Did you know?

Using a sling enhances learning. Carried babies have enhanced visual and auditory alertness.


How to use a baby sling

To assemble the sling, place the tail through both rings, over one ring & under the other. Practice wearing it & getting your baby comfortable in it. Soon you'll wonder how you ever did without it!

Use common sense when wearing your baby. Bend at the knees, not the waist. Check the baby frequently to make sure he is secure & comfortable. It is a good idea to keep one hand near the baby at all times.

Wear the sling across your body diagonally, with the rings/tail hanging in front. (Decide which shoulder you'd like the sling to hang on. Slip the opposite arm through the sling, then lift the sling over your head, and place the sling on the correct shoulder.) Tighten or loosen tail so the bottom of the sling hits around waist level. The fabric in the center of your back should be between your shoulder blades to counter-balance the baby's weight. You can tighten the top or bottom rails independently by following a rail and pulling more of its material through the rings than the other rail.
   

For a young baby, hold her on the opposite shoulder, as if to burp her. Support her weight carefully, & slide her gently into the sling, feet first, with her head at the ring end. Remove your arm, making sure the tapered material supports her head. Pull up the sides so she is secure in the middle of the sling fabric.

Once your baby has good head-support, he can sit in the sling facing out, head against your chest, legs crossed Indian-style, with his weight centered in the sling. Babies love this position--held tightly, but able to see everything!

Your baby can also face you, with his legs straddling your waist. Pull as much fabric through the rings as necessary to tighten & hold the baby snugly. Larger babies can straddle your hip in this position.

To nurse your baby in the sling, cradle her with her feet toward the rings. Pull up sides to cover yourself. Don't get discouraged if this seems very awkward at first. With practice, you can nurse very discreetly in this way!

If your baby falls asleep in the sling, you can lay her down by leaning over the bed or crib, laying baby down, slipping the sling over your head, & undoing the tail from the rings. After awhile, you will find the positions that are most comfortable for you & your baby.

We usually recommend a child age/weight limit of about three years or thirty pounds. For as long as you'd pick up a child and carry them on your hip, you can use the sling to help support their weight. Of course, you're usually not carrying them around for a long time, though! And we recommend that you do check the sling often for tears and pulls, especially when you're routinely carrying older/heavier children.

Wearing your baby is one of the best ways to comfort him & spend time with him, & allow yourself a little more freedom of movement. Experiment and enjoy!

Email Nestmom for details or special requests.

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