Summer 2018 | Issue 11
Top 10 Babywearing must haves Double Trouble
We look at how carrying twins is a practical solution to the challenges two or more babies bring
How to guide for threading a ring sling like a pro!
Babywearing events for 2018 Advice · Shopping · Babywearing · Reviews
A Word From The Editor 2018 is already almost half way through and it seems unfathomable that we are already in European Babywearing Week, but here we are. I adore this time of the year, not just because the weather is warm and you can get outside and explore in your carriers again, but because EBW always brings out the best in babywearing. Everyone joins in and celebrates everything that is amazing and empowering about wearing carriers. In the last 12 months i have seen a huge shift in what kinds of carriers are being used. Buckles are flying off the shelves not only within the specialised babywearing online shops, but also within the high street shops. TV spots of slings and general talking about carrying babies in slings has increased. It makes the past 5 years work seem all worth it now that regular families are seeing the benefits that slings can bring to family life. If you haven't already please visit our website, which has daily posted content on not only babywearing, but also parenting, pregnancy, women's health and breastfeeding. If you would like to contribute to our magazine in any way please contact: info@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk
Much babywearing Love
ee n e R
Front Cover Credit Oswestry Photography
www
closenoughtokiss.co.uk closeenoughtokiss @closeenoughtokiss @closeenoughmag @closeenoughmag Close Enough To Kiss 3
14
07 Top 10 Must Have's
24 Babywearing Whilst Pregnant
13 Carry All The Babies
27 Drop in Sessions
17 Ask Lorette
30 Thread A Ring Sling
18 Style My Wrap
35 BabyBjorn Mini
20 Sleepy Nico Charity Carrier
36 Babywearing After A Section
22 Exclusive Babywearing
40 Babywearing Events 2018
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Contents 22
Editor Renee Jeffery Design & Artwork Renee Jeffery Photography Close Parent, Lucy Graney, Katie Meakin, Janine Speake- Oswestry Photography, Various Brennemans, Bundlebean, Onbag, Kimmy Milham, Lysanne Skinner, Christina Cheney, Martin Luca, Joanne Kemp, Kim Wright Photography, Laugh and Lenses Photography, Pure Baby Love Features Sleepy NIco, BabyBjorn Writers Chiara Evans, Carissa Lough, Lorette Michalon, Kimmy Milham, Jenny Littlejohn, Jess Hippey, Lysanne Skinner, Rachel Coy,
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Promotions BabyBjorn Advertising 01603 327704 advertising@closeenoughtokiss.co.uk Find Us Online closeenoughtokiss.co.uk facebook.com/closeenoughtokiss twitter.com/closeenoughmag pinterest.com/closeenoughmag instagram.com/closeenoughtokiss youtube.com/user/closeenougmag
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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.
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Top 10
Babywearing Must Have's A Stretchy Sling Babies are born needing to be held. Babywearing from the beginning is an awesome thing. Not much beats having a tiny newborn all tucked up on your chest. A stretchy is a great option for this stage. My top picks are the Joy and Joe bamboo, Close Caboo or a Hanababy stretchy.
A Woven Wrap The ultimate in babywearing versatility, comfort, and style. A woven wrap is so worth the effort to learn to use it. A woven is a sling that can be used from birth right the way through to when babywearing comes to an end. It allows for multiple positions and with so many "carries", brands, fabrics, and patterns to choose from, it can become quite a lovely addiction. My favourite wrap has to be my Firespiral Starmap. Close Enough To Kiss 7
A Buckle Carrier For quick "ups", ease of use and comfortable carrying, a well-fitting buckle carrier is a must. There has been a big increase in the number of companies offering genuine birthtoddler adjustable buckles, which is fantastic. This makes buying one a really cost-effective baby purchase. My favourite at the moment, are the Tula Free to Grow and the Mamaruga Zensling.
