FAQs

Here are some of the questions which we are most frequently asked with some handy links to sites by amazing babywearing professionals

Question: I’ve been given a stretchy wrap, what on earth do I do with it?
Answer: Please come along to a session and we will gladly teach you. In the meantime check out the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your sling and take a look at www.carryingmatters.co.uk/types-of-slings/stretchy-wraps/ this is a great resource put together by Rosie Knowles and colleagues.

Question: How big are different sizes of sling, should I buy a toddler sling for my chunky 6 month old?
Answer: South East Slings have a very useful carrier comparison chart where you can learn about the dimensions of different slings. In answer to your second question – almost certainly not, unless it is a sling which is designed to grow with your child e.g. Boba X or Mamaruga Zebolu, as if a sling is too big it will be less safe, secure and comfortable for both parent and child.

Question: My toddler is no longer knee to knee in their carrier, do we need to size up?
Answer: You both may be more comfortable by sizing up – come and try it to see, but bare in mind that you may be fine for a little while yet as long as
- your child is still below the weight limit of the carrier
- you are both comfortable
- the back of the carrier still reaches up to the child’s armpits
- your child has no underlying condition which requires a perfect M shape support

Question: I’m loving my new woven wrap, someone has kindly bought me another one in a different size – what can I do with it?
Answer: We think you might enjoy investigating Wrap You In Love!

Question: Is the library just open on Mondays?
Answer: Yes it is. Our volunteers are busy saving the world in other ways for the rest of the week… If anyone would like to train up and open the library in other days and locations we’d love to hear from you.

Question: Do you offer retailer discount codes?
Answer: Yes we do! If you have made a booking or taken out a loan then we can issue you with a discount code for approximately 5-10% off at the following retailers: Koala Slings, Sling Spot and a couple of others. It is always worth shopping around as occasionally bigger retailers like brand websites, John Lewis and even TK-Max may have offers that can beat independent retailers. Please ask us for advice if you are planning on buying from Amazon and less scrupulous resellers, some manufacturers have known issues with counterfeiting.

Question: Should I worry about fake slings? Surely if it works it’s okay?
Answer: Yes it is worth being careful about where your slings have come from. Genuine manufacturers spend a lot of time and money on ensuring that their slings are constructed from baby safe fabrics, have extremely sound seams and buckles. Slings in their development programs are tested to destruction to ensure they don’t catch fire easily and can sustain at minimum the stated safe weight, complying with EU safety standards. If you are not purchasing a genuine product none of these guarantees apply – for example a fake SSC may superficially look identical but lack the internal structure that makes it strong. We recommend that you always purchase from a recognised retailer or request to see original receipts when buying preloved.

Question: Brrrr! It’s rather cold, what should I think about when using the sling?
Answer: Aim for layers and avoid bulky snowsuits in which baby can slump undetected. Chek out Ecoroos’ handy infographic on this!
Question: Phew it’s hot! What should I think about when using the sling?
Answer: Very hot weather is the babywearer’s nemesis and somethhing to be taken seriously! Sheffield Sling surgery have a great page about this, check it out here.