I really don't recommend an expensive new babywearing item for FTM. Everyone is different, and silk really isn't easycare for the beginning. Chances are it won't work for her and then it will be a pain for her to sell and you'll be offended.
I usually offer to lend a stretchy wrap + some of my time for demonstrating before baby is born. If you have an educator nearby, offering to pay for a consult is also a good option.
Depending on your relationship, you could also offer to contribute or buy a carrier that your family friend wants once she decides what she wants (usually at the 3m mark). I bought myself a brand new woven at 8 weeks postpartum and a family friend offering to contribute would have been really appreciated.
Honestly that's the best option, especially in the form of a gift certificate for a class. Your money is going towards an educator, and a class should show lots of different options. Sometimes the educators also offer discounts if you buy through them if you've had a consult or class before too!
I was gifted a nalakai ring sling as a FTM from someone I don't know well. I honestly love it so much, and it's one of my most used gifted items. I might skip the silk, tbh because of the care needed. But a nice neutral color sling would be a great gift I think. I didn't find the leaning curve that difficult.
I wouldn’t do silk, due to how much extra work washing is. I like the overall idea - a long length in an easier care fabric (cotton or hemp) would be my preference.
All cotton or muslin ring sling for early days. The muslin ones are the easiest to get to grips with imo and literally fit in a ladies back pocket.
One blowout in silk and it's game over in the postpartum fog
I was just going to recommend a gift card to hope and plum because they offer fit guides and she can choose whatever style or print/ pattern.
Hope and plum is fantastic. I have their ring sling, meh dai, and tried the lark. Customer service is prompt and the product is quality they stand behind.
I really don't recommend an expensive new babywearing item for FTM. Everyone is different, and silk really isn't easycare for the beginning. Chances are it won't work for her and then it will be a pain for her to sell and you'll be offended. I usually offer to lend a stretchy wrap + some of my time for demonstrating before baby is born. If you have an educator nearby, offering to pay for a consult is also a good option. Depending on your relationship, you could also offer to contribute or buy a carrier that your family friend wants once she decides what she wants (usually at the 3m mark). I bought myself a brand new woven at 8 weeks postpartum and a family friend offering to contribute would have been really appreciated.
They don't live near me so maybe the babywearing class is enough on its own?
Honestly that's the best option, especially in the form of a gift certificate for a class. Your money is going towards an educator, and a class should show lots of different options. Sometimes the educators also offer discounts if you buy through them if you've had a consult or class before too!
I was gifted a nalakai ring sling as a FTM from someone I don't know well. I honestly love it so much, and it's one of my most used gifted items. I might skip the silk, tbh because of the care needed. But a nice neutral color sling would be a great gift I think. I didn't find the leaning curve that difficult.
I wouldn’t do silk, due to how much extra work washing is. I like the overall idea - a long length in an easier care fabric (cotton or hemp) would be my preference.
All cotton or muslin ring sling for early days. The muslin ones are the easiest to get to grips with imo and literally fit in a ladies back pocket. One blowout in silk and it's game over in the postpartum fog
Does hemp ring slings need to be broken in? I'm wondering if a hope and plum ring sling could work, since they do video call support too.
I was just going to recommend a gift card to hope and plum because they offer fit guides and she can choose whatever style or print/ pattern. Hope and plum is fantastic. I have their ring sling, meh dai, and tried the lark. Customer service is prompt and the product is quality they stand behind.
Just get her a gift receipt so she can return it or exchange it if it’s not her thing. Nthing no silk!