MARCH/APRIL 2016 BABYWEARINGTHEMAG.COM

Sakura BloomMaya WrapTulaSlingRingsplus Twice Loved & Modern

Ring Sling theRing Sling issue

2 FROM THE PUBLISHER

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6 TRENDING Inspired style for the babywearing world. This issue: Spring into ring slings

8 CARRY ON Wrap carries to expand your repertoire. This issue: Ring sling hip carry

10 RETAIL THERAPY Items that make your life easier. This issue: On display

in every issue

14 MAYA WRAP

16 SAKURA BLOOM

20 TULA RING SLINGS

features

table of contents

12 STEAL VS. SPLURGE Carriers to fit any budget. This issue: Ready-to-wear

22 WRAP DIARIES A day in the life of our favorite babywearers. This issue: Twice Loved & Modern

24 #BWTHEMAG Pics from you, our readers. This issue: Sling baby

26 WRAP UP Chat with inspiring industry insiders. This issue: Rochelle of SlingRings

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Quick trip to the store? Ring sling. Wearable carrier for the park? Ring sling. A carrier that is super easy to breastfeed in? Ring sling. Emergency carrier that folds down small? Ring sling. Ring slings are my answer to a lot of carrier questions. There is a learning curve (like any carrier), but once you get ring slings down, they can quickly become stash favorites. I also don’t limit ring slings to newborns and small infants — I can wear my toddler (almost preschooler) for short periods of time comfortably.

There are so many ready-made beautiful slings in a variety of fabrics and patterns to choose from. We are featuring some of our favorite brands that offer ready-to-wear slings. From Sakura Bloom and Maya Wrap to the relatively new kid in the ring sling game, Tula, you can read all about their process and passion. We also have an interview with Rochelle of SlingRings, the standard of safety for American ring slings.

ENJOY!

Sarah

from the publisher

publisherSARAH ZEENBERG

sarah@babywearingthemag.com

editorNOVIA CHANG

editor@babywearingthemag.com

art directorSARAH ZEENBERG

art@babywearingthemag.com

business developmentDANNY ZEENBERG

danny@babywearingthemag.com

All information provided by Babywear-ing: the magazine, LLC, is intended for entertainment purposes only. Those who are new to babywearing should seek out the help of a local babywearing group or professional babywearing consultant. The publisher, editors, contributors and adver-tisers are not responsible in the actions or misuse of any individual on the basis of reading information contained in Baby-wearing: the magazine, LLC. The informa-tion contained herein is not a replacement for hands on instruction.

Babywearing: the magazine, LLC as-sumes no responsibility for the advertisers. Babywearing: the magazine, LLC is not re-sponsible for typographical or production errors or accuracy of information provided by its advertisers. Babywearing: the mag-azine, LLC reserves the right to refuse any advertiser.

Unauthorized use or reproduction of ed-itorial content in any way whatsoever with-out the written consent of Babywearing: the magazine, LLC is strictly prohibited.

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THE MAGIC OF

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on the cover From Juliana: My fascination with Babywearing started when I saw a picture of a fellow local mama

wearing her baby in one of the most beautiful wraps I’ve seen. I was mesmerized and immediately began to inquire about where I could get one and how it all worked. At eight months pregnant I purchased my first ring sling. As much as I loved my ring sling I was still was lusting after a wrap when a close friend of the family gifted me one at my baby shower.

The first time I wore my son was in the ring sling he was 9 days old. It took some practice but there really was no better feeling than being able to have my son close. At two weeks old I braved a simple front wrap cross carry. Ever since that moment babywearing has been a large part of my life.

I enjoy being a part of the BWI Gainesville chapter, and am working towards becoming a Volunteer Babywearing Educator. I’m really excited about my future with the babywearing community and am looking forward to becoming more involved in helping people discover the joys of babywearing.

Juliana is wearing Simply Silk in Vermilion by Sakura Bloom.

