Step 1 (Figure 1):  Put the tail of the sling through both rings.  Put the fabric over the top ring and under the bottom ring.  Make sure all fabric is flat and not bunched up - this will just make things a lot more comfortable on your shoulder.


Step 2 (Figure 2): 

Hold the rings with your right hand, making sure the tail is in front of the loop of fabric. 

Step 3 (Figure 3 and Figure 4):  Put your left arm through the loop and bring the nursing sling over your head. Put the rings in front of your right shoulder - in the area where a corsage would go.

     

Step 4 (Figure 5): Open the Sling and carefully set your baby inside. Support your baby's body and head. Pull on the tail to tighten the nursing sling.  Tighten a little tighter than you would like - it will settle and become a little looser as you relax and move around.  You want your baby to be snug - remember how they felt inside your belly.  What looks uncomfortable to you is likely very cozy to your little one.

Figure 6: As your baby gets bigger, wear the rings lower down on your chest and spread the fabric across your shoulder. This will keep your back from hurting. 

To take your baby out of the nursing sling, simply pull the top ring away from your body - this will become easier as your fabric ages and is washed & dryed. Loosen the nursing sling just enough to make it easy to take your baby out.

Tips!  Remember, slings take practice.  Give your nursing sling AT LEAST ten tries before you decide how you feel about it.  It is completely natural for the nursing sling to feel un-natural at first and for you to feel anxious about whether the sling will "work" and actually hold your baby safely.  A lot of this is cultural.  Americans are less accustomed to carrying their babies in baby slings and take more time to get used to the feel of a sling.  After a few tries, however, there is just nothing more comfortable and natural than carrying your baby in a baby sling.  Good luck and have patience!

Newborn Nursing Position  (Figure 7):  Pull one side of the nursing sling up against your chest to create a deep pocket. Hold your baby's head and body and set your baby in. Pull on the tail to tighten the nursing sling to fit snugly. If you feel your baby is "lost" down inside the sling, you can put a little blanket in first for the baby to lay on and for extra support.  

If you wear a nursing shirt, this is a super-easy position for breastfeeding.  The "tail" of the nursing sling can be used to cover your breast and the baby's face for extra discretion and to shield your baby's face from the sun, wind, etc.   However, make sure your latch is solid before attempting to nurse with a sling - if you still have a problem with latch-on, nursing and walking may cause nipple soreness.

POSITIONS FOR OLDER BABIES

The Kangaroo Carry (Figure 9): This position is best when your baby can hold his head up.   Cross your baby's legs and put your baby in the nursing sling,  sitting up (forward) and looking out. Pull the tail to tighten the nursing sling.  (Obviously not a position to nurse in, but a fun position for baby when you are out and about.)

Front Carry (Figure 10): This position is for older babies.  Put your baby in the nursing sling facing to the side. Tighten the nursing sling until your child is snug.

Hip Carry (Figure 11) : For heavy toddlers and bigger infants.  This is a great shopping position!!  Put your child in your nursing sling and sit your child on your hip. Tighten the nursing sling until your child is snug.  Use the tail to cover your breast for easy nursing in this position.