HOW TO USE YOUR NEW SLING
Choose which shoulder you would like to wear your sling on. This is the shoulder that will bear most of the weight of your child. Place the sling on this shoulder with the rings hanging over the front of your shoulder while the "tail" of the sling hangs down your back. The seam that holds the fabric on the rings and my logo should be facing down (against your body).
Pull the tail of the sling around to the front of your body, making sure that the outside of the sling is facing out and that the fabric is not twisted. Hold the very end of the tail in your hand. Fold the tail like an accordian.
Pull the tail through both rings and then through the bottom ring (like the belts we all wore in the 80's). Make sure that the fabric is not twisted as it is pulled through the rings - this will ensure that the sling is easier to adjust once you put your child in it. The tail should be hanging in front of your with the inside fabric facing out.
Pull the tail so that you can place your baby into the pouch of the sling, using one hand to support your baby and the other to open the pouch. Pull the tail fo the sling toward the ground until it is tight enough to support your baby in the position you choose. To create a better fit pull one side of the tail to tighten that side of the sling. If your baby needs to be higher inside the sling's pouch, just pull on the middle part of the tail. The part of the tail you pull will tighten that part of the pouch around your baby.
To remove your child from the sling, hold the top ring in your hand while gently pulling the top of the pouch away from your child. Loosen this just enough to easily slide your baby out of the sling. Always make sure to support your child when you loosen any part of the sling. Removing your child this way allows you to keep the sling shape that you have created. Next time you use your sling, just slide your child in, gently pull the tail, and be on your way.
Remember, learning to use your sling may take some time and practice but it will be well worth it. Experiment with the sling and find what works best for you and your child. Talk to other sling wearing parents, they may have some great tips.
Other good uses for your sling: use as a blanket or changing pad, tighten it around a stroller or backpack for added warmth or use it as a sunshade in the car.
Washing Instructions: Machine washable and dryable. Best to line dry. Put in a pillow case when drying in the dryer. All fabric has been prewashed in natural detergent but darker colors may still bleed.
WEARING YOUR BABY
POSITION 1: CHEST TO CHEST
In this position, the baby is vertical with his chest against yours. The baby’s feet may be inside or outside the sling. To put his feet in the sling, cross his feet, put them in the slings and allow his bottom to rest in the pouch of the sling. The inside edge of the sling will be across your chest and the outside will be across your baby’s back. To keep his feet out of the sling, place him against your chest, put the inside edge of the sling around your baby's behind and tighten the sling until your baby is snugly against your chest with his back covered and supported. For younger babies, who need neck support, pull the outside edge of the sling up over his head and tighten to give head support. Click here for a video of these positions.
Place the inside edge of the sling against your chest, creating a pouch across your chest. Open the pouch and gently lay your baby inside. Her head can be placed on either side of the sling. Tighten the sling until the baby is supported and comfortable in the sling. You may pull the middle part of the tail to lift the baby into a higher position against your chest. You may also put more of the pouch fabric against your chest or start with a shallow pouch if you fill like your baby is "lost" in the sling. This position is great for hands free nursing!
This position works best for babies up to about one year who have head control. Again, create a pouch with the inside edge of the sling against your chest. Set the baby in the bottom of the pouch with her legs crossed and her back against your chest. Adjust the sling until your baby is secure in this position.
Once your baby is able to sit up on his own, you can carry him on your hip. This position takes the weight of the baby off of your shoulder and back and places it on your hip. Put your child in the sling with his feet coming out of the bottom of the sling. Your child should be resting on your hip with one leg on each side of your hip. Make sure the sling covers his bottom completely. Tighten the sling, making sure his back is supported.
When your baby is around one year old you can modify the "resting on hip" position by placing your child on your back. Keep your baby in the hip carry position and carefully slide him onto your back. Make sure that his legs re out and that one is one each side of your back. It is best to have someone check that your baby is secure on your back when you first start to use this position.
REMEMBER, YOUR BABY IS NOT STRAPPED INTO THE SLING.
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BABY WHEN USING ANY OF THESE POSITIONS