Tie sling carrying techniques
Wrap or tie slings are the most versatile of baby carriers, allowing you to carry your child in many different positions. A tie sling is simply a length of soft fabric specially woven in such a way that it wraps and molds around you and your baby creating a comfortable and secure carrier. It does take a bit more practice to use this kind of sling but you may soon find that the tie sling has become your favorite!
General techniques
Basically, you take the length of fabric, wrap it around yourself and your child and end by tying a square knot. With some methods you arrange the sling fabric on yourself and then insert the baby; with other methods your position the baby and then wrap and tie the fabric around both of you. The wrap will be more secure and comfortable for both you and your child if it is tied snugly. Here we share a few of our favorite carrying techniques. With a little practice, you and your little one will find your own personalized variations that suit you best.
Wrap Cross Carry
instructions [slideshow, requires Quicktime]
Toddler Hip Cross Carry
instructions [slideshow, requires Quicktime]
Wrap Cross Carry
[slideshow, requires Quicktime]
The wrap cross carry is a secure and easy to learn technique that can be used to carry your baby on your back or front. Here we give instructions for using it as a front carry.
Begin by taking the center of the length of fabric and wrapping it around your torso. Tentoes.com tie slings have a tag sewn at the midpoint to make it easy for you to find the center. Bring one end loosely around your waist, up and over your opposite shoulder. Do the same with the other end. Now you will have both ends hanging straight down the front of your body.
Put your baby feet first into the horizontal band across your torso taking care that the material spreads from their armpits to their knees for toddlers. Younger babies will be more comfortable and better supported with their legs and arms gently folded inside the fabric.
Now take one end and wrap it across your child's back and under the opposite leg, tucking the fabric under the leg for now. Do the same with the other end. Now both ends will be tucked under your child's legs and around your waist. For younger babies, simply cross the fabric firmly over their bodies and around your waist.
Reaching behind you, take both ends of fabric and tug firmly, bringing to one side or to the back. Tie the ends in a square knot.
Check that the fabric is well spread from armpits to knees on a toddler for a secure and long-wearing tie. The fabric can be worn spread over your shoulder or gathered on top of your shoulder, however you find it to be most comfortable.
This tie method can be used with young babies through toddlers in the front. Tentoes.com recommends it be used on the back only for children with good head and body control, 6 months or older.
Toddler Hip Cross Carry
[slideshow, requires Quicktime]
The hip cross carry is a simple and secure way to carry your toddler on your hip supported by a tie sling.
Begin by taking the center of the length of fabric and folding it in half lengthwise. Tentoes.com tie slings have a tag sewn at the midpoint to make it easy for you to find the center. Take the center and cap it on the shoulder opposite from the hip you want your child to sit on.
Take both ends of the fabric around your body to the opposite hip and cross the back over the front. Your child will sit inside this cross.
Now take the fabric around your waist. You may tie the sling here or wrap once more around your waist and tie on the carrying hip depending on the length of your sling. It's best to start with a fairly snug wrap. With practice you will find how tightly to tie your sling for your child's size and comfort.
Hold your child on the carrying hip with a leg on either side. Place each leg through the original criss cross of fabric, spreading the fabric up around your child's back. If the knot is on this hip then you can place the knot under your child's bum or wrap it around your child and tie behind their back.
The fabric should be worn spread over your shoulder to be most comfortable.
Tentoes.com recommends this tie method be used only for children with good head and body control, 9 months or older.
Gentle reminders
Always check your sling for wear and tear before use. Do not use the sling with an uncooperative child; it is possible for a child to climb out of a sling. Use common sense when choosing what activities to do while carrying your child.