Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people use slings?
How is a DreamSling different from other slings on the market?
How long will my baby be able to use the sling?
Is the sling adjustable? Will my husband be able to wear my sling?
Can I measure myself now if I'm pregnant?
Can I pick my own ribbons?
Can the DreamSling help me to lose weight?
Can the DreamSling simplify my life?
I want to give the DreamSling to my friend. How can I give a custom made DreamSling as a surprise present?
Is a DreamSling hard to use?
I have a Ring Sling or other wrap-style carrier. I love the fabric but can't seem to use it. Will you turn my fabric into a DreamSling? 
I found some awesome fabric online. Can I buy it and send it to you to turn it into a DreamSling?
My baby is heavy! Will the DreamSling be comfortable on my back? 
How soon will I get my order?
How do I wash my DreamSling?
I heard something about certain kinds of carriers causing spinal problems...something about eskimos...what is that about?
Some nursing covers have boning material that creates a peek-a-boo hole to be able to watch baby while nursing. Do your slings have that?
Other slings on the market have padded leg areas for hip and back carry. Why don't DreamSlings have that?
I'm looking for a sling made of eco-friendly fabric. Why don't you have eco-friendly fabric?
Who made your awesome website?

Q. Why do people use slings?
A. People use slings for a variety of reasons. Some just do it for convenience, some do it because they believe it is essential to the baby's development. This website, www.thebabywearer.com, has a wealth of information on how and why people choose to wear their babies. Some do it just because they love the look of a sling or its fabric. For some moms, a sling is the only place that their "high maintenance" baby will sleep for more than 20 minutes.

Q. How is a DreamSling different from other slings on the market?
A. The DreamSling is the only sling with loops for entertaining the baby and a pocket big enough to hold diapers and wipes, plus a key loop, fun loops, and a second pocket for a wallet or bottle!

Q. How long will my baby be able to use the sling?
A. Slings accommodate children from birth to about 30 pounds.  Then you can use it with your next baby, kids that you baby sit, and eventually your grandchildren!!!

Q. Is the sling adjustable?  Can my husband wear my sling? 
A. DreamSlings are pouch-style slings. Pouch slings are not adjustable. If you and your husband have the same measurement (click HERE to figure out your measurements), then yes, you can definitely share. If your measurements are different by less than 5 inches, you can share, but get it made for the smaller person, and just have it a bit tight on the bigger person. Otherwise, the DreamSling will be too big (and unsafe for baby) on the smaller person.  For the most comfort, happiness and safety of babies and caregivers, we recommend that each caregiver have his/her own sling.

Q. Can I measure myself now if I'm pregnant?
A. If you are just barely pregnant (first trimester through not showing in the 2nd trimester), sure, go ahead, but add an inch or two depending on how your family (sisters, moms, aunts) tends to gain weight during pregnancy. If you are 3rd trimester, your belly is probably too big to measure for a safe and comfortable sling. In that case we recommend waiting until your baby is about 3 weeks old, or until you have put away most of your maternity shirts. Yes, it's true. You might still be wearing some maternity clothes for a while after you have your baby!!!

Q. Can I pick my own ribbons?
A. Our design team has a constantly changing variety of ribbons. To catalog and post them on the web would be a massive undertaking. Our design team works hard to coordinate ribbon colors/designs with the fabric(s) you choose. If you would like to be emailed a picture of the ribbons we intend to use and some alternates prior to completion of your sling, there will be a $2 fee. At that time you may eliminate and substitute as desired. Click HERE to see examples of some ribbons we use.

Q. Can the DreamSling help me to lose weight? 
A. Yes! The DreamSling will simplify how much you need to take with you to leave your house! Being able to get out easier means being able to get out more often.  Getting out more often means getting off the couch more often. Getting off the couch more often means weight loss. So, yes, the DreamSling can help you lose weight.

Q. Can the DreamSling simplify my life?
A. YES! Despite the advice of many popular books, magazines and websites, you DO NOT need a list of 20 things in your diaper bag every time you leave the house. The DreamSling will give you so much freedom that you will want to get out and show off your beautiful bundle of joy! When you can just grab the baby and the DreamSling and dart out the door, life is much easier.  Moms do not need to carry around their giant diaper bag full of everything except the crib!

