Northants & Mk Sling Library and Consultancy

It's Volunteers week! ✨

Did you know that your local sling library is entirely run by volunteers? We are highly trained in all kinds of slings and carriers, but we're also just parents like you, using our spare time to give back to our community 🫂

We all found babywearing so helpful with our own families that we love passing on this knowledge to others 💡

Thank you for your patience with our volunteers if we do take longer to get back to you, as we juggle our other jobs and our families around our sling library sessions ❤️

Do you find your cross strap buckled carrier is digging into your neck? This little tip may help.
If you pull the strap down towards the ground first and then round into the buckle, it will create the cross lower on your back and away from your neck.

Still struggling? Come along and see us!

Lily Pots pottery will be at the Cloud Space during our next session there on 8th June - come along and make a special keepsake for father's day!

Booking for our sling library appointments is here https://northamptonshireslinglibrary.as.me/schedule/d6184523/appointment/60031923/calendar/3530154

We’re excited to have the lovely .crafts with us in June 🎨

Monday the 8th 10-12 & Thursday the 11th 9:30-11:30

Create a magical Father’s Day gift and enjoy a play cafe session 🫶🏻✨

Check back for updates and booking info soon! 🥰

Hoods, safety and summer...
So if you've been here a while you'll probably know I'm not a fan of hoods on carriers. If you've hired one and it doesn't have an integral hood, you'll find it in the pocket!

There's a few reasons for this.
1. Many people think they need to use a hood to support their baby's head. This isn't the case. Head support mainly comes with good positioning. If baby has knees higher than bum and is seated with the weight in their bum and a gentle curve in their spine, their head will naturally fall onto your chest. They won't be able to push their head back further than they can lift it.
2. When it's warm, it can be tempting to clip the carrier hood up over baby. This can then create some safety issues. Mainly not being able to see baby's face and keep an eye on airways which is the most important part of using a sling safely. But also, it can mean there is very little airflow. If you are using the hood, I would usually suggest to clip one side up so you can still see baby's face at all times and allow plenty of fresh air to baby.

It's totally fine to use the hood if you'd like to. Like in the picture, I'm holding it over her head when we got caught out with some sun. Just be aware and responsive, as always ❤️

We have some rare availablity for our popular session in Moulton on Monday.

Quick, book now! We can't wait to see you!

https://northamptonshireslinglibrary.as.me/moulton

Not sure what to dress your little one in during this heat?

* Make sure extremities are covered. A wide brimmed hat is good to ensure little one's face is protected too. Legs need to either have suncream (dependent on age) , a tucked muslin or thin cloth or a thin layer on to protect from the sun.

* Minimal layers. I quite often carried mine in just a nappy and a hat (whilst being mindful of any skin outside of the sling). Remember the sling counts as at least one layer, depending on type.

Don't hesitate to drop us a message with any questions, or pop them here.

It's been a warm week and the forecast continues to look warm going into the weekend.

If you're struggling with the heat and need something for the upcoming warm days forecast, we have a range of cooler slings to hire for just £5 per week/£18 per month (stretchy wraps and Close Caboos free for babies under 12 weeks)

Drop us a message to arrange collection or postage

** 5 TOP BUCKLED CARRIER FIXES **

This is such a common query and something we often troubleshoot when you come along to our sessions. There is nothing like in person support so do come and see us!

1. Check the height of your cross straps
Having the cross too high means that a lot of the weight will be distributed across the shoulders rather than the neck. Pulling the strap down towards the floor before pulling it across into the buckle can make it more comfortable.
2. Check the waistband is parallel
If the waistband is a different height at the front to the back, this can cause pulling on the back, hip and/or stomach areas. Check that your waistband is parallel all the way around and secure enough that it doesn’t move if you push down onto it.
3. Check little one's position
Ensure baby is in the ‘M’ position that we talk about in our library sessions with knees higher than bum and all the weight in baby’s bottom. If baby doesn’t have a deep enough seat, you can do a pelvic tilt to modify this.
4. Check your parallel back strap is at the right height
This can be a very simple but effective tweak in making your straight/ruck/H strap carrier work for you. Having the strap too high can cause it to dig into the top of your back/neck and too low can mean it digs in under your arms. Where exactly it needs positioning varies from person to person but aim for the middle of your back and try from there!
5. Ensure the sling is tight enough
Overtightening can be as uncomfortable as the carrier being too loose. Ensure that the waistbands and straps are comfortably tightened and the child is positioned comfortably (see point above).

It is absolutely vital that your baby has a clear, visible airway AT ALL TIMES when in any sling or carrier.
You MUST be able to see their face, ensure their chin is off their chest and that their face is completely free of any fabric. This is vitally important for babies under 4 months, but applies at all ages and stages.
If you find that you cannot meet these safety aspects in your sling or carrier, please do contact us. Sometimes a small tweak really can help!

Struggling to work out how your stretchy wrap should look? Here's how.
Make sure both layers are spread all the way across from the back of one knee to the other, and also across the back.
Then the third layer comes up and over baby's feet up to the nape of the neck.
Need more help? Get in touch 🙂