Sling with rings for newborns: how to tie and wear

Sling with rings for newborns

Ring sling is the best option

The very name of the device translates as “sling,” and is a fairly ancient way of carrying a child on oneself. In our country, slings have only recently become popular, and more and more mothers are giving preference to the model with rings as the most comfortable. It is a strip of fabric 2 m long, where one end is pulled through rings for fixation and twisted freely.

There are other models of slings - just a scarf and its analogue, the May-sling, as well as a sling-backpack. All of them create comfort for the baby, but mothers prefer to carry the child in a sling with rings.

You can use this model from the first days of a baby’s birth until 2 years of age. For most young families, a sling has even replaced a stroller, as it does not require special storage space.

The baby, securely fixed to the mother, nevertheless feels comfortable - he can freely change his position. And the mother will not have to remove the sling to move the baby. In addition, there are other advantages that make it possible to choose a sling with rings.

Front position

So mom has a ring sling. How to wear it so that it is as comfortable as possible for both her and the little one? The “front” position is considered the most convenient. You can carry your baby in this position from about six months of age. The process of placing the baby in a sling is quite easy and simple.

1. Mom puts on a sling.
2. The child is placed in the fabric pocket so that the legs are wide apart (they will also sag from the sling, supported by the fabric under the knees).
3. Holding the baby, the mother carefully tightens the sling, securing the baby.
4. Important: the child’s legs hug the mother’s waist, the butt is slightly lower, and the knees are higher than the waist.

Why is a ring sling better?

This model is very comfortable for both mother and child

The main point why mothers fell in love with this model is that it is very easy to put on and just as easy to take off. The child takes the position in it that he likes most.

• When the baby is lying down in the sling, he takes a comfortable horizontal position, as if he were being held in his arms. In this case, the baby's head is on the same plane with the back, which ensures comfort. And the mother can constantly see the little one’s face.
• When sitting in front of the mother, the child’s knees are at a level above the butt, which is not observed in the “kangaroo”. This allows the baby to take a more symmetrical position.
• A sling with rings is better than a pseudo-sling bag, as it allows the child to breathe normally, because the chin is not pressed against the chest.
• It is very convenient to feed a baby in a sling on the street - the baby’s position is comfortable, and a scarf will hide this process from prying eyes.

If you wear a sling with rings, as the instructions recommend, the baby will be quite well fixed on the mother’s body. This creates convenience for her movement.

Cradle position

It is worth saying that you can wear a sling with rings in different ways. The instructions provide several positions in which the mother can transport the baby without problems, even over fairly long distances. As mentioned above, you can use such a sling for a newborn (with rings) without any problems. A position called a “cradle” is perfect for this (you can carry your baby until about three months of age). The sequence of actions that will help place the baby in the fabric:

1. Mom puts on a sling with a ring.
2. The baby is placed on the shoulder free from rings in an upright position.
3. The baby's legs are lowered into the prepared pocket (the sagging fabric of the sling), and the fabric is spread over the entire back of the baby.
4. Next, the mother leans forward slightly and places the baby on her left arm (if the sling rings are placed on the right shoulder, and vice versa). The tissue is distributed along the entire length of the newborn's torso. An important point: the baby’s head should lie on the side of the sling, and not sag over the fabric or hide in it.
5. Now the mother places the baby in the way that is most convenient for her, choosing the desired height for the baby. Important: the child’s head should be at the level of the mother’s chest, the butt should be slightly lower, the legs should be higher than the butt (all this can be corrected with tails of fabric).
6. At this stage, you need to tighten the ends of the sling so that the baby is pressed as close as possible to the mother, but so that the fabric does not hinder his movements.

After this, the mother double-checks everything, makes sure that the baby is comfortable, and calmly goes for a walk. By the way, in a sling in this position it is very convenient to breastfeed your baby in a public place, covering the whole action with a sagging tail of fabric.

How to wear a ring sling

There are several options for carrying a child in this device. The mother not only chooses what is more comfortable for her - she can periodically change the position of the baby without unfastening the sling. Recommendations on how to carry a baby in a sling are given below.

