Baby and Toddler Sling Lending Library
A special thank you to Cascadia Credit Union Revelstoke, Howard C. Green Memorial Fund and community members for their generous support in helping launch this initiative.
What is the sling lending library?!
A community wide resource for all expecting and current caregivers in Revelstoke. It is a library specifically for slings, carriers, outdoor backpacks. To promote the increase in use of babywearing for both the benefits of caregiver and their children, in a low cost and environmentally friendly way. Infant and toddler slings are expensive, varied and often have a short lifespan within a family as the children grow and change. They also claim to be one size fits all, but often isn’t the case. The aim of the library is to provide a variety of slings for you to try, borrow, return and borrow again as you like. Have a newborn and aren’t sure? Come and try our different sling types? Going away on holiday and want a quick up/down for your toddler- come and try our hip carriers.
Why are we launching it?!
Long story short, carrying our infants and toddlers improves a lot of different outcomes in all our lives, all positive. For caregivers, being hands free enables you to; move more, get things done, keep closeness and improve your mental and physical wellbeing. For our kids, it improves bonding (not just for moms), reducing crying, improves sleep, weight gain, brain development….. You name it! As the scientific evidence backs up the innate knowledge of our ancestors, we can now see that carrying our kids and babies truly does support their social, emotional and physical development into well rounded adults. By increasing physical closeness, nurturing touch and shared sensory experiences we are able to shape their brains and bodies into more resilient, calmer, and co-regulated little humans. If you are interested in the developmental science here is a link to some of the studies: Babywearing Articles & ResearchHow it works:
- Check out our different slings you think you would like to try or borrow on our website. If there is one you would like to try either email: idp@community-connectionsa.ca to arrange a 15-30 minute consultation or check out the item from the library.
- Collect the sling/ carrier from our office, read the manufacturing instructions of how to fit it to you and give it a whirl!
- Spot clean the sling while you are using it.
- Then, return your sling on or before the month trial ends. If you would like to see if you can extend the rental period, please email idp@community-connections.ca.
You can repeat the process as many times as you like. There is a $15 monthly fee to take out up to three items each month.
Our sling inventory has everything from newborn through to 5 years old (if you can still carry them at that point!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire more than one item at a time?
Yes, you can hire up to three items at a time depending on availability.
Can I extend my hire beyond one month?
Yes, just like a traditional library, we would like to accommodate longer rentals depending on availability. Please contact idp@community-connections.ca to enquire about this when you complete the hire.
Should I wash my sling before returning?
Please spot clean sling. Do not wash before returning. We do not ask you to wash the slings as sometimes freshly washed carriers are less soft or flexible so often harder to use, and frequent machine washing can shorten the lifespan of the item or may be unsuitable for certain fabrics. We will wash the slings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. We do not charge clients for usual wear and tear of slings.
I don’t know what sling to choose! Can I have a consultation before choosing a rental?
Absolutely, If you would like to come in and discuss together about which sling would be the best fit for your family, please email: idp@community-connections.ca to arrange a time. Consultations will likely be between 15-30minutes in duration and you are able to try one different slings that are available at the time.
What is the cost of renting a sling?
To be a member of the library we charge a $15 monthly rental fee. This fee enables you to take out up to three slings at a time. We charge an extra $5 per month for our very expensive outdoor carriers. The cost of each rental is put towards, cleaning, running of the library and reinvested into new inventory. We do not make any profits from running the library and rely on donations to keep it running.
Why do you charge for renting slings?
Like all our services at Community Connections we aim to minimize barriers to our services as much as possible. This service currently relies on donations and so we have placed the $15 per month membership fee to support our administration, consultations, cleaning and (if able) reinvest into adding more slings to the library. We do not take a profit from this library.
Do you have specialist slings for preemies and twins?
Yes! We have some slings that are appropriate for smaller babies and twins, we recommend booking for a consultation for this.
Can I try slings before my baby is born?
Yes! We would suggest renting a sling within the month of your due date. We have lots of stretchy wrap slings that are great for newborns and are not likely to be out of stock when you are thinking about buying items. Fitting slings when heavily pregnant is harder as your body changes after birth, but we are happy to do consultations during your rental.
Sling Library Terms & Conditions
Important Safety
Info
Main Office
314 Second St East,
Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
Contact Us
PO BOX 2880, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0
Phone: 250 837 2920
Fax: 250 837 2909
info@community-connections.ca
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Charitable Registration Number: 107890386RR0001