Top tips for using a babysling for the first time

baby sling

You have received your babysling and are about to try it for the first time. Take a few minutes to read our top tips for using a babysling for the first time.

• Be patient. It takes time to learn a new skill, especially if this new skill involves a new baby who may not cooperate when you need him to. Welcome to the world of parenting! Take your time, it will be worthwhile.

• Relax. If you’re tense, your baby will pick up on your nervousness. On the contrary, if you relax, he or she will relax too.

• Choose a moment when your baby is content. A babysling does soothe crying babies but it’s best to learn when he is calm, fed, and changed.

• Familiarise yourself with the instructions. Your babysling will come with an instruction booklet or a DVD. Choose the carry that seems the easiest, usually the manufacturer will recommend one nd read that one, paying attention to the photos. Don’t try to learn all the carrying positions at once.

• Some videos might help. You can easily find babywearing videos on the internet showing you the carrying positions you can use with your babysling. Watching them will no doubt be useful.

• Practice with a doll. You practice putting on your babysling with a doll or a soft toy, sometimes even a pillow will do.

• Take a look in the mirror and compare with the manufacturer’s photos. Does it look the same? If your baby as high? Is the fabric spread out as on the photos or is it bunched up? Are the straps on your shoulders or riding up on your neck.

• Does it feel right? Most parents’ first reaction when they put their baby in a babysling is: Wow I can’t feel her weight. Is it how it feels? Does it feel comfortable and secure?

• Walk outside. Taking a brisk walk outside will remind your baby of your walking movement when he was in the womb. Many babies settle more easily that way than bouncing around the room.

Take your time and be gentle with yourself. You didn’t learn to drive in one day. With a little bit of patience, you will soon enjoy carrying your baby comfortably for years on.