Yesterday was a day of celebration as we attended a family wedding. It also marked a milestone. It was the first major occasion where I didn’t sling. 

Despite Isaac getting up at 4.50am,  he never flagged. He sang, danced and partied the night away until 9.40pm when exhausted he did collapse. Henry was also tired, so it was time to go home. I did have a Ring Sling with me: a Woven Wings Leaf Gold conversion, chosen as it matched my outfit. It was also the sling Isaac had chosen from the two available. The other being a Pavo Coy Hearts ring sling conversion.

I was sad. My husband didn’t let me out Isaac in the sling at 9.40 as he said it was “for your benefit only”. Carrying Isaac has been part of my parenting toolkit. Slings are part of my fabric. I can honestly say I felt heartbroken. My baby is not a baby anymore. He starts school in September. Last night when he was exhausted I wanted to carry him. It is what I have always done. I did feel like part of me was missing. The carries we have had over the last 4 years have been a major part of our relationship. They are what got us through the difficult days, the lack of sleep, reflux, the sleep apnea, teething, countless chest infections and just those bad days. Now to embrace the in arms cuddles from the fiercely independent little boy.

How did you cope when your carrying journey came to an end? Yesterday my ring sling lived in my bag, until eventually it was used as a shawl.