How to sling
Settling your baby or toddler into a sling can be a little daunting if you’ve never done it before, but after a couple of times you’ll both be babywearing pros. Understanding the steps to using your sling is important for the comfort and safety of both you and your little one.
To start babywearing in any position:
Your Erin Kate Creations Joey Pocket Sling will arrive folded into its pocket, so you will need to open it. Reach your hand inside the pocket, grab the entire sling, and turn the pocketed fabric inside-out. Unroll the sling, still leaving it folded in half on itself even with the bottom seam of the pocket. Slip your head and right arm through the sash, resting it on your left shoulder so you see the accent pocket in front. Position the sewn seam just to the right of your belly button (you may slightly shift it depending on your baby’s position). When you separate the two sides of fabric at the sewn seam, you’ll see it creates a pocket; this sewn seam is where you will place baby’s bottom. Although our Joey Pockets are designed to safely support baby and toddler, it is always a good idea to have a hand on your little one and be aware of his shifts and movements.
To cradle baby (best for small babies):
Position the sewn seam about half way between your belly button and right hip. Cradle your baby in your left arm, holding his bottom higher than the sling. Lower his back and bottom into the pocket created when you separated the inside and outside fabrics at your belly. Tuck his feet and head in; his head should be slightly higher than his body, resting at your chest. Tip: Gently bounce or wiggle baby in the sling to settle him down deeply into the seam.
To modified cradle (best for babies who like to cradle with a view):
Follow all the same steps of the cradle position, but shift him up towards your left shoulder a bit. Let his left arm reach out the front of the sling, and allow his head to peak out by slightly folding down the front side of the sling. Tip: Pulling the outer side of the sling down at your shoulder to expose the inside fabric is an effective (and stylish) way to snug baby closer to your body in any sling wearing position.
To kangaroo baby (best for small babies who can support their own head):
Place the sewn seam at your belly button. Hold your baby facing forward with her back resting against your chest. Fold her legs as if she is sitting indian style, then raise her knees closer to her chest (it may sound uncomfortable to you, but remember babies are extremely flexible). Lower her bottom in at the seam in the pocket created when you separated the inside and outside fabrics at your belly. Her arms will be outside the front of the sling with the edge of the sling at her armpits. Tip: Pull the fabric a bit higher in the front so it reaches high on her chest.
To hip hold baby (best for babies who can sit and toddlers):
The sewn seam should line up just to the front of your right hip. Holding your little one high in your right arm, lower both her feet between the sling and your body. Open the sling to create its pocket at the sewn seam, and lower her bottom into the sling. The inside edge of the sling will hit at the back of her knees, which will be around your body. Tip: Make your child’s bottom rest lower than her knees, letting her feet dangle on either side of your torso.
To piggyback your toddler (only for toddlers who are well-practiced in the sling):
Hip sling your toddler, and then shift him under your right arm around to your back. Be certain the outside of the sling is higher on his back to keep him snug to your body. Tip: Encourage your toddler to hug you while riding piggyback.
As with any product, using slings safely is the responsibility of the end user. Be smart when you use Erin Kate Creations Joey Pocket Sling so you and your children can enjoy it for years!
*Portraits and Joey Pocket Sling portrait photography by Pam Kimberly, Penna B. Photography
