Threading your sling
First check the sling for signs of damage or tearing. Be sure that the rings are sewn in securely.
Hold or lay the sling flat, being sure that the fabric is not twisted.
Gather the tail of the fabric - folding it much as you would a paper fan.
Being careful not to twist the fabric, thread the tail end of the sling through both rings. Try to keep the edges of the fabric to the outside. You may need to move them during threading.
Still holding the tail end (and being careful not to twist the fabric), thread the fabric back through the bottom ring - much like a belt. Pull this through to create the tail.
Putting the sling on
Decide on which shoulder you would prefer to wear your sling. This is primarily a personal preference. I am right handed and prefer to have the weight on my left shoulder. However, others find that having the rings over the right shoulder allow them more freedom of movement with their right hand.
Holding the rings, pull the sling around one arm and over the head. Keep the rings at or just below your shoulder. You want the thicker "pad" where the fabric is pleated to cushion your shoulder.
Take your hand along the back of the sling to make sure the fabric is not twisted. You want to spread the fabric out across your back as much as possible. This will help distribute the weight of your child more evenly. If the fabric is twisted or bunched up across the back it will be less comfortable.
Finding the "right" position for the rings goes a long way in making using a sling more comfortable. If the rings are too high they can dig into your shoulder. If they are too low they can press against your child or reduce the amount of space you have in the pouch.
Adjust the pouch to near where you would like it by pulling the tail down to make the pouch smaller. You may find that holding the shoulder pad still makes this easier.
Cradle Hold
This is probably the most commonly used hold for newborns and small infants. By the time my son was two months old he refused to use this hold any longer because he preferred to be able to sit up and see the world!
Put the sling on as described previously. Start by holding the baby on your shoulder in the "burping" position. Open the pouch with one hand. With one arm behind the baby's back, gently slide your baby into the pouch, being sure to support his head.
Support the baby in the pouch while you adjust the sling. The entire pouch can be tightened by pulling the entire tail downwards. To adjust the inner or outer rails, pull on the corresponding edge of the tail.
Chest-to-Chest
Some infants prefer to be upright and like this hold better than the cradle carry.
Start by placing the sling on as above but do not fold it into the pouch. Tighten the bottom or inner rail so that it is very snug against your body.
Hold the baby on your shoulder (as if burping). Slide your baby down into the sling, being sure to keep a secure hold on her bottom. Legs should be covered to the knee with only the lower leg and feet hanging out (small infants may be all the way in the sling). Try to keep the legs straddling your body and the knees above the level of your child's bottom.
Tighten the body of the sling so that the baby is held snuggly against your body. She should be "sitting" on the bottom rail. For an infant with poor head control - make sure the sling comes up far enough to support her head.
Kangaroo Carry
This is how my son likes to be carried. It allows him to sit up and view the world!
Put your sling on and open the pouch as if you were going to do the cradle hold. Place your baby on your chest facing outwards. Cross his legs in front of him and hold them upward towards his chest. With your other hand open the pouch of the sling.
Lower your child's bottom and legs into the sling. Be sure that you are in the fabric and not going behind it! Make sure there is sufficient fabric under your child's bottom and pull the outer rail up on his chest.
Adjust the rails and pouch so that your child is secure. The top rail should be snug! This carry usually requires that you keep a hand on your child as a small child could flex his legs and push out of the sling. Also be sure to hold your child if you need to bend over while using this position.
Hip Carry
Most anyone who has had a toddler knows how to carry them on your hip! But with the sling the weight is distributed across your back and shoulder, which makes it a lot easier! This can be used as soon as your child has good head control (at least 6 months).
Sit your child in the sling, resting on your hip. The bottom of the sling should cover your child's legs to the knee with the top near the armpits. Tighten the sling until your child is held snuggly.
Back Carry
This is only suitable for older children who can sit up on their own. NEVER USE WITH AN UNCOOPERATIVE CHILD! Be sure to practice this over a soft surface, and preferably with another adult nearby to assist!
Start with the rings behind your shoulder. Place your child in the hip carry (as described above). Gently hold your child while you slide him around to your back - pulling the rings forward at the same time. You can either have your child still on your hip, only behind your arm or higher up on your back (as if playing "piggy back"). Be sure that the fabric if firmly under the child's bottom and snug around the body at all times.
Other Uses for a Sling
Changing Pad
Use the sling for a changing pad in a pinch. Just be sure not to knock your child in the head with the rings when laying her down!
Blanket
The sling works well as a blanket to drape over the baby's legs when sitting in the car seat or stroller. Just be sure the sling is over the straps - any item between the seat straps and the baby's body can compromise the seat's safety!
Toddler Leash
This is great for a toddler who is over 35 lbs, or is just having one of those days where they don't want to be carried! Place the threaded sling around your child's waist and tighten until it is snug. Use the long tail as the "leash".
Shopping Cart/High Chair Strap
This is particularly helpful when babies have good head control but is still in that "wobbly" stage and can't sit up by themselves. Thread your sling around your child and the back of the shopping cart or high chair. Tighten the sling around your child's torso until she is held snuggly in place. The excess tail can be laid over your child's lap like a blanket or placed behind her back as a pad.
Returns/Repairs
If you wish to return your unused sling I will refund the purchase price. I cannot afford to refund shipping cost as I am not a large company and cannot absorb the costs of shipping. If you would like to exchange your sling for a different fabric you may do so as long as your sling is in unused condition. If your sling is too long I will adjust the length for you at no charge. I cannot accept returns on slings that have been used or are otherwise not in condition to sell. If you have any questions about if you can return your sling please contact me via email .
I personally use slings like the ones I sell, and would never sell a sling I would not feel comfortable using with my own child. However, you should always check your sling for signs of wear and tear. Your sling should be able to withstand normal use. Should the stitching holding your rings ever become insecure please return the sling to me and I will repair it if possible.
Contact me before returning your sling!
Safety Notice and Disclaimers
As with any other sling maker, I cannot be held liable for any injuries or loss that occurs due to the use or misuse of this sling. Your child's safety is your responsibility!
Before using your sling for the first time be sure to have read and understand the instructions on sling wearing. Practice in a safe, controlled environment and with the help of another adult if possible. If you do not understand the instructions provided either contact me or refer to the other resources listed in this guide.
The sling is not a substitute for the supervision of an adult. Always be aware of your child's position while in the sling. Be careful when near doors, corners, counters, etc as your child's head and limbs may stick out from the sling.
Always use common sense when using a sling. Do not use the sling in a situation where you would not normally carry your child. You should not wear your child in the sling when cooking or near an open flame. Do not use your sling as a restraining device in a car (always use a car seat!!!), on a bike, on a 4-wheeler or any kind of machinery. Do not carry your child in the sling while participating in sports or doing any dangerous activity.
Put your child's safety first! Only use up to 35 lbs, even though the rings and fabric are capable of holding more weight. Do not use with an uncooperative child who may try to climb or lean out of the sling. Be aware of where the tail of the sling is. If you have a longer tail (for breastfeeding/covering up) be sure to tuck it out of the way as you could trip or become tangled in it.
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