Using a sling can have many benefits, both for you and for your baby. Carrying your baby in a sling will allow you to have your hands free, which will make it easier for you to do normal household chores. At the same time, the sling promotes a close bond between you and your baby; you will be more in tune with your baby's mood, behavior and movements. So what are you waiting for? Buy a long headband that fits your height and build, and then start with step 1!
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Basic Tying for a Long Band
Step 1. Fold your band
Before mastering the different methods of wrapping your baby in a sling, you need to learn how to fold and tie the sling. If the band does not have loops, you can cross the fabric and tie it with a knot. To start, fold the band in half so it's not that wide.
Do not twist the band. It should remain smooth and even
Step 2. Wrap the band around your belly
Take the folded fabric and wrap it against your stomach. Check its position - the center of the tissue should be on your stomach.
Step 3. Cross the band around your back
Bring the ends of the fabric, crossed, on your back, so that they reach over your shoulders and hang over your chest.
Step 4. Cross the band across your chest
Take the ends of the fabric hanging over your chest and cross them again, tucking each end under and through the fabric on your waist.
Step 5. Wrap the band around your back again
Bring the ends of the fabric around your back again.
If you notice that the fabric is still too long, you can repeat this process, bringing the band back to the front and possibly back to the back until it is the right length to tie a knot
Step 6. Secure the headband with a knot
Tie the ends together in a knot, and smooth out any creases.
Method 2 of 5: Learn the Basic Tying for a Ring Sling
Step 1. Place the headband
If you have a ring sling, the process for placing it is a little different. First, place the side of the sling with the rings along the shoulder opposite the hip or arm that you typically use to carry your baby. In other words, if you usually carry the baby on your right, place the rings on your left shoulder. Let the part of the band without rings fall freely on your back.
Step 2. Open your headband
Unfold it completely.
Step 3. Bring the band under your arm
Take the end of the ringless sling, which was hanging on your back, and bring it to the front by passing under your arm. Unfold the band again.
At this point, make sure the band is not twisted on your back
Step 4. Thread the ends of the band through both rings
Grab the ends of the band and tighten them so that they pass through the rings.
Note that these rings serve a purpose; you can change the size of the sling to suit the age and size of your baby
Step 5. Secure the band
Bring the ends of the band back over the top ring and down through the bottom ring. Check that it can be tightened by pulling on the end.
Once the band is attached, there will be no need to untie it. You can simply remove it as it is, hang it up, and, when you wear it again, adjust the size as needed
Method 3 of 5: Cradle Position
Step 1. Open your headband
For babies and children up to one year of age, the cradle position is optimal. Starting with the basic binding, you will have two layers of fabric on the chest. Pull on a layer and open it like a pocket.
Step 2. Slip your baby's feet into the swaddle
Hold the baby against your shoulder, lean back a little and slide his feet towards the middle.
Step 3. Position your baby
Move your baby so that his arm and hip rest against your body; then slowly lowers her bottom by sliding it inside the band.
Make sure the baby is facing the pocket opening
Step 4. Complete the binding
Take the fabric around your waist and pull it over the baby's body.
Method 4 of 5: Chest to Chest or Back to Chest Position
Step 1. Get into position
Starting with the basic tie, hold the baby against your chest, facing in (for the chest-to-chest position) or facing out (for the back-to-chest position).
Step 2. Position your baby's feet
Pull the fabric over the shoulder and slide one of your baby's feet to one side of the fabric and the other foot to the opposite side.
Step 3. Wrap your baby's legs
Being careful, cover your baby's legs with the fabric above your waist.
Step 4. Secure your baby
Pull the fabric around your waist and stretch it up to your baby's neck, being careful to keep the fabric under your baby's bottom.
Method 5 of 5: Back Position
Step 1. Place your band on a flat surface
This position should only be used for older children. If your baby is over a year old and moving around a lot, start by placing the sling on a bed or other flat surface.
Step 2. Position your baby
Place the baby on the sling. Make sure the width of the band extends from her knees to her armpits.
Step 3. Put the baby on his back
Sit in front of the child's feet, facing forward. Grab both ends of the fabric, and pull them towards you, placing the baby against your back as if it were a backpack.
Step 4. Place the band
Pull both ends of the fabric over your shoulders, then across your chest and around your torso.
Step 5. Secure the band
Bring the ends of the fabric to your back. Secure them with a knot under the baby's bottom.
Advice
- Make sure you keep your baby in a comfortable and safe position. Don't squeeze the baby too tightly in the chest-to-chest position, and make sure the baby's head and back have enough support.
- Carrying your baby in a sling may not feel natural to you at first. Experiment to find the best sling and positions for you and your baby.
- In general, carrying your baby higher will strain your back less.
