How to Use a Hip Carry for Babies

Carrying your baby in an adjustable sling keeps baby close to you and your hands free to accomplish tasks around the house. Baby loves to feel the comfort of her parents, and parents love the freedom and ease of movement that wearing baby close can bring. As your baby grows, you can carry baby in different positions. One easy position to master is the hip carry. This will allow baby to see the world while you shop, do dishes or vacuum.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable sling

1. Hold the rings of the sling in the hand opposite of the shoulder you like your sling to rest on. The tail should face forward.

2. Lift the sling over your head and place it on your shoulder. The tail is forward, and the material loops under your other arm and up and around your back to your shoulder.

3. Lift the rings and place them at the top of your shoulder. The further back your rings are, the easier your sling will be to adjust. Be sure that your sling is loose at this point. You will adjust it after baby is settled in.

4. Pick up your baby and place her tummy down on the shoulder that does not have the sling across it.

5. Pull out the fabric from your body and lower baby down into the sling. Her feet should come out of the bottom of the sling, and the material should start at the back of her knees.

6. Stretch the material up over baby's back for as much support as you need. Pull one edge of the tail to adjust the fabric behind baby's knees. Lift baby with your arm under her bottom while you pull so that baby is on your hip.

7. Pull the other edge of the tail while lifting baby so that the material is tight and supportive. Baby's legs should be on either side of your hip, and her knees will pull up while her bottom sits firmly in the sling material.

8. To give baby more support, place her arms inside the sling. Pull the material all the way up her back. Lift baby under her bottom and pull the tail in different areas to tighten all of the material.

9. Start walking with baby, as the movement will keep her calm, and she will love seeing all of the new sights from her perch on your hip.

Tips & Warnings

• Trying new positions with your sling will go more smoothly if baby is awake and alert.
• Start moving around as soon as baby is secure to keep baby calm and happy.
• Have a partner to help you the first few times.
• Don't try a new position if your baby is tired or hungry. Baby will be easily frustrated, and so will you.
• Baby needs to have good head control before you attempt a hip carry.