How to Carry an Older Baby in a Sling

When your baby gets past the newborn stage and acquires good head control, you may want to try sling positions other than the cradle hold. Your baby may enjoy the hip straddle position, which lets him or her interact with the world from the safety and comfort of the sling pouch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Hold the sling in front of you, and place it over your head, putting one arm through so that you are wearing it "bandolier" style. The rings and tail, if the sling is equipped with them, should be just in front of your shoulder, about where you might wear pinned-on jewelry.

2. Lower your baby into the sling, and settle your baby on your hip so that he or she is on the opposite side to the rings. Your baby's legs will straddle your hip, and he will be facing your body.

3. Adjust the sling so that the lower padded rail forms a secure seat and the upper rail holds your baby's body close to you.

4. Cinch the sling tight enough to secure your baby so that you carry him or her with your hands free.

5. Check that the sling is pulled tight enough to support your baby's weight but not so tight that it hinders the circulation in his or her legs.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage other family members to wear your baby in a sling ' this is a great way for dads, grandparents and older siblings to get close to baby.
• Slings make great diaper-changing pads, when a changing table isn't available.
• If your baby gets sleepy while riding on your hip, just tuck his or her legs back into the sling and slide your baby down into the cradle carry position.
• Don't try to cook, iron or do anything else that could be dangerous with your baby in the sling.
• If you have to bend over to pick something up, bend from the knees, not the hips. This is safer for your baby AND your back.
• If your sling is adjustable, make sure the tail is threaded through the rings according to the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, it could loosen and slip through the rings.
• Your baby should always be strapped into a carseat when you are in a moving vehicle - a sling isn't a substitute!
• Check sling positioning frequently to make sure that your baby is secure and that his or her face is clear of obstructions.