How to Wear a Baby

Wearing your baby promotes bonding between and makes getting around much easier. Without the constant struggle of maneuvering a stroller through a crowd, over trolley tracks or in and out of a car, wearing your baby is as simple as putting him into a sling or carrier on your body. Anyone can wear a baby--mother, father, grandparent or caretaker--as long as the person wearing him knows the safety techniques. Your baby will love staying close to your body, and the two of you can play countless games while walking in this manner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sling or other baby carrier (see Resources below)

1. Dress your baby in an appropriate amount of clothing. If it is warm outside, dress her lightly with similar fabrics and layers as yourself. If it is cold outside, dress her in one layer more than you have on. She will be close to your body, so the two of you will share the heat from your bodies between you.
2. Dress yourself in an appropriate amount of clothing.
3. Put the sling or baby carrier on over all of your clothes. You can put your coat on over the carrier or you can put your coat on first, depending on how thick it is and if you want to wrap your baby in your coat with you.
4. Pick your baby up and bring him close to you. Place him in the sling or baby carrier as explained by the manufacturer.
5. Check to ensure your baby’s security and safety within the carrier. Note that all necessary buckles are buckled and all fabric is in its proper place.
6. Wrap a blanket around your baby if it is cold outside. Tuck the blanket in to areas of the sling or carrier that fit tightly against your body in order to keep it in place.
7. Teach your loved ones the proper way of wearing your baby so they will be able to help with the load from time to time.
8. Begin walking and take note of the comfort level for both you and your baby. You will be able to tell if either of you is uncomfortable and needs some readjustment.

Tips & Warnings

• Some slings take a few tries before you will feel comfortable in them, but the benefits of wearing your baby far outweigh the initial difficulties. So keep trying!
• Read all instructions included with your sling or baby carrier to ensure your own comprehension of safety procedures and warnings.