A modern woman is used to combining several things at once. Young mothers who recently gave birth to a baby do not remain aloof from the surrounding reality, they continue to lead an active lifestyle. The strollers are bulky and significantly limit movement. Much more convenient new devices called slings. These are soft fabric carriers for the child, having different styles.
Types of slings
There are models of slings according to their style and method of planting a child. There are slings-scarves that do not have fasteners, a model with rings that fix the required length, a sling pocket with a seat for the baby and a May-sling, which is a fabric backpack for a newborn. Let's consider briefly all types.
Sling with rings is very simple. It is a long wide scarf and two metal or plastic rings that are fixed at the desired length. Such devices look very stylish, take up little space. Suitable for daily walks.
The sling pocket does not need adjustment, it is very simple to use, it is quickly put on, the child just sits down and is pulled out of the pocket. The kid sits more comfortably than in a scarf, the back is better fixed. It is recommended for use by mothers whose children have grown up a bit and want to know the world around them.
A sling scarf is simply a wide and long rectangle that you need to be able to wear correctly.
May-slings are used to carry children after six months who have already learned how to hold their heads. It is worn as a simple backpack, then a child sits in it. Very comfortable and lightweight fixture.
Buy or do it yourself?
Since slings and scarves with rings have a very simple style, you can buy just a dense, preferably natural material of the desired length and learn how to tie it correctly. Buying rings separately is also not very difficult. You just need to go to the sewing accessories store. Purchased models will cost much more. You also have to overpay for a well-known brand. Of course, if the high costs are not a problem, then it is more convenient to buy, and not to bother with the search for parts.
But the baby sling pocket has a number of features that you need to consider when buying, especially on the Internet. The device is a one-piece or with a fastener piece of fabric, on the front side of which a convenient pocket is made for a child to sit. It is necessary to measure it before purchase so that the position of the pocket is correct, since this type of sling is not subject to adjustment. Therefore, you can sew it yourself, especially since there is nothing complicated in it.
In order to independently start manufacturing a sling pocket, you need to read the instructions very carefully and take measurements correctly.
Preparatory stage
The first thing to do is to measure. A flexible meter measures the distance from the edge of the shoulder to the middle of the opposite thigh. You need to stand upright, do not pull the tape tight. These measurements must be multiplied by 2 and additionally measure another 15 cm. If the fabric is new, then after washing it will have some shrinkage (about 5%). This must also be taken into account. To avoid such a problem, the best way would be to prewash the new material before cutting. After washing and drying, iron the fabric. Now she is ready for cutting.
What fabric to choose?
The fabric for the sling pocket must be durable, since it has an important mission to hold the baby. Thick satin and jeans will do. Stretchable material can also be used, for example, knitwear.
That's only when sewing with it is more difficult to work, the seams also need to be made elastic. And from the severity of the child, the tissue can stretch and sag. The most optimal choice of fabric will be a material that does not stretch in length, but stretches slightly in width. And, of course, it is better for children to use natural fabrics, synthetics are harmful to kids. In extreme cases, up to 3% of elastane or polyester additives are permissible.
Pocket pattern
The pattern is done depending on the size and age of the child. It takes into account its position in the sling (lying or sitting). For older children, a pocket of greater depth and with a sintepon or foam padding for legs is suitable. If the child is a newborn, then a shallow pocket will be required, since the baby will mainly lie. If you want to sew a sling for girls' games with dolls, then take the same pattern , only all sizes need to be halved.
DIY sling pocket
First of all, a rectangle with the desired length and width of 55 cm is cut. If you need to make a side for the legs, then add another 5 cm. The stretching fabrics are cut in the direction of least stretching. Tuck and stitch the edges carefully. When stripping a soft edge on one side, you need to bend the edge by 5 cm, and then hem.
Then the prepared and ironed rectangle should be folded in half in length, ironed, then again in half, but already in width and also ironed.
Next is the undercut for the pocket. To do this, on the narrow side of the rectangle (in that part where the free edges of matter are bent), 7.5 cm should be measured from the bend point (for newborns - 5 cm). Draw a dot and draw a curved arched line to the fold of the fabric. With sharp scissors, cut the fabric, all 4 layers, along the drawn line.
When leveling the fabric, you should get a rectangle with rounded arched ends on both sides. A pad of soft material (sintepon or foam rubber) is inserted into the lower part, where 5 cm is left. So that it does not stray, in several places it needs to be sewn across.
Before stitching a sling pocket, the fabric must be folded with the wrong side, matching the cut out arcs. Having sewed a semicircular edge once, it is necessary to strengthen the seam. To do this, the material is turned on the front side and sewn again, with a deviation of 1.0-1.5 cm. After that, you can be absolutely calm that the fabric and seams will support the weight of the baby.
The final step is to try on the sling to determine its length. To do this, put it on your shoulder so that the child is comfortable sitting. The device should not be low so that there is no desire to pull it up. After accurate measurement of the length of the harness, a double stitch is attached to the shoulder seam. The pocket should be located directly on the hip.
Sling scarf for professionals
One of the most difficult to use portable devices is the method of winding a sling-scarf - the "cross under your pocket." It requires great dexterity and care, as the procedure is not easy. But if you decide to try and tie the sling correctly, then it will be extremely convenient for your child to be in it. With experience, you can master this complex science and calmly do this procedure daily.
Try to create slings with your own hands! It is interesting, inexpensive, and the baby will like to be closer to his beloved mom!