Focus on the baby sling

The cradle carry

Close to mama

Baby's bum near the middle seam.

The best place to sleep

5 Tips for Wearing your Newborn in a Baby Sling

Baby slings are easy to use and great for carrying your newborn baby. Our 5 Tips should help you get off to a good babywearing start with your sling.

1. With baby in the cradle.

The cradle carry is really the best choice for a newborn. The sling is used as a hammock, which puts the baby in position that is similar to how you carry her in your arms. Ideally, you want to position her bum right at the main middle seam of the baby sling. This way her back is nicely supported and not too rounded. Be careful not to allow your newborn's chin to rest on his or her chest as it can restrict breathing. Make sure your newborn baby is laying flat in the sling or pouch, or put a small pillow or folded receiving blanket under baby's neck to keep chin off chest. She may curl up in a bit of a banana position, but if she seems comfortable it is fine. Upright positions like the front carry, back carry and hip carry are suitable for older babies who can hold their head up upright on their own.

2. Right from the start.

It is so important to start with babywearing right after birth. Your baby spent all of those months in Mama's womb and is used to the warmth, the rhythms of her body and the sound of her voice. Probably one of the biggest shocks for a new baby is just experiencing this first separation from their mother. You can help him adjust to his new world by keeping him as close as possible in the first weeks. Even if you carry your baby half of all waking hours it will still be only 50% of what he is used to! No matter how beautiful that new crib is, it will never be as comforting for your little one as your own body. And now, Papa finally gets to carry baby too!

3. As much as possible.

Just put your baby in the sling and carry on with your life. Do some light housework, go for a walk, relax in front of the TV or work on your computer. This is the way parents in native cultures all over the world take care of their newborns. Your baby is comfortable and nurtured and you can take the time you need to do things for yourself. Of course, you don't want to do activities that could be dangerous for your baby, like running, biking, cooking on a hot stove etc. Just pop her out when she needs to be changed or wants to nurse, though you may even find that you can comfortably breastfeed her in the sling as well. Pop her back in and let her fall asleep in the sling. It is the best possible place for her to sleep. Just make sure that her face is turned in such a way that she can always breathe properly.

4. Change sides.

Make sure you change the side you carry your baby in each time you put it on to avoid imbalance and tension.

5. Be social.

Take your sling with you wherever you go. It is so small it is easy just to tuck it into your bag for longer trips with the car or the pram. Whether you are visiting friends, hanging out at the mommy cafe, shopping or showing off your sweetie at the office, you will find that wearing you sling in social situations is very practical. Your baby is happy and comforted and you have both hands free.