Launch Issue I Love Babywearing Because......
Big Camp 2012
Emma Talks Blends
The Challenge
To go a week without babyw
earing
13 Babywearing Myths Busted
Close Enough To Kiss
Because We’re Always Behind You
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A Word From The Editor Welcome to the very first issue of Close Enough to Kiss. The last few months have been both a challenge and an exciting time, we have had so much support from mum’s right across the UK it has left us all feeling quite humbled at how much babywearers are enthused about our magazine venture. We are aiming for a real community feel to the magazine, after all baby wearers across the uk are very much like a community, ready to help those who are unsure of babywearing. Its this willingness to help that we feel will help this magazine be a success, from the mum’s who have shared their choice of woven fabric preferences in ‘Emma Talks Blend’ (p28) to the story of ‘tandem babywearing’ (p10) For those of you just starting out in your babywearing journey, check out ‘Budget and Blowout’ (p16) for a quick guide of carriers for both budgets. And for the more experienced babywearer why not take a look at ‘Big Camp 2012’ (p24) to get all the news from this summers Natural Mamas camping weekend. Our next Issue will be our first printed magazine and will be on sale in participating sling libraries across the UK, It will also be available to download for the environmentally conscious and for those who prefer the feel of paper between their fingers, It will also be available to buy online for postal delivery. Finally if you would like to contribute in any way towards the magazine please contact info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Enjoy x
Renee Duffin, Editor Launch Issue 2012
www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk
Contents 10
34
05 Introducing Close Enough to Kiss 07 Babywearing Consultants And How To Find Them 08 13 Babywearing Myths Busted
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23 Motoring Review Mazda CX-5 2.2 Sport Auto AWD 24 Big Camp 2012 28 Emma Talks Blends
10 Tandem Babywearing
30 Brambles, Chocolate And Slings Don’t Mix
12 Baby On Board Signs: Life-Saver Or Danger?
32 Sling News From Across The UK
14 I Love Babywearing Because...... 16 Budget And Blowout
34 Babywearing Ireland 36 The Challenge 38 Connecta Review
18 Baby Its Cold Outside
40 Thank You!
22 With A Little Help From Your Online Friends
42 Online Sling Library Directory
Launch Issue 2012
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Introducing Close Enough to Kiss Welcome to the first issue of Close Enough to Kiss, the UK’s FIRST babywearing magazine. The idea behind Close Enough to Kiss was born in March 2012, whilst brainstorming on ways to raise money for a local sling library. It took many months of research and website building before the idea was fully realised and we could reveal our idea to the rest of the babywearing community.
What are sling libraries? Sling libraries are organisations who hire out baby slings and carriers similarly as a community library hires books. There is usually a small charge for the hire and some libraries ask for a refundable deposit that is returned when in receipt of the borrowed sling/carrier. There are sling libraries all across the UK, one of the benefits of a library is families are able to try different slings/carriers without the expense of purchasing outright. As well as hiring many libraries now offer consultations, which is a service to extend the wearers knowledge on how to tie a sling/carrier and babywearing safety. Most sling libraries are voluntarily run so any profits are returned back to the library, there are a growing number of lending services which are normally attached to a business such as a consultancy, these are profit based and some give these profits to charities such as SANDS.
Where will Close Enough to Kiss be sold? Initially our magazine will be available online (Launch Issue), this will help us to gauge the popularity of the magazine and build a bigger picture of who and where should sell the magazine. The first issue will be sold at participating sling libraries across the UK as well as subscriptions and to download. With hopefully more availability within the UK as time goes on.
What connects Close Enough to Kiss and sling libraries? Close Enough to Kiss was designed to be sold in sling libraries across the UK, with the profits of the sale going to the participating sling libraries, that way they will be able to fund more slings/carrier and it will help go toward library running costs. It is the one overriding wish for the magazine that the sling libraries, directly benefit from the sale of it.
How often will the magazine be published? The magazine will be published every quarter, so 4 times a year.
How do I find out where my nearest sling library is? At the back of each magazine there is a ‘directory’ which will include many sling libraries / meets and consultants across the UK, there are further libraries listed on www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk
I would like to write for Close Enough to Kiss, who do I contact? If you contact admin@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk we will happily put you on a list for future writing assignments, we want this magazine to be about the babywearing community and the best way we can do this is to get the community to write for us.
Editor Renee Duffin Contributors Katie Mairis, Corrine Rooney, Katy Waddington, Abbie Kennedy, Tim Clay-Barnes & Kara Spratt Design & Artwork Colin Jeffery Columnists Anne McEwan Regular Features Emma Palmer Photography Little Red Sheep Photography Contact Us by Email info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk advertising@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Find Us Online www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk www.facebook.com/closeenoughtokiss www.twitter.com/closeenoughmag www.pinterest.com/closeenoughmag
Disclaimer All information in Close Enough to Kiss Magazine or website is intended for entertainment purposes only and professional advice should be sought for those who are in anyway unsure how to carry their children in a safe manner. The publisher, contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way whatsoever for the actions or results taken by any persons, organisations or any parties on the basis of reading information, stories or contributions of Close Enough to Kiss Magazine or website. The publisher, contributors and related parties are not engaged in providing professional advice or services. The publisher, contributors, editors and consultants disclaim any and all liability and responsibility to any persons or parties, be they a purchaser, reader, advertiser or consumer of this publication or not in regards to the consequences and outcomes of anything done or omitted being in reliance whether partly or solely on the contents of Close Enough to Kiss Magazine. The publishers, editors, contributors and related parties shall have no responsibility for any action or omission by any other contributor, consultant, editor or related party. Whilst we try to ensure all advertising in Close Enough to Kiss Magazine is relevant to our readers, we do not necessarily endorse the products shown. No part of this magazine is to be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission from the publisher. All views expressed in this publication are those of individuals and not of Close Enough to Kiss or the companies we represent. All information included was correct at the time of being published online.
If you have any idea’s you would like to see included in any future issues you can also contact the same address.
Launch Issue 2012
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Babywearing Consultants And How To Find Them By Anne McEwan - Wrap My Baby. What is a babywearing consultant? A babywearing consultant is someone who has specialised in teaching others how to use a sling safely and comfortably. Often they have completed a training programme but they can also be self taught through experience and research. Babywearing consultants usually charge a consultation fee for private or group consultations. They often have a selection of slings available for clients to try out and may have specialist teaching aids for use during consultations, like specially weighted dolls. They will also be able to point clients to other services and information available both locally and online. Other terms used for babywearing consultants are babywearing instructor or carrying consultant.
What is available from a babywearing consultant? Most consultants offer different packages for either a workshop with a group of participants or an individual consultation. Workshops or group consultations At a workshop there will normally be more than one client. This could be a group of clients who book together or individual clients booking on a workshop arranged by the consultant. The topic of the workshop will generally have been set in advance and all clients will usually be learning the same method of carrying during the workshop. Individual consultations An individual consultation will usually be tailored to your personal needs by the consultant. It can be possible to learn more than one carrying method depending on the time available and the speed of learning by the client. There are pros and cons with each option and as each consultant has different options available, it is a good idea to contact your local consultant to see what the options are and what they would recommend for your circumstances. Many consultants will also have their services listed on their website, which can include talks at groups, free clinics and much more.
by someone who has invested into being a specialist in their field and you will have a chance to talk through any worries and questions you may have knowing that the consultant will either know the answers or will know where you can find them.
Are there free alternatives? Consultations and workshops are usually paid services. The consultant will have to cover the cost they make (insurance, membership of professional body, material, training, childcare etc.). Many consultants also offer free services through slingmeets or libraries or through their own groups. These free services are ideal for anyone who just needs a little bit of support but cannot replace dedicated teaching for those who feel they would benefit from a more thorough approach. Instructions on how to use slings are also provided from most manufacturers and there are many instructional videos which can be accessed on YouTube. Sling Guide (www.slingguide.co.uk) has an instruction page with videos which show safe and vetted videos.
How can I find my local babywearing consultant? The best place to start can be your local group or library as they will be aware of which services are on offer in your area and may even have personal experience with them. The Natural Mamas forum (www.naturalmamas.co.uk) has a local section where groups can advertise their meet ups and libraries. SlingMeet forum lists slingmeets by area and the UK Sling Library Network (www.ukslinglibraries.co.uk) has a directory with all libraries connected to them. The different schools who provide training for consultants also have lists on their website. Trageschule UK (www.trageschule.co.uk) School of Babywearing (www.schoolofbabywearing.com) and Je Porte Mon Bebe (www.jeportemonbebe.com). And lastly BABI is the British Association of Babywearing Instructors which has a member list of practising consultants on their website (www.babi.me.uk).
What are the benefits of using a babywearing consultant? When you book a consultation or workshop with a consultant you can expect to receive a professional service. Consultants will usually ask you some questions when you book the appointment to make sure that they can offer you a service which meets your needs. By using a consultant you assure yourself that you are getting accurate, safe and up to date information about the use of your sling. You will be shown how to use your sling
Over the last 2 years the number of babywearing consultants in the UK has soared to well over 100 with many more training all the time. The chances are that if you do not already have a local consultant you will do soon and if there is no sign of one you could always consider training yourself. It is a fun and rewarding job which can help keep those important carrying skills alive for generations to come.
