My mission is to create an affordable, comfortable and all around Solful Sling! No parent or child should go without experiencing the wonderful bond a sling creates. Help your child be part of YOUR world and become a babywearer!
About
All slings are handmade by yours truly in my home.
Most of my slings are made from 100% cotton batik, which is my favorite fabric to use. I also make them from cotton or cotton/linen blends. My source for organic cotton no longer carries my fabric so I am searching for a new one.
I only use rings specially made for slings which are tested to hold more than 250lbs. See Ordering for ring colors. I triple sew them on with a special stitch for durability and safety.
I pre-wash the fabric using all natural detergents and fabric softeners. Some fabric will get softer with more washings, although, as with any fabric, the less you have to wash it, the longer it will last.
Benefits of Babywearing
1. Babywearing is Convenient!
Feel like you need an extra arm, maybe two? Wearing baby in a sling makes it fun and easy to get every day tasks and chores done...with two hands! And the best part is, baby stays close and comfy at all times. It can't get any more convenient than that!
2. Babies are Happier!
Throughout indigenous cultures where babywearing is the norm, babies cry much less often, only a few minutes a day; verses Western beliefs, that hours of crying a day is "normal". Babies who feel safe and secure and have their needs met, cry less and therefore are happier!
3. Babywearing Promotes Physical Development
Because babies feel all their mom's movements including heartbeat and breathing patterns this helps to stimulate their vestibular system, which controls balance, thus promoting positive physical development. This is especially important for preemies or special needs babies.
4. Wearing Your Baby is Healthy for You!
New mothers cannot exercise vigorously after giving birth, nor do they have the time. Wearing baby in a sling while on a walk or just picking up the house gives you the chance to "weightlift" comfortably. Plus, it makes for great bonding time, which helps lift spirits and settle the sol.
5. Toddlers Love Slings Too!
Over stimulated toddlers can become tired and cranky fast. A sling is a great place for a quick, comforting nap, especially when out and about. Going to the zoo is fun, but not when your child struggles to see everything from that huge stroller you've had to push through crowds of people! Having your toddler in a sling at your eye level will not only help her see better, but also help her learn more!
6. Slings Help With Communication
Sometimes reading your babies cues can be difficult, even for mom. Having your baby close helps you become attuned to their actions and respond to their needs before the cries. When babies communicate without crying, their learning is enhanced, trust is increased and confidence in ourselves is restored.
7. Babywearing is NOT Just for MOM!
Sometimes new fathers feel a little left out when a new baby arrives, especially if the mother is breastfeeding. Having dad wear baby not only helps to create a stronger bond, but also gives mom a chance for some much needed rest! Grandparents, older siblings and caregivers, just to name a few, will also love to wear a sling. Who doesn't love to snuggle with a baby?!
8. Slings are Wonderful for Breastfeeding!
Not only are slings convenient for getting things done, they are also the best place to breastfeed your baby. No matter where you are, when baby is hungry, baby can eat. The sling makes for the MOST discreet nursing haven for baby. And, the tail serves as extra cover-up for mom. You can continue throughout your day without having to hide or find a comfortable place to nurse. The sling can also accommodate a nursing toddler!
9. Slings are Economical
Strollers, carriers, backpacks, swings, and bouncers can be expensive, especially if you buy all of them! Slings are affordable and last at least 2 years (per child)!! It can be used anywhere and worn in many different carrying positions. ASolful Sling will be one of the most useful and economical possessions you'll own!
10. Babywearing is Fun!
Having your child up at your eye level will make conversations between you more enjoyable. Not only will your child love being close to you, they will love all the interactions with other people. The sling is a great conversation starter, especially for those who have not seen a sling. (Just make sure you tell them it's a Solful Sling!)
How to Wear Your Precious Cargo
*please read all safety precautions before using your sling for the first time*
Practice Makes Perfect: If you have never worn a sling before, congratulations!, you are one step closer to becoming a long time babywearer. Please read all the wearing instructions before you use your sling out in public. Try different positions in front of the mirror and find one that is comfortable for you and your baby. Some babies do not like certain positions. Do not give up or get discouraged; it may take time for both of you to get used to your new sling. Once you feel comfortable, you can use your sling everywhere!
