Close Enough to Kiss Issue 6

Issue Six

Post Natal Depression How babywearing can help

Festival Season

How babywearing can help you enjoy the summer festival season

Little Fellows

Beautiful handwoven wrap review

Explore Wrapping How to double hammock

Babywearing on holiday

Cooler carriers for warmer climates

Advice 路 Shopping 路 Babywearing 路 Reviews

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A Word From The Editor With summer truly upon us we can enjoy the outdoors whilst carrying our children and admire its flowering splendour once again. With the better weather comes the festival season and wearing in the warmer weather, read all about babywearing and festivals on page 13 and babywearing on holiday on page 16.

July and August bring some wonderful babywearing events. In July from 25-27, we have Big Camp hosted by Natural Mama’s. This is the 4th year of big camp and is likely to be just as popular as in previous years, you will be hard to find an event that has so many babywearing families in close proximity, its exciting to see.

Then in August from 18th – 20th there will be the equally exciting Sling Dad’s Family Camp, this is the first event for the organisation and will be a weekend of fun with a emphasis on encouraging more dad’s to babywear!

Also in July, The School of Babywearing will be hosting a 2 day workshop by babywearing expert Dr Evelin Kirkilionis, aimed at babywearing educators Dr Kirkilionis will be explaining The importance of evolutionary history and how it affects infants today, the healthy aspects of babywearing, innate and learned behaviour, special adaptions of carrying a baby, the importance of carrying to parent and child, tips and facts on tying techniques. As well as promoting her upcoming babywearing book: A Baby Wants to be Carried which is released in August and will be reviewed in issue 7.

For those of you who are interested in becoming a sling librarian, Rachel Coy from The North East sling library has put together some helpful ways you can start your own local sling library on page 26.

And on page 30 check out the images from Norwich Sling Libraries Babywearing catwalk they held in April.

Our next issue will be out in September where we will be gearing up for International babywearing Week 2014, which is looking to be the most successful year EVER for babywearing promotion I hope you enjoy issue six

If you would like to contribute to our magazine in any way please contact info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Enjoy x

Renee Duffin, Editor

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Issue Six - Summer 14

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Contents 6

16

24

06 Rebozo Style

20 Explore Wrapping

09 Battle of the Carriers

24 Slingbaby Diaries

10 Babywearing & PND

26 How to start a sling library

13 Festivals with Slings

28 Babtwearing bags

16 Babywearing on holiday

30 On the catwalk

18 Babywearing Expectations

35 Carry on London Event

19 Ask Lorette

38 Motoring Review - Volvo V40

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5 Editor Renee Duffin Design & Artwork Colin Jeffery Renee Duffin

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43

Photography Laura Jayne Photography Katie Richards, Angeline Braidwood Mish Meakin, Onbag Sarah Jayne Gregory Writers Anne McEwan, Sarah Jayne Gregory Lorette Michalon, Tim Barnes Clay Featured Writers Dominic Flacherty, Rachel Coy Katie Richards, Victoria Payton Katie Mork, Mish Meakin Ali McNally, Angeline Braidwood Editorial Tim Clay-Barnes Carrier Samples Little Fellows

39 Sling Dads -Dad Camp

40 Sling Library News 45 Little Fellows Sling Review

Promotions Optibac Shnuggle Clearspring 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 www.plus.google.com/+closeenoughtokissCoUk Disclaimer

49 Kiddicare & Carry Me Slings 50 Sling Library Directory 55 Sling Meet Directory 56 Shopping

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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 Six - Summer 14

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My new colleague Katie Shepherd and I both have a passion for babywearing and have been inspired by the many forms of carrying your child across the world.

Our workshops have two elements: the use of rebozos in pregnancy and labour and their uses to carry your baby when they arrive.

Katie and I are both qualified and insured professionals and our aims are to support women and their partner’s to have the relaxed, informed and conscious births and entrance to parenthood that we all deserve.

into the right position and how to alleviate common issues. Through a range of practical demonstrations we provide parents with the opportunity to learn how to carry their babies in rebozos alongside other slings and carriers, safely and securely.

Traditional rebozos are pieces of rectangular woven fabric that come in lengths of approximately 2 to 2.7 metres and normally long enough to wrap around a person’s body with some spare fabric at the end.

These time honoured and intrinsically associated garments are deeply ingrained into indigenous Mexican cultures.

The rebozo, which means shawl in Spanish, has had many uses from being an item of clothing, a blanket, used for sun protection, modesty in church and of course to carry your infant in. Rebozos are hand woven and can include a variety of materials from cotton, wool, silk or rayon. You can identify a rebozo from the traditional fridges attached to each end of the garment and often the ikat dyeing techniques.

The uses of rebozos in labour and delivery enable a woman to get into a natural (squatted) position to deliver her baby, it can provide a great support in this position to offer a sense of weightlessness as you would get in water. The rebozo can be pulled on tensing forearms which has a direct impact on relaxing thigh muscles enabling the vagina to open and baby to descend without tearing.

The thing that struck me most about these pieces of fabric was the history and sentimentality that every writer seemed to dwell on and every Mexican women seemed to honour. Women are born into rebozos, carried in them, dressed in them, married in them, prepared for birth with them, labour using them and are buried in them. There is something deeply touching and appealing to me about the perennial uses of rebozos in a family’s history. We have been inspired by this to train in the uses of rebozos to bring that cultural collection of wisdom to parents in the UK.

Using a rebozo supports a woman's weight in many different ways, it can encourage a woman to relax her jaw having a direct impact on the sphincter muscles in the cervix and enabling dilation. The beauty of a rebozo is the inclusivity for the partner, the benefit of practically helping, supporting and directly impacting upon delivery enabling the partner to feel in control, useful and an active participant in the birthing journey.

Not all births are straight forward, simple or without medical intervention - the rebozo can centre a woman undergoing a medical procedure, used in relaxation to Our workshops look at bump wrapping (with stretchy wraps), labouring positions (with and help regain control of the situation and without the rebozo for support) and relaxation very simply it smells of you, your home and can give you a sense of identity in a sterile techniques. As a qualified health Visitor Katie 'patient' environment. can also offer suggestions for getting baby Issue Six - Summer 14

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Our particular workshops have been designed to support parents from the start all the way through their journeys, with the one key consistent element being the rebozo. Once we have looked at a range of uses for the rebozo during labour we move on to look at how to carry your infant.

Common carrying positions for infants in rebozos are one shouldered, parents can be seen carrying on their front, hip and back.

Using a simple double knot, slip knot, tucking or even twisting the material ends to hold the carry together. For me personally these are

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some of the most simple carries, but so often the most effective and most satisfying.

Finding a rebozo that you love is a great thing, you can impregnate it with you and your families essence before the baby arrives to make a perfect receiving blanket, knowing that it has helped support you through this immense transition in life and will continue to support your infant by aiding you to hold them close and keep them safe.

Katie Richards & Katie Mork – Carry Me Slings Issue Six - Summer 14

Image courtesy of Themio Schuff

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Issue Six - Summer 14

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Babywearing & Post-Natal Depression A

story of how one amazing mum overcame her depression with the help of babywearing

It was at my post natal check, 9 weeks in that it first became apparent that something wasn’t quite right.

‘Are you enjoying your baby?’ my GP enquired.

Enjoying her? I didn’t know I was supposed to be enjoying her.

We were surviving. We made it to the end of each day more or less intact, but there was no enjoyment, only panic, crushing anxiety and an absolute fear of being alone with my baby.

We had struggled with breastfeeding from the outset and it felt like every contact I had with my daughter only caused me pain. If she fell asleep after I nursed her I was terrified to move in case she woke and I wouldn't know what to do with her. When I tearfully confessed to my GP that I would walk around the car park with my baby in her pram rather than go home and be alone with her and she gently suggested I might have post-natal depression and prescribed anti-depressants.

Looking back it isn’t that surprising that I may have been vulnerable to being, as I call it now ‘a bit postnatalish’. I had experienced some bouts of moderate depression in my twenties which had been helped by anti-depressants and counselling, but after giving birth I was too overwhelmed by the mundane struggles of taking care of my baby, painfully learning to breastfeed and the overpowering sense of responsibility that comes with being a new parent to look after my own mental health and I found the pressure unbearable.

Someone else in the same situation might have been fine, but that is the nature of depression, you don't know who it is going to bite.

Unfortunately I had a bad reaction to the prescribed medication and was unable to carry on taking it, so after talking with my GP we explored other approaches to help me Issue Six - Summer 14

get better. She recommended an online selfhelp programme created to teach cognitive behaviour therapy skills to people vulnerable to depression and anxiety (Mood Gym, its selfreferral, free and well respected in the medical community). My only problem in accessing this programme was that the baby only seemed to be happy when she was being held in my arms.

I was lucky that I had some friends who were keen baby-wearers. One had lent a stretchy wrap and the other showed me how to tie it. I had also been to my local sling meet so was confident in tying the wrap. What hadn't occurred to me was that babywearing could be more than just a handy way of keeping my hands free whilst trying to get jobs done. It turned out to be the thing that saved my sanity.

With some gentle encouragement from my husband as he left for work each morning, I would pop the baby into the sling and potter about doing some housework. Making sure I had accomplished something useful in the morning helped me feel a little bit more in control, a little bit more ‘normal’.

