Sling Library FAQ's
What is a Sling Library?
A Sling Library is a service with a collection of baby carriers in various styles, brands and sizes which are available to hire. It exists to enable parents to try out baby carriers before they buy so that they can ensure that the carrier works well for them and their baby before purchasing. An initial Consultation is carried out to get an idea of which carrier would suit your family the most, you then hire your chosen carrier for a period of one month.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment here, if you are not sure which appointment to choose please get in touch via the Contact page. When you book an appointment with me you will complete a questionnaire which gives me important information about you and your child, an insight into how babywearing could help you and it gives me ideas of which carriers could suit you.
Where do Consultations take place?
I am currently offering face to face appointments at my house on Belvedere Road in Burton upon Trent. There is on street parking near my house, if you struggle to find a space there is often more room on Mona Road DE13 0UF. My house has space for a pushchair and car seat should you wish to bring them with you. We have a family dog and cat who are very friendly but will be kept away from appointments. If you have a pet allergy please let me know in the Additional Information and we can arrange an appointment elsewhere.
What Happens at a Consultation?
During the Consultation we will review the information that you provided in your booking questionnaire and have a further chat about how I can help. From what we have discussed I will provide a selection of carriers that could suit your needs. I will demonstrate their features and how to use them plus show you optimum positioning to ensure yours and babies comfort and safety. Then its your turn to have a go, we will fit the carrier to you and place your baby in the carrier, I have a demo doll should you wish to practice with them first. We can practice as much as you are comfortable with. Once you have decided which carrier you would like to trial we will check it out to you for one month, and provide you with instructions plus safety information.
Should I bring my baby?
Your baby is very welcome to come to the Consultation, if they come with you we will have a better idea of how the carriers fit and adjust them to size plus we will know how they are finding them as what they think is important too. If your baby is sleeping and you don't want to disturb them or they aren't happy to take part I have a demo doll to practice with. If your baby is unhappy we can pause at any point, bring along things that keep your baby happy and a blanket should you need to change them.
Can My Partner Come?
Partners, Parents and any other supporters are always welcome to Consultations, they will be included in the appointment as much as they want and they can take part in trying carriers on too. Often parents find it helps to have someone come with them to assist with the baby, learn alongside them and have their own input too. Due to space please only bring one additional adult to your appointment.
I'm worried about bringing my baby because they are very fussy!
Please don't worry about this, we will go at your babies speed and can stop however many times we need to comfort or feed, if your baby doesn't want to take part I have a demo doll for you to use instead. I have three children of my own and understand infant behaviour, this is a judgement free zone and I will meet you where you and your baby are.
I need to bring my Toddler, is that ok?
Most definitely, brings them some snacks and toys to help them feel comfortable. If you know they are coming with you let me know and I will ensure that I have the toy box available for them to explore and keep them occupied, my daughters are always happy to play too. You are free to pause the appointment at any point should either of your children need attention.
Can I see you before my baby is born?
Yes, I often see parents to be at around 37 weeks to collect their 4th Trimester carrier ready for the upcoming birth and to have one less thing to do in the early days of having a newborn. Often parents pair this visit up with the hire of a Newborn Cloth Nappy Kit. If you come and see me before baby is here I offer a free appointment after the birth to check your technique and positioning or to offer reassurance.
Do you offer Online Appointments?
We can meet from the comfort of your own home via Zoom and collect the carrier once you have chosen which you would like to hire. For 4th Trimester Scheme carriers you can collect the carrier before having your baby and have an online appointment in the early days so that I can help with fitting your new baby, check the fit and positioning and answer any questions that you may have
Face to face appointments are preferable so that you get the full Consultation experience of trying the carriers, troubleshooting as we go or asking any questions as they arise but I understand that a visit may not be manageable for some so an online appointment is an option to still enable you to access our services.
Face to face appointments are preferable so that you get the full Consultation experience of trying the carriers, troubleshooting as we go or asking any questions as they arise but I understand that a visit may not be manageable for some so an online appointment is an option to still enable you to access our services.
I got home and forgot everything you told me!?!
During the hire period you have my full support so that you get the most out of the carrier. The check out email for your hire contains a link to the carrier listing on my inventory site where there are youtube instructions for that specific carrier. I also have youtube links to other approved videos to guide you through using the carrier. I am available by email for any questions and am happy to go over any of the information I have already shared as it can be a lot to take in at once.
The hire period is nearly over, what do I do?
At the end of the hire period you have a few options;
- If you are happy with your trial and want to return the carrier get in touch to arrange a return.
- If have enjoyed using the carrier and want to hire it get in touch to request an extension, these are charged £15.00 per month, offers are available for longer term hires.
- If you want to try out a different carrier book an appointment, if you have an idea of what you want to try book a Mini Consultation which has one months carrier hire included in the price.
You haven't posted on social media for a while, are you still running?
You may have noticed that I don't post on social media too often, I'm an introvert and social media is something which I'm not overly active on, to me it's like standing on a stage in a crowded room shouting about myself to everyone with a megaphone, sometimes I vow to be more active and have a spurt in posting and then go quiet for months again. Be assured though that I'm still running and Consultations are taking place frequently,