I made a sling!

Well, I was beginning to think our babywearing days were numbered. The Ergo waist strap had started to dig into me and I couldn't get it comfortable and I just felt like Matilda was too heavy. Another problem was Matilda was really resisting going in it unless she was ready for a sleep, and then crying in it as soon as she woke up. I borrowed a friend's top-of-the-range Macpac rucksack-style carrier but it was no better - incredibly heavy and seemed to pull on my shoulders. It reminded me too much of carrying heavy backpacks on D of E expeditions at school! Then someone from the village gave us their old Baby Jogger 3-wheel pushchair, which Matilda loves and to be honest it's a joy to push up on the hills (although I don't think I'd dare take it on the bus or to the shops - it's huge!)

At the last Sling Meet I was asking for ideas and someone suggested trying a toddler-size mei tai. No-one had one available and then I remembered I had started to make one ages ago but stopped because I couldn't imagine when I'd use it as I was getting on so well with the much-easier-to-use Ergo. I was looking around on the Natural Mamas site for ideas when I came across Podaegi carriers. As I'd already made the shoulder straps, it looked like a quick and easy make - and it was! I used the dimensions from this tutorial. The top section is padded with a layer of fleece, while the top of the straps have four layers of fleece (cut from an old fleece blanket). The main body and strap fabric is a heavy cotton - similar to denim - while the body also has a panel of gorgeous tree/leaves cotton fabric.

I took it out for a test drive yesterday and I was really pleased with it! Sorry about the pics - they're just taken on my phone - I'll try and get some better ones taken soon. I tied it in a ruck-style carry, using the ends to make a chest strap - that way there was no painful waist strap and Matilda was nice and high so she could see over my shoulder.

An Ergo strap protector

Babywearing in our village is on the rise! While there are always lots of framed hiking baby carriers in use due to the proximity of the hills, there are now also two other sling-using mums. Both started off with Baby Bjorn type carriers but both have since bought an Ergo. Neither mum uses a buggy much either so they are definitely in the babywearing mindset. It's great to have like-minded people so close! We have started going for regular walks exploring the many many footpaths around the area. I made one of the mums (who lives a few doors down from us) a strap protector for her new carrier as her little one was sucking the straps. She likes elephants so this scrap of cotton fabric was perfect. I sandwiched a layer of old towel between the cotton and a piece of fleece backing, then used a strip of velcro for the fastening. My friend was very chuffed with it. I just have to find another spare 15 mins to make another one for the other strap now!