Q. I want to give the DreamSling to my friend. How can I give a custom made DreamSling as a surprise present?
A. If you want to give him or her a finished DreamSling, then you will have to find a creative way to get the recipient's measurements. The easier way would be to give a gift certificate. Click HERE to learn more about our gift certificates.

Q. Is a DreamSling hard to use?
A. Putting a baby or toddler into a pouch-style sling is about as hard as putting a gallon of milk into a plastic grocery bag.  Sometimes the bag clings to the jug and you have to move things around a bit, but mostly, it's very easy. It is definitely easier than adjusting a bunch of buckles, straps and yard upon yard of fabric!! To see our How-To instructions, click HERE.

Q. I have a Ring Sling or other wrap-style carrier. I love the fabric but can't seem to use it. Will you turn my fabric into a DreamSling? 
A. Please contact us to inquire about this.  Our usual answer is yes, but each case is unique. If you can send pictures and measurements of what you have, we'll know better whether or not we can help you.

Q. I found some awesome fabric online. Can I buy it and send it to you to turn it into a DreamSling?
A. Sure! But before you buy it, please contact us and let us look at the ad for the fabric to make sure it will work for our products.  We would hate for you to buy some fancy silk that just isn't strong enough for a sling!

Q. My baby is heavy! Will the DreamSling be comfortable on my back? 
A. Of course, a 15 pound baby is easier to carry, but I just consider it a workout if I carry my toddler in the sling. If he's in the back carry position, it's a little abdominal workout and if he's on the side or front, it works the opposite side.  I would rather have Tyler in a sling than in my arms without a sling. My DreamSling is much stronger than my arms and a DreamSling doesn't get tired or go numb from holding 29 pounds for too long.

Q. How soon will I get my order?
A. Orders will be mailed to you within 2 weeks, but usually sooner.
Why the long wait? These are custom orders, made in America, by a wife and mother of 2. I take time to wash the fabric before starting on your project, then I sew in the evenings when the kids are in bed. Rush orders are possible. Please contact us if you need a sling in a hurry.

Q. How do I wash my DreamSling?
A. We recommend that you wash on cold, dry on low. But, you can throw it in whatever wash cycle you happen to be doing when it needs to be washed. It can handle whatever water/dryer temperature you throw at it! It's pre-shrunk, so the size should not change.

Q. I heard something about certain kinds of carriers causing spinal problems...something about eskimos...what is that about?
A. The article you are talking about can be found here: http://www.continuum-concept.org/reading/spinalStress.html. DreamSlings cannot say for sure whether or not this is true, but it is an interesting idea to consider when choosing types of carriers.  Basically, it says that when babies are dangled by their crotches, rather than being fully supported around the bottom, it may result in spinal problems. 

Q. Some nursing covers have boning material that creates a peek-a-boo hole to be able to watch baby while nursing. Do your slings have that?
A. The boning material would affect the DreamSling's main function, so there is no boning in it. However, if you put a disposable diaper in the pocket it provides enough rigidity that it does form a bit of a peek-a-boo hole. Newborn diapers are probably too small to provide that rigidity, but two of them might be perfect.

Q. Other slings on the market have padded leg areas for hip and back carry. Why don't DreamSlings have that?
A. Peggy has used another brand of carrier with a padded leg area and does not find a difference between that and the DreamSlings without padding. As a result, leg padding is not standard on DreamSlings. However, you may request it be added to your DreamSling for an additional $5.

Q. I'm looking for a sling made of eco-friendly fabric. Why don't you have eco-friendly fabric?
A. We are happy to make you an organic cotton DreamSling, QuickDream or TeddySling. We do not keep that fabric in stock but can get it if you request it. Contact us for details and color/print availability. Please tell us which product(s) you are looking at and applicable measurements. The price of the product will be higher due to the cost of organic fabric. We are happy to provide you with a quote when you request one.

Q. Who made your awesome website?
A. Mary Kate at MKIllustrations designed, created, and continues to update the website. MKIllustrations is a company focused on medical illustration and animation, but also does some design and website work as well. Use the following link to visit her site. MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION.