Baby slings are extremely popular, regardless of a new mother or a mother of five, baby slings are the best invention for all. It’s the easiest and safest way of carrying your baby, and once you get the hang of it, there will be no going back or turning around from that point onwards.
However, if you aren’t willing to buy a ready-made sling, you can always make one from old sheets lying around the house. Here’s a foolproof guide of DIY baby slings from old sheets at home. Apart from that, we will also discuss different positions according to your baby’s age and even some tips while putting the baby in the sling and at what age a baby carrier can be used. So, let’s start our detailed guide about making a baby sling at home.
How to Make a Baby Sling – Complete Guide
Slings are most useful when you have your hands full in an emergency, especially if you have two or more kids. Since you will need your hands free, a sling will keep your baby close and secure. Suppose there is an emergency situation at the mall or someplace you are visiting with your baby. Knowing how to make a baby sling out of a scarf can be a lifesaver in such emergencies.
You may think making a baby sling is hard, but all it needs is some creativity and a long fabric. However, you will need to make sure that the fabric is breathable, so the baby doesn’t suffocate or feel extra hot. Ideally, a bed sheet works wonders when you are looking up how to make a baby sling out of a sheet, but in a state panic or emergency, you can also make your sling out of table cloth or even a large size towel.
How to Make a Baby Sling Sep by Step
- The first thing that you need to do is to make your sheet narrow and long. For this, the simplest way is to hold the sheet vertical and fold it in half.
- Now, the next step is to drape the sheet on the shoulder of your dominant arm. Keep the fold to the outside of the shoulder.
- The front length of the sheet should be at your waist; the rest should be draped across your back.
Tying the Slip Knot
- Take the backend and bring it across from the back to the front. Now take it towards the opposite arm. So far, one end is over your shoulder, and the other is coming from the back, covering your front and going towards the arm that has the first end draped over it.
- Once you have both ends in front of you, you now need to tie a slip knot. Do that by placing the long end of your sheet on top of the shorter end of your sheet. Now tog at the long end and pull it under the short end. When you pull this through, your knot will tighten. Now adjust the tightness of the knot to your comfort.
- The excess fabric or sheet on your chest will not act as a pouch to carry your baby. You can adjust this way you like it or the way your baby prefers it. Ask a partner or friend to help you with this sling till you get the hang of it.
If you are worried about getting this right, check out “DIY baby slings” videos on the internet.
Carrying Positions
Now, as the baby develops and ages, you will need to change his position. Here are some positions according to the age of the baby.
The Cradle Hold: Now this hold is perfect for a newborn who is still getting the knack of holding the neck firmly. You can change the position once they gain ample neck control.
The Buddha Carry: In this position, you little explorer can see the world and have to face everyone. This position is perfect for kids that are 3 to 6 months old.
The Hip Carry: As the baby starts to gain weight, you will again need to reposition him or her. The hip carry is ideal for kids from 5 months to 2 years.
The Back Carry: If the Hip-Carry position doesn’t work for you, switch to back carry Back-Carry for six months to 2 years old.
The best thing about baby wearing is that it keeps them comforted while you are working or while your hands are busy with something else. Baby slings are the best thing in an emergency situation as they keep your baby close at hand and secure at your chest. For a new mother, how to make your own baby carrier is the best thing to learn.
However, to make sure you are doing the right thing, here are some tips to keep your baby extra safe and secure. These tips are as important as the learning making of a baby wrap carrier.
Make Sure Your Baby Can Take It
Slings aren’t suggested for kids who are either under-weight or were born prematurely. Moreover, if your kid is allergic or has any kind of respiratory issues, a sling is probably not a good idea, as it might suffocate your baby. It’s a good measure to ask your pediatrician about a sling before you introduce it to your baby or you can choose the best baby carrier for a toddler or best baby carrier for plus size as per your requirement.
1. It’s Better To Test Drive What You Are Buying
If you are thinking about buying a sling, you should most definitely try a couple before opting for one. This will give you an idea about which one will suit you the most. There are many models in the market that may look the same, but feel completely different. Even if you are thinking of making one at home, try out different material before settling with one.
2. Ample Practice
Reading about how to make a baby carrier sling and actually making one and trying it out are two different things. Get ample practice of tying a sling before experimenting with your baby. Tying the slip knot and getting the sling in perfect position can be a tedious task if you are doing it for the first time, so make sure you are in a comfortable position while attempting it. Once you have successfully wrapped the sling around your body, use a flour bag or a heavy toy to test it out.
According to the experts, you should get someone to help you the first time, so that you can learn the ropes of wrapping the sling quickly and efficiently. Once you get the hang of it, practice on your own and become a pro at putting and taking out your baby in a sling.
3. Positions
As mentioned earlier, positions matter a lot. So make sure you have your baby in a proper position while you are baby wearing. Learn all different position according to their age, weight and size; this information is crucial for baby’s safety. You should know the ABCs of baby wearing.
- A is for Air: Make sure your baby isn’t tight against your chest, and he is getting proper air.
- B is for Body Positioning: This means that your baby’s position should be according to his or her age.
- C is for Comfort: The whole point of a sling is to give your baby the most comfortable position to relax in, if that isn’t how it is, the entire point of the sling is lost. So, make sure the baby doesn’t get cramped or uncomfortable in the sling.
4. Sling and Feeding
Mothers love feeding their kids while they are in the sling, and this is an extremely efficient way of feeding as well. However, make sure that after you are done with feeding, take your baby out of the sling and position him for a burp.
5. The Weather
Slings are great, and they are termed as lifesavers for new mothers. They also help the baby bond with his or her mother better. However, be mindful of the weather when you are opting to put your baby in a sling. The sling can’t replace jackets and coats, so in winters give the sling extra covering to keep your baby extra warm. Similarly, choose a breathable sling wrap for summertime, so the baby doesn’t get extra hot and cranky.
6. Emergency Evacuation and Sling Wrap
So there you have it, these tips will keep your baby safe and secure even in the worst of emergencies. Always remember that emergencies can occur within minutes, so you need to keep your nerves calm and collected in the face of any crisis. If you have an infant, learning how to make your own homemade baby sling isn’t enough, get ample practice and keep a sheet handy and close by all the time.
