Frequently Asked Questions
Weren't all baby slings recalled? TOP
NO! Recently there have been some recalls of "bag style" "slings" (ie: Infantino). This is a specific style of "sling" that has been considered to be unsafe for many years by baby-wearing experts. This so-called sling was designed to be worn very low on the persons body and only allowed an infant to lie down in the sling. Furthermore, the design of the sling encouraged the infant to lie chin-to-chest, which is extremely dangerous, as it can quickly cut off their airway, causing positional asphyxia and tragically, has lead to several deaths.
THING-A-MA-SLINGs are real ring-slings! You can use them many ways and they allow your child to be properly & safely positioned.
The ideal position for a newborn/small baby is the tummy-to-tummy position (which was not achievable in the "bag-style" slings at all).
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your sling, we encourage you to contact us right away! We're parents too & we know how precious your baby is to you.--Their safety is precious to us!
Are slings safe? TOP
Yes. As long as you use if properly and read your instruction manual (or the instructions here on our site) and you keep your sling in good condition.
The sling must be snug enough to hold your child and the sling must be in good condition.
Any child product can be made unsafe when the instructions are not followed closely.--This includes car seats and cribs! It is EXTREMELY important that your infant NEVER rest chin-to-chest! Their head & face should always be visible & their airway should be open. The ideal position for a newborn or small baby is the "tummy-to-tummy" position, NOT the cradle hold, as many think.
If you ever have questions about your THING-A-MA-SLING, or are unsure if you're using it correctly, please discontinue using it and contact us right away! We're always happy to help! Your child's safety and well-being is of the utmost importance to us and we want you to be able to get lots of use out of your THING-A-MA-SLING, so don't hesitate to ask questions if you have them!
Our slings are very fun & safe to use as long as you use it properly & use common sense!
How do I know what size to order? TOP
Your sling size is determined by your height & weight. When you place an order, we will make sure that we have that information prior to making or shipping your sling to ensure that you get the correct size.
Here are some sizing recomendations to use as a guideline:
|
Sling Size |
Height (ft, in) |
Weight (lbs) |
| XS |
5'1 or under |
under 110 |
| Small |
5' to 5'5" |
under 135 |
| Medium |
5' to 6' |
135-185 |
| Large |
5'5" to 6'5" |
160-200 |
| XL |
above 6'6" |
180-230 |
Can my partner and I share the same sling? TOP
That depends. If you are both similar in body build, then yes, you should be able to share.
How do I put on my sling? TOP
Your sling comes pre-threaded & most people find it very easy to get started! Your THING-A-MA-SLING also comes with a detailed, full-color instruction booklet which will easily fit right into one of the pockets in your sling for quick-reference when you're out & about.
If you wanted to wear it so that the rings are on your right side, all you do is hold the sling out in front of you so that the "shoulder tucks" are on the right & facing you (the rings would be on the right, but in FRONT of the "shoulder tucks". The pocket(s) should be hanging downward, facing front.
Simply slip the sling over you, as you would a purse or sash. The rings would go on your right side (since this is the side that we're "assuming" that you'll wear them on. If you want them on your left side, simply do the mirrored version of these instructions) and will go in front of your shoulder. The shoulder tucks should be on top of & BEHIND your shoulder, with the rows of stitching on the shoulder tucks ending up somewhere around your shoulder blades (behind you). The "tail" of the sling & pocket(s) on the tail should be hanging downward in front of you.
If you've done this properly, you should be able to pull downward on the tail, just under the rings to adjust the sling. If the sling is upside-down, then you would need to pull upward! This is wrong! If you're having a hard time, please start over. There are detailed instructions in the instruction booklet on how to put the sling on starting from scratch, so-to-speak (you'd un-thread the sling to do it this way).
If you are still having a hard time, PLEASE contact us for assistance! We're more than happy to walk you through it over the phone. Remember, we want you to be able to use your THING-A-MA-SLING & if you're not happy with it, then we're not happy! Never hesitate to call or email with a question/concern!
Thank you!
Will I need to purchase a different size sling as my baby grows? TOP
No. Your sling is designed to grow with your child from birth to 35 lbs. Unless the wearer gains or loses a significant amount of weight, you should not need a different size.
How do I wash my sling? TOP
You will find care instructions on the under side of your "shoulder tucks", by the rings.
All of our slings are machine washable and dryable on gentle settings. We generally suggest cold water.
If you have a brocade, Solarveil or nylon sling, then you can NOT iron your sling! If you have a cotton, batik or linen sling then you may iron it, if you like, on a cool setting.
I don't see any fabrics that are really catching my eye. Can I custom order a sling? TOP
Absolutely!!!
Often times, we have inventory that isn't listed online, so it's possible that we already have something in your taste.
If not, then we specialize in custom orders, so that's not a problem! Simply order your custom sling and we will communicate back and forth via phone and/or email to get you a sling that you love!
Should I have more than one sling? TOP
One sling is enough for some people, but having more than one is a lot more convenient! We find that both for ourselves, and many of our customers, that having a sling in the house & another in the car; or a sling that is clean & another one in the wash can be a real sanity saver!
Can I nurse my baby in the sling? TOP
Yes! Nursing hands-free does take some practice, but it can be done and sure makes your life easier if you're out running errands with a hungry baby & there is no comfortable place to sit & nurse!
I prefer to cover up while I nurse. Can I use my sling like a nursing shawl? TOP
Yes. If you prefer to cover up a little (and your baby doesn't mind being covered up some) while you nurse, then you can use your THING-A-MA-SLING like a nursing shawl.
What you'll do is sit down and drape your sling around you with it loosened quite a bit. Slip your baby between you and your sling and use the sling to cover what you would like covered and nurse your baby!
(Please keep in mind that if your baby's head or face is covered that you need to keep an eye on their breathing!!!!!!)