Ring Slings

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I knew I wanted to wear my daughter from birth, so before she was born, I had a small carrier stash waiting. It consisted of a long woven wrap, a stretchy wrap, a buckle carrier and a ring sling. I chose the ring sling for her first ride as it was the easiest and least intimidating carrier that I had. It was a perfectly broken in Oscha linen grad ring sling that I purchased second hand, and she pretty much lived in it for the first six months of her life.

I find ring slings to be the perfect starter carrier for new parents. It can be used from birth through toddlerhood and different shoulder styles allow for customization, ensuring that every wearer can find a style that works for them. Ring slings also range in prices and fabrics, from simple linen, wrap conversions, to luxurious cashmere, there is something for every style and budget.

We love our ring slings, and hope you do it too. New to ring slings? Check out our Trending section for ready-made options that you can buy now.

ENJOY!

Novia

RING SLINGS the most

versatile carrier

editor’s note

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Spring INTO ring

slings

trending

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As our thoughts turn to Spring and warm weather wearing, we can’t help but think of ring slings. While there are converters who will custom make a sling for you, there are many ready-to-wear options available, no conversions needed. Grab one and wear on!

1 BECO isn’t just buckles anymore. The brand now carries 100% cotton ring slings, ideal for the infant through toddler

years. becobabycarrier.com

2 In addition to making custom slings, COMFY JOEY sells ready to wear linen, water and doll slings. comfyjoey.com

3 The DIDYSLING is available in all Didymos colors and pat-terns and in two different shoulder types (gathered and pleats)

to suit all needs. didymos.de/en

4 KOKADI offers wrap converted rings slings made from their fun designs. Sizes are standard and the shoulders are revers-

ible. kokadi.de/en

5 Ring slings from KOKOSKAA’s budget line are the perfect ad-dition to any stash, large or small. kokoskaa.com

6 MAYA WRAP offers two styles of ready-made ring slings: the Lightly Padded Ring Sling and the ComfortFit Ring Sling. Both

carriers have exactly the same sizing (length and width), rings, fab-ric options, and pockets. The difference is in the shoulder con-struction. mayawrap.com

7 NATIBABY offers ring slings in sizes small, medium and large. The simple design includes a pocket with Velcro closure. natibaby.eu

8 PAVO ring slings feature a gathered floating shoulder and bronze rings, both which have proved to be favorites with

babywearers. pavoguild.com

9 SAKURA BLOOM offers modern design and luxe fabrics such as silk, linen and cashmere. sakurabloom.com

10 TULA ring slings are made from their woven wraps, which are designed and woven specifically for Tula. Tula recommends

the weight range of 8-35 pounds for their slings. tulababycarriers.com

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carry on

HOW TO USE A RING SLING WITH A NEWBORN by WrappingRachelGreat elbow sizing trick and how to nurse in a ring sling. youtube.com/watch?v=e2BCdRfQAvQ

Ring slings are ideal for newborns, but also convenient for quick trips with toddlers. They are versatile and can be used by more than one caregiver. It’s a great tool for any stash.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITE RING SLING TUTORIALS:

USING A RING SLING - HIP AND FRONT CARRIES by Nicola WYSL Pre-sizing and how to keep your ideal sizing when removing the sling. youtube.com/watch?v=jnsFymv_M8Q

THREADING A RING SLING by BabywearingFaith Arguably the most important step in using a ring sling.youtube.com/watch?v=QeBLdM3WwN8

CASSIOPE WOVEN HADARA TENEBRIS MINT cassiopewoven.com

HIP CARRYring sling

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Lift Me Up, Inc. is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation may qualify as a charitable deduction, please consult with a tax advisor or the IRS to determine if your income tax circumstances allow for this deduction.

www.babywearingtothrive.orgliftmeupbabywearing@gmail.com

#babyweartothrive@liftmeupbaby

Lift Me Up is a program providing

babywearing carriers to families who have children with special

needs.

At Lift Me Up, we are about more than just providing carriers, we are about

education and supporting families ontheir babywearing journey. Coming this summer....the 2015 Thrive Drive.....aBabywearing International scholarship

fundraiser for families who have children with special needs. Follow our facebook

page for all of the exciting details!

