Confused? Frustrated? Just plain curious? Here are some common questions regarding kissed baby, slings, and our company policies. If your question hasn't been answered below, please feel free to contact us.

My sling arrived Monday. I am really enjoying it. (my 6-month-old is, too!) The directions that you included were great. This sling is much easier than the padded one to adjust. [...] I only have one complaint—I can never go anywhere without someone commenting on my wonderful sling!!!!!! —L.H., Sautee, Georgia

Read what people are saying about kissed baby . . .

QUESTIONS

Slinging: Wear & Care

 What exactly is a sling? Did you invent it? Go >>
 Will my child fall out of the sling? Go >>
 Is it necessary to put my arms around/hold on to a child in
     the sling? Go >>
 When is a good age to start my baby in the sling? Will my
     newborn be "lost" in all those folds of fabric, or be positioned
     too loosely? Go >>
 It looks like my baby is "squished" in the sling. Will his
     spinal development be negatively affected by being worn in
     the sling too much, or at too early an age? Go >>
 Will my child's physical development be delayed by his
     being worn too much? Go >>
 Will I spoil my child by carrying him too much? Go >>
 Will my child be too heavy in the sling? Go >>
 What are the weight recommendations for your slings? Go >>
 I tried a sling once and it hurt my back. What went wrong,
     and should I try again? Go >>
 Aren't pack-style carriers better? Go >>
 Aren't padded slings better? Go >>
 How do I know which size is right for me? Go >>
 How do I wear my sling? Are there other uses for the slings?
     Go >>
 How do I take care of my sling?  Go >>
____________________________________

Buyer’s Guide: Ordering; Payment; Returns/ Exchanges; Warranty

 Where do I buy?/How do I order? Go >>
    Why don't you sell through many retailers now? Go >>
 What forms of payment do you accept? Go >>
 Is my credit card charged right away when I submit my order?
     Go >>
 How will the charge appear on my credit card statement?
     Go >>
 Do you charge sales taxes? Go >>
 The total that appears from my on-line order doesn’t seem
     right. How do I correct it? Go >>
 Do you offer any discounts? Go >>
 How do I cancel my order? Go >>
 Can I add to my order after I submit it on-line? Go >>
 What is the return/exchange policy on your products? Go >>
 How do I return an item? What is an RMA #, and why do I
     need one? Go >>
 Can I have my item gift-wrapped? Go >>
 I need a really special sling for a really special occasion. Do
     you take custom orders for sling? Go >>
 Do you have a printed catalogue? Go >>
 How do I become a retailer/distributor? Go >>
 How do I request/suggest a new product? Go >>
 What is the warranty on your products? Go >>
____________________________________

Shipping; Tracking; Order Problems

 How long does it take to ship an item? Go >>
 What are your shipping fees? Do you ship outside Canada?
     Go >>
 I have an important baby shower to go to/My baby is due this
     week! Can I have a rush delivery? Go >>
 Can I have my order shipped to a different address than
     my own? Go >> 
 Do you ship to P.O. boxes or military addresses? Go >>
 Does your shipping fee include insurance and a tracking
     option? Go >>
 How do I track my order? Go >> 
 Can I pick up my order from you, or visit your location?
     Go >>
 I never got a confirmation e-mail. Did my order go through?
     Go >>
 My order never arrived. What should I do? Go >>
 My order arrived later than promised. Can I get reimbursed
     or compensated? Go >>
I received the wrong products/damaged products. What
     should I do? Go >>
____________________________________

Check-out Problems; Cookies

 My shopping cart appears empty even though I added items
     to it. What is wrong? Go >>
 What are cookies? Go >>
 How do I enable cookies in my browser? Go >>
____________________________________

Privacy and Security

 Is this a secure site for entering my credit card information?
     Go >>
 Will I receive junk e-mail if I give you my address, or sign up
     for your newsletter? Go >>
 What is your privacy policy? Do you sell or trade my personal
     information? Go >>
____________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANSWERS

