Folks, we have a babywearing community in Birmingham. We are now averaging 30 adults in attendance at Magic City Slingers meetings, with lots of new folks coming all the time, and we’re still planning more outreach programs. And yet, aside from some nice fitted pouches that can be had in maternity stores (Mimi Maternity had a couple of Peanut Shells that last time I went in, and Pickles & Ice Cream carried Hotslings the last time I heard), and a few Targets (Alabaster and Fultondale, last I heard, had some Hotslings), you can’t buy a nice sling in the Birmingham area — at least not that I know of. It’s shop the internet or don’t shop.
So here’s my challenge. If you have a brick and mortar store in Birmingham that caters to parents and children, GET WITH IT! Offer a selection of slings … unpadded ring slings, mei tais, soft structured carriers, wraparound slings, and pouches.
If you know of a brick and mortar store that sells great slings (besides frontpacks, heavily padded, closed-tail slings, and frame backpacks) for Goodness’ sake, share that information by posting a comment.
It’s not like there’s not a market here. Just check our Flickr album and see some of the many slings that have been purchased by Birmingham residents from other places.
Update: Jennifer reports that The Swanky Stork, off Hwy 280 in the Village at Lee Branch, has a good selection of Hotslings. http://www.theswankystork.com