This week I popped along to Chester Sling Library for advice on a different carrier for Pooh Bear. We recently started using our Moby Wrap more frequently (see Mummy Mugshot #17) but as Pooh Bear is now almost two, it’s a bit of a faff getting him in and out frequently so I wanted to try out something different.
The sling library is a lovely meet up for Mums (and Dads) with babies of all ages and is proving very popular with Chester parents. You can pop there and try out lots of different styles of carrier and enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Sling Libraries are usually run by sling enthusiasts and as the popularity of baby wearing increases, libraries are popping up across the country. You can check the UK Sling Libraries Network to see if they have your local library listed and some NCT branches have details of libraries too. Facebook is another good source for finding sling libraries.
Don’t be afraid to give your local library a go. It won’t be full of hippies sat around drinking green tea (but not a problem if it is ;) ) and will be more like the usual parent group with families from all backgrounds and parenting styles.
Why I recommend slings/carriers to families I speak to…
- Some babies just like to be held. I don’t like to label them ‘clingy’. They have been inside Mum, listening to her heartbeat for their whole life before being born so it is only normal for them to want to continue to be close to her. Dads can have a go too!
- As an aid to breastfeeding. You can breastfeed in some slings and also the fact baby is kept close to Mum helps especially if breastfeeding hasn’t come easy. The fact that baby is close to Mum helps with the release of Oxytocin which in turn helps with breastfeeding.
- If you have more than one child and especially if the age gap is a small one. It means you can easily interact with your older child or push a buggy, hold their hand, play etc and all whilst feeding/carrying baby.
- I haven’t got any scientific evidence for this but I would have thought that babywearing could help ease the symptoms of depression. Oxytocin is released when you touch your baby so the more you touch and interact with your baby the more Oxytocin is released.
- Colic. Keeping baby close to you when they are struggling with colic helps settle them and also keeping them upright can help with their gassiness. If you think about when you might have over-indulged a little and how more uncomfortable you feel lying flat on your back. Babies are no different.
Here we are modelling the Melkaj Preschooler…
I’ve not got the straps completely right underneath Pooh Bear’s bottom on these pics but that is why going to the library for advice is really useful. This particular carrier is easy to get the boys in and out of and feels so comfortable. They are made in Poland and are absolutely gorgeous. The carriers can be custom made or you can buy a pre-made but I must warn you that once you click on the link to the website, you WILL be tempted to buy one… Melkaj – Mei Tai
Reverse fabric of the Library Melkaj
See now, you’ve got me looking at fabric choices etc when I should be finishing writing this post!!!
Embroidery on front of Library Melkaj
Anyway,
I would highly recommend finding a sling library to ensure you find the best carrier for you and remember that for children who can’t yet sit up, avoid crotch danglers.
What on earth is a crotch dangler I hear you say…
There are some very well known, popular, expensive makes of baby carriers sold in large Baby Stores in the UK which are crotch danglers and can be very damaging for babies under six months.
Would you consider wearing your baby/toddler? I’d love to hear your experiences if you have/do.
You can find out why I started Mummy Mugshot here over on Introducing Mummy Mugshot and if you are a blogger and would like to link up this week please grab my badge and share your post in the comments below and I will add a link in the body of this post.
Related articles
- Mummy Mugshot #20 – Chester Zoo (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
- Mummy Mugshot #16 – (Almost) TV-Free Week (lifeloveandlivingwithboys.wordpress.com)
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Great post. We had a Moby Wrap. Loved it, (here’s how much) but it did get a bit tricky when Bibs got to a certain size so we gave it up. It was great when Mr B got into using it as well.
Have posted my Mummy Mugshot today. http://www.bibsey.co.uk/mummy-mugshot-16mar2013/
Oooh well done getting Mr B to wear the Moby. Scatty Dad won’t go anywhere near ours :D I’ve linked up your Mummy Mugshot to this week’s (published 1st thing tomorrow) so it will be there for the week :) x
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