Just a slingin'

Evan has been having a rough transition to being two and to his Daddy (who hung the moon and stars in his mind) getting a new job.  It's been a rough two weeks as a result.  But I learned something new... Evan, who never much liked the sling, is a different little boy after just ten minutes of being strapped to Mommy in the Mei tai.  I think that says how far he has come attachment wise!  Being close to me centers him and calms him... that was once, even a few months ago, not true.  Since we're taking about slings, let me tell you how I came to have one. ;)

Because I'm generally one of those crunchy/granola types who does things like cloth diaper, garden, and can, it is no surprise that I got in to using slings with my children.  Actually, I think most of my real life friends used them for their babies so I was very used to the idea long before I heard it was good for attachment when adopting a child.  So I knew that I wanted a sling or wrap or two before we even got Miriam's referral.  Being cheap thrifty, I wasn't about to pay $60-100 for a piece of fabric. Not while I have a sewing machine, the Internet, and a fair amount of know how.  I got online and in no time at all had the materials needed.  Then I decided on what to make.  I found some great patterns and instructions online and it was hard to stop.  By the time we actually adopted Miriam, I had made two different ring-slings in the Maya Sling style for her, plus a wrap in the Ellaroo style.   I liked them... still do.  I've found the Ellaroo best for smaller infants who stay put for awhile or for long term hip carry.  I love the rings for Kangaroo carry small babies, and for hip carry when you need to be able to take the child in and out often and/or quickly.  As Miriam got older I really needed a comfortable way to carry her long distances or for long periods of time.. preferably on my back... enter the Mei tai.  LOVE my mei tai for just that purpose.  Recently, I made yet another warp with a friend in the Mody wrap style.  I think it will be wonderful for a very young baby. (And NO, I am NOT pregnant!)  It's given me the "bug" again, I think I need to make another sling! :D  Seriously, how can you have too many?

P.S. Here is a great place for wearing instructions, and here is where I get most of my patterns.