WEARING INSTUCTIONS - How to safely and comfortably use your ring sling

Put the stable part of the sling where the rings are over your shoulder.  These slings do not favor one shoulder over the other, so it will be a matter of personal preference, or if you will be breastfeeding depending on the breast to which your baby will be attached.  The hand with the most freedom tends to be the hand located under the shoulder where you placed the rings.

Then take the fabric around your back and under the other arm.  Take the tail and loop it through both rings and then over the top ring and under the bottom and adjust the tension.

You choose the position.

 

Snuggle Position (chest to chest)

Fold the legs of the infant in a fetal position and press her/him to your chest. The fabric should form a pocket that holds the baby.  Adjust the tension.

In the case of an older baby or toddler, her/his legs should not be folded but outside of the fabric, hugging the person using the sling.

 

Cradle and reverse cradle

Both positions are perfect for breatsfeeding or when you want your baby to sleep in arms.

Lay the baby in the sling with her/his head toward the rings without touching them and adjust.  Ideal for a newborn or infant.

Lay the baby down in the opposite directions, assuring there is enough space between the rings and her/his feet to adjust the tension.  Adjust.  This position is good for older babies and toddlers.

 

Front facing/Kangaroo

This is a position for babies who can sit up without assistance.  Take the baby and fold her/his legs in a cross legged position.  Seat her/him in the pocket/pouch of the sling and adjust the tension.  You should lift up the fabric in the back where it meets your belly and in the front so that it embraces her/his back and chest.

Hip Carry

This position is for babies who can sit up unsupported and is ideal for older babies and toddlers.  Sit the baby in the pouch of the sling over your hip with her/his legs outside of the fabric.  The legs should not be dangling, but rather hugging you.  The sling should form a pocket over the baby’s bottom that will support her/his weight.  This is a variation of the snuggle position for older babies.

Other positions

You can try new positions not mentioned here, but you should always make sure that the baby is secure and that the sling is well adjusted.  Normal safe weight standards for a sling are 35 pounds, although the rings have been weight tested up to 250 pounds.

Over all, you should always use your best judgment.  Although with a sling you can often be “hands free”, you should try to always be aware of the baby’s safety and at times insert your hand for support.  An infant or smaller baby will need more support with her/his neck and head.  You can use your sling while doing chores (shopping, going to the bathroom, doing laundry, etc.) but we don’t recommend using the sling while you cook, consume hot liquids or foods, or anything which might subject the baby to heat or danger.  And a baby should always be in the car seat when you’re driving or riding in the car and not in your sling!