When you are done here why not visit Colchester Perinatal Hug to see our network of professionals catering for all your pregnancy, birth and postnatal needs!
Colchester Sling Library
The library currently has over 80 slings of all shapes and sizes. From wraps to stretchies, to buckled carrier! We have ones that will suit everyone. And if we don't have it, I can probably get it!
Check out what slings are available here!
Come along to a library session to see what we have available, there are 2 sessions a month, click or scroll down to see the details
What's a Sling Library session?
2 sessions a month
One at the Family social at Tollgate Hall
One at St John's Church community centre
£5/session
Free for new and existing members
15 minute slots with a volunteer
Drop by any time during the session
We work on a first come, first serve basis
❤ Choose a sling/carrier to hire and we'll show you how to use it in a basic front carry
❤ Get a quick stretchy tutorial.
❤ Get help making your own sling more comfortable.
❤ Get some advice
What help can you get?
Sling Hire
Slings/carriers hired on a monthly basis during a library session or a consultation
£10 or £15/month
Depending on sling
Can hire for 3 month blocks
Deals!
❤ Have a baby under 8 weeks old?
Hire a stretchy wrap,
3 months for the price of 2!
❤ Got twins?
Hire 2 carriers for the price of one!
(some exceptions apply)
Door stop hire is also available
(contact for more details)
Non-contact pick up from a drop box available
Membership is no longer compulsory to hire slings.
However, you get lots of benefits by becoming a member, including free library sessions!
Various membership options:
Subscription
Basic
Enhanced
Bump to Baby
Click here for more details
Beautiful Bonds Monthly Family Social
What to expect?
❤ Sling library with Beautiful Bonds
❤ Feeding support from Jenny Harmer, IBCLC
❤ Different special guests each month
❤ NEW baby group demos
❤ Refreshments
❤ Toys and soft area for babies and toddlers to play
Booking only required if you are wanting to use the sling library where extra charges apply
To come and socilise is free
(Suggested £1.50 donation to help cover refreshments)
2025
Jan 17th
Feb 21st
March 21st
April - NO SESSION
May 16th
June 20th
July 18th
Aug NO SESSION
Monthly Masterclass
and Sling library
St John's Church Community Centre
Every 1st Tuesday of the month
(for address and directions click here)
Sling Library
10am-12 noon
Booking encouraged but not essential
Drop in any time during the 2 hours for a 15 minute slot.
2025
Jan 7th
Feb 4th
March 4th
April 1st
May 6th
June 3rd
July 1st
Aug NO SESSION
Masterclasses
10.30-11am
Booking required
£5 to attend (free for members)
30 minute group session to learn a specific carrying skill
2025
Jan 7th - Using your sling as a feeding aid
Feb 4th - When baby wants to see more
March 4th - Using your sling as a feeding aid
April 1st - Ring Slings
May 6th - TBC
June 3rd - Summer babywearing
July 1st - Back carrying with your buckle, quick tips
Aug NO SESSION
Happy Clients
Super helpful and knowledgeable with the slings. We had a fabulous, socially distanced, appointment at Kingsland Church and I have now hired a super comfy sling for my new little girl. Thank you
Laura
"Helpful advice and Maria is always on hand to help when you need it. Great to be able to try the slings, if you’re thinking of buying, so you know you’ve got the right one."
Kelly
"game changer! visiting the sling library has given me my hands back! after a few hours of borrowing a ring sling I have a tidier house and a napping bubba. very happy customer!"
Carys
"I've been chatting and using Colchester slings for about 8 months. I used Maria mainly to help me find a toddler carrier, in that time I have become pregnant again and she has been a wealth of knowledge helping me carry my toddler safely during the pregnancy. I have purchased from her retail side too now as she helped me find something suitable for both a toddler and the new baby when they arrive. I will absolutely be using her again once the baby is here to help with sling use for breastfeeding and and participating in the sling walks where I can too. I can't recommend her enough. So many options whether it's help with your own, looking at a different carrier or wanting to try out carrying for the first time."
Kerys