Here are a few of the most common questions I receive and my responses.
1. What is a fitting and why do I need one?
A fitting is an opportunity to try on a sling with my support. At a fitting I help you select the best size sling to accomodate you and your baby. The real value of a fitting is being able to learn to use your sling and ask questions about how it should feel, about whether it looks right, and to go over important safety information. I strongly recommend fittings for first time moms and first time sling users. Fittings can be done while you are pregnant but I tend to discourage it b/c I don't think you really get the full benefit. A doll cannot simulate what it feels like to hold your real baby in a sling. Not to mention that after you have your baby it will be difficult to recall anything you learned while you were pregnant. Fittings can be scheduled in your home, at my home, at the Austin Baby Store, or when I'm scheduled at local events. To schedule yours call 512.293.9304 or email emily@360bebe.com
2. How did you get started doing this?
When I was pregnant with my second child I saw a mom at MOPs wearing her baby in a sling like I'd never seen before. It was sleek, simple, and her baby looked so happy. I asked her where she got it and I went to that website (www.kangarookorner.com) and bought one. I bought the fleece adjustable pouch.
It was wonderful but there were a few problems. The first was that even though I followed the sizing info, the sling I rec'd was too big. It took me a week to realize it b/c I wasn't sure how it should fit. I called the company, they helped me over the phone and exchanged my sling for me. I wore my son all the time in that sling but as the weather became warmer the fleece became less and less practical.
So I had another sling (a solarveil ring sling also from Kangaroo Korner) that I started using. But I missed the convenience and ease of the pouch. At this point I decided I wanted another pouch but what I could afford and what I wanted were two different things so I found some basic instructions on how to make a pouch at www.sleepingbaby.net. I followed the directions and was able to have many many slings that I loved created out of fabrics that I wanted.
Everytime I wore my sling people would stop me and asked me where I bought my sling and I would proudly share that I had made it. This ofcourse planted the seed in my head to start making and selling my slings. So my good friend Stephanie and I started Little Peanut Baby Slings, which due to copy right infringement became 360 Bebe. As business grew and our lives changed Stephanie decided that running a small WAHM business was not the right fit for her and her family so I became the sole proprietor, employee, seamstress, accountant, etc. Stepanie and I are still close friends and she lets me talk her ear off about 360 Bebe so I will always consider her a part of this adventure.
So here it is almost 3 years into this business and things are steady. I have met so many amazing mothers in this job and that is the part I truly treasure. I love the creative outlet but most of all I love connecting with and supporting the amazing women who work hard to be amazing mothers. 360 Bebe is a passion for me. As long as I can continue to balance it with family life I will continue to work hard creating beautiful, simple slings and encouraging mothers to wear their babies.
3. Do you have children?
I have two boys ages 5 and 3; Jacob and Taylor. They don't always love slings but they do like it when I let them sew projects. They both made hooded towels for camp this summer and their dad helped them make no sew batman masks with left over sling fabric.