• For newborns in the first months of life, the “cradle” position is chosen, when the baby is placed horizontally under the mother’s breast.
• Mothers love to carry babies who have reached 4 months of age in front of them, fixing them in a sitting position on their stomach. This makes it easier for her to monitor the baby’s condition.
• Slightly older children can be placed on their back. This will make it more convenient for mom to carry her purchases in her hands.
• There is also the “on the thigh” position, but not all women practice it. Although it is also convenient.

  
  There are different ways to carry a baby in a sling

Any of the positions should be changed periodically so that the baby’s muscle corset develops evenly. And my mother’s posture will suffer less this way. The main thing is to learn how to put on the structure correctly.

Supine position

How to tie a ring sling if mom wants to place the baby behind her back? There is nothing complicated here either. However, it must first be said that the baby can be carried in this position after six months of age, when the child already knows how to group himself perfectly.

Procedure:

1. The baby is placed in the sling pocket on the side opposite the shoulder where the rings are located.
2. Slowly the baby moves through the mother's side along the sling onto her back.
3. The baby is secured on the mother's back with one hand. It is important that the child’s legs are wide apart.
4. Next, you need to tighten the tails so that the fabric holds the child well.
5. Important: in this position, the child’s legs hug the mother’s waist, the butt is slightly lower. The legs look out of the sling, the fabric is located under the baby’s knees.

How to wear a ring sling

Before placing the baby in this convenient device, the mother must put it on herself. At the same time, she should clearly know how to tie a sling with rings. The baby’s safety will depend on this.

How to tie a ring sling

• To begin with, mom carefully examines the fabric panel, at one end of which rings are sewn. They can be metal, wood or plastic. The second end is called the "tail" and will be passed through these rings.
• Having straightened the canvas, they take the “tail” in one hand and hold the rings in the other. In this case, the scarf should not be twisted.
• The “tail” is pulled through both rings at once, stretching the fabric approximately 0.7 m.
• Then the “tail” is folded back and pulled again through one ring, straightening the fabric evenly.
• Holding the rings in the right hand, the left hand is threaded into the sling.
• Next, the sling is thrown over the head, placing it on the right shoulder. In this case, the rings are located at the level of the collarbone, and the “tail” hangs forward.

The instructions given on how to tie a ring sling are standard for all positions. If the mother masters it correctly, then it will not be difficult for her to place the toddler in such a device.

Preparation

Mom can buy a sling in a store, in which case most often it will already be ready. But if you want to sew it to order, you will have to thread the finished fabric into the rings yourself. However, this is not something to be afraid of. This can be done quite easily and simply. So, how to tie a ring sling, i.e. how to properly thread fabric into rings:

1. One tail of the sling must be pulled into two rings at once.
2. The top ring needs to be wrapped in cloth.
3. After this, this tail is pulled into the lower ring.
4. Then the fabric must be carefully straightened in the rings so that it does not twist.

How to carry a baby in a ring sling correctly

In order for the baby to feel comfortable in a scarf, the mother needs to take into account some recommendations.

• Firstly, the fabric from which the sling is made should not stretch, otherwise it will deform very quickly.
• When putting on the device, the mother must carefully ensure that the fabric does not twist or turn inside out. The canvas should be well straightened. Otherwise, the baby will experience discomfort, from which he will get tired very quickly.
• If the sling is put on loosely, the baby will sag in it, taking the wrong position. This will affect the development of his musculoskeletal system. You can ensure the required tension using the “tail”.
• When placing the baby in a sling, you need to make sure that his face is not covered by either the mother’s clothes or the fabric of the scarf, otherwise the baby may suffocate.

How comfortable it is for her and the baby will depend only on the mother’s care and attention.

Cradle, legs to rings, option 2

This method differs from the previous one in that the child is lowered into the sling from the shoulder, supported by the hand. First of all, it is convenient when placing a heavy or large child in a sling, who is difficult to place in a sling when placed on the forearm.

Ring sling - how to best carry a newborn

It is especially important to carefully carry a baby in the first 3 months of his life, when every bone or cartilage is quite fragile. The best option here to use a sling is the “cradle” position.

