothes size are you? Do you have a particularly long or short torso? Do you have narrow or broad shoulders? How did your birth go - were there any complications? If you're breastfeeding, you may want to avoid some carriers that have straps or buckles that lay near your breasts What do you want to use the sling for? School runs, long walks, in the house? Will anyone else be using the sling? Do you want something suitable from birth to toddlerhood or are you happy to use different slings for different needs? Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions? Does your baby have any medical issues that need taken in to consideration?
Âť
19
Issue Eight
Images supplied by www.babybjorn.co.uk
The
Woods Collection
Âť And then there's the most important
21 what you're doing wrong when you just can't get it to work. The answer would be that you aren't doing anything wrong at all, it's just not the one for you and your baby.
factor of all - personal choice. Even when you have all the answers to the above questions, it is only by trying a sling on that you will know which one is going to suit you best. Last week I had a consultation with a mama and By visiting a sling meet, library or sling consultant, you're going to be her 10 month old baby. able to see, feel and try on a wide She already knew that the (very range of slings and carriers beyond popular options such as the Tula popular) Tula wasn't a comfortable the that are regularly suggested in the option for her, so I suggested we try sling groups. some soft structured carriers that had a crossed strap option. We tried on You'll be able to try those on too of three, and while technically they are course, and it may well be that one all very similar in design, there was of them suits you, but by having an only one that she felt truly comfortable open mind, you will be able to work in. Without the opportunity to try, she with your library or consultant to find may have made an expensive mistake the best option for you and your purchasing a sling that wouldn’t have family. worked for her. It may be that you visit a sling library Your sling choice is as individual and find you need a more detailed as you are and it's not only you that one to one consultation, and if your matters in this equation, it's your baby sling library can't help, they should too. They often have strong opinions point you in the right direction to on the slings that they do or don't like. access more support. Of course, slings aren't as expensive as wedding dresses, so in some instances you may be willing to buy before you try. But a poorly fitting or uncomfortable sling can be enough to put you off carrying your baby before you have even got started, especially when your baby is newborn.
So the next time you see a post asking about the 'best sling', why not suggest they look up www.slingpages.co.uk, www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk or their local babywearing group to find out what's on around them?
It may be that they can't get to a library, meet or consultant, and that's when postal sling hires can be You have all the hormones to deal really useful in allowing parents to try with, sleep deprivation like nothing without a big financial outlay. you've experienced before (even when you were at uni and stayed up Of course, suggest your favourite for 2 days straight partying *cough* sling and tell them how awesome studying) and sometimes getting to using a sling or carrier is, and a grips with a sling can seem too much babywearing selfie never goes amiss either. Seeing real parents using if you don't have any help. their sling really is the best advert You might be lucky enough to have a for it! kind friend to lend you the sling she raves about, then end up wondering By Vivenne Cruddance Issue Eight
22
Babywearing
App ART
Issue Eight
23
Issue Eight
24
Explore Wrapping
In this series we will be exploring some of the different wrapping methods and how it is possible to adapt each carry to your preferences. Wrapping is an art and taking time to fully explore different carrying methods, can make all the difference in the amount of enjoymment and comfort you and your baby achieve when using a wrap. A Shepherd’s Carry is a multi-pass carry that can be as supportive as a Double Hammock, and looks as good. It uses a shortie (usually base - 3), so is quicker, and you have less to carry if you’re out and about. Plus, the freshwater finish is great for those who find that ruck straps slip off their shoulders. It can also be a great introduction to learning the skills needed for a good chest pass or hammock pass combination (as you would need for Double Hammock) as there is less fabric to move around and get tangled up in! You will need to start off-centre, roughly an arm’s length from the middle marker is a good guide, and place that spot in the middle of your baby’s back. Get them up onto your back using your preferred method, make the seat and be sure that you’ve removed any slack at this point. Pin the short tail (under your chin or in your teeth, whatever works for you) and, keeping the tension as much as you can, bring the long tail off your shoulder and under your arm (this makes a hammock pass). Bring the long tail across your chest, over the short tail, and under your other arm. Spread the wrap round over your baby’s back in another hammock pass, making sure that it is knee to knee at the bottom rail. Work any slack in the chest pass round and out through the long tail, then bring it over your shoulder. Check the short tail for slack, and sandwich at the shoulders if you prefer. Bring the long tail down over the chest pass to meet the short tail and tie off with a double knot.
