Once you have mastered your new baby sling, you will find it takes seconds and you will wonder how you ever managed without it. However some parents find getting used to their new baby sling a little daunting and don’t manage a comfortable fit straight away. Before giving up on your baby carrier away or buying a new one, take a few moments to give it another a chance. Here are some tips to help you make your baby carrier more comfortable and we would love to hear yours.
- Read the instructions carefully.
Don’t try to master all the carries at once. Choose one and make sure that is suitable for your baby’s age. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s photos. Some carriers may look similar but are actually worn differently.
- Your baby sling should feel snug.
Your baby should be held snug against your chest. Here are a few simple ways to test baby is snug enough:
- He should not wobble even when you rock gently from side to side.
- If your baby is carried upright facing you, gently push his back. If you feel his body ‘uncurl’ and come closer to you, the sling was snug enough.
- Does your baby feel lower after you’ve carried him for a few hours ? If yes, the fabric was probably not taut enough to start with.
- When putting on your baby sling, remember to pull tightly on the fabric at each step.
- Baby is held high.
There are two simple ways to make sure that your baby is held correctly. ‘Kiss level’: simply tilt your head forward to kiss your baby’s head. ‘Bottom’: his bottom should never be below your navel. When you hold your baby high, the weight doesn’t ‘pull’ you down resulting in less tension.
- Spread the fabric.
Wide straps helps spread your baby’s weight evenly across both shoulders, your back, and hips. Make sure the straps are well spread across your back and that the fabric is neither bunched up or twisted. The fabric should also be spread widely across your baby’s body to provide optimum support.
- Check the straps’ position.
The straps should be positioned in the middle of your shoulders, not too close to your neck which would create uncomfortable pressure.
These were five simple ways of making your baby sling more comfortable. They are true for almost all types of slings. If you’re still not 100% convinced, don’t hesitate to contact the shop you bought it from to ask for further assistance, or find the details of your local sling meet to find an experienced ‘babywearer’ to help.
This advice was gathered by Calin Bleu after talking to many babywearing parents.
A Calin Bleu is a lightweight wraparound baby sling in cool cotton or snuggly microfleece: a long length of material, tailored and shaped to wrap around your body and your baby for comfort and ease, so you can hold your baby close.
We would love to hear your tips. What helped you find a comfortable fit with your baby sling? What would you recommend to a new parent using a carrier for the first time?
To enter the competition to win a Calin Bleu baby wrap of your choice:
Comment on www.lactivist.net leaving your tips for babywearing (each tip earns 5 entries)
You can earn an extra entry for each of these things:
- Liking the Lactivist Facebook Page
- Liking the Calin Bleu Facebook Page
- Sharing the competition on Facebook, Twitter or on Forums.
Please remember to tell us how many entries you are claiming!
- This competition is only open to Europe sorry,
- The winning tip will be drawn among the comments left on the Lactivist.net website before September 10th, 2011.
- Only genuine comments will be accepted.
- By entering this competition, you agree that your entry may be published on the Calin Bleu websites.
The competition is now closed and the winner was Michelle Mattesini who has been emailed. Congratulations Michelle and thanks to everyone for entering!
Care Instructions – Shopping Bag 
Mummy Milk Rocks – Shopping Bag 
Any Old Cow – Shopping Bag 
keep the wrap tight so the baby is high and close to you
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if the baby is unsettled at first, start walking as soon as they are in and the motion will settle them
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share how good your wrap is with friends – then you can share tips too
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once you baby grows – donate your wrap to your local sling library
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babys chin off their chest for easy breathing
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Practice with a doll or teddy if u are nervous about doing it with your precious baby straight away
Have Liked both facebook pages x
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Wear your sling/wrap as tight as you can comfortably to eliminate any strain on your shoulders.
If you have long hair and are doing a back carry then tie it up to keep it out of baby’s face and to avoid it getting covered in food.
Liked both both pages and shared on facebook and twitter.
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If you unsure about how to get baby on your back when doing a back carry have someone with you to pass you the baby until you have practiced a bit.
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Go to your local ‘Sling Meet’ where you get to meet other Mothers, and a chance to try out different slings.
Thanks for running.
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