Sunday, May 11, 2008

Welcome to The Sling Lending Library

The Sling Lending Library is a local community service available to anyone interested in learning about babywearing, trying a variety of carriers and finding that babywearing love.

A little more about me: I am located in Auburn, WA and would be happy to meet with you to offer any help I can with your babywearing needs. I have worn both my little ones - the first out of her need to be physically attached at all times and the second out of his want to be worn and my need to care for both of them without breaking my back. Seven years ago, I tried a ring sling that I found in a local consignment shop with my daughter. She hated it! I, of course, had no idea how to use it, no instructions came with it and there was no one I knew who knew how to use a sling. I wore her in a Baby Bjorn for the next 15-18 months - until her feet bounced off my knees when we walked. When she was 2 and still desperate to be held all of the time, I went to a local parenting group and was told by the guest speaker, a sling "expert", that there was no carrier that would fit us - a "fluffy" (plus size) mama and a toddler. That was the sad end to our babywearing time.

Five years later, I found The Babywearer (see links) and burried myself in an avalanche of information on more carriers (and more acronyms) than I could have ever dreamed of. There are so many fabulous carriers out there, made by some fabulous businesses (mostly WAHMs, btw) that there probably really is carrier for every babywearing pair out there. I have been wearing my son for over 2 years now and at 34 lbs., we're still happily babywearing in our favorite carriers. I have experience with pouches, ring slings, Mei Tais, wraps, Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs), and other Asian Baby Carriers (ABCs).

While I haven't tried every brand of carrier on the market, we have been through several brands in each style to find what works for us. And, although I have my personal favorites, my goal is to work with you to help you find what works for you. If I don't have it, I will try to find it for you - either as a new library carrier or through another babywearing mama or group who is willing to share. If I don't know the answer to your question, I will find the answer or direct you to another reliable source. I have no vested interest in which carrier you end up with. I simply want to help you enjoy all of the benefits of babywearing that we have found.

All babywearers are not created equal. Because I am "fluffy" I was told that there were no carriers that would fit me. This is NOT true. Carriers come in all different shapes, sizes, cuts and styles - just like babywearers. Carriers can be custom made and custom fit for little or no additional cost in many cases. One thing that I really want to accomplish with this library is to make sure that loving parents (and caregivers) of all sizes know that babywearing is a loving and available option for them.

off my soapbox, back to the library...

This library works very much like any library. You are welcome to check out carriers for a two week period (in most cases) to get a real life feel for how it will work for you and your little one. I am available to help you with any questions or concerns about types of carriers, fit, proper use and care or which color looks best with your little one's eyes. I do charge a small annual fee which will be used to cover the costs of printed materials, any cleaning or carrier care incidentals and the purchase of any carriers or accessories that were not available to be donated. I also require a refundable deposit for the replacement value of the carrier. ...talk to me for details...

All of the beautiful carriers have been donated by their generous designers, manufacturers or retailers, so once you find that perfect carrier (we'll call it your "gateway carrier" ... you'll see why soon:)) please use the links on this site to shop their full selections and show them your appreciation for donating to the library.

Welcome to the wonderful world of babywearing. Happy slinging!

3 comments:

martinsane said...

Tanja not only is an amazing source of information for all things baby wearing, but she is an amazing mother and she makes me smile every day. Terry

Tanja Martinson said...

Awww!

Alta Mahan said...

To anyone considering having a baby, or that already does - you HAVE to go and see Tanja! She is fantastic, and will teach you how to Correctly carry your baby - which we all should be doing! Makes our babies smarter and healthier! She spends time to make sure you use the carriers right and that it fits you. She makes sure you and your baby like it! I highly recommend Tanja to EVERYONE! Please keep your baby's close and safe - go visit Tanja!!!!!
Dr. Alta