Sling libraries are services set up to enable parents and carers of children to try out as many slings as they want with professional guidance. Slings can be tried on and fitted free of charge (or in some cases for a nominal cost eg appointment deposits). Each library has a variety of slings of all types and sizes available – these can be hired out for a small charge.
So why would you need a sling library? Here are just a few of the reasons people visit:
- They are looking to buy a sling but aren’t sure which ones will work for them
- They are going on holiday and don’t want to take the buggy
- They are expecting their first child and would like some information before baby arrives
- They don’t know anything about slings but would like to learn more
- They already have a sling but are finding it uncomfortable so would like to try some others
- They are expecting a second child and find that they need their hands free for their older child as well as meeting the needs of their newborn
The sessions are led by qualified sling instructors/consultants who are able to teach basic usage of all the slings in the library; some libraries also have sling peer supporters volunteering. Peer supporters are parents and carers who carry their child(ren), not all of them have a formal qualification but they are often experienced sling users. As library sessions are usually very busy, librarians are unable to go into great detail about the slings, but will always ensure that you know how to use the sling comfortably and safely before you leave. If you find you require further, more in depth information, or have a special situation it may be advisable to seek a one to one session with a Sling Consultant.
sling libraries in your area
Open: The Carry Happy Sling Library currently meets five times a month holding sessions in Uxbridge, Ealing and Northolt. Please see our events page on Facebook for more details
Prices: Free stretchy hire is available for babies under 6 months alongside a range of different slings and carriers with a 4 week hire costing £15
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Both
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No
Central London Sling Library
Open: Wednesdays: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Running: 1 session, fortnightly
Prices: From £5 and up to £10 for 2 weeks hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No, sessions are drop in only
Open: Wednesdays: 10:00am – 12:00pm
Running: 1 session, every week
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led (Trageschule)
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No
East London Sling Library
Open: Thursdays: 10:15am – 12:15pm
Running: 1 session, every week
Prices: From £5 and up to £15 for 2 weeks hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes – Online – The Sling Space
Do you offer bookable appointments? Yes, appointments only. No drop in available. Please see website or Facebook to book an appointment
Open: Tuesdays: 10:30am – 12 midday
Running: 1 session, every week (except school holidays)
Prices: From £5 and up to £10 for 2 weeks hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Peer supporter led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No
HaverSling Library
Running: Bi-monthly sling library in Hornchurch, advice and sling hires. Message the page for location details
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No
London Slings: Sling Hire & Shop – East Dulwich branch
Open: Weekly pop-up on Mondays: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Running: 1 session every week
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes
Do you offer bookable appointments? Yes
London Slings: Sling Hire & Shop – Herne Hill branch
Open: Weekly pop-up on Fridays: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Running: 1 session every week
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes
Do you offer bookable appointments? Yes
North London Sling Library – Bloomsbury Branch
Open: Wednesdays: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Running: Every week except school holidays – please check website or Facebook for details
Prices: From £5 and up to £15 for 2 weeks hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes – Online – The Sling Space
Do you offer bookable appointments? Yes, appointments only. No drop in available. Please see website or Facebook to book an appointment
North London Sling Library – Enfield Branch
Open: Fridays: 10:15am – 12:30pm
Running: Monthly – 1st Friday of every month
Prices: From £5 and up to £15 for 1 month’s hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes – Online – The Sling Space
Do you offer bookable appointments? Yes, appointments only. No drop in available. Please see website or Facebook to book an appointment. Full address will be sent in confirmation email
Open: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm and last Saturday 10:00am – 12:00pm of each month
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes, at library or consultation only
Do you offer bookable appointments?No, drop in only.
Sling Clinic and Library; North London – Bounds Green Branch
Open: Saturdays once a month 10:30am – 1:30pm
Running: Once a month, usually 1st Saturday, please check website for details
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No, drop in only.
South East London Slingers
Open: Thursdays 10:30am – 12:00pm
Running: Every week.
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? No
Open: Please check website for details of session opening times and locations
Running: Weekly workshops in Forest Hill, Crystal Palace & Tooting/Streatham. Please check website or Facebook page for details
Prices: From £5 and up to £10 for 2 weeks hire, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes – At library or consultation sessions only
Do you offer bookable appointments? Please check website for details
Wear My Baby Boutique Sling Hire Service
Running: 5 days a week Tuesday – Saturday from 10am, please check website for daily closing hours
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? Yes Shop
Do you offer bookable appointments?Yes.
Wrap a Hug
Open: (St Paul’s) Every other Monday – 10:15am – 12.15pm, (Willow Tree) Every other Friday – 10:30am – 1pm. Also various workshops and sling meets, please check website or Facebook page for dates and times
Running: (St Paul’s) 1 session every fortnight (WIllow Tree) 1 session every fortnight
Prices: From £10 for 2 weeks, depending on sling hired
Is your library sling consultant or peer supporter led? Qualified Consultant led
Are you a sling retailer? No
Do you offer bookable appointments? Please contact ahead of visit to book for library session. Out of hours appointments in E2 are also available