Learning to use a baby sling can feel a bit awkward at first. There are lots of steps to keep track of – from getting the fabric taut enough to finding a comfortable position for both the baby and the person carrying them. Most people need to practise a few times before it feels natural.
Here, we’ll go through a few common issues that can make carrying your baby feel harder than it needs to be, and how you can make adjustments to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience.
A common mistake is to tie the sling a little too loosely. This can cause the child to end up too low or feel unstable, which can make both the child and the person carrying them feel less comfortable.
A good rule of thumb is that the child should sit high up and close to your body. You should be able to lean forwards without the child sliding away from you. The fabric should provide even support across the child’s back and body.
If the child is sitting too low, it can be tiring for the person carrying them and make it harder to keep the child in a good position.
A simple test is to make sure the child is close enough for you to easily give them a kiss on the head. The child’s head should be close to your body, and you should be able to see and keep an eye on them.
The child’s face must always be visible and their airways clear. A small child has limited ability to move fabric out of the way or change their position if something is obstructing their breathing.
Always check that the child’s nose and mouth are clear and that you can see the child’s face when they are sitting in the sling.
Young children have large, heavy heads in relation to their bodies and need support to maintain a good posture.
If the child’s chin is pressed against their chest, this may affect their airways. You should therefore ensure that the child is sitting upright with support for their back and neck, and that their head can move freely.
In an ergonomic carrying position, the child’s knees are higher than their bottom, which is usually referred to as the M-position. The fabric should provide support from the crease of one knee to the crease of the other and help the child to sit securely.
Every child is unique, so always adapt to the child’s size and stage of development.
It’s quite normal to feel a bit unsure the first few times. A baby sling is soft and supple, and it takes a bit of practice to get the hang of how to position and tighten the fabric.
Why not try practising without children first, for example with a doll or a teddy bear? Many people find that they get the hang of it after a few attempts.
Once your baby is in the sling, check that both you and your baby are comfortable. If something feels wrong – for example, if your baby is sitting at an angle, if the sling is digging in somewhere, or if you’re experiencing pain in your shoulders or back – small adjustments can make a big difference.
It’s often easier to adjust the shawl straight away than to try to put up with it for a while.
It’s not unusual for both parent and child to need to get used to the baby sling. The child might protest the first few times, or the tying might feel fiddly until you’ve got the hang of it.
Give it time and try it at times when your child is happy and calm. Once you’ve both got used to it, the baby sling can become a safe and easy way to create a sense of closeness in everyday life.
A baby sling should feel secure and comfortable for both the baby and the person carrying them. Check regularly that the baby is close to you, that their airways are clear, and that the sling provides good support.
If you’re unsure about how to tie the sling, it may be worth seeking help from a babywearing consultant or someone else with expertise. Small adjustments can make a big difference to your experience of babywearing.
