I wanted to share these two great diagrams that show some helpful tips for wearing your baby in a ring sling. By following these simple pointers, you will maximize the ease and comfort of wearing your kiddo in this style of carrier.
I also wanted to say a huge "thank you" to an amazing group of women who helped to make the Sakura Bloom Styleathon possible. These babywearing experts met with each of the contestants to give them a private, one-on-one introduction to using their new slings. Their help was invaluable, and it is my pleasure to introduce them to you:
Caprice --- The Art of Babywearing
Giselle --- Granola Babies
Since these women have such a wealth of knowledge, we asked them to each share their favorite sling-wearing insight. Here's what they said (I love their thoughts and advice -- even after wearing my kids in ring slings for years I found this information to be so helpful!)
A ring sling is so much more than just a baby carrier--it is a nursing cover, sun shade, burp cloth, changing pad, blanket, and fashion statement! -- KelseyBefore putting baby in the ring sling, make the pocket so you have just enough room to put in baby. This way once baby is in the ring sling you have little tightening to make. -- Giselle
When tightening your sling, grab the tail about 1.5-2" from the rings and pull the material *up* first, then diagonally away from your body, following the diagonal seam of the tail. (Pulling down on the tail to tighten leads to dreaded ring slippage!) -- Caprice
I love the ring part of the sling for hanging a toy/teether/pacifier from. It's fun to watch active babies reach for and play with whatever you have hung there, and it's a great distraction for cranky babies! --Heather
Choose a sling that is reflective of your personal style. It is your accessory, so pick a color and material that matches items you wear, regardless of your baby's sex.-- Susan
Put the baby on your body where you want them to end up, practice, practice, practice, and take a breath when you are done and relax your shoulders. -- Joanna
Are you an experienced ring-sling-wearer? What is your favorite trick, tip, or advice? Leave a comment letting me know!
thanks, Leigh! this is such perfect timing...I found a cute ring sling at a recent consignment sale and haven't been sure how to use it perfectly (I regularly use the Beco carrier). Excited to try this out with my little man!
ReplyDeletehello! I help run a babywearing group in Mexico City but we're just only getting started.
ReplyDeleteI like ringslings a lot and I'm sad I find many mamas who can never get comfortable with theirs. I'm no expert myself so I've been trying to come up with a way to best explain... and this has helped a lot. thanks! :)
Oh my goodness this is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteSteph
Our top tip for newborns is to use a rolled up muslin or flannel and fold it into and under the outside top rail of the sling as extra padded neck and head support for baby.
ReplyDeleteOur top tip for bigger heavier babies in the 'legs out' position is to lean forwards once baby is in the sling, using one hand to support baby and the other hand to make sure the fabric goes all the way to the underside of their knees.
Our last tip for double layered linen slings that might be a bit difficult or stiff to adjust is to support baby's weight with the underside of your arm (the one opp to the rings) and use your free hand to gently lift up on the top ring. Use the hand that is supporting baby's weight to also pull the fabric to help ease the fabric through if it gets a bit stuck.
Hope these help!
Sammi x
Great post Leigh! I'll be coming back to it in a few weeks time. Love love love the diagrams x
ReplyDeleteOops, can I add another tip here? :) One thing I always tell new babywearers is: if something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to take the carrier off and try again! Babywearing certainly has a learning curve (and different carrier types have different "lengths" of curves) -- but after a bit of practice, you'll have trouble remembering why/how you ever had trouble in the first place!
ReplyDeleteI love these slings. They are so helpful and useful. I used mine all the time.
ReplyDeleteSammi and Caprice, thank you so much for your valuable insights! What wonderful tips!
ReplyDeletewow! i want one of those! i'm 14 weeks with my first and can't wait to hold my little one close! (i found your blog from aura's site)
ReplyDelete- Put the rings high in the shoulder, when you adjust they will go down (if you start with the rings on the right position, when you adjust they finish too low).
ReplyDelete- Adjust until the baby is close to you even when you lean forwards.
- Try in front of a mirror.
- Practice when both your baby and you are calm down (the baby has eaten, isn't sleepy or nervous...)
- If the baby seems not to like the sling at home, adjust it and go for a walk. Usually the baby will be really happy before reaching the corner.
- Relax and enjoy, smell your baby, kiss him/her...
PS: I love love and LOVE Sakura slings.
What a great invention! where did you get this stuff?
ReplyDelete