So many to choose from, what are the differences between each Didymos Baby Sling?
Didymos offers four basic weaves, resulting in four slightly different patterns: Indios, Waves, Jacquards, & Stripes. Each of these different patterns will share a distinct "Didymos" feel, but will offer slight variances specific to the weave. Didymos also offers three types of fabrics: Cotton, Linen & Hemp. A Didymos baby wrap is perhaps the best investment a parent can make - like a crib or stroller, it will last from infancy well into the preschool years. Unlike most baby equipment, you won't need to replace or update it for use with subsequent children; it not only takes the abuse of daily use, it gets better with it.
What can you tell me about Storchenwiege Baby Slings? These wraps come in one of two dense weaves, creating two distinct looks: Stripes & Leos. Both weaves fit and feel comparable to each other; any slight variation between them is so subtle that you're safe going with whichever colorway most appeals to you. The broken twill weave of the Stripes results in a densely-woven, slightly thicker wrap. The diamond twill weave of the Leos produces a cushier wrap that lends incredible support ˇV a fine choice for heavier babies, older children, and secure back carries. This is a baby sling that will last you from infancy through the preschool years, and will become even better through use with any later additions to the family.
How are Didymos Wraps and Storchenwiege Wraps alike? How do they differ? Didymos & Storchenwiege are separate, established brands offering a similar, comparable product: the German-style woven wrap, featuring a slight diagonal stretch. Each company offers top quality, organic cotton baby wraps in a range of sizes, and includes an instructional DVD and picture-heavy pamphlet in every box.
Storchenwiege wraps are a great choice for people who would rather machine dry their wraps without worry of significant shrinkage. They are considered the more indestructible and supportive of the two brands, and is widely preferred for use with heavier babies and toddlers. They make a great workhorse wrap, and are substantially less prone to snags and pulls. Storchenwiege is the more affordable of the two brands.Didymos wraps are generally chosen by people who desire a thinner woven wrap, smaller knots, and an overall more velvety soft feel. They are considered more lightweight, and are generally preferred by people in warmer climates. Didymos offers a greater selection of weaves and colorways, with regular additions to their collection several times a year. Didymos is the more expensive of the two brands.
How do I soften up a wrap? Anything that will create friction will soften up, or break in, your wrap quickly. Get creative! Some examples include:
- Braiding - it's the process that softens a wrap, not the end result
- Knotting - as with braiding, do this repeatedly for quicker results
- Hammock - especially fun for toddlers
- Tug of War - a favorite for older kids and parents alike
- Sitting on it - your computer chair or even driver's seat are ideal
- Impersonating a blanket - bring it to bed or snuggle on the sofa
- Regular wear and use - just like breaking in your favorite pair of jeans
And to a lesser extent, steaming or ironing following a wash will help hasten the process, too. A few washes and steam sessions can be particularly helpful when breaking in a new Linen or Hemp Didymos wrap, or any wrap you find overly stiff straight out of the box.
Tell me more about the Indio pattern... We love how soft an Indio feels straight out of the box. And it only gets better with use and time, much like a well-loved lovey or blankie. This weave is the least dense of the four Didymos weaves, which means it offers the most give and stretch of any Didymos wrap. This looser weave also makes the Indio the most prone to small snags. Many times these cosmetic flaws will result from jewelry getting caught as the wrap is put on.
Tell me more about the Waves pattern... We find the airy, open Waves to be wonderful year round, and consider it the most comfortable Didymos for warmer weather. Another low density weave, it features a distinct texture that softens with use and will be somewhat prone to snags.
Tell me more about Jacquard pattern... We like the supportiveness of the Jacquards, and find them a great choice for heavier children. The tighter weave also adds some initial thickness to the wrap, but this Didymos thins up flannely soft with use.
Tell me more about Stripes pattern... This is another dense weave from Didymos, that fits and feels very similarly to the Jacquards. Stripes feel thick straight out of the box, and need to be broken in ˇV much like a new pair of jeans. With regular use you will be rewarded with a flannely soft, super supportive wrap.
What do I need to know about Cotton Didymos wraps? Unless otherwise specificed, all Didymos wraps are 100% organic cotton. These are the softest, and offer the most give of the different fabrics offered by Didymos. This leaves them approximately 2" shorter width wise than wraps of other fabric, a largely unnoticeable difference when worn.
What do I need to know about Linen Didymos wraps? These are the thickest of the three different fabrics offered by Didymos, making them more difficult to manipulate at least initially. Somewhat heavier than their all-cotton counterparts, linen wraps will make the largest of all Didymos knots. Their claim to fame is grippiness, which makes them ideal for back carries and also for heavier children. It would also work well for any carry used for a child who wriggles or moves around in a baby sling. With less overall bounce than a cotton wrap, Linen Didymos wraps also make a good "peace of mind" choice for parents who like the idea of wrapping, but aren't entirely sold on the securedness of using a baby wrap. These will feel incredibly stiff straight out of the box, and require more intensive breaking in than do cotton Didymos wraps. Linen wraps measure approximately 2" wider than all-cotton wraps to compensate for the lack of "give". They seem to run a bit long, making them an easy choice for homes who wish to machine-dry their baby sling.
What do I need to know about Hemp Didymos wraps? This is a successful blend, offering the best qualities of a cotton wrap with the unique traits of the hemp plant. It is nearly as grippy and supportive as the Linen Didymos wrap, minus some of the bulk and thickness. If you have tried and/or are considering a Stripes or Jaqcuard weave, the Hemp Didymos wrap will feel very similarly. It makes an excellent choice for heavier children, for back carries, and any carry used with a wriggly child. The Hemp Didymos baby wrap can feel rough the first time you pull it out of the box, and will require definite dedication on your part to soften to potential. Regular use is the best way to soften up a wrap, but there are ways to hasten the process. Hemp Didymos wraps measure approximately 2" wider than all-cotton wraps to compensate for the lack of "give". They seem to run a bit long, making them a convenient choice for homes that want a wrap they can throw into the dryer.