Using a sling to carry your baby around offers many advantages. Not only does it free your hands so you can do other things, but the physical closeness also encourages bonding between you and your baby. Slings will get dirty easily if you use them all the time, so keep several on hand to swap out in the event of a mess. The simplest type of baby sling--the wrap--requires no sewing.
Creating the Sling
Step 1
Purchase 4 to 5 yards of fabric that contains at least 3 percent Lycra or spandex. Such fabrics as jersey work well, because they are strong, soft and stretchy. Four yards may be sufficient for your wrap, depending on your size, but if you have extra material, you can always find another use for it.
Step 2
Cut the fabric lengthwise to the desired width. A good width for a baby sling is 25 inches. If you are going to use the sling to carry the baby on your back, wider is better--about 30 to 35 inches. However, you can get away with as little as 20 inches, but no less.
Step 3
Hem the edges, depending on whether the fabric you have chosen frays easily. Some fabrics, such as jersey, tend not to fray.
Tying the Sling
Step 1
Hold the fabric lengthwise in front of you, and wrap it around the front of your waist so that the two long ends point behind you. Keep it spread wide around the hips, not bunched up.
Step 2
Wrap the two ends in a crisscross pattern behind your back, and then bring them over your shoulders so the two ends are in front of you.
Step 3
Hold the baby facing you, and position the lower half of her body in the strip of fabric you originally wrapped around your waist.
Step 4
Crisscross the ends of the fabric securely across the baby's back. Keeping the fabric spread wide will make it more comfortable and more secure for the baby.
Step 5
Bring the two fabric ends around your lower back, and tie them in a double knot to secure them.
Things You'll Need
- 4 to 5 yards stretchy fabric
- Scissors
