How to Wear a New Native Baby Sling
Baby slings have been used in various cultures for centuries. The New Native Baby Sling is a pouch-style sling without pads or rings that can be folded to fit in a bag or purse. In addition to being convenient for the parent, the sling is a comfortable place for baby to rest near the caregiver. Wearing a sling can take some practice, but many parents find using a sling makes life with a baby much easier. Descriptive instructions in print with illustrations and videos are available at the New Native Baby website.
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Instructions
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Fold the New Native Baby Sling according to the instructions. Fold it after washing and before use to ensure it is comfortable and safe. A tacking stitch along the bottom of the carrier can serve as the guide while you bring the two seams together and line up the edges. The sling will look more like a folded pair of pants than a ready-to-use carrier, but the folding makes sense once you actually put the carrier on.
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Try it on. For the first few times, put on the New Native Baby Sling with the image or video instructions from the website in front of you. Slide your right arm and head through the sling with the tacking stitch at the top, much as you would if you were putting on a sash. The sling will rest on your left shoulder and right hip. The label and seam should run parallel to your body by your hip.
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Put your baby in the sling. Hold your baby on the side where you have the sling resting on your shoulder, open the sling, and place the baby in the sling in a slightly seated position. Pull the sling up between you and the baby and around the baby on the outside to ensure a safe fit, but do not cover baby's face. When you feel your baby is correctly positioned and safe, spread the material along your shoulder and back so it is comfortable. Sling carrying is often done best while moving. Walk with your baby or do house chores to provide a calming environment similar to the womb.
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Read all of the instructions that came with the New Native Baby Sling and visit the website for updated information. Slings are widely used, but follow a few precautions to maintain safety. A safe fit for a baby sling allows the baby to be close enough to kiss (instead of down low on the caregiver's belly), does not cover the baby's face at all, keeps the baby's head above the body (the chin up and not resting on the chest), and allows the caregiver to see the baby at all times. If a baby has labored breathing, grunting, poor color, or seems to be struggling in the sling, make sure the baby's chin is off the chest for free breathing. Specially created pillows or folded receiving blankets can help position a baby's head and shoulders safely.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit the New Native Baby Sling website for detailed instructions.
Sling accidents and deaths have happened. Babies should always be positioned with the head above the bottom, without the sling covering the face, and without the chin resting on the chest to promote free breathing.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Mommy and Baby image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
