BabyWearing

A cute new word for a very old task.  Or is it a joy???!!

Carrying you child with you for a large part of the day sounds like hard work, but when a sling is used well, it relieves the strain in shoulders, arms & back.
It frees up the adult to perform the tasks which HAVE to be done, it keeps the infant tucked away from prying toddler siblings' fingers but most of all it reassures the infant/toddler that you are there.  Sounds simple, and it is!
Get your hands back!!
 
Dr Sears has a lovely page of information about BW - especially explaining why it is helpful to wear a baby who feeds frequently or "won't settle".

Slings are certainly not a new idea. Some lovely old photos/portraits can be viewed: here.
Also a much older image - second one down on this page.
And remember Hathor's cartoons about the evidence of ancient slings? The theory goes that if man walked upright and babies' heads got bigger, then they needed to be carried for a year or so - which means slings!  Of course, no fossil sling has ever been found, but there has been some evidence shown on the skeletons of stone age women.

Hathor



Flintshire Sling Meet - find out more
Below are details of a local support group for those interested in using slings & baby carriers... there is so much information and choice, that it really helps to chat it over with someone who has used slings with a few different children, before you buy one.

If using your sling hurts, it may well be that you are not using it correctly.  So it's important to check that before investing in a different design.

Flintshire Sling Meet has been held at Whizz Kidz, and also at the Surestart centre in Aston.  Currently there isn't a fixed time and they meet up once a month.  But also a private Facebook group exists for sharing info, images & questions - just ask to join in!  This group was recently set up by a lovely friendly group of Mums who have used many different kinds of slings, and are happy to help with any questions.
flintshireslingmeet AT groups DOT facebook DOT com

See also the website, Flintshire Sling Meet. (One post there contains a flyer you can print out to help publicise the group!)

If you are anti-Facebook (Well done!), then why not call the Buckley BF advice number (01244-545021) and ask to get in touch with a Peer Supporter who uses slings.

(See also a Manchester area group)



Safety First
Read all about sling-safety first, as there are a few slings out there which are dangerous... some recalled, some not.  A quick word here to help you remember how to wear your baby & sling safely...
T.I.C.K.S

which (is fully explained here) and stands for:
Tight (video on How Tight)
In view
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back

A video on safety with slings


Next - please research fully, as I am not recommending any particular brand here.

Buying a sling/carrier - Slings are great when they are OLD
Online sources of pre-worn & pre-loved slings...
Make your own - instructions here for a full-size wrap, and for a child-sized version.


Buying a sling/carrier - Must have the latest...
A few UK Manufacturers' websites:
Sellers/Advisers


Online discussion of slings and all things carrying


Video resources for learning about slings:
more from Selma -
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wsewka-UpkA&feature=related (i like this one and she does it with a 2-year old)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=6UUSYJX7o1A&feature=channel_page
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=o4T_t0YWSSY&feature=related
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=sSMz21oVvfQ&feature=channel_page (a belgian lady, speaking flemish, but still good to watch...)


And videos/ galleries which celebrate or go some way to explain the Joy of Slings!
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