ALL ABOUT THE SLING
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE RING SLING?
We are obsessed with the ring sling. Find out why here.
SHOULD I PURCHASE A SINGLE OR A DOUBLE SLING?
A single sling is made from one layer of linen and a double sling is made from two layers of slightly thinner linen. They are both suitable from newborn (3.6kg) through to toddlerhood (15.9kg).
The single sling can be easier to learn to use since there is less fabric to thread through the rings. If you are a first-time sling user and purchasing for a newborn, a single sling may be the best place to start. The double sling provides more support for heavier babies and toddlers. We usually recommend upgrading if you are wearing for longer periods of time beyond the 10kg mark.
Some mummas do opt for the double sling to begin with as they plan to wear well into toddlerhood, or they already have an older baby. That is perfectly fine to do this, and we are here to help if you need a hand learning to use your double sling.
Please contact us at mumma@mummaetc.com if you need help in deciding what sling to purchase.
SHOULD I PURCHASE A LONG SLING?
Majority of our slings are 190cm in length, and are suitable for most sizes. Our long slings are 230cm in length (an extra 40cm). We recommend our long slings for tall or larger built baby wearing dads and tall or plus size mummas. Our long slings are only available in select colours, and are currently only available in a single sling.
Please contact us at mumma@mummaetc.com if you need help in deciding what sling to purchase.
ARE YOUR SLINGS SAFE?
Absolutely! Your baby’s safety is our number one priority. Our slings are made from the highest quality materials (including weight approved aluminum rings and strong, 100% linen fabric) and are based on a design that has been tried and tested by mummas for decades.
As there are no Australian standards for baby carriers, we have ensured our slings pass the stringent testing process required to satisfy the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) standards in the United States. Our slings have also been acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) as a "hip-healthy" product when used as directed.
To ensure safe use of the sling, all Mumma Etc. wearing instructions (see here) and safety tips (see here) must be followed carefully. Please contact us at mumma@mummaetc.com if you need additional resources to learn how to use your sling safely.
CAN I CARRY MY NEWBORN IN THE SLING?
Yes! Wearing your newborn can be very beneficial and rewarding for both you and bub, however, we recommend our slings are used with newborns weighing more than 3.6kg (8 pounds). If your newborn is under 3.6kg, born prematurely, or has health challenges, please check with your midwife or doctor before using your sling.
IS MY BABY TOO BIG FOR THE SLING?
Your sling will be there for you well into toddler years. You can wear your baby up to 15.9kg (35 pounds). For additional support for heavier babies we recommend our double slings.
WHAT FABRIC ARE YOUR SLINGS MADE OF?
Our slings are made of the softest hand dyed, handwoven, 100% linen. We are in love with linen. Find out why here.
WHERE ARE YOUR SLINGS MADE?
Our slings are made in a village in the eastern region of India. The village works together on all aspects of our production process - from hand dying the yarn, to hand weaving the fabric, to sewing the slings. It is a collaborative effort that we are very proud to support and be a part of!
WASHING & WEARING
HOW SHOULD I WASH MY SLING?
We all know babies can be a little messy at times. To wash your sling, use cold water with a gentle detergent and hang in the shade to dry. Please refer to our care instructions here for more details.
HOW DO I LEARN HOW TO WEAR MY SLING?
Remember your sling should feel 100% secure and if it doesn’t then you may need help with your technique. Please refer to our video tutorials here for a step by step guide on how to safely wear your baby. Also refer to our safety tips here. If you have any further questions get in touch via email at mumma@mummaetc.com.
HOW CAN I GET A SECURE SEAT?
To get a good seat you need to get bub in a froggy position with baby's knees supported higher than their bottom. When creating a seat, try pulling extra tight on the bottom rail (seam) so the fabric starts to turn up. Look inside your seat to see you have a definite pouch. When you lower bub into the seat ensure the bottom rail runs underneath bub’s knees and encourage them to sit into the sling while guiding them in.
To ensure the sling is being worn correctly, review our video tutorials here.
I'M FINDING THE SLING A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE. HOW CAN I FIX THIS?
When wearing your baby you should feel comfortable, with your baby’s weight distributed evenly across your body. Firstly, ensure there are no twists in the sling. Once you have popped your bub in, make sure you cup the fabric over your shoulder (spread evenly) and the fabric is spread wide across your back and not bunched up. Make sure your rings are positioned just below the collar bone. If you find they end up lower than desired, then try starting with the rings higher next time so they drop down into the correct position after adjusting.
To ensure the sling is being worn correctly, review our video tutorials here.
HOW DO I ADJUST THE SLING?
Always pull in the direction the fabric came from. If you are having trouble pulling the fabric through the rings, support baby's bottom and lift baby's weight off the rings slightly, adjusting with your other hand.
To ensure the sling is being worn correctly, review our video tutorials here.
I'M WORRIED THE SLING IS TOO TIGHT ACROSS MY BABY'S LEGS. HOW CAN I FIX THIS?
Baby's weight should be in their bottom. If you are getting lines on bub's legs they may not be in the correct position. Make sure their bottom is lower than their knees and they are sitting in the sling, not being strapped to you by the sling across the back of their legs. You can test that the bottom rail (seam), which sits under baby's legs, isn't too tight by seeing if you can freely run your finger between the fabric and their legs.
If you find that bub is in the correct position and it is still too tight then you can, whilst supporting bub, lift the bottom ring and allow the fabric to release evenly through the rings. You should only have to release a couple of inches. You should still keep the shape of your carry.
To ensure the sling is being worn correctly, review our video tutorials here.
MY BABY IS UNSETTLED WHEN I PUT THEM IN THE SLING. HOW CAN I FIX THIS?
If your carry is correct and bub is still unsettled they may be smelling your milk and think they are about to get a feed. Make sure your baby is fed before popping them in. You can also try lots of movement and distraction to get them used to the feeling of being in the sling. Most babies love being carried close to mum so often there is a reason they are upset. If you are feeling anxious or uncomfortable they can usually sense it, so maybe remove bub from the sling and try again.
ARE YOUR SLINGS GOOD FOR MY BABY'S HIPS?
Absolutely! The Mumma sling has been approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) as a “hip-healthy” product. It supports baby in the 'M' or 'Froggy' position, which is essential for healthy hip development.
SHIPPING & RETURNING
HOW CAN I REFUND OR EXCHANGE MY SLING?
You can find details on our refunds and exchanges policy here.
HOW FAST WILL I GET MY SLING?
It will depend on the shipping method you choose. Read more about our different shipping methods and delivery times here.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes we do! Read more about international shipping here.
