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Over the years, we’ve made many mistakes when it comes to baby wearing. Learning baby wearing the hard way has been a blessing, because we are now able to pass on the tips we’ve learned.
Parts of the SlingEZee
To be successful using your SlingEZee, it helps to know the parts of the sling as they are referenced below. The stitched strap with the SlingEZee label on it is referred to as the tail. The portion of the SlingEZee that cradles your baby is the hammock. The rails are the top and bottom padded portions that line the hammock and continue on to provide comfort across your back and shoulder. The stitched pillow above the rings is the shoulder pad, designed for long-term comfort of wearing, especially as your baby grows into a toddler. The shoulder pad is not a pillow for your baby’s head. Lastly, the rings are called just that – the rings.
Buckling the SlingEZee
To put your SlingEZee together if it is apart, pass the tail through the two rings, and then back over the first one and under the second. Tighten it so the SlingEZee label is immediately below the rings.
Key Tips for Comfort
Rest assured that, with practice, wearing your baby will become second nature to you. Most things that are truly worth it take a bit of work, so hang in there until the art of baby wearing comes naturally!
If you are right handed, you may find that the position that feels best to you is to wear your SlingEZee with the shoulder pad on your right shoulder. To do so, start with your hands out in front of you, with the SlingEZee draped on your left hand. The shoulder pad should rest on your left hand, with the tail hanging between your two hands. Next, slide the SlingEZee up your left arm and over your head, and then rest the shoulder pad on your right shoulder. If you’re left handed, you will probably feel more comfortable with the shoulder pad on your left shoulder, so follow the above directions using the opposite sides. The hammock where your baby will be cradled goes across your chest like a banner. The rings should come just between your breast and shoulder. This is called the neutral position.
One of the three keys for comfort when wearing a sling is to make sure the rings always end up between your breast and shoulder, no matter which position you wear your baby in. The second key tip for comfort is the position of the shoulder pad. Make sure the shoulder pad is on your shoulder cap (so that it looks to be diagonal), rather than sitting on top of your shoulder or between your shoulder and neck. This is important, allowing the fabric of the SlingEZee to drape properly across your back (which is actually the third key for comfort). When wearing an infant, you may find that you’re comfortable even with the shoulder pad on top, but as your baby grows, it will certainly make a difference to slide the shoulder pad to the cap of your shoulder. Draped properly, your baby’s weight will be distributed across your body for long-term comfort of wearing.
If your rails are criss-crossed anywhere, then the fabric cannot be spread out properly for weight distribution. The best position for your rails to be in on your back is parallel to each other, and as far away from each other as possible.
If you find yourself experiencing some discomfort, try this. Reach behind your back, below the shoulder pad area, and pull the SlingEZee fabric down some. Of course, this can’t be done if your shoulder pad is on top of your shoulder, rather than on your shoulder cap. I find that when I tug down on the fabric to make sure my baby’s weight is distributed properly - the discomfort goes away!
In review, the three keys for comfort are:
| 1. |
The rings should be between your shoulder and breast. |
| 2. |
The shoulder pad should be on your shoulder cap, rather than on top of your shoulder. |
| 3. |
The fabric of your SlingEZee should be spread out across your back as much as possible. |
Bubbling
The bubbling technique is key to getting your baby snug against you so that you can be hands-free. “Bubbling” is what you do to take up excess material in just one rail. When you pull on the tail, it makes your SlingEZee snugger, as it pulls your baby higher up; but sometimes you may just want to tighten the top rail alone. To do so, reach just below the rings – between the rings and the SlingEZee label – and find the piece of material that relates only to the top rail. The material splits just above the SlingEZee label, with one split corresponding to each rail. Pull on the fabric split that matches the loose rail, and pull that piece of fabric just below the rings until you have made it look like a bubble. This tightens the top rail, pulling your baby closer to you – which will make a huge difference in comfort for you. Many find that they use the bubbling technique more as their infant is worn in an upright carry position.
Also, as your toddler is worn in a hip straddle, you may find that they will recline away from you if there is any slack. You don’t want your baby hanging low or away from your body. The closer your baby is to your body, the more comfortable you will be.
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