The safest place for a baby to be is next to their caregiver. The Koru Ring Sling is the perfect way to keep baby close while your hands are free. Please keep the ABC’s in mind when you are wearing your baby:
AIRWAY -
The priority should be to protect baby’s delicate airway. Baby’s torso should be slightly curved, and the baby’s chin should be off of the baby’s chest. The wearer should always be able to see baby’s face. If baby is wheezing or exhibiting labored breathing, remove baby from the carrier and try again.
BODY POSITIONING -
Baby should be high and snug, so that the wearer can easily see baby’s face and be able to kiss the top of baby’s head easily in a front or hip carry. The fabric of the sling should be snug but not so tight as to inhibit breathing. Baby’s legs should be in an “M” shape, with the bottom slightly lower than the knees and supported by the fabric of the ring sling.
COMFORT -
Both wearer and baby should be comfortable. The fabric should be spread out over the wearer’s back, and capped on the shoulder to avoid creating pressure points on the neck and shoulder. The rings should not rest on the clavicle. If baby is squirming or exhibiting signs of discomfort, take a short, brisk walk or bounce gently on a yoga ball. If these tips are not working, remove the baby from the carrier and try again later.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
Always have the baby’s face and head uncovered so that you can easily see them breathing.
The carrier should snugly support baby’s neck and torso, especially when babies are less than 6 months old and not yet sitting independently.
For comfort, ensure that baby’s bottom, legs and thighs are supported by the fabric in an “M” position, so that the knees are slightly higher than baby’s bottom.
Do not engage in activities such as biking, driving a car, skating, skateboarding, rock climbing, using a scooter, or other dangerous activities while wearing your baby.
Generally do not wear your baby when safety equipment for the wearer (helmet, goggles, etc.) is required for safe usage.
Do not use the sling while sleeping.
Before each use, inspect your Koru ring sling for tears or worn areas, and that the rings are safely attached.
Place a hand on baby’s back when you are bending, twisting, or doing anything that might compromise your balance.Place a hand on the rail when using stairs or escalator.
For step-by-step instructions on how to use your Koru Carrier, see the Instructions Manual or watch our tutorial videos. You may email us at info@korucarrier.com for additional questions or inquiries.
Some parents say to us, “You know, I don’t think ring slings are for us. My baby doesn’t seem to like it.” Meanwhile, their babies rarely like to be put down. Babies, especially newborns, do best in new situations when they are comfortable and happy. We like to keep in mind the following when you prepare to wear your baby:
Try wearing the baby the first few times during the quiet-alert state.
Many babies do not like to try new things when they are tired or ready to take a nap. The best time for most babies is after they have woken from a nap and have eaten. Of course, you know your baby best; we know some babies that can sleep through anything included being taken from a bassinet and then placed straight into a sling! And others love to be worn no matter what their current disposition.
Feed the baby.
Babies who are placed in a carrier, especially against the mother’s chest, may “root” and try to breastfeed. They may do this even when they’re not hungry, but they will be more likely to calm down after a bit if they have already been fed.
Burp the baby.
Sometimes being worn in a carrier places some pressure on baby’s abdomen, and they may be uncomfortable. Burp the baby before placing them in a sling. As an added bonus you will be less likely to get spit-up on your clothes and sling!
Change the baby’s diaper.
Just like we as adults don’t want to sit on anything damp or uncomfortable, babies usually don’t want to sit in a wet or dirty diaper. Sometimes a clean diaper is enough to help a baby enjoy being worn.
Take a brisk walk.
The sling mimics the environment in the womb, and that means movement! Some parents think that they can put the baby in the sling and sit down, and while that is the goal sometimes, the baby is not used to being still. Take a brisk walk, rock back and forth, or bounce gently on an exercise ball.
As we mentioned before, all babies are different, so keep trying and if you are still having trouble, watch our tutorial videos, reach out to us katp@korucarrier.com and our educator will be happy to help you.
As our founder Selena said, holding babies “is just something that parents DO.” Many cultures around the world have thousands of years of traditional baby wearing, and our modern culture is just beginning to re-discover it.
FOR BABIES.
Various studies have shown that there are many benefits for a baby who is worn in a carrier.
Babies who are worn in a baby carrier tend to cry less because their needs are met more quickly.
Babies in carriers are more likely to have a successful, longer breastfeeding relationship.
Babies who are worn sleep better.
For newborn babies, wearing the baby in a carrier can promote skin-to-skin contact, which has been proven to improve baby’s health.
Being placed against the caregiver’s body can help to regulate their temperature.
Babies are also able to observe the world at their caregivers’ level, allowing them to observe the world.
FOR CAREGIVERS.
Caregivers have found many reasons that babywearing has been helpful and useful.
They can tend to the baby’s need to be held while accomplishing another task with their hands, including caring for another child’s needs.
Having the baby up close allows the caregiver to tend to the baby’s needs quickly, and allows for close monitoring.
Mothers who wear their babies are less likely to develop postpartum depression or anxiety.
As touch is one of the most developed senses for newborn babies, the non-gestating, non-lactating parent or caregiver can bond with the baby through skin to skin.
RING SLINGS
Are a versatile type of carrier, able to be tucked away in a diaper bag or in a car backseat pocket when not in use. The thin, natural fabrics are breathable, durable, and usable in almost any weather conditions (colder climates may require a coat or cover over the sling). They are easy to spot-clean or launder, and dry quickly. The rings are made from an aluminum alloy, which means they don’t get hot when exposed to sunlight or heat, which is safer for parents and babies alike. Ring slings can be used for babies starting at 8 lb up to toddlers at 35 lb with very little adjustment.
Koru ring slings are available in linen and silk, in a variety of colors, to suit every parent’s lifestyle.
For more information on the benefits of wearing your baby, email us info@korucarrier.com
Sometimes you just need a quick reminder on how carry your baby, you can keep this video on repeat for practice.
Remember practice makes master!
Infant Front Carry
As our founder Selena said, holding babies "is just something that parents DO." Many cultures around the world have thousands of years of traditional baby wearing, and our modern culture is just beginning to re-discover it.
Infant Hip Carry
Babies have been held close by their mothers and caretakers since the beginning of humanity. Practice practice practice! Baby wearing is something that takes practice to get perfect. If the first time isn't perfect, don't give up! Take baby out and try again. Sleep on it, try again the next day. You will be fluid in no time.
Newborn Carry Legs In
The safest place for a baby to be is next to their caregiver. Our Ring Sling is the perfect way to keep baby close while your hands are free. Please keep the ABC's in mind when you are wearing your baby:
AIRWAY, COMFORT & BODY POSITIONING
Newborn Legs Out Carry
The safest place for a baby to be is next to their caregiver. Our Ring Sling is the perfect way to keep baby close while your hands are free. Please keep the ABC's in mind when you are wearing your baby:
AIRWAY, COMFORT & BODY POSITIONING
Quick Demonstration
Sometimes you just need a quick reminder on how carry your baby, you can keep this video on repeat for practice.
Practice practice practice! Baby wearing is something that takes practice to get perfect.
Koru Ring Sling Threading
Here are some tips to help soften your sling:
1. Steam iron on the hottest setting.
2. Thread the fabric for wearing, and then run the fabric back and forth through the rings.
3. Use your sling. The more you use your sling, the softer it will get.
Toddler Carry
The sling mimics the environment in the womb, and that means movement! Some parents think that they can put the baby in the sling and sit down, and while that is the goal sometimes, the baby is not used to being still. Take a brisk walk, rock back and forth, or bounce gently on an exercise ball.
