Diaper Garden vs Zolo Sling - Page 3

[kofduke]

KK has recently stsrted making cotton pouches w/the same design as the fleece ones...I just ordered yesterday, I can't wait to see if it's as good! I have a bjorn, a maya wrap, a fleece pouch, and a mesh pouch.

[abigailvr]

I not only bought a Zolo, I decided to start selling them as well (I already sell Maya Wraps, so I'm just expanding). I got myself a cotton and a silk. I haven't used to the silk yet, but I plan to wear it to the breastfeeding world record in Berkeley. I figure it will attract attention.

The silk is gorgeous in person. It's not as soft as I expected, because it's a heavier fabric. Dupioni, I think it's called? Anyway, it looks great. The cotton one is very comfortable. It's easier to slip and and put the baby in. Because of how it is sewn it stays in the perfect shape more easily. I really like it.

I actually just got a KK cotton pouch in the mail today. I haven't used it yet, since DS is napping. The construction is very interesting looking. I'm curious to see if it's as comfortable as the fleece pouch.

Yes, I'm an addict.

[MamaMonica]

I would like to pick your brains, sling hyenas. If you don't mind, that is. What is the most comfortable sling for a 25-pound toddler? -- he's 17 months and I want to keep using it of course. I have a pseudo maya wrap one but the shoulder fit is a little uncomfortable. Is there a better choice? I am not big on hip hammocky or heavily padded stuff. It also has to look good.

[Encyclogirl]

Welcome to the dark side! We need a sling hyena symbol....maybe a sling kangaroo?

So glad you got both.....I ended up with a toile one, too, and I'm loving it, as well. What color silk did you get?

As for the silk, if you machine wash it, that's when the silk turns into butter....but I liked the new stage, too, but I have to admit, I'm just utterly warped by Zolo.....

[abigailvr]

My DS is 24.5 lbs. If you're talking hip carry, the Zolo is working well for us (they're having a sale on their site too, until tomorrow!). You might also have some luck with the Kissasling, it's padded on the shoulder and unpadded everywhere else, so it's supposed to be comfortable, but not too bulky. I haven't tried that one, but I've heard good things about it.

I also recently discovered the hip cross carry with the Didymos. That one is VERY secure. It's comfortable too, just more complicated to put on.

What situations are you using your sling? For how long at a time? Is your DS cooperative, or wiggly? Those all affect what will work best for you.

Hehee.. Kangaroo! Very appropriate. I got the dragonfly color. I'm into the light colors these days, because I got sage in the Zolo cotton and sea green in the KK cotton pouch. I'm actually not wild about how the sea green looks in person. I'm debating sending it back for something darker. My first choice was the "earthy stripes," but I guess they didn't have that one.

[Encyclogirl]

My all time favorite recommendations are the Adjustable Fleece Pouches, from Kangaroo Korner, and the Zolowear slings (either cotton or silk, they're both fab).

I use both, love them both, and for all the overdoing of the collection that I've done, I'd be a happy woman as long as I had one of each. In my opinion, the fleece pouch is perfect for an up and down toddler, and it's so snuggly, though it may be a little warm in summer. I can wear it on lower humidity days in the summer, but it is a dream fall through early summer.

The Zolos are just such a smart design, shoulderwise, that they are just terrific and easy to wear. I can sling my 14 month old just as easily as my 3 year old in it, with minimal adjustment.

I think it's just a matter of what kind of sling/carrier you want, but in my never to humble opinion a KK AFP or a Zolo, and you'll be good to go!

If you have more specific question, feel free to pick my brain. Let's use this addiction for good, not evil.....

[abigailvr]

Originally posted by Encyclogirl
Let's use this addiction for good, not evil.....

[cciele]

Hey Abigail!

I just got a cotton Zolo too! I'd love to check out your silk one.

I agree that it's a lot quicker to put on than the Maya -- you don't have to fuss with the shoulder as much. And I seem to be able to put my DD into the kangaroo position more easily. However, I think I can spread out the shoulder of the Maya more to make it more comfortable over a longer period of time. Haven't worn the Zolo for a long period yet, though.

