How to wear a ring sling help!?

**squiglet** · 08-04-2009 11:44

I have a ring sling (Ellaroo) and I can not make it work for me.
I just can't make baby or myself comfortable. If I do manage to get bub in the right position, it all just seems to tight and I can't breath.
Also even after this bub keeps slipping down and the whole contraption is just not working for us.
Argh!!

Any helpfull tips?
I've got the user instructions, Ellaroo internet help and I've been watching how too's on U tube.

**KatiesMum** · 08-04-2009 12:05

the Kellymom.com web site has some good tips here on slings of all kinds.

Other than that - google ring sling instructions and check them out.

mostly the thing to do is put a doll in the sling, and adjust the sling so that it is comfortable and the right position. Adjusting it can be difficult at times, so that is why a doll is better than a wriggling moving baby

**DoulaRobyn** · 08-04-2009 12:15

good idea about using the doll as a practice!

with a ringsling you have to make sure that the inner rim is nice and tight around the body. I found that I liked having the baby lying on my side rather than up on my chest. I am off to google the type of ring sling that you own before I give further instructions...

**DoulaRobyn** · 08-04-2009 12:33

Ok, so it is the same as my Maya Wrap.... I am guessing you have got it to the point where you have the sling on and it is going flat across your back and you have the rings to the front of your shoulder?

Concetina fold the end of the wrap back and forth until you have it in a nice flat fan looking thing (make sense!!?!) and feed it through both rings and then back through one. Slip it over your head and shoulder and have it so that the rings are at the front of your shoulder....

This is how I do it when using it with a newborn:

1. (before you put baby in) Then you need to adjust the inner rim of the sling using the tail and pulling on the appropriate side of the 'tail' - check by pulling on one side and then the other and see which side tightens up that inner rim. Make it firm but not constricting.

2a. (for lying down) Slide baby (or doll!) in, on the side opposite the rings, nice and deep, feet first and keep holding and supporting the baby while you pull on the outer rim so that it is moderately firm (you want to be able to open it to peek in at bub from time to time. Then pull on the middle of the tail to adjust the height of the baby. I actually prefer the baby sitting at my waist height when they are newborn but it is personal preference. Then do a quick check that the rings are still in a comfortable place at the front of your shoulders, that the wrap is sitting nice and flat accross your back and that everything feels 'right'.

OR

2b. (reclining but still sitting up - good for refluxy babies) slide baby in on the opposite side to the rings, head first then bottom - legs should be going across your body. Tighten up that outer rim while still supporting baby and then tighten the middle of the tail to adjust the height of where you want the bottom to sit.

Hrmm not sure that I have been able to make it clear enough - do you sort of understand what I mean? When you fold the tail end of the wrap like a fan it gives you the ability to tighten it three ways, the inner rim, the outer rim and then the middle=height of baby. It takes practice and I still found myself saying 'inner' 'outer' 'middle' to remind myself what to do! As the kids got bigger they would all say to me 'inner outer middle, lets go!' hehe

Don't loose hope, wraps really rock and let you get lots done while you are being close to bubba too - you will get there

practice makes perfect.

**JabberJaw** · 08-04-2009 12:39

I had trouble to start with too, i practised in front of the mirror...also with a doll and with bub when she was happy!
Dont give up yet, soon you will be a champion at putting it on and putting bub in.