A coat, cover or umbrella Babywearing is totally possible in all weather, with just a bit of preparation. A babywearing coat or cover is so useful for staying snug, warm, and dry, while avoiding over heating or feeling too bulky. Stick an umbrella in your bag for when it inevitability rains and you can keep the rain off heads. Close Enough To Kiss 8
Comfy Clothing for Baby
Being mindful of needing to encourage optimal positioning while
babywearing,
clothes
which are flexible, comfortable, and soft are a must for baby. (I avoid restrictive denim for my little one.) Instead we prefer soft jersey leggings and light top layers. Check out Babipur for a wonderful collection of organic baby clothing.
A Sling Library An
absolute
babywearing
must
have. They are wonderful resources, run by trained, qualified and experienced babywearers.
An
ideal place to try on new slings, get some fitting advice and meet likeminded parents. Close Enough To Kiss 9
Pictures Capture those babywearing moments. Be it a selfie (also handy for checking on baby) or a full babywearing photoshoot. Get
loads
of
babywearing
pictures, it’s such a wonderful way of cherishing memories.
A Hat Be it a warm hat for winter or a sun hat for summer, it is a must have. I like the ones with Velcro fastening, especially when back carrying. It is near impossible to put a hat back on while your little one is on your back!
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A Fiddle Necklace or something to distract This is handy when baby reaches grabby
that
wonderfully
phase. Save your
nose/ears/wispy bits of your hair by wearing a fiddle necklace. Great for chewing/ holding/grabbing.
I
love
Coastal path creations necklaces.
A Bag Where to put all the baby "stuff"? I love an over-the-body bag for short trips out. I can fit a nappy and my purse, phone, keys, and a drink. (And a wing and a prayer that I won't need anything else!) A good rucksack is another option, ideal for when you're front carrying and carrying a bit more for longer days out.
Written By Chiara Evans
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Get your Hands on our lapel pins from our Etsy Shop! www.etsy.me/2uRbui0
All The Babies
Carry
Bringing a new baby into the world is life changing. Amazing, exhausting, and a major change. Bringing two or more babies into the world is something that a lucky few families get to experience. Mindnumbingly exhausting, but incredibly special and rewarding.
tandem options.
Many families with newborn twins start with a stretchy wrap. A stretchy wrap works in the same way with twins as it does with one baby. You can pre-tie the wrap, and pop your babies in and out as needed. One baby will straddle each Mums to twins and multiples often find of the cross passes. Most people find themselves in a seemingly endless cycle that carrying newborn twins in a stretchy of feeding, nappy changes, soothing babies, laundry, and trying to catch a few minutes sleep. Mothers of twins and multiples are sadly at a much higher risk of Post Natal Depression (PND) and parents of twins have a much higher rate of separation and divorce than average. The added strains of two new babies are real. Knowing that it's possible to carry one or both babies, leaving you with hands free, makes everything suddenly seem less daunting. Carrying your babies in a sling or carrier is not only a way to easily get from one place to another, but also a wrap starts to feel less supportive between practical parenting tool. 5-8 weeks. Carrying one baby in a sling enables you to navigate narrow streets and shops with a single buggy, rather than struggling with a double buggy. Carrying both babies opens a whole world of possibilities – walks along bumpy trails, hands free to carry bags, and quick trips from car to the shops.
Two babies, Two stretchy wraps
Your tandem carrying options change as your babies get older and as their neck and trunk strength improves. While you're starting out your twin slinging journey, you may wish to start carrying one baby to gain confidence before trying out some
You'll tie each wrap a little off-centre, and put one baby into each wrap. The final carry is very supportive, but you'll need to check that there's not excess fabric around babies' faces to ensure that their airways are clear.
In her blog post for Morecambe Bay Slings, twin mum Christina Cheney explains that “Stretchy wraps really are great so, once using a single one is no longer supportive enough, instead of abandoning it just add another one!”
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It's suitbale only for front carries, and doesn't carry your babies in an ergonomic position after about 3 months old.