Kristin, Sarah and Rachel, the Lift Me Up Mamas,are excited to attend the 2016 International Babywearing

Conference in Atlanta!Collectively we have nine little boys, a passion

for babywearing (6+ years each of babywearing experience), and a love for children with special needs,

as caregivers and parents. We cannot wait to share the mission of Lift Me Up

with those in attendance. The Lift Me Up: Babywearing To Thrive program provides babywearing carriers,

education and support to families who have children with special needs.

The families we serve have amazing stories of how babywearing has impacted their lives. Through

pictures and written testimonials we will take conference attendees along the recipients’ babywearing journeys. Stop by the Lift Me Up table and introduce yourself

and share your babywearing story with us! Feel free to ask questions about the #BabywearToThrive program,

or general questions about babywearing children with special needs.

retail therapy

Show off your carriers like the

artwork they are, and keep them

accessible at the same time!

IMAX TOWEL/WINE RACK Display your collection of 6 (or more!) carriers in this decorative wrought iron beauty. $26.97, amazon.com

ONdisplay

HOLD THEM CLOSE ORGANIZER Display and organize your carriers! Hand-cut and sanded to perfection before being primed and painted the color of your choice. High quality permanent vinyl can be customized with your favorite quote. $65, etsy.com/shop/spillthebeansetcshop Use BWTHEMAG for 15% off, expires 4/2017

THE LADDERRACK 2-IN-1 QUILT DISPLAY RACK This rack can be used in two ways! Fold it in half or lean it against the wall in ladder form. 5 1/2 ft. tall with 5 smooth display rungs, hooks on each side, and a 6” shelf. Handmade in the USA from premium clear pine. $159.99, amazon.com

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SLEEPING BABY PRODUCTIONS FRENCH TWILL Light weight 100% cotton, brushed on one side, smooth on the other. Available in 12 colors with your choice of rings. You can even add a tail accent for even more personalization! $40, sleepingbaby.net

steal vs. splurge

steal

readyTOwearThere are a wide range of prices for carriers, but there are options for every budget. Find a design that fits your personality (and wallet) and carry your little one in style.

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splurge

SAKURA BLOOM NOIR CASHMERE 100% pure Italian Cashmere. I don’t think we need to say any more. $460, sakurabloom.com

steal

{BWTM} Tell us about the Maya Wrap ComfortFit Ring Sling. How was it developed?{MW} It started with feedback from the babywearing community, mostly the experienced babywearers. My goal was to create a shoulder style that would stay put and not restrict mobility. I went through a lot of trial and error, knowing what I wanted to achieve but didn’t quite get there until the spandex idea popped into my mind.

{BWTM} Tell us about the process of designing the ring slings. How do you choose the fabric for conversion?{MW} Product design starts with a performance goal. We take as long as needed to achieve it. We believe we have some of the best testers in the babywearing community. Their candid feedback helps us reach our goal.

Choosing fabric, color, and design is a group effort. We all contribute ideas and take the latest colors and babywearing trends into consideration. Additionally, we also test our fabrics for breaking strength and tearing resistance. We have been surprised at the low tearing resistance of some fabrics which appear to be strong. As we expand into new fabrics we are guided by the test results.

{BWTM} Tell us about the fabrics used to make your ring slings{MW} My father was heavily involved in world community service. He did a lot of work in Central America as a Rotarian. When I was just getting started over 20 years ago, I asked him to get some hand-loomed fabric made by his friends in Guatemala. We honestly did not know how well it would be received. As we

MAYA WRAPSusan Gmeiner, Owner & CEO, is the brains behind

Maya Wrap. She and her husband call North Carolina home and are

the proud parents of three wonderful boys and a new

granddaughter. Maya Wrap came to fruition after the

birth of her second son. Like many successful, product-

focused entrepreneurs, Susan’s wraps were born

out of necessity.

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MAYA WRAP

mayawrap.com facebook.com/mayawrap

have continued to grow, we have been fortunate to still work with the same, dedicated manufacturer that we found so many years ago.

We have since branched out into jacquard and twill fabrics. I live in North Carolina and am not far from some excellent mills. We are enjoying working with them.