Launch Issue 2012
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13 Babywearing Myths Busted How many times have you heard people say ‘doesn’t that hurt your back’ or ‘my little one is too old to carry in a sling’? Well here is 13 babywearing myths busted.
1 3 5
Woven wraps are too hot. FALSE - It’s all about how you wrap; layered carries will be hotter than single layer carriers, dressing down for yourself is important, but when wearing baby on your front, your body will naturally regulate to keep baby at the optimum safe temperature.
Launch Issue 2012
Your baby will overheat. FALSE - A mother’s breasts will keep babies temperature stable by reducing or increasing the blood flow, it’s known as kangaroo care.
You will spoil baby if you hold them too much. FALSE - Babies thrive when held, they cry less, feel safer, feed better and build a more secure bond with their caregiver.
You will hurt your back. FALSE - Babywearing will actually strengthen your back as your core muscles will be working whilst babywearing. If you are hurting then the carrier is not been worn correctly, seeking help is suggested.
2 4
You can’t Front Face Out with a baby carrier. FALSE - In actual fact there is no scientific study to date that can prove Front Facing Out will harm baby HOWEVER babies can become over stimulated very easily and baby will have nowhere to lean if they feel sleepy, so that’s why we suggest if baby likes to view the world by looking forward then the wearer would be better to try a back carry or hip carry.
6 8 10 12
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You are a hippy if you babywear. FALSE - Celebs such as Orlando Bloom and Heidi Klum have been photographed babywearing, people are beginning to realise how much easier life is when you babywear and there is nothing hippy in that.
7 9 11 13
My baby cried in a sling so they don’t like being carried. FALSE - Babies often cry at first when worn, especially if the mum is nervous as baby can sense this. Often babies when first worn will cry but this is common and nothing a long walk and some perseverance won’t solve.
Woven wraps are too complicated to tie. FALSE - There is an element of skill involved in which the wearer will gain as they use the wrap, visit your nearest sling meet, library or watch YouTube and practise as often as you can.
Babywearing is just for babies. FALSE - As long as your child needs a stroller you can wear your child and even beyond, with the correct sized carrier you can wear your child until they are happy to walk on their own without getting tired.
Babywearing is expensive. FALSE - Compared to a pram buying a sling is relatively inexpensive, a lot of people can’t get their heads round the price of the carriers as they often view them as a piece of cloth, however many woven wraps are made in such an intricate way, that the price tag is justifiable to the time taken to make. But compared to a pram or pushchair they are a fraction of the cost.
Babywearing is dangerous. FALSE - Babywearing is safe when done CORRECTLY and by following the TICKS safety guidelines.
Babywearing excludes other members of the family. FALSE - Dad’s, Aunties, and Grandma’s in fact anyone can babywear it’s not just for mums.
Some carrier’s are bad for babies. TRUE - Bag Slings can be very dangerous especially for newborn babies as their airways can be restricted by the dropping of the chin to their chest, most bag slings have been withdrawn from sale although you can see them on sale on pre-loved boards now and again.
Launch Issue 2012
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Tandem Babywearing By Katy Waddington.
‘Yes, Mr & Mrs Waddington, I’ve got some exciting news; Its twins’ Never have my stomach muscles tightened faster, to sit me bolt upright on the bed waiting for her to say ‘only kidding!’ nope, those words did not come. After the initial shock, planning began, ‘baby wearing’ as it is known, was never in that plan, you can’t carry two, I could only carry my first son until he was about 6 weeks old in my Baby Bjorn, he was too heavy, he was 9lb at birth. Our beautiful twin boys George and Leo arrived in June 2011 and took our world by storm, they didn’t sleep, they fed constantly, needed to be rocked endlessly, Joseph our then 3 year old was watching too much television to keep him occupied; something had to change.
“I carry one of them on every outing” I posted on the Mumsnet forum, ‘someone help me, am I mad to be breastfeeding twins?’ Lots of fantastic advice followed, all saying similar things, that no I in fact was not mad, this could be done and finally get a stretchy sling. I bought a navy blue Kari Me sling and once I had got the hang of it at around 7 weeks old, I could stick the boys in and they would sleep for hours. Going anywhere was literally, like going out with three heads, I couldn’t do anything in a rush, and everyone was amazed at the two tiny heads nestled in my bosom. It was wonderful, I was showered with praise and amazing supportive comments from everyone who stopped me. I took them everywhere, a lifelong friend of mine invited me for coffee in town, we sat in a coffee shop nattering and sipping coffee and all of a sudden, an hour and a half later she announced ‘good grief, I forgot you had the babies with you’; they had been asleep in the sling snuggled on my front for the whole time. Once they got bigger I went along to Lancaster Sling Meet to look for advice on the next step, the stretchy was becoming unsupportive for my chunky 6 month olds. I was given some great advice and let loose on the Natural Mamas for sale or trade board. I started out wanting to be able to do other things whilst calming the boys, then I discovered it was easier than lugging a double pram into town to swoon over 4inch high heels that I would never get to wear again.
“Someone help me” Then I discovered that the best cuddles are when you have a little snoring beauty strapped to you, even now at 16 months. If you had told me when I bought my Kari Me that I would still be carrying them at 16months and have <cough cough> English pounds invested in said carrying, I would never have believed you.
Launch Issue 2012
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I experimented with many combinations of carriers, once they got too big for the Kari Me, I tried Mei Tai’s, buckles, wraps, found perfect combinations, then they would grow and make that combo uncomfortable so then I would try something else.
my husband looked at me and said ‘I understand now’ previously of course, he thought I was bonkers to be spending all my disposable money of pieces of material to tie our children to me.
My favourite combinations for tandem carrying have been a baby hawk on the back and a woven in front cross carry, or a double hammock on the back and a Hoptye on the front, the wrap straps meant I could spread it across the front baby without putting pressure on them.
Every time I see someone struggling with a big pram, I wish more people knew how lovely, comfortable, easy and convenient carrying your baby/toddler is.
Nowadays I am working on my favourite combination, wrapping is my thing and I prefer to just carry one and have a small umbrella fold buggy for the other, still so much easier than a big double pram, I only tandem carry on the school run, which is ten minutes maximum, that’s enough with two 16 months wrigglers.
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The hardest thing for me has been knowing I could have used these slings with my first son Joseph, which in a way makes me sad as I know I won’t have any more children.
Oh and now I don’t swoon over 4 inch heels, I swoon over limited edition Girasol wraps whilst checking my PayPal balance!
I carry one of them on every outing though, and make sure they both get a go. On our eldest sons first afternoon at school, my husband took the afternoon off so we could take him together, he strapped George into the Connecta and immediately he buried his face in his chest and giggled,
Launch Issue 2012
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Baby On Board Signs: Life-Saver Or Danger? By Tim Barnes-Clay
Visit: www.carwriteups.co.uk
ACCORDING TO a new study 37% of parents (almost 2 in 5) have displayed a ‘Baby on Board’ sign either currently or in the past. Now it’s time to find out if they are a help or a hazard. The research among 2,000 drivers (50% of whom have children under 16) found that:
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Safety experts at the charity, Brake, are advising drivers that while these signs can offer useful information for paramedics in the case of a crash, to bear in mind the following: 1. Display a ‘baby on board’ sign to aid emergency service officers in case of a crash, but only when there is a child present. If you go out in the car without your child, remove the sign
• 80% of the parents who use baby on board signs think they improve safety 2. Do not display more than one sign • 46% of drivers who have children under 16 and display a Baby on Board sign do not remove it when the child is not in the car • 5% of all drivers surveyed have been involved in an accident due to stickers and toys in car windows obscuring their view • 46% of drivers think ‘Baby on Board’ signs obscure vision when driving.
3. Do not place signs in a way that obscures the driver’s view The survey discovered that clutter is a concern among many drivers, and having too many novelty items displayed could be a safety issue. 51% of all those questioned said they think other drivers display too much clutter in their car windows, such as stickers and novelty items. 15% of drivers who do exhibit these signs admit they do so simply because they are a cute/novelty item while 4% only display one because they received it as a gift. Brake’s experts have confirmed that window clutter can be an issue on the road, but acknowledge that baby on board signs can also have a safety benefit. Julie Townsend, Deputy Chief Executive at Brake, said: “Baby on board signs can be incredibly helpful for emergency services at the scene of a crash, in knowing whether there’s a child involved. But this help can become a hindrance if drivers display signs when their child isn’t in the vehicle. Worse still is the danger that can be posed by drivers obscuring their view by cluttering up windows with lots of signs. Drivers’ priority should always be getting there safely, without putting themselves, young passengers or other road users a risk. That includes ensuring your view isn’t obscured and you remain fully focused on the road.” The investigation also found that drivers who have never displayed a Baby on Board sticker or do not drive children around are more likely to think the signs are tacky (34%) or dangerous as they obscure vision (18%). Meanwhile, 46% of people who drive kids around say they have driven with a ‘Baby on Board’ sign and 22% of these say they ALWAYS display the sign. The survey also reveals that 14% of parents with under 16s think Baby on Board signs are uncool/not trendy and 33% of drivers think the signs are ‘tacky’. Interestingly its women who are most likely to disapprove of the signs, with 35% of women questioned saying the signs are ‘tacky’ while only 31% of male drivers felt the same. The research also found that a quarter of parents aged 18-24 (who have young children) ALWAYS display a Baby on Board sign when they drive. This age group is also most likely to display novelty stickers in their car window, compared to drivers of other ages. 18-24 year-old drivers are LEAST likely to say that other drivers display too much clutter in their car windows. To join the debate via Facebook, please go to: http://www.facebook.com/confused For more road safety advice for parents see www.brake.org.uk/resources/parents.htm
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I Love Babywearing Because...... 15 Reasons YOU love babywearing.