Once the baby fell asleep I would then switch on the laptop and spend some time working on the MoodGym until she began to stir and we would continue with our day.

I knew that I felt more anxious when I was home alone with the baby but had found trying to get our fancy wheels collapsed and into the car, only to have to put them up again at the other end overwhelmingly stressful so again, the sling was our friend. I could drive to a park, nature reserve or local woodland, pop the baby in and walk for miles showing her trees and nature, chatting about nothing and enjoying the fresh air.

Babywearing was a way of being in touch with my baby in a way that didn’t hurt, unlike breastfeeding which I was still attempting to Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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15 out every 100 women suffer from post natal depression each year.

master and which was still causing me trouble.

Carrying her didn’t make me anxious like setting up the buggy did and so, slowly and cautiously, on these walks we connected. I could kiss her head and smell her new-baby smell and I learnt that she smelled good to me.

I could tell her my worries and she would squeak in reply and not judge me. The more time I spent with her the more I realised that she wasn't all that scary and on the whole I knew how to make her happy. Eventually I realised that she was my baby, I enjoyed being with her, I was no longer afraid.

I realised after a while that when I went to meet friends I would choose the sling over the buggy, if I went for coffee the baby would stay in the sling as I chatted. I started taking her to the local Sling Meet and made a new circle of friends who taught me gentle ways of parenting, modelling ways of caring for children that were new to me and which have helped me as I’ve learnt to love my own baby.

I became used to her being part of my conversations, part of my routine and I grew Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

to love including her in my life and seeing the world through her eyes. I was no longer just me, my job, and my old identity. I had a new identity that included not only being a mother, but a babywearing mother.

Baby wearing is now central to the way I parent my daughter and my husband have learnt these ways with me. If she is grouchy we know a slingy cuddle will cheer her up, if she is drowsy we can tuck her head in and help her nap.

When he is not at work my husband is as eager to carry her as I am. Carrying her so close has meant that I am now confident to be an expert in my own child. I know what she likes and can listen to and meet her needs. I still love seeing the world through her eyes and sharing my life with her.

Now my baby is a chubby, cheerful 10 month old. She is busy, mobile and enthusiastically communicative. I am no longer scared to spend the day alone with her; I know I can do it now, I know I won't harm her. We both still love baby-wearing and plan to carry on doing it for as long as we both carry on loving it.

Written By Ali McNally Issue Six - Summer 14

Optibac Probiotics

for

babies and children From birth onwards, 'For babies & children' from OptiBac Probiotics can be given as a natural supplement.

Having an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is thought to cause issues in digestion and immunity for infans and children, in particular in:

. . . . . .

Formula-fed babies

Babies, infants & children during and after antibiotics Infants delivered by Caesarean section Premature infants

Babies and children with digestive problems such as colic, diarrhoea, constipation and lactose intolerance

Babies & children with allergies and skin irritations such as eczema

Children given antibiotics may develop an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the intestines, as antibiotics can deplete normal levels of good bacteria. An imbalance in the gut is thought by many to manifest in the form of allergies and digestive problems in children.

OptiBac Probiotics 'For babies & children' (For your child's health) is a natural supplement, and is completely free from sugars, artificial flavours & colourings which can be found in other children's supplements containing live cultures.

At OptiBac Probiotics we specialise entirely in live cultures, and only use strains of the highest quality, with extensive research behind them.

The types of natural bacteria that reside in an infant's or child's intestines are very different from the types found in adulthood.

This supplement contains a third type of natural bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52, which has been scientifically shown to survive stomach acidity and to reach the gut alive.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), makes this product naturally high in fibre.

At OptiBac Probiotics we appreciate the importance of using various species and strains of natural bacteria - these three strains will target different areas of the gut as opposed to just one.

One of Close Enough To Kiss's readers tried these this is what she said:

"My son has been very ill since birth and had been on antibiotics for many months. He has sufffered recurrent diarrhoea and severe eczema flare-ups Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium i was at a loss as to how to help. Within a week of taking these probiotics we bifidum are the dominant and most had seen a difference in both these important beneficial cultures found in symptoms and within a month NONE healthy infants and children during their early AT ALL. I have gone on to purchase the years; this product contains both of these adult ones too. These are a must have!" bacteria, in strains which have been tested to survive stomach acidity and bile salts.

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Slinging during the festival season With the festival season upon us, its time to consider whether

or not you take your little people along with you or not.

In 1999 my best friend and I went to the Glastonbury Festival, much to our surprise we loved the kids field, not only did it have shower cubicles without a queue, but included the most amazing things to do including a whole ship to climb on, performers and crafts.

I remember though seeing a family struggling over the fields with a pushchair and despite the lovely weather it looked like such hard work.

15 years later, festivals have evolved and there are days out and weekends to suit everyone's interests. What I also now know is that the best transport for your baby or child at a festival is of course a sling!

So why take a sling with you to a festival this summer?

Festivals, whether a small family friendly day or a big crowded music weekend can involve a lot of walking. Whether you are taking an infant, toddler or young child they will at some point need help – a sling is ideal.

“There is no way we could have navigated the

crowds using a pram, so the sling was invaluable for taking our baby across the site.” says Becca, who took Emily to Tramlines in 2013.

Children in buggies see less, a sling gives your child a fantastic viewpoint and for a younger child on your front it gives them the opportunity to turn away if it is all too much. When your baby or toddler are in a sling you know where they are, crucial at all times.

Even your big 'independent' child feels tired at the end of the day, instead of a piggyback back to the tent if they hop up in a sling, you've hands free for other children, bags or maybe even your partner!

Anna Burrows who went to the Just So festival with her two children sums up why festivals are great for families, “The thing I love about festivals is how close it

makes us feel as a family, the distractions are

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removed and everything is stripped back to the basics, so we eat together with no TV, sleep together, cook over a camp fire together.

It was also great to be outdoors all weekend and having activities that we enjoyed as a family and also to see how our children behaved in such a different environment was lovely.”

Everything you enjoy about festivals your little one will be able to as well, they will still get to experience something new and exciting with the security of being as close to a parent as they can possibly be.

If you are off to a festival this year what you need to know can all be found at the brilliant www.festivalkidz.com.

When it comes to choosing a sling, find what suits you and your children best, whether a ring sling for easy hip carries, a soft structured carrier for simple in and out on back or front, or a gorgeous wrap to hold your newborn tight and breastfeed discretely. Contact your local sling library to try a selection on.

Writen by Angeline Braidwood Issue Six - Summer 14

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babywearing on holiday

Memoirs of our 2013 Holiday to the Basque Country in France.

We were flying, then hiring a car and would be staying in a static caravan in a holiday village for our 10 night stay. It was the end of July and the weather was due to be fairly hot.

As our holiday fast approached, I faced the usual dilemma that haunts all babywearing fanatics… What to select from the stash to take with us?

There were plenty of suitable carriers I could have chosen, but I was trying to be conservative and not take everything!

Popular carriers for hot weather are often made from a light fabric; so gauze and thin linen based wraps were high on my list, but in the end I selected the following three carriers: Solarweave Connecta Solarweave is a sun-protective fabric which blocks 95- 99% of the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is highly breathable and non-irritating, even to sensitive skin. The Connecta Solarweave is constructed to keep your baby cool in the heat of summer as well as offering protection from the sun.

Solarweve is a very strong fabric but with a soft cotton like feel. It is very quick drying and is the ideal hot weather baby carrier.

The Connecta is constructed fully in solarweave fabric with polyester padding in the shoulder straps and can be used at the pool or beach or in the shower. It has a sleek one piece design incorporating a large sun/sleeping hood that fastens with small buckles to the shoulder straps to keep your baby shaded or hold a sleeping head.

The Fil'Up® mesh wrap The Fil’Up wrap is a soft cotton mesh wrap which does not retain the heat and makes carrying comfortable for the adult and the child.

Its revolutionary knitted technique means it is flexible but prevents its shape from deforming, allowing it to adapt to the child's body.

The Fil'Up mesh wrap feels pleasant against the skin and can be used from birth until the child weighs 15kgs. (Product also available in 100% organic cotton).

the rings, mouldable with a lovely drape, quick drying, breathable, soft; not scratchy, has a comfortable give; will not sag, colour fast and washable.

The Airport For me this was a no brainer the travel friendly connecta solarweave is a god send when it comes to luggage space. With my other two carriers packed in my suitacase, the Connecta was folded up nice and small in my hand luggage and barely taking up any room at all. Once we arrived at the airport the kids just wanted to run around as we stood in the check-in queue. Full of aeroplane anticipation a slightly over excited my 2.5 year old needed a safe place to calm down so out came the Connecta.

I rarely front carry nowadays as back carries tend to be kinder on my back, however on this occasion my son needed to be ‘close enough to kiss’ and so we opted the front.

Joab soon chilled out and once we were past checkin, passport control and security checks he wanted to get back down and look at the planes through the windows. Up, down, up, down… this is the usual pattern with a 2.5 year old and the Connecta lends itself well to this.

Somethng with more bulk and less compact may well have driven me around the bend.

The carrier was out again as we boarded the plane, and I couldn’t help but notice those around me with similar age children checking in their strollers whilst trying to keep tabs on their child. I felt rather pleased with myself as I glided onto the plane with ease.