{BWTM} How have new regulations regarding ring slings affected Maya Wrap?{MW} Even though we were concerned that it would affect our sales, Maya Wrap was the first sling company to recommend a minimum weight. Our first concern is safety, and fortunately, the development of the standard has led to wide spread adoption of weight limits and other good practices that work towards that end. Maya Wrap has been on the ASTM committee for the baby sling standard since it was created. While we are very happy to have the standard, we prefer that it remain voluntary. We do not enjoy the extra time and paperwork involved but the end result of the standard is a good and right one.

{BWTM} How are Maya Wrap ComfortFit Ring Slings different from other ring slings on the market? {MW} The ComfortFit Ring Sling shoulder gathers the fabric is such a

way that shoulder panel feels padded. In fact, one of the first YouTube reviews said it was padded. The gathers also mean the sling won’t cover so much of your arm, which restricts movement. The spandex lining allows the shoulder to stretch and move horizontally in concert with the wearer, which has the effect of increased comfort and helps it stay in place on your shoulder. The band around the shoulder panel turns it into a narrow shoulder sling for those who prefer that. It can be removed for those who prefer a wider shoulder, too.

{BWTM} What is the advantage of using a ring sling over other carriers?{MW} We love ring slings because you can get a perfect fit and one size will fit a large range of body types. We also love being able to quickly get a child in and out. They are highly transportable, easy to care for, and take up little space. Caregivers need simplification in their lives, not added hassle.

{BWTM} What does Maya Wrap have in store for 2016 and beyond?{MW} We intend on staying active in the standards and safety arena; it’s the direction the industry is moving in. Fresh colors and fabrics are always in store, and increasing brand visibility in uncommon places.

sakura BLOOMCrafted from all-natural fibers, Sakura Bloom slings combine lush textiles with modern design. The process begins in their design studio in Leucadia, CA, and then moves to our workshop in Massachusetts where each sling is handmade.

{BWTM} Please tell us about Sakura Bloom. Who is behind the scenes of the company?{SB} Seeing as how the company is going into its 10th year, this is a pretty complex question. Let me break it down a little! In a nutshell, I (Lynne Banach) am behind the company, along with my husband Eric and our two amazing children, Teja (10) and Jai (7). My roots and family are in Massachusetts and in fact all of our slings are still made there.

The start of Sakura Bloom was actually somewhat accidental. I was living in Massachusetts at the time when I made my first slings — one for me and my newborn daughter, Teja, and a second one for my sister, Carole, an anthropology professor at CU in Boulder, Colorado. At the time, babywearing wasn’t a household term, so I was excited when a local boutique owner inquired about her gorgeous silk sling (it was the original Sakura Stripe Artisan) and asked if I would make some for her shop. I said yes and it just snowballed from there. Sakura Bloom was born! We are now in Southern California living our dream: trading snowy winters for weekdays at the beach, and of course working out of our seaside design studio in Leucadia!

My vision for Sakura Bloom from the beginning really stemmed from my own personal experience of motherhood. When Teja was born in 2005, it was next to impossible to find unique baby carriers in local stores. Big box stores were the only option for most people, and they offered pretty much one style of carrier and definitely nothing made locally.

When I was pregnant, I would drive over an hour from our house in Massachusetts to a little boutique in Connecticut that sold cloth diapers just to see the different colors and be able to talk with someone about what we would need or want. I knew I wanted to be able to do the same with our slings: feel the textiles, try the sling on, shop locally, and of course find community. I made it my mission to try to bring babywearing to the boutiques dotting our downtown. That boutique would become one of our very first retailers, and today we have over 300 small, local independent retailers (mostly women-owned) around the world helping new parents get comfy in their Sakura Blooms.

Building community (in brick-and-mortar stores and online via social media) and creating a platform for mothers to have their voices be heard has been a part of the plan from the beginning. From breastfeeding/bottle feeding, co-sleeping,

march/april 2016 17

sakurabloom.com

working mothers, alternative families, diversity, adoption — we offer empowerment and a safe haven in which everyone has a voice and that voice speaks for beauty in all of its forms.

