Getting started

Your Baby Kangaroo ring sling will arrive unthreaded and will need to be threaded before use. It may seem slightly complicated at first but once you get the hang of it you will be able to thread in a matter of seconds.

  1. Hold the rings in one hand and the tail of the sling in the other, with the pocket facing inwards (photo 1).
  2. Pull the tail through both rings (photo 2). Stop when the end of the tail is level with the bottom of the sling. The sling will hang in even thirds, the tail being one third and the two halves of the sling making up the other two thirds. Separate the rings ready for step 3 (photo 3).
  3. Feed the tail over the first ring and under the second (photo 4). Make sure that the fabric is not twisted or bunched up around the rings otherwise adjusting the sling, once on, will be difficult!
  4. Your sling is now threaded and ready for use (photo 5). Enjoy!
   
Video 1. Photo 1. Photo 2. Photo 3.    

   
Photo 4. Photo 5. Video 2.      

Wearing the Sling

The sling can be worn with the rings on either the left or right shoulder, whichever you find most comfortable. Hold the rings in your right hand and put your left arm through the loop of the sling or vice versa (photo 6). You have now created a "pouch" into which you will put your baby or child (photo 7). Don´t worry about the positioning of the rings at this stage. Everyone is different - it is simply a question of preference. Whatever is most comfortable for you, the wearer, is all that matters.

 
Video 3.  

Adjusting

Before putting your baby or child in the sling practise adjusting it. You will notice that if you pull on the outside edge of the tail you will tighten the outside edge of the pouch. Similarly if you pull the inside edge of the tail you will tighten the edge closest to your body i.e. the inside edge of the pouch. To loosen the sling, simply lift the second ring which will release and loosen the fabric.

Important: Never try to adjust the sling by pulling on the whole tail at once. Each side of the sling must be adjusted and tightened separately.

Photo 6. Photo 7. Video 4.

CARRY POSITIONS

CRADLE – 0-3 months, no head control

This will be the first carry position you use. Most babies like to be placed in the foetal position. This, coupled with the natural movement of the sling, creates a sense of comfort and security similar to that of being in the womb.

Once you have put the sling on you will have created a "pouch" (photo 8). This "pouch" needs to be quite big to make it easier to put the baby inside. The inside edge of the pouch should be tight against your body for added security and to ease adjustment. Once your baby is in place you can tighten the material around him/her to make a snug and protective cocoon.

Start by cradling the baby in the same arm as the rings are on (or use your other arm, whichever you find easier). Using your other hand open up the outside edge of the pouch. Place your baby´s bottom and legs in first and then slowly lower the rest of their body in, taking care that their head does not touch the rings (photo 9). Continue to hold your baby whilst you adjust the sling. You can put your baby on its side facing you or facing upward. It depends which they find more comfortable (photo 10). Important: The baby´s airways must always be kept clear.

Photo 8. Photo 9. Photo 10. Video 5.

SLEEPING / BREASTFEEDING IN CRADLE POSITION – newborn to toddler

Many babies simply fall asleep in their sling as soon as they are placed in the cradle position. In order to sleep in the cradle position an older baby or toddler´s head should be placed on the opposite side to the rings (photo 11) with their legs free of the pouch and the inside edge of the fabric should be tightened around their bottoms or the backs of their legs (depending on the size of the child) (photo 12).

To breastfeed in the sling, place the baby in the cradle position with his/her head at the opposite side to the rings. Let the baby latch on, and then gently tighten the fabric around his/her head to give maximum support. Once the baby is comfortably in position there is no need to breastfeed sitting down – you can get on with everything completely hands free.

Photo 11. Photo 12. Video 6.

TUMMY TO TUMMY – newborn to toddler

This position is fantastic for small babies and toddlers and absolutely incredible for soothing babies with colic.

Start with the sling in the pouch position but with the inside edge of the sling loose against your body. Hold your baby as if you were burping them then gently slip their legs in between the inside of the sling and your body (photo 13). Continue to hold your baby carefully while you tighten the inside of the sling snugly around his/her bottom (photo 14) and then pull up and adjust the outer side of the sling so that it is supporting your baby´s back, neck and head. Your baby should now be "sitting" in the pouch of the sling (photo 15). Your baby may very well fall asleep in this position so once you are more confident in using the sling you can loosen the rings (whilst supporting your baby´s head with the other hand) and very gently manoeuvre them back into the cradle position to continue sleeping soundly.

