Here you will find a list of the questions we are asked most often about babywearing and about shopping with Sling Diva.
Babywearing
1. What’s the best carrier for a newborn?
We often recommend stretchy wraps to parents of newborns. These wraps are made from soft, and stretchy material, and feel rather like a favourite T-shirt. As well as being very comfy for your newborn, you will likely find a stretchy wrap easier to use than most other slings. They are very popular with parents who are new to babywearing. Kari-Me, Gypsy Mama, Hoppediz.
2. What about my toddler?
For the toddler that likes to be up… and down… and up again, most parents like to use a Ring Sling. Carrying your child on your hip comes naturally doesn’t it - a ring sling helps you do this and will save your tired arms! Oopa, Bara Barn.
For longer trips, a wrap or a Mei Tie will probably be more comfortable.
Remember, most of our slings are suitable from birth until toddlerhood – the only one we wouldn’t recommend for older/heavier babies is a stretchy wrap.
3. How many slings do I need then?
It is totally up to you, of course. However, one way of looking at it is to think of a sling as a piece of clothing. Do you wear a pair of trousers for all occasions and 4 seasons? Probably not, huh?
Different slings are more suitable for certain seasons, and situations. Hopefully we will cover most of this in this section.
4. I don’t want to spend fortune on different sings. If I can buy only one, what would you recommend?
A Mei Tai would be a good choice. Mei Tais are easy to use, suitable from birth to toddler and will fit most adults.
5. What sling should I buy if I want my husband to carry our baby?
In our experience, men usually find ring slings and wraps too feminine to wear. The men we know tend to like the more mainstream look and ease of a Mei Tie. Try and involve your
Partner in the decision. Go for something he thinks he’d like to wear and he’ll be more likely to actually use it. Babywearing is a wonderful way for fathers to bond with their babies.
6. What is the most comfortable sling?
Most people would agree a wrap is the most comfortable. If tied correctly, a wrap sling will provide you with hours of comfortable carrying time even with very heavy babies.
Didymos, Hoppediz, Gypsy Mama.
7. I need a convenient sling to stuff in my change bag to use when I’m out and about.
Try a pouch – they fold up small and are incredibly easy to use. Remember you will need to buy the right size for you – they are sized a bit like clothing and it is important to get the correct fit. We like to use a pouch when we travel by train or on long-haul flights – they require the minimum amount of fuss and it means you can leave the buggy folded up!
8. Goodness these slings look terribly difficult to use!
The slings we stock might not seem familiar to you, which is part of the reason why they appear complicated. Most people are used to seeing babies carried in more mainstream buckle and clip contraptions. Whilst these may seem easier, they’re often incredibly uncomfortable for both baby and parent.
Many people find that fabric slings are much easier to use than they first thought, once they have tried one or two times. What’s more, the slings we stock are so comfy you will be extra motivated! Yes, there is a learning curve, but in our experience, the things you have to work at, are the ones worth doing.
We are sure that once you have spent a little time practicing, you will be babywearing like a pro! Remember when you were learning to tie your shoelaces? Well, it’s a bit like that!
9. I love the buggy and my baby loves it too. So, why should I get a sling?
Why not? Is the answer! Using a sling will bring such freedom to your life. Just think about the activities you cannot do with a pushchair in tow but you can with a sling: using public transport, getting up and down stairs easily, hiking.
Of course you and your baby like your buggy, but bringing up a baby doesn’t tend to involve absolutes. Use a sling when you need something convenient and your buggy at other times – they compliment each other!
10. I have no idea how to use slings, and I’m not good with instructions on paper. Can you help me?
Yes, we are happy to assist you with any problems. Just e-mail us with your details, or give us a call, and we’ll work it out together! Remember if you live in London, you can get help in person – again, contact us.
Shopping with us:
1. How much is the shipping?
If you spend over £10, it is free. Free delivery applies only in UK. If you live in other european countries, it is £4. if you like your order to be insured, please contact us.
2. Can I make the payment with a cheque?
Yes, you can. Write a cheque to Jin-Hee Choi and send it to Sling Diva, Gracelands Yard/Cafe, 118 College Road, London, NW10 5HD.
The products will be dispatched as soon as the cheque gets cleared.
3. I live in the US/Canada, can I order a sling from you?
Unfortunately for insurance reasons, we are not permitted to sell to the US or Canada. We’re very sorry!
If you have a question that is not answered here,
do not hesitate to get in touch – we want to help you!
Jin-Hee