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4
7
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My little one is where they want to be, snuggled up against me - Lindsey Rhodes
Being able to breastfeed while keeping up with the rest of my pre-baby lifestyle - Aurelie Buisson
The moment when a screaming over-tired baby gives up the fight and relaxes into a sleepy sling cuddle with you - Ruth Fasham
When your toddler brings you a sling and asks “up” because it’s their favourite place - Lucie Mann
When she sings Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star as she falls asleep in the wrap Sarah Woodford
Launch Issue 2012
2
5
8
11
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Being able to respond to my baby’s cues in an instant because I pick up on them straight away - Amy Truman
Being able to share what we can see together and talk while we walk - Kirsty List
It’s a great workout when you can’t get to the gym Laura Ford
I love to see my husband carrying my daughter and seeing their closeness Anna Main
I love rubbing my little ones back while he falls asleep Lorette Michallon
3
6
9
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So many pretty slings to show off - Tania Lawlor
Being close enough to kiss the top of her head and breathe in her baby smell Susanne Remic
I love that all sorts of places are more accessible wearing a sling - Kirsty List
Sharing food as we walk - Joanna Mockford
That little ones are able to be social with other people at adults eye level Kirsty List
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Budget And Blowout It’s no secret we love babywearing here at Close Enough to Kiss Headquarters. We all have our favourite carriers. We also know that for the babywearing novice navigating the sea of carriers can be confusing. So we have done an easy guide to budget and blowout carriers that are available on the internet.
Budget Woven Wrap Ellaroo Wrap - Ellaroo Woven wraps boast handmade Guatemalan fabric, lightweight and breathable, it is a great choice for those on a limited budget. With a simplistic design and a variety of colours, the Ellaroo woven wrap is a great starter wrap. As with all woven wraps the Ellaroo can be used for front, hip and back carries and can be used up to 35lbs, the average weight of a toddler. It’s available in 3 lengths and is 100% cotton which makes it great for warmer weather. From around £60
Blowout Woven Wrap Diva Milano - Woven in Italy these wraps are exceptionally high quality. High quality cotton, thickness and thread count along with patterns and colours professionally designed in the fashion capital Milan. Super comfortable and highly fashionable these much sought after wraps are a definite fashionista must have, made with 30 years experience of domestic fabrics for the same fashion houses as Versace and Armani you are getting a superb woven wrap for your money. The extensive choice of colours, patterns and softness of the wrap straight from the box make Diva Milano stand out from the crowd. Suitable up to 35lbs and specially embossed for heavier babies makes it remain comfortable yet beautiful. These wraps come in a variety of materials; cotton, linen, silk and wool all blended to perfection and are available in 5 different sizes, with a generous cut and shrinkage allowance. From around £150
Budget Mei Tai Sugar Spice Baby - Beautiful looking Mei Tai’s without the expensive price tag, sugar spice baby are a very environmentally conscious maker. Their basic model boasts both a padded headrest and shoulder straps with a wide waist strap, and other models have further useful add-ons. Made with attractive materials these carriers are fantastic for those who have a smaller budget but still have a want for something a bit unusual. Suitable up to 35lbs. From around £35
Launch Issue 2012
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Blowout Mei Tai Kitten Creations - The world is your oyster by having a custom Mei Tai, and having all the add-ons offered like leg out padding and a pixie hood can really be a blow out, but to get the Mei Tai of your dreams it is more than worth it. Personally handcrafted with embroidery in exquisite designs finish off what is an already amazing carrier using top quality material. Any carrier you purchase will be a work of art. From around £100 depending on add-ons
Budget Ring Sling Girasol - These ring slings are made from 100% pure cotton, and are woven in Guatemala under fair trade conditions. Beautifully sturdy yet giving you enough stretch not to dig into the child or wearer. The weight will be evenly distributed across your shoulder and back. Each ring sling is approximately 2 metres long and has sewed in co-ordinating metal rings. Made in a variety of weaves and colours they are truly beautiful and despite being our budget choice you wouldn’t think you had skimped on anything with this purchase. Suitable from birth to toddler. From around £60
Blowout Ring Sling Sakura Bloom Silk Ring Sling - Hand-woven with dupioni silk, each sling is reversible. In a variety of luxurious contrasting colours with metal rings and displayed in a beautiful bamboo box. Suitable from birth to toddler. From around £160
Budget Stretchy Wrap Victoria Sling Lady - Perfectly simple pieces of cloth that stretch and hold baby firmly against mum. 5 metres in length they suit most sized parents. They are a medium weight fabric which means they are both cool in summer and warm in winter. All material is baby friendly and tested to EU standards. From around £16
Blowout Stretchy Wrap Moby Wrap - This maker has many models of stretchy wrap made from 100% cotton, all with different features from UV protection to designs on the fabric. Sturdy baby friendly fabric, which are durable and strong, suitable for up to 35lbs. From around £45
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Baby Its Cold Outside By Katie Mairis. Well, goodbye summer warmth and hello fresh, crispy autumn and cold frosty winter! Brrr. This nippy weather is the perfect excuse, not that we need one, to have extra cuddles with our precious Little Ones.... So, keep them close, snuggled up and cosy in their favourite place - next to you.
That’s one of the things I love the most about our close knit Babywearing community – sharing ideas. Sometimes the most glaringly obvious adaptations work wonders. Let’s talk bodies now. With autumn and winter wrap collections cropping up how about investing in a woollen wrap? Perfect for frosty weather.
What can we do to ensure Jack Frost stays away from our children?
Don’t forget silk though. Silk is very clever stuff – keeping you and baby cool in summer yet warm and toasty in the winter – very diverse and perhaps better if you are on a budget as lavish as a silk wrap may sound at first.
The first, and most obvious, is something we are already doing. Keeping them close to us, sharing the body warmth.
So, start by keeping warm at base level – what is your wrap or sling made of?
Two bodies, or more for the tandem wearers amongst us, can generate considerable heat. Leg warmers are also an essential piece of kit. There are so many gorgeous design to choose from and, if you can’t choose, why not mix things up a little and have an odd pair on? Very funky.
Hoppediz have an amazing fleece which can be used for both front and back carries and keeps the whole child snug as a bug! It even has a fleecy neck warmer for the adult too.
How can we keep those chilly draughts out though?
Co-ordinate them with your wraps/scarves/hats/brollies/coats etc..... a veritable feast is on your doorstep. Why not treat your Little One to some snazzy bamboo ones by Agoo at around £9 per pair? Or maybe a pair of Huggalugs at around £6.99? Don’t forget those tender little tootsies though. There are only so many rounds of ‘This Little Piggy’ you can do to defrost those little extremities. Top Tip; whether girl or boy, why not pop a pair of tights on under the leg warmers? No draughts to worry about – layers are definitely the way forward. While on the topic of accessories, let me share a great idea I saw over the summer months. A friend of mine had the back of her son’s sun hat attached to his collar with a clip... brilliant! So, why not adapt that to the colder seasons with a woolly or fleecy hat attached to a scarf or jacket? I know I will.
Launch Issue 2012
(Have they thought of everything?) At a great price of £27.50 (exc p&p) and another great advantage of this fleece is that it will fit a child up to 3 years. So, that keeps out the cold! What about the wet? Again, Hoppediz have a fleecy cover which is also a waterproof and suitable for both front and back carries priced at around £50. Alternatively, there are great waterproof covers from MaM and Wilkinet too. These are all great for those of us who put our fleeces or coats on and then carry children, but what are the options available for those who prefer to be under a snuggly layer together with their Little One? The answer? A veritable feast and something for all pockets too. From panelled fleeces to ponchos and stretchy knits to basic lightweight raincoats I can guarantee there will be something to suit both needs and purse strings (we all know the damage those pre orders can do).