Tandem carrying once babies are 4 months or older
Tandem Stretchy wrap Carry
Woven wraps Woven wraps are incredibly versatile, but it can take a lot of practice to get the hang of wrapping 2 young babies. Tandem front carries and tandem hip carries can work well with a woven wrap.
Once your twins have better head control and more trunk strength, you'll be able to carry one on the back in a buckled carrier and one on the front. The TwinGo Carrier is a quick and comfortable way to carry two babies – one on the front, and one on the back. The TwinGo's design means you have just one waistband, and just one set of shoulder straps so there's not large amounts of bulky padding to negotiate when putting it on. It can also be used as two entirely separate carriers. We've heard lots of twin families describe the TwinGo Carrier as a game changer.
TwinGo Carrier Tandem front wrap cross carry (fwcc)
It's also possible to use two separate buckled carriers for tandem carrying two babies. Less structured carriers like the Izmi or the Connecta carrier can work well, as again it means avoiding lots of bulky padding around your waist.
The Weego Twin Carrier is a twin baby carrier that is suitable from newborn. It's Some parents find that one carrier with a padded waist, like the Tula, and another generally comfortable until 3-6 months. Close Enough To Kiss 14
Using two buckled carriers in TAndem with minimal or no padding gives sufficient a way to get from one place more easily with two support without lots of bulk. The Minimonkey Twin Carrier is newly out in 2018. It works as a tandem hip carrier, and is two adjustable pouches that the wearer tightens and secures with buckles. We've found that it works best from 2-3 months and up to 6-8 months.
to another babies.
The Facebook group Twin Sling is a fantastic place for support and ideas, from other twin parents and from sling consultants and peer supporters.
There are also more sling libraries and consultants than ever before who can offer You can still safely carry older babies experience in helping families with twins in the Minimonkey Twin, but you run out and multiples to “carry all the babies!� of space in front for two babies and the ability to reach around them to do things. Written by Carissa Lough Owner of Koala Slings, twin and More and more twin families are using tandem carrying experts baby carriers as a parenting tool, and as www.koalaslings.co.uk
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Ask
Lorette
Dear Lorette, can you explain the sling snobbery for me? I've found a few groups online and Facebook offering advice etc. but the general theme of them is "if your sling didn't cost you more than the average buggy it's no good!" Not all baby wearers can afford obi's and I love my cheap (and perfectly safe) ring sling I got from eBay, and my baby loves it too, after all in some countries babies are happily wrapped with anything to hand. Lindsay-Grace Hi Lindsey, Wow. Now, this is nearly a philosophical question! The "babywearing community", aka "all the people who use slings", is as varied as any other parts of life. You get the cool crowd, the geeks, the teachers' pets, the bullies (unfortunately) and mostly "normal people", also known as "the rest of us". Unfortunately some gangs are more vocal than others and can give a different vibe depending on the group you have joined. Add to the mix, the joys of cyber interactions and you get a rather explosive mix. So are all sling users snobs? Is there a hierarchy based on the price tag? It depends whether you want to play along or not, and whether you want to join a clique or not. I think it is important to keep thinking, this is all a bit tongue in cheek and not really reflective of people's real personalities. To get a sense of what this "community" is all about, there is nothing better than meeting real people in the real world. So get to your local meet, or a giant gathering like Natural Mamas Big Camp to get a flavour of the variety of people involved: the snobs and the rest, may favour something unstructured so you can thread it between the legs. Depending on your body shape, some options will fit your bodies more than others but you are likely to still have plenty of options available. Do go and see a carrying consultant to explore all your options and above all, enjoy keeping your new baby close! Dear Lorette, I am getting very hot in my stretchy wrap but I love the snuggles, especially in this very hot summer. Can you help? Sally Hi Sally, There are many things you can try: - Make sure that baby is lightly dressed, maybe only in a nappy. Make sure to protect all the parts that are not under the wrap with appropriate sun protection though. - Wear natural fibre clothes. - You can fold a muslin between baby's face and your skin. - You can use a water spray to cool you and baby down. - You can go naked under your stretchy, as it covers most of your torso, it is unlikely people will notice. However, bear that in mind when you get baby out! So maybe best to keep this as a stay-at-home option. - You can try to wrap around your baby instead of the pre-tie. By adjusting as you tie, you will be able to get away with 2 layers of fabric, which will be less hot than the usual 3. - You can get a different stretchy wrap, some are more light-weight than others. -You can get a different carrier altogether. Have you been to your local sling meet to see what the options are? - You can get your other half to carry your baby, and only get baby back for cuddles when you are stationary and wrap free But don't worry, it will be cold again in no time! And you will enjoy your warm stretchy cuddles once again. Close Enough To Kiss 17
