I know several women who are expecting, and about half of them are into attachment parenting and will be wearing their babies. So for gifts, I would like to make them some slings. I found several patterns, but I never wore my daughter so I have no clue what to look for.
If you wore your baby, what was your favorite sling style? Are there any little things you wish had been on it? (I'm halfway thinking about sewing a pocket to the bottom to accommodate a spare outfit or something...) what kind of fabric would work best?
For the infant stage a moby wrap was my fave. For the toddler stage a mei tai was my fave.
My favorite was a Moby Wrap. They are simple to make, just make sure you get enough fabric to make it long enough (I think it's like 7 yards). One length of fabric, cut lengthwise, makes 2 wraps. The fabric should have a little bit of give, but not TOO stretch because then it won't work as the baby gets heavier.
I made mine from a heavier jersey knit - since this kind of knit doesn't fray on the edges, I didn't even have to sew at all, very easy to make. And a moby needs some kind of decoration right at the center of the length of fabric, because you use that to line up the middle of the fabric when you put it on.
I also loved my ring sling. It was mesh with a slighly padded shoulder. The mesh was terrific because I wore the baby in the pool in it! It would dry in about 2 minutes when I got out.
Without a doubt the best one was Baby Bjorn. I tried several, but the engineering in this one was by far the best.
The fabric depends on the type of year. ;-)
I love having a little pocket for my credit card. It makes doing the grocery shopping easier.
I like pocket slings, but I've been using a ring sling with this third baby.
The moby wrap was by far my favorite when my babies were young. I love my ergo now that my son is older. A small pocket for credit card and keys is great for going out and about.