Photo 13. Photo 14. Photo 15. Video 7.

THE KANGAROO POSITION – 3-6 months, good head control

This is a brilliant carry position for very inquisitive babies who have good head control but are not quite yet old enough for the hip carry position.

Start with the sling in the normal "pouch" position with the inside edge fairly tight against your body. Hold your baby looking outwards with his/her back resting against your chest. Open the "pouch", carefully cross their legs (photo 16) and place them into the sling (photo 17). Pull the outer edge of the sling up and tighten across his/her chest so that she/he is held securely in place (photo 18)

Important: In this position always make sure that the sling is tightened securely around your baby so that they cannot push themselves up and out of the sling with their feet (photo 19).

Photo 16. Photo 17. Photo 18. Photo 19 Video 8

HIP CARRY POSITION – 6+ months, sitting up

This position can be used as soon as your baby is sitting up until about three years of age.

Start with the sling in the cradle position and both edges of the fabric loose. Hold your baby as if burping them and with your free hand reach up through the bottom of the sling and guide their legs in between your body and the sling (photo 20). Slide your baby onto your hip with their legs bent like a frog. Tuck the fabric under their bottom, ensuring that he/she is seated comfortably in the pouch. Continue to support them while you tighten the sling under their bottom and then pull the rest of the fabric up your baby´s back and tighten to ensure complete security (photo 21). When in the correct position your child´s bottom will be lower than their knees. If your child has a tendency to throw themselves backwards, tuck their arms into the sling and pull the fabric up and over their shoulders so that there is no possibility of them hurting themselves (photo 22).

 
Photo 20. Photo 21.   Photo 22. Video 9

BACK CARRY POSITION – 15+ months, walking steadily

Start in the hip carry position. Then while supporting your child on the back of your hip carefully slide the sling round until he/she is sitting on your back piggy back style (photo 23). The rings will have now moved from their usual shoulder position to either the middle of your chest or even as low down as your waist. As long as you and your child are comfortable it doesn´t matter where the rings end up.

     
    Photo 23.   Video 10

Tips for beginners

  • Watch the videos, they will really help you.
  • Practice in front of a mirror before putting your baby in the sling.
  • If the fabric is twisted or bunched in the rings it will be very difficult to adjust. Make sure the fabric is spread evenly around the rings.
  • Make sure the sling is spread wide across your back to ensure maximum comfort for you and no backache! (photo 24). Similarly, the sling should cup your shoulder comfortably and not restrict your movements.
  • If you do not "get it" straight away don´t worry. Try later or try a different position.
  • This is an age old way of carrying your baby. Like millions of parents throughout history you can do this. It just takes practice. Or email us for advice.
  • Fussy baby? Put the sling on and get walking. If the movement does not soothe your baby try a different position. An inquisitive baby (with good head control) may prefer the Kangaroo hold (crossed legs) rather than staring at your chest. Move around until you are both comfortable!
  • Your sling is fully machine washable and should be washed with like colours.
       
    Photo 24.    

How can I ensure my baby´s safety in the sling?

  • Baby Kangaroo slings are made to last, however before use always check your sling for signs of wear and tear or damage to the fabric or rings.
  • Never use them in a moving vehicle as they are not approved safety seats and caution should be taken around mechanical equipment as the tail could get caught.
  • The fabric is not flame resistant so care should be taken around fires, stoves etc.
  • Never drink hot drinks or cook when using the sling.
  • Never leave your baby unattended with the sling wrapped around them.
  • Always use common sense (and a protective arm!) when wearing your sling and never bend over while "wearing your baby" – they may fall out – instead squat. Much more importantly this can lead to positional asphyxiation. This can happen when a baby´s chin is pressed firmly against its chest, restricting airflow, and as with all forms of young baby transportation, care should be taken to ensure that your baby´s airway is always unobstructed and that he/she is breathing regularly at all times, especially when asleep.
  • Baby Kangaroo takes no responsibility for accidents or injuries caused through use of our products.