There were cakes and celebrations at Dumfries Sling Library on Monday, with members also marking the six month anniversary of their innovative free newborn hire project. An awareness raising walk took place at Eskrigg Nature Reserve in Lockerbie on Wednesday and mums in Annan also hit the streets wearing their children in slings on Thursday. [caption id="attachment_7845" align="alignnone" width="680"]
STEPPING OUT . . . Annan mums hit the streets for International Babywearing Week. Left to right: Emma Dinnin and Ralph, Heather Kirk and Dharcie, Jade Greiner and Leila, Louise Ross and Iona-Marie, Sarah Vickers and Bryony[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7846" align="alignnone" width="680"]
SLING SUPPORTERS . . . mums and their tots met in Lockerbie to mark International Babywearing Week. Left to right: Jasmine and Archie, Lauren and Bridgette, Kerrie and Rubie, organiser Emma Dinnin of the Slinging Around group and Ralph, Nadine and Harris and Gail with Coen and Lauryn.[/caption] Trained babywearing consultant Ami Aindow, of Dumfries Sling Library, said: "Carrying your baby can have huge physical and emotional benefits for baby and carer alike." Explaining more about the sling library, which offers support, advice and the chance to try out equipment to parents across the region, she said: "The project has been a huge success and we have supported over 150 families. "It has been a hugely rewarding experience for myself and the library's peer supporters; and there is nothing nicer than seeing a mum or dad come in with a child who is exhausted, won't sleep, or who is upset to then send them out with their baby snuggled safely to their chest and sound asleep." [caption id="attachment_7849" align="alignnone" width="680"]
ADVICE . . . Amy Aindow with mum Alison Clelland[/caption] Fellow consultant Mirka Soukopova added: "Traditionally sling libraries tend to evolve from individuals, but we are very much owned and driven by the community and believe passionately in building capacity to allow others to develop and lead their own groups, and to continue the support long after our own children are grown. "International Babywearing Week is always a really positive time of reflection for us." [caption id="attachment_7843" align="alignnone" width="680"]
SUPPORT . . . sling consultant Mirka Soukapova helps mum Kirsty Scott and baby Rocco[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7848" align="alignnone" width="680"]
FRIENDLY . . . Tete Tainsh with peer supporter Lucy Rogerson[/caption] [caption id="attachment_7847" align="alignnone" width="680"]
HELPFUL . . . peer supporter Ewelina Sosnicka with mum Louisa McElroy[/caption] To find out more about using a sling or becoming a volunteer, go to www.facebook.com/dumfriesslinglibrary or email
[email protected]
