Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with your ring sling and/or wrap? Here are some of our most commonly asked questions. 

  • Where can I ask for help with my sling or wrap?
    • Please contact us at hello@leelaloomhandwoven.com . We are happy to help with guidance on carries and answer any questions you may have about using your Leelaloom handwoven sling and/or wrap. If you would like more hands on, practical help, we offer small group workshops and one on one workshops with our babywearing consultants. Please contact us for workshop content, available times and prices. 
  • Can I forward face (world face) my baby in a ring sling/wrap?
    • We recommend using a hip carry (sling or wrap) or a cradle hold (sling) for optimal safety and comfort for caregivers and babies. Back carries can also be done for more experienced wearers in either a wrap or a sling.  
  • What are your slings/wraps made from and where are they made?
    • Our slings and wraps are made from 100% cotton.
    • All fibres are naturally dyed and handwoven by rural weaving communities in Thailand.
  • Why is it good to use a ring sling?
    • Ring slings are convenient to hold a baby in as it allows a caregiver to carry baby and also be hands free. When worn correctly baby’s spine and hips are in their natural position for healthy development.  Ring slings do not require buckles or tying and can easily be used between different sized caregivers and babies.  Ring slings can also be folded small and easily fit into a diaper bag. 
  • Why is it good to use a woven wrap?
    • A woven wrap can allow more support for the caregiver’s shoulders and back when worn correctly. It allows baby’s spine and hips to be in their natural position for healthy development. A wrap is very versatile and can be used for different front, hip and back carries. 
  • Do I need to wash my sling/wrap when it arrives?
    • Yes. Although we washed it before it was packed and shipped, we recommend washing the wrap again in accordance with the washing instructions to help soften it up.
  • How do I wash my ring sling?
    • Washing in a washing machine
      1. Unthread the ring sling.
      2. Wrap rings with a sock and tie with a hair tie to ensure no damage occurs to the rings or the washing machine and then put the ring sling in a delicate mesh washing bag.
      3. Place the washing bag in the machine on a gentle cycle using cold water with a small amount of baby safe laundry detergent that is free of optical brighteners and bleach (bleach can damage the fabric).
      4. Line dry in the shade. Sunlight may weaken the fabric and dull the colours.
      5. Ironing the ring sling at a low temperature when dry may help soften the fabric after washing.
      6. We do not recommend putting ring slings in the dryer as this may shrink and damage the fabric.
    • Washing by hand
      1. Unthread the ring sling.
      2. Dissolve a small amount of baby safe laundry detergent that is free of optical brighteners and bleach (bleach can damage the fabric) in a tub of cold water.
      3. Place the ring sling in the tub of cold water. Swirl/move the fabric in the bucket, but do not rub firmly, twist or wring the fabric.
      4. Do not soak the fabric longer than 15 minutes as the colour may run.
      5. Do not twist or wring the fabric when removing the ring sling from the water.
      6. Lay the ring sling flat on a dry towel and roll it up to take out the excess water.
      7. Unroll the ring sling and lay it flat to dry on a clothing rack in the shade. Sunlight may weaken the fabric and dull the colours.
      8. Ironing the ring sling at a low temperature when dry may help soften the fabric after washing.
      9. We do not recommend putting ring slings in the dryer as this may shrink and damage the fabric.
  • How do I wash my wrap?
    • Washing in a washing machine
          1. Place the wrap inside a delicate washing bag.
          2. Place the washing bag in the machine on a gentle cycle using cold water with a small amount of baby safe laundry detergent that is free of optical brighteners and bleach (bleach can damage the fabric).
          3. Line dry in the shade. Sunlight may weaken the fabric and dull the colours.
          4. Ironing the wrap at a low temperature when dry may help soften the fabric after washing.
          5. We do not recommend putting wraps in the dryer as this may shrink and damage the fabric.
        • Washing by hand
            1. Place the wrap in the tub of cold water. Swirl/move the fabric in the bucket, but do not rub firmly, twist or wring the fabric.
            2. Do not soak the fabric longer than 15 minutes as the colour may run.
            3. Do not twist or wring the fabric when removing the wrap from the water.
            4. Lay the wrap flat on a dry towel and roll it up to take out the excess water.
            5. Unroll the wrap and lay it flat to dry on a clothing rack in the shade. Sunlight may weaken the fabric and dull the colours.
            6. Ironing the wrap at a low temperature when dry may help soften the fabric after washing.
            7. We do not recommend putting wraps in the dryer as this may shrink and damage the fabric.
        • Why is my sling/wrap rough to touch?
          • We recommend washing your wrap/sling at least once before using to soften it up. You may find running the ring sling through the rings a few times can also help to soften it.  Using the sling/wrap to carry your baby is the best way to soften it up.
        • Why did my sling/wrap shrink after being washed?
          • Our slings and wraps have taken shrinkage into consideration and have been woven with extra width and length. They have been prewashed before being shipped to you. With usage, fibres will stretch out and when washed, fibres may shrink. It will take some usage for slings and wraps to go back to their previous state.
        • Can I put my wrap/sling in the dryer?
          • No. Putting your wrap/sling in the dryer will shrink the fabric.
        • Why is there dye coming off when I wash my sling? How can I prevent more dye from coming off?
          • Due to the natural dying process, there may be some dye discharge, but this will not effect the colour of your sling/wrap. We recommend not soaking the sling/wrap for a period longer than 15 minutes. Do not soak your wrap/sling in any detergent, bleach or soaps and only use cold water.
        • Can I wear my child while being pregnant?
          • We recommend you speak with your doctor. 

        The Ring Sling

        • What is a ring sling?
          • A ring sling is a piece of woven fabric cut to a specific length and sewn at the shoulder with rings to create a sling. Please read this blog post for more information.
        • What are the rings made off?
          • Our rings are made of aluminium, specially for baby wearing. They are sourced from a reputable brand in the USA.
        • What age/weight can I use a ring sling with my baby?
          • Most newborns (with no health issues) can be worn right away. Please speak with your doctor if your newborn is under 8lbs/3.7kg, was born prematurely or has other medical issues.
        • Up to what weight can I wear my baby?
          • We recommend wearing up to 35lbs/15kg.
        • How do I wear a ring sling?

        Woven wrap

        • Why is there sizing for a woven wrap? What does it mean when it is a size 6 (4.6m) wrap?
          • When looking to buy a woven wrap, we recommend first time wrappers to find a “base” size, where a caregiver can comfortably wrap their baby in a Front Wrap Cross Carry and be able to tie a double knot in the back. A woven wrap size is taking into account the caregiver’s t-shirt size and the size of the baby. Most people who wear size M/L t-shirt size will have a base size 6. Some people may find as their babies grow, their base size may change and they will require longer wraps. A size 6 wrap (4.6m) is measured lengthwise using a tape measure in hand from one end to the other while holding the wrap in hand (not laid flat).
        • What if my t-shirt size isn’t M/L can I still use a size 6 wrap?
          • Yes, there are many ways to tie a wrap for a smaller or larger individuals to be able to safely and comfortably use a size 6 wrap. If you want help with carry suggestions please email us at hello@leelaloomhandwoven.com.