About our Slings:

• Hands free, perfect for active parents
• Helps soothe fussy babies
• Promotes the bond between parent and child
• Makes breastfeeding even more convenient
• Versatile, many carrying positions
• Suitable for newborns through toddlers up to 35 lbs
• Convenient, compact design
• Fun and fashionable fabric choices
• Comfortably distributes baby's weight
• 10 sizes for a perfect fit
• Optional leg padding for baby's comfort in the hip carry
• Easy care, easy wear. Machine wash, line dry
• Hand made in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
• 1000's in stock, ready to ship today!

About our Fabrics

Our slings are made out of a variety of woven stretch cotton blend fabrics. Our fabrics stretch just a bit widthwise, not lengthwise. The stretch is similar to that of stretch denim, just enough to add comfort but not so much that the sling stretches out. Our slings are not made of knit fabrics.

• Stretch Twill:    A strong, durable fabric characterized by diagonal micro ridges on the face of the fabric. Stretch twill is often used for khaki pants, for example. Appropriate year round. Softens nicely after washing.
• Stretch Denim:   A durable twill fabric that is most popular in indigo blue. It softens a lot after washing.
• Stretch Sateen:   Sateen describes a kind of weave which makes a smoother finish than traditional weaves. It has more thread surface on the face of the cloth than other basic weaves giving a softer hand and more lustrous look. Think of very high thread count bed sheets with a touch of stretch. This is our thinnest and coolest fabric, ideal for summer but wearable year round.
• Stretch Corduroy:    A thick woven fabric with raised vertically cut lines called "wales" running lengthwise down the fabric; it is often used for pants or jackets. Cords are measured by “wales”. The higher the wale number, the thinner the lines. Corduroy is most appropriate for cool fall and winter weather. Corduroy pouches are a good addition to your baby wearing 'wardrobe'; however if you are only buying one pouch we would recommend you start with another fabric such as twill or sateen. Corduroy pouches can be "clingy" and hard to adjust if you are just learning.

Why should you use a pouch Sling?
There are many other types of carriers with bulky padding, ties, rings and buckles, and others that require elaborate wrapping...sometimes the simplest idea is the best! 

Pouch slings are:

• the easiest and most versatile carrier to use, whether for a newborn or a 3 year old.
• quick and easy to put on and take off
• compact to pack in a purse or diaper bag
• easy to care for

Getting the proper size is very important and can sometimes be difficult if you haven't worn a pouch sling before.
We are happy to offer exchanges for new condition slings if you order the wrong size, please see our returns page for information on exchanging your sling.
If you have any questions about the fit or what size you need, please contact us!

There is no specific weight/age limit. Generally speaking, most children stop wanting to be carried in a sling by age 3 to 4 and 35 lbs.   In most cases, your child will stop wanting to be carried before they outgrow the sling.  

Sizing

Measure from shoulder to opposite hip. Generally, your size is the measurement from the middle of your shoulder bone to the top of your opposite hip bone.

Our pouch slings are sized 22-30 inches, this is the measurement along the top "rail". Most women wear a size 23, 24, 25 or 26. Most men will wear a 26 or 27. The fold to the deepest part of the pouch is 3 inches longer than the top rail. So, a size 24 sling would be 24 inches long on the opening and 27 inches long on the fold. Custom sizes, including half sizes, are available in most of our fabrics.   

You most likely will be able to wear more than one size of sling, it is a matter of preference which one you will be more comfortable in. Some people like to wear their baby higher or tighter, other people like their baby lower or looser. My preference is to wear my baby high up on my chest, with her bottom near my waist, 1-2 inches below my belly button.  


Most Slinglings are made from cotton/lycra blend fabrics that stretch widthwise, which makes them more confortable for both the baby and the wearer.   Some of our fabrics will shrink if washed in warm water or machine dried. .   If you are happy with the fit of your sling, we recommend machine washing in cold water and line drying. If your sling is slightly too big, we recommend you wash your sling in warm water and machine dry.

