SLING HIRE TERMS & CONDITIONS

These terms apply to all sling library hires through Astera Babywearing, alongside my general Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

By hiring a sling or carrier, you agree to the following.

(1) Eligibility and responsibility

Hirers must be aged 18 or over. The person hiring the sling or carrier is responsible for it for the full hire period, including any use by another caregiver.

Carriers must only be used in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines and any advice given during a consultation, drop-in, or fitting.

(2) Ownership

All slings and carriers remain the property of Kristina Hall (Astera Babywearing) at all times. Hiring a carrier does not transfer ownership.

(3) Hire period

The hire period begins on the agreed collection date and ends on the agreed return date.

Please return carriers on time. If you need to extend your hire, get in touch as soon as possible - extensions are often possible if the carrier hasn’t already been booked.

(4) Hire fees and deposits

The prices for sling library hires are kept as simple and accessible as possible:

First week: €10
Each additional week: €5

If you’re unable to return the carrier on time, please contact me to arrange an extension. If a carrier is overdue with no extension agreed, late fees of €1 per day will apply.

A refundable deposit is required for all sling library hires. Deposit amounts are:

Stretchy wraps & ring slings: €40
Woven wraps: €60
Soft structured carriers, half buckles & meh dais: €80

Deposits must be paid before or at the start of the hire period.

If the carrier is returned on the agreed date and in the same condition it was loaned (including any accessories), the deposit will be refunded in full within 5 working days.

In the event of loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear, part or all of the deposit may be retained to cover repair or replacement costs. If a carrier is not returned within 28 days of the agreed hire end date, it will be marked as a non-return and the deposit retained in full.

If cost is a barrier or paying a deposit isn’t possible, please get in touch - I’m always happy to have a conversation and see what we can work out.

(5) Damage to carriers

All carriers are checked before lending to ensure they are in good condition and working order, and I will check this with you at the start of the hire. You must confirm on the loan form that the carrier is in working order and note any existing imperfections.

It is the hirer’s responsibility to check the carrier before each use, including buckles, seams, hems, and fabric. If any damage is discovered, please stop using the carrier immediately and contact me.

Normal wear and tear is expected and includes softening of fabric, light creasing, minor bobbling, or slight fading over time. These do not affect safety or function.

Damage beyond normal wear and tear includes (but is not limited to):

tears or holes in fabric
broken buckles, webbing, or fastenings
significant staining
strong lingering smells (e.g. smoke, damp, perfume)
unauthorised alterations or repairs

Any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and costs may be taken from the deposit. Lost accessories or components will be charged at replacement cost. If a carrier is no longer suitable for hire, the full deposit will be retained.

(6) Care, cleaning, and wear

Carriers are checked and spot cleaned between hires, with full washes carried out regularly or when needed. This maintains hygiene while protecting the fabrics.

Please don’t wash carriers during the hire period unless we’ve agreed this in advance. If something gets dirty, just let me know and I’ll take care of it upon return.

Suck pads are provided with soft structured carriers and should be used where possible to help protect straps from dribble and chewing.

While I do my best to minimise this, I can’t guarantee carriers are completely free from animal hair. If you have a severe allergy, please let me know and I’ll endeavour to launder the carrier before hire.

Food, dribble, and posset marks are expected and usually easy to spot clean. Please contact me for specific cleaning advice if this happens. Carriers should be kept away from anything that could cause permanent staining or damage (e.g. oil, pens, bleach, scissors, Velcro, fire).

Smoking and vaping is not permitted while wearing, holding, or being near the carrier.

(7) Loss or damage

If a carrier is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair during the hire period, the hirer may be responsible for the full replacement cost. Any retained deposit will be deducted from this amount.

Please let me know as soon as possible if there are any issues - early communication is always appreciated and often helps resolve things more easily.

(8) Use and safety

Carriers are hired in good working condition. It is the hirer’s responsibility to:

check the carrier before each use
use it appropriately and within guidance
stop using it if there are any safety concerns

Astera Babywearing cannot accept responsibility for any accidents that result in injury or harm whilst the carrier is in your care. It is your responsibility to make sure you are using the carrier or sling correctly and that your baby or child is safe at all times while using the sling or carrier.

If you are experiencing any pain while using the carrier readjust it or remove it. If you are finding it difficult to use the carrier you have hired, please get back in contact with me so I can support you.

(9) Data and privacy

Any personal information collected for sling library hires will be used only for managing bookings and communication, in line with the Astera Babywearing Privacy Policy.

(10) Questions and flexibility

If anything here feels unclear, or if you have circumstances you’d like to discuss, please get in touch. I aim to keep the sling library accessible, supportive, and community-focused wherever possible.