Stretch Cotton Pouch Fabric vs 100% Cotton Pouch Fabric? Opinions Please

[suzhatch1]

I've finally decided on both a pouch & a Kolamo Mei Tei. For the pouch I definately would like to have:

1) Reversible pattern (2 pouches in 1) :)
2) The thin padded rail (for babies legs)
3) And the slight stretchiness of a cotton blend sounds really nice.

So I was planning on ordering from Hotslings, but I couldn't find a fabric pattern that particularly jumped out at me. I know I could probably pick my own & send in the fabric, but I'm a pouch newbie and definately am *NOT* sewing inclined. I wouldn't even know where to start at a fabric store.

So, I was checking some reviews on BabyWearer & found a couple places that have some great feedback & reasonable prices for reversible pattern pouches & with the padded rail. Thing is, I think their fabric is 100% cotton (no give) instead of the slight stretchiness you get with the blend. Now, I know the stretch cotton isn't a lot of stretch (not like a swimsuit or anything), but just a little stretch (like stretch jeans). Which I still think sounds nice.

For an extra $10-$15 & to live with a pattern you might not like as much, would you vote for the stretchy cotton or would the regular cotton be fine? I fear the non-stretch may pull a bit more tightly around the shoulder and be uncomfortable.

Thanks!

[mamaAnn]

Yes, the stretch cotton is nice but the 100% cotton is great too. I don't find it less comfortable at all. I think I still prefer my stretch cotton but mainly because this is what I learned with so am more used to it. But the 100% cotton is a close 2nd and a little cooler I think for summer.
Hotslings are supposed to be coming out with a stretch cotton reversible in the next few weeks too-not sure if she'll have more fabric though.
www.Heavenlybundle.com does reversibles and a padded leg rail though it's not advertised on her site. She has some great reviews too.
I just got my reversible from a new vendor www.lucky-baby.com and her prices are great and I'm very happy with the pouch!
Good luck
Ann

[npace19147]

Well, we started with a New Native baby carrier which is non-stretch cotton and it was uncomfortable enough to almost turn us off carriers forever! Obviously, given my current collection, that didn't happen... :)

For a long time I thought it was just that I didn't like one-shouldered carriers, and then I got intrigued by the hotslings. It was like night and day in terms of comfort - somehow the slight give of the stretchy cotton really makes a big difference for me. But, YMMV. :)

[TereasaT]

I find I prefer my stretch cotton pouches to the regular cotton pouches. The give just feels more comfortable for me and for DS. Although, I can't imagine having a pouch with a pattern that I might not like as much.

Also, did you notice that the Kolamo Mei Tai is going to be the Ellaroo Mei Tai now? Pretty big changes going on there.

Tereasa

[suzhatch1]

Yes - I did notice the Kolamo was going over to Ellaroo. I went to the original Kolamo site over the weekend & sent an email to Karen to express interest in an order & I guess to be put on a waiting list. I received an automated reply that I would receive an invoice via PayPal within 1-2 days....but I've not received one yet & I sent my request back on Saturday.

I hope her Kolamo style isn't delayed too long with the transition....I was on a mission to find the perfect babywearing items and now that I've decided on a pouch & a Kolamo, I'm having problems ordering both!! :)

P.S. I emailed Hotslings to see if maybe, maybe, maybe they might have some additional stretch cotton fabrics that can be made into reversible pouches. I know she's out of town until the end of the week, but hopefully I'll hear back that the answer is yes. I really want to try the stretch cotton first & hate the idea of having to choose pattern or fabric. I want my first choice in both!! :)

[tribegirl3]

Hi-
Do you know if there are any "retired" hotsling fabrics you liked? You could always do an ISO thread on TBW or the yahoo BabywearingSWAP! I have a stretch cotton hotsling and a 100% cotton reversible from Lucky Baby. I don't really notice much of a difference btw the two...but that's just me. I think the Lucky Baby might be a little more snug which is helpful since I have a leaner but you can always do a shoulder flip to fix the leaning problem. Kristen is always adding new fabrics so you might want to wait to see what she comes up with next! I just bought a deluxe pool pouch from her and it's wonderful! I think it will be great for summertime, my DS has already taken 2 naps (each longer than an hour which is a rarity for him!) in it. If you are looking for a pouch with stretch...this is it! It's like a second skin!! Another thing you might be interested in is the slingset, it's a stretchy pouch system.
www.theslingset.com

I have been wanting a new style Kolamo MT too, they look amazing!

Good luck with your decision, I hope you find something you and baby LOVE!!!

Angie