How to Make a Baby Sling Without Sewing
Carrying small babies in a sling is a way to keep them near while leaving hands free to perform tasks. However, purchasing a commercial baby sling can get expensive. This homemade baby sling, which is appropriate for an infant weighing no more than 20 pounds, can be created at home from nothing more than fabric and metal rings. This sling requires no sewing, making it a snap to assemble.
Things You'll Need
- Non-cotton-based, heavyweight fabric
- Tape measure
- Scissors
- 2 3.5-inch solid aluminum rings
Instructions
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1
Smooth the fabric out on a flat surface. You'll want to use a heavier, non-cotton fabric for this project because the material needs to be woven in a complex pattern from fibers strong to support the weight of the baby. Good choices include a light denim, linen, twill or fabric blend that weighs between 6 and 9 ounces per yard.
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2
Measure and cut the material into a rectangle that measures 30 inches wide and 100 inches long.
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3
Stack the rings on top of each other. When purchasing rings for this project, it's important to buy solid aluminum rings that are weight-tested for slings. Do not purchase decorative rings at a craft store because these types of rings will not be sturdy enough to support the baby's weight.
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4
Drape the material around the back of the neck so that tails hang in equal lengths over the front of each shoulder. Pick up the tail located on the side opposite the hip where the baby will sit. Feed the tail through both rings. Slightly separating the rings, feed the tail over the nearest ring and through the second ring, creating a loop over the first ring.
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5
Line up the top of both rings and grip them in one hand. Fan out the material on the rings so that it is even. Slide the tail of the material underneath the rest of the cloth, so that it rests between the shoulder and the material and the rings hang down the front of the shoulder.
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6
Bring the other tail of the fabric off of the shoulder and under the arm, pulling it up to meet the rings. The baby will rest in this part of the sling, against the wearer's hip.
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7
Thread the tail through both rings from the back, then over the top ring and through the bottom ring, as you did with the first tail. The tail will hang down from the rings. Pull on the tail to tighten the baby sling.
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Tips & Warnings
Always make sure the sling is correctly threaded through the rings. The baby can be injured if riding in a sling that is incorrectly assembled or too loose. Never use this sling for babies weighing more than 20 pounds. Slings for larger children should be reinforced with stitching to ensure they are strong enough to support the child's weight. Never use a sling that does not feel secure or is deteriorating. If a sling won't remain tightened or the material is showing any signs of wear, make a new one. Consult with a salesperson at the fabric store if you're not sure what to purchase.
