Mother of Invention

I forgot my sling. How could I forget my sling? I thought I had one stashed up here. But I didn't. In the shuffle between the mountain house and home, I un-stashed it. Dumbass.

With no sling and no sewing machine, and my parents unwilling to sacrifice a bedsheet, you'd think I'd be fucked. But not so fast!

A trip to Wal-Mart (EW. But my only option) and I'm re-slinged. I used two yards of a thin cotton knit, folded lengthwise (to double it) and knotted at the shoulder. Knits have stretch (and this fabric was quite flimsy, even with the doubling), so I had to keep tightening the knot as the fabric got more and more stretched out. Once it got stretched out all the way it was quite comfortable and forgiving. And I didn't even use scissors!

It would have been even better if Wal-mart had a set of heavy-duty metal rings in their hardware section. But alas, no rings, and none of the shower curtain rings I found were sturdy enough for the job. I plan on purchasing a set of rings because I'm kinda jazzed about my new stripey orange sling.

Another option would have been a wrap style carrier, a la moby or Ellaroo. I've done this before, back when Naomi was about a year old. I bought five yards of rainbow tie-dyed fleece (because it was cold outside) and cut it into a strip 25 inches wide. At this width, you could make two carriers. Cut it 20 inches wide and you could get three carriers, but the width would be too narrow for a safe back carry.

Comments

[Elizabeth]

I made the no-sew wrap, too, and loved it. I used purple jersey. I liked doing the forward facing carry with her legs out between about 4 and 7 months. That was her favorite position and she could stay happily wrapped for as long as I wanted to keep her there.
My daughter is 14 months old now and doesn't want to be in the sling very often...sob...

[Lilian]

Kateri, you're a genius! OK, I'm getting carried away, but this is a GREAT idea!

[cloudscome]

I just bought some batik cotton and ordered a set of rings to make my first ring sling. My oldest son is almost nineteen, and I have used a lot of different baby carriers but never a sling. My youngest is 16 mos. and about 25 lbs so I thought he was too big, but after reading a lot today I realize that is not true! I am very excited about making my own Maya Wrap sling. I have been experimenting today with just knotting the fabric, and the first time I put him in he got a huge grin on his face and snuggled right up to my chest. We are happy campers!

I love all your info and tips, thanks a bunch!

[Kateri]

lilian, a genius would never have forgotten her sling ;)

[baby carriers backpacks]

Geesh, where was I when this was posted.. Well, its not too late to say Thanks for the tips! This is such a great idea!