Conversion Corner: Bibetts

As Taxmas approaches (i.e. the time when we get our taxes back and treat ourselves to a little wrappers' delights!), and we consider how to spice up our stashes, it's important to have a strong converter in your back pocket for the perfect ring sling conversion. Enter, Bibetts Baby Carriers. This conversion company known for being "affordable, beautiful, and safe" provides gorgeous ring sling conversions that are for a cost that allows anyone to get the ring sling they desire without breaking the bank. 

Recently, I was offered the chance to play with a Little Frog Carnelian converted ring sling with a pleated shoulder. Not only was it comfortable as all get out, the shoulder was pleated to perfection and I felt gorgeous every time I wore it. Also, Millie loved snuggling against me in the comfort of this ring sling. It was perfect for quick ups to the grocery store, but also withstood the test of a long Catholic mass with my family of six. Bibetts has definitely become my go-to for ring sling conversions, so I got in contact with Ashley (owner and seamstress of Bibetts) to learn more about how Bibetts began and how to get started with your own ring sling conversion...

What is your favorite part of converting an item?

Getting to work with new items and hearing the backstory about the wrap and its meanings.

Does your husband babywear?

Oh yes! Sometimes I think he enjoys it more than the kids and I do.

How long have you been in the ring sling business?

We just reached the 3 year mark in January!

What inspired you to get started?

Children are our most precious gift and when I became a mommy I wanted to keep my babe close always. I struggled to find a carrier that was both affordable and comfortable for us. I needed something versatile and beautiful as well. Many ring slings were overpriced and with my seamstress background I decided to try my hand at making a DYI ring sling. After a lot of research and careful planning, I created a ring sling that was not only beautiful, safe and comfortable, it was super affordable! I wanted to use my skills to pass this wonderful product on to other mommas with a budget in mind and so, in 2012, Bibetts Baby Carriers was born.

So, let's move on to some more general questions about Bibetts...

How big is your company? Is everyone in your company compliant?

The company consists of me and my fabulously devoted office assistant Sara. 

Yes, we are CPSIA compliant. (And soon to be ASTM compliant once the sling standard of testing is finalized this year).

What sets you apart from other converters?

I believe my good reputation along with the great prices and quick turnaround time is what attracts most people to my products.

What is your sizing chart?

We have 3 sizes available.

o   S/M (70 inches) recommended for shirt sizes XXS-M

o   M/L (80 inches) recommended for shirt sizes XXS-XL

o   L/XL (90 inches) recommended for shirt sizes S-XXL

*Custom sizes are also available on request.

What size rings do you use?

We use only SlingRings brand rings in sizes Large and Medium.

What color rings do you offer?

We offer every color available from SlingRings.com

Where do I go to get started on a custom conversion?

You can read instructions on how to get started here.

What is the cost for a custom conversion?

$20 per sling and this includes the cost of the rings. Shipping is additional. (Any unused fabric is always returned to the customer.)

What options can you get from chopping different sizes?

There are so many options available that I always encourage the customer to contact me to discuss all the possibilities for their specific wrap.

For the brand new babywearer, do you help walk them through the conversion process?

Yes, we are always available to help in whatever way needed. We also have a list of questions posted on our Custom Conversion Listing that goes over all the details we need to know before the conversion begins.

-          Email: Bibetts@Bibetts.com

-          Phone: 512/660-BABY

-          Etsy messaging

-          Video Chat too!

How much length is required for ____ size or ____shoulder style?

We need at least 5 inches to create most any shoulder so, for example, if you want an 80 inch sling your fabric should be 85 inches long. (If the sling is tapered, we take the measurement down the shortest side.)

Are you willing to hem the extra piece once the ring sling is made?

Yes! Rehemming/tapering and moving the middle marker back to center is just $10.

What types of shoulder styles do you offer?

Currently we offer Pleated, Gathered & Hybrid. If you are unsure what will work best for you, just contact us and we can provide some guidance.

Are you willing to take a photograph of ring colors with wrap?

Of course! Since the rings from SlingRings.com can vary in color tone we are very happy to send pics before we begin the conversion so you can make sure it will be perfect.

How do you choose which side of wrap to face outward on the sling?

We let the customer tell us which side they prefer but are always happy to provide some assistance too.

What is the anticipated timeline once the wrap is received?

In most cases, our conversion will be ready to ship back to you one week from the time we receive the wrap.

How do you ship the converted ring sling back to its owner? Do you provide insurance for high market value wraps?

All items are shipped back via USPS Priority mail. Insurance always is available upon request.

WANNA WIN A BIBETTS CONVERTED RING SLING? ENTER HERE!

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Top 5 Reasons Mommy Con is for Every Mom!

Mommy Con 2016 is upon us, and for the first time this mama is considering going! Why haven't I considered before, you ask? Well, Mommy Con promotes itself as a "celebration of natural parenting". Frankly, I couldn't even tell you how natural the chicken nuggets were that my kids ate for lunch! The truth is, even though I breastfeed and babywear, I've never really considered myself a "natural" parent, and I kind of assumed this event wasn't meant for me. But after researching a little bit more, let me explain 5 reasons why it totally is...

1) The Gentle and Positive Approach

Mommy Con is an event geared toward educating parents in a "gentle and positive" way. As a mom of four who has been judged more times than the diapers she's changed today, let me tell you: gentle and positive sounds pretty nice right now. I may have a lot of kids, but sometimes I don't have a lot of answers, and I am excited to go to an event that will offer some in an upbeat and helpful way! The Mommy Con mission is "to create a community of support, acceptance, and non-judgment for women". Sign me up!

2) The Babywearing Lounge and Sessions

As a huge fan of babywearing, I would go for this reason alone. How many opportunities do we as parents get the chance to try out various carriers? In most stores they come in boxes and you just have to hope for the best with your purchase. Also, I love that they have a "try-no-need-to-buy" philosophy. No pressure on me to make a big budget purchase, just a chance to see what I like (and love!) in the babywearing world! If you are babywearing-curious but need to learn the ropes, they even have sessions filled with how-to tutorials just for you!

3) Baby Safe Play Spaces

If you are a new mom like me then let's face it--we're not getting out of the house alone for this event. Since I am my baby's nutrition, I need to find events where both my baby and I are welcomed which isn't always easy. Mommy Con, recognizing the need to be family friendly, provides Baby Safe Play Spaces throughout the venue, offering you an opportunity to let your little one get out some energy without worrying about what they might be getting into. This is definitely a plus for me!

4) Sleep Consultation Area

Raise your hand if you like sleep! Now raise your hand if you don't remember what sleep is! Yeah, these days I feel like sleep is a hit or miss event in our home, and I need all the help I can get to make it a reoccurring theme once again. Enter, the Sleep Consultation Area. Nothing excites me more than the chance to talk with someone who has a clue to help my little one and I find restful nights again.

5) Vagina Village

Oh yes, I went there, and Mommy Con is going there too. Good parenting includes good self-care, and Mommy Con has sessions available to help encourage positive self-care and self-love throughout mama's life. Topics include that time of the month, intimacy, tata's and more! So let's take pride in US and remember, "Happy mama, happy baby!"


Now that I've reached my 5 reasons to go to Mommy Con, I'm realizing that I haven't even gotten to cloth diapering, baby-led weaning, sessions for dad, and more! So, how about we just agree that Mommy Con is a must-see event and it's time to go buy your ticket, eh? Good. Use the code below to get $5 off your ticket, and share this post with your friends to encourage them to go with you!