Question about fit of tube sling (like Hotsling)

Alicia304 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-30-2005, 02:01 PM

I recently had a cotton reversible (not stretchy) sling made to my measurements. It is just like a Hotsling. The gal who made it said I needed one smaller than the xs size that Hotsling sells.
However, I'm not sure that the one she made for me fits.
I am short (5'1") and weigh about 105. It is very snug . . . I can get DS (4 months old, 13 pounds) into it tummy to tummy, but I can't get him in to ride sideways sitting or cradle-style. I got him into it sideways once, but it was sooo tight it was like there was no room for his legs.

While doing tummy to tummy, I've tried doing it with is legs/feet tucked up inside and also with his legs hanging below the sling, like a chair. He hates his legs tucked up . . . I think all of his weight is sitting on his feet instead of his bum. In the sitting position, I think the edge of the sling is cutting into his thighs.

Also, it seems to go way down over my upper arm and it totally constricts the movement of my right arm. When I try folding it to make it more narrow across my shoulder, the pouch part gets tighter and DS doesn't like it.

Also, it feels like all of the weight is being carried on the pointy part of my shoulder, instead of across my back and shoulder. I wore it for about 20 minutes yesterday and had a massive headache and my muscles between my shoulder and neck are still sore.

I'm wondering if a stretchy one with padding and a bit larger would be a better choice for me?

Any ideas? Tips? Thoughts?
How can I tell if the sling is too small or if I'm just doing it wrong?

Alicia

Quisalas · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2005, 02:57 PM

Wish I could help, I thought my sling was too big when I first started using it because everything felt weird, it took me forever to get used to it. The slings are supposed to be usable until 35 pounds, so if your 4mo feels too snug it may be a sizing problem.

My absolute best advice would be to take your sling and baby to a la leche league meeting, or to a lactation consultant who 'does' babywearing. Meeting someone in person who knows what they are doing can alleviate the worries about things being done wrong.

You should also make sure the sling is smooth and unwrinkled across your back and that the fabric rides high enough on the under-the-arm side, that will free up more space. Folding it will make it snugger. I usually wear mine spread across my shoulder starting at halfway betweek the edge of my shoulder and my neck, extending down onto my upper arm. When I want it tighter, I do the flip thing but the fabric is still smoothed flat. It does constrict the movement of that shoulder pretty severely, though. I always wear it on my left shoulder so that I can still use the mouse easily.

I hated my tube sling at first. Now, it's my absolute preferred sling and I get all pouty if it's in the laundry or left at home and I wind up in my ring sling. It took a lot of getting used to for me. It does sound like there could be some issue in the sizing, but if you meet with someone who knows for sure what it should look and feel like, they will be able to help. Also, when ds is sitting tummy to tummy with his feet in the sling, make sure his toes are pointed down. It makes the world of difference with Katrina's comfort.

Alicia304 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2005, 08:41 PM

Thanks for your reply! I really do think it is too small. I will continue playing with it for a couple of days and if I'm not feeling better about it I think I'll call the gal who made it for me.

Alicia

angel nee nee · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2006, 06:37 PM

hey, how is it working for you now?
When I first got my puch style sling like the syle you have, it felt tight for me, but after using it for a while, I got used it it and now I think this size is just right for me.

To me it sounds like it might be little too tight on you since you said you and your baby were not comfortable with it.

Let us know how you are doing.