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Let’s start with the all singing and all dancing..... the one at the top of the price bracket. Take a look at Suse’s Deluxe Kindercoat which is adapted to fit front, back and hip carries for a Mama who needs to carry up to three, yes three, Little Ones. It can even accommodate nursing. A removable fleece jacket with panels can be worn without the over coat giving incredible diversity. This coat even has 8 hoods supplied. Six are built in where you may require them for showers, with an additional two to ‘snap on’ for rain and snow. Then there’s the Mammalia babywearing trench coat. At around £249.95 this coat is suitable from pregnancy onwards and will fit both front and back carries. It has a removable inner fleece, which can be used alone for you and your precious cargo. The coat itself can also be worn without the fleecey liner making it very diverse and essentially three coats in one! The Mamalila range is extensive. Why not have a look? Lenny Lamb do a fabulous couple of babywearing coats including a soft shell jacket and a coat which has a detachable hood for baby too. Then there’s Didymos. A very modern babywearing coat made from breathable and tactile nylon and a built in muff to keep your hands warm too. Prefer a poncho style? Mamaponcho is 100% wool and again suitable for back and front carries.... and don’t worry about cold arms. Mamaponcho have thought of it all and make arm warmers for mamas too. MaM have a stunning poncho with 100% cotton inside and merino wool on the outside. Let’s face it, not everyone wants to part with the cash nowadays and perhaps we should question the environmental impact of buying new. Upcycling is a way of ensuring you remain uniquely stylish and eco-friendly at the same time. Still looking for snuggly ideas? How about an oversized chunky knitted cardi? Stretchy for a front carry and great if adjusted for a back carry.
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Or what about an oversized fleece with a carefully cut ‘hole’ for baby? – The great thing about fleece is that it doesn’t come undone when cut. Perfect for nipping up the road or hanging out the washing in....or even just mooching around the house with. Have a look in your local charity shop. There’s always treasure to be found. So, for those of us on a budget how can we keep babywearing and toasty without breaking the bank? Babyette have a stunning range of babywearing ponchos with a variety of eye catching patterns and at a very reasonable price too... Not to your taste? Why not visit your local haberdashery store and look at the range of fleece materials in stock... purchase enough to create your own poncho? There are many DIY babywearing poncho patterns to be found online (even if you don’t have a sewing machine, I’m sure a friend or relative could help if primed with chocolate) To stay warm and dry there’s a lot to be said for purchasing a run of the mill, lightweight, high street raincoat a few sizes too big. Outdoors stores such as Millets and Blacks have a really funky coloured range of these style coats. Why not give them a new purpose? Coupled together with a snazzy pair of leg warmers you’ll make heads turn, for sure. If baby is on your back then simply accommodate them and zip up as far as you can. If you are clever it is possible to facilitate so the hood then becomes one for baby and a brolly becomes Mamas best friend.
So, look forward to the chilly mornings. Embrace the changing seasons and more importantly wrap up warm; whichever way is best for you. ➲
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With A Little Help From Your Online Friends From the World Wide Web’s conception in 1982, it has been bringing people together.
S
ince the late 90’s there has been a huge increase in online friendships, most of these beginning on internet forums. An Internet forum, or message board, is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages. Unlike chat rooms the messages are temporarily archived, making answering any posts available for longer. Forums are indispensable when it comes to asking for advice on babywearing, as the replies are usually quick and come from a multitude of perspectives and experiences. Virtual friendships are often made, making the whole online experience a much more pleasurable one.
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What Forums are out There? Sling Meet - Is a forum and has the feature of posting within your county, set-up to encourage the ability of local babywearing parents to get together. You don’t have to be registered to view posts but have to register if you wish to reply or ask a question. www.slingmeet.co.uk Natural Mamas - The Gucci of website forums, Natural Mamas has a plethora of babywearing articles, advice and useful information as well as a forum and a shop, it has a blog and a vendor review, which is great when deciding where you would like to purchase your carriers from. www.naturalmamas.co.uk The Babywearer - You have to register to read or post in this forum, registering is a simple process of giving a few details, accepting forum rules and activating an email as confirmation of
who you are. You then have to wait for your request to join to be accepted by a moderator. www.thebabywearer.com
called Slings and Things, which offers the selling and trading of slings and carriers as well as advice. Search slings and things on Facebook.
Sling Guide - Another Fantastic resource for babywearing is Sling guide, although this doesn’t offer a forum it has a wealth of knowledge and is run by babywearing parents. www.slingguide.co.uk
The advantage of Facebook is everything is in real time.
There are many other forums within websites, such as Netmums, Mumsnet & Babycentre. However these are not specifically babywearing specialists but rather trying to encompass a range of ideals. There has also been a growing community within Facebook, with a wonderfully active group
Whatever you are looking for when babywearing there is something out there for everyone.
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Mazda CX-5 2.2 Sport Auto AWD By Tim Barnes-Clay, Motoring Journalist Follow on Twitter: @carwriteups Visit: www.carwriteups.co.uk THE ALL-NEW CX-5 from Mazda packs a punch with a 2.2D 173 bhp engine under the bonnet. 0-62 mph comes in 9.4 seconds and top speed is 127 mph. That’s not at all bad given that this is an all-wheel-drive Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). The diesel powered motor is attractive in a chunky sort of way and it looks quite different to many other vehicles on the road. In the flagship model, on test here, you get all the trimmings, including leather seats, climate control, MP3 connectivity and so on. But, being an adoring parent of two tiny kids, what really impressed me is that it’s officially one of the safest cars in the world. That
makes any parent commuting with fragile human beings feel instantly reassured. The CX-5 achieved top marks in all categories of the demanding Euro NCAP tests. Its grades for adult occupant protection, child occupant protection and safety assist systems (94 percent, 87 percent and 86 percent respectively) were well above the 80 percent, 75 percent and 60 percent thresholds required in each category to collect the maximum five star safety rating. The first of a new generation of Mazda models, the CX-5 is also the first equipped with the innovative SKYACTIV body. With the aim of developing the ideal car body, Mazda’s engineers went back to the drawing board, rethinking the fundamental principles of structure, materials and manufacturing methods. As a result, hightensile steel, which is incredibly strong, not to mention lightweight, comprises 61 percent of the body. The Mazda CX-5 therefore not only delivers superior crash safety, but is also extremely light. Mazda says it plans to use the SKYACTIV body in all of its new-generation products. Behind the wheel, the driving position is good and the seating is comfortable. The Mazda’s six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and the CX-5 grips the road well. In fact the AWD model features
variable torque distribution and ultraprecise slip detection, giving a front/rear torque split ranging from 100/0 to 50/50 percent. The Mazda CX-5 has generous front and rear legroom and a spacious boot (463 litres) plus a high quality feel, superior functionality and low noise levels for an enjoyable ride. Easy-to-use features include the three-piece 40/20/40 split folding rear seats with release levers in the cargo area and an advanced tonneau cover that opens and closes with the tailgate. In many ways this is a car without compromise. It’s the perfect solution for motorists with young families, thanks to its best-in-class luggage space and flexible seating arrangement as well as classleading CO2 emissions and respectable fuel economy. It’s also a fantastically accomplished towing vehicle and will haul up to 2000 kg. The only drawback for this particular model is the price-tag. You won’t get a lot of change out of £30,000 if you buy the CX-5 2.2 Sport Auto AWD from a dealership. But safety comes at a price, and I, for one, would rather have an SUV like this to negotiate the rural routes to school, nursery and work than, say, a similar priced, showier, German luxury marque.
PROS • Safety • Comfort • Grip • Space
CONS • Price
FAST FACTS • Max speed: 127 mph • 0-62 mph: 9.4 secs • Combined mpg: 51.4 • Engine: 2191cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel • Max. power (bhp): 173 at 4500 rpm • Max. torque (lb/ft): 309 at 2000 rpm • Max. towing weight (braked) 2000 kg • CO2: 144 g/km • Price: £28,395 on the road
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Big Camp 2012 This summer the baby wearing fun was at Horley Scout Camp Site, which was where the annual â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;big campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was held. The last weekend in July saw the babywearing community descend on a sleepy campsite in Oxfordshire for an extravaganza of babywearing fun.
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This was the second year that Natural Mama’s ( an online parenting forum - www.naturalmamas.co.uk ) held this event and what an auspicious event it turned out to be. As with the previous year the popularity of this event was huge families flocked from all over the UK to be part of this year’s festivities’. Even before going it was clear the organisers had pulled out all the stops to ensure those partaking would have memories they could look back on for years to come. On entering it looks like any other campsite, except for the huge big top style tent, which I guess was a give-away of the merriment that the next 2 days would hold. Setting up camp alongside so many babywearing families is a surreal experience for many. The family atmosphere is almost palpable as the revelment begins. Activities are not mandatory but with so much going on who could resist joining in and having fun, being swept up in the occasion is hard to resist. As the sun rises on the Saturday morning and the camp comes alive with the sound of children in their own personal Eden, with the freedom to come and go as they please, it’s almost like listening to a choir of angels singing from the heaven’s. It is pure bliss to see, hear and feel the relaxed nature of everyone as they settle in, on a second day of joviality. Saturdays lunch
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buffet caters for every taste and as belly’s fill with the moveable feast set out for them, friendships begin to blossom. As the weather cools the sounds of the community grow, whilst families share in the celebration unfolding between them. Wraps are admired and carriers are discussed whilst demonstrations of tying methods are shown and taught. A wealth of knowledge shared and digested to be remembered and used by others on their babywearing journey. As the evening draws in and the fire is lit, so the families and friendships descend together to the light and warmth, to share laughter and stories of the passed day’s events. Marshmallows and toast fragrance the air, as kindred spirits listen to the sound of the mirth. Sunday morning with sleepy eyes and happy hearts, tents are packed away but there is still time for fun and frolics as families create pictures with the loving arms of slings entwined and placed in a picture on the ground, so that the image can be captured and kept to look back on. As goodbyes are said and memories are stored it’s time to look to the future for it’s only a year till it will happen again, when a quiet sleepy campsite, will once more become a bustling village of babywearing families. ➲
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By The Campfire We sat around the campfire On a chilly night Telling spooky stories In the pale moonlight Then we added some more logs, To make the fire bright, And sang some favorite camp songs Together with all our might. And when the fire flickered and embers began to form. We snuggled in our sleeping bags all cozy, tired, and warm. Poem by an Unknown Author
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Big Camp 2012 Pictures supplied by Abbie Kennedy
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Emma Talks Blends Emma is a mum to two children and is babywearing peer supporter at Norwich Sling Library who also runs Norwich Sling Meets. The world of woven wraps is a tricky place. There are so many options available it’s sometimes hard to decide what’s best for you. 99% of the time I would say it’s fairly subjective but looking at the amazing variety of fibre blends available it’s good to have background information and even my humble opinion may help you understand and decide what to choose.
