Everything you ever wanted to know about babywearing |
Perhaps you've never heard of babywearing.
Maybe you've been carrying your baby so far in a stretchy wrap or high street baby carrier but are finding it less comfortable as he gets bigger; or you've got a baby backpack but are finding it too heavy.
Perhaps you've seen someone flinging a baby on her back and doing something complicated with a length of cloth and thought it looks too difficult for you.
Well don't worry, there are lots of types of sling, some easier to use than others, and there is one out there for you.
Find out about the benefits of babywearing, read what our members say about babywearing, have a look at our babywearing myths page, or just ask us!
Maybe you've been carrying your baby so far in a stretchy wrap or high street baby carrier but are finding it less comfortable as he gets bigger; or you've got a baby backpack but are finding it too heavy.
Perhaps you've seen someone flinging a baby on her back and doing something complicated with a length of cloth and thought it looks too difficult for you.
Well don't worry, there are lots of types of sling, some easier to use than others, and there is one out there for you.
Find out about the benefits of babywearing, read what our members say about babywearing, have a look at our babywearing myths page, or just ask us!
Why babywear?There's so many benefits to babywearing that we dedicated a whole page to it. But the short version?
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How to get started with babywearing
The best way to get started is to come to one of our Sheffield sling meets. You'll see lots of babywearing going on, and get the chance to try out different slings and baby carriers. You might like to look at our summary of sling types first - but don't worry if it's overwhelming, we won't be testing you! It's never too late to start babywearing, so even if you think your child is too old, it's worth coming along.
Expectant parents
If you're an expectant parent, we encourage you to come to a meet while you or your partner are still pregnant. That way you can be ready to go as soon as the baby arrives. We love to help new and expectant parents with sling selection (especially if it means we get a squish of the baby!). We do understand that you may be working full time in the run-up to the birth, so if you want to meet up with one of our members on a weekend to get some help, we may be able to accommodate you - please do ask us. If you want to try out a sling for more than an afternoon, Sheffield Sling Library is an invaluable resource where you can borrow one for a couple of weeks.
How much do slings cost?
We often get asked how much slings and baby carriers cost. Many parents start out with a simple stretchy wrap which can cost as little as £20, especially if you buy pre-loved (which is very common for babywearers). Other types of sling that suit newborns, such as mei tais and soft structured carriers, can be picked up pre-loved for around £40-£60, and woven wraps and ring slings can be found for as little as £30- £40.
One of the great things about babywearing, though, is that slings are quality items that hold their value very well. If you don't get on with your baby carrier you can usually sell it on making only a minimal loss, if any. So it isn't as scary as you might think! And if you find you love babywearing and want to spend a bit more money, there is a whole world of beautiful, fashionable and downright super-comfortable slings out there.
But be careful - if you buy a mass-produced sling such as a BabyBjorn baby carrier or a baby backpack, you may find that its second-hand value is far below what you paid for it.
One of the great things about babywearing, though, is that slings are quality items that hold their value very well. If you don't get on with your baby carrier you can usually sell it on making only a minimal loss, if any. So it isn't as scary as you might think! And if you find you love babywearing and want to spend a bit more money, there is a whole world of beautiful, fashionable and downright super-comfortable slings out there.
But be careful - if you buy a mass-produced sling such as a BabyBjorn baby carrier or a baby backpack, you may find that its second-hand value is far below what you paid for it.
Where to buy slings
The biggest choice of slings is available online. Many babywearers prefer to save money by buying pre-loved, and the best places for this in the UK are the FSOT (for sale or trade) forum on Natural Mamas (registration required) or the FSOT group on Facebook (request to join).
If you want to buy new, the Sling Guide website has a list of trusted retailers. You'll probably find the choice (and the acronyms!) bewildering at first, so don't hesitate to ask us for help with your selection. We don't recommend that new babywearers buy from eBay, as there are a lot of fakes and potentially unsafe carriers on sale there.
If you want to buy in person, there are a couple of places in Sheffield and they are on our Links page.
If you want to buy new, the Sling Guide website has a list of trusted retailers. You'll probably find the choice (and the acronyms!) bewildering at first, so don't hesitate to ask us for help with your selection. We don't recommend that new babywearers buy from eBay, as there are a lot of fakes and potentially unsafe carriers on sale there.
If you want to buy in person, there are a couple of places in Sheffield and they are on our Links page.
Join us!
If you're on Facebook, do join our group (request to join). Whatever your question, someone will be able to answer it, and it's also a friendly social forum. And to keep up with what we're doing, please join our mailing list and subscribe to our blog.
