Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I not find these cloth baby slings in shops?
I've seen lots of other brand of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
Why can I not find these cloth baby slings in shops?
Some shops in Edinburgh do carry a few brands of cloth baby sling: Closer to You specialise in slings so we can have a wider range of sling choices, and also bring expert assistance to you to help you pick the perfect sling for your needs.
I've seen lots of other brands of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
If you've already got another kind of baby sling that is working well for you, then great! I'm sure you are enjoying the many benefits outlined on other pages. Parents who have used the carriers which are readily available in high street shops have told me two things:
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
If you have tried one type of sling which hasn't worked for you, it is still worth trying others. See the previous question for issues which arise for many parents using a papoose-style carrier. Some issues which might have made your sling uncomfortable:
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
All the slings supplied by Closer to You come with instructions for use – start with these instructions for the best way to use your sling. You can also look at the manufacturer's website for further instructions.
Generally, you will feel most comfortable with your baby or child:
Make sure that all straps / material are pulled close and tight to you and your baby whilst still ensuring that your baby is comfortable and has clear airway access. See the next FAQ for more information on safe use of slings.
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
The cloth baby slings stocked by Closer to You have all been developed carefully over a number of years to be very safe to carry your baby when used correctly. If you are at all unsure about the safe use of your sling, please check the instructions which came with it, refer to the manufacturer's website or contact us for a follow up appointment to remind you of the correct techniques for using your sling.
Whenever you carry your baby in a sling, their safety is your responsibility. See the Safe use of slings section of the Beginners Guide to Slings for further information.
Why can I not find these cloth baby slings in shops?
I've seen lots of other brand of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
Why can I not find these cloth baby slings in shops?
Some shops in Edinburgh do carry a few brands of cloth baby sling: Closer to You specialise in slings so we can have a wider range of sling choices, and also bring expert assistance to you to help you pick the perfect sling for your needs.
I've seen lots of other brands of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
If you've already got another kind of baby sling that is working well for you, then great! I'm sure you are enjoying the many benefits outlined on other pages. Parents who have used the carriers which are readily available in high street shops have told me two things:
- the carrier is uncomfortable for some parents straight away – they never find a comfortable way of carrying their baby and give up on the idea, missing out on all the benefits.
- even where they have been able to carry their baby comfortably in the early months by the time their baby is around 15lbs – as young as two months for some babies – they find their carriers are uncomfortable in use for any length of time. If you have previously used a papoose carrier and it is no longer comfortable, you may find a mei tai or woven wrap is a great second carrier to consider.
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
If you have tried one type of sling which hasn't worked for you, it is still worth trying others. See the previous question for issues which arise for many parents using a papoose-style carrier. Some issues which might have made your sling uncomfortable:
- one-shoulder carrier where you would prefer a two-shoulder – particularly for heavier babies and toddlers a two-shoulder sling such as a Mei Tai or Woven Wrap will spread the weight across your body.
- adjustability – if you tried a non-adjustable carrier such as a pouch, or a carrier which is difficult to adjust easily, you may not have had the sling in the optimal position. See the next FAQ for more tips on using a sling.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
All the slings supplied by Closer to You come with instructions for use – start with these instructions for the best way to use your sling. You can also look at the manufacturer's website for further instructions.
Generally, you will feel most comfortable with your baby or child:
- higher on your body
- closer to your body
Make sure that all straps / material are pulled close and tight to you and your baby whilst still ensuring that your baby is comfortable and has clear airway access. See the next FAQ for more information on safe use of slings.
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
The cloth baby slings stocked by Closer to You have all been developed carefully over a number of years to be very safe to carry your baby when used correctly. If you are at all unsure about the safe use of your sling, please check the instructions which came with it, refer to the manufacturer's website or contact us for a follow up appointment to remind you of the correct techniques for using your sling.
Whenever you carry your baby in a sling, their safety is your responsibility. See the Safe use of slings section of the Beginners Guide to Slings for further information.