What is interesting is that this business model (slings in stores everywhere + our intentional social media and marketing) is that it can really be a double-edged sword sometimes, as it can create the illusion of a larger company. People would probably be surprised to know that we really are a small company and a family-run business with just four people on staff, but we maximize every moment and are proud of the work that we do every single day. {BWTM} Tell us about the process of designing each new line and the fabrics used to make your ring slings.{SB} I am a lover of minimalist, modern design and I think that comes through in our overall style here at Sakura Bloom: simple, clean lines coupled with heirloom quality textiles. One of my favorite things is forecasting trends in color and style and translating those findings into offerings that will appeal to our customers’ individual tastes and interests. For example, our Blackout collection is bold, minimalist, and striking paired with its black rings and details, the Gradient collection is an airy yet rock solid weave that is perfect for the rugged needs of an adventuring family, and of course the sling that started it all, our Essential silks, boast two contrasting and coordinating colors which are not only stunning in their own right, but also are absolutely fantastic for teaching new slingers how to wear and

tighten the sling, making them a perfect match for babywearing educators. Silk is my personal favorite and our workhorse sling - it’s versatile, lightweight, and insanely supportive for long-legged preschoolers or developing newborns alike!

{BWTM} Tell us about the collaboration with Shabd? How did that come about?{SB} We love collaborating with creatives who are experts in their craft. Creating a handmade item resonates with me, so adding the additional element of collaborating with an artist to imbue these added layers and special design elements to our handcrafted slings always makes me giddy. A few years ago while we were living in Boulder, we came across the work of Shabd Simon-Alexander and we fell in love with the uniqueness of her work, combining traditional dying techniques with an eye for style. Having the chance to work with her on an entire line of hand dyed, one-of-a-kind (and now sold out) slings featuring unique colors, and also on the currently available Shabd Shibori with its geometric repeat patterns and rich hues of indigo - has been so fun! The most exciting part of the collaboration process is watching the plan come together behind the scenes over the course of a few months and being able to see the finished designs. We are excited for our next project!

{BWTM} How have new regulations regarding ring slings affected Sakura Bloom?{SB} Industry regulations being rolled out haven’t actually affected us very much because since the beginning, we put so much

attention towards making the highest quality product that we can. My sister Carole was actually an admin of TheBabyWearer.com way back in the day before I even had children, so babywearing education for safety and comfort has been a part of my parenting journey since my daughter was born in 2005, and certainly was on my radar when Sakura Bloom was established in 2006.

I still remember going with my friend Robyn (of Babyhawk) to Philadelphia to the ASTM meetings when the CPSIA regulations were rolling out. It has been such a long road, but we are proud to be arm-in-arm with the BCIA and our other industry leaders to make sure that every single sling continues to be safe, comfortable, and beautiful.

{BWTM} How are Sakura Bloom slings different from other ring slings on the market?{SB} I think a lot of things set us apart from other ring sling makers on the market: our dedication to supporting the brick-and-mortar model of local economies; our commitment to transparent business practices; and our responsibility for fostering a community that we can be proud of. We work out of our seaside design studio in Leucadia, CA, where our team of four maintains a home base.

All of our slings are handcrafted in and shipped from our workshop in coastal Massachusetts, where we originated. We bring our A game 100% of the time: from sourcing only the highest quality fibers for our textiles to infusing and standing behind our belief in the empowerment of

our customer into every single social media post. You won’t find another ring sling available widely in stores that are made here in the USA, much less with a family-run company standing behind every single decision.

We are active members within the babywearing industry, passionate about infant/caregiver connection, and dedicated to remaining at the forefront of education and appropriate use. Combine those passions and commitments with our longevity as a business, our devotion to community, storytelling, and charity, and our design aesthetics. I think all of those things are what make us special.

