Sling Library

Our Sling Library offers a growing range of slings and carriers for babies and children from newborn up to around 4 years.

Whether you’re new to babywearing, want to try a different carrier, or need help getting the fit right on a sling you already own, our trained babywearing peer supporters are here to help.

What we offer

Try & hire a sling - £12 per 2 week loan

Hire a carrier and try it out at home. You can borrow up to 2 carriers at a time. Hires start at 2 weeks and can be extended for up to 3 months in total, subject to availability. 

Sling fit check - £5

Already have your own sling or carrier? Bring it along and we’ll help you check the fit and make any adjustments you need.

Come and see us

We offer drop-in sling support during our Wednesday and Friday Stay & Play sessions, 10 am – 11.30 am during term time. You don’t have to be a member of the Toy Library to access the Sling Library services.

You can find us at The Old School, St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 9AR. Our entrance can be found via the what3words location: ///occupy.twigs.cookbooks.

We also run pop-up Sling Library sessions at different locations and on different days, making it easier for families who can’t make our usual sessions to access our service.

Keep an eye on our social media and latest news for details of upcoming pop-up sessions.

Before visiting

Before you come to see us, it would be really helpful if you could do the following:

  1. Read our terms & conditions and complete the form below.

  2. If you are hoping to borrow a sling from us, registering your details on Lend Engine in advance will speed up the process. It will also enable you to browse our collection of slings and carriers so you can see what we have available before you come.

Go to Lend Engine

  • Sling Library Terms and Conditions - September 2026

     

    By loaning a sling or carrier from Harrogate and Knaresborough Toy Library, you agree to abide by these Terms & Conditions.


    Harrogate and Knaresborough Sling Library is run by trained Baby-Wearing Peer Supporters and volunteers. No payment is taken for time or expertise; hire fees go directly into supporting the charity.

    • “Sling” and “carrier” include any baby-wearing device.

    • “Wrap” refers specifically to rectangular woven fabric designed for carrying children.

    By agreeing to a sling hire, you accept that:

    • You will pay the hire fee for the agreed period.

    • Payment for slings reserved by members themselves is taken upon reservation. These fees are refundable if the reservation is cancelled before the collection date. Once the hire period has commenced, hire fees are non-refundable.

    • The hire agreement is personal to you and your family.

    • You may not re-hire, lend or authorise use of the sling by others without prior written agreement.

    We will supply slings that are:

    • Suitable for you and your child

    • Clean and in good condition

     

    Your Obligations to Us

    • You accept that the sling is in good condition when hired and suitable for its intended purpose.

    • You will use the sling only as intended, safely and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

    • You are responsible for ensuring that the sling is used safely and correctly and that all users understand its safe use.

    • You must return the sling and accessories in good condition by the agreed date.

    • Extensions are subject to availability and must be arranged before the end of the hire period.

    • If the sling is damaged, you must stop using it and inform the Toy Library immediately.

     

    Hire Rules

    • Up to 2 carriers may be borrowed at one time.

    • Hire cost: £12 per carrier for a standard 2-week hire.

    • Standard hire period: 2 weeks, renewable up to 3 months, subject to availability.

    • Slings must be returned during Toy Library opening hours or via our out-of-hours drop box by prior arrangement.

    • Payment is taken by card when the sling is reserved.

    • Hire fees are non-refundable once the hire period has commenced.

     

    Extensions and Returns

    • Extensions must be arranged and paid for before the due date.

    • If another family requires the sling, an extension request may be declined.

    • If a sling is not returned by the end of the agreed hire period, we will contact you to find out how you are getting on. An additional £12 hire charge will apply for each further two-week period until the sling is returned.

    • No further sling loans can be made until the sling is returned and any outstanding hire fees have been paid.

    • Where there are exceptional circumstances, the Toy Library may waive or reduce additional hire fees at its discretion.

     

    Care of Slings

    • Avoid smoking, pets or exposure to strong odours.

    • Use suck pads to prevent strap damage.

    • Do not wash without advice; spot clean where possible.

    • If machine washing: use non-bio detergent, no fabric conditioner and no tumble drying.

    Personal Details

    • We store your name, contact details and other information to manage your hire securely in Lend Engine. We use this information to administer the Sling Library and communicate with you about your hire. Our handling of your personal information is in accordance with GDPR. 

    If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, your membership or a loan, please contact us at handktoylibrary@gmail.com