3 hours later and we arrived at Biarritz airport. It was about 8pm at night and by this point Joab was totally shattered, he hadnt napped all day due to the excitement and it was past his usual bed time. Out came the Connecta and within minutes he was out like a light.

Comfy Joey WATER Ring Sling

Out & About

The Comfy Joey Water/Mesh Sling - ideal for frolicking in the water with your little - or not so little! – one. Good for short carries out of the water Comfy Joey's Mesh/Water Slings are amazingly thin; yet supportive, secure and will not slip through

For general out and about carries around the holiday village, I chose to use the Fil’Up. The weather was hot and as we walked to and from the pool Joab wanted ‘Up’ but was very hot and bothered. I wrapped him in the Fil’Up totally naked and he seemed to like it and found it comfortable. I loved

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www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk his little naked bum in the carrier, it looked so cute! Fairly easy to wrap with, the Fil’Up was a great choice.

It was important to have three layers of fabric, as I don’t feel one layer would have offered enough support. The Fil’Up is for up to 15kg, my son was 13kg so he is at the heavier end of the range. I chose a BWCC and it worked well. The only thing I would say is that it did feel a bit ‘diggy’ on my shoulders at times.

The Fete’s De Bayonne

The fêtes de Bayonne is a festival in the Northern Basque Country in the town of Bayonne, France. The festival lasts 5 days and always starts the Wednesday before the first Sunday of August. They are the largest festivals in France. Participants dress in white and red after the colors of the city of Pamplona. The festivals include musical and street performances, traditional dances, parades, and fireworks.

There are so many people taking part, trying to spot someone you know is like looking at a page from ‘Where’s Wally’, so a carrier is essential, as not to lose your little one in the crowds. I chose the Connecta again for this day, it was a great option, comfortable and out of all my carriers I had with me, the most suitable colour for the theme.

Shopping and Emergency Babywearing On one of the days we chose to spend the day on st. jean de luz beach. We drove there and had a lovely time, after the beach, we dumped our things in the boot of the car and decided to have a stroll around the centre.

It was at this moment I realised that I hadn’t packed a carrier, but I thought it would be fine as Joab had already napped that day and seemed lively.

Within fifteen minutes he was flagging, all

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17 the sun shine, sea air and fun had wiped him out and he needed to be carried.

I popped into a shop and bought a cheap sarong. It was short, not quite a size 2 and so I attempted a torso carry but going over one shoulder. It wasn’t particularly comfortable but it did the trick and the shop assistant was so impressed she gave me a little round of applause and said ‘tres bon’.

Crisis diverted!!

San Sebastian and the Ring Sling Towards the end of our holiday, we went on a day trip over the border to Spain, to visit the beautiful town of San Sebastian.

An absolutely stunning old town, with a wonderful crescent shaped beach. I took the Comfy Joey water ring sling with me. We spent the morning looking around the shops, the aquarium, the historic buildings and eateries.

It was peak season and fairly busy. Joab was in one of those moods where he did not want to go ‘up’ at all, but he was hard to track in the crowds. I have never been a fan of baby reins but the RS was a god sends as I lassoed my boy and used it as a make shift rein.

In the afternoon we spent our time on the beach and by the end of the day Joab was ready for a ring sling cuddle.

The comfy joey was incredibly thin and cool to wear, we had used it on the beach, where it got wet and it dried relatively quickly. The fabric has a sheen to it and this made it prone to sliding in the rings more often than a typical woven RS but it wasn’t a massive issue, it just meant I had to re-tighten more often than I normally would. Very comfortable and wearable a good choice for the holiday stash.

All in all, we had a lovely time and the carriers that I took with me all got used. If I could only take one it would have been the Connecta as we used it the most during our stay but the choices are endless and let’s be honest most of us just can’t take one!!!

Happy babywearing Holidays!!

By Mish Meakin Issue Six - Summer 14

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Babywearing Expectations

Parents quite often expect babywearing to be a magical cure for their babies, they have high expectations that baby will not cry or squirm or will remain happy next to them all day.

3 months most babies will be awake twice as much as they sleep at night, but will still be sleeping up to 15 hours each day, with the main bulk being at night.

Which mean a good portion of Whilst babywearing awake time during can reduce many the day. of those things, is it correct to have Sleep cycles in such expectations? infants last for Simply put, no. roughly 40-50 minutes, which is Perhaps it’s 50% less than an true that in the adults with only a beginning days 20 minute stretch babies can seem being deep sleep. to sleep all day Which may explain long in the sling why parents often bar feeding feel exasperated and changing. when their babies Newborn babies only sleep for hour get a huge amount stretches. of comfort and relief from being In between these in close proximity sleep cycles babies to their caregiver, will have many sleeping for 16 -18 needs: toileting, hours a day. Using hunger, boredom, the sling can mean pain, tiredness a lot more restful which will mean sleep for an infant. they may not seem Which is often what as happy in the parents expect sling as you would beyond this time. expect unless you are on the move.

Past the newborn stage (beyond a Movement month) as babies activates a very begin to see and primal part of a become aware of babies brain (the their surroundings cerebellum and their sleeping vestibular system) patterns start to which helps to evolve, and by keep baby in a Issue Six - Summer 14

calm alert state, coupled with babywearing can result in a calmer baby.

However it’s worth noting that despite this, when a baby has a need, they will express this the only way they know how – movement and crying.

For babies that seem to be disliking being worn a good idea is to keep wearing for short journeys, where you can use the baby’s natural love of movement to keep them calm and alert.

Reading Cues

Sometimes no matter what you do baby seems upset, so it’s a Many babies at good idea to try to around 4 months understand what will seem to is wrong, Do they become distressed need changing? when being worn, Do they need they will seem to feeding? Are they want to crane wanting to play? round to see the Sometimes the sling world, or even is just not what they refuse altogether to want. be worn.

Just like you or I a This can often lead baby knows what a parent to think it wants and will the baby needs to vocalise or show Front Face Out or you this, which will even discard doesn’t mean they carrying altogether. no longer want to be carried, but This stage will pass perhaps a change and its often worth is needed. experimenting with a different carrier So experiment, or tying method. perhaps changing sling or tying For babies who method or are craning round: even lowering a hip carry may expectations on be beneficial or a what a sling can high back carry so achieve, will help they have better all round for you access to their both to enjoy surroundings. babywearing.

Developmental stages

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Ask

19

Lorette

Dear Lorette, Lorette, i am finding when i wrap my 8 week old in a stretch wrap (because i am small and have to wrap it round me several times) it digs into my hips and stomach, any tips to avoid thing? Heidi Hi Heidi, stretch wrap get their strength when they are bunched. To avoid the diggy feel, try spreading it around your hips. You will find it easier if you tie your knot by wrapping the inner layer first around you whilst holding to the top edge only. Then wrap the outer layer, again holding with the top edge only. Another option that you have is to shorten your wrap by cutting the excess off.

The fabric won't fray so no need for hemming. It is likely to affect the resale value though. Good Luck.

Dear Lorette, I have hypermobility, can i still babywear and what would you recommend i should look at buying? Cynthia Hi Cynthia, if hypermobility is your only issue then yes you could carry. I wouldn't recommend anything over anything else, but I would advise you find your local carrying consultant who will be able to guide you in terms of adjusting tying techniques so that you find solutions that work for you. I hope this helps.

Dear Lorette, I have a limited budget and would like a carrier that not only suits me and my partner, but i can use for both my 12 weeks old son and my 3 yr old daughter, what are my options? Grace Hi Grace, there are several options available to you. The first one is a woven wrap, this would be very versatile and you may need to vary the carry between you and your husband. Another option would be a podeagi with straps long enough for both you and your husband. There are also brands of meitai that are very adjustable, like the evolubulle. If you want something more structured, there are 3 buckle carriers I can think of that may fit the bill: the emeibaby, the kibi or the buzzidil. You could also try a ring sling but many users find that carrying a 3 year old for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. This is all very personal. Many options! The best one being the one you will want to use.

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

Issue Six - Summer 14

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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, they can make all the difference in the amount of enjoymment and comfort you and your baby achieve when using a wrap.

How to tie a Double Hammock The double hammock is a carry which became popular very quickly in 2007, it is attributed to JPMBB and made it to woven wraps as many babywearers found that it was an easy to use comfortable back carry with a toddler. Two hammocks of fabric keep your child seated nicely on your back and the pass across your chest gives extra support as well as showing off your pretty wrap.

To tie a double hammock you do not start at the centre of the wrap depending where you want to tie your knot. I start one arm length to the right of the centre mark which allows me to tie at my side. It is worth your time playing around with your perfect spot to start.

There are many ways to get your child on your back depending on your ability and your child's age.

Once your child is on your back you can get started creating your hammocks. The first hammock is created by keeping the shorter of the two passes over your shoulder and moving the other side to under your arm, this side then comes to the front to form the pass over your chest. The chest pass then goes back under your other arm to form the second hammock over your child.

Many babywearers find that it helps to tighten both passes constantly whilst tying the sling and then pulling both passes upwards at this stage to pull out any slack. With each pass coming over the shoulder they then each go to the back on that side, over the first leg and under the second to come together at the side or the front to be tied.

Double Hammock can truly feel as a weightless carry and it is highly rated for longer distance or time carrying of toddlers. On the flip side it is not an easy quick up and down carry and if you have some slack in any of the passes you will feel it as you walk.

