Baby Sling Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a sling and a pouch?
• How do I know what size I need?
• Are the slings safe? Is there a maximum weight?
• I already have a sling or pouch. What's so great about ZoloWear slings and pouches?
• But I got a front carrier at my baby shower. Why would I need a sling?
• I tried using a sling, but I couldn't figure it out.
• I tried using a sling, but my baby hated it.
• I tried using a sling, but it hurt my back.
• I thought padded slings were best. Doesn't padding make it more comfortable?
• I really want a silk sling, but I'm afraid it will be too hot. Are ZoloWear silk slings hot?
• Are the silk slings difficult to keep tightened, since the fabric is so smooth and "slippery"?
• I tried an unpadded cotton sling once, and it kept slipping out of the rings.
• I tried an unpadded sling once, and it left red marks on baby's legs. Don't I need padding to protect my baby's chubby thighs?

• General

  You're shopping for your first baby carrier, and you're searching for that one perfect carrier that will take you from newborn to preschooler. Well, you probably can't even imagine having a preschooler yet, but our ring slings are designed to last that long, and you'll be there before you know it! Babywearing lingo can be so confusing to beginners. There are ring slings and pouches, and pouches are slings and ring slings have pouches - how confusing can it get?!

• Definitions

  A ring sling is a rectangle of fabric threaded through two rings for adjustability, and pouches are one loop of fabric with a strong seam in the seat creating a pocket for baby. Any piece of fabric used to carry a baby is called a sling, so pouches are often classified as slings. The "pouch" on a ring sling is the pocket that the baby goes in.

• Sling Anatomy

  The tail on a ring sling is the piece of fabric that hangs down from the rings. Pulling down on the tail tightens the sling. The main body of the sling makes a "pouch" or pocket for the child to sit in.

• A good fit

  With any baby carrier, it is important that baby ride as high and tight as possible to maximize the wearer's comfort. For this reason, it is imperative to get a good fit. Baby's bottom should be in the sling zone (see illustration at right). Many mass-marketed slings do not come in multiple sizes, and parents end up wearing baby too low. Unpadded ring slings have infinite adjustability and size is less important, so they are easiest to get baby high and tight.

• Why choose a pouch?

  Pouches are often called the "training wheels" of baby carriers. It is difficult to go wrong with a well-fitted pouch. Put it on, slip the baby in and go. There are few adjustments to make and therefore less to learn. Pouches have a streamlined look that many parents prefer. Pouches are lightweight and compact and easily slip into a diaper bag when baby is not being worn. Dads often prefer the look of a pouch to a ring sling.

• Why choose a ring sling?

  Ring slings have a longer learning curve but are more adjustable than pouches. Some young babies prefer the upright, or tummy-to-tummy hold, which can be difficult to achieve in a pouch because young babies who cannot hold themselves upright tend to squish down into the pocket of the pouch. With a ring sling, the top rail can be tightened to support a young baby in a vertical position.

  Ring slings provide cover for discreet breastfeeding. Because the top rail on a ring sling can be let out significantly, it is easier to get a perfect position for breastfeeding in a ring sling. Breastfeeding in the sling is "advanced babywearing", and takes patience and practice to learn in any type of sling. However, once learned, being able to breastfeed in the sling is extremely liberating for mom.

How do I know what size I need? (back to top)

Are the slings safe? Is there a maximum weight? (back to top)

• Slings are as safe as carrying baby in your arms. Please use good sense not to carry your baby near open fire, in a car, on a bike, etc.
• Your sling or pouch will include a helpful DVD and access to ZoloWear support by phone
• ZoloWear pouches have been strength tested to 150 lbs.
• Sling rings are pull tested to 250 lbs and the webbing that holds them secure is similar to seatbelt material, tested to 2000 lbs and double layered to prevent fraying, and so the rings will never slip at all, even with a heavy toddler.
• Most parents are not willing to carry babies who weigh over 35 pounds. ZoloWear slings will support more than 35 pounds, but once baby is over 35 pounds, the parents usually expect them to walk.
• We have some customers who have older children with special needs who were unable to walk. They found our sling to be the sturdiest and most comfortable for carrying larger children.

