ONE of the country’s oldest ‘sling libraries’ is celebrating 10 years of helping new parents live a more mobile life.

The Oxford Sling Library has proven to be a valuable resource for hundreds of parents since its inception in 2008, with the baby carrier adopted by celebrities and hipster dads alike.

It rents slings and carriers of all shapes and sizes to families across Oxfordshire at fortnightly sessions in St Albans Hall, East Oxford and monthly meet ups in Botley.

Josie Hadjiev took on the running of the library four years ago, after being inspired by seeing parents around the world carry their baby by a sling.

She said the simple baby carrier brings a huge number of benefits, explaining: “It’s a complete game changer for most people.

“A lot of parents are reliant on buggies but they can be very limiting on what you can do.

“You have to stick to concrete paths and your hands are always occupied.

“The sling is very versatile, I used one all the time with my own child.

“It gives you the opportunity to carry your baby with you and go about your daily life and do all the things you usually do, unhindered.

“All types of people are finding it really helpful.”

New parents are invited to test out a number of different slings from the library for a small fee.

They are given guidance and help from a professional and test out different scenarios with a doll before using one with their own baby.

Hires can then be made for between two and six weeks to help find the ideal option.

Alongside the practical benefits, the sling can help parents, particularly fathers, to bond with the baby, according to Ms Hadjiev.

She said: “Babies often want their mothers in the first year of their life and this can be hard for new dads.

“But the sling is a really strong way to connect.

“The child can hear the dad’s heart beat and it feeds mental health and self esteem.

“Their use has really sky-rocketed and can be used by anyone including grandparents or carers.

“There is such a diversity of styles.”

Since the Oxford library started, the trend has been copied across the country, something Ms Hadjiev attributes in part to celebrities being pictured with slings in the press.

The Oxford Sling Library will celebrate its official birthday on Friday with a tea and cake celebration at one of its regular meet-ups.

In the future it is planning to expand in to areas such as North Oxford and run targeted outreach sessions including at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

For more information see oxfordslinglibrary.co.uk