Slings
How do I hire a sling?
To hire a sling you will need to come to our drop in group, book a private consultation or book onto a group workshop. See below for which option is most suitable for you.
What is the drop in group?
The drop in group is not currently running. We are looking for a new venue and hope to be running again before the end of October. We will update when we know the date we will be back!
The drop in group will run every Wednesday from 10-12 at (location TBC, probably in Southbourne). Here you can come for a chat about slings and/or cloth nappies or just life in general. Grab a coffee and a cake/breakfast and come hang out with us!
You can bring along a sling you already own for a fit check. You are also able to try on one or two of our library slings and hire one if you wish. Hire is £10 for the first week and £7 per week after that if you extend. If you need or want a more personal service, you should book a private consultation or group workshop. Back carrying is not taught at the drop in group.
What is a private consultation?
Private babywearing consultations take place at Caroline's house in Tuckton. They are £25 and generally last about an hour, but can sometimes be shorter or longer depending on your needs. At this appointment Caroline will talk you through all the different types, showing you how to use them and make them as safe and comfortable as possible for you and your little one. The appointment is fully tailored to you and your preferences, making sure you leave happy and confident with your chosen sling. Sling hire from a private consultation is £5 for the first week, and then our standard £7 a week after that. This appointment is suitable for someone coming on their own or with their partner. You are welcome to bring a relative/friend along for support but if they have their own baby and want to try slings as well you will need to book a group workshop (see below).
What is a group workshop?
Group workshops allow you to try more options than at the drop in group but are not quite as tailored to you as a private consultation. They take place at Caroline's house in Tuckton and can have 2 or 3 people with their babies. It's £15 per person. For two people it will be about an hour and a half and for 3 people it will be about 2 hours. Sling hire from a group workshop is £5 for the first week, and then our standard £7 a week after that. To book a group workshop, please message Caroline.
Can I hire a sling without coming to a group or consultation?
Sometimes you can hire without coming to see Caroline first. This is generally if you have previous babywearing experience, you know what you like, and there is a specific sling you want to hire. Get in touch with us if this sounds like you!
Sling FAQS
Can I wear my twins?
Yes! You can wear both your twins at the same time, or one at a time! There are specific twin slings but there are lots of other options for wearing twins too from newborn and beyond. Book a private consultation with your twins (or your twin bump)!
Can you show me how to back carry?
Yes! You can back carry in most slings! There are different ways of getting a baby/toddler on your back depending on the sling, age of your child, and what you prefer to do. You can book a private consultation to learn how to back carry or come to one of our group workshops (we don't do back carrying at drop in groups). In order to back carry, your child should be able to sit independently (or very nearly).
Is my child too old to wear in a sling?
You may be surprised to what age you can actually carry a child! If you ever carry your child in arms, then no, they are not too old to be worn in a sling and their weight will be much better distributed in a sling so more comfortable for you. We have a range of slings suitable for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
How long can I hire a sling for?
We normally start people off with a week to see how they get on with it, as slings are a very personal preference. However, most people end up extending their hire. We cap hire at 4 weeks so that we are able have them available for more people. If you would like to hire for longer than 4 weeks, let us know and we may be able to accommodate.
I'm pregnant, should I come see you now or after my baby is born?
We'd always suggest coming before baby arrives. Babywearing from birth can be so useful and great for bonding. You can practice and get the hang of it without baby and you'll be a pro by the time baby arrives!
Types of Sling
You do not need to know what you want to try before your appointment/group, it is personal preference and this is the whole purpose of the sling library - to find out what you personally like. But here are the different types for your information! Scroll through below to find out more.
Babywearing Consultation
For a personalised session, book a babywearing consultation. These take place at Caroline's house in Tuckton. Full address will be given when booking is finalised.
It is £25 for an appointment, you can come on your own with your little one/bump or bring a partner or relative/friend. Appointments will be around an hour but may be shorter or longer depending on individual needs.
If you'd like to come together with a friend or 2 and your little ones/bumps, it is £15 each. This appointment will probably be closer to an hour and a half - 2 hours.
To book a private consultation, choose a day and time below and fill in the short form. The full booking form and payment link will then be sent to you. Your appointment is not confirmed until you have paid, at which point you will be sent the full address.
To book a group workshop, check the times below as that is generally the same availability, but then contact Caroline first to check she can accommodate the longer appointment at the time you would like.