Variations on the Double Hammock include: Double Hammock tied under bum Double Hammock tied at the shoulder Wriggle-proof Double Hammock Double Hammock Rebozo Double Hammock Torso Carry Inverted Double Hammock

By Anne McEwan Issue Six - Summer 14

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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1

2

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the yellow pages of the sling world unaffiliated resource for: buying a sling babywearing courses safe babywearing list of sling vendors wrap converters

sling advice resources for all uk & eire : sling libraries consultants sling meets

www.slingpages.co.uk

www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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Issue Six - Summer 14

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‘The Slingbaby Diaries Parenting Under Wraps’ Saturday Woke up to beautiful sunshine glowing through the windows so decided today was a good day for a walk. Little ones up, dressed and fed we jumped into the car and head over to Delamere forest. After much deliberation I decided to take my homemade Mei Tai with me just in case one of my children gets tired. I hardly ever use a sling when out at the forest as they both much prefer to collect sticks, stone and jump in muddy puddles, today was no different. Dara and Archie both decided to re-inact an episode of Peppa pig, unfortunately Dara fell head first into the puddle (in her puddle suit though). So to save any more accidents I carefully peeled the suit from her and gave her a cuddle in the Mei Tai. An hour later and with both children starving hungry we had a picnic on a log and a nice rest to prepare for our trek back to the car. This time Archie decided his legs ‘had stopped

working’ and needed a ride in the sling, so on my back we wandered slowly to find the car.

Sunday A quiet day today with a list as long as my arm. We have a day in the house catching up on sling paper work, crafting, sorting out slings for our next meet mixed in with lots of Peppa pig. I even manage to fit in some play dough and painting, how though i'll never know. Just goes to show as a parent you never stop.

Monday My elder daughter came home today from her practice for the gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition to Snowdonia, and once again my washing basket is full to bursting. I'm so proud of her she is such a star, she has never complained and thoroughly enjoyed all her expeditions. We have a conversation about how (when she has children) she will be fully prepared to back carry them and will certainly be able to use slings after all the practise carrying her equipment in her rucksack. I never really thought of it like that before, but in some strange way it’s similar.

Issue Six - Summer 14

25 Tuesday Today its farm tots day and the weather is cold and drizzly. I've resorted to always keeping a sling in the car as I've had a few incidents when I've been out and forgot one, which is challenging to say the least. Runnning around after a feisty toddler is stressful, so I hope to never make that mistake again. Today at farm tots the children had a running race in the cow shed. Luckily there were no accidents and all children escaped poo free. We also had the chance to hold some baby chicks although I think I now have a farmer in the making because Dara became very attached to the baby chick she held. ‘Chick, chick’ as Dara called him, had a great big strangled hug from her, then was smothered because she didn't want to give him back. Fortunately chick chick managed to escape Dara's love unhurt, just a little stressed from a bit too much loving.

Wednesday I love Wednesdays as it’s carvery day. I meet one of my best friends on a Wednesday with her daughter who is Dara's best buddy and we spend a perfect afternoon talking about slings, nappies and kids. The carvery has a play den, which is great, although Dara has just learnt how to climb to the top and gives me a couple of scares as she tries to climb down. After an hour of playing Dara decides she's tired and NEEDS a booby feed. Good job I put the ring sling in my bag as it came in very handy. Being able to feed in the sling and eat my lunch is certainly a bonus and one of the many ways slinging allows me to be hands-free to get on with life.

Issue Six - Summer 14

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How To Start a Sling Library

Where do you go if you want to hire books?

The library.

cobbled streets is not very buggy friendly. It had taken me a long time to find slings that worked for us; I wanted to be able to help others find the one right for them.

So why can’t the same principle be applied to Can anyone set up a sling library? How slings and baby carriers? Well, it can! do you do it?

What is a sling library?

Quite simply, it is a place to hire slings and baby carriers.

Some people hire lots of different slings in their pursuit of the right one before buying their own; others come because they can’t get the sling they own to work for them.

Others come because they have a special event such as a wedding or baptism.

All I know is that there is no particular group of people who use my sling library – each session brings a different set of mums, dads and even grandparents.

I set up the North East Sling Library (www.northeastslinglibrary.co.uk) in Durham, United Kingdom in July 2011 because there was a big gap. We had no sling meets or babywearing groups local to us and the only slings available to actually ‘look at’ were in mainstream high street shops, and Durham with its Norman Castle, Cathedral and Issue Six - Summer 14

Yes! A sling library can be as big or small as you want it to be. It can meet when and where you want it to. You choose how long to hire slings out for, whether you want to charge hire fees, take deposits etc. It is your library; there are no set rules.

I charge a small hire fee and ask for a refundable deposit equivalent to buying a replacement in the event of damage but other libraries charge a standard deposit or you pay to join the library and then can hire for free or reduced rates. The simple rule is do what works for you and your library.

The NE Sling Library now has a stock of 140 slings and it continues to grow. I reinvest the hire fees to buy more slings for the library and try to match user requests to the slings we buy. We have slings suitable for carrying premature babies to pre-schooler. We have a mix of different carriers and find Asian Based Carriers are the most popular.

When I first set the library up it did cost me a

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk lot of money and we started with just 4 slings from my own stash. I approached as many vendors and distributors as I could possibly think of; some donated slings, others offered reduced prices and some did not reply.

In the early days the knock backs were hard because I knew there was no way I could finance it all by myself, but when someone says yes it makes it worth the time spent writing letters and emails. I made a website using a free service and I added all donations to a ‘thanks and contributors’ page, as recognition to their generousity.

I also use Facebook and Twitter to interact with different people and groups. I also try to follow and ‘like’ them too and provide updates on when slings have been hired. I also made the decision to invest in some business cards and postcards which I have on me whenever I am using a sling and try to advertise wherever I can think of. I put posters up in children’s centres, day nurseries etc. I have found word of mouth plays a big part in getting people to come to the library.

Traditionally babywearing has been a skill passed from mum to daughter, person to person and so on. It is a skill which has been dying but which sling libraries and the internet are helping to continue. Technically you do not require any specific training to start a library but having it does make life easier. There are several options for training, peer to peer support and full consultancy.

By having completed training schemes you become eligible to apply for professional liability insurance. There are several schemes available and are organised by different groups.

Although there is no requirement for training, sling libraries that take a fee, even if they make no income, must make a tax return and should have public liability insurance as a bare minimum.

The law also means that you need to meet The Sale of Goods Act 1979 & Supply of Goods & Services Act 1982, and The Consumer Protection Act 1987. No set of

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

27 terms and conditions, or waivers, remove the need to meet these criteria. So it is important to remember this when thinking about setting up a library. If you have paid employees working for library you will require Employers Liability Insurance also, however, the number of libraries this applies to will be very small and it is not required if your library is staffed by volunteers.

I decided that I wanted to also have some form of qualification so decided to take a Babywearing Consultants Course. I trained with Trageschule UK (www.trageschule. co.uk), School of Babywearing (www. babywearing.uk) and most recently Slingababy (www.slingababy.co.uk). I also choose to join the British Association of Babywearing Instructors - (BABI) www.babi.me.uk.

There are other schools in the UK, Europe and the USA. Most sling libraries have their own Terms and Conditions which we ask users to say they have read and sign.

It is also important to remember that you may need to declare your income for tax purposes even if you are not for profit.

Since starting the North East Sling Library I have helped countless families to carry their children. It does take up a lot of my time but I do it because I enjoy it. I love “helping the North East Carry their babies big and small”.

TOP TIPS Get a website or Facebook page Like or follow other libraries and related pages Have a selection of carriers suitable for all age groups Remember you are mostly running as a hobby and that sometimes you have to say no.

Written By Rachel Coy The North East Sling Library Issue Six - Summer 14

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babywearing bags

So, your stash is sorted, you’ve got your dream wrap, your perfect ring sling, the buckles you’ve always dreamed of, and you’ve even tried out that pod you always wondered about. What next? Accessories?

your stash.

Why would I need a special bag?

I was back carrying him and although my existing messenger back had been doing me just fine up until that point, now I was carrying him for 4-5 hours off and on over an afternoon the hard webbing strap was starting to get painful.

When my older boy started nursery aged 3, my youngest was just 18 months old and definitely not up to walking for extended periods of time. I don’t have a car, and There are babywearing accessories? Do public transport timings meant I was out all you really NEED a babywearing bag, and if afternoon with him between nursery drop so where to find one, and what to look for? off and pick up.

For a lot of us a babywearing bag might seem like a bit of a superfluous extra, especially if we are front carrying which means we can probably use a standard backpack.

But if you are back carrying, and/ or wearing regularly or for extended periods you may find a purpose designed babywearing bag the perfect addition to Issue Six - Summer 14

I wasn’t sure I would be able to keep on carrying him and started eyeing up the pushchair ruefully. Then I did a little research and found out about babywearing bags.

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk So what exactly is a ‘babywearing’ bag?

Essentially it is a bag with long soft wide fabric straps, similar to those on a wrap conversion carrier.

These soft straps allow you to wear the bag in many different positions, front, back, rucksack style, and have them over or under your child without it being uncomfortable for them or you. The bag is usually soft and semi-structured too, for even more comfort.

