Ring sling VS. Rebozo

Babywearing gives incredible opportunity for versatility. Depending on your child's size, duration of time you'll be wearing them, and your own personal preferences for what's comfortable, there is always a carrier that can meet your multitude of needs. Some options begin to look awfully similar, so it's a great idea to look more closely to find what really will work best for us!

So, let's compare the Ring Sling alongside it's traditional Mexican Rebozo counterpart. But first, here is a video from Galen D. to help ourselves become better acquainted. 

A Ring Sling is a long piece of  fabric with two rings (typically nylon or metal) sewn to one end. The fabric is threaded through the rings and makes a pouch for the baby to sit comfortably with a deep seat. Because the fabric can be pulled through the rings, it's easy to adjust for any sized wearer. These are wonderful carriers for newborns and infants. They're also great for quick "ups" with toddlers, but can get more uncomfortable depending on toddler size. Because Ring slings offer a one-shoulder carry, there is not as much support for longer periods of wearing time. 

Megan B. wears her one month old newborn son in a ring sling. 

Many people find the rings easy to adjust. Any slack in either the top or bottom rails can be pulled through the rings to make things more snug and comfortable for you and your baby. Ring slings are best for front or hip carries, but do not offer much variety aside from those. 

A Rebozo is a long piece of fabric that can be tied into a slipknot. Check out this video if you'd like to see how it's done.

 This carry looks a lot like a ring sling, but the slipknot sits where the rings would otherwise be. Similarly to the ring sling, it's great for quick trips because it sits on one shoulder. Short woven wraps are often used with this carry (Size 1-3) and can also be used in various other front, hip and back carries. To offer even more versatility, a separate pair of sling rings can be used to make a no-sew ring sling! 

Sarah L. wears her infant son in a Rebozo.

The slipknot can be a bit daunting for anyone who is unfamiliar with how to attempt it. Once a slipknot is accomplished, it does take two hands to adjust, as Galen mentioned. It takes some practice, but it's great in a pinch if you have a shorty wrap or DIY babywearing safe fabric to work with! 

Both carries are great for nursing, as well. If you like to nurse discreetly, any extra tail can be brought over the top of the carrier to give a bit of covering. 

The rest is up to personal preference. If you'd like to try either a ring sling or a rebozo out, come to our next BWI Colorado Springs meeting and check out our lending library. With a BWI Membership you can take a carrier home for a month and see what works best for you! Happy Babywearing. :)
 

May Meeting Dates

Hey BWI Colorado Springs!

On Tuesday, May 6, at 10:00am, we will meet at East Library. Come with your kids, your carriers, and your questions!

Then on Saturday, May 17, at 10:00am, we will have our monthly Cloth Diaper Market meeting. Make sure to mark this Saturday meeting on your calendar if you're not usually able to make a weekday meeting.

Can't wait to see you all in May!

April Meeting at Cloth Diaper Market

We are so glad to be able to have monthly meetings at Cloth Diaper Market. It was another great Saturday meeting, and we were glad to see those of you who were able to make it! The group's V.B.E.s (Volunteer Babywearing Educators) are doing their best to make sure all questions get answered. So bring your concerns or frustrations to our next meeting. They're happy to help! 

As promised, there was a drawing when our chapter reached ten members! Laney K. was the winner at the meeting's drawing. Congratulations, Laney! The next drawing will happen when we reach ten more members. If you haven't yet joined our BWI chapter, click here and pay your annual dues of just $30. Your dues pay for us to spread the babywearing love and grow our lending library. Plus, you get to borrow one of those lending library carriers every month for the year of your membership. Thanks so much for supporting BWI Colorado Springs!

Where we wore in March

Here's where we wore in March!

Ashley T. wears her little one close while traveling to Erie, Pennsylvania. 

Jillian D. uses a Tree of Life Mei Tai while in a Gondola with her family in Breckenridge.

Natalie C. wears her baby while at the zoo with her kiddos.

Sarah L. visits the zoo's elephants while wearing her sleepy baby in a woven wrap.

Natalie C., Katie K. and Lauren B. visit the zoo while wearing their babies.

Jessa Z. and her boys in downtown San Diego, CA. 

Jessa Z. wears her toddler while at Scripps Aquarium in San Diego, CA.

Jessa Z. and her two boys smile for the camera while shopping in Orange County, CA. 

April Meeting at Cheyenne Mountain Library

The turnout for this month's meeting at Cheyenne Mountain Library was modest but we had a great time! Because the group was smaller, we spent time helping each other troubleshoot our carries and played with carriers from the lending library. The kids enjoyed each other's company, as well! If you didn't make it out for this meeting, join us on Saturday, April 19th at Cloth Diaper Market for the next one.

A snapshot of some of our lending library! Join today and you can take one of these beauties home for a month!

Stella K. wrapping up a furry baby. :)

Galen D. snuggles one of her sweet kiddos!

Chris M. and Marcia S. discuss carries that work best for them.