How To Use A Ring Sling With An Infant

Join With Care (Babywearing Educator, Registered Midwife & Mom of 4) and Baby Freddy to learn How To Use A Ring Sling With A Newborn. Today's Video features Potter & Pehar's "Elora" Ring Sling potterandpehar.com *Use Code WITHCARE10 for 10% Off
If you need to learn how to thread your ring sling head over here: • How To Thread A Ring S...
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If you need some in-home or virtual help please feel free to contact [e-mail] for more information about private consultations. You can also get more information here with-care.ca
*This is a sponsored post which means I was provided compensation and/or product for this post. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. I only partner with products and services that I genuinely love and want to recommend.
*The information in this video is meant to help you learn about safe babywearing. There are many ways to safely use a carrier, but I demonstrate how I typically teach ring sling use. Please always refer to your particular baby carrier manual to ensure proper and safe use. The information provided does not constitute individual advice or consultation and should not be used as such.

[@ranaamache]

Thanks, I used my sling today for the first time, I felt that there was something not right and my baby was not happy. Anyways, I figured out all my mistakes now after watching your video. It was super helpful. Thank you

[@WithCare]

I'm so happy I was able to help. Happy Babywearing!

[@karenphilipp3059]

Wow, really good tutorial. Getting ready to take nanny duties for four months with my new granddaughter. Can't wait to try this out!!

[@WithCare]

Thanks for the kind words Karen. I'm so happy to be able to help. Happy babywearing with your granddaughter.

[@brittanybailey9980]

Thank you! As a visual learner, this tutorial is invaluable to getting my baby into a ring sling and feeling confident about his safety!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much. Happy Babywearing!

[@blankaloves5941]

Wow! What a fantastic tutorial!! Professionally recorded, exceptionally explained topic, easy to watch and informative!!! Excellent job!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much for your kind message Blanka. Happy baby wearing!

[@IDidNaaaht]

Just wanted to thank you for both this tutorial and for thoroughly answering all the questions posted in the comments section!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much for your heart-warming comment. I really appreciate it. Happy babywearing!

[@Bombadillio]

This is the most helpful ring sling video I’ve come across! The only question I’m left with is how to prevent the rings from slipping down as I tighten

[@WithCare]

So happy to help. If you tighten the fabric by pulling it in the direction it comes from it typically won't move the rings as much. Good luck!

[@Gabria87]

Start higher 😊

[@angeladelpino8783]

This was so thorough and thoughtful! Thanks for a great tutorial, today I will try for the first time so will be watching this a few more times no doubt 🥰

[@WithCare]

Thanks Angela. So happy I was able to help you. Happy Baby wearing!

[@emmaengland2726]

Love how calming and informative you are!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much Emma. Happy babywearing!

[@kristennereidy4879]

You got that little one in the carrier so perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

[@WithCare]

Thanks. He always loved being cared.

[@emilyclaudin3272]

So far the best video I have seen on using a ring sling! Thank you!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much Emily. Happy Babywearing!

[@aericafrye2232]

THANK YOU!!! Hoping I can finally use it without feeling like I’m doing something wrong!! Other tutorials aren’t the most informative so I truly appreciate you taking the time to do this video! Now I just need to figure out the nursing part!🥰

[@WithCare]

Give yourself some time to get comfortable before adding in nursing. Typically I just loosen it a little and wiggle them down. Making sure to return them to the correct position once they're done. Hope this helps. Happy Babywearing!

[@bitsedegitse1]

One of the best explaining ring slings!! Thank you

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words. Happy Babywearing!

[@annapesek7722]

BEST NEWBORN TUTORIAL HANDS DOWN - thank you so much!

[@WithCare]

Thanks Anna. I'm so happy to be able to help. Happy babywearing!

[@parkerappaloosa9658]

The better of the tutorials. My kid doesn’t even like to be held this right and he is about fall asleep comfy af

[@WithCare]

Yay! So happy to hear that Parker. Happy babywearing!

[@alyasviews]

Thank you for these tips!!! I needed them!!!

[@WithCare]

Happy I could help! Have a great time snuggling baby. Warmly, Care

[@miss.melly.3267]

This was SO helpful, thank you.

[@ashleagreenly611]

This was a perfect tutorial! Thank you!

[@WithCare]

Thank you for your kind words Ashlea. Happy babywearing!

[@kylahollingshead1907]

This was so informative in such great detail! Thank you for this video!

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your kind words Kyla. I'm so happy I was able to help. Happy Babywearing!

[@07cass2213]

The most helpful ring sling tutorial I've found! Thank you.

[@WithCare]

Thanks Cass. Happy I could help. Happy Babywearing!

