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ring sling with overlapping pleat shoulder
What are the
points for? Only in-stock slings -- check/money orders
and customs/redos don't use points. Click the link for more information.
Remaining points for in-stock slings:
Cuddle/snuggle/chest-to-chest/tummy-to-tummy hold:
This is great for babies and toddlers of any age. The chest-to-chest position
is comforting and soothing, and many babies prefer being upright in a sling to
lying down in the cradle hold (mine both do!). You can also nurse in this position
once the baby has good head/neck control.
Start with the bottom edge of the sling snug against your body, with almost
no slack.
Slide the baby into the body of the sling, keeping a hand on her bottom
for security. For small babies, it works nicely to bend their legs a bit, so
they're "frogged" in the sling, and keep their feet inside the sling.
For bigger babies, their legs should be spread apart, as though they're riding
a horse. (That's best for their hip development, and keeps them from slipping
down in the sling. Ideally, their knees should always be higher than their bottoms.
This also keeps the sling from cutting into the backs of their legs.) |
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Tighten the sling by pulling the upper and lower edges of the tail. You'll
want the bottom nice and snug, so that it cups around the baby; she should be "sitting" on
the bottom edge of the sling. (Newborns can have their legs tucked in, as shown
here.) The body of the sling should also be quite snug, to keep her from arching
back.
This position allows the baby to
look around, but she may also fall asleep. If she slides to the right or left,
you can ease her into the cradle hold in either direction.
You will probably find that the higher up on your chest she is, the more comfortable
you are. |
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An older baby's legs should straddle you as much as possible,
not dangle down, and her knees should be higher than her bottom. This will prevent
the fabric from putting undue pressure on the backs of her legs. |
Nursing in the cuddle hold:
You can either use the following position to nurse in the cuddle hold (good
for bigger babies with head/neck control), or slide the baby into the cradle
hold nursing position. I tend to do the latter with my newborn, but frequently
used the following with an older baby and toddler.
To nurse in the cuddle hold, simply loosen the bottom of the sling so
that the baby is lower down on your chest. You may need to tighten the body somewhat
to keep her secure. |
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You can use the sling tail to cover up, if you desire. This is most helpful
when you are learning to breastfeed in the sling, or when you are getting things
set up. It is especially useful for infants who are easily distracted when nursing
in public, as the cover can keep her eyes, and your breasts, covered up :) |
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Next: Kangaroo carry
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