• Comfortably wide shoulder spreads baby's weight evenly.
• Stylish fabrics coordinate with your hip wardrobe.
• A sling is an accessory for mom. You change your purse or shoes with the season and occasion, why not change your sling?
• Fits any child from preemie to toddler.
• While one size fits most, smaller and larger slings are available for a perfect fit.
• Every ZoloWear ring sling has a pocket. Wear it to the store and it's both a sling and a purse.
• ZoloWear ring sling pockets have secure zipper closures so you can be confident your keys or other gear won't fall out. No padding means a cooler sling for mom, and it's just as comfy for baby.
• The sling tail: it's a tissue, a burp cloth, a cover for discreet nursing. We've even used it as a sun shade in the car.

• Front carriers can dig into your shoulders. The sling distributes the weight more evenly.
• Some front carriers support baby primarily under the pelvis with legs dangling down. Newborns can be cradled in the sling, which puts less strain on their spine.
• Front packs only work until the baby weighs about 25 pounds. Most babies outgrow front packs long before their first birthdays, but they still need to be carried.
• Difficult to breastfeed in a front carrier.

• Slings can take a bit of getting used to, especially if you've never seen someone use one.
• Your sling comes with a professional quality DVD with comprehensive directions.
• If you have any questions about using your ZoloWear sling, please contact us and we'll work with you to be sure it works for you.
• It helps to see a sling demonstrated in person. you might ask a sling wearing friend. Many La Leche League moms use slings, so that can be a good place to get ideas.

• Fussy baby? Get moving! Put the sling on and go for a walk, or vacuum or dust the house.
• Try a different position. Some babies don't like the cradle hold, so try the snuggle hold. A baby who can hold her head up might prefer to face out in the kangaroo hold (legs crossed).
• Take a break and try again later. Try at times when both you and baby are well rested and fed. OK, as well rested as you can get these days!
• Believe in yourself. Baby can often sense the parent's lack of confidence when first using the sling. Sometimes babies who "hate the sling" actually love it (and fall fast asleep) when carried by an experienced sling-user. So keep practicing!
• If baby fusses in the sling, take her out, wait a while and try again. Keep trying!
• Back pain? Make sure the sling or pouch is on your shoulder and not in the crook of your neck. Be sure the baby is at or above your waistline. If your back continues to hurt, consider having a massage or chiropractic care.

• As long as baby is in proper position, the sling should not cause back pain. And it is certainly easier on your back than carrying a carseat around!
• If the sling is hurting your back, check the following:
  
  • sling should rest on shoulder, not in the crook of your neck.
  • baby should be at or above your waistline
  • if your back continues to hurt, consider having a massage or chiropractic care. Sometimes back pain while using the sling is more about your back than the sling.

• ZoloWear slings and pouches are more comfortable than padded slings! Why?
  
  • cooler in hot weather
  • generously wide fabric cups baby close to you; padded slings are narrower
  • you can adjust a ZoloWear ring sling as much as you want or need to, padded rails can only be tightened so much
  • adjustable ZoloWear ring slings shrink with you as you lose weight postpartum
  • you can even use your ZoloWear ring sling as a toddler harness
  • streamlined ZoloWear slings and pouches fit easily in a diaper bag

• Our silk slings feel absolutely luxurious against your skin. But combine them with your baby%u2019s body heat, and you might get a bit toasty if you're outside in hot summer sun.
• Silk is an insulator, and our slings are made from two layers of silk. Here in steamy Austin, Texas, we wear silk slings inside year-round, and outside when it's less than about 85 degrees.
• A silk sling is not a practical choice for outdoor hikes in the Texas summer. However, it's comfortable for short trips outside, like from your car to the grocery store.
• If you live in a hot climate and plan to wear your sling outside often, start with a lightweight, light-colored cotton or solarveil sling. You might find that you love your sling so much that you need a silk one for the cooler months.

• Not at all. Our slings are made from two layers of silk: a slippery brocade and a textured dupioni. The thickness of the two layers and the texture of the dupioni both keep the fabric from slipping.
• In fact, silk slings are a bit stiff when new, and take several wearings to break in and be easily adjusted.

• No. We use sturdy fabrics that never slip. Once you get a ZoloWear sling in place, it will not move until you want it to.

• No. ZoloWear slings and pouches have stretchable serged edges (which give). They are designed with some stretch on the edge so they won't leave red marks.