Examples of ring sling shoulders (Image from Ottawa Babywearing Group) Can we put August down as, ‘The Month When Everything Melted’ please? It has been so hot. My kids and I actually fried an egg on the sidewalk. I think Paul even ate some of it. Really, I am so ready for fall weather and pumpkins and sweaters! Despite the heat, we had an amazing month. Three great meetings, two community events and two playdates! Thank you to everyone who rallied this month to do a superb job during an exceptionally busy month.
Our topic of the month was Ring Slings. I have to say, a ring sling was and is my favorite carrier for quick ‘ups’. It’s my hands down favorite for newborns and for toddlers when they want to be held for only 5.6 seconds at a time or need some snuggles while you are out walking around. My daughter went through a time when she only wanted the ring sling. A super versatile carrier, here are some basics:
Our topic of the month was Ring Slings. I have to say, a ring sling was and is my favorite carrier for quick ‘ups’. It’s my hands down favorite for newborns and for toddlers when they want to be held for only 5.6 seconds at a time or need some snuggles while you are out walking around. My daughter went through a time when she only wanted the ring sling. A super versatile carrier, here are some basics:
- Ring slings are a one shoulder carrier, so the weight of the baby should be taken into consideration if you have shoulder, neck or back issues or will be wearing for long stretches.
- They come in different sizes and different shoulder styles. You may find you have a preference for a certain shoulder style. We have several of each style in our library.
- Threading the sling is simple but can take some practice. Here is a great video on threading.
- They can be worn on either shoulder.
- Babies can sit on your hip, tummy or back in a ring sling. The tummy to tummy position is considered the most basic and common position. It’s great for newborns and snuggly babies and toddlers. Here is a great video that explains it in detail.
- Hip carries are great for toddlers and for babies who want to see the world while being worn. It can be a great alternative to wearing your baby forward facing. Check out this video for loading babe into a ring sling on your hip.
- Back wearing in a ring sling is considered an advanced skill and can be uncomfortable for long wearing stretches.
- Newborns can be worn with their legs in or their legs out in a ring sling. If your baby is still really curled up and doesn’t like to stretch his legs out, you can put baby into the sling with his legs curled up and to the front of his body. To do this, you will make a pocket by pulling the bottom rail up to the top rail. You will lower baby into the sling and tighten around him, just like you would tighten in the legs out position. The key is to make sure baby is not sitting on her feet, but that her feet are tucked up in front of her, kind of in a criss-cross applesauce position. We don’t want those little legs falling asleep! The sling will still support through baby’s back and neck. Once baby stretches out a little after those first few weeks, he will be ready for legs out.
 Tummy to Tummy Tips (Image from Sakura Bloom) |  Hip Carry Tips (Image from Sakura Bloom) |
We hope you find these ring sling tips helpful! Check out some of the photos from this month's events below.
Happy Babywearing!
Crystal Knezek, ABE
Happy Babywearing!
Crystal Knezek, ABE
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