This week's message:

I've started using the sewing slot system again. I hate to do it, but I simply can't keep up with the order volume that's been consistently high for months now. Please click the link for an explanation of how it works and why I need to use it.

At right, In-stock slots are for fabrics I have on hand (basic and organic fabrics) and will be sewing from scratch; WCRS slots are for things you're having sent to me like wrap pieces, custom fabric, or sling shoulder redos. Next refresh is the date and time I will be adding more sewing slots.

I've changed from sewing a mix of WCRS and in-stock slings each week, to just doing WCRS one week and in-stocks the next. I think this will be more efficient and allow me to sew more slings, and may also may sewing slots easier to get. Sewing slots for both types will be added every other week, in a several batches to give people in different time zones the opportunity to order. If these present a difficulty for you, please email me at info@sleepingbaby.net and let me know.

guarantee and returns:

I take great pride in the craftsmanship of my slings, and sew each one as though I would be using it myself. As such, I am confident that my slings will stand up ably to normal use. However, please examine the ring attachment each time you use the sling to insure that the stitching is secure. If it is not, you may send it back to me and I will refund your shipping costs, fix the sling at no charge, and return it to you, or refund your purchase price, as desired. Also keep in mind that with heavy use and frequent washing, nearly every fabric will break down with time. This should take many years with a sturdy fabric, but if you're using an older sling or one made with a delicate material, please look it over before using it. Any heavily worn spot may tear when stressed.

Because all slings are sewn to order, returns for reasons other than defects in workmanship are difficult for me to accept; I may never see another order for the same options, and would have to go through the extra effort of listing it on eBay or a babywearing swap board. Therefore, returns for reasons other than defects in workmanship will be subject to a 15% restocking fee to cover my costs for reselling the sling, and if the sling has been used, washed, or is otherwise not in brand-new condition, I reserve the right to pro-rate the refund accordingly. I cannot refund shipping, as that would leave me with a net loss on that sale. (I know big retailers refund shipping, but I can't absorb losses like they can.) Returns are not accepted after 60 days. I would recommend reselling the sling on one of the many for sale or trade boards instead. Please email me before returning a sling.

Slings *must* be in excellent used condition. That is, washing (without perfumed detergents or fabric softeners, please) is fine; but stains, tears in the material from poor use and not from flaws, pet hair, etc. are not. Please note that I will not take returns from smokers at all. I understand that not every carrier will work for every user, but would encourage you to try to sell your sling elsewhere rather than return it to me, as you will likely get more for it that way.

Custom slings -- those sewn with special-order fabrics, those with tail accents, and those in unusual sizes (xs or between xs and s; I very rarely get orders for those and will almost certainly be unable to resell them) -- cannot be returned at all; I recommend selling on a babywearing swap board or eBay if you wish to recoup your costs.

safe babywearing, terms of use, and disclaimers:

Before you use the sling for the first time, please be sure that you understand how, either by following my illustrated directions with a doll or other baby-sized item, or more ideally, by practicing with the help of an experienced sling-user. The Safe Babywearing page at The Babywearer has great tips.

Please use good judgment and always put your baby's safety first. The sling is intended for babies and children under 35 pounds, although the rings, stitching, and material will hold far more weight. It is not intended to secure or restrain a child in a vehicle (always use a car seat!). Nor should it be used while the wearer is riding a bicycle, operating heavy machinery, participating in sports, or doing anything else that could cause harm to the child or cause the child to fall out of the carrier (as opposed to normal walking and other daily tasks). Always be aware of your child's position in the sling, and keep the fabric as snug as is comfortable; the looser it is, the less safe it may be. Do not use the sling near open flames or high heat, as the fabric is not fire-retardant or -resistant, and neither is your baby! Be aware of the sling tail position as well; with a longer tail, it is advisable to tuck the tail into the body of the sling, throw it over your shoulder, or wrap it around the rings, so that you do not trip over the tail or otherwise become entangled in it.

Finally, as with other sling makers, I must disclaim all liability for any losses or injuries due to the use or misuse of this baby sling. Please use common sense and care while using your sling, and always make sure the fabric and stitching are in good condition before entrusting your child to them.

terms for redone slings and wraps:

If you have sent a ring sling to me to have the rings replaced or the shoulder re-sewn with overlapping pleats, please be aware that such surgery must necessarily result in a voiding of the original manufactuer's guarantees or warantees, as applicable, and that they should no longer be considered liable if the stitching that I did is found to be faulty. (I.e. if you buy a sling from a vendor and I remove her stitching and replace it with mine, if the stitching comes loose, then they should not be found at fault in any way.) If there are other problems with the fabric itself or stitching that I have not taken out or disturbed (i.e. if the hems are sewn poorly, or the fabric itself begins to tear), that may be a consideration for the original vendor, but please be aware that in having a sling disassembled (as for redoing the shoulder) the original vendor will likely disclaim all liabilities. (This would also be the case if the sling were bought second-hand, whether it is altered from its original form or not; guarantees/warantees on baby items are rarely transferrable unless it is explicitly stated otherwise.) However, I cannot take personal responsibility for tears in the fabric of a sling if it is not a fabric I would recommend; this is particularly true of thin cottons and the like; this is the buyer's own responsibility.