[@khalifadossantos889]

Love this video very detailed finally I like using my ring sling not just using my moby wrap

[@WithCare]

So happy I could help Khalifa. Happy Babywearing!

[@courtneycooper1042]

So helpful!! Thank you!

[@TheDruidAdoraa]

Ty! I’ll probably have to re watch a few times. But baby girl feels Secure after first try. ❤️

[@WithCare]

So happy to hear my video helped get baby nice and secure. Happy babywearing!

[@karuska123]

This is very useful! Thank you!

[@francessimecki6704]

Thank you!!

[@simoneannalise8798]

Excellent tutorial! Very helpful and thorough. Simple to understand for a beginner like myself :)

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your kind words Simone. Happy I could be of some help. Happy Babywearing!

[@larissamacneil7860]

This was very thorough and helpful thank you ❤

[@WithCare]

Thanks Larissa. Happy babywearing!

[@sketchergirl7]

Love this video!! Well done! Very professional and clear instructions! Love it!

[@WithCare]

Thanks for the kind words Danielle. Happy Babywearing!

[@sketchergirl7]

@@WithCare I was specifically looking for a newborn ring sling tutorial for my friend whose baby is 3 weeks old. She's been having trouble with the ring sling, and this video clears up!

[@agcmg]

Thanks for such a good tutorial! I ordered mine and have no idea how to use it yet. FTM

[@WithCare]

Thanks Ailin. Happy Babywearing!

[@mrswray]

I’ve been watching so many videos on how to use a ring sling. This is will be my third baby but my first time using a sling instead of a boba wrap or the lilie carrier. Thank you for giving PRACTICAL tips like which side to have the rings on and wearing your hair up. The other tutorials were completely a waste of time thanks for ending my search! And for using a newborn instead of a toddler❤ btw which sling are you using? I’ve bought the moby sling which feels really thick and woven, I’m thinking this is good because my baby is due around Christmas

[@WithCare]

I'm so happy to hear that my video helped. Please check out my other videos if you need more support. Happy babywearing!

[@katelynchastang3361]

I’m probably going to practice this with a weighted Teddy before I put my niece in it, but this is a great tutorial!

[@WithCare]

That's a great idea! Have fun babywearing your neice.

[@kiki-tu5ti]

So great thank you

[@WithCare]

Thanks Keshia. Happy Babywearing!

[@terreshasimmonds-nairne1856]

Very clear instructions. Thank you

[@WithCare]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

[@nimbuscus]

Thank you!!!❤

[@WithCare]

You're welcome. Happy babywearing!

[@MsWoodstock08]

Cute baby snores! I've definitely been doing it incorrectly (but still safely). Thank you so much!

[@WithCare]

No problem Katherine. So happy you found it helpful. Happy Babywearing!

[@mshalley17]

Nice video, little man was sleeping real good haha

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@jessicabohl933]

this video was very helpful! im currently practicing with our cat because my baby is in the nicu and even the kitty seems to like it better lol i will probably refer back to your video multiple times once baby comes home :)

[@WithCare]

Thanks for watching Jessica. I hope your little one is at home wrapped up on your chest very soon. Wishing you both all the best.

[@amyspeed9312]

Your cat!? That's amazing! I love that your cat tolerates it!

[@jessicabohl933]

@@amyspeed9312 she was never a super fan of it but she did put up with me enough for me to learn lol

[@sandraespana6509]

Thank you! I was about to give up on the ring sling and this video helped me a lot :)

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your kind words Sandra. I'm so happy to be able to help.

[@smock660]

Thanks for the video. I'm pregnant with my first baby and not sure weather I should use a sling with or without the ring. I see with the ring it's easier to adjust eg for nursing, but I wonder if the head is getting enough support in the newborn state. Also can I carry the baby on the hip with the ring sling once it gets older? Thanks for the help

[@VanessaIMoreno-sd4up]

This was great, thank you! I keep finding though that when I tighten the top rail, it moves the rings closer to my baby so that the rings end up being almost on her body. How do I prevent this from happening?

[@becky18456]

Great tutorial and those little new born grunts 😭

[@WithCare]

Thanks Becky. Happy Babywearing!

[@catsbiie6691]

This was so helpful! Thank you!

[@WithCare]

Thanks for the kind words Kyla. I'm so happy my video helped you. Happy Babywearing!

[@alexissabbagh4049]

My 4 month old keep straightening his legs and making it hard to use the sling. Do you have any tips?

[@aary9176]

What do you recommend for summer lightweight , stretchy, minimal fabric slings for beginners ? And what do you think about the Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier ?