{BWTM} What is the advantage of using a ring sling?{SB} “Parents have always carried their children. In their arms, on their shoulders, wrapped onto their body with a simple piece of cloth, in front packs or back packs, in slings slung over one shoulder or two. Parents around the world know the secrets of baby slings. They calm children. They provide babies with a safe environment for encountering the world. They help with baby’s emotional, physical, and social development. They allow you to get work done. They make both of you happy.” My sister wrote this way back in 2006 and it still rings true to this day.

A ring sling is the perfect carrier: it supports the small curved frame of a newborn and adjusts with baby’s size as they grow. It is truly versatile from day one until you’re done, the most lightweight and portable carrier out there, and incredibly easy to use due to the nature of how it operates (creating an adjustable hammock on the caregiver’s body).

{BWTM} Do you have any other big plans up your sleeve (that you don’t mind sharing)? What does Sakura Bloom have in store for 2016 and beyond?{SB} We do have lots of new things planned for this year that we are really excited about. As I mentioned above, this is our 10th year in business and it has already seen some amazing surprises (cashmere) and some incredibly satisfying and enriching in-person events. There are so many other fun things in the works and on the horizon that we could not possibly be more excited about. Make sure to follow us so that you don’t miss the fun!

facebook.com/sakurabloom

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While Tula is best known for making soft structured carriers, the company has branched out into woven wraps and ring slings. We chat with Ula about the

versatility of the ring sling and why she decided to expand her product line to offer them.

{BWTM} After such success with SSCs, why did Tula decide to expand to ring slings and wraps?{TULA} Before I started Baby Tula, about nine years ago, I exclusively used a ring sling with my daughter Amelia for the first six months of her life. As she grew, we needed options for extended wearing while traveling so we began searching for what would become our soft structured carrier line, but I always loved ring slings. Offering ring slings was definitely something I had wanted to do for a long time as I always appreciated the convenience of ring slings for “quick ups”. After the launch of our woven wraps, we knew that the material would be perfect for ring slings and decided it was time to expand our collection of carriers to offer them.

{BWTM} What is the advantage of using a ring sling?{TULA} There is something so simple about the way a ring sling can be tucked away in your bag and then simply be slipped on to comfortably carry a tiny newborn or rambunctious toddler. It has a very basic design that doesn’t overwhelm you or your baby, especially in those first few months when your baby is so small and delicate. Ring slings are also wonderful in warm weather locales, like our home in San Diego. They are also great for wearing under your coat on cold or rainy days so that you can babywear without having to remove any layers.

{BWTM} Why did you decide to offer ready-made wrap conversion ring slings? {TULA} In my own experience, I really enjoyed the convenience of a ring sling but felt that as my children grew, we needed more support. If we were going to be making Tula ring slings, it was really important to me that we find a way to make them a more versatile option. Once we began making Tula wovens with Tencel®, I immediately knew the materials’ breathability and strength would make it perfect

for ring slings. With how quickly our woven wraps become fluid and moldable, adjusting your ring sling is simple while still having a dense weave that supports a growing baby. The use of woven wrap material added that essential element of longevity that I was looking for. {BWTM} When is the ideal time to use a ring sling?{TULA} A ring sling really is magical for those first few months with your baby when it can snug nicely around their small bodies and let you take care of other little things while wearing them. However, ring slings can also be wonderful to hip carry a curious baby who wants to look and around and interact with the world; or for a walking toddler who loves to be up and down frequently. Really, anytime is an ideal time to use a ring sling! {BWTM} Any tips for making sure a ring sling is comfortable? {TULA} Ring slings are great when adjusted properly! Start with your ring sling already snug against your body, only leaving just enough room to place your baby inside the sling. Make sure that the ring sling is spread wide and flat across your back; that the rings of the sling are at “corsage” level; and that the bottom edge of the ring sling is capping your shoulder. Lastly, when tightening, pull the excess fabric towards the rings and pull across rather than down when pulling each section of your ring sling “tail”. {BWTM} Do you have any big plans up your sleeve? What does Tula have in store for 2016 and beyond?{TULA} We are always excited to be working on new things. Currently, we are working hard to make some of our fans biggest wishes a reality and finding ways to make babywearing fun for everyone. We are looking towards some really exciting things that will make summer fun!

