Different perspective from a sling and from a pushchair

This video shows the same scene seen by a baby sitting in a pram and by a baby in a sling on her mother's back. The difference is quite striking. The video is in Swedish but you get the message from the images

Womb to world conference- babywearing presentation

I will be giving a talk on babywearing at the Birthlight Womb to world conference on Saturday the 2nd of October, in Cambridge.

How slings allowed human brain to grow

According to archeology researcher Timothy Taylor, the baby sling was the invention that allowed the human brain to achieve its current size. The development of the upright posture in humans caused a narrowing of the woman's pelvis. Human babies had to be born immature so their head would be small enough pass through the pelvis. Mothers had to keep their baby close to keep them warm and protected from predators. The invention of the sling, about 2 millions years ago, allowed mothers to nurture and protect their babies, whilst carrying on with their daily activities, and gathering food etc. This "extended gestation" outside the womb is what allowed human brains to reach their increased size.
Read the Guardian and the Humanist articles on Timothy Taylor's research.

Different types of slings

There are many different types of slings available to buy in the UK. They fall within 6 different categories.

Wraps (which come in stretchy and woven varieties) are long pieces of cloth that are tied around the baby and parent.

Mei tais are asian style carriers which consist of a rectangle of fabric with 4 straps. One set of straps tie around the wearer' waist and the other around the wearer' shoulders, the rectangle forming a pocket for the baby.

Ring slings are pieces of cloth with 2 rings sewn at one end. The free end is looped through the rings, forming a pouch for the baby, with the tail of the fabric hanging down. They are worn over one shoulder.

Pouches are also worn over one shoulder. They are made of one folded up length of material which forms a pocket for the baby

Soft structured carriers are a hybrid between a Mei Tai and a ruckscack: the body is similar to a Mei Tai but this carrier has a thick padded waist and padded shoulder straps which both fasten with buckles.

For more info, please visit slinguide

Sling safety

You may have heard about the recall of the Infantino Sling Rider earlier this year. This type of sling, known as a bag sling is unsafe for babies. There was a lot of bad press and confusion at the time, with reports of all slings being dangerous. This is not the case. When worn properly, wraps, Mei Tais, ring slings and pouches are perfectly safe.
The recall prompted the UK sling manufacturers and retailers consortium to publish this article which explains how to wear your baby safely in a sling.
So when carrying your baby in a sling, follow the TICKS rules for safe babywearing: Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, and Supported back.

Fully qualified

I am now a fully qualified babywearing consultant. Earlier this year, I invited teachers from the German Clauwi babywearing school over to Cambridge, and a few of us attended the course and gained the qualification required to become a fully fledged babywearing instructor.

It was very enjoyable and absolutely fascinating to learn all the background required to teach, including why infant are designed to be carried, the physiological development of the baby spine and hips, as well as lots of babywearing techniques and tips.

Over the last few months as my daughter Charlotte grew from being a newborn to a soon to be one year old baby, I have enjoyed experimenting with every sort of sling available, and my sling collection is now over 30!

Why this Blog?

My sling journey started over 3 years ago when my son Sebastien was born. He was a "high-need" baby, who cried constantly unless he was being picked up. I discovered my first sling (a stretchy wrap called a Hug-a-Bub) and it was a revelation: suddenly I could carry and comfort my baby and yet my hands were free! It was the beginning of a fascinating discovery of the world of slings and babywearing. 3 years on and second time mum to my new baby girl Charlotte, I am now the proud owner of 17 different slings (number still growing) and I have been teaching parents how to wear their babies in a sling for over 2 years. Now it's time to try and make a living out of my passion by offering my services as a sling consultant.