Some babywearing bags are converted from woven wrap fabric, making them a way to have a bit of your favourite wrap on show, but others are made of standard fabrics (mine is showerproof waxed cotton), with many WAHM ones being customised with appliques or other decoration.

As the bags are to allow you to cart everything around that you need during a sprog-toting session they will often have internal pockets to hold nappies, drinks, toys, clips for babywearing mirrors or toys, and also possibly be big enough to put a folded up carrier in.

29 I’m sold, so how do I get one?

There are a wealth of options from instock bags to custom makes. SlingyRoo are an in-stock option and are made from a range of Girasol woven wraps.

And some of the names you might be familiar with for wrap conversions, wrap chopping and ring slings make them too, including Chunkle-Munkle, and Geeky Sweetheart.

Other companies focus purely on bags, some with in stock options as well as custom slots such as Tawak, Kangala and Purple Gazelle. And there are many, many more once you start to search online and ask around.

Can I make one myself?

If you are handy with a sewing machine, or can strong-arm a friend who is, then there are also DIY options.

OnBag and Geeky Sweetheart both provide patterns and instructions that will allow you to make your own bag, which give you the option of customising it to your exact needs for a fraction of the cost.

I initially experimented by cutting off the webbing strap of my existing bag, and replacing it with a woven scarf, just knotted But there are diminutive versions which can together. clip around a waist strap, or a chest pass, The comfort difference was amazing even or hang on your wrist. and will carry just though I’d used a flimsy scarf. If you have your keys, wallet and phone, and maybe a bag where this is possible, then this a sneaky chocolate bar and a packet of is a good lo-fi way of having your own wipes too. babywearing bag for little outlay. So long as you don’t mind chopping your bag up!

The straps are the defining feature of the full size bags, and come in a few of What if I have more stuff than will varieties. One style is two wide straps that fit in a standard messenger size can be worn and tied in a wrap/mai tai babywearing bag? fashion.

Well of course you can always go for the pull along option. Standard shopping The other has one strap with sling rings carts are great for a big shop whilst attached, and then other longer strap babywearing, coming in all manner of which can be looped through them and contemporary fabrics. They are not your adjusted to suit, just as you would a ring average granny’s shopping cart! sling. Or some bags have a combination of these, with two long straps and rings attached to the bag on each side.

By Victoria Payton Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

Issue Six - Summer 14

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On

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the

Catwalk

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With thanks to the following companies for contributing to this catwalk show Oscha Monkey Mei Tai Didymos Tribal Babies Snugiwraps Firespiral Hanababy Slumber-roo Kokadi Tula Rose & Rebellion JMPBB Cheeky Rascals Babasling

6 Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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Storchenweige Events in the East Laura Jayne Photography

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1 - Hanababy, Organic stretch wrap in Purple 2 - Boba 4G - In Tweet fabric 4 - Firespiral - Moonlight Twilight Birch Tree's 5 - Tula - In Zig Zag

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6 - Didymos - Elipses Cassis Wrap 7 - Lenny Lamb - Blue Dhalia Wrap

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8 - Je Mon Porte Bebe - Little sling without a knot 9 - Didymos - Didysling Till 10 - Monkey Mei Tai - Didymos stripe 11 - Storchen weige - Anna Ring Sling 12 - Kokadi - Coco Stars Wrap 13 - Snugiwraps - Beadworks Mei Tai 14 - Oscha - Teo Azlan Wrap 15 - Rose & Rebellion - In Birdcage fabric 16 - Je Mon Porte Bebe - Cream long stretch

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

Issue Six - Summer 14

BROUGHT TO YOU BY WWW.

ruleS for KEEP

YOUR

BABY

TIGHT IN VIEW AT ALL TIMES CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST SUPPORTED BACK

CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS YOUR BABY’S HEAD SHOULD BE AS CLOSE TO YOUR CHIN AS COMFORTABLE. BY TIPPING YOUR HEAD FORWARD YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO KISS YOUR BABY ON THE HEAD OR FOREHEAD.

TIGHT

.CO.UK

SAFE babywearing CLOSE

AND

KEEP

supported b a c k IN AN UPRIGHT CARRY A BABY SHOULD BE HELD COMFORTABLY CLOSE TO THE WEARER SO THEIR BACK IS SUPPORTED IN ITS NATURAL POSITION AND THEIR TUMMY AND CHEST ARE AGAINST YOU. IF A SLING IS TOO LOOSE THEY CAN SLUMP WHICH CAN PARTIALLY CLOSE THEIR AIRWAY. THIS CAN BE TESTED BY PLACING A HAND ON YOUR BABY’S BACK AND PRESSING GENTLY - THEY SHOULD NOT UNCURL OR MOVE CLOSER TO YOU

50% LESS FUSS AND CRYING WHEN CARRIED FOR 3 HOURS OR MORE A DAY

SLINGS AND CARRIERS SHOULD BE TIGHT ENOUGH TO HUG YOUR BABY CLOSE TO YOU AS THIS WILL BE MOST COMFORTABLE FOR YOU BOTH

KEEP CHIN OFF THE CHEST

ANY SLACK/LOOSE FABRIC WILL ALLOW YOUR BABY TO SLUMP DOWN IN THE CARRIER WHICH CAN HINDER THEIR BREATHING AND PULL ON YOUR BACK

A BABY SHOULD NEVER BE CURLED SO THEIR CHIN IS FORCED ONTO THEIR CHEST AS THIS CAN RESTRICT THEIR BREATHING

YOUR

BABY

SAFE

your baby is able to take in its surroundings, stimulating brain growth

promotes bonding and a secure attachment between you and your baby

the carriers allow the dads/partners/care givers in helping to calm and relax the baby a baby sling supports the natural development of your baby’s spine and hips

In View At All Times IF YOU CHOOSE TO CARRY IN A CRADLE POSITION YOUR BABY SHOULD FACE UPWARDS AND NOT BE TURNED IN TOWARDS YOUR BODY

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE TO SEE YOUR BABY’S FACE BY SIMPLY GLANCING DOWN. THE FABRIC OF A SLING OR CARRIER SHOULD NOT CLOSE AROUND THEM SO YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT TO CHECK ON THEM.

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN SOURCED FROM T.I.C.KS CONSORTIUM OF SLING MANUFACTURERS / DESIGNED BY MEGAN SILCOCKS

Sponsored by:

Sling Show Connecta Geeky Sweetheart Little Fellows and more TBC ...

Sling Social Fundraising rafße

Saturday 1st November 2014 Workshops

Getting the most from your Connecta - Anne McEwan, Wrap My Baby / Connecta Optimising ring slings - Caroline Auld, The Sling Stop Bump to Birth - Mariann Hornyak, Baby in Sling Expanding on the Stretchy Wrap Renee Duffin, Close Enough to Kiss

and more TBC ...

Other conÞrmed supporters / contributors:

South London Sling Library, Slingababy, Colimaçon et Cie, Ling Ling d’Amour

Tickets on sale soon - £3 per family www.carryon-london.co.uk

Event organised by Slinging London CIC www.slinginglondon.co.uk

www.shireslings.co.uk

Bath

time is about to get even better with shnuggle

Shnuggle have developed a soft, light and strong baby-safe foam material.

It is textured to allow for easy grip and to ensure the baby is secure while bathing. Integrated handles alsp help to make that heart-stopping moment when you think you’re going to drop the bath a thing of the past! The supportive ‘Bum Bump’ and sloping back support babies from birth up to six months.

www.shnuggle.co.uk

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Just For Dads

www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk

Vovlo V40 Review Pro's & Cons Attractive √ Economical√ Safe √ Not the cheapest X Not the fastest X

Fast Facts Max speed: 115 mph 0-62 mph: 12.1 secs Combined mpg: 68.9 Engine: 1560 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel Max. power (bhp): 113 at 3600 rpm Max. torque (lb/ft): 199 at 1750 rpm CO2: 108 g/km Price: £24,805 on the road

GONE ARE the days of ‘wardrobe on wheels’ or ‘only teachers drive those’ jokes. Volvo now has some seriously stylish cars in its stable - and the V40 is one of them.

The V40 Cross Country combines class-leading driving dynamics, interior comfort and a rugged personality with low emissions, impressive fuel economy and pioneering safety technology.

Start/Stop is fitted as standard across the range, together with Bluetooth hands-free communication and wireless music playing, plus City Safety autobraking technology and the V40's world-first pedestrian airbag. The Cross Country is also the only car in its class to be available with Pedestrian Detection technology.

It has a more rugged style than the standard V40, and is distinct to the sports styling of the R-Design model. It features a number of unique details which include: silver roof rails; Issue Six - Summer 14

contrasting front bumper, honeycomb mesh grille and upright day-running lights; sculpted sills and contrasting rear bumper with integrated skid plate.

In D2 SE Powershift guise, the 1560cc, four-cylinder, eight valve, oil-burner delivers 113bhp, with 62mph from standstill arriving in a conservative 12.1 seconds. However, the relatively wide car is planted well on the road and takes corners with little body lean. The diesel rattle is barely noticeable, even on start up, and the seats are ultra supportive on long commutes.

The V40 provides enough space for four-up, or five if you have two adults in the front and three small children in the rear on booster seats. The boot, although not massive, is decent enough to shove in everything a young family might need – from a week’s worth of shopping to a couple of baby buggies and all the

gear that goes with young kids.

