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Single Shoulder Baby Sling - Instructions

General Instructions
Please remember that learning to use a baby carrier is a little like riding a bicycle. It will take some time and practice to learn to easily and quickly place your baby comfortably and securely inside. After a few uses though, it will become second nature. You will have more success learning to use your sling if your baby is rested and fed before you start.

The sling can be worn on either shoulder. If you would like to wear the Sling on your left shoulder switch the lefts and rights in these directions. To wear this Sling on your right shoulder:

1. Thread your sling as shown. Tip: If you unfold your Sling before threading it, it will be easier to adjust.

2. Hold the rings of the sling with your right hand. Be sure the tail is in front of the loop.

3. Put your left arm through the loop and bring the sling over your head.

4. Rest the rings in front of your right shoulder. If you put the rings of the sling on your shoulder or if you put the Sling around your neck you will not be as comfortable as with the rings in front of your shoulder.

5. Open the pouch of the Sling and carefully set your baby inside. While you support your baby's weight and head, pull on the tail to tighten the Sling. You can customize the fit of the Sling by pulling on one side of the tail to tighten one side of the pouch and pulling on the other side of the tail to tighten the other side of the pouch. Once your baby is securely in the Sling start moving around. Your baby enjoys motion and this will help both of you get used to using your sling.

**If you are using the double shoulder sling in a single shoulder position, make sure you tuck the tail into the rings so that you do not trip over the tail.

6. As your baby gains weight you can minimize the strain on your back by wearing the rings lower and spreading the fabric across your shoulder.

Removing your baby from the sling
Pull the top ring away from your body, loosening the Sling just enough to make it easy to remove your baby. This will preserve the customized fit that you have created so the next time you use your sling it can be tightened with a simple tug of the tail.

Using your sling with Newborns
Whenever you place your newborn in your sling, always support your baby's head until the Sling has been tightened enough to provide support. Newborns usually should lie down in the Sling until they have head control. You may place your baby in the Sling with the head on either side. This position is also excellent for nursing. As you nurse you can completely cover yourself by placing the tail of the sling over your shoulder. Some newborns are happier in a vertical position (see Fig. 8). Your baby can be carried this way if you tighten the Sling enough to support your baby's head.

Newborn, Reclining, Nursing Positions

7. Pull one side of your Sling up against your chest to create a deep, secure pouch. Open the pouch with one hand and, while supporting your baby's head and weight, set your baby in with the head on either side. Continue to support your baby as you pull on one side of the tail to tighten the outer part of the pouch and the other to tighten the inner part. Please be sure to tighten the Sling sufficiently so that your baby is secure. Very young babies may seem all bunched up inside the sling. Most babies are comfortable this way. If not, they will let you know. If you think your baby is lost down inside the sling you can put a receiving blanket or small pillow in the sling before setting your baby inside.

Newborn Vertical Position

8. Carefully place your baby in the Sling. The bottom of the fabric should cover your baby's bottom and the top of the fabric should cover your baby's head. Tighten the top of the fabric enough to support your baby's head. Tighten the bottom of the fabric to securely hold your baby in place.

Using your sling with Older Babies
Once your baby has head control she will probably want to sit in the Sling so she can see her world. Your baby can sit in the Sling in several positions.

Kangaroo Carry

9. This position works best with younger babies who have head control. Put on your Sling and open the pouch as if you were planning to put your baby in lying down. Cross your baby's legs and place your baby in sitting up. While supporting your baby's weight, pull on the tail to tighten the Sling.

Front Carry

10. As your baby grows the Kangaroo Carry position may no longer be comfortable, but the front carry position will work well. Place your baby in the Sling facing sideways. Be sure the bottom fabric comes out to your child's knees. For a restless child, the top fabric should also cover your child's shoulders. Tighten the Sling until your child is secure.

Hip Carry

11. This is an excellent position for heavy toddlers because your hip is used to support your child's weight. Put your child in your Sling and rest your child on your hip with your child's legs straddling you. The bottom of the Sling should extend out to your child's knees. The top of the Sling should come up to your child's arms. If your child is restless, pull the top of the Sling over your child's arms. Tighten the Sling until your child is secure.

Back Carry

12. The Back Carry position is recommended for children who are at least one year old. Put your Sling on with the rings too high on your shoulder. You may want to start with them on or slightly behind your shoulder. Place your child in the Sling in the hip carry position with your child's arms covered. Carefully slide your baby around to your back. It is recommended that until you are used to this position you have a friend check your child's security. Please remember that with all brands of baby slings your baby is not tied in. The back carry position should only be used with a cooperative child.

Harness
Once your child starts to walk you may need a harness for security. Place the sling around your child's waist and tighten it until your child is secure.

Shopping Cart Strap

13.
The sling can also be used to secure your child in a shopping cart. Thread the Sling around your child and the back of the seat as shown, tighten the Sling until your child is secure. The tail of the Sling can then be placed between your child's back and the seat back as a cushion.

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