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Lil’ Wallaby Slings
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Using Your Lil’Wallaby Sling
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There are different methods of using this sling depending on your child’s age, size and stage of development. Here we have included the three basic holds that can be used with the pouch style sling.
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Cradle Hold ~ Infant Carry
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This hold mimics how you might cradle a baby in your arms and is wonderful for making the baby feel close and secure with Mom or Dad’s warmth and heartbeat to soothe them. For first time users and beginners remember to get moving once you have your baby in the sling, this is what helps them settle and get comfortable with the sling. It may take a few attempts but we can guarantee that your baby will come to love the sling and know it as a place that is secure and safe for them.
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First, always remember the curved end of the sling is where the baby’s feet go, or the “bottom”, and the part stitched together should be worn on your shoulder, as this is the “top”. To place your baby safely in the carrier, orient the sling in the way that you would like to wear it (some have a preference for right or left side) and place it on a flat surface (i.e. floor, bed) Spread open the section of the carrier where the baby will lie, creating a “pea pod” effect. Place baby on the fabric in the center so that there is an equal amount of fabric showing on either side of his/her head. Your baby’s legs should be bent and be brought down to the curved end of the sling. Next, with two hands, grasp the section of the sling that will go around your back. Now slowly pick up the sling with baby in it, making a hammock for your baby. The sides of the fabric will draw up on either side of your baby to make baby secure. You are ready to put the sling over your head, around the back of your neck with your baby in a cradle position in front of your chest. Finally, once the sling is on, spread the fabric flat across your back this is what helps to evenly distribute the weight of your baby resulting in a more comfortable fit. Once on, you may adjust the sling and your baby’s position by shifting the sling so that the seam rests somewhere between your hip and your navel.
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Wallaby Hold ~ Front Carry
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This carry can be used with babies that have gained control of their head and neck muscles. It is ideal for when your little one is alert and would like to “see the world” with you. It is very easy to achieve and can be adjusted while your baby is in the position. Different from the cradle hold, the baby will be positioned so that his/her bum and feet will rest in the curved part of the sling.
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Put the sling on with the seam centred in front of your body. With the sling on, loosely open up the sling to create a pouch at the seam. Hold baby with back to you and head resting high on your chest at the collarbone. Lean back slightly and with one hand grasp baby’s legs together near the ankle and bring legs up to his/her chest. With other hand ease baby’s bum down into the pouch allowing legs to fold or cross. Once baby is in the pouch facing out you can reach in under the bum to adjust baby so he/she is balanced in a sitting position. Baby’s arms can be placed in or out of the pouch.
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Toddler Hold ~ Hip Carry
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This hold is great for the child “attached to your hip”. The sling acts as an extension of your hip so that you are not jutting out your hip to give your child someplace to sit. Your child should be able to fully support themselves as if the sling were not there for this hold.
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Put on the sling in the same manner as you would have for the cradle hold. For this hold, the curved end or “bottom”, becomes the area where your toddler will sit. Pick up your child in a hip-style carry and place them on the same side that your sling is resting. Their legs should go through the sling and be around your waist. Now draw the sling up under your child and ease your child down into the pouch. Their bottom should be resting approximately where the seam is. Slide the fabric under his/her bottom and up their back until you are satisfied with the fit. Slowly release your child, letting the fabric support their weight.
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Safety Comes First!
Always be aware of your baby in the sling. Although the sling is ideal for “getting things done”and being out and about, remember your baby is always number one. Be aware of their needs, and where they are in relation to your body, when performing tasks or moving about. Using the sling safely is your responsibility. Use care when taking baby in and out of the sling. Practice taking them in and out over a bed or soft surface to get comfortable with the process (it doesn’t take long!) Don’t perform dangerous activities (like cooking, reaching for high objects, etc.) With your baby in the sling. Remember, ease yourself into wearing your baby. Try increments of time and then give yourself, and your muscles, a break. Gradually increase the time as you become comfortable, and try switching sides if this is easier for you.
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