tulababycarriers.com facebook.com/babytula

TULAmore than just SSCs

march/april 2016 21

TWICE LOVED& modern

wrap diaries

My first child was born in March of 2014 and even before he was born, I knew that I would wear him. While I was pregnant, I did a lot of research. I registered for a K’tan and I bought a ring sling shortly after he was born. Kellen has always loved being worn, I remember being at a friend’s house when he was only a couple weeks old and he was getting really fussy. My husband turned to me and said, “He seems to really like when you wrap him, why you don’t you grab the wrap?” After discovering the babywearing community on Facebook, I quickly fell in love with woven wraps. I started scouring the swaps and collecting wraps and well, you know how deep that rabbit hole goes! I really enjoyed sharing my love for babywearing in various groups and slowly, companies started contacting me about testing their products and sharing with others. I started a blog before my son was born and as I fell more in love with babywearing, it naturally became a blog about babywearing.

Front wrap cross carry Heartiness “Fall Again” Tsumugi silk weft size 6

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twicelovedandmodern.blogspot.com facebook.com/TwiceLovedandModern

Our days usually start off pretty slow and lazy, especially on the weekends. We relax for a bit after waking up and decide to go for a walk

since it isn’t too cold. It can be hard to get out for a walk in the winter as it’s often very cold with nasty wind chill, but today we have some sunshine. We get our coats, hats, and leggings and head out to enjoy the day. I often reach for my buckle onbu when we go for a walk in cold weather, it’s one of the easiest things to put on over layers without too much fuss. Sometimes my son likes to get down and walk for a while but when it’s cold, he’s often happy to stay close to me in a carrier for our entire walk. I never refuse that opportunity. After our walk he is ready for his nap, so I grab a wrap and we get comfy. I am primarily a wrapper, I prefer the versatility of a woven as it allows me so many different carrying styles with just one wrap. At almost two-years-old, my son is still nursing and I wrap and nurse him to sleep every day. Today we chose a front wrap cross carry (FWCC) with a size 6 woven wrap, which is my base size. FWCC is often the first carry wearers learn and I still use it frequently at almost two years into our wrapping journey. I find FWCC very easy for nursing and it offers great support for carrying a toddler. After his nap, we head off to do some shopping. My son loves shopping, but being a toddler, he is active and tries to grab things off of the shelves. Babywearing allows me to keep him close to me and prevent him from becoming a toddler tornado that destroys the toy store in 10 seconds! He can enjoy the view and I often pass him a toy while he is on my back so he can be entertained, or I give him a snack to munch on while we browse. I often choose a ruck variation for a quick shopping trip since it’s the fastest carry for me to tie off. Today I chose a ruck tied at shoulder (RTAS) with a size 3. When you’ve got a toddler I feel like a shorty (for me a 3 is ideal) is invaluable and I always keep one in my car. After shopping, we are hungry so we head to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. Eating out with a toddler can be challenging as he’s very busy at this age. I like to have a ring sling along when we go out to eat so I can wear him to nurse. It keeps him content while we wait for our food or while we are finishing up. When he was much younger, he would fall asleep and I could eat while he napped in the sling. A ring sling is one of my favorite carriers for nursing in, it’s quick to put on and easily adjusted, plus it gives you some privacy if you’re not totally comfortable with nursing in public. This double layer ring sling lives in my car. A ring sling is an ideal carrier to keep stowed in your car stash for those emergencies when you forget to grab something else. Dinner marks the end of our day so we head home to wind down for bed time. I don’t wrap him for bedtime anymore (I used to when he was younger) since we just snuggle in bed while he nurses to sleep. Thanks for joining me and happy babywearing!

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sling babyBig or small, we wear them all.

