Saturday Slings – Chesterfield Sling Library

Saturday Slings is a little different to our regular Friday session.

You book a specific appointment duration (30, 60 or 90 minutes)
You have a specific appointment time, the appointment is with Kate, appointments are paid for in advance
Venue may vary, but will often be Kate’s kitchen

Pre-booking and letting us know your carrying wishes/needs are absolutely essential, your appointment will be planned around your needs.

30, 60 or 90 minutes ? Here are some examples.

Appointment 1: 5 month old, parents have a Baby Bjorn Original which they are finding uncomfortable to use. They definitely want the option to forward face their baby. Plan: Discuss and demonstrate more supportive carriers with a forward facing option, review additional safety considerations for the forward facing position. 30 minutes should be plenty.

Appointment 2: 5 months pregnant, wanting to look at newborn options. Plan: Look at stretchy wraps (1 and 2-way), structured stretchies (Caboo, Koalababy) and a couple of buckle carriers which are safe from birth, look at safety considerations for newborn carrying. Suggest they come to a Tuesday session when they can to see carrying in action. Could do in 30 minutes, 60 minutes would be better

Appointment 3: 14 month old, regular library client when little one was younger, but mum is back at work so can’t come to the Tuesday session, she’s heard lots about ring slings and wants to know more. Plan: Try some ring slings, different shoulder types and fabric blends, see which she likes and troubleshoot. 30 minutes should be plenty

Appointment 4: 10 month old, wants to hire specifically a Minimonkey Minisling for a holiday. Plan: Let them try the Minisling, however as I am pretty sure it won’t meet their needs I’ve also got a selection of other hot-weather options ready for them. 30 minutes should be plenty

Appointment 5: 3 week old, parents have a Lifft stretchy wrap and want to make sure they are using it right. Plan: Work through their concerns, review tying the wrap, putting baby in, comfort and safety checks, taking baby out, useful hints and tips, build their confidence. 30 minutes should be enough

Appointment 6: 4 week old, parents didn’t plan to use a carrier but find baby doesn’t like to be put down. Plan: identify how baby likes to be held in arms, and what parents don’t want from a carrying solution, try a variety of options to find a compromise that will suit parents and child. 60 minutes would be best

Appointment 7: Any age of baby where parents want to try ALL the options. 60 minutes would be best

Appointment 8: I have bought 5 different carriers off Vinted and want to try them all. Definitely 60 minutes

Toddlers or pre-schoolers may not want to comply, 30 minutes may be too short but we can try.

If parent or child has ongoing and/or complex disabilities, health conditions or medical needs which are relevant to carrying, book a 90 minute appointment.

FAQs

What if I can’t attend on the day? As long as you cancel before your appointment is due to start the appointment fee is transferable, we can rebook you on to a future Saturday Slings session.

Why the appointment? Kate’s kitchen isn’t that big, and we want you to get the most out of your visit. If you are late your appointment will be shorter, as we need to get you finished off before the next family’s appointment time.

Who’s Kate? A trained carrying consultant with 25 years of experience using and supporting others in using slings and carriers.

What are the additional costs? Same as always, see here What does it cost? – Chesterfield Sling Library except that I don’t charge a fit fee if you just want help with your own carrier, you’ve already paid for an appointment.