And it's cool that you're selling them -- if you haven't already, you should definitely do a show-and-tell at Blossom (which hosts a local mom-and-baby group) because the moms in my group are totally interested in slings. One of the mamas got a podegi and was showing it off, and then we launched into this whole sling discussion.


for slings!

Cathy

[abigailvr]

I did an impromptu one once. I can schedule another one. I'll talk to Elizabeth. Which group are you going to now? the Monday group? I actually plan to set up a display of the Zolos there too. I just need a new display system. The coat tree just doesn't work, I think.

[MamaMonica]

Originally posted by abigailvr
What situations are you using your sling? For how long at a time? Is your DS cooperative, or wiggly? Those all affect what will work best for you.

Thanks for the info on the slings! What I use it for is walking him down to napping in the park or going on long walks- maybe a mile or a bit more. He likes to snuggle in the hip carry and I take him out and put him back in once at the playground. He is very wiggly but once in, stops wiggling and loves it.

We need cotton (not fleece) because he has a synthetics allergy

I swore off diaper-hyening and here I am checking out the Zolo...

[Encyclogirl]

You know, with that allergy, then I'd do a Zolo for sure. Now you'd just have to go through the agony of silk or cotton, since they're both wonderful! I've heard good things about the KK cotton pouch as well. Hopefully, Abigail can report back on it when she's had a chance to play with it. I've heard that it's a good design, and cooler than the fleece, but not quite as comfy as the AFP, but that's secondhand info. I haven't mustered myself up to purchase one yet...

Another sling with a fab shoulder is Taylor Made Treasures. Some of the other sling gurus I compare notes with have nothing but praise for that design. I know she makes an organic cottom sling, as does Zolo.

There's also a Rev. Jan Andrea who makes ring slings from a pleated shoulder design, and she does silk slings that are....get ready for this....reversible....I've seen high praise for her work, as well...I'm not sure what her website is, though. I'll have to rack my brain and remember where I saw that....

I think the key is the shoulder placement.

[MamaMonica]

Thanks Encyclogirl! I will check those out. Wow- we need a sling board- there is so much info. on these.

[abigailvr]

I just tried my KK cotton pouch on. It is quite comfy! Not as comfy as the fleece, but better than the other cotton pouches I've tried. It does have a lycra binding and fleece where the snaps are. The snap area should never be near the baby, but I don't know how senstive your son is.

I agree that the Zolo might be the way to go for you too. I think if you're only going to get one sling a ring sling is more versatile than a pouch. It's also easier to get a sleeping baby out of a ring sling in my experience.

[abigailvr]

You know, I was just thinking that we need a sling board too! I'd definitely post there!

[ShabbyChic]

I got my KK cotton pouch today and used it a lot. DD weighs 30 pounds. I am a true lover of the fleece, it is the most comfortable sling, IMO, but it is simply too hot. I like the cotton pouch. It is not as comfortable as the fleece, but nonetheless comfortable. I think I may try a Zolo. I also have seen pics of the Hug-A-Bub. Has anyone tried one? I never found my Didymos comfortable, too much fabric.

[Encyclogirl]

I've got a Hug A Bub, and I'm about to give it to a girlfriend expecting a baby.

It's fabulous for a teeny baby stage, but the stretchy quality of it makes it harder to use when baby gets some weight on him/her, requiring frequent adjustments.

It worked up until about 18 pounds, and then it just started to stretch out way too quickly, and I couldn't even make it through Target without the need to adjust, and trust me, I am a power shopper/speed girl, so it wasn't a long period of time.

I did adore it, though. I put Josh in it the other day to see if I was emotionally ready to pass it on to a friend, and he was in about 20 minutes before I felt the need to adjust it.

Hope that helps!

[MamaMonica]

On sizing the Zolo- I measured across my shoulder to my hip and added 2 "as they said and am between a medium and a large. I am almost 5' 7 and about 118 lbs- I'm not comitted to order yet- but how do these sizes run?

[abigailvr]

I would get the medium if I were you. According to their measurements, I was too big for the large, but it fits me fine. I could even use a medium, I just wouldn't have much tail left.

[Encyclogirl]

Monica...

I'm 5'8", and about 125 pounds, and the medium suits me perfectly, so I would think you'd be just fine in that size, as well!

[MamaMonica]

Thanks! You guys know so much- we do a need a sling board for all this information to get passed along.