Babywearing: the practice of wearing or carrying a baby or child in a sling or other form of carrier.
Babywearing is a traditional custom that has its roots in almost every culture. From the Ancient Eastern to the Modern Western, wearing babies has been an intricate part of the motherhood journey in women both young and old.
Starting in Egypt and dating back to the time of the Pharoahs, images of children being carried in slings can be found on the walls and pyramids. From Africa to America, reflections of this art form are still seen and practiced around the world.
In Mexico, traditional baby slings were constructed by colorful scarves called rebozos. Here, they are not only an expression of Mexican art, history, and culture, but they are used for carrying their babies as well.
In Peru, the traditional name for their baby slings is mantas. In Africa, it is called khangas, and in Indonesia, it is called a selendangs. All of these slings are constructed with rectangular pieces of cloth that are tied or wrapped in many different ways.
The Chinese mei tai is a square piece of cloth with parallel unpadded straps emerging from the sides of each corner. It is secured by bringing all the straps together in a twist with the ends tucked. This ancient technique for baby wearing has been incorporated by many Western cultures and is one of the most widely used forms of wrapping today.
The podaegi is a Korean carrier with a medium to large rectangle of fabric hanging from a very long strap. Traditionally the rectangle is quilted for warmth and wraps around the mother’s torso, while the straps are wrapped snug under the baby’s bottom and tied around to the front to support and secure the baby on the mother’s back.
Traditional babywearing in Japan was done with a wrap carry, using an obi(sash). Similar to the hmong and mei tai carriers, the onbuhimo has long top straps and a rectangular body; but at the bottom of the rectangle, loops or rings allow the top straps to be threaded through and tightened, while the straps are tied at the waist. The body is much smaller than the bodies of most mei tais and other Asian-style carriers, and the onbuhimo is traditionally used on the back.
No matter which style you choose to use, certain fabric selections will yield certain characteristics for your baby sling. Stretchy wraps are generally made of knits such as jersey or interlock. These offer some give, making it easier to transfer your infant in and out, but can feel a little less secure than a fabric without give.
Polyseter fleece and wool jersey are sometimes used for carrying babies in cool weather. They provide wonderful warmth in a lightweight and quick drying fabric, and can be found in a vaiety of colors and prints.
Woven wraps can be made from a wide choice of colors, patterns and materials. Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, linen, silk and wool can also be used. Carriers which are 100% cotton or other natural fibers will tend to have less stretch.
The most common baby slings are made with homespun or hand-woven fabrics that contain simple over-under weaves like twills and jacquards. These weaves provide some stretch diagonally to allow for give as well.
Baby slings are great for when you need to ‘free up’ your hands for other things aside from hugging your little one. Not only do slings and wraps allow for more freedom of movement, but they also help create and instill a level of security for your very dependent child. Your child can comfortably learn the world, while at the same time bonding with you.
Not only are baby slings practical and functional, but for some, they are a fashion statement as well. From silky satins to eco-friendly organics, selecting a fabric and print that expresses your energy, personal style or coordinating savvy can be a reflective and creative process.
Create Your Own Baby Sling Wrap
To get started on creating your own baby sling, the first step is to search our sight for just the right material. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to buy a minimum of 2-5 yards. Select from our section of novelty prints, dress prints, fleece or African fabrics. Then choose from the listed techniques below. Try them all to see which one is the right one for you and your baby. With your own creative imagination and a little help from J&O, you can make your own statement and share in the joy of babywearing with your little one today!
Fig. 1
(The following wrap sling requires a sling ring to secure your little one once inside the wrap.)
Thread your sling as shown. Tip: If you unfold your sling before threading it, it will be easier to adjust.
Fig. 2
Hold the rings of your sling with your right hand. Be sure the tail is in front of the loop.
Fig. 3
Put your left arm through the loop and bring your sling over your head.
Fig. 3Put your left arm through the loop and bring your sling over your head.
Fig. 4
Rest the rings in front of your right shoulder. If you put the rings of your sling along on your shoulder or if you put your sling around your neck you will not be as comfortable as with the rings in front of your shoulder.
Fig. 5
Open the pouch of your sling and carefully set your baby inside. While you support your baby’s weight and head, pull on the tail to tighten your sling. You can customize the fit of your sling by pulling on one side of the tail to tighten one side of the pouch and pulling on the other side of the tail to tighten the other side of the pouch. 
Fig. 6
As your baby gains weight you can minimize the strain on your back by wearing the rings lower and spreading the fabric across your shoulder.
If you have a newborn it is important to always support your baby’s head until the sling has been tightened enough to provide support. Newborns usually should lie down in the sling until they have head control. You may place your baby in the sling with the head on either side. This position is also excellent for nursing. As you nurse you can completely cover yourself by placing the tail of your sling over your shoulder. Some newborns are happier in a vertical position (see Fig. 8). Your baby can be carried this way if you tighten the sling enough to support your baby’s head.
Fig. 7
Newborn, Reclinging, Nursing Positions
Pull one side of your sling up against your chest to create a deep, secure pouch. Open the pouch with one hand and, while supporting your baby’s head and weight, set your baby in with the head on either side. Continue to support your baby as you pull on one side of the tail to tighten the outer part of the pouch and the other to tighten the inner part. Please be sure to tighten the sling sufficiently so that your baby is secure. Very young babies may seem all bunched up inside the sling. Most babies are comfortable this way. If not, they will let you know. If you think your baby is lost down inside the sling you can put a receiving blanket or small pillow in the sling before setting your baby inside.
Fig. 8
Newborn Vertical Position
Carefully place your baby in your sling. The bottom of the fabric should cover your baby’s bottom and the top of the fabric should cover your baby’s head. Tighten the top of the fabric enough to support your baby’s head. Tighten the bottom of the fabric to securely hold your baby in place.
Once your baby has head control she will probably want to sit in your sling so she can see her world. Your baby can sit in your sling in several positions.
Fig. 9
Kangaroo Carry
This position works best with younger babies who have head control. Put on your sling and open the pouch as if you were planning to put your baby in lying down. Cross your baby’s legs and place your baby in sitting up. While supporting your baby’s weight, pull on the tail to tighten the sling.
Fig. 10
Front Carry
As your baby grows, the Kangaroo Carry position may no longer be comfortable, but the front carry position will work well. Place your baby in the sling facing sideways. Be sure the bottom fabric comes out to your child’s knees. For a restless child, the top fabric should also cover your child’s shoulders. Tighten your sling until your child is secure.
Fig. 11
Hip Carry
This is an excellent position for heavy toddlers because your hip is used to support your child’s weight. Put your child in your sling and rest your child on your hip with your child’s legs straddling you. The bottom of the sling should extend out to your child’s knees. The top of the sling should come up to your child’s arms. If your child is restless, pull the top of the sling over your child’s arms. Tighten the sling until your child is secure.
Fig. 12
Back Carry
The Back Carry position is recommended for children who are at least one year old. Put your sling on with the rings too high on your shoulder. You may want to start with them on or slightly behind your shoulder. Place your child in the sling in the hip carry position with your child’s arms covered. Carefully slide your baby around to your back. It is recommended that until you are used to this position you have a friend check your child’s security. The back carry position should only be used with a cooperative child.
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My ring sling was so handy. They are one of the easiest slings to use. I was able to easily tend to my oldest and have the baby right there with us. It was wonderful. 🙂
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