Okay I admit it, I have lots of favourite parts to this job.

• ​Buying slings
• seeing happy babies and parents
• helping get a sling fit just right
• being able to pick the right sling for someone
• encouraging wrapping

...the list goes on. But truly one of the very loveliest times is the hour or so I get to spend with a parent and baby during a 1:1 consultation. It is such a privilege to be welcomed into their babywearing journey and be able to help. I really believe that carrying your baby close is so beneficial for bonding, development and attachment.

Just over a year ago now, myself and Carol took part in an intensive training course and then had to complete a large coursework project and undertake several hours of consultation practise to become babywearing consultants. This training, in combination with our own years of babywearing experience, means that we can offer 1:1 consultations in addition to running our awesome sling library sessions.

A babywearing consultation takes place over the space of an hour or so, in the comfort of your home or mine, at a time that suits you and baby. It is just about you and your babywearing needs. We get the chance to focus on exactly what you need to learn and the slings you would like to try. We have lots of time to practise the particular aspect of babywearing that is suitable for you and baby.

Why do we offer 1:1 consultation times? Well, babywearing is a learnt skill, and there is an awful lot that can be learnt. Here are some of the key reasons why a consultation would be great:

1:1 time
​It is a given, i suppose, but worth saying. A babywearing consultation is just about you and baby. We can work around baby's needs. Its no problem to stop while baby has a feed or nap or needs settling.

Brand new to babywearing
Perhaps you are pregnant and are keen to begin #babywearingfromthebeginning but you're not sure where to start? Do you have a newborn who suffers with colic or reflux and have heard that carrying your baby in a sling might help? A Consultation is a great oportunity to be able to consider all the options for a newborn, discuss optimal positioning and the benefits of carrying your baby.

You want to try on lots of different options
You know you want to find the perfect sling but you also know there are lots of options out there and so would like to try on as many different slings as possible. A consultation gives us the time, space and slings to be able to do this.

You or baby have a particular medical/health need
Sometimes, mum, dad or baby have particular medical or health needs that must be taken into consideration when babywearing. A consultation allows us to have the time to talk through these particular factors and make sure we have the right babywearing solution.

Back carrying - especially wrapping
I love teaching back carrying, it can really extend your babywearing journey where it otherwise may have ended. Back carrying especially wrapping is not something we have time or space to dedicate during sling library sessions. A consultation would allow us the chance to go through the different aspects of back carrying and have the time to practise safely to give you the confidence and tools to continue learning.

Multiples
Super mums who babywear their multiples are awesome! Even more than carrying one baby carrying two takes that much more technique, practise and skill. A consultation would give us the time and space to be able to go through the different options and sling combinations.

Sling meet times don't suit you
Really practical, but perhaps sling meet times don't suit you (so many babies have better social lives than i do, meeting friends here, a class there, gym lessons...) booking a consultation around you and baby is totally fine by us!

We'd love to hear from you if you would like to book a 1:1 consultation (more information can be found on our 1:1 consultation page) x

I bloomin' love a good ring sling. Truly and honestly a good ring sling is worth it's weight in gold. Why? They can be a perfect sling for a newborn, all tucked up on your front. They are a perfect sling for a 5 month old who wants to see the world but is too small for a back carry. They are a perfect sling for a toddler who  has found their independence (wants to carried one minute and then walk the next). They can be the answer to the school run, jumping out of the car and needing something super quick to use. 

They are one of the most popular type of slings which we hire month on month and are especially popular over the summer as they only have one layer of fabric over you and baby. There is a learning curve to getting a ring sling on just right to make it super comfy but it's well worth it. 

Here is my guide to getting Ring Slings juuuusst right: 

1. When I say good...
When I say a "good" ring sling, I mean a ring sling made from woven fabric. The same type that a woven wrap is made from. I like my ring slings to have NO padding along the rails with non-welded sling rings. Wrap manufacturers often sell ring slings too and if not there are very many awesome companies and WAHM's who specialise in ring sling conversions. (you send them a wrap and they convert it into a ring sling)

2. Fabric blend
In the same way as woven wraps, the fabric choice of ring slings is comprehensive. (have a look here for more information about woven wraps). 
I especially love:
Combed cotton and bamboo for the softness (in the library: cotton lenny lamb ring slings, cotton Firespiral ring sling)
Linen and hemp for strength - (in the library: Cotton and linen Natibaby ring sling)
Muslin or Gauze for breathability (in the library: Wrapamore Muslin ring sling)

3. Budget
Do you need to spend a lot on a ring sling? I would say yes and no. You can spend a lot on a ring sling, but you can still buy some great ones at a lower price point. (I don't personally rate the cheapest of cheap ones you can buy on eBay). You can pick up some awesome bargains with lenny lamb or little frog. At the moment I have a stunning Oscha ring sling which is a tri-blend, and utter luxury. Go for what fits your budget, and something you like the look of! If in doubt, come along to a sling meet and try the different options out. 

4. Threading
A ring sling is one of the very quickest slings to put on, but it is worth the time and effort to thread the sling properly. Check out the video at the bottom of the blog. How to:

5. Seat
We must pay special attention to the seat of the ring sling. When putting it on, it's really important to get a good seat. What we mean is that:

• the bottom of the fabric of the sling is spread from one of baby's knees to the other
• that the fabric allows baby to be in a seated position
• that baby's bottom is lower than the knees

As you put baby into the sling, begin by encouraging a good seat, allowing for lots of fabric around baby's bottom and to the back of the knees BEFORE tightening the sling. 

6. Ring placement
When you have got the rings in the perfect position they will be just below your collar bone. When you first place the sling on, before you put baby in, my tip is to move the rings around to your back about in line wit your shoulder blade. This will allow for the rings and the sling to have movement as you tighten the sling and should end with the rings in the right place. The starting position of the rings will need figuring out for you personally. 


7. Tight over your back not pulling your shoulder
Because a ring sling is only a one shouldered carry it is especially important to make sure that it is tightened well. By doing this it will mean the sling is comfortable and supportive even as a one shouldered carry. To offer you the most support, you are looking to make sure the sling is tight across baby's back and tight across your back, but not pulling on your shoulder. 

8. Rails
Again, in the same way as a woven wrap the rails refer to the hems of the fabric. The top rail of the ring sling is pulled so it tightens the top of the ring sling, along the baby's shoulders. The bottom rail is pulled so it tightens the bottom of the ring sling, along baby's legs and bottom. 

9. Left or right handed, gathered or pleated?
Sometimes, when a ring sling is sold it is labelled as being right or left handed. This is to do with the pattern of the fabric. If it has a picture pattern then there will be a right way up, this will then need to be worn on the right or left shoulder depending on the design. If a ring sling has just a repeating pattern or stripes, it won't matter.

There are two main ways a ring sling is sewn. Either with a gathered or a pleated folding along the rings. It is worth trying out both to see which works for you. I personally prefer a gathered ring sling as I find I can spread the fabric out a bit more around the rings and over my shoulder. See the picture above. 

10. Newborn tricks 
Normally a ring sling is worn as a hip carry. For a newborn though you can centre the ring sling to your middle so a tiny baby can snuggle on your chest. You can also use the tail of the ring sling and tuck it into the top rail around baby's head to provide a sort of bumper cushion to give baby a little bit more head support. 

If you fancy trying a ring sling, come along to our next library meet and have a go! If you're  already a fan of ring slings, we'd love to see your favourite pics!