The Nursing Sling

   As I am pregnant and due with our 6th child in December, I can't stop thinking about what else I need to make or get before baby gets here. We aren't sure if we're having a boy or a girl yet, so many of my projects are going to have to wait.
One thing that doesn't have to wait though is a new baby sling. I have a million of them, but my tastes change from time to time, so it's nice to add to my stash. Right now, I can't stop thinking that I need a new ring sling.
   In case you didn't know, a ring sling is an adjustable baby sling that has rings next to the shoulder of the wearer. These rings help the wearer to adjust the fit of the baby sling. As I plan on losing a few pounds around the middle after this baby comes, the ring sling is an excellent option for me because the ring sling grows/shrinks with the wearer as they need it to. My husband thinks he might try to 'wear the baby' too this time around...so if I make a ring sling that isn't incredibly feminine, he won't mind sharing it with me. Because the ring sling is so easily adjustable, he can adjust it to completely form to his body shape.
   Another reason I have decided to make a new ring sling, is because I love how they look! If I can find a fabric that matches my winter attire, it is almost like I am wearing an accessory like a scarf! Wearing my baby in style? Yes please. Depending on the sewing pattern that people use, you can most often add quite a bit of flair and/or contrast to the ring sling with some super cute fabric prints. I choose to NEVER wear baby prints on any ring sling or baby sling. I'm not fond of baby printed fabrics to begin with, but when they are being worn by me, I don't care what the baby's gender is - I choose to wear something that I LIKE.
   The largest and most important reason that I'm choosing to make a ring sling instead of a pouch sling, mei tai or wrap sling is simply because I nurse my babies exclusively. You can technically nurse in all of the other types of baby slings. Technically only. The best baby sling for nursing in is the ring sling. In fact, I'm just going to call it the nursing sling from now on! Not only is it the best because it's adjustable to fit the baby into a comfortable nursing position, but it's "tail" is amazing with grabby, hungry babies. Simply cover them up (and the exposed mama skin). Typically the ring sling is wider then other types of slings as well, so I feel more secure in adjusting my baby into a hands free nursing position. I can nurse my baby in the nursing sling discretely while I am walking in the grocery store, in a church meeting, while I'm walking my kids to their school classrooms, or while I'm cooking Christmas dinner with extended family. Yes, the nursing sling is the best choice for full time nursing mommies.

Check out this picture! I'd say that is discrete.

If you are like me, you are wondering how you can make your own nursing sling? With a nursing sling pattern of course! Sewing your own nursing sling is fast and easy with a nursing sling pattern! Make one that has a couple pockets in it for storage while you are on the go. The pockets double up as a storage bag for the ring sling itself!
I have a list on where I purchase fabric and sling rings here.

Make your own Nursing Sling today and start nursing easily, discretely and adorably while you are going about your every day tasks!

What type of baby sling to choose

When choosing a baby sling carrier, many people can only afford one...so it makes them have to choose between a wide variety of options.

• On a side note, if you are able to sew, we have a Baby sling sewing pattern package that includes the main 4 types of baby carriers so you won't have to choose...Make them all!

When people start researching baby carriers, they usually come across Ring Slings first.

About the Ring Sling Baby Carrier

A Ring sling is a baby carrier that is very adjustable. The ring sling is the best sling for nursing in and is what midwives globally recommend the most. A ring sling is different then other types of baby carriers and is well known for the double 'rings' at the shoulder area. These rings adjust the carrier to be fitted to the wearer. There is a 'tail' that usually has a pocket in it and is an excellent conceiler for extra nursing privacy as well as a bit of storage space (for a phone or wallet). The Ring sling does take a bit more getting used to then the pouch or mei tai, but it's worth it if you are out and about during feeding time.

Sometimes the ring sling can be called an 'adjustable sling', or 'mayan sling'. 

About the Mei Tai Baby Carrier

A Mei Tai Baby sling is an Asian inspired baby carrier. They can be worn on the front, back or hips. Mei Tai Slings are well known for their ease of use whenever and wherever you need a baby carrier. Use a Mei tai in the house while cooking & cleaning, at church, or the grocery store! The Mei Tai carries newborn babies up to 35 lbs comfortably! Although it's not as supportive as a wrap, it is very easy to tie. This is the type of carrier that most resembles a structured carrier.

Don't waste your time or money shopping for expensive baby slings, sew a mei tai baby sling in about 30 minutes for as little as $5! 

About the Pouch Sling

A Pouch Baby sling is a baby carrier that was inspired by a ring sling. It is sometimes called a 'native' sling. It is a fitted baby sling that is made to fit your size. There are no rings or tails to worry about and the native sling has the easiest learning curve to use. They are easy to nurse in discretely. Most designs have pockets in the front for little things like keys or a phone.

The Native Pouch Sling can be worn in a plethera of ways - on the back, hips, front AND your baby can sit in it a variety of ways! Use comfortably from a newborn up to 35 lbs. The best place to keep a native sling is in your purse so you'll always have it with you! Use it in the store, church, during chores, walks, or whenever you would be holding your baby.

Our Native Baby Sling sewing pattern includes directions how to make a reversible sling, a one layer sling and a matching doll sling for your toddler! 

About a Wrap Baby Sling

A wrap sling is a baby carrier that is incredibly adjustable. The basic wrap consists of a very long strip of stretchy fabric that is wrapped specifically around the body to be completely supportive. The wrap sling is by far the most comfortable baby carrier that is available in most people's opinion. The wrap sling is the most difficult to nurse in and it takes the longest to get used to tying, it is VERY worth it. 

Sometimes the baby wrap sling can be called a Wraparound or Wrap around sling. It can also be called a Strip Sling. Regardless of the name, this is a sling you HAVE to try.

Our sewing pattern to make your own Baby Wrap Sling is going to be your favorite. There are 3 styles. Make one that you don't even have to sew, or have 1 or 2 seams. Add an additional decorative panel as shown very easily and you will have the best looking baby carrier in town.