How Asteraki Ring Slings are made

Asterakis are a 100% Greek product. The fact that they are not imported but produced right here gives you the freedom to make your own choices when it comes to color and design. But above all, it gives you direct access to people who are specially trained in babywearing, not to plain resellers of baby goods in general.
At babywearing.gr we deal exclusively with baby carriers, we train ourselves and stay constantly informed about the latest developments, so that you can always be confident you will find the support you need.

Sewing:

Asteraki ring slings are hand-sewn with care. They are carefully constructed, using double and triple stitches as needed, to ensure maximum comfort and safety. Your sling will be beautifully hemmed all around (it looks so much better than simply serging the edges!), and a reinforced, decorative stitch is used for the shoulder seam.

Shoulder style:

The rings are sewn using “overlapping symmetrical pleats”, with permission by the inventor of this shoulder style, Jan Andrea, from www.sleepingbaby.net. We find this the most accommodating way, since you don’t need to adjust it in any way before putting the sling on, while the fabric spreads nicely on your shoulder and back. In this way, you feel comfortable when wearing your sling, the weight is well-distributed and the fabric stays right on the ball of your shoulder, as it should.

Rings:

We use aluminum rings imported directly from tested manufacturers in the US (slingrings.com). They are the safest rings, and they are made and tested exclusively for use in baby carriers, making sure that they have the endurance required and more, that they keep their shape, that they have the right diameter so that they are neither too thick nor too thin and so that the fabric threads through correctly and doesn’t slip, that they aren’t too heavy, etc. The rings are seamless and they come in many beautiful colors.

Tail:

Asteraki Sling All Asteraki ring slings have an open “tail” (the part of the fabric after threading the rings). This provides more flexibility, as it allows you to adjust your sling exactly the way you want to. An open tail could also provide coverage when needed (from a bright sun or wind, from indiscreet looks, for breastfeeding, or to put a cover on a sleeping baby). And if you don’t like a long tail, you may easily “hide” it temporarily between you and the baby, or wrap it around the rings. You may choose to have a pocket sewn on the tail, or use a different fabric as a tail accent.

(Note: In closed-tail slings, the fabric after the rings is sewn closed as a narrow strip/cord of fabric and it cannot be used to independently adjust each rail. However, with an Asteraki sling, each rail can be tightened or loosened separately, thanks to the open-tail attribute).

Fabric:

We only select natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk). We don’t use fabrics without the necessary endurance (like voile or thin calico fabrics), or any synthetic fabrics with polyester, which don’t “breathe” and might cause your baby to overheat.

Read more here.

Padding:

We have selected not to use padding for our Asteraki ring slings. Based on our experience and on collecting opinions from numerous babywearers, we find that padded rails or shoulder don’t really offer more comfort for you or your baby. On the contrary, padding makes a sling too bulky (won’t fit in your purse or diaper bag) and too hot (especially in the summer)! Carefully chosen, soft and durable fabrics, as well as properly positioning your baby and your sling, will certainly offer the necessary support and comfort for both of you.

Double-layer:

Double-layered ring slings are carefully sewn in a way that makes them wearable on both sides. The seam that joins the two layers is nicely hidden in the rings, and both sides on the shoulder look equally attractive. (It’s not the same thing as just sewing two fabrics together! In such a case one side on the shoulder would look “upside down”, since it would have two different colors!) Important detail: for extra security, the fabric right beneath the joining seam in the rings is reinforced with a second, continuous layer, ensuring that the seam doesn’t sit where it takes more tension than it should.

Size:

Asteraki ring slings can be adjusted to the size that will snuggly hold your baby safe by using the rings. Your choice for a smaller or larger size only affects how short or how long you want the tail to be when you have your sling on. Unless otherwise selected, all Asteraki ring slings are sewn in Medium size (approximately 2 m long) so that the tail reaches neither too low nor too high for most babywearers. You may prefer a Small size (1.80 m) for your sling if you are petite (under 1.55 m tall), or a Large size (2.10 m) if you are particularly tall (over 1.80 m), or if you have a specific preference for the length of your sling’s tail.

Free Support:

Every Asteraki comes with free support and help, whenever you need it. You can book an appointment and come along with your baby so we can sort out all your questions together. We can also meet via skype. You can send us an email with photos and we will assess the positioning together, or find ways to optimize your comfort. One thing is certain: if you ask for help, you will have it!