my wrap e l Sty
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Didymos Metro Tussah from £115
Accessorize Honey Premium Cateye Sunglasses from £15
Miss Selfridge Monochrome Stripe Jumpsuit from £39
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F&F Monochrome Striped Espadrilles from £12
M & Co Monochrome Tote Bag from £24
Miss Selfridge Monochrome Crop Bardot Top from £16
Oasis Monochrome Stripe Shorts from £37
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SLEEPY NICO LAUNCHES CHARITY CARRIER FOR 2018 2018 saw the launch of Sleepy Nico's third charity carrier, Alfie - a gorgeous rainbow design available in both baby and toddler size. This is a very special baby carrier as £10 from every sale will go to Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of my beautiful friend, Shona. The fabric is from a local business Splashings of Fabric who have donated 25% of the fabric price to the charity SANDS. This has bought a cuddle cot for the James Paget hospital in Great Yarmouth. It is available to purchase as part of Sleepy Nico's spring collection and can be made to order in toddler size and with different cord colourways. Every year Sleepy Nico has a charity carrier and this year I wanted to find a really unique and special design which meant something to me as well as reflecting the incredible industry I work in. Since running Sleepy Nico I have had the opportunity to get to know some amazing women who work so hard to help others and overcome some heartbreaking situations. The charity I have chosen to support this year is dear to my heart and I am delighted our company is in a position to raise awareness of the very important work they do. Sleepy Nico's previous charity carrier 'Bryn', raised £500 for Suffolk charity 'Bryn’s Helping Hand', a charity set up to support parents of babies with life limiting and life-threatening conditions. This design is still available. For more information about Alfie please visit www.sleepynico.com
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Exclusive Babywearing
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Waiting at the bus stop and the doors open, the driver looks me up and down as I get on, I pay, I sit down. The lady next to me looks at my daughter who is in the carrier strapped to my front, and she says "I don't know how you do it!" There are so many responses in my head, where do I even begin! Shall I start with how we wouldn't even be having this interaction if I had a pram because there was already a wheelchair user in the bay and a folded up buggy in the storage, meaning I would have had to wait for the next bus or walked in the rain. With a sling I have hands free to hold an umbrella, I don't know how people with prams do it!
it somewhere so it isn't in the way. At my local Sure Start centre you have to leave prams outside. I got to keep her sleeping, undisturbed in her carrier, to take her inside. I was hands-free to sign in, grab a drink, or play with her older brother. I know how I did it; comfortably, handsfree, and with ease! I don't say this to the lady next to me though, I shrug with a smile and say "A mum's gotta do what a mum's gotta do!" and join my daughter in spotting things out of the window that she can easily see out of thanks to the sling. I don't know how kids in prams do it! By Kimmy Milham
Our flat is accessed via 3 flights of stairs, so carrying her is my only option to leave the house Wearing her in a sling from the beginning has meant that as she has slowly grown, so has my strength and stamina. Add a 4-year-old who I also need to get up and down the stairs and being handsfree thanks to a sling is obviously a great help. I don't know how people with prams would do it! When I get to town I know I can go to any shop in the most direct way I want, I don't need to look for lifts, struggle with steps or doors, or avoid narrow and crowded places. If we stop to get a drink or food we can go wherever we want and not worry about finding room for the pram or leaving Close Enough To Kiss 23
Babywearing Whilst Pregnant
Babywearing whilst pregnant is something that we are often asked about. For parents who have often carried their older child since birth the idea that they might suddenly be faced with stopping can seem daunting and even create a feeling of grief over the loss of that bond.
cases, we advise you listen to your body, and rest when you need as pregnancy can be very taxing.