Variations One or two leg passes (use cross pass instead of traditional sling pass) Bunched chest pass Finish with a slip knot or a ring
Issue Eight
25
4
1
7 2
5
3
6
Issue Eight
26
A p U g n i t t e S
y r a r b i L g lin
S
Setting up a sling library can seem like a daunting prospect. Before I started on this journey, my head was full of questions and ideas, and I didn’t quite know where to start. If you’re wondering what setting up a library entails, then hopefully I can answer some of your queries and set you off on the right foot.
Training Anyone can set up a library, there is no prerequisite that you have to have had training of any sort. However, to provide the best service to your clients, and open up easy access to insurance and retailer discounts for slings, then it’s wise to undertake a course. Not only will it give you a sound knowledge base, but confidence that you are promoting safe carrying to your clients. School of Babywearing and Born to Carry both run 1 day peer supporter courses for around £100.
Insurance For everyone’s benefit, yours and the families you meet, it is a good idea to have sling library insurance. There are a number of specialist insurance companies such as DSC Strand and Therapist Insurance, who Issue Eight
offer sling library cover to suit your individual circumstances. Often, you can access discounted insurance through your training school. It’s very easy to set up either online or on the phone.
Is there a demand in your area? Speak to other mums (whether that be in person at your baby group, or online through your local mums facebook group) and find out whether a sling library is a service they’d like. Is there a babywearers facebook group for your area? Is there a sling meet or sling consultant already nearby? Visit www.slingpages.co.uk or www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk to find out. Do your research, knowing your ‘market’ will make the next question easier to answer
What slings? (and how to pay for them) If you asked 100 sling libraries what would they suggest as a ‘starter kit’ of slings, you’d get 100 different answers. What will work in your area may be very different to what works for your neighbouring sling library. As a starting point a stretchy wrap, a close caboo, a woven wrap, a buckle carrier such as a Connecta,
27 a buckle carrier with a padded waist, and a ring sling are all going to be accessible options for the majority of your sling library clients. You don’t need a huge amount of slings many libraries will hire out a few slings, then use the hire fee's to purchase more slings, until it snowballs and you have more slings than room in your house! If you do have cash available to purchase slings, then as a sling library you will be able to access some retailer discounts which can make stocking your library more affordable.
Location, location, location? Location can make or break a library as will the time of your meets. You may be able to secure a venue for free, or you may have to pay hire fees. Some sling meets run out of soft play centres, coffee shops, pubs, community centres, village halls, church halls, even actual libraries themselves! Think about what makes a venue for a baby or child activity appealing to you? Easy parking, good transport links, proximity to shops or supermarkets, size and cleanliness are all points to be taken in to consideration.
Ask for help The babywearing community is big but friendly. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help, there is no such thing as a stupid question. We are all working towards the same thing, to help more parents experience the joy of babywearing. Good luck!