Over time and a lot of wear the fabric may seem to "stretch out". This is normal, and washing and drying will return the sling to its normal size. Our fabrics get better and softer with washing, don't be afraid to wash your sling.
A few of our print sateens will fade with repeated washing. You can minimize this by machine washing in cool water and air drying.   

If you are pregnant or recently gave birth, it is a good idea to measure across your back from shoulder to opposite hip and compare this to your front measurement.

Depending on your torso length, you may be able to comfortably wear more than one size. Short torsoed people have less leeway in choosing a size. If you have narrow shoulders you will have less leeway in choosing a size as well. It's important that you wear the correct size. A good fit is important to a comfortable pouch sling experience. In case you order the wrong size, you may exchange your new sling for 30 days. Please see the Returns page for our exchange policy, we are happy to extend the exchange period if you are pregnant or buying the sling as a gift. We are extremely flexible with exchanges.

The baby should be carried near your center of gravity. The curve of the sling should reach just below your naval when the baby is in it. The sling should be spread out flat across your back and over your shoulder. It should not dig into your neck or slide off of your shoulder.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

I don't know what twill or sateen are. What are your fabrics like?   
There are fabric definitions above.

Can I wear the Slingling on either shoulder?
Yes, you can buy one sling and wear it on either your left or right shoulder. The sling will function the same on either one.

What is the difference between a padded Slingling and an unpadded Slingling?                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The padding is designed to go under an older child's (6 mos & up) legs, in the bend behind the knees, in any of the leg-out positions.

I have a sling that I bought several months ago. I have been using it since then and it is now too large. Will you alter it? Can I exchange it?
We can not exchange used slings for new slings. We can alter used UNPADDED slings a minimum of one inch from shoulder to hip for a fee of $8 per sling. This includes return shipping from us to you. We will not alter unpadded slings less than 1" nor can we alter padded slings. Please wash and dry your sling prior to sending it to us for alterations.

I received my sling and I don't know if it fits.
You may think your sling is too small if you have never used a fitted pouch sling before. It may be difficult for you to get the baby in. This is OK. Once you have done it a few times it will become second nature. The sling needs to be snug to hold the baby securely to your body. A loose sling is an uncomfortable sling.
Look around the website at the photos. The lowest point of the baby's bottom should be at about the wearer's belly button or slightly below. The sling fabric should be spread wide and flat across your shoulder and back. Baby should be held snug and secure against your body without feeling too tight.

Why don't you have my size in every fabric? Why isn't every fabric available in every size?
We have about 4000 slings in stock. Only slings that are ready to ship are listed for sale. Even with this large inventory, we can't have every size in every fabric ready to ship. Dependent upon fabric availability we can custom make slings, so if there is something you'd like to order not listed in your size, please contact us! We will do our best to help you. Custom unpadded slings can be made in 2 to 3 days and custom padded slings can be ready in 1 to 2 weeks.
 
What is the weight/age limit?
There is no age limit. The weight limit is around 35lbs, which is usually around 3 to 4 years of age. Most children will stop wanting to be carried, and most parents will stop wanting to carry their child, before the child outgrows the sling.  

Can I use this sling from birth?
Yes! Pouch slings can be used with brand new babies. Most newborns love to curl up into the fetal position in a pouch.  

What is your return/exchange policy?
Please visit our Return Policy screen.

What is your privacy policy?
We are committed to protecting your privacy and we do not sell or give your personal information to anyone. Your personal information includes your name/address/phone/email/payment information. We gather this information only for processing your order or contacting you about your order.

How long will it take to receive my order?
Most orders are shipped out within 24 hours! We will let you know by email if there is a delay. Orders generally arrive within 3-5 business days.  

How do I care for my sling?
Your sling should be machine washed in cold water and air dried to prevent shrinkage. A warm iron may be used to touch it up.     

I don't know what size to order!
Please see our sizing database above to make sure you are ordering a reasonable size.