Most manufactures allow for this which is why a new wrap may seem longer than expected. If bought new it may arrive feeling a little stiff but after a wash and iron and a couple of wears it softens quickly and moulds nicely to the body. Cotton makes a great wrap for beginners with new babies’ right into toddlerhood with the right thickness and carry.
Over the next few editions I will look at some of the blends available and evaluate the properties, pros and cons they bring to the wearer.
Saying that, most babywearers do turn to something more supportive as their baby gets heavier particularly for single layer carries.
Firstly and probably what everyone comes across first is, the sometimes underrated, 100% cotton. It’s hard wearing, easy to care for and softens up nicely with little effort.
Being a natural fibre, like all fibres used for woven wraps, it is breathable allowing air to pass through to you and your baby helping you regulate body temperatures.
Washing is easy, a normal 40 degree wash will usually do the job (making sure not to add softer) and cotton on average only loses 5% of its length with washing.
Most of this can vary depending on the weave of the wrap, how thick it is and even who makes it but generally I would give these scores to 100% cotton: Emma’s Verdict:
So What Do Other Babywearers Think?
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I love cotton especially as I’m not the best launderer! Also it’s so supportive and gets so floppy soft. Charlotte Richards
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”
”
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Ease of care: 5/5
Time to break in: 5/5
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I know that people often say that 100% cotton isn’t as supportive as other blends, but my old Hoppediz wraps so nicely, moulds and tightens so well that ultimately it is just as supportive as my thicker, linen blends that carry the ‘toddler worthy’ tag.
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Jennifer Kate Topping
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Cotton wraps are perfect for newborn up to one year olds (or 10 kg)” “wearing and preferences is just like ice cream; I like vanilla but someone else will prefer strawberry Franciska Prosje
Lot to be said for “standard” cotton blends (like the standard line Didymos) I love my linen and hemp but I find a good 100% cotton wrap great to use for squishes and big kids too. Jo Rodgers
Temperature: 3/5
Luxury: 2/5
100% cotton wraps vary so much, you can get lovely thin ones which work great for multi-layered carries, or small babies, and thick dense weave which are perfectly supportive for toddlers, even in just a simple ruck. They also make wonderful blankets as they’re unbeatably soft and cosy! Chloe Mackay
Supportiveness: 3/5
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Cotton remains my material of choice in fact after nearly 8 years of carrying and more wraps then I care to count I only have one wrap in use which is not 100% cotton. Anne McEwan
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Brambles, Chocolate And Slings Don’t Mix By Anne McEwan - Wrap My Baby.
Y
ou know when you are clicking through various sites just window shopping for gorgeous carriers to drool over, when you come across
the most stunning, pristine looking carrier and the mother wearing it is actually using it, and by using it I mean that it is a real picture of her smiling and perhaps even giving her child a snack and despite having been in use her carrier still looks new? This is usually the moment when with a small pang of jealousy I close the window and search for a messy-person friendly sling instead. It is not that I mean to ruin slings. I mean, it was obviously not my fault that my middle child smeared chocolate all over the white straps of my perfectly stunning Mei Tai and that muddy oil stain on
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my hard to find wrap from when I used it as a picnic blanket could have happened to anyone. I definitely do not set out to ruin slings. I believe that slings are meant to carry babies and be useful works of art.
or material that allows me to tie it to a tree for use as a hammock. Of course not all of my slings are completely indestructible but I make choices to suit me and my children’s personality.
They are just too fabulous to be sitting somewhere unused out of fear of damaging them.
Yet I have to admit that when, on a recent trip to the park my daughter excitedly shouted: “Bramble, bramble!” I was very relieved to note the dark straps on my carrier.
So no more white strapped carriers for me and no creamy silky wraps either.
Anne is a mother to three and a carrying consultant and educator.
I prefer for those to find a home with someone who can enjoy them guilt free and where they will be used to carry and nurture.
In this column she shares some of her carrying related experiences.
Luckily for me there are many slings available with dark straps
You can read more about Anne on www.wrapmybaby.co.uk.
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Sling News From
Sling Libraries UK is a new Facebook group for all sling libraries owners & runners as could come together in real time for advice, support and general chit chat. If you w
Permanent Home Found for Harrow Sling Library Harrow sling meet and library has finally found a permanent home. From now on, we will meet at The Castle, 30 West Street, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 10am - 1pm and a breakfast menu will be available. Meets take place on the first and third Monday of every month. We also arrange ‘Sling Socials” regularly each month. For more information please see our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/harrowslinglibrary
Up and Coming First Birthday Celebrations Farnham Sling Meet will be celebrating its first birthday in November please check out https://www.facebook.com/groups/Farnhamslingmeet for events relating to our birthday celebrations.
Family Fun Run Furore Swindon Sling Library owner Kathryn Beale recently registered to take part in the Swindon half marathon, only to be turned down. Her intention was to walk the 2 mile family fun run section, with her daughter in a sling. Kathryn told Close Enough to Kiss, “I had whole group of mums who were hoping to do it, so the organisers have lost out on several paying participants because of their decision”. Sadly Kathryn and the other wanting participants were told that due to the potential risk that the mother could slip or fall and injure the child, they would not be allowing sling wearing parents to take part. However, Kathryn is quick to point out that the ruling was only enforced after she enquired about whether she would have to pay for the entry of her child, if she was in the sling. Had she not enquired the ruling would not have happened. She also went on to say that she was told she was welcome to take part with her daughter if the child is walking or in a buggy. Kathryn told us, “I do not own a buggy and my 22 month old daughter is not capable of walking 2 miles. I do not feel it would be safe for me to carry her without a sling, during the event”. Kathryn had been left no other option but not to take part in the family fun run at all. The marathon and fun run are due to take place during International Babywearing Week and would have been the perfect opportunity to raise some awareness, locally. Instead Kathryn organised an alternative event at very short notice. Her plan was for those parents originally planning to do the family fun run to do a sling walk around Swindon town centre.
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Chesterfield Sling Library First Birthday Celebrations During international babywearing week, chesterfield sling library also enjoyed the festivities of their first birthday. Lindsey Rhodes - Chesterfields Library runner, did a fabulous job of obtaining 25 raffle items for the party, including a Connecta carrier and a Storchenwiege ring sling, she raffled them off and raised a fantastic £475 to go towards carriers for the library. She would like to thanks the companies that donated, as well as the parent who bought raffle tickets. All the prize winners are listed on chesterfields website www.chesterfieldslinglibrary.co.uk.
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m Across The UK
well as consultants and lending services. It was set-up so all sling associated people would like to be part of the group please contact renee@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk
Calender Girls A group of Northeast mums have decided to create a Calendar Girls style Babywearing Calendar for charity. http://www.facebook.com/BabywearingCalendar
New Lending Service Trafford Natural Parenting Group will soon be providing a lending service for more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/127249404087116/
New Online Resource Help Needed Those in the south-central region may be aware that we are particularly lucky to have several qualified Sling Consultants and their related Sling meets and Libraries in the area. We are currently working on a new online resource that will draw together the slingrelated support available across the area, enabling people to access the information they need in one central location. The area covered will include Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire and Surrey. Although some informal links are already well-established, this central online resource is a brand new work in progress and we welcome any other Sling Consultants and Sling meets/Libraries who would like to join us in this exciting new venture. We feel that by pooling our resources and working together we can do more to help make babywearing accessible to all.
