Make Your Own Baby Sling
Author Name: Heidi Holvoet, PhD
Make your own baby sling and treat yourself to
a
beautiful homemade sling
, that suits you perfectly. It is
not too
difficult and, using a free
baby
sling pattern
, makes an inexpensive
option. Of
course
always check the
safety guidelines below to carry your baby safely
.
It is quite doable to make your own baby sling.
photo
courtesy by
tsuacctnt
If you can sew a bit,
and have the patience, you can do it.
What you need
:
a
baby
sling pattern
, a piece of cloth, thread. If you are
making a ring sling you will need one or more rings too.
If you haven't decided which one will be best for you, discover the
different
types
of baby slings
.
Then find the (free) baby
sling pattern of your choice to get started.
Advantages of making your own baby sling
- The cost : unless you buy a very expensive fabric, you can make a quality sling for a better price than when buying.
- The look : you choose the design, color and fabric to make your own baby sling that suits you best. Many moms wear their slings quite often so it actually becomes a fashion accessory so you might just make sure it fits your outfits.
- Customized : you can customise your sling and add little extra's like a small toy pocket or a string loop for a pacifier.
- The reward : unless you don't like crafting at all, what more rewarding than carrying your baby in your own homemade sling?
Homemade baby sling safety guidelines
As with any sling or baby carrier, it's super important to
make sure
the sling is safe for your baby and for you
. Baby must be
well tucked
without danger of falling out or getting stuck in an unhealthy
position. For you the sling must ergonomical so that it does not harm
you back, neck or shoulders.
Safety guidelines:
- Your size : the sling should be your size: not too small and not too large to ensure a well-fitting baby 'seat' for your baby.
- Baby's size : the size and type of the sling must fit baby well. Check the table here to pick the right sling type for your baby's size too.
- Fabric and sewing quality : The fabric should be strong enough to endure daily baby wearing and can be stretchy but not too much. The thread you use must be of excellent quality and be tightly sewn. Once in use, regularly check for wear and tear.
- Well wrapped : once your sling is finished, make sure you always wrap or knot it carefully, following the instructions for your specific type of sling.
- Rings : the ring(s) used in a ring sling must be safely attached. They must also be the right quality - designed to carry heavy loads - and made specifically for use in a sling.
Check the overview of free baby sling pattern resources online to get started.
To make your own baby sling can be a fun and rewarding and gives you all the benefits of baby wearing as well as great help with guiding your baby to sleep better, using the Baby Sling Trick .
Article Author: Heidi Holvoet, PhD - Founder, senior sleep consultant
Heidi Holvoet, PhD, is the founder of the Baby Sleep Advice website and movement, an award-winning author, baby & toddler sleep consultant with 15+ years experience as well as a certified lactation counselor.
Over the years, Heidi has received several awards inluding a Mom's Choice Award (MCA) and National Parenting Awards (NAPPA) for her Baby Sleep Advice website, programs and books. Also, Baby Sleep Advice was awarded "Most Trusted Infant's Sleep Solutions Company 2023" in the Benelux Enterprise Awards 2023.
Heidi continually conducts personal research and participates in continued education and in that way stays up to date with current scientific and pyschosocial infant care.
She is also a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants of which she was one of the earliest contributors. She obtained her PhD degree in physics at the University of Ghent in Belgium.
Heidi is passionate about helping babies and their parents sleep more and better, with her trademark approach that has been proven and praised time and again by parents worldwide to be effective and truly no-tears. Respect for you as a parent and your baby, is at the heart of Heidi's warm and kind support. Her approach always keeps in mind a baby's needs and abilities at any given age, is based on pediatric science and the most up to date knowledge in infant care and sleep science.
As well as the award-winning baby sleep programs, Heidi offers popular 1:1 consults and easy-access 30-minute SOS Sleep sessions.
Find your Free Baby Sling Pattern

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