Your favorite ring sling?

kellyrn9956 · May 2013

What's your fave ring sling? They are so varied in price from $30 up to $200. I'm not sure which way to go.

Looking for something nice and cool for warmer weather.

AliciaS1411 · May 2013

Kelly! Hi dear! I hope you guys are doing well!!

I've owned a couple of slings. My absolute favorite is a wrap conversion ring sling made from a Girasol Phoenix wrap. Its nice and sturdy, but soft and easy to adjust. Its also really pretty.

I bought it for $100, used, on the Babywearing Swap on Facebook. (if you're not in that group already, you should be!)

BUT, for the summer, you might want one made of a lighter material. The WCRS I already mentioned is 100% cotton and can be quite warm.

My favorite sling last summer was a Taylor Made Water Sling. its mesh, and meant to be worn in the pool or shower. It was great for quick trips also, because it was super light. I didn't love to wear it out of the water for long though, because after a while of moving around in it, the mesh would slide a little and I'd have to adjust it frequently. but it is a great, affordable option. I believe they're around $50 new.

Have you looked at Maya Wrap Slings? They're around $70 I think, and a LOT of parents use those. I don't know much about them though.

Like I said, if you're not on the swap, you should be. I've learned a ton just by seeing what other people post and look for. Theres also a babywearing 102 group and a babywearing love and support group.

ETA- When it comes to price. You don't have to spend $$$ to get a nice sling, but beware of the super cheap ones. I wouldn't buy one off of etsy unless other [experienced] baby wearers could vouch for their quality. I also wouldn't by one without knowing the brand or maker. You never know if they used the proper kind of rings and if its really safe, ya know?

kellyrn9956 · May 2013

Thanks! I sent a join request for the group.

AliciaS1411 · May 2013

I keep coming back to this, lol.

If you sew, it wouldn't be hard for you to make your own sling. They're very simple, and there are some great tutorials out there for how to do them if you'd like a pleated one or something like that. Just make sure you buy your rings from https://www.slingrings.com/, and that you use a decent, strong fabric. I have seen them made from cotton, linen, gauze, and athletic mesh.

Here is a link to the baby wearing DIY group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/334070496681248/

And while I'm at it:

The Swap

https://www.facebook.com/groups/196221090408274/

Babywearing 102

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Babywearing102/

AliciaS1411 · May 2013

kellyrn9956:
Thanks! I sent a join request for the group.

ForeverEverAfter · May 2013

I have a maya wrap, and its a great RS. I wouldn't recommend it for warm areas though. Its 100% cotton, but very heavy, with a thick padded shoulder.

pitterpatter129 · May 2013

If you can sew, they are extremely easy to make. Will cost you about $15-$20 to diy.

kellyrn9956 · May 2013

ForeverEverAfter:
I have a maya wrap, and its a great RS. I wouldn't recommend it for warm areas though. Its 100% cotton, but very heavy, with a thick padded shoulder.

i looked at those and was concerned about the weight, so thanks for confirming!

I am shocked at the price of some of these slings and wraps. What do you all think of this? I'm worried since its handmade off Etsy, but is pretty and looks light and airy. Anyone bought a homemade sling like this?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/126329404/simply-natural-muslin-ring-sling-perfect?ref=shop_home_active

Danni7535 · May 2013

I live in a warm and humid place, and I like my Sakura Bloom ring sling that is single layer linen. It's light and breathable. It was around 80 bucks. I wouldn't get a RS with a padded shoulder because I've read they're harder to adjust and the fabric slips. A lot of people on here recommend Sleeping Baby Productions, and she makes a linen sling.