The whole idea began when one of the mums - Antonia Sumner posted a photo in the Facebook group; Slings and Things North of Tyne of herself in a sling doing some skin to skin with her poorly son which can help regulate body temperature and provide comfort. The other mums liked the look of the photo and ran with the idea as a great way of raising a bit of money for charity. A small number of the girls volunteered to organise the idea and make it into a reality; Lizzie Earl, Samantha Townsend, Antonia Sumner and Jayne Edwards. They started by contacting Sling companies to tell them about the idea - A lot of them where really interested in taking part and donated slings to be used in the calendar photographs. The mums voted to support two charities: Tiny Lives Fund. This is a fab charitable fund based in Newcastle upon Tyne who have helped many North East babies. You can learn more about their work here: www.tinylives.org.uk and Sands - The stillbirth and neonatal death charity. You can see the valuable work that Sands do here: www.uk-sands.org both these charities have helped lots of the mums or someone they know so they seemed the obvious choice. The donated slings will be used in the photographs for the different months of the year in a tasteful way showing the beauty of the slings. The main photo-shoot will be taking place on the 15th November at Dissington Hall. Two fantastic photographers have offered to donate their time and skills to shooting the calendar on location and in a studio. After the photographs and calendar are completed all the donated slings and other items will be used to raise more funds for the charities. Kerry one of the mums taking part said: “I wanted to take part in the Babywearing Calendar as it’s a bit of fun for a great cause. I have always wanted to do a naked photoshoot! It is also great for showcasing babywearing which has helped me with my postnatal depression.” If you would like to be involved, donate anything or just follow the progress - please take a look by going to the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BabywearingCalendar or the website: www.babywearingcalendar.webs.com
Please contact Jo joanne_havard@hotmail.com
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Babywearing Ireland ‘Wearing a Hug’ Fair. International Babywearing Week or IBW for short happens every year in October, Babywearing International and Thebabywearer.com, are the spearheaders for this week event. Both international contributors to babywearing awareness, they have a huge resources on babywearing on their websites. The theme of this year’s event is ‘carrying on traditions’. IBW is a time to focus on all the positive points to wearing your child and to raise public and media awareness. Across the UK there has been many events taking place. Babywearing Ireland kicked off International Babywearing Week in style with their ‘Wearing a Hug’ Fair Sunday, 7th October, here is their story: Babywearing Ireland’s following has grown exponentially over the last few years thanks in no small part to our current librarian and chair, Tania Lawlor.
Originally from France, Tania locked lives with a Kerry man some eight years ago and France’s loss has most certainly been our gain. Armed with her love of babywearing and her own demo stash, Tania began to run sling meets in the Cork area in the south of the country back in 2008. The fans became friends and soon, there was a regular group of sling junkies meeting in Cork. A member of the Babywearing Ireland team, she took over the lending library in 2011. In addition to keeping up with the demands of a busy library, Tania has single-handedly brought together a community of wonderful mums and dads who come to her sling meets as much for the tea and chat as the babywearing expertise.
In the way that happiness is infectious, so too was the want to share our love of babywearing. And so it was that earlier this summer, the idea of holding a National Babywearing Fair came about. As the Babywearing Ireland team members live in different areas of the country, much of the planning for this event was done on a closed Facebook page. The venue chosen for the Fair was the Oriel House Hotel in Cork and the date was set to coincide with the Annual Conference of the Irish Childbirth Trust, Cuidiu, in that same hotel. A team of what has come to be known as ‘Tania’s Cork Mums’ came together to take over various elements of the organisation and before we knew it, summer was behind us (had it ever really arrived?!) and October 7th was
upon us. From the moment I entered the room last Sunday, the buzz in the air was palpable. Stalls were busy setting their wares up to lure us in and take our pennies, a veritable treasure trove of slings was being displayed with colour and texture akin to a Technicolor dreamcoat and somewhere hummed the pump of a birthing pool inflating at a rate matched only by that of our excitement. Fair goers were treated to a great variety of stalls on Sunday including handcrafted jewellery, placenta encapsulation, delicious cupcakes, organic cotton baby goods, slings (mais bien sûr), toys and homebirth mid-wives to name but a few. The charge per stall was kept low in order to entice businesses and make it worth their while and slots were ➲
A mum steals a kiss as only babywearers can
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Daddy and four day old baby trying out the JPMBB wrap with Tania’s assistance
Making the most of the stalls on offer
Olwen talks us through a Kimimela full buckle conversion during our fashion show filled very quickly. Our programme for the day included three speakers: a babywearing Paediatrician, a midwife/ Lactation Consultant and one of our experienced babywearing mamas who also suffers with Symphisis Pubis Dysfunction. Donations to our raffle had been extremely generous and prizes included a Tula carrier, Melkaj Mei Tai and a Kimimela Custom Slot. In addition, a silent auction of Vatanai and Lenny Lamb wraps and a Monkey Mei Tai also contributed to the fundraising effort. Our running order also featured a fashion show of library carriers with question and answer session and carrier demonstrations. With ten minutes to go before we opened the doors, we already had a queue outside and so were off to a good start. The inevitable spanner in the works came in the form of a broken microphone so our official welcoming address was pushed back significantly. However, this did not stop the crowds descending upon us and gave the stall holders a wonderful opportunity for custom. Once the PA system was up and running, our first speaker, Dr. Andrea Fitzgerald, Specialist
My very own lovely improvises with a blanket for some babywearing and breastfeeding on the go
Paediatric Registrar, made a wonderful presentation on ‘Babywearing in the Fourth Trimester and Beyond’.
Clare Boyle, rounded off the afternoon with a lovely talk on gentle nurturing and babywearing which was enjoyed by all.
Using beautiful babywearing images kindly donated by our mamas, Andrea explained so well how babies benefit from connection and closeness and how much they really do love to be carried.
We sold out of raffle tickets and numbers were drawn at the close of the day.
For those new to babywearing or somewhat sceptical upon arrival to our fair, her talk was informative, reassuring and from the heart. Equally well received was our fashion show, compared by Olwen Rowe of Babywearing Ireland whose extensive knowledge of carriers was evident. I think it was possibly my favourite part of the day seeing her stand, mic in one hand and the other cradling her son Felim as he nursed happily in their Oscha for Natural Mamas in a Robin’s Hip Carry. Over at the library stall, there was a constant stream of interested parents and we were fortunate to have had the assistance of the lovely Beth Beaney from Love To Be Natural in addition to our own Ina Doyle. Due to our late start, our second speaker, Mary, agreed to opt out and our Lactation Consultant,
Slowly the crowds dwindled and the chatter was replaced with sighs of satisfaction and the sounds of dismantling.
their most successful fair to date. We hit our overall financial target and have come away rather pleased with ourselves. We have learned some valuable lessons from a planning perspective and no doubt will seek to improve upon things for future fairs. Yes, I said it: future fairs.
Though excited, I think I can speak for all members of the organising team in saying we were apprehensive in the run up to Sunday. Would we draw a crowd? Would the stall holders be happy? Had we thought of everything? Could we reach our financial goal?
The feedback received thus far has been overwhelmingly positive and we hope to continue to share our love of babywearing and grow our national babywearing community by doing this all over again very soon.
The answer to all those questions was a resounding YES! The numbers in attendance far exceeded our expectations and the energy in the room was simply amazing.
Visit: www.babywearingireland.ie
At every turn we were met with smiling faces, happy children and beautiful examples of babywearing families.
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/182364631890918
Our stall holders left happy with the day’s takings with many saying it had been
https://www.facebook.com/ babywearingireland
Kara Spratt, Babywearing Ireland
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The Challenge To go a week without babywearing. Corinne is in her mid 30’s and has a 16 month old son, Isaac. She learnt about sling use on a mum & baby internet forum while she was pregnant. She also runs Harpenden Sling Library. ‘The challenge of a babywearing mum doing without her slings for a week sounded like a great idea so I volunteered myself. I work 3 days a week so our days together start on a Friday.’ ‘I pulled the buggy from the garage and checked it for lurking spiders……’
FRIDAY - This morning saw us drive into town to do some errands. It was raining so I got the rain cover on the buggy, a bit fiddly while holding an umbrella; I felt strangely isolated from Isaac in his little bubble as I couldn’t really chat to him (with a sling I just pop the umbrella up and it covers us both). First to the Post Office to collect a parcel. The collection office is upstairs, so I had to find space outside for the buggy, got my bag, unbuckled child and carried him up the stairs. The steps were quite steep and I missed having both hands free to know I could grab both handrails if I tripped. There were a few people waiting so Isaac didn’t want to be put down, he’s not shy but likes to be part of the conversation, and to look out the window like we always do here. It was quite a wait and my arms were aching from holding his 11kg weight. Parcel received, it was down the stairs (even scarier going down without free hands), struggled to fix child into buggy, organise bag and parcel, only then did a passing staff member tell me I could have buzzed the collection office to come down to me instead of going up. I didn’t know this, but with a slung baby I’ve never needed to use the service before. Into a charity store to browse the books and toys. This was very revealing. When I was at the counter, talking to the staff member, Isaac was repeatedly asking “up, up, up”. When it didn’t happen, he started shouting and grizzling. Once I’d finished and we got moving again he was happy. The same thing happened at the next store we were in, then Boots, and
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the mum and baby shop. In a sling he’s used to being up at the height of everyone else, having plenty to look at, joining in on the eye contact, the conversation, the smiles. I felt a bit embarrassed to suddenly have a disruptive child making potentially unwelcome noise. In Boots, every aisle I went to go up had someone in it so that there wasn’t room for our buggy to pass. I had to wait until someone moved away. With a sling I can quickly breeze past anyone, squeezing by if I need to by holding his sometimes-wiggly legs. In the small mum and baby shop we could barely move for the buggies and a baby on the floor in a car seat; tried not to think about how different it could be if everyone knew about the wonders of slings. On our walk home we called into a supermarket. He was grizzling again so I decided to give him some walking practice to keep him quiet; bad idea, he wanted to help hold the basket so I had to steer the buggy with one hand and with the other hand hold the basket while attempting to steer the attached wandering toddler. I think I saw some sympathetic looks from shoppers but generally had my head down to ignore the irritated ones. At the checkout he kept wanting to charge off so I held him, which started him grizzling again. I fought a strong urge to tell people apologetically that he’s usually in a sling as they wouldn’t see the relevance. In a sling he’s quiet and smiley, and even with a long wait in a checkout queue he’s content to people-watch or play a game of tickling. This outing with the buggy showed me a different baby and one I’ve been thankful not having to deal with on a regular basis. Today has helped me appreciate even more the benefits that slings have brought to our lives. I usually do vacuuming on a Friday. Isaac isn’t very keen on the vacuum cleaner so I usually pop him on my back in my Connecta. Today, going sling-less, I decided to pass on this job as it wasn’t worth stressing him out, so I leave it until Saturday when my husband would be around to entertain him.
