For somebody who is not yet committed to babywearing or interested in learning a baby wrap, my first choice would be a soft structured baby carriers. They are very easy to learn and somewhat similar in appearance to a Baby Bjorn. While soft structured baby carriers such as the Beco Baby Carrier or Ergo Baby Carrier look similar to the Bjorn, they keep baby in a seated position rather than hanging by their crotch. This is much better for babies developing spine and sacrum. Ergo Baby has a carrier made from a lighter weight fabric for better breathability. The Sport Ergo Baby Carrier also has a vented panel in the body of the baby carrier for extra air flow.

Pouches are another good choice for those not experienced with babywearing. They are a simple tube of fabric that you slip over your shoulder and place your baby in between the layers of fabric. They are small, compact, and easy to transport. The Hotslings Adjustable Pouch is a good choice for a gift because you do not have to know your sisters exact size. However, pouches do have some limitations. A pouch will not be as comfortable when wearing for longer periods of time or with heavier babies. It is also very important to get proper positioning when wearing a baby in the cradle position to prevent a baby

Since pouch sizing is very important we don’t recommend washing a baby sling to shrink it to the correct sizing. It my not shrink enough or even worse too much. If you already have a sling and want to find out if it is a good fit check out the figure below. Your sling should hang to just below your navel area. If it drapes all the way to your hips and swings as you walk, it is definitely too big and swing as you walk. A pouch will be the most comfortable when it rides high and snug on your body.

If you are still trying to determine your sizing see the chart below.

If you feel that you are in between Hotslings sizes, the new Hotslings Adjustable Pouch is great option. It adjusts with two buckles that are placed near the top of the shoulder. Simply pull on the straps to tighten the sling. The versatility of the adjustable sling allows it to be used for multiple care givers, allows nursing on the go, and accommodates postpartum body changes. It can even be adjusted while wearing your baby. Pretty cool.

Visit La Stella Blu to learn more and see all of our Hotslings.

Check out all of our Hotslings at La Stella Blu.

A fitted pouch sling is probably the easiest sling around. You basically just put it on, pop `em in and go! There`s no slippage or rings or buckles of any kind in a fitted sling. Hotslings pouches are also extremely compact (even with the tiny amount of padding!) with no long tail. They just pop right in your diaper bag. I also like the ability to swing the baby around on your body quickly and easily from front to hip to back with no adjusting.On the flip side, sometimes sizing is tricky at first, but once you get it right, it`s awesome. And most people get it right the first time. Also, some people like more or less room during different stages of a baby’s life. If your 4 month-old still wants his entire body in the pouch but it won’t fit, you will have to either teach him to have his legs out get a larger size for a temporary stage. Once he’s happily in the hip carry, you will need less room again. 

How stretchy are your stretch pouches?

Hotslings stretch pouches have just a bit of ‘give’. They are like stretch jeans or stretch khakis. They are made of woven material with a touch of spandex (Lycra is the brand name of spandex) to help the sling conform a bit to the baby and your shoulder. We use stretch wovens because they are structured, safe and supportive (and you can get lots of cool prints!). Generally with cotton, the more stretch, the more the fabric tends to stretch out over time. So if you were to put a heavy baby in something unsupportive and too stretchy, the baby would hang down too low and it would be uncomfortable and not secure. 

So why would I want a non-stretch reversible?

First, I can offer lots of beautiful choices in reversible. The material is easy to source and readily available. Secondly, two layers of fabric feels very supportive and is very comfortable. Some people even prefer the non-stretch reversibles over stretch! Non-stretch reversibles tend to be a bit more snug than stretch cotton pouches. If your stretch cotton pouch is a bit snug, size up on the reversible. 

What’s the weight/age limit?

Most babies/toddlers will outgrow the desire to be slung before they outgrow the ability for the sling to handle their weight. Also, once a baby hits 30 lbs, it gets difficult for mamas to handle all the extra weight. Currently (even at 5 months preggo) I can carry my 32 lb 2 year old in a thin, lightweight sling with no problem, but she usually wants out before I get tired of holding her. I think it’s much more difficult to keep them hoisted up on your hip without any sort of sling/carrier.

What does ‘padded’ mean? I don’t want a bulky carrier.

Leg padding is minimal and discreet and just makes a basic pouch style sling slightly bulkier than a non-padded pouch, but still nothing like a heavily padded ring sling. Leg padding was designed for babies in the hip carry – toddlers and little babies alike. I also use it flipped on the outside with my little baby as a handle to help bounce him into the pouch as well as a soft place for him to flop into and chew on when in the front carry. 

Can my baby fall out?

If your baby is properly positioned, your sling will keep her secure. Make sure she is deep in the pouch. Also, some people feel more comfortable when learning to sling keeping one hand on the baby. Again, common sense is important! Put a hand on your baby when you bend down to pick up a toy your 3 year old left out for you to trip over. Hotslings and La Stella Blu are not responsible for accidents due to improper use.

I live in the Sahara desert. Is fleece hot?

Yes! I think fleece is like wearing a blanket. It’s fantastically comfy, but terrible for hot climates or summer (unless you live where summer is cool – like Vancouver). I only wear my fleece pouch in the winter or in the A/C here in Dallas, TX. I think fleece is great in cold weather though – very snuggly. 

I just got my sling and I am not sure it fits! Help!

First, if you are still pregnant, there should be some room in the pouch between your belly and the outer rail. You should be able to open it a few inches. Keep in mind, your belly will be on the way down when the baby’s born. Second, if you get your baby in and it’s pulling tight and feels uncomfortable, you need a size up. If you can’t get your baby in at all, you probably need 2 sizes up. The bottom of the pouch should be somewhere around your belly button. If it’s much lower than this, your pouch is too big and you will need a size down. Generally, if it feels wrong, it is wrong. The fit around the baby should be snug and create a womb-like swaddled feeling. 

You recommended a small, but it’s too tight. Help!

As much as we’d like to think that we are psychic (grin), alas we are not, but will do our best to find a good fit for you. There is a lot of hype out there about us being good at sizing, and while that may be true, we are not perfect. We will do our best to fit you, but ultimately, it’s up to you to take a plunge. It is part of the joys of mail-order – like ordering from Gap.com as opposed to going to the mall. 

I just switched my baby to the hip carry and now she leans way back! Help!

Now you’re ready for a technique called the ’shoulder flip.’ My pouches are not tacked in any way so you can pull down the top layer of fabric on your shoulder down over your shoulder and this will pull the baby in toward you. This looks really great if you have a reversible with a groovy print on the inside. 

How do I care for my Hotsling?

Machine wash cold, hang dry. Some pouches are pre-washed and some aren’t. It depends on the fabric. Hang drying extends the life of the sling and ensures that your pouch won’t shrink. Fleece pouches can be machine dried. If you are a dryer person, contact customer service on how to buy big (each fabric has a unique shrink rate) so you can machine dry your Hotsling.