But I assure you, with a little practice, you'll have the hang of wearing your baby in it in no time. I've put together a series of step by step pictures to help you out!
First, hold the sling in front of you, by the waist straps. The waist straps are shorter in length and width than the shoulder straps. Hold the sling like an apron in front of you, with the pocket side facing you. You will be holding the sling upside down.
Tie the straps high, around your natural waist, just as you would with an apron.
You can secure it with a bow or a double knot. Either way, make it snug but not too tight, to be secure. You are creating a seat for your baby's bottom.
Then get yourself a cute little baby,
and hold her to your chest, with her head resting just below your chin. Adjust your baby's legs so they are in a spread squat or froggy position. When she is sitting in the sling, her bottom should be below her knees and legs should be at a 45 degree angle.
While carefully supporting the baby, begin to pull the sling body up behind her back, and pull the long shoulder straps over your shoulders. Shoulder straps should spread over your shoulders, past where the natural sleeve seam would be.
Make sure baby is secure as you grab each of the shoulder straps and criss-cross them behind your back.
Once the long straps are crossed behind your back, pull them forward, under baby's legs, in line with your elbows. At this point, you'll want to tighten and secure your baby in the sling. You can do a little hop as you pull straps forward.
Tie shoulder straps either in a bow or a double knot underneath your baby's bottom to secure the sling.
Ta-da! You are now wearing your baby hands-free!
- The Babywearer
- Babywearing International
- Baby Sling Safety
- Correct Positioning
- Attachment Parenting on Babywearing
