Medway NCT Baby Sling & Carrier Library 

We now have a range of baby slings/carriers available for parents to see and try out. This might be useful for you if you are thinking of buying a sling, but are unsure what type to go for, or just need information about the range of slings available. 

Below is a list of the slings which we currently have available.

You can hire a sling you wish to try for a fortnight for a £5 fee and a returnable £50 deposit cheque.

You can also see and try the slings a most of our regular meetings (please contact us to check!) You can also find us at the regular pregnancy information evenings at Temple Mill Children’s Centre in Strood.

All slings can be worn from birth and many are suitable for use into the toddler years.  Please browse the various websites listed on this page to help you decide which sling(s) or carrier(s) you would like to try.

Safety 

Our slings all have full safety instructions, please read these carefully and thoroughly before carrying your baby in a sling.  Please check constantly that your baby has a free flow of air when carried in a sling, i.e. that the fabric of the sling or clothing is not covering the baby’s mouth or nose.    It’s also recommended that you practice with a doll or teddy before trying out the slings with your baby.

WRAP SLINGS

Most of the wrap slings currently in our library are stretchy wraps, made of one length of fabric which can be tied in a variety of ways to carry the baby from birth to toddler in many positions: sitting upright facing in, upright facing out, on the hip, and on the back.  We also have the Close Baby Carrier.  When worn this looks similar to the wrap slings, but it has been pre-stitched meaning it is quicker to put on.  The Close Baby Carrier is suitable for front carries only.

2 Moby slings donated by www.bigmamaslings.co.uk             

Tricot Slen donated by www.bigmamaslings.co.uk

Kari-me donated by www.kari-me.com

2 Close Baby Carriers donated by www.biz-e-kids.com and www.closebabycarrier.com

POUCH SLINGS

Pouch slings are worn over one shoulder and have no buckles, straps, rings etc, but one size does not fit all! We currently have size 3 and 4, please see the chart and picture below to check the right size for you.  Use a tape measure to measure from shoulder to hip: start at the outer corner of your shoulder and measure diagonally across your body to your hip bone.  The chart shows measurements in inches. If your pouch is too big it will be uncomfortable for you and your baby.  Please see http://www.hotslings.com/sizing for detailed information.

2 Hotslings donated by www.bigmamaslings.co.uk

Brightspark Slings, donated by a local parent, information available from Bright Sparks Slings

RING SLINGS

Ring slings consist of a length of fabric looped through rings at one end.  The sling is worn over one shoulder with the baby sitting in the ‘pouch’ created by the fabric.  Adjusting the fit is simply done by pulling the length of fabric threaded through the rings. 

Liberty Sling donated by www.biz-e-kids.com

TIE-ON SOFT CARRIERS

Mei Tai Carriers

These are based on tradional Chinese carriers and consist of a large square of material with 4 long ‘arms’ which wrap around the wearer’s body. They can be worn on the front or the back.

2 Napsack Baby Mei Tai donated by  www.slingjax.co.uk  and www.napsackbaby.com

BabyHawk Mei Tai donated by www.sasaslings.co.uk

Wilkinet donated by www.biz-e-kids.com. Further info and videos at www.wilkinet.co.uk 

SOFT-STRUCTURED CARRIERS

These are excellent for carrying older and heavier babies and toddlers, especially in the back carry position.

Rose and Rebellion donated by www.roseandrebellion.com