In pregnancy, as well as the growth of your bump, care should be taken to protect your joints, which can become more sensitive to strain and poor positioning with the presence The good news is that pregnancy alone of higher levels of relaxin. It’s worth making isn’t a reason to suddenly stop carrying if sure you are using a well fitted carrier, that it’s something your body is used to. As in all allows you to adopt a normal posture, and, Close Enough To Kiss 24
Onbuhimos are one such popular choice during pregnancy, woven wraps can be tied in many ways avoiding the waist, as can podaegis, so there are lots of options to explore! Personally, I found that a meh dai tied onbuhimo-style was my preferred choice. The waistband allowed me to use my preferred hip-scoot method to get my toddler onto my back, but once the shoulder straps were tied I undid the waistband leaving no pressure on my bump.
again, to rest when needed. Waistband positioning when back-carrying is another frequent issue. The usual answer is that the ‘right’ position is wherever you find it most comfortable. For some that’s below the bump, and for others above. This may depend on the carrier, the stage of pregnancy and the weight of the child. It may change throughout pregnancy too, so don’t be afraid to try some different positions.
Front-carrying whilst pregnant can be challenging; as your bump grows and you usually raise the child on your front above the bump, it may become impractical, but if you can still see, and it‘s not straining or uncomfortable, then you don’t have to stop. You may find a ring sling or other hip carry option a more practical compromise that allows you to see though!
If you need further carrying advice or have concerns then visit a local or online sling library or consultant, for specialist support. For any concerns about the pregnancy itself always contact your midwife or pregnancy For some people there may be no comfy unit. place for a waistband, but don’t despair, there are plenty of carriers with no waistband! Written By Jenni Littlejohn Close Enough To Kiss 25
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What To Expect From A Drop in Session? Knowing what to expect is often more than half the battle for me. We often feel more comfortable knowing where we’re going, what the event will look like and anything we’re 'expected' to do. However, you’ll be delighted to know that the most important thing for me for those running the sessions is usually that you feel welcomed and made at home and supported. Here are few things to help make it feel less daunting.
Carrying is for everyone.
Drop In Sessions are best suited to trying 1 or 2 things
Regardless of Age, Race, Gender, Nationality, and Beliefs. Carrying is for everyone and we strive to be as Sometimes drop in sessions get busy inclusive as we can. and the team have to try and spread Many Libraries also run schemes their time evenly between people, so offering carriers for free hire, for may not be able to talk you through those families affected by disability, the 15 carriers you wanted to try. serious illness, depression, domestic abuse and poverty, foster / adoptive We do however love familiar faces, families, breastfeeding difficulties and have some people come to where skin to skin would help – get every drop in session so they can in touch with your local one to find work through their wanted list. out more. Close Enough To Kiss 27
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"
"
Drop In Sessions are usually run by either trained Consultants, Peer Supporters or lovely volunteers who give their time to support you.
A small donation per family is sometimes requested Whether your local sling library runs as a business, or a charity, the drop in sessions sometimes run at a loss. We strongly believe they're worth it as it's a great way for parents to meet each other, and it helps people get assistance with their carriers, even if they can't afford a consultation, and so a donation helps cover room hire.
The Sessions can get busy
We have to leave on time As it gets near the session end you may notice people packing up around you. They're not being rude - it's just that we all often end our Drop In with a communal sprint to different locations to collect our notso-little ones from childcare, and we cannot be late for them. If you have something you need help with that day always come with plenty of time.