By Vivenne Cruddance Issue Eight
Our aim is to remove the barriers that disadvantaged families in the UK face to being able to experience the benefits of carrying their young children in baby slings and carriers. We offer our services to families affected by disability, serious illness, depression, domestic abuse and poverty. Families could receive any combination of the following - free sling hire, discounted one to one advice, discounted sling purchase, free one to one advice or free sling. We work with babywearing professionals across the UK to increase their skills, knowledge and confidence in supporting disadvantaged families. To Apply visit: www.theupproject.org.uk/apply
29
BIG CAMP 2016 Natural Mama's
Big Camp this year took place from the 5th to 7th August. It was just a big and just as great as always. The site is situated in Horley, near Banbury. A picturesque camping site in the lush green fields of the Oxfordshire countryside. For those of you not familiar with the event, it always shocks me just how many babywearers there are in one place. You certainly feel at home wearing your child. Although its not exclusively for those who babywear, rather its for those who are a member of the Natural Mama's website community. www.naturalmamas.co.uk The event has many many events taking place over the weekend, from children's yoga to drop spindles all arranged by the Natual Mama's community. On Saturday afternoon the annual NM raffle takes place. This year as in previous, all profits have gone to The Up Project. There is an open kitchen facility, where everyone brings some baked goodies and you can make a hot drink or charge your phone whilst chatting to other families. If you haven't made it to Big Camp yet, i would wholeheartedly recommend it. Although book your place quickly as the ticket sell out very fast! Issue Eight
30
Visiting a Sling Library
The Why's and How's So you’ve heard about slings and babywearing, and fancy giving it a bash. ‘OK’ you think, ‘off to mothercare we go’ and you trot off in search of a sling, only to be overwhelmed by a confusing selection of uncomfortable looking contraptions and untrained sales staff. If you’re lucky, you might come away with one of the ergonomic carriers they stock, but if you’re not, you’ll end up with something that is uncomfortable for you and baby that puts you off babywearing forever. Or you might see a friend rocking a great looking sling, get one yourself, and then wonder why the hell you can’t get it to work while your friend trots around town hands free!
would like before you go, but I’d advise to keep an open mind. Very often parents can be set on one particular carrier but come away with something entirely different. The instructions make it all look very simple, but babies have minds of their own and having someone there to fit a carrier to you and your baby can make a huge difference. The consultants or peer supporters will also talk you through the TICKS guidelines, to ensure your baby is safe while you wear them.
Every sling library runs differently, so it is worth contacting the organisers in advance to see what you need to do beforehand. Some will run on a first come, first served basis, some will offer 1 to 1 prebooked consultations, There is a better, less stressful, and others will run group workshops. wholly more enjoyable way to find 99% of them will have tea, coffee out which sling is best for you and and cake available. your baby, and that’s by visiting a sling library. A sling library is usually Check if you need to bring a small run by either a trained babywearing entry fee with you (often libraries consultants and/or peer supporters, will ask for a £1-3 donation to cover or by your local NCT branch. You hall hire costs) and think about can find a comprehensive list of taking along your other half, mum or sling libraries available in your friend with you. Siblings are always area at www.slingpages.co.uk and welcome, and lots of sling libraries www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk. will have toys available. At a sling library, they will have a wide selection of different slings and carriers and the knowledge to be able to teach you how to use them. You might have an idea of what you Issue Eight
But if you are completely new to babywearing, there is a huge amount of information to take in, so if you can rope in some childcare it would be to your benefit.
31 Hire fees vary, but average around the £10 for 4 weeks hire. Some libraries will require a deposit, others won’t, but you will usually need proof of identification if not. If you have a newborn, very often there will be a free stretchy wrap hire scheme, be sure to ask so you can have the correct money and information with you. Nothing worse having to get baby back in the car to run to the bank, or realising you don’t have your cheque book with you. If you’re tight for time, aren’t quite up to getting out of the house to a busy sling meet, or would like a private one to one consultation, then booking an appointment with a sling consultant is a good option. They may be able to come to you at home with a selection of slings, and can teach you anything from babywearing basics to advanced wrapping techniques depending on your experience. A sling consultant is highly trained, insured, and will have a wealth of knowledge ready to share with you so that you can start or continue your babywearing journey with ease. Babywearing is such a wonderful thing to do with your baby. Give yourself the best chance and get in touch with your local sling library or consultant. You won’t regret it!
By Vivenne Cruddance Issue Eight
32
JUNO is a natural parenting magazine that inspires and supports families through its range of features, columns and artwork. The editorial is broad, covering all aspects of family life for all ages.
Don’t miss the JUN O Extra issues: Craft Extra out now , and Babywearing Extra coming soon!
g n i m Co
1-year digital subscription £13.49
Soon
To subscribe, purchase single issues, gift subscriptions or browse our online shop visit our website www.junomagazine.com
Issue Eight
There are lots of ways to read what we publish, feel involved, share your thoughts, gain support and feel inclusion within the JUNO community.
