Cradle Hold
Newborn to 9 months
(There are a couple of variations - it is the best position for breastfeeding)
Whenever you place your newborn in the Rockin' Baby Sling support baby's head until the sling has been tightened enough to provide support. It is best for newborns to lie down in the sling until they are able to hold up their head, as it is unsafe for a newborn's chin to rest on her chest and restrict breathing. If needed place a small, folded receiving blanket under baby's neck.
You can place baby's head in either side of the sling. The cradle hold is an excellent position for nursing baby. When baby is in the sling, simply pull down the fabric that is against your chest, for nursing access. Also, when you nurse you can completely cover yourself with the tail of the sling by pulling it up and draping it over your shoulder.
For the cradle hold pull one side of the sling up against your chest to create a deep, secure pouch. With the arm the rings are on, hold baby's bottom in your hand with baby's head resting at the bend in your elbow. Open the pouch with the other hand and ease baby in bottom first, while supporting baby's head and weight. While still supporting baby, tighten the sling by pulling the tail up and out. Pull the outside of the tail, just below the rings to tighten the inner rail of the pouch, and the inside of the tail for the outer rail of the pouch. Make sure the sling has been tightened enough to support baby sufficiently and keep baby secure. Then spread the fabric above the rings over your shoulder, forming a cap, so that the sling is more comfortable, with the weight evenly distributed across your back.
Newborns may seem as though they are squished in the sling - most of them love it and are perfectly comfortable - they'll tell you if they are not.
If you feel like baby is too deep in the sling you can make the pouch shallower by pulling more of the fabric up against your chest, or by putting a small blanket or pillow in before setting baby in. You can also angle baby's body so that baby's head is higher and can see out a bit. If baby can hold up his head, he can be placed in the sling in more of a seated position for a modified "Seated Cradle Hold".