Here in Scotland, expectant families are lucky enough to be offered the Scottish Baby Box, which contains a stretchy baby wrap.
As your little one grows you will find it more comfortable to move on from a stretchy wrap to something with more support, which will continue the feeling of closeness and all cuddles you've experienced while exploring the world together.
A woven wrap is used in much the same way as your stretchy sling; the way you tie and position are all very similar. Wovens will offer you more support as your little one grows with the ability to stay with you from newborn all the way through to toddlerhood.
Still working out how to use your stretchy?
Visit our 'How To' blog
We are delighted that a stretchy wrap is being provided by the government in the Scottish Baby Box, which is given to all new parents Scotland. The inclusion of the wrap highlights how beneficial slings can be for the development of baby, from bonding to attachment and healthy development. These benefits don't end with your stretchy, a woven sling can continue this support of babies development while keeping you hands-free to enjoy time out and about together.
Transitioning to a Woven Wrap
Woven wraps are a natural progression from the stretchy wrap as all the skills you have learnt over the last few months mean you are in a great position to start using a woven sling.
Even the process of putting it on starts the same for the most commonly taught first carry: the Front Wrap Cross Carry. This is a great place to start if you want to try out a woven sling.
Woven wraps are very versatile and support your child's weight so well they last right the way through until you no longer want to use a carrier – and they can also be used from birth too if you'd prefer to start earlier.
Another benefit of using a woven wrap is they can be tied in many different ways and come in an amazing array of colours, making them a gorgeous accessory!
Tips For Moving from a Stretchy to a Woven Wrap
- Leave more room than you would for a stretchy, and then tighten around your baby. The key difference between your stretchy and a woven wrap is that a woven is not elasticated - it may take a few tries to get this right.
- Enjoy the process of wrapping - this means taking your time and enjoying the process.
- Start with a Front Wrap Cross Carry - it'll feel so familiar you'll quickly get used to it.
- Choose a woven wrap that you really love. There are so many colours, patterns and fabrics available there's bound to be one you fall in love with. Click here for help choosing a wrap.
Want a Little Extra Support?
There are also lots of people who are trained in how to use baby carriers - called Baby Carrying Consultants or Peer Supporters, and those who run drop-in sessions called Sling Libraries, who can help you out in person if you feel you would like more support with moving from a stretchy to a woven wrap.
Find the nearest Sling Consultant to you
Dr. Rosie Knowles demonstrating how to carry a newborn in a woven wrap
Why Choose Oscha's Woven Wraps?
Founded by mum Zoe, Oscha began when her love for wrapping became a day to day life-saver after her twin boys were born just 16 months after her daughter. With a passion for slings and for design, Zoe's vision of a wrap company which offers parents elegant, colourful baby carriers quickly became a reality. Zoe and the Oscha team continue to design unique woven patterns and use innovative weaving techniques to make baby carrying a beautiful and comfortable experience for all. Read the full Oscha Story.
Oscha is a carbon-neutral company and our baby carriers are made with zero-waste. Our fabrics are woven in the British Isles from responsibly sourced yarns before they are lovingly handcrafted into slings in our solar-powered Scottish workshop. Plus, each sling sold contributes to our growing Oscha grove which is helping to reforest the Scottish Highlands. Read more about our ethics.
If you'd like to read more, we have a number of blogs which might be useful for you. From top tips for people new to wovens & the amazing benefits of carrying, to posts designed to help you understand the different fabric compositions available in woven wraps.
If you have any questions about woven slings then please email us at info@oschaslings.com and we will be happy to help.
