The KāhuBaby Story

KāhuBaby, simple togetherness. It’s difficult to find an exact point in time, and say “that’s where KāhuBaby begun”. KāhuBaby has been an evolution, rather than a birth.

KāhuBaby began in Aoteoroa (New Zealand). With sand between toes, sunlight on water, lightness and freedom. Kāhu is a hawk, embodying simple freedom and soaring between Papa (the earth mother) and Rangi (the sky father).

KāhuBaby was founded and designed by Carissa, who moved from New Zealand to the Lake District where she met her partner Martin. Later they welcomed their own tiny people to share the world with, and without family nearby to help, needed ways to still enjoy freedom and adventures around the Lakes.

Baby carriers and slings seemed the obvious answer to keeping their children close and having hands free. They tried various combinations of wraps and carriers – some worked well, and others less so. Friends with babies had also tried various different baby carriers and not always had success with them.

KāhuBaby evolved through work with thousands of parents, carers, and their children, as well as ongoing professional development. The KāhuBaby Carrier embodies Carissa’s passion for carrying her children and helping families to build strong attachments – Simple Togetherness. 

Fast forward to 2026 - Carissa was ready to pass the Kahubaby legacy to someone new. That’s where Gemma and Katy come in!

 

Gemma has been within the babywearing industry for the past 7 years, after finding her local sling library who taught her how to safely carry her newborn. She then set up Central Lancashire Slings and ran that alongside her ‘pays to bills’ job until finally in 2024 took the plunge and went all-in with the sling library. The sling library is now a non-profit organisation and is growing steadily. Gemma will still direct the organisation, however has a lovely raft of volunteers (including Katy) to help as she starts to also focus on Kahubaby.

Katy actually met Gemma through Central Lancashire Slings and they quickly realised how well they worked together. Katy has such a passion for babywearing and her knowledge has grown so quickly.

Both Gemma and Katy have championed Kahubaby after using the carriers with their own children. Gemma has been friendly with Carissa for many years through the babywearing community and literally jumped at the chance to carry on this amazing brand.

We are so excited for this new chapter and hope KāhuBaby frees you to share your world with your baby.