• Having put on the sling as described above, the woman forms a cozy “hammock” from it under her breasts.
• Taking the baby under the back with your left hand, hold the edge of the canvas with your right. In the pocket, the baby is placed on his side so that the sling holds his butt well.
• Then the edge of the canvas is straightened, pulling it over the back and up to the head. It will be more convenient to do this if the mother leans forward a little.
• To give the baby the desired position, the inner edge of the pocket needs to be pulled up. In this case, the baby is positioned across the canvas in such a way that his legs are near the rings, and his head is under the mother’s breast on the opposite side. In newborns, the legs should be completely in the sling; in infants older than 2 months, they should hang slightly outward.
• Now they tighten the “tail” of the scarf, adjusting the child’s position. In this case, the baby’s head should neither tilt back nor bend towards the chest.

Before placing your baby in a comfortable structure, learn how to wear a sling with rings, preferably on a doll. Having practiced in this way, the mother can safely go for a walk with the baby.

Front curl position

Another way to wear a sling with rings? The instructions provide for the position of the baby as “curl up in front” (vertical position). This position can be used to carry a child who is already two weeks old. I would like to immediately warn you that this position of the baby is completely safe, and besides, it is natural: the baby seems to copy its position in the womb. An important point: wearing a baby this way is good if the baby suffers from colic: this way the baby’s tummy will warm up against the mother’s body, relieving painful sensations. Procedure:

1. Mom puts on a sling.
2. The child is placed on the shoulder free from rings. With the left hand the child is supported by the back, with the right hand the mother helps the baby fold her legs (as if to tuck them under herself).
3. The baby slowly lowers into the formed fabric pocket; the fabric spreads over the baby’s entire body, almost completely hiding the baby’s head.
4. Important: the baby’s head should be slightly higher than the level of the mother’s chest and must be turned to the side.
5. The ends of the fabric tighten the sling so that it is comfortable for the baby to be in this position. You need to remember that the baby is wrapped quite tightly around his mother.
6. Important: be sure to check your baby’s back. The spine should be straight and not curved. However, there is no need to achieve a back position that is as flat as a board. It is natural for a baby to be in a slightly curved position.

Important part in the design

The most important part of the sling design is the rings. These are the ones you need to pay attention to when purchasing a product. Each manufacturer offers designs with different types of rings.

• Wooden. As a rule, they are made from compressed sawdust and such a product does not inspire confidence. The rings can burst at any moment, and this is very unsafe.
• Plastic. Much more reliable than wooden ones, but during use they make it difficult to regulate the structure due to their small diameter.
• Metal. The most durable and reliable to use. Their diameter is about six centimeters, which allows you to quickly and conveniently fix the fabric in the desired position.

Ring slings mean that the main load will fall on only one shoulder. Nevertheless, in any case, they are much more convenient than simply carrying the baby in your hands.

Important to remember!!! If you put the sling on your right shoulder when going for a walk, then when you return, be sure to throw it on your left. In the same way, alternate the load throughout the day.

How to remove a sling with a sleeping baby

Did your baby fall asleep in a sling? This happens often. If you use one of the “Cradle” methods, you can easily remove the sling with your baby without disturbing the baby. Lean over the bed and gently place the baby directly in the sling on it, supporting him with your hand. Pull the ring, loosening the sling and increasing its length. Now you can slide out of the sling. For some time, the fabric will retain your warmth and smell, so the child most likely will not notice the changed situation and will not wake up.

How to choose?

Important! A “ring sling” is not just any sling that has rings. Do not confuse it with a sling bag - a bulky and rather dangerous carrier in which it is difficult to position the child correctly (and a mistake can lead to the child suffocating).

Textile

A real ring sling does not come in thick cotton fabric.

For regular fabrics, satin is usually used. Make sure that the manufacturer of satin slings with rings has a good reputation: if the design is poor, the fabric crawls out of the rings and it is uncomfortable to wear in such a sling. Satin ones are well suited for the home, for hot summers, for short wearing or for light children.

Slings with rings are also made from “scarf”, specially woven fabric. They are a little hotter than satin ones. Fabric slings with rings distribute weight better - they are not so difficult to carry heavy children. But they usually take up more space and cost more.

• The fabric must be natural.
• The fabric should not be slippery. The slippery fabric slides back in the rings under the weight of the child, and it has to be pulled up
• The fabric should not be too thin, otherwise one day it will tear under the weight of the baby in the rings.
• And too thick, otherwise it will be difficult to adjust.
• The fabric should not stretch
• The optimal width of the sling with rings is 60–70 cm.

