New grass shoots, selected leaf buds, being barefoot for the first time in 5 months (at least here in NH!) -- what could be more lovely? Linen may just be the best sling fabric there is. Before cotton was widely cultivated, linen was the go-to fabric for just about everything -- daily wear, bedclothes, accessories... if it was sewn, it was made with linen. It's strong, supportive, long-wearing, and is especially terrific for hot climates, since the fibers tend to wick moisture away and allow it to evaporate, rather than holding it in place as cotton tends to do. Soft but slightly crisp when you first open the package, it gets softer with every wash cycle, so do wash before using it for the first time. Its reputation for wrinkles is deserved, but that rumpled look is, after all, quite sought-after these days, and it can be smoothed out with a quick ironing if you're so inclined. I find it quite supportive in a single layer.

Recommended from newborn to around 30 pounds. The fabric and stitching will certainly hold up to at least 35 pounds, but becomes less comfortable for long periods of time with increasing weights. I have used one with my three-year-old, who weighed about 32 pounds at the time, and it was fine for periods of up to 30 minutes, which is generally all a toddler will want for that up-and-down stage.

This fabric can be machine-washed in cold water and tumble-dried on low. Your sling is cut a several inches longer than specified to accommodate the expected shrinkage. I recommend washing before wearing to remove residues left from fabric manufacturing, and to soften the fabric; while it is initially quite crisp, machine washing and drying will soften it considerably. Linen is prone to wrinkling if left crumpled in a heap, but a few minutes with an iron on low heat should be sufficient to remove wrinkles.