Siblings Are Welcome
The people who run the sessions know what it’s like to have The Drop In Sessions are usually often more than one child, and are so run by either trained Consultants, accommodating. Peer Supporters or lovely volunteers who give their time to support you. Toys available at all our sessions for Sometimes things run like clockwork, any siblings who are coming along. other times…not so much! If you do have to wait hopefully you'll get to meet other parents and still enjoy your time while waiting.
It's usually Very Accessible I run drop in sessions myself, and all the venues we use have parking on site, are near bus routes, and have wheelchair access. Prams are welcome inside and can be kept with you at all times.
They’re not about rules, other than safety Choosing a carrier is about what works for you and your baby. We will want to make sure your baby can breathe in your chosen carrier, and that they won't be liable to overheating - other than that the choice is yours. Carriers that clip on, Carriers that Tie on, Long Wraps, Ring Slings, Bring your own carrier, or even if you don't want to carry but fancied the company - you're more than welcome.
While this may differ from place to place, just contact your local group and check, but accessibility is a key priority for most Sling Library organisers. WRITTEN BY JESS HIPPEY
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How To Thread a Ring Sling Our Step by Step guide to how to get a great carry from your ring sling
1
Hooking your rings on your thumb, throw the fabric of the ring sling over your shoulder. Reach behind your back with your free hand, take the nearest hem to you and spread it over your back.
2
Gather the fabric like a concertina in your hand and swoop it around your body, under your bust, up to the rings taking care not to twist the fabric.
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3
Thread the fabric underneath the rings and up through the top of them back down towards the floor. Check your top hem (rail) is on the inside of your tail (purple), and that the bottom hem (rail) is out the outside of your tail (red).
4
Thread the whole thing through the bottom ring, leaving a loop in the top. Spread the fabric between your thumbs creating a ‘fancy hotel napkin’ feathered effect.
5
5. Tighten the bottom rail by bringing the slack round from the back, up to the rings and pulling it through the tail (red).
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6
Check you have enough room in the top of your pouch for your child.
7
Hold your child on your nonringed shoulder as high as you are comfortable having them.
8
Bring your hand through the carrier and thread the legs through.
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9
Guide your child onto your hip, ensuring the fabric is in their knee pits and let them sit down so they have a nice deep seat.
10
Run your thumb around the top rail (purple) ensuring it’s not twisted, then pull it up to the neck and bring the slack fabric towards your rings.
11
Tighten the top rail by pulling the fabric towards your child’s face, then lifting your child slightly with one hand, pull all the slack through your rings section by section.
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12
Done!
Written by Lysanne Skinner Close Enough To Kiss 34
Slow down and snuggle up BABYBJÖRN introduces the new Baby Carrier Mini BabyBjörn, the Swedish family-owned company, is launching a new, dreamy, soft, small and flexible baby carrier for those first months of parenthood. The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini is all about preserving the precious early days as you are getting to know your newborn. “The campaign Slow down. Snuggle up. is about living in the moment and letting your newborn baby set the pace, so you have time and peace to establish your parent-baby bond. The Baby Carrier Mini's focus is on simplicity, so you can focus on your baby.” Karin Hoxter, Art Director, BabyBjörn Sweden. Designed to fit the needs of a newborn baby, the simple design is easy to put on, even in the middle of the night, and the new luxurious, tactile fabrics are gentle on your newborn’s delicate skin. You can feel your baby is being carried in a natural position, with their back in a gentle c-curve. The entire front section of the carrier opens for you to put down your sleeping baby, and there is no fabric between the baby and your chest, so ideal for skin-to-skin contact too. https://www.babybjorn.co.uk/ Close Enough To Kiss 35
Babywearing After a C-Section One of the most common questions I see posted on babywearing forums and Facebook groups is “Can I use a sling after a caesarean section?” and the answer is quite simple, yes in most cases.
