Bella Slings

What size to I need?

I have based my sizes loosely on your t-shirt size.  If you send me your measurements I will be more than happy to help you choose what size you need, or I can make you a custom sling based on your measurements. 

Measurements that are important are your bra size (to see how much room those girls are going to be taking up), the measurement from the top, outside of your shoulder, to the opposite outside of your hip, and the size of your baby.  If you have an exceptionally large or small baby, or if your baby is already 9 months old, you may need to adjust your size accordingly.

An easy fix for the size problem, of course, is to buy a ring sling.  Ring slings are adjustable, so you can wear the sling, and so can your husband, Grandma, babysitter, etc.

What ages are baby slings appropriate for?

Baby slings are appropriate for babies of all ages.  Newborn babies, all the way up to 2 year-olds and older love slings.  The way you use your sling will change as your baby gets older.  My daughter is now over two years old and I mostly use my slings for support when I carry her on my hip.  She still falls asleep in the sling when we aren't near her bed or car seat (they are lifesavers on airplanes!).

There is something to watch for when you are putting your new baby in a sling.  Please check your baby when you put them in the sling in cradle carry.  Please make sure that their chin isn't pressed against their chest because their neck muscles aren't developed enough to keep their airways open properly.  You my need to put a small towel or pillow behind their back in order to help them until their muscles develop a bit more.  If it makes you very uncomfortable, you may need to put your sling a way for a couple weeks until their muscles are a bit more developed.

How much weight can the slings hold?

Each seam in the native slings have been sewn over 3 times by a sewing machine.  First I sew the seam with a surger, which uses 4 threads to bind the fabric together.  I then go over it 2 more times with  a regular sewing machine.  I have tested each sling by putting hand weights up to 100 pounds in the sling and looking for weak points in the stitching.  

The rings used in the ring slings have been weight tested to 250 pounds.  You can visit slingrings.com for more information on the rings.  I use the aluminum medium rings from their site.  The ring is sewn into the fabric with a regular sewing machine with a minimum of 4 seams.

My daughter is currently 26 pounds and I still comfortably carry her in both my ring and native slings. 

How long will it take for me to get my new sling?

My personal goal is to get each sling in the mail within a week of receiving the order.  I can generally reach this goal, but as you know, things happen.  I make each sling as your order comes to me, so I do need a few days to pre-wash it, sew it, test it, and then mail it.  You should have your new sling within 2 weeks of ordering, though!

What if I have my own fabric that I want to use?

That is wonderful!  If you have some fabric that you would love to have made into a baby sling, please send it to me!  I charge a super-low price to sew a sling and I will mail it right back to you.  I just need 1 yard for a  native sling, and 3 yards for a ring sling or wrap.  E-mail me for pricing and shipping information!