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Attachment Parenting
LadyTyler
member
Ring Sling Bunching at Neck
LadyTyler
member
You ladies were very thoughtful in discussing my bedsharing question so I was hoping you can help me with another issue--my new Sakura Bloom sling.
If I try to spread the fabric over my shoulder not only can I not use that arm, it rides up after a few minutes and ends up digging into my neck. Do I just need to NEVER move that arm to keep it in place? Also, to get it over my shoulder the rings end up right over my armpit because I can't spread it without pulling it pretty far down in front.
Secondly, I cannot get the very top of the top rail snug against LO without it getting too tight an inch or two further down. I am pulling horizontally across me but my breasts are a 44K and I see no way of making it completely tight, honestly. How much is a little bit of slack a problem at the very top if it is really snug everywhere else?
Should I just abandon the RS and try something like a Moby? Any other suggestions?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Ring Sling Bunching at Neck
Which Do you have? Wrap conversions are the easiest to use. The Maya is terrible and generally not recommended in the babywearing world. Try wearing it with the rings on your back. You can find YouTube videos to show you how it's done.
I haven't personally used a Maya, but I love my Sleeping Baby Productions RS.
It sounds like the Sakura Bloom shoulder just might not work for you
I know the shoulder seems to be the biggest difference in RS manufacturers. I don't have full range of motion with my ring-side arm, but I can move it as long as I'm cautious.
I'm not sure how you can get the rings in corsage position- that sounds like something that would have to be diagnosed in person (or maybe by photo?)
The top rail doesn't have to be super snug. I know exactly what you're talking about with it getting a little slack in some places. I have never felt it was a safety issue for us, but, again, someone who can see you wearing it might be more helpful!
The ring positioning is challenging for a lot of people, don't lose hope. Ring slings are nice because they are small but the learning curve is a little steeper than people think. And pp is correct, the shoulder construction on each manufacturer's ring sling is really what's going to matter for you in terms of comfort (in addition to fabric strength vs. baby weight). Only psling offers a shoulder that purports to allow a full range of motion so for now I think working on the ring positioning and sling adjustments would be the way to go - if you have a BW group that would be great. You could also search YouTube for tutorials using Sakura Bloom slings and adjustments to them. And if you're not already a thebabywearer.com member I'd join and get into the sling wearing forum and ask some questions of those ladies.
As for the Maya ring sling. It was my first ring sling. It works fine. It's comfortable and it was great for a younger baby. In the end I learned I didn't love ring slings as much as wraps and wearing baby in a rebozo so I sold it. But there's nothing wrong with Mayas and I've never heard anyone say that they are a bad choice. Maybe not the most comfortable or supportive but a perfectly fine gateway carrier.
I was surprised how far OFF my shoulder I needed to put the fabric. I assumed it would be on my shoulder, but for me it's most comfortable/effective with the fabric mostly off my shoulder so the whole thing is pretty horizontal. Maybe that would help you. I agree with PP that the ring sling looks easy but is actually harder than many others in terms of getting it just right so it's comfortable.
I can't help with ring positioning without seeing it, but I find that I typically put it on, move the ring way up, tighten mostly, adjust the ring position and then tighten the rest of the way. Does that help?
I find that my top rail is tighter or looser depending on where it's hitting the baby. Now that she's older I put the top rail under her armpits because she likes to wave her arms about. In that position I can tighten it all the way (large chested here too), but when she was little and the top rail lined up with her head, neck, shoulders area I couldn't tighten it all the way. Good luck!
PS - I have a Maya Wrap and I love it, although I do plan to get a lighter weight one soon.
Thank you ladies!
I did find a babywearing group and just need to get a Yahoo account so I can sign up with them because I definitely want to figure this out and I agree that it would be a LOT easier in person!
I am glad to hear that it is normal to not be able to get the very top rail super tight with a newborn and I like the rolled up towel idea.
I was looking at more photos of people wearing the Sakura and it seems like I'm not the only one that needs the rings low and off to the side with it, probably because of the shoulder. I think I need to stop worrying about where it is "supposed" to be and just do what is comfortable.
Thanks for the advice and we'll keep futzing with it to see if we can get it right