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 :)

Putting the sling on:

Examine the rings to make sure they are securely sewn in each time you use the sling, as they will be holding the weight of your child.

Determine which side you want to wear the sling on – usually the side on which you want your hand free. I'm right-handed, and like to have my right hand free, so I usually wear my sling on my right shoulder. Hold the rings in that hand (mine go in my right hand). Put your other arm through the loop of the sling.

Bring the sling over your head, keeping the rings close to your shoulder and putting your other arm all the way through the sling, like a sash or across-the-body purse (or an arm sling!).
Positioning the rings correctly goes a long way to comfortable sling-wearing: if they are too high on your shoulder, the rings will dig into your skin. If they are too low, there's not enough room for the baby in the body of the sling. I like mine to rest at the hollow between my shoulder and my breast. This is sometimes referred to as the "corsage position". Also be sure that the sling doesn't ride up off your shoulder and towards your neck. This leads to back and neck pain. The pleats should help prevent this.
Spread the material out over your shoulder. The pleats will keep it from spreading out too much. Generally, the fabric should cup the point of your shoulder and spread out evenly over your back. The higher on your shoulder the rings are, the less the fabric can spread out, so if you have particularly narrow shoulders you may want to wear the sling with the stitching close to the cusp of your shoulder.
After you have the sling in a good position, hold onto the rings with one hand while you tighten the sling (pulling the tail) with the other hand. It helps to tighten the sling so it's rather snug before you put the baby in, with just enough "give" to allow you to put the baby in; with a stretch fabric, that can be quite snug. I find it's much easier to adjust a sling if I start with it as close to the final tightness as I can.

Next: Cradle hold