A ring sling is a piece of woven wrap that has been trimmed to a specified length (depending on size) and fastened at the shoulder with rings to make a suitable “sling” for carrying a baby.
How does it function?
As a result, when you receive your sling, it will most likely be threaded, which means the rings will be on top and the end of the sling will dangle freely.
The first step is to weave the rings together.
You can now practice using your sling after it has been threaded. The rings secure the wrap sling in place, allowing you to wrap it around your baby’s back up to their neck and tighten it securely. Continue reading to learn how to use a ring sling! There are some excellent options for newborn ring slings and toddler ring slings that will make life easier for your child as they grow.
Who requires a ring sling?
Anyone who want to carry a child. Ring slings, in my opinion, are the easiest to use with babies. Anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-adjust carrier for a quick errand. Also, someone who has a newborn or toddler that you love to carry on your hip.
In any case, most caregivers will prefer to carry your infant or toddler on your hip.
So why not use a wonderful, supporting piece of fabric to assist you and free up your hands?
Is a ring sling the only baby carrier I need?
Both yes and no.
Yes, if you have a newborn or a very light kid, all you need is a ring sling.
Around six months, I began wearing G in soft structured carriers, which help older babies distribute weight more evenly.
But I still use my ring slings for a variety of reasons! Every day, I use three different sorts of carriers. A ring sling, woven wrap, and soft structured carrier are all options. They each serve different purposes, which you can learn more about in this page.
How old must a baby be to be worn in a ring sling?
When learning how to use a baby sling, it’s crucial to remember that each sling has its own weight restriction, which varies based on the fabric and the age of the child. In general, 35 pounds is a good maximum baseline weight. A newborn can usually be worn in a ring sling right away (assuming no medical issues – be sure to consult a medical professional before officially wearing your newborn in a sling – just to be safe.) I wear my 17-month-old in a ring sling daily and still feel very comfortable with her in it. She loves it so much.
A ring sling is a long strip of fabric that resembles a baby wrap. Ring slings come in a range of patterns and colors and are attached to your shoulder with a set of rings. This produces a sling or pouch that allows you to securely carry your infant while relieving pressure on your arms and back
The benefits of a ring sling extend far beyond its fabric possibilities. It allows you to have skin-to-skin contact with your child while carrying and communicating with him or her.
It also allows for hands-free carrying. You don’t have to utilize a stroller, which allows you to use the stairs instead of looking for a ramp or elevator when you’re out and about.
Important Safety Considerations
No matter how you decide to transport your infant, safety should be your main priority. To keep your infant secure in a ring sling, you must take a few precautions.
Before you put your infant in a ring sling, be sure the sling is safe. Bring your child with you when shopping for a sling, and ask for a demonstration on how to use it. Avoid slings promoted with terminology like “womb-like” and “cocoon,” as these may hold your baby in an unhealthy manner.
Check the sling every time you place your kid in it to make sure it’s in good condition. You need to watch for tears or snags that might compromise its ability to hold your baby.
How do I get one?
There are a lot of online places and websites where you get the ring slings please visit there to buy.
What is the best fabric for a ring sling?
My preferred textiles are the tinsel combination stated above, 100 percent cotton, or bamboo.
How do I know which size I require?
The trouble is, when I first bought my sling, people told me to get a S/M (small/medium) because that’s the size of my t-shirt, but I prefer an L/XL (large/extra-large) aka, LOOOOONG tails!
I like long tails because they serve three functions: one is gorgeous flowy fabric, another is a makeshift nursing cover, and the third is extra support at the neck or bottom or another layer of warmth for baby! Longer tails are a win-win situation, but it’s really a matter of personal opinion!
How Do I Get My Sling Ready?
While you may be tempted to put your baby in your ring sling right away, there are a few things you should do first.
Make Certain You Have the Correct Size
Every parent does not wear the same shirt size, and every parent does not wear the same sling size. Make sure you have the correct sling size so that it can carry your infant snugly, safely, and securely.
The size of each kind of ring sling will vary slightly. A small/medium Tula ring sling, for example, is approximately 77 inches long. A small Bijou sling, on the other hand, is 70 inches long, while a medium is 75 inches long.
Making a Ring Sling
Threading is the practice of weaving cloth through rings to secure the wrap while carrying your baby. Thread your sling as follows:
- Begin by determining which side of your body you wish to carry your child on. If you plan to carry your baby on your right side, position the rings slightly in front of your left shoulder.
- Hold your sling by the rings and wrap the long cloth tail behind your back.
- Wrap the tail around your back, across your opposite hip, and gather it at the front rings.
- Bring the entire length of the tail up through the rings.
- Allow the tail to fall forward so that the top hem is at your midline and the bottom hem is on the outside of your body.
- As if you were attaching a belt with rings, lift the top ring, fold the tail end over it, and pull it under the bottom ring. Work the fabric slowly through the bottom ring.
- Check sure the top hem of your tail is still towards your midline and the bottom hem is on the outside of your body.
- Insert both of your thumbs into the woven section of the tail between the rings, then pull it wide to loosen it up a bit.
- Begin by gently gathering the material between the rings strand by strand, beginning with the top hem.
- If you have a striped sling, you will see you can fan out and gather it stripe by stripe easily.
- Grab the top and bottom hem of your tail and pull them out to tighten the sling. Repeat this with the inner sections of the sling to make sure the entire sling is snug.
Important positioning points:
- Baby should be worn snug to your body and high enough to kiss the top of their head without straining down.
- Baby’s sweet face and mouth should always be visible, with the sling fabric resting at the base of baby’s head. Keep baby’s chin off of their chest for a clear airway.
- Check on baby often and reposition your babe if needed.
- Always reposition baby back up into a kissable position after feeding.
- Baby’s position should look like a checkmark, with their head as the top of the check and bum/legs are the bottom.
Also interesting to read:
