Wearing Instructions

I'm available to answer additional questions regarding use and care Monday through Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm MST via telephone ( 406.748.3464) or email Shanna@SweetSlings.net

Please rember that learning to use a ring sling or Mei Tai carrier will take time for both you and your baby.  Practice, patience, and persistence will allow you to learn to easily and quickly place your little one comortably and securely in your sling or carrier.

Give yourself at least 3-5 "wearings" to estabish familiarity with your sling or carrier.  Before you wear your baby for the first time, be sure you understand these instructions and practice with a doll or other baby sized item until you are comfortable.

Ring Sling Instructions

 Threading Your Sling

Lay the sling down with the pocket facing down.  Gather the fabric in the middle of the sling like an accordion.  Thread 1/2 of the fabric through both rings.  Fold the fabric over and loop it back through the bottom ring.  

Your sling can be worn on either shoulder.  Put the rings on the side you want over your shoulder.  Put your head and opposite arm through the middle of the sling, like a sash.  Be sure the tail is in front of the loop and the rings should be high on the collarbone, like a corsage.  It's very important that the rings do not move from this spot, regardless of what position you are wearing your little one in.  Spread the fabric out over your shoulder and back for maximum comfort.

Whenever you place your newborn in your sling, always support your baby's head until the sling has been tightened enough to provide support.

Vertical or "Tummy to Tummy"  Carry: Most newborns are happiest in a vertical position, snuggled against your chest.  Your baby can be carried in this position if you tighten the sling enough to support your baby's head.  Begin with your sling on and prepared before picking up your baby.  Open the pouch just enough to slide him in.  most babies will naturally curl their knees to their chests in a "ball".  While suppporting their weight with one hand, use the other to pull the sling tail and tighten the pouch around baby's body and head.  Be sure that baby has a clear airway and his face isn't obstructed by your body or the fabric.  Be sure the fabric on the inside of the pouch, between you and your baby is up to his chest, forming a "U" from his front to his back with the back side high enough to support his head.

Cradle Carry: Another common position for small babies is the cradle carry.  Begin with the pouch in the middle of the sling and lay the baby as you would cradle him in your arms.  Place his head on the ring side of the sling, towards the top of the outer rail, and angle his body towards the inner rail, so his body is at an angle outside to inside rather then parallel to the pouch rails (sides).  A cross section might look like this: 

Correct Angle                                             Incorrect Angle

Pull the sling tail to tighten, taking care to insure there is fabric supporting the back of the baby's head, but not in front of his face.  Be sure your baby has a clear airway at all times and that his head and neck are properly supported.  His chin should not be pressed into his chest at any time.  You should be able to place two fingers between his chin and his chest..  

You can nurse in the cradle hold as well, but it is often easier if the baby's head is opposite the rings.  Depending on his length, his feet may be poking out of the sling on the ring side, be sure the fabric is supporting his body weight down to the small of his knees .  You may wish to use the tail of the sling as a discret nursing cover, but take care to keep any fabric far from the baby's face.  Once the baby is finished nursing, be certain to move him to a face up and out position with a clear 

Wearing Older Babies and Toddlers 

Kangaroo Carry:  This position works best with  young babies who have head control (3-9 months, up to 20 lbs) Put your sling on and open the pouch just enough to slip baby in.  Hold your baby securely with his back against your chest.  Crisscross his legs and place him sitting up, facing out.  While supporting your baby's weight with your hand, pull on the tail to tighten the sling.

Hip Carry:  This is an excellent position or heavy toddlers because your hip is used to support your child's weight in addition to the sling.  Put you child in your sling and rest your child on your hip with his legs staddling you, like you usually carry him.  The bottom of the sling should extend out to your child's knees and the top should come up to your child's armpits.  if the fabric doesn't extend to crease under the child's kness, it may become uncomortable on his thighs and he may slip out of the carrier.

Back Carry:  Begin with the rings on the back side of your shoulder.  Once your child is securely in the pouch you may slide the pouch and baby around to your back.  Pay attention to your child's movements as it IS possible to climb out of the sling.  Bring your child back to the front if he is trying to get out.  This is an advanced position.  We reommend it ONLY  with cooperative children age 15+ months. 

Tips for Adjusting your Ring Sling

Tight the sling by pulling the tail.  Loosen the sling by pulling up on the "outer" ring and gently pulling the pouch portion.

Pulling one hemside of the tail will tighten either the top or bottom of the baby pouch.

Once your baby is securely in the sling, start moving around.  Babies associate the snugness of the sling with the womb, therefore movement is crucial.

If the pouch seems too deep, pull the middle of the tail fabric instead of the hems

Always wear your sling as tight as comortable for you and baby.