See a picture gallery of all our slings being demonstrated with our demo baby and a real toddler (not at the same time!). Download the file to read the full description so you can get an idea of which slings you'd like to try before you attend a Sling Meet. For details of meets, see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NctRedhillReigateAndHorleySlingLibrary

1. Stretchy wraps. Clockwise from top left: Kari-Me, Kanga Wrap, Hoppediz Elastic, BB Tricot Slen.
Stretchies are the ultimate in easy newborn snuggliness. They look complicated but are deceptively simple
once you've had a practise or two. You pre-tie them, so you can pop baby in and out as required with
minimal fuss. Generally reasonably priced, they also wash easily, which can be handy if you're using them
to settle a grumpy, refluxy baby! Most people find they are supportive until around the 6-8 month
stage, depending on baby's weight.

2. Melkaj mei tai. This is a standard sized mei tai, suitable from birth (legs in or with seat cinched in) until
approx. 18 months. It has padded cord straps, a reversible body panel and a flat sleep hood.
Mei tais are Asian style carriers with a square or rectangular body panel and long waist and shoulder straps
that you tie around yourself and baby. They're really simple to use, give a good fit for all shapes and sizes of
wearer (no readjusting buckles), and can be used for front and back carries.

3. Manduca Soft Structured Carrier. Functional, comfy buckle carrier.
Suitable from newborn (legs in) but really comes into its own from around
5/6 months when you might be looking to move on from a narrow-based
high street carrier or stretchy wrap.
Can be used as a front and back carrier, right through to toddlerhood.
Very adjustable to get a good fit for the wearer, and the back panel is
extendable as baby gets taller. This is an average 15month old very
happy with it un-extended still, although we extend it for naps to provide
head support.

4. Didymos ring sling. This is a gathered shoulder ring sling made from woven wrap material. With a few
practises and the right tips, ring slings are quick and comfortable to use. Their simplicity makes them great
for popping newborns in and out, or for up-and-down toddlers with tired little walking legs. Also ideal for
breastfeeding in while keeping baby in a safe, upright position.

5. Hoppediz Montreal 4.6m woven wrap. Woven wraps are incredibly versatile and can be used for
front, back and hip carrying newborns through to pre-schoolers. They do take a bit of practice and
perseverance as, unlike stretchies, you need to learn to wrap tightly and securely around your child rather
than pre-tying. This wrap is an ideal beginner wrap; long enough for most carries including Front Wrap
Cross Carry (a good first carry to learn), soft but sturdy, and has different coloured hems so you don't get

6. Calin Bleu gauze wrap. Similar to a standard woven wrap but much thinner and with very different wrapping qualities. This
makes it cooler and therefore great for hot weather, but also less supportive, so this is best for smaller babies.

7. Je Porte Mon Bébé hybrid stretchy wrap. Like a cross between
a stretchy and woven wrap, the JPMBB is suitable for older, heavier
babies than a standard stretchy and can be used for multilayer front
and back carries. Quite thick and heavy but very comfortable.

8. BB-Tai mei tai by Babylonia. This mei tai, unlike the Melkaj, is made of woven wrap material and has
wide, single layer shoulder straps which can be spread for comfort. It's suitable from birth, either legs in with
the special insert, or with the seat cinched up with a ribbon or similar. It has quite a wide seat, enabling it to
last well into toddlerhood. Suitable for front and back carries.