Of course, safety is never an issue with Volvo - and the V40 is no different.

It is one of the safest cars in its class, having achieved high scores recorded by EuroNCAP in crash tests.

And, as you might expect with a diesel turbo, the £24,805 D2 Cross Country SE Powershift is an efficient motor. On average it can return up to 68.9mpg, so it certainly endorses

Volvo’s thinking that it “offers the solution for drivers who want a premium vehicle experience with low emissions and low running costs, but who don't want to sacrifice equipment, styling or safety features".

Put simply, the V40 delivers unprecedented choice in the premium hatchback sector without compromise. It’s a great car; not the cheapest – but you get what you pay for - usually.

By Tim Barnes - Clay Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk

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Dad Camp I'm sure by now lots of you will have already heard about the family camp that Sling Dads are hosting. It is getting ever closer with just a couple of months before it is here so I wanted to tell you a little bit more about it.

This beautiful photo is of two of my fellow camp planners and their children when they went to visit the site where the camp will be.

They were very impressed by the amazing facilities. There are two adventure playgrounds, many acres of Forrest, prime camping grounds, great site huts and much more.

To make the most of this excellent location we have planned a fantastic array of activities including games for children and grown ups, sports, stories in the woods, adventures and treasure hunts and craft workshops galore.

There will be a market place with a wide range of products from babywearing goods to clothes.

We have a very exciting sling library stand that is being run by volunteers from sling libraries across the country. Here you will be able to ask the experts for advice, try out and borrow different types of carriers for the weekend.

We have two amazing camp exclusive slings from Fire Spiral slings and Baie slings. Both are stunning.

As well as all this.... I want to see as many people there as possible so I can thank you for your amazing support and love!

So remember Sling Dads Family Camp... July 18th to 20th. A camp for any family and every family, with activities for all.

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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Sling News From

Sling Libraries UK is a new Facebook group for all sling libraries' owners & runners as w could come together in real time for advice, support and general chit chat. If you wo

July 31-August 3 2014, Piercefield Park, Chepstow Connecta Baby Carriers will running a sling library stalll at this wonderful event.

Happy Birthday!

Warrington, Wigan And St Helens Sling Meet is 5 years old in August.

The Severn and Wye Sling Library is now meeting at Monmouth Hospital on the second Wednesday of each month 12.30 and 2.30.

Birmingham Sling Meet and Library is streamlining into a dual session every other Friday at our regular venue, SixEight cafe Issue Six - Summer 14

Nature and Nurture's sling library is restarting on June 7th New venue in Woodbridge Then back at our original venue on 21st June

41

Across The UK

well as consultants and lending services. It was set-up so all sling associated people ould like to be part of the group please contact renee@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk

Carry My Baby Sling Library was one in June Thanks to all the local supporters!

North East Sling Library and Durham Real Nappy Library have combined to launch Durham City Sling and Nappy meet.

Meet on 3rd Thursday from 1012 at the Royal County Marriott Hotel, Old Elvet Durham city.

Sheffield slings is 2 on June 8th, and we now have over 1000 members in our busy facebook group.

Details of regular meets on www.sheffieldslings.com Meon Valley Slingmeet has changed and is now Meon Valley Sling Clinic.

Sessions are still held on the last Tuesday every month from 10-12 and are now at my home in Swanmore, SO32 2AU I am a qualified Sling Consultant and Sling Clinic is run on a www.meonvalleynaturalparent.co.uk

Rachel is also now Slingababy trained Issue Six - Summer 14

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Sling News From

Sling Libraries UK is a new Facebook group for all sling libraries' owners & runners as w could come together in real time for advice, support and general chit chat. If you wo

Wolverhampton Sling Library is introducing a second meet on the second Saturday (as well as last Thursday) launching soon Walsall sling library and meet

Meon Valley Sling Library will be 2 years old in August

Congratulations Katie Parsons for completing her consultancy training and starting up new slings meets across Somerset

Issue Six - Summer 14

North Somerset Library Now have all volunteers trained as peer supporters.

Helen Shingler is also now fully consultancy trained and offers free support at Weston Super Mare & Nailsea meets

43

Across The UK

well as consultants and lending services. It was set-up so all sling associated people ould like to be part of the group please contact renee@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk

Norwich Sling Library Birthday Wishes Sale Sling Library turned 1 in May

Lancaster Sling Library have changed venue and added an extra meet.

We meet 1st Thursday and 3rd Friday of the month 10-1 at the Cornerstone Cafe off Dalton Square

Would like to thank all the manufacturers and companies who donated over ÂŁ2000 worth of slings for April's Catwalk Show We had a staggering amount of interest in both the show and the stall we held We distributed 500 leaflets and helped 100 families with babywearing advice

Issue Six - Summer 14

The T.I.C.K.S For Safe Babywearing Supplied By Becky Ward

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Little Fellows Review Little Fellows - Twillght Rainbow 80% Cotton 20% Linen Plain Weave 2 Weight 280 grms/m Little Fellows was started on 2013, the brainchild of Lisa Fellows, she describes her company as "Quintessentially English".

These beautiful handwoven wraps are sourced and made within the EU and have a very individual look to them, each wrap has a limited number in that style, which makes them highly sought after and a must have for those wrap addicts.

At first glance the Twillight Rainbow wrap looks like multi coloured hessian due the way its woven. I have never seen a wrap weaved in this manner and wasn't sure if i would like it, although the colours were amazing, rainbow is right up my street and i adore black in carriers.

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

The proof however was in the wearing, we had a longer wrap, so it was heavy due to the bulk, but it was uber cool to wear due to the weave, which allowed a good amount of air flow, so a great option for warmer weather.

I tried a simple ruck with my 2 year old and was amazed at the confort and level of support it gave us. Having sensitive shoulders a ruck often feels uncomfortable, but the linen in the warp (rather than the weft) seemed to help support him more appropriately.

We also tried a Re-inforced Ruck and Double Hammock, i found both to be even more supportive due to the multi layers.

The wrap on looks stunning, the black makes the rainbow really POP and the position of the rainbow means that you don't lose any of its impact when wrapping.

The wrap is very grippy, so can be harder to tighten, so pehaps isn't a wrap for the novice, but those more

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established will appreciate the grip.

The wrap was super floppy and soft, although i did worry i would snag the wrap due to the weave. It is prone to thread shifting, so needs to be taken care of to ensure this doesn't happen.

Price wise as you would expect from handwoven its expensive, but you do get what you pay for and in comparison to some other handwoven wraps its not rediculously expensive and for what you get ( handwoven in Britian, time care and limited amount of that pattern) its a steal, and a small price to pay for beauty.

My overall thoughts for this wrap is i love it and feel quite sad i am at the end of my wrapping days, as i would purchase this in a heart beat. Its a classic beauty and lovely to wrap with.

Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

Issue Six - Summer 14

Feeling Fruity?

Clearspring launches 100% Fruit on the Go

Clearspring, makers of authentic Japanese and Organic fine foods, has launched a range of tantalisingly tasty fruit puree squeezies, 100% Fruit on the Go. Healthy snacking has never been so easy!

Available in three refreshing flavours – Apple & Mango, Pear and Apple & Blueberry – the new 100% Fruit on the Go squeezies are the perfect on the go snack for children and adults alike. Made using carefully selected ripe organic fruit, each fruit puree is prepared using minimal heat to retain all of the natural goodness found in nature. With no concentrates, sweeteners, preservatives or water added, each squeeze will be sure to provide a taste sensation bursting with flavour.

One serving of 100% Fruit on the Go provides 1 of your 5 a day, making it the perfect healthy boost on the go. These organic, vegan, wheat and nut free treats are suitable for everyone.

Enjoying 100% Fruit on the Go is as simple as just unscrewing the top. With no need for spoons, they are the ideal way to start your day, are a great snack on the go and would even make a perfect pre-gym booster. The single serve packs make 100% Fruit on the Go a real handbag essential. Pop one in your bag for a burst of energy on the move, give to your kids as a guilt-free treat or leave some in the office for a morning health boost.

Each 100% Fruit on the Go puree is also hugely versatile and can be eaten alone or used as a topping for desserts or added to your favourite recipes. They can even be frozen for a refreshing summertime snack or added to a picnic basket as part of the perfect sunshine-fuelled lunch.

Clearspring’s 100% Fruit on the Go are the latest addition to their extensive Fruit Puree range, which includes Apple & Strawberry, Apple & Pineapple and Pear & Banana.

What a Close Enough To Kiss reader thought My kids went mad for these, they were perfect for a mid morning snack and go in lunchboxes easily. They have no added nasties so can even be given as a first food for a baby. I will be buying these again!

When you’re feeling fruity, reach for a squeezy!

RRP: 89p for one pouch Available in independent health food stores and online at www.clearspring.co.uk from March 2014.

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kiddicare in Bristol

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join the babywearing revolution!

In September 2013 I was lucky enough to have Kiddicare at Cribbs Causeway Bristol became the new home for the Avon and Bristol Sling Meet and our workshops (which are run by Carry Me Slings). It has been a wonderful location for our sling meet, providing a perfect venue and great facilities.

My daughter was particularly excited to see a toilet just her size next to mine.

Initially I wasn’t sure how such a mainstream venue like Kiddicare would suit our sling meet.

