FAQ

What is a sling and carry consultant?

A sling and carrier consultant is someone who is trained in using and teaching the use of baby carriers.

What is the purpose of consultations?

The role of the consultant is to help find a carrying solution to fit your needs. What this looks like will be different for each family.

Why would I need a consultant?

There are many reasons why you might choose to see a consultant. You may be completely new to the world of babywearing or you may have a lot of experience. You may not know what you want or you may want to learn a specific skill.

Some of the reasons people choose to see a consultant are:

Introduction to baby carrying

Learning to carry a newborn

Learning to use a woven wrap

Deciding which buckle carrier is best for you

Learning to back carry

Learning a new carry

Optimising your current carrier

What are consultations like?

First we will discuss what you are hoping to gain from the consultation, what your needs are and how we can help. We will talk about positioning and safety so you understand what to look out for. Then depending on your needs we will look at the carriers.

If you are completely new to babywearing we can provide an overview of babywearing, the benefits and show you the main carrier types with a chance for you to try a couple, or if you are wanting to try a specific carrier or work on a skill we will do that.

We will use a doll at first and once you are feeling confident, and if time (and child) allows, you can try with your child. Sometimes children can be unpredictable and we understand that. There is plenty of time to feed and change babies and make sure their needs are met.

It is not always necessary to try the carriers out with your child as we have specially designed weighted dolls to use. If it is not possible for you to try the carriers (eg, if your child wanted to feed the whole session) we can still make use of our time by using demonstrations and talking through the steps. We will work together to find a solution that fits your family.

How will the consultants teach me?

This will largely depend on your learning style. Consultants teach through demonstrating, talking through the steps, practicing together, hands on help and having you explain the steps/method. The consultant will tailor the session to meet your learning needs. For example, if you are a visual learner more time will be spent demonstrating and doing things together so you can see the steps, if you need lots of detail the consultant can provide that or if you need only brief instructions with clear, simple steps the consultant will do that. Because a consultation is one on one (or two) the consultant can teach in a way that works for you.

Can I bring my babies and toddlers?

Of course. Other children are most welcome and a small selection of toys are provided. We understand that sometimes children have different ideas to us and have needs that arise very quickly. You are free to attend to your children’s needs at any time during our sessions.

How are sling meets and consultations different?

A consultant works one on one with you to meet your carrying needs. A consultant is often flexible with time and can meet you at your house if necessary. There is time to talk and ascertain what solutions will be best for your family and to work with your learning styles and tailor the consultation to you.

Consultants are trained in baby-carrying and in teaching the use of carriers. The cost of a consultation reflects this. Consultants are a great option when you want to learn a specific skill.

Sling libraries are held at a specific time and date and are often very busy. They are usually run by volunteers who may or may not have formal training. Due to the number of people and volunteers, help is usually in small groups rather than one to one and the amount of time volunteers are able to spend with you is limited. Advice is usually free, however a membership and hire fee may be charged.

Sling libraries are an excellent place to try many different carriers and to hire before you purchase. Volunteers are usually experienced at baby carrying and have knowledge of the main carrier types.

Sling meets are also a great place to meet other parents and build community.