Slinging: Wear & Care

 What exactly is a sling? Did you invent it?
A sling is basically a length of fabric, often with a fastener (rings or sometimes simply a knot) at one end to adjust for size. The fabric creates a "pocket" in which to hold a baby, and this pocket imitates the positioning of an adult's arms. This is a very basic way of carrying a baby close to you (or "wearing" a baby), while freeing your hands to do other things at the same time. The sling, in one form or another, has been used by millions of parents for many decades, all around the world.
     Many people have asked me if I "invented" the sling. I did not. I simply perfected the shoulder design for optimal comfort, and made it more appealing to a large number of wearers, through the use of fun and fashionable fabrics. The shoulder design is my own; I did not copy it, and I don't frequent the popular on-line babywearing forums or groups (I never even knew most of the terms for different sling shoulder styles, until a friend explained them to me). So if you see a sling shoulder out there that looks like a kissed baby sling, it's either a coïncidence, or a good knock-off.

 Will my child fall out of the sling?
No way. As long as you're wearing the sling correctly (and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions, if you still don't have the hang of it after consulting the Instructions booklet or DVD), your baby is perfectly safe in there. Basically, your baby's bottom or whole body fits into a "pocket" of fabric which doesn't open unless you do it yourself.  As for the metal rings, they won't slip apart or come undone accidentally because your baby's weight pulls them down tightly.
     To put it another way, the sling is like a hammock for a baby. When was the last time that you laid or sat properly in a hammock, and fell out?

 In some of your photos, it looks like your hands are supporting the child. Is this necessary with the sling?
No. You know how sometimes you don't know what to do with your hands when being photographed? Well, that's the case here. Unlike some other "hip-hugging" styles of carriers on the market, the sling is secure, and does not require you to hold on to your baby for safety.

 What is a good age to start my baby in the sling? Will my newborn be "lost" in all those folds of fabric, or be positioned too loosely?
Just as it's never too early to hold a newborn, it's never too early to sling a newborn. (Although it's generally not advised for some premature babies, because of their extremely small size and structure.) Our children were in a sling or baby carrier of some sort from as early as four hours old!
     The unpadded sling is so adjustable that you just tighten the fabric sufficiently in order to fully support your infant's weight, and adjust the fabric around or away from your baby's body, as needed. A young baby who has no head support yet will need to be fully supported by having fabric behind his head. Most babies will love the feeling of being swaddled and wrapped in fabric and held tightly against your body. If they don't, they'll let you know by fussing, and you can try at a later time, or find an alternative method.

 It looks like my baby is "squished" in the sling. Will his spinal development be negatively affected by being worn in the sling too much, or at too early an age?
The sling is the baby carrier that most naturally imitates a pair of arms holding a baby in each of the six positions available. Baby's body supports itself evenly in the pouch of fabric of the sling, whereas in a pack-style carrier (or other types of "hip-hugging" styles of carriers), your child is "suspended", and supported mainly by the groin area, with his legs always separated into two leg holes. This has raised concern with some doctors and chiropractors, especially where it concerns a newborn with under-developed bones.

 Will my child's physical development be delayed by his being worn too much?
As you know, every child's development is unique, and may or may not follow the "guidelines" set by other people. That being said, the simple answer is, "No, slinging does not delay your child's physical development." Our first kissed baby was in the sling about 70% of the day in her first year, and she was crawling, standing, walking, etc. at about the same rate as the other babies on the block. On the other hand, her mother and uncles were never worn in a baby-carrier of any kind, and they didn't walk until they were between 18 months and 27 months (!). Go figure!

 Will I spoil my child by carrying her too much?
An emphatic no! You could do a lot worse things to spoil your babies than to give them the physical contact and touch that they need. Please don't be afraid to wear your baby because of what other people may think or say to the contrary. Imagine if you had just spent nine months being close to the person who loves and nurtures you the most, and then all of a sudden, find that you're deposited somewhere to sit or lie down by yourself. For more information on "baby-wearing", see our topic, "Why Wear Your Baby", or read what a few good paediatricians like Dr. William Sears have to say on the subject.

