A ring sling is an easy and convenient way to "wear" your baby so that you can be hands-free throughout the day, even if your baby insists on being held. They are also a good alternative to a bulky stroller in tight spaces. You don't have to have any sort of sewing skills to easily and quickly make a sling carrier. You'll just need a sturdy fabric, a few aluminum rings and a few minutes to manipulate the fabric so that it creates a safe pouch for our baby to ride in.
Step 1
Choose a fabric that is sturdy and doesn't have too much stretch. Cotton is not a good choice because the fabric has to be strong and dense. Twill or denim work well for this project, along with canvas or linen. The fabric will be supporting the baby, so the stronger it is, the better.
Step 2
Measure the fabric so that it is 30 inches wide and 100 inches long. This will be the basis for your sling. Cut the material to these dimensions, and then drape the material around your neck so that each of the tails is of equal length, hanging down on either side of your neck.
Step 3
Place the two rings together and thread them onto one end of the sling tails, on the side opposite from the hip where the baby will sit. The rings will help you to secure the fabric around the baby, so choose your non-dominant side to thread the rings on.
Step 4
Separate the rings slightly and re-thread the tail back through the spacing between them, and then back through the lower ring. When you pull on the tail, you should note a tightening of the fabric around the rings, holding the fabric securely in place.
Step 5
Spread the fabric out in the rings so that the fabric is flat and the rings lay flat and evenly. Place the rings against your shoulder so that only a small amount of fabric sticks out from the bottom of the rings. You should still have a large amount of fabric across your back and hanging down over your other shoulder.
Step 6
Grasp the long end of the fabric hanging on the other side of your and bring it up to the shoulder where the rings are. Thread the tail of that length of fabric into the rings. Place it through both, and then double back and re-thread through the lower ring, like you did with the first tail of fabric.
Step 7
Pull on the tail until you create a pocket of fabric across the front of your body that is large enough to hold your baby. Place the baby securely inside, either laying down in a cradle hold, or on your hip in the hip carry position.
Things You'll Need
- Fabric
- 2 solid aluminum rings (3.5 inch)
- Tape measure
- Scissors
