FAQ


Why should I wear my baby? TOP

1.) It's convenient- Babies need and want to be held. With little ones, they are so wobbly, you need at least one hand, if not both to hold them. Why not use a sling to keep them close to you and still give you two hands free? Slings can be worn anywhere: at home, at the store, at a restaurant, at the library, at the doctor's office...

2.) Keeps the baby happy and content-Studies have shown that babies that are held are more content, cry less and for some reason, don't show signs of colic as often as babies that are not held.

3.) Helps babies to thrive and grow- According to Dr. Sears...babies (especially babies with failure to thrive and premature babies) spend less time crying when they are being held. So, instead of crying, they can focus their time on growing. Motion has a calming effect on babies. The close proximity also increases feeding frequency, which will obviously produce a growing baby! Dr. Sears also thinks that babywearing promotes growth hormones and body enzymes that enhance growth. There's nothing wrong with that! :)

4.) Enhances learning- While the baby is being held, he/she is up at an adult level. The baby can see and hear what is going on around him/her. This causes the baby to have more awake time called quiet alertness. This is when a baby is content and can interact with the environment around him/her. According to Dr. Sears this is the optimal state of learning for a baby. Research shows that carried babies show enhanced visual and auditory alertness. Baby wearing also increases bonding time. In the cradle hold the baby can see the mother's (or father's) face. This is exactly what they want to see.

5.) Makes nursing very easy and discreet. People won't even know you are doing it!

6.) Babywearing does not cause your baby to be spoiled! In our daily life (through the media and other well-meaning adults) we hear about why we shouldn't spoil a baby. But, think of life the way a baby sees it. He/she just spent nine months in a soft, cozy, warm environment. All of a sudden he/she is pushed out (rather abruptly) into this bright, loud atmosphere. All the baby wants is for someone to cuddle him/her and make him/her feel safe. This is usually in sync with a woman's natural instinct. Think about how when you were pregnant, you just wanted to see and hold your baby. Well, now you can. Go with your instincts. Learn to trust them now. Our society thinks that we need to constantly put our babies down and let them cry it out. Babies don't cry to manipulate us. They cry to communicate with us. They might be feeling lonely or sad or scared or hungry or wet. They don't want to be ignored. Be with your baby!

7.) There are many types of baby carriers on the market today. Slings are one of the best. They are easy to use and can adjust to different caregivers and to a growing baby. They are very supportive of a growing baby's spine, hips and neck. The baby's legs are tucked in together, making the baby feel warm and safe and secure.

So, cuddle, hold close and love all that you can. Enjoy your time together because (although your days might seem long now) they sure do go by quickly.

At what age can I use a ring sling? TOP

You can start using a ring sling from day one!  There are many carries that are great for newborns (cradle and tummy to tummy to start with).  The ring sling is really just a way to carry your baby in a normal position while having your hands free (like an extra pair of hands!)
Ring slings can be worn until toddler age (hip carry works well once your child can sit up on his/her own).

At what age can I use a Mei Tai? TOP

Personally I would use a Mei Tai no earlier than 3 months. In my experience it is more comfortalbe for the baby if you use it when they are more adept at sitting up and are interested in their surroundings. In the front carry your child can have his/her legs in front (froggy style) or one in and one out or both out.  Once your child gets bigger, the back carry is just wonderful for doing chores around the house or long walks.

I have a front carrier-is that ok? TOP
It is really what works for you and your child.  I found that the front carriers worked only for a limited amount of time. In the beginning, I couldn't use it for very long as my newborn wasn't comfortable in it (it's not a natural position for babies to be in-hanging by a thin piece of fabric doesn't provide much support and can be hard on the newborn spine).  Once my children got older, it was too hard on my back.

What is the difference between a Mei Tai and a front carrier? TOP

A front carrier has lots of buckles and straps that can be adjusted.  There is a piece of fabric that the baby sits in with their legs dangling. 
 
The Mei Tai is a carrier that ties on in a simple way.  The baby is being suppported by the person wearing him/her.  The Mei Tai is just a way to cradle the baby-no hanging involved.

What if I don't want to pay over the internet? TOP

To pay by check or money order, please write to me and I will provide you with my mailing address.
You may also pay over the phone by calling me directly at 717-361-8505.

Will I get instructions? TOP
To save resources, I have a link that you can click on and either view or print the instructions. If for some reason you would like me to send them, just let me know!

What if I still need help after viewing the instructions? TOP

First of all, please contact me and I'll see if I can help you. If you still need personal assistance, I will send myself to you! Just kidding!
 
There are many groups all around the country that you can find someone in your area to help you (hopefully). Check out: www.TheBabyWearer.com
www.LaLecheLeague.org (breastfeeding support group where many moms wear their babies)
 
Good luck!

Buying a Carrier as a Gift TOP
If you are buying a carrier as a gift, please let me know. I can send it directly to the recipient with a gift reciept and instructions.

What if I have my own fabric? TOP

I love helping out my customers!  If you want to send me your own fabric, you will need 2 yards and 21 inches for a ring sling (unless you want it smaller or larger than what I usually do). This is enough for a pocket to be sewn on.  If you are sending me fabric for a Mei Tai you will need 1/2 yard. We can supply the strap fabric and reversible side (unless you want to supply that fabric as well).
I will quote you a reduced price.
 

What if I want you to find something specific for me? TOP
If you want me to do the shopping for something specific, contact me. I will do my best to find what you are looking for. The price might be slighly higher if the fabric is more than I usually pay.

What is with all the crazy names of fabrics? TOP
I saw another great site do this with her name choices and I thought it was a good idea.  Most of my fabrics are named after towns in my state of Pennsylvania or my seamstresses state of New Jersey.

Shipping Questions TOP
SHIPPING:We will send out your sling within 48 hours of receiving payment (unless stated differently on the site) . Shipping is by US Priority Mail with delivery confirmation(which usually arrives within 2 days). Shipping prices start at $6 and go up according to items purchased. If you are meeting me for a sling delivery, I will refund you the $6 shipping that automatically gets charged when buying online! For international shipping, add an additional $6. Contact me for specifics.

Returns/Exchange Policy TOP
REFUNDS & EXCHANGES: We will give a full refund if returned within 20 days. Fabric must be unworn and unwashed. Money will be refunded after we have recieved the sling. If after 20days, we will do an exchange with customer paying shipping both ways (unless there is a manufacturing flaw in the carrier).