a vaginal delivery too and simply having a vaginal delivery does not mean you are necessarily ready to carry immediately either. The amount of time post-delivery where women will feel comfortable carrying will vary from mother to mother and there Despite what women have probably is no ‘set’ time from when it is safe planned and hoped for 1 in 4 of to carry. babies born in the United Kingdom in 2012 were delivered by Caesarean There is no right or wrong sling to section. Therefore there are many use after a caesarean section. In all mums who potentially want to use a cases care should be used and it is sling to carry their baby who are now beneficial to select those which do not scared they can’t do so. have structured waist bands which naturally sit lower on the mothers’ Firstly, I am not a medical practitioner, abdominal muscles and can place I am a babywearing consultant pressure on their stomach and scar. and sling librarian who has worked with many mums who have had a Slings which experience has shown caesarean section and helped them are suitable for using after a caesarean to find ways to carry their babies section include ring slings, wraps comfortably and safely. If you are (woven or stretchy) and even carriers in any doubt you must consult your such as the Connecta Baby Carrier. midwife or General Practitioner. The benefit of these is that you are able to keep the sling away from the The key to carrying after a caesarean scar tissue and stitches. section is to wear baby nice and high and ensure sling is tight but avoiding Using a sling or carrier can play a the woman’s scar. crucial role in allowing a mother to regain her strength and posture after Incidentally the tight and high rule the birth. The key is to listen to your applies to mums who have had body and to build up the amount Close Enough To Kiss 36
of carrying you do. Your body will develop muscle strength and get used to carrying your baby. Do not assume you will be able to carry for hours straight away. Your post-natal body will need time to adjust and remember you will still have increased levels of Relaxain in your system, especially if you are breastfeeding.
delivery are not advised to undertake physical activity until they have had their 6/8 week check from their GP. This does not mean that women should be confined to the house and using a sling or carrier allows them to undertake gentle exercise such as walking. This will help woman to start building up muscles again.
Time and care should be used when In the first 6-8 weeks all women post- placing baby in the sling to ensure Close Enough To Kiss 37
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the mother engages her pelvic floor and core muscles. This is particularly important for women who have had a caesarean section as they are advised against carrying anything heavier than their baby.
body. If you want your baby to get used to being carried in a sling ask your partner, grandparent or even a friend to carry them for you.
By Rachel Coy, This therefore means they should not North East Sling Library lift car seats or heavy travel systems and prams. The use of a sling for skin to skin contact can be beneficial in helping mothers to bond with their babies and help increase breast milk production both which can be hindered by caesarean deliveries. Using a sling allows them to get out and start to socialise and help with mental wellbeing and help reduce risk of post natal depression. If you want to carry and are unsure of the most comfortable way to do so it is worth having a consultation with a babywearing consultant or trip to a sling library. The knowledge and experience they have gained will help you find carries which are comfortable.
Remember there is no date by which you must have started carrying. You should only begin using a sling when you feel comfortable, do not rush your Close Enough To Kiss 39
Babywearing Events in 2018 / 2019
International Babywearing Conference 19-21 July 2018 Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Sling Show Scotland 22nd September 2018 Glasgow Science Centre, UK
International Babywearing Week 2 - 8 October 2018 Worldwide
Midlands Baby Carrying Convention 12 - 13 October 2018 Village Hotel Spa, Coventry,UK
Carry On London Swedish Babywearing Conference 2 March 2019 Haverstock School, Chalk Farm, 1 September 2018 London, UK MĂźnchenbryggeriets, Sweden Close Enough To Kiss 40
Ca
tional .com rna
Aid Int g n i e rry
The Babywearing World United For Refugees We organise and coordinate the collection, shipping and safe distribution of much needed baby carriers to refugees arriving in Europe.
WE NEED YOU! We need donations of carriers and funds to cover shipping We need people to set up collection points in their local areas and we need volunteers to work on the ground supporting existing organisations and fitting carriers
To donate or get involved please find us here:
www.carryingaidinternational.com www.facebook.com/carryingaid carryingaid@hotmail.com Close Enough To Kiss 41
www.babybjorn.com