Central Lancashire slings (previously known as Preston slings) was started by mums Gemma Pulsford and Clare Kendall in 2019. It began as a group of likeminded parents coming together to talk about baby wearing, swapping their tips and tricks. They also offered rental of a range of baby slings for those who wanted to give baby wearing a go.

Five years on, the sling library has become an ever-growing community that parents come from far and wide to join.

Gemma said: “Over the months and years it grew, with parents regularly coming back week after week even if they didn’t need advice anymore – they just enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere of the group. Now I seem to be known around Lancashire as ‘the sling lady’ and have clients coming to me from as far as Southport and Hebden Bridge!”

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She went on to say: “I always wanted the sling library to have a sense of community and ‘togetherness’, as well as sharing the wonderful, liberating skill of safely babywearing. I have regularly had clients call my service ‘life changing’ which makes me feel so proud of what I’ve achieved. To be able to help so many families is simply amazing.”

As the community has grown so has the library, with over 100 carriers and slings to hire from brands such as Ergobaby and Tula as well as independent brands such as Kahubaby and Mamaruga.

Central Lancashire Slings will be opening a new, fully accessible, venue in the heart of Leyland on Sumner Street. They offer appointment only consultations at their Leyland studio, along side at home consultations. They also host ‘stay & play’ sling library sessions every Monday 12:30pm-2pm and every Friday 10am-11:30am.

“Babywearing is for everyone. Plain and simple. No matter who you are, no matter your situation or parenting style, wearing your child is an amazing skill and can help in so many ways, from simply having your hands free, to improving maternal mental health.”

If you want to get involved or see what the sling library has to offer, visit the Central Lancashire Slings.

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