A baby sling is a wonderful and intimate way to carry your baby. However, if you have not yet purchased a sling and are unsure about how to wear one, a bit of information can help you decide if it’s for you. We discuss the major types of slings on the market, and give you a general idea on how each is worn properly and comfortably. Remember, actual styles are worn in different ways, and always refer to the instruction manual.
Over the Shoulder Slings
These are the easiest to carry, but the least versatile. Basically, the fabric is a pouch with a padded or unpadded strap you carry over your shoulder. Adjustments are usually made through loops in sturdy nylon or metal rings. Baby is placed in the hammock-like pouch, which gives her a comforting, womb-like feeling.
To wear a shoulder sling with baby in a cradle position:
Slide one arm between the strap and pouch, with the adjustment rings in front, just below your shoulder. As you place baby in, the rings will slide down.
Pass the strap over your head to your other shoulder. The pouch will securely stretch across your torso.
Place your baby inside, feet first, supporting her head. Make sure there is fabric between your body and the baby’s. Some slings come with built in padding or railings that act as a natural wall. Baby may looked squished inside, however, this is a natural fetal position.
Pull the straps at the rings as necessary, making sure there is still a few feet before the tail end of the strap, depending on the style. Make sure the rings stay in the same position, just below your shoulder.
For the first few times, you will want to keep hold of baby with your arms. As you get more comfortable with wearing your baby, you will feel more confident going “hands free”
To nurse, simply cradle your baby higher up to your chest. To remove, place the sling on a firm, secure surface, adjust the straps if necessary, and slip the strap over your head and off.
Remember, these are general instructions. Always refer to the instructions that came with your sling.
Unstructured Slings and Wraps
Traditional slings and wraps are simply long lengths of cloth. You can carry your baby in as many positions as you know how to tie. On your front, your back, or your hip, with baby either cradled or in a sitting position. Give yourself time to learn how to properly wrap the fabric around you. Some models will have straps and rings. Others will need tying.
An excellent, general purpose way to wear your baby with a wrap is the cross-carry tie.
To carry your baby on the front:
- Hold the middle of the fabric in front of you and wrap both ends around your back. The fabric will sit at your belly and form a belt.
- Take each end and throw them over your opposite shoulders. The fabric should look like an X around your back. Make sure there’s no twists. If the fabric is cotton, make sure it’s a bit loose to fit baby in, if it’s a stretchable material, make it tight.
- You should now have the fabric draping from your shoulders. Take both ends, tuck them under the fabric wrapping around your torso, cross them and wrap around your back. A variation is to place your baby in the belt first, and bring each side of fabric under each opposite leg (right fabric under left leg and left fabric under right leg).
- Keep wrapping the fabric around yourself until you near the end of the fabric, and tie the ends in a double knot.
- Pull the fabric up baby’s back, over the head if necessary. Baby will be sitting in the belt around your waist, and the fabric over your shoulders and tucked into the waist will help support baby safely and comfortably.
To carry your baby on the hip (older infants):
- Place the wrap over your shoulder, with slightly more fabric in the front. Wrap the back fabric around to your waist and under the front strip of fabric
- Wrap the front part around your waist and cross over the other part of the fabric. Wrap both ends a few times around your waist (depending on the length), and tie it.
- With your child, pull one leg through the front length of the fabric, and the other leg through the back length of the fabric that originally wrapped around to the front.
- Pull the front length of the fabric up your child’s back to his arms. Do the same with the back length of fabric, so both front and back supports your child. Your child will have more freedom of movement, as his neck and arms will remain free. This is excellent for older infants.
Remember, these are just general instructions on various ways to tie your sling or wrap. Never wear a wrap while cooking or in other potentially dangerous situations. Always read the instruction manual that comes with your product – often they will have clear illustrations or photos to help you learn the basics. Enjoy wearing your baby!