I remember walking around and looking at the slings and carriers they had on sale and being unintentionally put off by the amount of narrow based carriers there were. But at the same time finding hope with the unusual supply, for such a high street giant, of in my opinion very good carriers indeed. The staff from day one have all been very helpful; and they have made our sling meet feel very at home.

The room we use is their Event Room which Kiddicare use to put on all range of community events and parenting classes.

For this purpose it is a well-equipped space with lots of room and a supply of seating, transportable soft flooring, toys and accessories (and having a coffee shop nearby doesn’t go amiss).

to find out that the specialists were the car seat specialists. As a babywearing professional I was keen to be able to assist Kiddicare optimise their promise to the parents that come through their door, and so our partnership arose.

I am now working as Kiddicares onsite Babywearing Specialist. In the local Bristol store we have information up by all the slings and carriers; so that parents who would like help with what to choose and how to use it can either come straight to me or contact me.

I have had a huge amount of parents walk into the sling meet straight from the store, with one particular vision for carrying their child, and due to the expansive collection of carriers and slings we have in the library they can then get a much better feel for what will really suit them and their family.

In my experience to date, parents are walking away feeling confident that they choose the right carrier and have been supported with professional, specialist, guidance which allows for a happy healthy start to babywearing.

It has proved to be a fantastic venue and a great partnership which will hopefully continue.

By Katie Richards

It became clear to me that Kiddicare were keen to work with community groups and promote positive parenting agendas. As one of Kiddicares promises is to have a specialist in each area of equipment they stock I approached the team to find out who the specialist was in their babywearing section; Twitter: @Closeenoughmag

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Online Sling Library Directory Greater London Central London Sling Library www.facebook.com/CentralLondonSlingLibrary Harrow Sling Library www.harrowslinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/HarrowSlingLibrary harrowslinglibrary@gmail.com South London Sling Library www.southlondonslings.com www.facebook.com/SouthLondonSlingLibrary Twitter: @SLSlingLibrary info@southlondonslings.co.uk North London Sling Library www.northlondonslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/northlondonslings East of England

enquiries@badgerslings.co.uk East Herts Slings www.easthertsslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/easthertsslinglibrary siobhann@easthertsslings.co.uk Norfolk Norwich Sling Library www.norwichslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/norwichslinglibrary Twitter: @norwichslingers info@norwichslinglibrary.co.uk West Norfolk Sling Library www.westnorfolkslings.com www.facebook.com/WestNorfolkSlings Wrap my Baby Consultancy & Lending Service www.wrapmybaby.co.uk www.facebook.com/anne.wrap.my.baby anne@wrapmybaby.co.uk

Cambridgeshire Suffolk Cambridge Sling Library www.cambridgeslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/Cambridge-Sling-Library /476174319080835 enquiries@cambridgeslinglibrary.co.uk

Lowestoft Sling Library www.faceboook.com/LowestoftSlingLibrary lowestoftslinglibrary@gmail.com

Sling Babies www.slingbabies.co.uk info@slingsbabies.co.u

Suffolk Babywearing Group www.suffolkbabywearing.co.uk www.facebook.com/SbgSlingLibrary info@ suffolkbabywearing.co.uk

Hertfordshire Harpenden Sling Library www.badgerslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/harpendenSL Issue Six - Summer 14

Suffolk Sling Meet www.natureandnurture.co.uk www.facebook.com/NatureandNurture Twitter: @ NurtureMama

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www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Lincolnshire Lincolnshire Sling Library www.lincolnslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Lincoln-Sling-Library/187190531374651 lincolnslinglibrary@yahoo.com Stamford and Peterborough Sling Library www.stamdforsandpeterboroughslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/stamfordandpeterboroughslinglibrary stamfordandpeterboroughslinglibrary@live.co.uk Midlands Birmingham Sling Meet and Library www.facebook.com/birminghamslingmeet www.birminghamslings.weebly.com Derbyshire Chesterfield Sling Library www.chesterfieldslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/cfieldslings Twitter: @cfieldslings Glossop Sling Meet and Library www.glossopslinglibrary.webs.com www.facebook.com/GlossopSlingMeet www.facebook.com/GlossopSlingLibrary Leicestershire Leicester Sling Library www.carrymybaby.co.uk/sling-library.html www.facebook.com/carrymybaby Twitter: @ CarryMyBaby Staffordshire Staffs Sling & Nappy Library www.facebook.com/staffsslingandnappylibrary Warwickshire North Warwickshire Sling Library & North Warwickshire Sling Meet www.northwarksslinglibrary.webeden.co.uk www.facebook.com/NorthWarwickshireSlingLibraryandNuneatonSlingmeet Twitter: @nwslinglibrary Nuneaton Consultancy www.snuglibub.co.uk 07960 149455

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Slingababy Library & Consultancy www.slingababy.co.uk www.facebook.com/Sling.a.Baby

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Rugby Sling Meet www.facebook.com/Rugby.SlingMeet Warwickshire Sling Lending Library www.jellybeanslings.weebly.com www.facebook.com/pages/JellyBean-Slings-Warwickshire-Sling-Library Worcestershire Malvern Sling Meet www.facebook.com/malvernslingmeet malvernslingmeet@hotmail.com North East England County Durham The North East Sling Library www.northeastslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/northeastslinglibrary Twitter: @NESlingLibrary info@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk East Ridings of Yorkshire Hull & East Riding Sling Library www.herslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/HullSlingLibrary herslings@gmail.com Northumberland NCT Hexham & Tynedale Sling Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/hexham-tynedale/slinglibrary www.facebook.com/pages/NCT-Hexham-Tynedale/159555194077784 ali@birthspring.co.uk South North of the Tyne Library www.snott.org.uk www.facebook.com/slingssnott Twitter: @slingsnott North Yorkshire Selby NCT Sling Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/selby www.facebook.com/SelbyNctSlingLibrary Twitter: @SelbySlings Issue Six - Summer 14

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South Yorkshire Doncaster Sling Library www.doncasterbabywearing.co.uk www.facebook.com/DoncasterBabywearing Twitter: @Donbabywearing doncasterbabywearing@live.co.uk Sheffield Babywearers www.sheffieldbabywearers.org.uk www.facebook.com/groups/sheffieldbabywearers Sheffield Sling Library & Consultancy www.slinglibrary.org www.facebok.com/slinglibrary

Frodsham & Helsby Sling Library www.frodshamslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/SaleSlingLibrary Twitter: @ Harmony_BW Mid Cheshire Sling Library www.mischeshireslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/midcheshireslinglibrary midcheshireslinglibrary@hotmail.com Warrington Sling Meet www.facebook.com/WarringtonSlingMeet Lancashire

Sheffield Sling Meet www.sheffieldslings.com www.facebook.com/groups/saturdayslings

Blackburn & Darwen Sling Library & Meet www.bdslinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/bdslinglibrary bdslinglibrary@mail.com

Sheffield Sling Surgery www.facebook.com/sheffieldslingsurgery sheffieldslingsurgery@gmail.com

Lancaster Sling Library www.facebook.com/lancasterslinglibrary

Sunderland Sunderland Sling Library www.sunderlandslinglibrary.webs.com www.facebook.com/SunderlandSlingLibrary West Yorkshire Huddersfield Sling Library www.slinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/theslinglibrary Twitter: @SlingLibrary Wakefield Sling Library www.facebook.com/GiftWrappedCuddles Giftwrappedcuddles@hotmail.com The West Yorkshire Sling Library www.wyslinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/pages/The-West-Yorkshire-SlingLibrary/201658303196137

Manchester Manchester Sling Meet www.manchesterslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Sling-Meet/123976837681133 manchesterslingmeet@hotmail.co.uk

Oldham and Rochdale NCT Slingmeet & Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/oldham-rochdale/sling-library www.facebook.com/OldhamAndRochdaleNctSlingLibrary Sale Sling Library www.saleslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/SaleSlingLibrary Twitter: @Harmony_BW The Sling School Manchester www.theslingschool.com www.facebook.com/theslingschool Twitter: @TheSlingSchool Merseyside

North West England Cheshire Chester Sling Library www.chesterslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/chesterslinglibrary info@chesterslinglibrary.co.uk 07403 285858 Issue Six - Summer 14

Liverpool Sling Library www.liverpoolslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/liverpoolslinglibrary info@liverpoolslinglibrary.co.uk The Wirral Sling Library www.facebook.com/thewirralslinglibrary wibkehott@gmail.com

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www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk South East England Buckinghamshire High Wycombe Sling Library www.highwycombeslings.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/groups/345901125449900 Dorset

Southsea Sling Library www.southseaslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/SouthseaSlings info@southseaslings.co.uk Surrey & Hants Sling Library www.sandhslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/SurreyHantsSlingLibrary Twitter: @SHSLingLibrary

Poole Sling Meet www.facebook.com/pages/Poole-Sling-Meet/419348201463791

Kent

East Sussex

Medway NCT Sling Library www.facebook.com/groups/307424612637070 slings@nctmedway.org.uk

