A new baby wearing group and sling library has opened at the Valley Coffee Shop, Bamber Bridge.h

Preston Slings gives parents and carers a chance to get together and share different ways of carrying their little ones.

The group has been set up by mums Gemma Pulsford and Clare Kendall, who realised there was no sling library in Preston.

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Gemma said: “The first baby group I went to with my daughter Izzy, I felt really self conscious. It was probably my own insecurity but I didn’t feel comfortable breastfeeding because nobody there was.

“Clare and I both volunteer at West Pennine Sling Library in Darwen, and when I went there I felt like I’d found my tribe.

“Baby wearing – carrying your baby in a sling – has really come back into the mainstream, the same with cloth nappies, and when you go to a group like that you tend to find people with the same parenting style as you.”

Gemma and Clare set about buying a selection of different types of slings, including stretchy wraps suitable for newborns, woven wraps and buckle carriers, which can be used in a variety of ways to carry your baby or toddler on your front or your back.

People considering baby wearing can hire a sling from the group for £10 for two weeks, to give them a chance to try a style before committing.

Gemma says: “Preston Slings is a social group – we get a few familiar faces every week who come along for a brew and a chat with like minded parents, and a few newcomers each week who want to find out about the different types of wraps and slings we have.

“We have a little nook in the corner of the cafe and it is a really friendly vibe.

“We offer advice and in the future we are hoping to be able to do one to one consultations at home.

“Baby wearing is a very safe way to carry your child. It is really practical as you keep your hands free, so you can be getting on with your jobs or chasing after your toddler with your baby comfortably strapped on your back or front.

“A lot of people associate it with Earth Mother type parents but it is really becoming more mainstream and there are so many beautiful patterns and designs there really is something for everyone.”

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Preston Slings meets at the Valley Coffee Shop in Fourfields, off Station Road, Bamber Bridge every Monday between 10am and 12 noon.