Carry with Jess, Colchester (2026)

Sling Swing is a fun, gentle dance and movement class for parents and their babies in slings.

19/01/2025

There is definitely something special when your kid chooses the sling the want to be carried in.

I am very lucky that Gilly still wants to be carried. Not every day, I may add, but we try at least once a week. It enables us to go for longer, off piste walks for the dog 😉

This is a half buckle, toddler size, passed onto me by a very good friend. It was more comfortable than I was expecting for a 3.4 mile trek, thank goodness! Gilly even fell asleep in it - spot the half awak eyes in this snap when we got home 😅

If you've wondering how long you can carry for, the answer is, when it works for you.

I am very happy to support you with your big babies, too. Maybe you've.got a dog who loves a long walk 😉

(We had a fleece over the top of us both, and I ended up undoing the zip as the sun was shining beautifully, even in 8°C)

Airways | Optimum position | Comfort

[Image description: Gilly in a half buckle carrier, just waking up from a nap, on Jess' back]

18/01/2025

Ring Sling wins again 🎉

I love a ring sling! I have 2 in the car, just in case 🤣

But, they can be tricky to get to grips with at first.

My top tips are;

- Tight across your back before you get baby in
- Ensure a good 'M' for the legs with all the fabric in the knee pits before spreading the fabric over baby
- Once baby is in, bring the slack all the way to the rings to pull through, bit by bit

I am here for you if you would like to try one, or get to grips with the one you have already.

Airways | Optimum position | Comfort

[Image description: Gilly (2yo) asleep in a ring sling on Jess' front]

17/01/2025

Is this okay?

It depends... the kid on my back is a proper little person now. He can hold his own!

Are we wearing minimal layers under the dry robe? Yes - I am just in a vest and thin jumper, while Gilly also has 2 layers. Hat and mittens added for those extremities, too.

What are you carrying him in? I've used a size 7 double hammock wrap to carry him. I find this the most supportive carry for us, but there are many other options!

How cold was it? The temperature outside was about 2°C, so for me and Gilly, this is dry robe weather.

Would you advise using a dryrobe with a newborn? Possibly. It depends on what clothes you and baby are wearing, the outside temperature, how much heat you are expecting to generate (is it a long walk, or popping into a shop?). I would definitely advise avoiding doing it up over baby if they are on your front, so they are not at risk of over-heating.

Either way, always be conscious of clear airways, a good position to enable this and comfort for you both, illustrating a safe carry.

Remember, you can get in touch if you have any queries! We have such a wonderful carrying network, if I'm unsure, I know I can find someone who has the answer for you!

[Image description: Jess carrying Gilly on her back, under a dry robe, standing on a beach. Photo credit - Tash 🙏]

09/01/2025

You CAN breastfeed / chestfeed in a sling

BUT it is NOT hands free.

It's not hands free, but it is possible to have one hand free.

Depending on the position you choose to feed in, baby's head may not be supported. Baby's head is the heaviest part of their body, and they cannot support it very well. This is why you need to help with that support.

Covering the baby's head with a sling or carrier is NOT the answer either. This presses baby's head into the breast/ chest and does not allow them the movement needed to latch and unlatch. It can also be an asphyxiation risk.

When feeding in the sling or carrier, you must monitor baby at all times. Check if they have fallen asleep and reposition them high on your chest, upright.

Babies under 4 months, premature, low weight, or have medical issues are at a higher risk and it is important to get 1:1 support at all times in these circumstances.

If you do not feel you can monitor baby at all times then do not try to do something else. Stop to feed first.

I am here for you. If you want to learn how to safely feed in your sling or carrier, I am here for you.

Thank you for the image and original text 🙏

13/11/2024

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Address

Colchester
CO29

Website

http://www.bookwhen.com/carrywithjess

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