Carrying a baby in a sling can be pleasurable and beneficial for both child and parent. An infant generally enjoys the closeness to Mom or Dad that a sling affords, and parents enjoy the ability to carry their child hands-free while at the same time bonding with their infant.
Step 1
Thread the sling. For slings that have rings, the end of the sling should be threaded through the two rings like a belt, with the tail first going through both rings and then back out through one of the rings. Some slings have elastic or sewn parts instead of rings, so these kinds do not need threading.
Step 2
Calm the baby and make him happy. Putting your child in a sling will be much easier if he is calm first. If he starts getting frustrated with the process at any point, it's a good idea to take the time to calm him again before continuing.
Step 3
Adjust the sling to the height you will want it. It is easier to do this if the baby isn't in it yet. Tighten the rails, the top and bottom edges, and make sure the main body of the sling creates a pouch for the baby.
Step 4
Hold the baby upright in front of you so that his tummy is facing your chest and he is close to your body, a position similar to the one used to burp a baby. Position the baby in the pouch of the sling by sliding his feet and bottom into it while he is upright.
Step 5
Adjust the baby so that his knees are bent and his legs are higher than his bottom. This frog leg position will ensure that the weight is distributed in the right places for him.
Step 6
Alternatively, you can try a cradle hold, in which his legs are positioned across your body and he is leaning sideways instead of being upright. To do this type of hold, start upright and slide the infant's legs to the side instead of pulling them up frog-style. This style of carrying an infant is not completely hands-free, since you'll need to support his head and neck yourself.
Step 7
Pull up the rails so that his head and neck are supported. This is especially important for younger babies who cannot hold up their heads yet. Tighten the rails by pulling each rail separately through the rings.
Step 8
Gently release your hold on the baby, letting the sling take up his weight. If anything feels wrong or the sling isn't supporting him, stop and start over. In the cradle hold, you will have to use one hand to support him at all times.
Tips and Warnings
- You can practice a few times with a doll or pillow before trying to put your baby into a sling. This can help you gain confidence and perfect your technique before trying it on a wriggling infant.
- Don't release your hold on the baby until you are sure that the sling is supporting his weight. Make sure the baby is positioned such that there is at least one finger width between his chin and chest. A baby can have difficulty breathing if his chin is pressed into this chest.
Things You'll Need
- Baby
- Baby sling
