Best Sling Material?

[~Quse~]

Hi,

I'm expecting a new babe June 1st. I want to make a sling that will be well suited for our hot, humid summers. What is the best material for this?

Thanks,
Vivianna

[norcalmommy]

Something cotton- I used cotton wovens such as calico, just folded it in half length wise to make it a bit more durable.

[saritasmile]

try 100% cotton sheets with high thread count.
i get mine usually at ross or on sale somewhere.

[lizabird]

We're in NC, which is pretty hot and humid in the summer. I like 100% cotton quilting type fabric (like the quilting batiks from JoAnne fabrics). If you wanted to get super breezy you could try "solarveil" fabric that's like a mesh, but I would think it's harder to make a padded sling out of a breezy mesh fabric. The sheets are also a good suggestion. Just a nice cotton woven fabric.

[saritasmile]

i've made one out of solarveil too. it works great but ditto on the padded thing.

[girlndocs]

What kind of sling are you making?

Linen might be very nice for a ring or pouch sling. I'd pick a pattern/color that wouldn't show every little spot, though, kwim? And maybe have a spare sling, too, 'cause I think linen has to hang dry. Of course I think everybody needs a spare sling anyway

I had a wrap sling made of cotton gauze (aka "safari cotton" or "crinkle cotton") and it was really nice & cool. Wouldn't be durable enough stuff for a ring or pouch sling tho.

The style of sling definitely makes a difference in how cool it is too. I'd run, not walk away from anything with padding. Pouches don't have much extra fabric to feel smother-y. Asian-styles are barely there at all ... but I think they're not great for babies with little head control, am I right?