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.

Here's what's going on in the next couple of weeks: I'm going to change 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. 

This coming week, I can't sew at all on Monday because we have to be out of the house for 24 hours for application of spray foam insulation. So starting on Tuesday, I'll be sewing all the WCRS orders I currently have, for the weeks of the 13th and the 20th (if you have a WCRS sewing slot for the 20th, please send your wrap as soon as you can to facilitate this). I likely won't be adding sewing slots for either type the week of the 13th, so that I can catch up on what's currently outstanding during the transition. If you are in dire need, of course please email me at info@sleepingbaby.net and I'll set up a reserved slot for you.

The next week (week of the 20th), I'll put up *in-stock* sewing slots on Monday morning and afternoon, and probably Weds. afternoon/evening, too. There will be about 70-75 slots in total; I think that's about the best I can do for the week, although Weds. may be fewer if I'm not able to get through the Mon-Weds. orders in time. (This is about 25-30 more than I have been adding, so it should be easier to order.) I will also put up slots on the 20th for WCRS sewn the week of the 27th, probably 80 or so (it would be more, but Monday's a holiday). This will mean I'll need people to send their wraps as soon as they can for sewing that week.

After that, I'll be doing every-other-week sewing slot refreshes for both in-stock and WCRS. As always, if you're unable to be online during the slot refreshes, please email me. I think this should work better for me and my customers, but it's a work in progress :)

Cuddle/snuggle/chest-to-chest/tummy-to-tummy hold:

Tummy to tummy is the safest carry for newborns. It is what I recommend for any baby who doesn't yet have good head control, and is also great for babies and toddlers of any age. The chest-to-chest position is comforting and soothing, and many babies prefer being upright in a sling to lying down in the cradle hold (mine both did!). You can also nurse in this position once the baby has good head/neck control.

Start with the bottom edge of the sling snug against your body, with almost no slack; or, for a little newborn, make a pouch with the sling.

Hold the baby on your shoulder, opposite the rings.
Slide her into the body of the sling, keeping a hand on her bottom for security.
It's fine to keep your arm inside the sling while you're putting the baby in, no matter what position she's in.
For a small baby, I suggest bending her legs a bit, so they're "frogged" in the sling, and keep her feet inside the sling. The picture at right shows how the legs will be inside the sling, for illustrative purposes.
For a bigger baby, her legs should be spread apart and straddle you as much as possible, as though she's riding a horse. That's best for her hip development, and keeps the baby from slipping down in the sling. Her knees should always be higher than her bottom. In addition to being safer, this also keeps the sling from cutting into the backs of their legs. If you feel that you have to hold onto the baby after she is in the sling, you're probably not doing it right; she may not be big enough to have her legs out, or may simply prefer to have her legs unbent, in which case I would make a pouch with the sling and allow her to "stand" in it, provided there is enough fabric to do so.
Tighten the sling by pulling the upper and lower edges of the tail. You'll want the bottom nice and snug, so that it cups around the baby; she should be "sitting" on the bottom edge of the sling. (Newborns can have their legs tucked in, as shown here.) The body of the sling should also be quite snug, to keep her from arching back.
This position allows the baby to look around, but she may also fall asleep. If she slides to the right or left, you can ease her into the cradle hold in either direction. You will probably find that the higher up on your chest she is, the more comfortable you are. When wearing a baby in any carrier, you'll generally want her bottom to be higher than your bellybutton no matter what. Many women experience back pain from wearing lower than that, but most pain can be avoided with proper positioning. In a good T2T position, you should be able to easily kiss the top of your baby's head.

Nursing in the cuddle hold:

You can either loosen the bottom of the sling to nurse in the cuddle hold (good for bigger babies with head/neck control), or slide the baby into the cradle hold nursing position. I tended to do the latter with my newborn, but frequently used the former with an older baby and toddler. You may need to tighten the body somewhat to keep her secure. You can use the sling tail to cover your breast, if you desire, but be sure you can always see your baby's mouth and nose clearly, and move her back up to a higher position as soon as she is finished nursing.

Next: Kangaroo carry