1-year print subscription £16.50
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @junomagazine
33
Why Babywearing Matters?
Rosie a General Practioner and babywearing Consultant has devoted the best part of 5 years building a thriving babywearing community in Sheffield where she is based. Mother of 2, Rosie is a huge advocate for safe babywearing within the industry and the book reflects her love and want to dispell any myths surrounding the Why Babywearing Matters is part carrying of children. 5 in a series of books written by various authors, who are experts in The book covers why carrying is their field. In this edition Dr Rosie important, why it matters for families, Knowles explains the philosophies getting started, common concerns around babywearing, along with the and special considerations in a clear practacalities and safety of using and concise manner, making it an slings and carriers. interesting and informative read. The book gives a unique view of babywearing, using the latest knowledge we currently have. Showing not only the practical use of babywearing but also some technical reasoning behind it, with a reasuring medical spin on it. Great for babywearing beginners and those with more experience alike.
A handy handbag size and reasonably priced at ÂŁ7.99 this book is something that can be read and refered back to at any point. The book can be purchased from various outlets including directly from the publishers Pinter and Martin. Issue Eight
34
Winter
How to Wear in
Layer Up! Remember that several layers are going to be warmer than one thick layer. Don't forget your body will give off heat also. A good rule is 'one more layer than you'. So pay attention to how warm or cold you are and how many layers you have on.
Hat Trick! We lose most of the head from our head, so stick a hat on to keep baby toastie and warm. You can buy hats that cover ears, which can help when its windy.
Extremities Don't forget little hands and feet. pop on gloves and extra socks. You can buy special babywearing shoes or even knit a pair of matching gloves and booties to keep hands and feet cosy and warm Issue Eight
35
Babywearing Coat You can buy special babywearing coats that can be worn in either front or back carries, this helps to keep both wearer and child warm when its chilly.
Multi-Layered Carry Wearing your woven wrap in a multi-layered carry such as a front wrap cross carry with the cross pass pulled over the body for extra warmth or a double hammock. Will help to keep your little one warmer when its chilly. Issue Eight
36
How to check your carrier? Checking your carrier for wear and tear everytime you use it is vitally important. Weak points can develop in any fabrics and carriers, whether it be a woven or a buckled carrier, ring sling or mei tai, when being used often, are subject to strain and need to be thoroughly checked before each use.
What to look for? 1.Fabric condition (including any webbing on straps) 2.Integrity of seams and hems 3.Condition of buckles, clasps, rings or other fastenings 4.Security of any trimmings / embellishments
1. Fabric Condition Carefully check the whole of the carrier looking for any tears, holes, broken threads, or any other problems with the fabric. Any of these problems cause weak points, so it’s worth regularly checking the whole of the carrier. Remember to not only check the main panel of the carrier, but also any straps and webbing. A small hole or tear may not look too serious, but due to the weak point that this causes, it makes it more likely to develop into a more serious problem.
Issue Eight
37 2. Fastenings Check the condition of any buckles, clasps, rings, Velcro or other fastenings. Look out for any breaks no matter how small on ANY part of the buckle or fastening. Remember to not only check the part of the fastening that clips, but also where the fastening is attached to the carrier. (i.e. On buckles, check the male and female parts of the buckle, but also the bits where the webbing is threaded through / attached) Sling rings: Make sure that there are no splits or breaks (nb. Acrylic or welded rings are more prone to problems). For any carriers which use Velcro as a fastening (e.g. Bondolino), ensure that the stitching attaching the Velcro to the carrier is intact on both sides.
3. Seams & Hems Check all seams, especially where straps or buckles are secured. Look out for any stitching which is loose, broken or missing. Check hems (this includes wraps). Any stitching coming undone on the hem may make it more likely for other rips or tears to appear.
4. Embellishments Although these items are likely to be for decorative purposes only, it’s important to check that all items are adequately secure. Any small loose pieces of fabric, beads etc. may present a chocking risk to your child
Issue Eight
38
Issue Eight