Babywearing in Cheshire & Manchester: Sling Libraries & Support for New Parents
Updated: Aug 11
You may have heard that carrying your baby in a sling or baby carrier has many benefits but perhaps you aren't too sure about how to go about it!
Yes studies have shown that it reduces baby’s crying time, helps with bonding and attachment, especially in those first months.
The upright position can also help with baby’s digestion which is often a little tricky for little ones - and every parent loves a solution to soothe their discomfort as soon as possible.
Sling Libraries in Cheshire
For Cheshire mums wondering about what slings to buy and maybe hoping to try a model before they invest in one, I’d recommend getting in touch with Supportive Sloths North West!
It is an organisation who hosts regular sling libraries. A sling library is a meeting where any types of baby carrier are displayed and they can be borrowed for a small fee. Then returned at the next meet up!
Events dates are set regularly and the experts are meeting mums Warrington way, in Stockton Heath.
Here’s their website
Here’s their Instagram account:
Follow them to know about the next dates!
The team also offers home consultations, consultations at one of the founder’ home Rachael (who happens to be one of the most and longest qualified consultants in the country). They also hire out birth pools and cover the subject of cloth nappies: they can help you switch from disposables and get started.
Babywearing Support in Northwich & Knutsford
For Northwich, or mums from Knutsford and the nearby villages, you must check out this meet up every Friday 10.15-12noon at Weavervale Garden Centre in Northwich.
It’s free and run by an experienced doula and NCT trainer. (Donna @Doula D) plus a lactation consultant is on hand also to answer questions.
You can get advice about slings, if you message in advance Donna can bring some to demo. D@doulad.co.uk
At those Friday meet ups, you can access advice on all sorts of subjects, feeding or sleep issues, weaning etc., and the cafe is a nice place for breakfast. It has a car park.
Friday mornings with baby are sorted!
Doula D also offers access to her online resources using this link: https://doulad.co.uk/babycarrying-support/#sling-and-carrier-safety
Happy learning!!
Donna is alongside myself and 2 others also a co founder member of the Pregnancy Baby and You, Cheshire group (PBY Cheshire https://www.pbycheshire.org.uk) which is a collective of trusted practitioners supporting prenatal and postnatal families.
Sling Libraries in Manchester
In Manchester, this is the web page I recommend to new mums, that will help you access a calendar of sling meets ups across the city! You need to book your consultation and there’s a small fee to talk to an expert (around £10).
The Parenting Collective CIC was started by three friends with lived experience of the challenges of conceiving, pregnancy, birth, feeding and parenting. They support local communities around Manchester, by running Sling library support sessions, baby wearing classes, Fourth Trimester support groups, private consultation, workshops, fundraising and signposting for new/vulnerable families.
Use this link for Sling Library Meetings in Manchester:
YouTube:
From the comfort of home, you can watch this lady on YouTube, demoing lots of slings!!
So you can get started from home, but I’d recommend contacting a specialist if you’re unsure.
Babywearing Demonstrations at Home
How to Choose a Baby Carrier
Often at my Pregnancy Yoga classes in Knutsford, I invite specialists to share their knowledge.
Recently Doula D came and one of the mums asked her what would be the ‘dream baby carrier’ for her as she lives and works on a farm and will need her hands free pretty quickly after birth.
They talked about different options and Donna suggested a stretchy wrap might be a good starting point as being super cosy for baby and practical for mum. It can seem daunting to use as you need to practice wrapping it around your body correctly but we can get familiar with the technique with a bit of practice.
Or you can ask an expert to your home!
Donna from doulad.co.uk offers home visits where she’ll demonstrate how to use the sling.
Contact Donna at d@doulad.co.uk to enquire about support services or book an appointment.
If you are in the Warrington, and Wigan area, please contact Rachael, Adele or Jess from Supportive Sloths at hello@supportiveslothsnw.co.uk
Or for Manchester private consultations, email Lydia, Kirsty, Shelly or Katy at theparentingcollectivecic@gmail.com
Have fun in your baby wearing journey! Let me know if you use any of those contacts!
To hear more tips about all kind of subjects impacting your and baby’s wellness, join one of my baby yoga courses - suitable for yoga beginners and first timers. I have classes at three locations: Knutsford, Northwich or Manchester City Centre. Click here for the timetable https://www.yogawithmaryline.com/classes
Click here to book a drop-in class and see what the sessions are about
P.S. I’m excited to be working with the wonderful Donna in the future to bring support for local families. Keep an eye on my social media for news of a special event we’ll be announcing soon…
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