 Will my child be too heavy for me to carry in a sling?
We would say that in most cases, the answer to that is, "No." Consider that the average 10-year-old probably carries around 10 lbs. of books and school supplies in a backpack everyday. Surely then, most adults can carry a baby's weight, evenly distributed in a properly-worn sling. In fact, most adults probably already carry their baby or toddler in their arms; a sling just distributes the baby's weight better and makes it easier for you to do what you've always been doing.
     Let's just say that the owner of the company is a petite 5'1", and can easily sling a 30-lb toddler in the sling. Obviously, if you have major physical problems, do not put more stress and burden on yourself than you need to.

  What are the weight recommendations for your slings?
Our slings are recommended for use with babies from approximately 3 to 14 kg (7 to 30 lbs). We are often asked why the upper weight restriction is set at 30 lbs and not more. This is purely for your—the adult wearer's—own comfort. We could indeed state 35 or 40 lbs as a maximum weight, as is indicated by some other baby carrier brands (and the fabric and rings could certainly support this, and more). However, we find that many adults don't or can't support that weight for an extended period of time. Thus, we like to give you a reasonable expectation so that you'll be a happy sling-user. And if you're comfortable using your sling beyond 30 lbs, then we're all for it!

 I tried a sling once and it hurt my back. What went wrong, and should I try again?
If your back hurt, is it possible that you were using a padded sling? If so, read why we recommend unpadded over padded, or see our testimonials from some of our satisfied customers who have converted to an unpadded sling.
      If you had trouble with an unpadded sling, is it possible that you were not positioning it correctly on your body? A sling that is worn too loosely, or not spread out adequately on your shoulder, or even twisted, almost always leads to back and/or shoulder pain. A sling worn with improperly-placed rings can also lead to discomfort. You can consult the detailed Instructions Booklet or DVD that is provided with all kissed baby slings, for proper wearing instructions.

  I hear so much about pack-style carriers like the Baby Bjorn* or the Snugli*.  Aren't structured carriers better for babies than a sling?
Nope, uh-uhn, no way. Click here to read why we recommend a sling over a pack-style carrier.

 I hear so much about padded slings like the Over the Shoulder Baby Holder (OTSBH)* or the Nojo*.
Aren't they better? Nope, uh-uhn, no way. Click here to read why we recommend an unpadded sling over a padded one.

 How do I know which size is right for me?
Our slings are measured according to the wearer (adult). To determine your size, measure the wearer diagonally from one shoulder to the top of the opposite hip (e.g. right shoulder to left hip), then refer to the charts below:
           

Shoulder to Opposite Hip (If pregnant, measure on your back rather than over belly)	Size
Less than 85 cm/34”	A
More than 85 cm/34”	B
If wearers are of two sizes	B
Custom sizes also available.

Shoulder to Opposite Hip (If pregnant, measure on your back rather than over belly)	Size
50-54 cm / 20"-21"	PA
55-59 cm / 22"-23"	PB
60-64 cm / 24"-25"	PC
65-69 cm / 26"-27"	PD
70-74 cm / 28"-29"	PE
75-79 cm / 30"-31"	PF
Custom sizes also available.

One size

One size

 How do I wear my sling? Are there other uses for the slings?
All kissed baby slings/carriers come with a detailed Instructions Booklet and how-to DVD. You can get an overview, and ideas for other uses for the slings, on our How to Wear page.