I'm afraid I'll order the wrong size!
Please use our size database before ordering and measure your shoulder to hip.

We are happy to exchange your carrier for you if you order the wrong size, please see our return/exhange page.   We can help you pick the correct size if you are unsure. Please email us at customerservice@bestbabythings.com the following information: height, weight, hip to shoulder measurement, bra size (band and cup).   We will do our best to make a size recommendation. If you are unsure where to measure your shoulder to hip, please see our sizing database above.
 
My partner and I are very different sizes - will be both be able to use the same sling?
It is sometimes possible for 2 people of very different sizes to wear the same size pouch, but usually both parents will need to be fitted for their own pouch sling.  

Do I need a bigger sling when my baby gets bigger?
NO! Quite the contrary. Some people prefer a slightly smaller sling with an older baby. Once the baby is bigger, heavier and sitting on your hip all the time, you may need a smaller sling to hold the baby tight to your body. You can usually use the same sling by washing it in hot water and shrinking it in the dryer.

My husband and I are exactly the same size, can we wear the same sling?
Possibly, but probably not. Your husband will probably need one size smaller than you.

My baby is X months old. Do I need a smaller/larger sling? My baby is very big/small. Should I size up/down?
NO--the size of the sling is based on the wearer, not the age or size of the baby. Most parents wear the same size sling for a newborn as they do for a toddler. There may be a period of time from about 4-8 months when you may prefer a size up IF you want to continue to use the cradle carry. If you have a huge 6 month old that you still want to carry in the cradle carry, then you will need a bigger sling than you do with your newborn, and the sling will probably be too large to use for a hip carry.

My baby looks squished, is my sling too small?
Slightly squished is normal, but your baby shouldn't be uncomfortably tight. The swaddling effect of a snug sling is soothing for most babies.

How do I breastfeed in a pouch sling?
There are several possible positions--
The traditional cradle carry can be used by some women. Simply lower the edge of the fabric nearest your body. lift your shirt and latch baby on to the breast on the same side as the shoulder that the sling is. This works the best with young newborns and smallish breasts.
You can also use the "football" hold in the cradle carry, this seems to work better with larger breasts. Slide the baby around so that his/her body curves around your side. Baby's head should be in front of the breast opposite the shoulder that the sling is on (If the sling is on your right shoulder, you should be feeding the baby on your left breast). This also works great for feeding twins in two slings!
Another position is called the "reverse cradle". Baby's head should be in front of the breast opposite the shoulder that the sling is on. The baby's feet should be on the same side as the shoulder that the sling is on. The legs can either be curled up inside the sling, or a longer baby's legs can be dangling out the side.
An older baby or toddler in the hip carry can easily latch on to either breast. It is surprisingly discrete and very easy.

My baby doesn't like the sling. Am I doing something wrong?
Most babies like the snug, "swaddled" feeling of being in a pouch, but some take a little longer to get used to it. If your baby complains in the sling, here are some suggestions:

MOVE with baby in the sling. Walk, clean, vacuum if your baby likes the noise, talk, pat the baby, sway, bounce, dance, sing. The rhythmic motion is soothing, and your baby will be distracted.

Give the baby a few minutes to get used to it. As with anything new, being in a sling can takes getting used to. If your baby isn't crying, but is just "complaining" a little bit, give him a few minutes to adjust to being inside the sling. If he becomes very upset, take him out and try again later. The younger you start, the better, but any age baby can adjust to being carried in a sling. It just may take some time for your particular baby.
Relax! Your baby will sense your tension. If you are frustrated take a deep breath and RELAX, or try again later. It may be that just a change in position will make the difference with how your baby reacts to being inside the sling.
Hold your baby through the sling Put your baby in the sling, but continue to hold her with your arms as you normally would. As she begins to relax, gradually let go and let the sling take the place of your arms.
Feed your baby. Your little one may be more accepting of the sling if she is being nursed, bottle fed or given a pacifier.