Eastbourne Sling Library www.eastbourneslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/eastbourneslinglibrary www.facebook.com/eastbourneslingmeet Twitter: @EbourneSlingLib info@eastbourneslinglibrary.co.uk Hampshire Fareham Sling Library www.hampshirebabywearing.com www.facebook.com/farehamslingmeet Hambledon NCT Sling Meet www.facebook.com/HambletonNctSlingMeet IOW - Isle of White Sling Library & Consultancy www.isleofwightslinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/isleofwightslinglibrary Twitter: @iowslinglibrary isleofwightslingmeet@yahoo.co.uk 07751 239803 Meon Valley Slingmeet and Library www.meonvalleynaturalparent.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Meon-Valley-Slingmeet/502471756433181 Milton Keynes Sling Library www.facebook.com/mkaplibrary. sam@mkattachmentparenting.com New Forest Sling Meet, Sling Library & Consultancy www.newforestslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/NewForestSlingmeet Twitter: @NewForestSlings Portsmouth and Southsea Sling Clinic www.hampshirebabywearing.com www.facebook.com/psslingclinic Ringwood Sling Meet & Consultancy www.facebook.com/ringwoodslingmeet Lucie@ratmad.com Southhampton Sling Meet www.southamptonslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/SouthamptonSlingMeet info@southamptonslingmeet.com

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North West Kent Sling Library www.nwkslings.weebly.com www.facebook.com/nwkslings nwkslings@btinternet.com West Kent Sling Meet & Library www.westkentslingmeet.co.uk www.facebook.com/WestKentSlingmeet Twitter @WKentslingmeet Oxfordshire Abingdon Sling Library www.thenappyfairy.org.uk weezedeville@yahoo.co.uk Surrey Dorking NCT Sling Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/dorking/branch-sitemap/babywearing-slingcarrier-library Farnham Sling Library www.farnhamslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/farnhamslinglibrary Twitter: @FSL_Mish Redhill Reigate and Horley NCT Sling www.facebook.com/NctRedhillReigateAndHorleySlingLibrary slings@redhillnct.org.uk Surrey & Hants Sling Library www.sandhslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/SurreyHantsSlingLibrary Twitter: @SHSLingLibrary Sussex Brighton Sling Babies www.facebook.com/pages/Brighton-Sling-Babies/320317146988 South West England Bristol Sling Library www.bristolslinglibrary.wordpress.com Issue Six - Summer 14

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Cornwall Cornwall Natural Parenting & Slingmeet www.facebook.com/groups/395984093769304 Cornwall Sling Library www.cornwallslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Cornwall-Sling-Library/368847079881295 contact@cornwallslinglibrary.co.uk Dorest Dorset Sling Library www.dorset-sling-library.com www.facebook.com/dorsetslingllibrary Devon Isca Sling Library - Exeter www.devonslingers.wordpress.com.isca-sling-library www.facebook.com/iscaslinglibrary www.facebook.com/groups/exeterslingers Plymouth Sling Library www.plymouthslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/PlymouthSlingLibrary South Devon Sling Library www.babytiponi.co.uk/sling-library www.facebook.com/SouthDevonSlingLibrary Wears my Baby www.wearsmybaby.co.uk www.facebook.com/wearsmybaby wearsmybaby@gmail.com Gloucestershire Cheltenham Sling Meet www.facebook.com/cheltenhamslingmeet Serenity Supplies Sling hire, consultancy and sales www.serenitysupplies.weebly.com/sling-library Stroud Sling Meet www.stroudslingmeet.wordpress.com www.facebook.com/stroudslingmeet stroudslingmeet@gmail.com Swindon Sling Library www.swindonslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/swindonslinglibrary Twitter: @SwindonSlingLib slings@optimumdoula.co.uk Warrington Sling Meet www.facebook.com/WarringtonSlingMeet www.facebook.com/groups/278720585297 Somerset North Somerset Slings www.ns-slings.co.uk www.facebook.com/NorthSomersetSlings Twitter: @N-SomersetSlings info@ns-slings.co.uk Issue Six - Summer 14

Taunton Sling Library www.facebook.com/TauntonSlingLibrary www.facebook.com/Taunton.Babywearing Isle of Man Isle of Man Sling Library www.iomslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/IOMSlingMeet iomslingmeet@hotmail.co.uk Wales, Scotland & Ireland Cardiff & Caerphilly NCT Sling Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/cardiff/sling-hire www.facebook.com/CardiffNCTSlingLibrary Flintshire Sling Meet & Library www.flintshireslingmeet.blogspot.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/flintshireslingmeet Ty Melyn - The South West Wales Sling Library www.ty-melyn.co.uk www.facebook.com/tymelyn Ayrshire Sling Meet and Library www.ayrshireslinglibrary.moonfruit.com www.Facebook.com/ayrshireslingmeet ayrshireslingmeet@hotmail.co.uk Edinburgh Sling Meet and Associated Group www.facebook.com/EdinburghSlingMeet www.facebook.com/groups/224090304386891 Edinburgh Consultancy www.showmeslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/ShowMeSlings Twitter: @ShowMeSlings susan@showmeslings.co.uk Highland Sling Library www.facebook.com/pages/Highland-Sling/454539757933441 slinglibrary.highlandsislands@gmail.com Orkney Sling Library www.facebook.com/groups/144874522224919/ lauren_chic@hotmail.com BabyWearing Ireland www.babywearingireland.ie www.facebook.com/groups/182364631890918 Northern Ireland Sling Library www.slinglibraryni.co.uk www.facebook.com/slinglibraryni Twitter: @SlingLibraryNI Jersey Jersey Sling Library www.facebook.com/groups/527048620651169

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Sling Meet Directory Greater London Hillingdon Sling Meet www.facebook.com/groups/hillingdonslingmeet www.facebook.com/hillingdonslingmeet HillingdonSlingMeet@gmail.com East of England Norfolk Norwich Slingers www.norwichslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/norwichslingers info@norwichslinglibrary.co.uk Midlands Derbyshire Derby Babywearers derbybabywearers@hotmail.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/derbybabywearers Nottinghamshire Nottingham Slingmeet www.nottinghamslingmeet.co.uk hello@nottinghamslingmeet.co.uk West Midlands

South East Kent West Kent Sling Meet www.facebook.com/westkentslingmeet www.havechildwillcarry.co.uk West Sussex Chichester Slings www.ChichesterSlings.co.uk ChichesterSlings@sky.com Sweet Wrappers Haywards Heath Sling Meet http://SweetWrappers.co.uk https://www.facebook.com/SweetWrappers South West Gloucestershire Avon & Bristol Sling Library & Meet www.carrymesling.co.uk www.facebook.com/carrymeslings www.facebook.com/groups/AvonSlingLibrary twitter: @ carrymeslingsns Wiltshire Swindon Sling Library Meets @SwindonSlingLib www.swindonslinglibrary.co.uk slings@optimumdoula.co.uk

Coventry Sling Meet www.facebook.com/CovSlings

Wales, Scotland & Ireland

Warwickshire

Ayrshire Sling Meet www.facebook.com/groups/ayrshireslingmeet

Rugby Sling Meet https://www.facebook.com/groups/337191456406385/

Ayrshire

Flintshire

North East

Flintshire sling meet www.flintshireslingmeet weebly.com flintshireslingmeet@live.co.uk

South Yorkshire

Dumfries and Galloway

Sheffield Slings Www.facebook.com/sheffieldslings Www.facebook.com/groups/Saturdayslings www.sheffieldslings.com @sheffieldslings

Slinging Around www.slingingaround.weebly.com www.facebook.com/groups/188291644688034

North West

Swansea Slingmeet and Parenting Support https://www.facebook.com/groups/SwanseaSlingmeet/ swansea.slingmeet@gmail.com

Lancashire West Pennine Slings www.wpslings.com www.facebook.com/bdslinglibrary info@wpslings.com

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Glamorgan

Monmouthshire Abergavenny Babywearing abergavennybabywearing@gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/abergavennybabywearing Issue Six - Summer 14

New cotton products from skin-friendly Organyc Cotton pleats and squares suitable for both mother and baby Organic cotton brand Organyc has announced the launch of two new baby-friendly products in its personal care and hygiene range. Organyc’s products are free from chlorine and harsh chemicals, and the 100% organic cotton used in the range is grown without the use of pesticides.

The first new Organyc product to be launched is the super soft organic Cotton Squares (RRP £3.99 for 60 squares), which are suitable for sensitive skin, and particularly well suited to cleaning babies’ delicate skin.

The squares, which are made from 100% organic cotton, are thick and durable and can be used with baby oil, water and other cleansing products. They are embossed on one side for gentle yet deep cleansing, which means they are also perfect for mums to use as part of their everyday beauty regime. Each square is a generous size, meaning they wipe away traces of dirt with ease.

Also new from Organyc is Cotton Pleats (RRP £2.99 for 100g), perfect for daily face and body care for both mother and baby. As with all Organyc products, the pleat is made using 100% organic cotton and is suitable for sensitive skin.

The pleat is amazingly soft, and can be easily perforated to form the perfect size cotton care product to suit your requirements, whether it’s cleaning baby’s bottom during a nappy change, or using it as part of your morning face care routine.

Graeme Hume from Organyc says: “The new Organyc Cotton Squares and Cotton Pleats are an ideal choice for mums who prefer to avoid harsh chemicals in personal care products. Because they’re super soft they are comfortable to use, whilst providing excellent cleansing for skin for mum and baby, and even dads too.”

Both the Organyc Cotton Squares and Cotton Pleats are certified organic by ECOCERT, and the packaging used is fully biodegradable and compostable.