 How do I take care of my slings?
Cotton or polyester slings can be washed by machine, on a regular cycle with a cold-water wash and rinse (cold prevents stains from setting). A regular tumble-drying or hanging on the clothesline is fine. Be sure to wrap the rings in a sock or other fabric item, to prevent the tumbling of the metal rings against the inside of your appliances.
     The 100% silk and silk-blend brocades, like any fine garment, should be dry-cleaned or washed by hand, for best results. They will lose some of their sheen with regular wash and wear, and may develop a "wrinkled" look as the silk fibres are broken in. (This is normal, and does not affect the strength of the sling.) These silk slings can also be washed by machine on a cold-cold delicate cycle. To minimize the wrinkled look, iron on low as you gently stretch the fabric out by hand.
     The beaded slings should be washed in a mesh laundry bag to protect the beading.
     Over the months and years, you should check the seams from time to time, to make sure that they're still secure.
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Buyer's Guide: Ordering; Payment: Returns/Exchanges; Warranty

 Where do I buy?/How do I order?
You can buy our products exclusively from us in our on-line store, or find our products at only a few retail stores.
     We eliminated a large number of our retail and distribution outlets because they were difficult accounts to manage, and they were absorbing too much of our time that could have been better devoted to you, our direct customer. Only a few retailers have been kept because they provide exceptional service to our customers, and serve markets that are important to us and which are easily accessible to our customers.

 What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa; MasterCard; American Express; PayPal; international money orders cashable at Canadian banks; cheques; and electronic money transfers (EMTs) within Canada.

 Is my credit card charged right away when I submit my order?
No, your credit card is not charged until your order is shipped.

 How will the charge appear on my credit card statement?
Your order will appear as “Word Cure” of Bowmanville of Ontario . This is our parent company.

 Do you charge sales taxes?
All Canadian customers pay 5% GST. All Ontario customers pay GST plus 8% PST. Non-Canadian customers do not pay any taxes. 
     Your tax charge is dependent on your shipping address. For example, if you live in Ontario but you want to ship a sling to Alberta, you would only pay GST for the Alberta destination, and no Ontario PST.

 The total that appears from my on-line order doesn’t seem right. How do I correct it?
Your credit card is not charged upon check-out, so there is no need to correct the total on your end. Taxes and shipping fees will be verified and adjusted by us. If you have a promotional discount or store credit/refund that cannot be entered with a coupon code, please remind us in the “Special Instructions” box upon check-out.

 Do you offer any discounts?
> If your order total is more than $150 (excluding taxes and shipping), you will receive free shipping.
> Multiple-item orders or small orders less than one sling will qualify for a combined-shipping discount.
> In addition, once you make a purchase from our on-line store, your sales receipt will show a coupon code for a 10% discount on future orders, for your own use, or to pass on to a friend.

 How do I cancel my order?
If your order has not already been shipped, please cancel your order as soon as possibly, by e-mail or phone. Once your order has been shipped, we cannot be responsible for any shipping charges for returns.

 Can I add to my order after I have already submitted it on-line?
Yes. If your order has not already shipped out of our office, you can add to it simply by e-mail or phone . Shipping charges may increase, depending on the weight of the package. Alternatively, you can log in to your account in our on-line store and add your item as a new order. We will combine your items into one order, and adjust for any shipping increases or discounts.

 What is the return/exchange policy on your products?
If you purchased your items from a retailer/ distributor, please contact them directly for their own policy on returns and refunds. If your product is defective, your retailer/distributor will contact us for a suitable replacement or refund. 
     If you purchased directly from us, we want you to be happy customers, and will happily take back any item within 30 days. Item must be in good, re-sellable condition. After 30 days, if you are unsatisfied for any reason, we will work with you to see if you qualify for a store credit. Please allow up to two weeks for your return/refund to be processed.

 How do I return an item? What is an RMA #, and why do I need one?
If you purchased an item at a retailer/distributor, contact them directly about their specific return/ exchange policy.
     If you purchased directly from us, send all returns to our mailing address in Bowmanville, ON. We would prefer that you contact us for a Return Merchant Authorisation (RMA) number prior to returning your item. If you don’t have an RMA #, you can still return your item, but having one directs your return to the proper department, and expedites the process.

