Baby Freebies UK lists free stuff for your baby, for mums-to-be, and those who are mums already

Baby Pouch and Baby Slings

Baby Pouch

BabyPouch offers natural baby carriers for the 21st century parent. These baby slings are the natural alternative to prams - research shows that sling babies cry less, are more organised, get 'humanised' earlier and are brighter.

Baby slings are huge in the US and babypouch brings them over to the UK. Celebrity devotees include Liv Tyler, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie, Cindy Crawford, Courtney Cox and more...

Baby Slings

Research now shows that sling babies cry less, learn more, are more organised, get "humanised" earlier, and are brighter. Osteopaths also recommend slings for parents backs,

The Didymos was invented by Erika Hoffmann in the early 1970s. She wanted to get on with her day and look after baby at the same time. She realized that this is exactly what women the world over have done for centuries by simply tying baby to them. The Didymos is a long piece of cloth that is tied in various different ways depending on preference and the age of the child. Although it takes a bit of practise to use, it is immensely versatile and we at babypouch.co.uk love it because it is totally organic and fair-trade. The dyes are natural and non-toxic so it can be used even for the most sensitive baby skin. It has a unique weave that gives the right balance between stretch and support. It comes with an extensive booklet of tying instructions. Suitable from birth – 31.

The Kari-me is a wonderfully soft and stretchy tie-on sling. Its length and width make it really versatile, even for older babies; a nine month old can comfortably sleep in the hammock position. Its length and stretch make this a very comfortable sling to wear for extended periods as it distributes the weight really well.. The babypouch.co.uk team think this is an excellent choice and love the fact it is very affordable and UK based. It comes with its own carry bag. Suitable from birth – 33lbs.

“hug-a-bub is different. It is a wrap-around, soft cotton baby sling, which holds your baby close to your heart. Your baby feels hugged even though your hands may be busy doing other things.”

The hug-a-bub baby carrier is great for parent and child alike. It offers total support for baby and its ergonomic design wins approval with chiropractors, osteopaths, and physio-therapists. It is suitable for premature babies and can be used until you simply find your toddler too big to carry. A comfortable and stylish sling, it definitely gets the babypouch.co.uk seal of approval. It comes with a free video with carrying instructions. Suitable from birth – 3

The Maya Wrap Sling is a ring sling that is incredibly versatile and great for breast-feeding mothers. The ‘tail’ of the sling can be used for discretion wherever you are. Made from 100% cotton and fairly traded from Guatemala where it is hand-loomed. It has been tested to hold up to 100lbs in weight, though it is not recommended to hold more than 35lbs. It has six carrying positions and can be used as a harness and light-weight blanket, among other things. The babypouch.co.uk team love it because the funky fabrics are so appealing and it is relatively simple to use. It comes with a free DVD with carrying instructions. Suitable from birth – 35lbs.

The MamaBaby sling is designed to use two slings at the same time though even by itself it makes a lovely soft ring sling. Made of luxuriously soft and stretchy cotton it can be used in all the same positions as the other ring slings. If you use two together you can wear baby in some of the same ways as the tie on slings and Wjhave their weight more evenly distributed across both shoulders. In this way you can carry an older child on your back which is great for long walks. Wearing two with a newborn allows you to carry baby up high and is great for longer walks when baby gets that much heavier to evenly distribute the weight. The babypouch.co.uk team love the fact you get all the ease of a ring sling with all the variety of the tie-up slings. Because of its softness and stretch we recommend it as a lovely ring-sling but its real uniqueness is as a double sling.
Suitable from birth-3.

You can’t beat the Maya Wrap Adjustable Pouch for total sling-ability. So easy to use and adjustable. Just put the sling over your shoulder and place baby in. With the unique zip system people of different sizes can easily share it and it gives it more versatility with different carrying positions as your child grows. The zips have been tested to withstand 150lbs in weight and in the unlikely event the zip fails the pouch has been designed so that it will simply open to the largest setting and baby will still be safe. Fits easily into your bag. It is hand-loomed in Guatemala. The babypouch.co.uk team find this one hard to beat for pure ease and practicality. It comes with a free DVD with carrying instructions. Suitable from birth – 35lbs.

The New Native baby carrier is a simple, easy to use design with no buckles or straps. This makes it easy to fold up small and put in a bag to take out as needed. It has a deep pocket making it easier for bigger babies to sit in the kangaroo position before they are ready for a hip-carry. The owner Nancy Scrivens developed this sling for her third child to try and avoid the constant arm ache and back ache she suffered when carrying her older children. It is made by at-home mothers in the USA. The babypouch.co.uk team like its simplicity and the fact that it is available in organic cotton. Suitable from birth – 35lbs.

Ergo - A unique baby carrier designed for children up to 60lbs. The Ergo can also be used for newborns with an infant insert. Named for its ergonomic design the babypouch.co.uk dads especially liked this one. Great for hiking and walking and much lighter and easier to use than a hard-frame back pack. There is an integral pocket on the back – good for a bottle or spare nappy – and a small pocket on the waist band – handy for a credit card. If you want to be totally bag free some excellent accessories are available which attach to the carrier. These include a back sack, great for nappies, wipes and a change of clothes; and a front pouch, great for a purse, keys, and a mobile phone. There is also a waist extension for the already highly adjustable waist band (from 27 – 45 inches). Designed to give maximum comfort to parent and child, the Ergo has padded shoulder straps, hip, and lower-back support for the parent and a head support for the sleeping child. Seems like they thought of everything! Suitable from birth – 60lbs.