How to wear your sling

General and Safety
Ring Slings
Wraparound Slings
Soft Carriers
Pouch Slings
Hip Carriers

Many different websites and manufacturers have links to instructions for using slings and baby carriers on the internet. It is useful to read a few of these before attempting to use a new carrier as you can pick up hints and tips that may not be included in the manufacturer's instructions.

By far and away the best and most comprehensive guide to using any type of carrier is the collection of articles at The Babywearer - a fantastic website devoted to promoting babywearing. The forums are also a great source of independent information and support.

There is also now an excellent new resource - the Tummy2Tummy DVD which you can purchase from Big Mama Slings. Below are some video clip samples from the DVD:

Instructions for the kangaroo carrying position with a pouch sling

Instructions for the tummy to tummy carrying position (legs in) with a ring sling

Safety

Important safety information: Many babies like being carried in the cradle position when younger. It is important that you ensure their chin is kept off their chest so that their airway remains unobstructed if you carry your baby in this position. The following links will show you how to use this carrying position safely:

Fantastic safety tips from UpMama.com

Babywearing Safety Article at thebabywearer.com (opens as a .pdf document)

UPDATE May 2010: Following the recent recall of the Infantino SlingRider, there has been a great deal of media coverage about the safety of slings and baby carriers. In response to this, a new website, Baby Sling Safety, has been set up where you can find the T.I.C.K.S. Rule for Safe Babywearing, as well as the response to the recall from the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers.


Instructions by Sling type. Some of these instructions require Adobe Reader - click to download

Ring Slings

Zolowear - Excellent illustrations and videos, covering all positions. Highly recommended.

Mayawrap - Videos showing how to thread and use the popular Mayawrap Ring Sling.

Rockin' Baby Ring Slings - Shows the different carrying positions suitable with the sling.

Sakura Bloom Ring Slings - selection of videos on YouTube showing lots of tips and carrying positions.

TaylorMade Ring Slings - Very clear instructions, viewable online.

Oopa Baby - Online instructions with useful tips and tricks.

Others:

The Mamatoto Project - Ring sling section of this advocacy website. Also has a great selection of sling carrying instruction videos here - scroll down for the ring slings.

Sleeping Baby Productions - Lots of information on using a Ring Sling (available as both webpages and downloadable pdf instructions) from a fantastic manufacturer and babywearing guru. We like these and we like her!

More links to video and photo instructions, tips and tweaks for Ring Slings can be found on our Blog

Wraparound Slings

Didymos - Step-by-step instructions from the manufacturer of the most popular woven wraparound. Many variations included.

Storchenwiege - Not instructions, but a great gallery of photos from the US distributor showing all the different carrying positions and colourways.

Calin Bleu - Photo instructions showing all the carrying positions recommended by the manufacturer

Bara Barn - Download a pdf file of the instructions for this rebozo length carrying shawl from Sweden

easycare - Easy to use picture instructions, including the innovative 'Quick Fix' system

Hug-a-bub - Basic photos showing how to put on the sling and a basic carrying position. The sling is sold with an excellent DVD/video - please contact us if you require a replacement copy at a small charge.

Tricot-Slen - A pdf file of the instructions for this Stretchy Wrap

Close Baby Carrier - step-by-step diagrammatic instructions for using this modified stretchy wrap.

Others:

Elly's Rebozo Page - Great instructions for tying and wearing the shorter or Rebozo style wraps.

How to Tie a Slip-Knot - Picture instructions showing how to tie a slip-knot/sailor's knot, if you prefer to see a video you can view one here.

More links to video and photo instructions, tips and tweaks for wraparound slings can be found on our Blog - both stretchy wraps and woven wraps.

Soft Baby Carriers

Connecta Baby Carrier - PDF instructions for this wonderful, UK-made Buckle Tai

Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier - Instructions for this structured soft carrier available as videos or a PDF booklet.

Sutemi Baby Carrier - Picture instructions for this popular US made carrier.

Babyhawk Mei Tai Baby Carrier - Photo and video instructions from the manufacturer of a modern take on the traditional Asian carrier

Wilkinet Baby Carrier - Comprehensive video and download instructions

Kozy Carrier - Extensive instructions for achieving most carrying positions using a Mei Tai baby carrier

The Ergo Baby Carrier - Various instructions to download from the manufacturer of this popular baby carrier. Also includes video instructions.

Others:

Hip slide method for getting a baby on your back - from Little Possums

Fantastic Tips for Mei Tai troubleshooting - from Wrap Your Baby (a great source of carrying tips for other styles of carriers too)

More links to video and photo instructions, tips and tweaks for Soft Carriers can be found on our Blog - both Tie-On Carriers and Buckle Carriers

Pouch Slings

Hotslings (sized pouch) - Movies and pdf files (see menu on left hand side) to achieve all the carrying positions for this popular pouch  - including tips on ejection!

Hotslings (Adjustable Pouch) - video and photo instructions for the new Hotslings AP

Zolowear Adjustable Pouch - Instructions for using this pouch, in movie format.

Peanut Shell - Detailed instructions for different carrying positions as well as tips and safety guidelines.

More links to video and photo instructions, tips and tweaks for Pouch Slings can be found on our Blog

Hip Carriers

Scootababy Baby Carrier - picture and video instructions for several carrying positions as well as safety tips

Ellaroo Mei Hip - Online step-by-step photo instructions

Hip Hugger - Detailed instructions for fitting and using this unique sling

Hip Hammock (Non-US version) - Basic instructions. Please note this is the non-Playtex version for sale outside the US.

Please contact us if you wish to be added to our sling wearing page