 Can I have my item gift-wrapped?
Yes, you can choose to have your order packaged in our gift box, with custom kissed baby ribbon and gift card, for an additional $5.

 I need a really special sling for a really special occasion. Do you take custom orders for slings?
Yes, under certain circumstances and as time allows us, we will take orders for custom slings that are not available as outlined on our site. You should contact us about appropriate fabrics (we reserve the right to not accept certain fabrics) and fees, which range from $20 to $50, depending on the fabric type. Keep in mind that the production time on a custom order is anywhere from two to four weeks. All shipping fees are the responsibility of the buyer. All custom-made orders are non-refundable, except in cases of a default in workmanship or a default in our own materials (rings).

 Do you have a printed catalogue?
We have a printed catalogue available at retailers/distributors. If you would like a PDF version of it to download for your own perusal, please e-mail us.

 How do I become a retailer/ distributor?
Visit our Wholesale Enquiries page to fill out an application, and we will send a Retailer Information Package to qualified businesses. In Canada, you will need a GST #. Ontario businesses additionally need a Vendor Permit (PST exemption) #. U.S. businesses need an IRS # to facilitate the import process.

 How do I request/suggest a new product?
We always welcome your feedback and suggestions on new products or improvements to existing products. The best way to send feedback to us is via e-mail.

 What is the warranty on your products?
All kissed baby slings/carriers are guaranteed against defects from workmanship or material, for a period of one year from purchase date. Full warranty information is included in the Instructions Booklet that is provided with each sling.
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Shipping; Tracking; Order Problems

 How long does it take to ship an order?
If the items are in stock, we will ship within 24 hours. Due to the popularity of our slings, custom-made items, including those with Optional Add-on Features, may take up to two weeks. 
     Estimated transit (shipping) times are as follows, in business days:

Within Canada	1-5 days
To the U.S.	3-7 days
Other international destinations	5-14 days

 What are your shipping fees? Do you ship outside Canada?
We ship to all destinations around the world, via Canada Post or Purolator courier, whichever is most suitable for your destination.
     Shipping fees are as follows:

Within Canada	$8 CAD; insurance & tracking included
To the U.S.	$10 CAD; insurance & tracking included
Other international destinations	$15 CAD; insurance & tracking extra

 I have an important baby shower to go to/My baby is due tomorrow! Can I have rush delivery?
We offer rush delivery (next-day or within 2 business days) with Purolator courier or FedEx. Please contact us for details.

 Can I have my order shipped to a different address than my own?
Yes, we can ship to a recipient at another address, with a gift receipt. You will receive a sales receipt at your billing address. Please note you will be charged taxes according to your shipping address. E.g. If your billing address is in Québec but you ship to Ontario, you will be charged GST + Ontario PST.

 Do you ship to P.O. boxes or military addresses?
Yes, we can ship to P.O. boxes and military addresses via Canada Post or rush via Purolator. We cannot send a rush delivery via FedEx to P.O. boxes.

 Does your shipping fee include insurance and a tracking option?
Shipments within Canada and to the U.S. include insurance and a tracking option. Other international orders can have insurance and tracking added for an extra fee.

 How do I track my order?
The tracking number and instructions will be e-mailed to you upon shipment.

 Can I pick up my order from you, or visit your location?
Our address is for corresondence only, and is not a retail outlet.

 I never got a confirmation e-mail. Did my order go through?
When you submit an order through our on-line store, you should always receive a confirmation e-mail to the address that you provided. Because these e-mails are generated automatically by a computer, occasionally they are mistaken for junk mail by e-mail filters or firewalls. Be sure to check your junk e-mail folder or “Spam” box, and set your e-mail filters to accept e-mails from “kissed baby”.