Sides

Slings usually have bumpers made of regular (not scarf) fabric. They are needed for greater comfort for the baby and to support the head. When choosing a sling with sides, you need to make sure that the sides do not interfere with adjusting the carry, and for this you need to choose the right size of the sling. And if the size is incorrectly selected, the sides get caught in the rings during adjustment and make adjustment impossible.

Size

Focus on your clothing size.

Rings

• The diameter of the rings should be 7–8 cm.
• The rings must have no uneven joints, otherwise the fabric may be torn.
• The rings should be smooth and match the fabric from which the sling is made. The fabric should not slide under the weight of the child and crawl out of the rings and, at the same time, the fabric should be easily adjustable in the rings.

Shoulder

The shoulder, that is, the part of the sling that is placed on the shoulder of the carrier, should not be too narrow. For slings with rings made of regular fabric, a soft pad is often made on the shoulder to prevent the fabric from cutting into the skin. For slings made of scarf fabric, such a pad is optional.

The shoulder comes in different designs, this is an individual parameter and it is not so easy to guess which one will be comfortable for you.

Tail

The tail of the sling is where you will adjust it. Choose a sling so that the tail is enough for both mom and dad to adjust. It's better to be a little longer than a little short.

Ring slings come with a sewn tail or an open tail. The tail is sewn up for aesthetic reasons and to make it easier to remove and to keep it out of the way. The only thing is that slings with rings with a sewn-in tail are more sensitive to the choice of size; if it is too small, the length of the tail may simply not be enough.

Ulyana Romanovskaya, certified sling consultant at the Trageshule school, basic course. When reprinting, an active link is required.

How to properly tie a sling with rings?

Carefully!!! Before we begin to describe the instructions on how to properly build a structure that is comfortable for the baby so that he can be in a horizontal position, it is worth noting that abroad this option for using a sling is considered the most dangerous.

Nevertheless, we will pay attention to this option, and whether to adopt it or not is an individual decision. This position is also inconvenient for walking in the fresh air. Usually, children up to almost six months, being in a horizontal position and feeling their mother’s breast nearby, begin to instinctively look for it. At this moment, they are no longer interested in walking. In this position, children either sleep or eat. In addition, if the baby's head is covered with a sling, then there is no view, and interest in the walk accordingly disappears.

How to put on a sling? We place the sewn part on the mother's shoulder so that the tail of the material is on the back. Then we wrap the torso with a sling, bring it forward and insert the fabric into two rings, pulling it in one direction. But in the other we carry it through only one thing and at the same time we pull in the matter.

Correct position in a sling cradle or danger number one

Before placing your baby in a sling, pay special attention to how you hold him in the same position in your arms. The baby lies not on its back, but on its side. One arm dangles from below, and the second baby usually plays with mom’s jewelry hanging around her neck. And the legs are exactly the same: one on top and the other on the bottom. This is the position in which you should carry your baby in a sling.

Important point!!! If you put your baby in a sling on his back, since the material of the product is quite soft, what happens. The child's back bends, the chin touches the chest and sufficient oxygen supply is blocked. The newborn's head should be in the same plane as the body.

Sling cradle or danger number two

After the mother has placed the baby in the sling cradle, it is worth paying special attention to the position of the baby's head. The safest option is when it is not covered with cloth, but is located on your elbow. Of course, the hand remains involved. However, this is more reliable than the child being completely inside the sling. Why?

Firstly, in a horizontal position, the baby is quite far from the mother’s face, in contrast to the vertical position, when his every movement and breath is felt. Secondly, if a woman is the owner of curvy figures, then when the baby is under her breast, she will not always be able to quickly respond to some beacons given by a very small child. Let's say he accidentally pulled his face into his mother's chest.

A newborn is still too weak to alert about danger in the same way as, for example, a five-month-old child. But if the baby stops breathing, then his reflex instinctively kicks in and throws his head up in an attempt to catch air. But in the case when the baby’s body is completely in the sling, he will not have such an opportunity. The head will simply rest against the fabric.

Carefully!!! In the first months of your baby's life, use the sling cradle very carefully. The health of the newborn and his safety are much more important than tired hands.

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