When first learning to use a sling, be extra cautious. Try new positions while you are seated. An extra pair of hands to assist while you practice can also be helpful. If possible, try the sling out when your little one is happy, full and not over-tired. Once you have your babe safely loaded inside, be prepared to get up and move around, even go for a walk, as little ones love the motion. This will not be necessary when your child is used to the sling.

Please use your Coastal sling with great care! (After all, your most prized possession in the world is in there)! Remember: Babywearing and sling using takes practice! (Did I say that already?!?!) Educate yourself on how to properly use your new sling and always be certain that your little one is positioned safely inside, remembering that they are not buckled or strapped in. Regularly examine the sling for wear and do not use if you notice that fabric or stitching has become compromised.

Responsibility for the safety of the child is held by the person using the sling and not Coastal Sling.

Putting on your sling:

Fold the sling into itself so the seam edges are touching and the sling becomes a long narrow tube. (This is how you would have received your sling.)

With the fold side first, put one arm through the sling and over your head so you are wearing the sling like a “Miss Canada” banner.

Adjust the curved seam so it is in the correct position (below your opposite breast [pec - if you're a guy and are uncomfortable reading the word "breast"] for the cradle and kangaroo carries and more towards your side for the hip carry).

Make sure the sling is flat against your back without any bunching of the fabric.

You are now ready to pop your little one in the sling and go!!

 

Cradle Carry (newborn to 10 months):

Open the pouch, pressing the back half of the fabric against your body.

While cradling your baby’s head and upper body, lower them bum first into the sling. Their bottom should be in the deepest area of the pouch, where the seam is. Next slide in their feet and head. Wiggle and adjust as necessary.

Older, bigger babies can have their feet sticking out of the sling.

Don’t worry, they do look a little squished in the cradle carry. THEY ARE! And that is why they LOVE IT! It is snug and tight just like it was in the womb! I’ve had many people look at my daughter asleep in the sling and ask “Is she comfortable in there? Does she like it?” Doesn’t the fact that she is content and sleeping answer that?!?

Safety Concerns for Slinging a Newborn (Cradle Carry)

When slinging your newborn in the cradle position, be very careful that your little one’s airway is clear.  The fabric of the sling should not be covering his/her face or (in any way) preventing free airflow to your baby (in any way).   Please always be aware of your baby’s breathing, and subsequently any signals that they might be struggling to breath because of their positioning in the sling.

Because of the size of a newborn and the depth of the pouch, a baby can sometimes be too deep in the sling to get good airflow.  One of the ways of remedy this is to pull the inside rail of the fabric higher against your chest when putting on the sling.  You can do this by folding the sling unevenly before putting it on, or by adjusting the sling before putting your baby into the pouch.

This method can be combined with the shoulder flip to minimize the amount of fabric that might be over the opening of the sling.  You can also move the baby higher up in the length of the sling.  By not utilizing the deepest part of the pouch (the curved seam), baby will be positioned a little closer to the opening of the sling.

It is also very important to be sure that your baby’s chin is not pressed against his chest, as this blocks his airways and prevents proper breathing.  Newborns lack the muscle tone and development to move or adjust their position. Always be aware of your baby’s breathing, and subsequently any signals that they might be struggling to breath because of their positioning in the sling.   Adjust baby so that his head is tilted back enough to ensure good respiration. 

One way to help tilt the head back and open up baby’s airways is to place a small, folded-up receiving blanket beneath the baby’s back and neck. 

 

Kangaroo Carry (Starting when baby has good neck control to 10 + months):

Open the pouch, pressing the back half of the fabric against your body.

Hold your baby against your chest with their back against the back of the pouch fabric (this holds it in place as you lower them in).

Fold your baby’s legs up against their body and pop them in.

Their weight should be against your body and the seam should be centered on them. Wiggle and adjust as necessary.

Ta-da!

Note: Some prefer to have the seam centered on their body instead of below their opposite breast [again - pec for the guys] in this carry. Experiment with this to see what feels most comfortable for you and your baby.

You can also wiggle and adjust a baby into the cradle carry from the kangaroo carry if they fall asleep. We do this often with Makenna! Just open the top of the sling to accommodate their head and then reach into the pouch and wiggle their bum down the sling and their body more towards you.

Hip Carry (Starting when baby has good neck control to 30 lbs.):

With your child facing you and holding him against your upper body, lower your little one into the sling so you are both inside the “circle” of the sling. Put your child on your hip, as you would carry them without a sling, their knees and hips at a right (90 degree) angle. Open up the sling and create a “seat” for your babe between the layers of fabric. Pull the fabric securely beneath their bum, making sure your baby’s spine is lined up with the seam of the sling so they have the deepest seat possible. Pull the outside of the fabric up the back of the baby. Arms can be in or out in this position.

Makenna often falls asleep in this position. I then pull the fabric up around her back and shoulders as high as possible so she is snuggled against me.

Modified hip carry:

Use the same directions as with the hip carry, and then adjust (wiggle, wiggle, wiggle) to have your baby either facing you, tummy to tummy, or on your back. Be sure that they are secure in the pouch “seat” and don’t use the back carry until they are a year and a half or older, as they may lean and tip out.

Shoulder Flip:

Just pull top layer of fabric over your shoulder.

This helps tighten the sling to keep your baby closer. It is great for use in the hip carry to prevent the baby from leaning out too much.

Nursing:

With your baby in the cradle position, pull down the section of back sling fabric that covers your breast and lift your shirt. Then do a little more wiggling and adjusting to get your baby in the correct position to latch on.

[sorry...no pictures for this one]

©2005-2006 Coastal Sling Baby Carriers. View Coastal Sling Baby Carriers Policies.
Site by damascusDESIGN.