 My order never arrived. What should I do?
Our estimated transit times are listed in business days, and does not include weekends or holidays. See chart below. Orders going to non-Canadian addresses may be delayed due to customs inspections or brokerage delays. If your order still does not arrive, please contact us within 2 weeks of the expected delivery date, and we will do our best to track down your order, or send you a replacement product.
     Estimated transit (shipping) times are as follows, in business days:

Within Canada	1-5 days
To the U.S.	3-7 days
Other international destinations	5-14 days

 My order arrived later than promised. Can I get reimbursed or compensated?
Our estimated transit times are listed in business days, and does not include weekends or holidays. See chart directly above. Orders going to non-Canadian addresses may be delayed due to customs inspections or brokerage clearing. If your order did arrive later than promised even after taking into consideration these conditions, please contact us, and we will try our best to work with you and the carrier to get you a refund on your shipping fees.

 I received the wrong products/damaged products. What should I do?
Please inspect your order as soon as you get it. If you received the wrong/ damaged products,  contact us right away so that we can send you instructions on how to send the order back to us on our shipping account.
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Check-out Problems; Cookies

 My shopping cart appears empty even though I added items to it. What is wrong?
This may be because the cookies option is not enabled in your browser settings. To fix this problem you will need to turn cookies option on (see detailed instructions below).

 What are cookies? How do I enable cookies in my browser?
Cookies are tiny text files that web sites set in your PC to help your browsers remember information. To enable cookies, follow one of the following options:

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 6
> Click on “Tools” on the menu bar.
> Click on “Internet Options”.
> Click on the “Privacy” tab.
> Set slide bar to “Medium” or click “Default” button.
> Click OK to exit.

If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5
> Go To “Internet Options”. This is under either “View” or “Tools”, depending on version.
> Click “Security Tab”.
> Click “Custom Level”.
> Scroll down to “Cookies”.
> “Allow cookies that are stored on your computer” should be checked as enabled. If it is not, please check it.
> “Allow per-session cookies (not stored)” should be checked as enabled. If it is not, check it.
> Click OK to exit.

If you are using Mozilla Firefox
> Open the “Tools” menu.
> Choose “Options”.
> Under the “Privacy” tab, go down to “Cookies”.
> “Accept Cookies from site” should be checked as enabled. If it is not, check it.
> Click OK to exit.

If you are using Netscape
> Open the “Edit” menu.
> Choose “Preferences”. 
> Under the “Privacy & Security” category, click “Cookies”. (If no subcategories are visible, double-click the category to expand the list.)
> Choose “Enable cookies for the originating web site only”. 
> Click OK to exit.

If you are using AOL 
> Type keyword “Preferences”. 
> Click “Internet Properties”. 
> Click “Security Tab”. 
> Click “Custom Level”. 
> Scroll down to “Cookies”. 
> “Allow cookies that are stored on your computer” should be checked as enabled. If it is not, check it. 
> “Allow per-session cookies (not stored)” should be checked as enabled. If it is not, check it. 
> Click OK to exit.

If you are using third-party cookie- blocker software, refer to the manual supplied by the third-party software.
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Privacy and Security

 Is this a secure site for entering my credit card information?
Yes. All information is encrypted and submitted through a secure 256-bit encryption connection. Look for the padlock icon or the "https" prefix in the address bar of your browser when you enter our on-line store.

 Will I receive junk e-mail if I give you my e-mail address, or sign up for your newsletter?
Your e-mail address is kept on file only for important notifications such as any possible product recalls or notifications. If you sign up for our e-newsletter, you will only receive mailings about our news and updates. You can opt out of the newsletter mailings at any time, simply by sending us an e-mail with the word "Unsubscribe" in the subject heading.

 What is your privacy policy? Do you sell or trade my personal information?
All information provided to us is securely stored and completely confidential. We respect our customers’ privacy and we do not sell or trade your information. Your personal information is only used to process your order, and to contact you for important notifica-tions such as possible product recalls. You may also indicate if you would like to be included on our e-mailing list for kissed baby news and updates. We will never sell your information to a third party. For complete details, please read our User agreement.

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Last updated: 22 October 2011
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