Saturday - This morning we needed some milk, so I got the buggy out and we were off. On our way a big tractor went
‘ I pulled the buggy from the garage and checked it for lurking spiders…… ’
www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk past, but Isaac didn’t get a good look at it due to parked cars being in his line of sight. In a sling he’s above the level of parked cars, and we could have easily turned as it passed so that he could look at it for longer. On the way we called into a builders’ merchants for some paint, none of the paint was suitable but I got plenty of requests to come ‘up’ to the level of conversation and the grizzling to follow. Yet again I felt the need to explain ‘he’s usually in a sling’, and it was a relief to get out the door. This time in the supermarket I knew to keep him strapped in, and whizzed round as quickly as I could with my hands full of buggy and basket. In the afternoon Isaac was busily playing in the garden so decided to mow the lawn while I had the free time. Once I’d got the mower out and set up, he started asking ‘up’. I considered holding him with one arm and mowing with the other hand then thought the better of it and grabbed the Connecta from the lounge and popped him on my back. After a few minutes of mowing it clicked; I had failed day two of my challenge. Then I realised why he’d asked to be up for mowing, the previous weekend I’d mown the lawn with him after practicing a back carry with a Calin Bleu woven wrap, he’d obviously enjoyed the mowing (and hopefully that continues when he’s older and can mow the lawn for me). We drove to B&Q for paint. Isaac was due a sleep so knowing he’d fall asleep in the car, I decided it was a good opportunity to test out the buggy on a sleeping boy (who doesn’t usually sleep much!). He’d been asleep about 10 minutes when I arrived at B&Q, enough for him to be in a fairly deep sleep. I got him out of his car seat and onto my front still asleep (at this point I’d usually have my Connecta round my waist before I pick him up from his seat, and fasten it around him while he sleeps). But the next move to get him down into the buggy woke him up. Ah well, a short nap’s better than no nap? Once in-store I again had to do the buggy plus basket juggle.
Sunday - Today i had to return to B&Q as I’d got the wrong thing. There was a long line for the returns desk, not a welcome sight with Isaac in the buggy. He was too low to look out the windows and he made it clear he didn’t appreciate having only the back of someone’s knees to look at, giving him a box of raisins didn’t entertain him either. I decided to carry him on my hip but forgot to take my bag off the buggy handles first, so that tipped up;
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I caught it but still felt rather silly. Once he could see out the windows he was happy to entertain himself people-watching. We made it into the store and he happily leaned forward in the buggy, enjoying whizzing down the wide aisles with lots to look at. The lovely staff member on the checkout looked down and gave him a smile, it made his day and he smiled and chatted away to her; my happy boy was back! Whilst starting to cook the evening meal, Isaac wanted up to ‘help’ he likes waving a wooden spoon in the direction of pots or pans on the hob from the safety of a ring sling (hip carry). But because it was a no-sling day and a weekend, I just asked my husband to take over the cooking, not a bad thing.
Monday - Phew, the last day of my challenge (back to work on Tuesday). It was a Bank Holiday but my husband had to work so Isaac & I walked the 20 minutes to see the ducks, then another 10 minutes on to the playground. We walked home across the common, where he got out of the buggy to walk a little way then happily went back in the buggy for the ride home. I wouldn’t have chosen to do this trip out with a sling, as I would have been quite tired by the time we’d got home. We had a BBQ for dinner, naturally Isaac was very keen to help and it was difficult to isolate the BBQ area. For safety we decided to put him in a sling and my husband wore him while tending to the BBQ, it meant a ‘fail’ for Monday but it was the easiest way we knew to keep him safe and happy. We even put on his ‘flames’ Babylegs for the occasion. My conclusions from this challenge:
• It really was a challenge for me not to use slings. It has become second nature to reach for one whenever I need to, whether at home or out and about.
• There is nothing wrong with using a buggy (well, I knew this before) and I can see an opportunity to use it once a week. I’ll continue to avoid using it on shopping trips, where aisles become blocked, or when running errands where it’s too much hassle compared to the speed of a sling.
• I really appreciate slings for giving me the opportunity to share my world so intimately with my baby so that he may learn, to keep him close enough to chat to and close enough to kiss.
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Connecta The trusted brand which sees you through from birth to toddler and beyond. The Connecta Baby Carrier is a popular and well-known brand of carrier. Designed and based in the UK, the Connecta has been a popular carrier from the start. Having been around for 6 years it is a well-known and well established brand which new and experienced sling users know they can trust. Whilst these carriers are all about Work At Home Mums - both the original designer and current owner are Work at Home Mums - careful sourcing of manufacturing means that they are very ready to meet the demand which they have created. They do this whilst maintaining a very high environmental and ethical standards. Their office is powered by Ecotricity, their instruction booklets are printed on recycled card and they use top quality plastic components made to last to name but a few of their policies.
When you have a sleeping baby in your Connecta a sleephood can be a great way to keep their head from lolling and it can also be used as a cover against sun, rain or wind. And for summer the Solarweave Connecta offers a lightweight carrier which offers UV protection. The Toddler Connecta, which is currently available on pre order, is everything the Connecta Integra is but on a bigger scale. Without losing any of the comfort or style, this amazing carrier allows you to carry a large toddler without worrying about support, for you or for your toddler. An average 2 year old will have space left to grow with this generously sized toddler carrier. Yet it remains comfortable for longer period carrying as well as keeping the ease of use for quick up and down trips.
The straps are made with organic cotton and all organic Connecta’s are now available too.
We have been unable to find anything to say that it is not the smallest folding and lightest Toddler sized buckle carrier on the market today.
Connecta’s remain very reasonable in price and with a RRP of £62 for a Connecta Integra that is around half the price of many other Soft Structured Carriers on the market today. And quality, comfort and style do not suffer from the price tag. With a large selection of ever changing fashionable prints available there is a Connecta out there to suit every taste.
And there is more! 2013 will be a very exciting year for Connecta and we can exclusively reveal that in addition to the Toddler Connecta, soon you will be able to order a PRESCHOOL, DELUXE or PETIT STRAP Connecta.
Their flexible waist means that they can be easily adjusted to fit growing babies as well as enabling the carrier to be worn at different heights on the carer’s body. The chest belt - which comes as standard with every carrier - can be used to cinch the waist where needed, thus preventing overstretching of the legs in smaller babies. The Connecta Integra comes with an integrated sleephood, the sleephood can fold into the carrier creating a small pocket or it can be rolled inwards to create a padded headsupport when not in use.
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To make sure you are always amongst the first to receive any Connecta updates follow them on facebook. Connecta also offer a very generous discount to libraries and consultants contact karen@connectababycarrier.com for more details. www.facebook.com/pages/Connecta-Baby-Carrier/47921131170 www.connectababycarrier.co.uk To win a Deluxe Silk Connecta Carrier, visit Close Enough to Kiss website or Facebook page for more info.
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Thank You! There are so many wonderful babywearing advocates out there so here are a few thank you’s from close enough to kiss readers. “When I was struggling with my little boy, this person suggested using a sling and I finally did it when he was 12 days old (Christmas day) and it worked like a dream. This time around, I put my little girl in a wrap straight away but it was one lady who gave me the confidence to tie it properly and wear her with confidence too. So thank YOU Renee who runs Norwich Sling Library” Susanne Remic “Flintshire Sling meet is a lovely friendly group of mammas who helped me with my choice of sling and how to wear it. Without them I would have given up and resorted to the pram. They have a sling library and lots of helpful advice” Karen Cook “I’d like to thank Jo at Carry My Baby for her help in my adventures in baby wearing and teaching me how to use a ring sling. Thank you Jo” Susan Atkinson “My biggest thank you has to go to my hubby, for being a carrying dad from day 1. He then did all the research into types of carrier etc. and still proudly carries now. My second thanks to Emma Ringer of the Isle of Wight Sling Library for teaching me to wrap, and Danika Barber for getting me hooked on wraps!” Ruth Grimmer
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“I would like to thank Ruth Grimmer for inspiring me to start babywearing; Purely by watching her wrapping and admiring her wraps from afar to start with (we have since become good friends) and by passing on the Isle of Wight sling library contact details. I then need to thank Emma Ringer of IOW sling library for lending me a Mei Tai, I watched her help other mummies try on wraps and had a go myself. My baby was instantly happy and snug. That afternoon I went on to buy my first woven; A Calin Bleu. I haven’t looked back since, well only in my sling mirror to check my happy baby on my back!I also need to thank my partner for putting up with my obsession and sharing my passion for fabric and also for indulging me too. I am now confident enough to help and enable other parents whenever and wherever I can, So; thank you very much for changing my life for the better Ruth Grimmer, Emma Ringer and Meg Peters” - Katie Mairis “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the making of the launch issue, from the ladies who sent in pictures of themselves for us to use, to the librarians and sling meet mum’s who emailed in their library details for us to put in the directory. Without your support this venture would never have gone ahead. So THANKYOU EVERYONE I hope this magazine is one your all enjoy and continue to enjoy reading!” - Renee Duffin, Close Enough to Kiss Editor.
