Wear a Ring Sling

A Ring Sling is baby carrier made of a long piece of fabric with adjustable rings. This type of carrier is great for bonding and keeping your baby close as you move. The type of carrying style you choose depends on baby’s size and what position the baby seems to find comfortable. To wear a Ring Sling, thread the ring, and then decide on a front of hip carrying position.

Steps

Threading a Ring Sling

  1. Pass the tail through the rings. Begin by holding the sling up by the rings with one hand. The fabric should be smooth, and the tag should be facing up. Take the tail and pass it through the rings. Then, pass the tail again over the top ring and through the bottom of the rings, as if you were threading a belt.[1]
    • The tag should be pressed between the tail and shoulder of the sling.
  2. Spread the fabric across the rings. Pull the rails away from each other, and spread the fabric over the rings. Try to make the fabric as flat as possible over the rings. Make sure that the fabric hasn’t been twisted before you put on the sling.[1]
  3. Put the loop over your head. Hold the rings and slide the sling over your preferred shoulder. The tail of the sling should be in front of your body, hanging down toward your feet. The sling should be high up on your shoulder.[1]
  4. Check the length of the sling. Adjust the sling according to your size. The lowest part of the sling should be in line with your belly button. Your baby will be too low on your body if it hangs any lower.[1]

Making a Front Carry

  1. Slip the baby into the ring pocket. Lift your baby up and hold them against the shoulder that is not covered by fabric. The baby should be facing you. Lower the baby into the pocket that you created by threading the sling. The inner rail should be at the baby’s knees, and your baby should be up against your chest.[2]
  2. Adjust your baby’s legs to a seated M-position. Gently spread your baby’s legs to either side of your body. The baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom, forming an M-position. Adjust the baby so that their knees are in line with your belly button.[1]
  3. Cover your baby’s back and bottom with fabric. Begin to slide the fabric over your baby. First work the fabric over the baby’s bottom. Then, slide the fabric over your baby’s back. The lower rail of the sling should be extending between each of the baby’s knees. Reach into the sling to pull the bottom panel over the baby’s stomach.[3]
    • You should be supporting the baby’s weight with one hand as you adjust the fabric.
  4. Tighten the rings. If there is excess fabric around the baby’s back and bottom, gather it and move that fabric toward the rings. Tighten the top rail by pulling on the corresponding inside rail. You can also tighten the bottom rail by pulling on the corresponding outside rail.[1]
  5. Spread the fabric over your back and shoulders. Now that the baby is in position, spread the fabric over your back. Spread it over your shoulder as well. The carrier should be away from your neck and high on your shoulder.[3]

Creating a Hip Carry

  1. Put the baby into the sling. Begin holding your baby on your hip. The baby should be facing you. Open up the fabric, revealing the pocket that you created when you tied the sling. Then, lower the baby into the pocket.[4]
  2. Spread the fabric over the baby. Support the baby’s back as you bring the fabric up over their back. Pull the top rail up all the way to the baby’s armpits. The lower rail should be spread behind their knees.[5]
  3. Adjust the sling. Make sure the baby is seated comfortably on your chosen hip. The baby’s knees should be above their bottom in the seated position. Pull on the tail to bring the baby higher. You can pull on the individual rails to make smaller adjustments if necessary.[4]
    • You can nurse in this position by moving to a position where the baby’s mouth is in line with your breast.

Tips

  • Wait for your baby to be calm and happy before attempting to put them into the Ring Sling.[2]
  • Ring Slings are great for nursing, quick trips, and babies that like to move around a lot. They are not ideal for hiking and back carries.[1]
  • Experiment with different holds if your baby does not seem to like the first hold that you try.[2]

Warnings

  • Make sure your baby is comfortable and secure before walking in a Ring Sling.[2]
  • A Ring Sling may not be the right choice for you if you have back and/or shoulder problems.[1]

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 https://babytula.com/pages/ring-sling-instructions
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://babywearing.wallypop.net/infohowto.html
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://babytula.com/pages/ring-sling-instructions
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://babywearing.wallypop.net/infohowto
  5. ↑ http://babywearing.wallypop.net/infohowto

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