24 babywearingthemag.com

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march/april 2016 25

{BWTM} How did the idea for SlingRings come about?{SR} I was a first time mom when I purchased a sling at a thrift store. The year was 2000, and people were just starting to break with the aesthetic of the 90s. While I didn’t object to the navy, burgundy, and hunter green paisley, I was excited about making my own sling out of my own fabric as well. At that time there were only two online stores selling rings and they were actually marine rings, for the shipping industry. They were one color (plain plastic), too small, rough, and frankly, ugly! My husband had been working in plastics manufacturing for years, keeping his eyes open for the opportunity to break into the business on his own. We realized that his dream could fill my need, and we decided to go for it. This was September 2001. {BWTM} Who is behind the scenes of SlingRings?{SR} My husband Paul and I have been manufacturing the rings in our backyard since we started. We’ve grown some since then, and I am no longer involved in the actual manufacturing. We have some nieces and uncles and other family members who work with us, in addition to frequently bringing in interns from the local high school robotics club, and our older children are getting big enough to help out as well.

wrap up

a chat with ROCHELLE

of SlingRingsSlingRings is owned by a mom

and dad engineering team and the company serves the DIY and crafting

communities, as well as businesses of all sizes. Their goal is to make sling rings (and slings) available

to all parents to help them to raise attached, loving and confident children. SlingRings provides high quality nylon

and aluminum rings for slings, and test each ring to ensure safety.

26 babywearingthemag.com

{BWTM} Tell us about the process of manufacturing the rings. Why is this important for use with babies? {SR} Both our nylon and aluminum rings are made from specially engineered materials for increased strength and purity. Because this is all that we do, we know that the rings are free from any cross contamination. We make the rings weld-free for the same reason. The rings are not only individually tested and strong enough for carrying a baby, but they are perfectly safe as baby’s first chew toy as well. While navigating the CPSIA has been a long tough road, we are sensitive to the lead poisoning cases that led to its passage, and are extremely proud to be able to offer a compliant product that is tested and proven to be safe for babies. {BWTM} How have new regulations regarding wrap ring slings affected SlingRings?{SR} There are really two answers to that question. We have been heavily involved in creating an international standard for slings through the ASTM since 2008. I have been the chair of our sub-committee twice. It is a consensus process, which has been frustratingly slow, but has given us the chance to represent our customers in creating a standard that will not only lead to higher quality slings, but that is attainable for small businesses. Since the CPSIA passed,

there have been additional complications with labeling, recall plans, third party lead testing, and (the soon to be mandatory) testing to the ASTM standard.

We were founding board members of the BCIA, attempting to give sling makers a voice in Washington and also to provide help to companies as they learn how to be compliant. So we’ve been very busy for years getting the industry to a point that it is able to survive this level of regulation. As far as our products, SlingRings have been lead free from the very beginning.

We do the third party testing more often now and the rings also all have tracking numbers per the CPSIA. The strength testing that we do is over and above what any of the regulations require, but I sleep better at night knowing that each and every ring that goes out the door has been tested to 250 pounds. {BWTM} How do you choose colors?{SR} Colors were part of the driving factor that created our business, and I love when we can bring in new colors. Because of the testing involved, it’s a slower process than the fashion cycle for sure! When we first started, orange wasn’t part of the baby fashion scene, but of course it was one of the hottest colors in the last few years, and we were thrilled to be able to add orange rings. Our first sling baby is 16 years-old

now, and very artistic, and she helps to push me and keep us working on up-to-date colors. {BWTM} Where can SlingRings be bought?{SR} We sell directly to customers on our website, including internationally, and we are also working on reaching out to brick and mortar stores around the world. We are constantly updating our list at SlingRings.com/nlinks.php {BWTM} Besides ring slings, how else can SlingRings be used?{SR} We use SlingRings to hang our curtains, pack our sleeping bags, attach a car seat to a rolling suitcase, for teethers, for bracelets, for hammocks, and dozens of other things. We have some pictures on our Facebook page facebook.com/SlingRings, and are always looking for other ideas! {BWTM} Do you have any other big plans up your sleeve? What does SlingRings have in store for 2016 and beyond?{SR} Well, we just added the custom etching option. It’s so much fun to see what inspires our customers, as they add names and sayings to their rings. We will be adding mini and super mini rings to the website any time now (great for diaper bags and chest belts!) and are still doing lots of research on other new colors and finishes.

SlingRings.com facebook.com/SlingRings