Newborn Ring Sling Tips and Tricks!
There is something magical about wearing your newborn in a ring sling for the first time....
But when using a ring sling with a newborn, we can sometimes encounter challenges and frustrations. Am I using the baby carrier correctly? Is my baby comfortable? We can feel unsure with such a tiny babe, but don't worry. We're here to help!
This article walks you through our best tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions to help you feel confident when using a sling with your newborn.
Our Top Tips On Using A Ring Sling With A Newborn
Place your baby in the carrier when they are happy and content.
Start with a smaller pouch when prepping the ring sling for your baby. Less adjusting = a happier baby!
Once in the ring sling, ensure you can always see the baby's airway, that they are close enough for you to kiss their head, and that their spine and neck are well supported.
For more tips, check out our baby carrier tutorials here!
Frequently asked questions about ring slings and newborns:
1. What is the weight requirement for a newborn ring sling?
All our ring slings are safety tested for infants and toddlers weighing 7 to 35 pounds. If you want to use your ring sling before your baby is 7 pounds, seek advice from your healthcare provider!
2. How do you position your newborn?
When using a ring sling with a newborn, you can use two carries: tummy to tummy with legs in (commonly known as a "newborn carry") and tummy to tummy with legs out (known as a "front carry" and is suitable for newborns as well). There isn’t a "best carry" with a newborn in a ring sling, as it’s dependent on you and your babe!
Some babies love to be carried in the ring sling with their legs in, and some prefer their legs out immediately. Try both options and see which feels better for both of you!
BONUS BABYWEARING TIP: If your newborn is in the ring sling with their legs in and you find they are trying to straighten their legs -or “stand up”- while in the fabric pocket of the ring sling, they likely will be more comfortable with the legs out carry. (Learn how to use your ring sling with a "legs out" carry with our tutorial here!)
3. Which fabric is best for a newborn?
The best ring sling will be the one you're most comfortable using! All of our fabrics are pre-washed and soft enough for your newborn. If you’re new to using a ring sling, you may prefer to use a ring sling made with a single layer of fabric like our linen/cotton blend, as it will be easier to learn with.
"hope&plum has the easiest sling to use for newborn! Lightweight and beautiful color! Using it for our rainbow baby"
4. Is there a time limit for using a ring sling with a newborn?
There’s no time limit! You can wear your newborn in a ring sling as long as you and your baby are comfortable and happy.
In fact, babywearing for three hours a day significantly reduces newborn crying — 43 percent overall and 51 percent at night. So hold that baby!
5. Can plus-size parents wear their newborn in a ring sling?
Absolutely! We've heard from some plus-size parents that they are concerned about using a ring sling with a newborn, but we promise you won’t hurt your baby! Your little one will let you know if they feel uncomfortable. If you are concerned that their legs are too stretched, you can center them over the breast farthest from the rings rather than centered on your chest.
6. How do you keep your baby's feet from turning in?
It’s OK if their feet turn! Look at your baby’s natural positioning when you hold them on your chest: this is the position you want them to assume when they are in the ring sling, with their legs in. If you’re doing the legs out carry, it’s absolutely fine for their legs to turn in a bit, instead of out, like you see with older babies.
7. How do you keep the rings in the proper position?
We have two recommendations for keeping your rings in the proper position when adjusting your ring sling:
- Start with a smaller pouch for your baby so that you don’t have as much adjusting to do once your baby is in the sling.
- Place the rings higher up on your shoulder before getting your baby into the ring sling. If you are still struggling with getting a good fit with your ring sling, you can always email us, and we are happy to provide personalized help!
8. How tight should the ring sling be?
Your sling should be snug over both you and your baby. You should be able to easily run a finger across both the top and bottom (if legs are out) seams. You’ll also want the fabric to be as smooth as possible over the baby’s back, as that will offer you the most support.
9. How do you maintain an ergonomic position in the ring sling?
Some newborns prefer to tuck their feet under their hips, while others may choose the “froggy position,” where their legs fall to either side of their body. Both of these positions are suitable and safe.
The main thing to look for when using a newborn carry is to ensure your baby is not sitting on their feet while keeping them close enough to kiss with their airway clear and ensuring their back is well supported (this prevents your newborn from slouching to one side).
Benefits of Babywearing Newborns
Research shows babywearing can decrease the risk of postpartum depression. A recent Canadian study found that mothers providing daily skin-to-skin contact to their newborns had significantly lower scores on the depression scales when their infants were one week old. Babywearing your newborn in a ring sling keeps them close to your body and allows for extended skin-to-skin contact—with the added benefit of holding your baby hands-free.
Limits people from touching your baby. While using a ring sling, your babe is kept close to you, which can help prevent unwanted touching!
Great for traveling. Our love of being close to our babes, combined with the desire (and quite frankly, the need!) to be free to move easily, makes ring slings so essential to our everyday lives as mothers. Ring slings are quick and straightforward to use and easy to clean. (Both of which are invaluable when dealing with babies and toddlers!)
Benefits cognitive and social development. Babies who are worn can see what their parents see, hear what their parents hear or say, and are overall more involved in their parents' everyday lives. Also, when babies spend less time crying, they then spend more time learning and interacting with their environment. Having your baby close to you allows you to respond to their cues and touch them more. These can contribute to enhanced learning and cognitive development and well-being.
Using a ring sling with a newborn can be intimidating, but the most important thing to remember is to keep your baby safe and happy. It might take some time to get it right or feel comfortable quickly putting on the ring sling during the daily chaos, but we hope these tips help.