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We Love Drool Pads
These bright and colourful drool pads from little trendsetters are made from cotton and are safe for little mouths to chew, suck and explore, they Velcro over any Mei Tai or soft structured carrier straps and are lightly padded. They have funky shaped ribbons in co-ordinating colours to the fabrics to keep babies interest and have a vibrant plastic loop so a toys can be attached for even more fun. £7.59 Little Trendsetters at www.etsy.com
Hammock Rings Turn your favourite woven wrap into a hammock with the simple use of a hammock ring, made from strong and sturdy metal, it enables you to turn your favourite sling into a child’s hammock by simply attaching it to a firm anchor. £8.49 www.lovetobenatural.co.uk
RTB Baby Socks These adorable socks are the perfect addition to a carrier, made from 100% recycled yarn and dyed with soy based ink, make them wonderfully environmentally friendly. Designed not to roll down with a ribbed instep and ankle to keep the sock in place with even the wriggliest of babies. Keeps little legs warm when in a carrier and makes changing a bottom a breeze. £12.50 www.kingdomfluff.co.uk
Hoppediz Balloon Cover These funky balloon covers are made from the same material as Hoppediz woven wraps, brightly coloured and hard wearing every child will love their balloon cover, comes with 2 balloons and there is no need to tie the balloon off so they can be re-used for hours of fun. £6.95 www.mamanatura.co.uk
Eye Spy Baby Sling Mirror This handy mirror which you attach to your sling or carrier via a lightweight clip is perfect for checking out how your little one is whilst back carried. £9.99 www.eyespybaby.wordpress.com Launch Issue 2012
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Online Sling Library Directory Greater London
Warwickshire
Harrow Sling Library www.facebook.com/HarrowSlingLibrary harrowslinglibrary@gmail.com
North Warwickshire Sling Library & North Warwickshire Sling Meet www.northwarksslinglibrary.webeden.co.uk www.facebook.com/NorthWarwickshireSlingLibraryandNuneatonSlingmeet Twitter: @nwslinglibrary
South London Sling Library www.southlondonslings.com www.facebook.com/SouthLondonSlingLibrary Twitter: @SLSlingLibrary
Nuneaton Consultancy www.snuglibub.co.uk Tel: 07960 149455
Central London Sling Library www.facebook.com/CentralLondonSlingLibrary
Rugby Sling Library & Consultancy www.slingababy.co.uk www.facebook.com/Sling.a.Baby
East of England Norfolk Norwich Sling Library www.norwichslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/norwichslinglibrary Twitter: @norwichslingers norwichslinglibrary@gmail.com Wrap my Baby Consultancy & Lending Service www.wrapmybaby.co.uk www.facebook.com/anne.wrap.my.baby Suffolk Suffolk Sling Meet www.natureandnurture.co.uk www.facebook.com/NatureandNurture Twitter: @ NurtureMama
Midlands Derbyshire Chesterfield Sling Library www.chesterfieldslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/cfieldslings Twitter: @cfieldslings Glossop Sling Meet and Library www.glossopslinglibrary.webs.com www.facebook.com/GlossopSlingMeet www.facebook.com/GlossopSlingLibrary Leicestershire Leicester Sling Library www.carrymybaby.co.uk/sling-library.html, www.facebook.com/carrymybaby, Twitter: @ CarryMyBaby Staffordshire Staffs Sling & Nappy Library https://www.facebook.com/staffsslingandnappylibrary
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Rugby Sling Meet www.facebook.com/Rugby.SlingMeet Warwickshire Sling Lending Library http://jellybeanslings.weebly.com Worcestershire Malvern Sling Meet www.facebook.com/malvernslingmeet malvernslingmeet@hotmail.com
North East England County Durham The North Sling Library www.northeastslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/northeastslinglibrary Twitter: @NESlingLibrary Email: info@northeastslinglibrary.co.uk North Yorkshire Selby NCT Sling Library www.nct.org.uk/branches/selby www.facebook.com/SelbyNctSlingLibrary Twitter: @SelbySlings South Yorkshire Sheffield Babywearers www.sheffieldbabywearers.org.uk www.facebook.com/groups/sheffieldbabywearers Sheffield Sling Library www.slinglibrary.org www.facebok.com/slinglibrary Sheffield Sling Meet www.sheffieldslings.com www.facebook.com/groups/saturdayslings West Yorkshire Huddersfield Sling Library www.slinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/theslinglibrary Twitter: @SlingLibrary
www.closeenoughtokiss.co.uk North West England
Surrey
Cheshire
Farnham Sling Library www.farnhamslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/farnhamslinglibrary Twitter: @FSL_Mish
Chester Sling Library www.facebook.com/chesterslinglibrary www.chesterslinglibrary.co.uk Email: info@chesterslinglibrary.co.uk Tel: 07403 285858 The Wirral Sling Library www.facebook.com/thewirralslinglibrary Email: wibkehott@gmail.com
Surrey & Hants Sling Library www.sandhslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/SurreyHantsSlingLibrary Twitter: @SHSLingLibrary
South West England
Manchester
Devon
Manchester Sling Meet www.manchesterslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Sling-Meet/123976837681133 Email: manchesterslingmeet@hotmail.co.uk
Teignbridge Sling Library www.facebook.com/TeignbridgeSlingLibrary www.babytiponi.co.uk/sling-library
The Sling School Manchester www.theslingschool.com www.facebook.com/theslingschool Twitter: @TheSlingSchool
Gloucestershire Cheltenham Sling Meet www.facebook.com/cheltenhamslingmeet
Merseyside
Serenity Supplies Sling hire, consultancy and sales www.serenitysupplies.weebly.com/sling-library
Liverpool Sling Library http://www.liverpoolslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/liverpoolslinglibrary Email: info@liverpoolslinglibrary.co.uk
Stroud Sling Meet www.facebook.com/stroudslingmeet stroudslingmeet.wordpress.com Email: stroudslingmeet@gmail.com
South East England
Swindon Sling Library www.swindonslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/swindonslinglibrary Twitter: @SwindonSlingLib Email: slings@optimumdoula.co.uk
East Sussex Eastbourne Sling Library www.eastbourneslinglibrary.co.uk www.facebook.com/eastbourneslinglibrary www.facebook.com/eastbourneslingmeet Twitter: @Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;bourneSlingLibrary Hampshire IOW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Isle of White Sling Library & Consultancy www.isleofwightslinglibrary.com www.facebook.com/isleofwightslinglibrary Twitter: @iowslinglibrary Email: isleofwightslingmeet@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07751 239803 Meon Valley Slingmeet and Library www.meonvalleynaturalparent.co.uk www.facebook.com/pages/Meon-Valley-Slingmeet/502471756433181 New Forest Sling Meet, Sling Library & Consultancy www.newforestslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/NewForestSlingmeet Twitter: @NewForestSlings
Warrington Sling Meet www.facebook.com/WarringtonSlingMeet www.facebook.com/groups/278720585297 Somerset North Somerset Slings www.ns-slings.co.uk www.facebook.com/nsslings Twitter: @N-SomersetSlings Email: info@ns-slings
Isle of Man Isle of Man Sling Library www.iomslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/IOMSlingMeet Email: iomslingmeet@hotmail.co.uk
Wales, Scotland & Ireland
Ringwood Sling Meet & Consultancy www.facebook.com/ringwoodslingmeet Email: Lucie@ratmad.com
Ty Melyn - The South West Wales Sling Library www.ty-melyn.co.uk www.facebook.com/tymelyn
Southhampton Sling Meet www.southamptonslingmeet.com www.facebook.com/SouthamptonSlingMeet Email: info@southamptonslingmeet.com
Edinburgh Sling Meet And Associated Group www.facebook.com/EdinburghSlingMeet www.facebook.com/groups/224090304386891
Hertfordshire Harpenden sling library www.facebook.com/HarpendenSL Kent Medway NCT Sling Library www.facebook.com/groups/307424612637070 Email: slings@nctmedway.org.uk Oxfordshire Oxford Sling Meet www.oxfordslingmeet.co.uk
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Edinburgh Consultancy www.showmeslings.co.uk www.facebook.com/ShowMeSlings Twitter: @ShowMeSlings Email: susan@showmeslings.co.uk BabyWearing Ireland www.babywearingireland.ie www.facebook.com/groups/182364631890918 Northern Ireland Sling Library www.slinglibraryni.co.uk www.facebook.com/slinglibraryni Twitter: @SlingLibraryNI
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