Please read our safety guidelines first!
"No point in reinventing the wheel!
Safety and video instructions can be found at www.wearyourbaby.com
or www.youtube.com search "babywearing how to" and "babywearing safety".
You may wish to gently wash sling with unscented detergent before use. Air dry or tumble dry low. Steam iron, if desired.
1. Inspect sling
Make sure sling is in good condition before each use.
Check for holes, tears, loose or missing stitching, & other signs of wear & tear and do not use if you see anything that could compromise the safety of the sling. Contact us with any questions or to request a repair.
2. Threading the sling
You can start by threading one corner of the tail end of the sling up and behind both rings, then down over the top ring and under the bottom ring.
Then thread the remaining opposite corner the same way, so that all the fabric is threaded through the rings.
Make sure it doesn’t twist as it passes through, especially the outside edges. This will allow you to adjust each side rail independently of the other easily.
An alternative way to thread the silng is to loosely accordian pleat the tail before passing through the rings, making sure each outside edge remains on the outside and does not twist.
My own method is to fold in the outside edges and make big pleats from each side towards the center; the I hold the entire folded tail and pass it through the rings. Then I spread out the outside edges over the rings and make sure they are not folded or twisted.
Pull the tail through so that about 20" hangs below the rings, or so that all sections of the looped sling are even.
If you are tall or large, then you will want less tail hanging down to start.
3. Putting on the sling & proper sling positioning
Extend one arm and slip the sling over that arm, over your head, and onto the opposite shoulder. The shoulder pad should be cupping your shoulder, with most of the pad behind your shoulder, and the tail of the sling should hang down your front. For example, if you extend your right arm, the shoulder pad and rings will be on your left shoulder. Fabric should not be gathered next to your neck. Sling should be spread out and untwisted around your back and waist. Rings should be in a "corsage" position in the hollow below your collarbone and at or above your armpit.
4. Safety check
You should now have a pouch across your front. Make the sure the back rail of this pouch section is pulled up evenly with the front part or even higher, so that the baby will have a safe hammock-like pouch. It should be coming across your chest, not hanging loosely at your belly. This keeps baby secure & comfortable. You should be able to adjust the front or back by gently tugging on either side of the tail below the rings. Do not adjust by pulling on the string ties near the pockets. They may rip.
5. Adjusting the Sling
To tighten: With the sling threaded properly, you should be able to tighten either side rail independently by pulling on the fabric on the tail on the side you want to tighten. Tighten the top rail for baby safety and security. If the rails are too loose, the baby can fall out. You can tighten both sides at the same time simply by pulling down on the entire tail of the sling. If you find that you cannot tighten the sling enough to take up the slack, especially in the top rail, you can mail it back to us and we will remove a few inches of the padding.
To loosen: Lift up on the rings with one hand and pull on the body of the sling with your other hand
To shorten: If the tail of the sling hangs too low, you can shorten the sling by simply tying the bottom section to the rings using the tie provided at the top seam of the pockets.
Always make sure both side railings are high and tight, forming a secure pouch so that baby doesnt fall out! If front rail is loose and you bend forwards, baby could fall out. If back rail is loose or not high around the baby’s body, baby could slip through.
6. Placing baby in Sling
When using your sling the first few times, or trying a new position, please try on a couch or a bed the first few times. Baby will get warm in the sling, so don’t overdress. If it’s cold, wear sling under your jacket.
Try starting with the rings a little higher than the "corsage" position so that when you tighten it, the rings will end up at your armpit level.
Make sure both side rails are high, forming a pouch.
Open up the pouch. Place the baby upright and against your chest near the shoulder opposite the rings in a burping position.
Then slide the baby into the sling into your desired position.
To remove or adjust baby, slightly loosen sling if necessary and reach in with two hands and place baby back into the burp position over your shoulder, and remove or adjust as needed.
Re-tighten sling if you are repositioning the baby. Keep one hand on baby until you feel comfortable and confident.
7. Advanced
You can hold the baby securely against your chest with one arm while adjusting & tightening sling around baby. Sometimes you may need to shift the sling around the baby to get proper fit.
Carrying Positions
Cradle Carry (0 – 3 months)
Pull up inside rail, close to your body and form a pouch for the baby. Holding baby facing you, you can let your baby "stand" and get settled or fold in baby’s legs and place baby’s bottom in sling first. Then position body in an upright, tummy-to-tummy position. Pull up top rail behind babys head. Then recline body slightly, at a 45-degree angle, with head towards the rings. Body should be resting towards the outside edge of the sling. Adjust rails so inside rail is high and outside rail is high and tight, not slack. Baby’s body should not be bent in half or too deep in the sling. Make sure baby’s neck is aligned with spine. Head should not be bent forwards and baby’s chin should NOT be on her chest, since that can block airflow. Baby should look comfortable and be able to breathe easily.
Cross Cradle Carry – Breastfeeding Position (0 – 3 months)
Same as Cradle Carry, but reversed with baby’s feet near the rings. Make sure rails are high and tight around baby and that baby’s head is not crunched forward. To breastfeed in this position, turn baby’s body tummy to tummy with you, lower sling rail and nurse. Babys feet can either be in or out of the sling. If you are going to stand or walk around while nursing, then make sure babys bottom and body are safely contained within the sling by positioning, adjusting and tightening the bottom rail. You may use tail of sling for additional nursing coverage if desired. When baby has finished nursing, return baby to cradle position, pull up rails and tighten for safety.
Football Hold – Breastfeeding Position (0 – 3 months)
While seated, loosen & slide sling to your side. Position baby for nursing. When done, readjust baby and sling to preferred position and tighten.
Upright Chest Snuggle / Tummy-to-Tummy (0 – 5 months)
Place baby upright, tummy to tummy with you. Place bottom in sling first with legs gently crossed and folded or bent in. Tighten top and bottom rails, making sure bottom rail is well under the baby for safety. Tighten fabric across baby’s back. Position top rail behind baby’s neck and head for support and tighten side rail. Baby’s head should rest on your chest. (Your heartbeat will be soothing and calming.)
Kangaroo Carry (4 months+)
Create a pouch for baby. Settle baby’s bottom into sling first with legs crossed and folded. Face baby out. Pull up back and front rail high and tight around baby. Tighten sling.
Hip Carry (5 month – 3 yrs)
Lift child into sling. Place child’s legs around your waist, like a little frog, with bottom lower than knees. Pull bottom rail beneath child’s thighs, to behind the knees, and tighten. Let baby recline slightly, then pull up top rail around child’s shoulders and tighten for safety. Arms can be in or out. Child can sit on your front or side, whichever is comfortable.
Breastfeeding in Hip Carry (5 months – 3 yrs)
Your baby is optimally positioned. Simply allow access and nurse. You can use tail for coverage, if desired.
Back Carry (18 months+) *Advanced*
With child in Hip Carry position, bend forwards slightly, and slide baby to your back. Retighten sling. Make sure bottom and top rails are tight and secure. Ask someone for help and check in the mirror.
Removing Child From Sling
Return young baby to burping position and lift baby out with two hands, or kneel and let an older child stand on ground and lift sling up and off.
Additional Support
For more hands on assistance, please visit a local La Leche League meeting, NINO (“Nine In / Nine Out), or Babywearing group. Here are some links to locate a group near you:
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