Starting Out: Threading Your Sling
Gather the end of the tail and hold the rings in dominant hand
Pull the tail through both rings.
Put the tail over the first ring and under the second. Pull tail through.
Make sure fabric is not twisted. Edges (rails) should be flat on either side.
Note: The rails are the outside edges of the sling. The top rail can be tightened by pulling on the inside tail rail (closest to your chest) and the bottom rail can be tightened by pulling on the outside tail rail (closest to your arm). Make sure the rails are not twisted when wearing your sling.
Putting on Your Sling:
Choose which side you want the sling to rest, then put the opposite arm through the sling. The tail should hang in front.
Put your head through the sling and rest over your shoulder, not on your neck. The fabric should be evenly spread across your back for comfort. The rings should be high on your shoulder as they will drop when baby is in sling.
Make sure you tighten your sling and make a pouch to accommodate baby.
There a lot of ways to wear your baby in a Solful Sling safely and comfortably. Here is a list by approximate age group.
0-3 Months (no head control)
Cradle Hold - semi up-right/breastfeeding
Carefully support baby while you are placing them in the sling.
Bring the fabric high up on baby's back while still supporting.
With your arm still under baby, make a pouch to support baby's full body and head while you lay them down.
Pull both the top and bottom rails to ensure baby is secure. Make sure baby's airway is not obstructed. Wear your baby as high as you can for comfort.
Adjust in this position for breastfeeding. Baby can also have their head on the same side as the rings.
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| 2 month old |
Cuddle Carry - facing you legs tucked in
Some babies prefer to be upright. A great carry for this age group. (You can also carry toddlers and older babies this way just with their legs around you.)
Start with the same instructions as above but instead of laying baby down, pull inner fabric up in front of baby's legs and the outer fabric up to baby's head and tighten top rail for support.
Again, make sure baby's airway is not obstructed.
3-6 Months (good head control, not sitting)
Koala Karry - facing out, legs in
Hold baby facing out as high as you can. Cross their legs as you lower them into the sling.
Make sure you have the back rail high enough behind baby and the top rail securely holding baby against you. Baby can have arms in or out.
6+ Months (sitting on own)
Hip Mamma Hold
Hold your baby or toddler way up on your shoulder opposite the rings.
As you ease baby into the sling, make sure their feet do not get caught on the fabric. Your baby's legs will be wrapped around your hip.
Pull fabric to rest behind their knees and tighten rail. Pull outer fabric up to their shoulders (arms in or out) and tighten that rail.
Baby's legs should be higher than their bottom. This hold is great for toddlers!
15+ Months (walking)
Piggyback
With toddler in hip hold, place your arm opposite rings in front of your child. With that arm, support toddler under bottom and hold on to rings with other hand. Swing toddler to your back and tighten any rails as necessary.
As above, knees should be higher than bottom. Check in the mirror the first time you do this or have someone assist you.
Removing Your Sling:
While in any position, support baby and pull up and away on the top ring to loosen fabric. Then just lift baby out.
Safety
*Please follow these safety guidelines. Solful Slings is not, in anyway, responsible for any injuries your child may obtain from improper use of your sling.
Please use common sense while wearing your child in a Solful Sling.
- Always bend at your knees, not your waist, to keep baby in the proper position and prevent back strain.
- Do not cook, drink hot beverages, or eat extremely hot food while wearing your baby.
- Never lie down with baby in your sling.
- Do not wear your sling while running, jumping, biking, or operating any type of motorized vehicle. (Do not use your sling in place of a federally approved car seat.)
- Use your hands to support baby when you are wearing your sling, when you bend your knees to sit down and when you twist or turn.
- Provide ample room for baby when moving through doorways or around corners. ( Be aware of baby's head position at all times)
- Never leave baby unattended in your sling.
- Make sure your young baby's airway is not obstructed, especially in the cradle position.
- Check your sling before each use to ensure there are no rips, tears, or anything else that would inhibit proper wear.
- Do not alter your sling.
If you ever find anything wrong with your sling that is preventing you from wearing it safely, please contact me so I can fix it for you! If you ever lend, sell or give your sling to someone, please include the safety page that comes with every sling.
