Click on an image to see the steps
Step 1
Start with either end of the sling in each hand. You want the pocket to face the labels. If it is a reversible sling, you want the pocket of the contrast side of the sling facing the labels.
Step 1
Start with either end of the sling in each hand. You want the pocket to face the labels. If it is a reversible sling, you want the pocket of the contrast side of the sling facing the labels.
Step 2
Fold the fabric end in small pleats along the bottom of the pocket, so it looks like an accordion. This will help later when you adjust the sling.
Step 3
Once the end is folded in pleats, face the pocket in towards the labels and carefully thread it through both rings.
Step 4
Then, still carefully holding the pleats together, pull it back through the bottom ring (like a belt,) creating the tail of the sling. Now the sling won’t move without you purposefully adjusting it.
Step 5
Decide which shoulder you want the sling to rest on, then place the sling over your head resting the rings just below the shoulder (with the seam on the inside,) the tail hanging down and the pocket facing out. Adjust the sling by pulling the tail. This makes the pouch smaller. You want to create a pouch that baby will fit in comfortably. You will perfect the fit once baby is in the sling.
Step 6
Reach inside of the pouch to find the back of it, pulling it up against your chest. You want to make sure the inside back of the pouch is pulled up so that baby will be safely placed inside - this is of the utmost importance!
Step 7
Ease baby into the sling by holding the pouch open with one arm and baby in the other arm. Hold baby in the same arm that the rings are also on, with her or his head in the crook of your elbow and bottom in your hand.
Step 9
First make the sling more comfortable by spreading the fabric across your shoulder, creating a cap. This will help distribute the weight of baby more evenly.
Step 10
Adjust the front and back rails of the pouch independently to customize and perfect baby’s fit in the sling. Pull the inside of the tail, just below the rings, to tighten the outside edge of the pouch. Pull the outside side edge of the tail to tighten the inside rail (against your body) of the pouch. Support baby’s weight in one hand or in your lap as you adjust the sling, it will make it easier to do. It is best to wear the sling so it fits snugly. The higher and tighter the sling is, the more comfortable it will be, with the weight of baby more evenly distributed across shoulder, back and hip.
Step 12
To take baby out of the sling, simply pull the top ring away from your body, loosening it just enough to make it easy to lift baby out. This will preserve your customized fit, so that you can leave the sling strung through the rings, and will only have to adjust it slightly when you put baby back in. Using a Rockin’ Baby Sling is very easy, but does take a little time and practice to learn. Once you’ve become proficient in using it you will be able to put your child in the sling easily, securely, quickly and comfortably. It will swiftly become a simple and natural process. You will have more success using the sling if you start out with a fed and rested baby.
Step 13
If you do not want the tail to hang down you can knot it below the rings after you’ve perfected the fit of the sling.
Step 14
Tying the tail makes it much shorter, so that someone who is petite can comfortably share the sling with larger wearers.
Step 15
You can also tuck the tail of the sling behind and/or inside the pouch of the sling.