[@WithCare]

Hi, The Nalakai look beautiful. I personally have never tried them. Linen is great for the hot weather.

[@busrabusra3358]

Thank you for this cute video and excellent explanation 💖 I think a backing is necessary for newborn's head. What can we do?

[@WithCare]

Thanks for watching and for your comments. I completely understand the need to want to cradle the back of the baby's head with the carrier. It makes sense, but the issue is that if we put pressure on the back of the head (even with fabric) we can inadvertently push the baby's head forward closing off their vulnerable airway. This can cause positional asphyxia where the baby can't breathe. With a baby in an upright position in the carrier they only need support to the nape of their neck or base of their ear lobes. Of course any time you bend down etc you cup the back of their head/neck to provide support, as depicted in the video. I hope that makes sense. Happy babywearing!

[@busrabusra3358]

With Care I understand thank you very much ☺️

[@sivanx011]

Great video! Can you clarify what you mean by: “make sure there is fabric between my babies body and my body”? What fabric are you referring to? Sling/ your or baby’s clothes?

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your kind words and sorry for any confusion. I meant sling fabric. Hope that helps! Warmly, Care

[@jeanettemeraz3965]

Thank you for that amazing tutorial! I do have a question. Whenever I place my baby in the carrier his hips seem to be crooked and off to the side a bit. I can’t seem to keep his hips straight, aligned with his back. How can I fix this?

[@WithCare]

Sorry for the slow reply Jeanette and thanks for your kind words. Sometimes it just takes little practice to get the carrier centred on your body and get baby's body evened out. Try really letting his bum settle right into the fabric hammock and resist the urge to over tighten the bottom rail (bottom edge of fabric). This often pulls one side up higher than intended. As you adjust the carrier realign his body as needed. Standing in front of a mirror can be helpful. Good luck!

[@carolineboudreau6096]

Great tutorial! One question, how do you recommend tucking the extra fabric under the top to give extra support to baby's head?

[@WithCare]

Thanks Caroline. I don't typically recommend using the tail to support baby's head (because if the ring sling is adjusted properly the top rail should do the job), but if you're choosing to use the tail for additional support I would twist the tail fabric and roll it under the top edge along their neck. Please always keep a close eye on baby and ensure the rolled fabric isn't pushing their head forward into a chin to chest position. Hope that helps. Happy babywearing!

[@daniellecalder5193]

2:25 is where she shows you how to do it!

[@shu4art]

Hello there! Thank you for the video 🙂 I have a question, I just bought a ring sling and the instruction manual says to twist the fabric on the back… I’ve watched several videos of how to use a sling and everybody says that it should not be twisted but spread on the back, as you showed in this video. What should I do, any advice? (It’s a 100% cotton weave fabric, the brand is Liliputi)

[@WithCare]

Liliputi definitely depicts a different style of ring sling use vs the majority of other manufacturers and educators. It could just be their preference and maybe they find it works well, but I know from experience as an educator that for many people twisted fabric is a big source of pain and pressure. You can always reach out to the manufacturer to see if they endorse their ring sling being worn without the twist. Then you can try both and see what you like. Hope that helps. Happy Babywearing!

[@MrKatryna12345]

This tutorial has given me courage to try my ring sling with my next baby! I found it too frustrating with my first. Is there a difference if you are going to wear baby in a cradle position?

[@WithCare]

Yay, so happy I could help. Typically we don't recommend cradle carry (because it can be dangerous for an infants vulnerable airway) unless it's for a quick feeding. Then baby should be returned to an upright position to ensure they are safe. I hope that helps.

[@ekaterinavolkova5268]

Hi, thank you for the video! Are the ring slings ( i mean horizontal position) ok for newborns from the first weeks? Thank you

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your question Ekaterina. Typically we only use a horizontal (cradle) position while baby feeds. Then we always return them to an upright supported position so their vulnerable airways is safe. I hope this helps. Warmly, Care

[@kayleegwyn2905]

Thank you so much!!! I’ve watched so many videos and felt so confused and couldn’t grasp how to thread or put my baby in my sling safely. Your video helped a ton!

[@WithCare]

Thanks so much Kaylee. I'm so happy my video helped you. Happy Babywearing!

[@bellejade7693]

How does it hold up over time? Would I be able to run errands with this?

[@WithCare]

Great question. I love ring slings but personally I find them more hands-on versus some other carriers. I love to use them around home, for quick ups and downs, and at fancy events etc. For proper errands where I need both hands I would use a carrier that goes over both shoulders for your own ergonomics, and creates a more solid seat for baby eg. a soft structured carrier or woven wrap

[@Scout_Mae]

Thank you! This was very helpful- I have a 5 week old as of today! :) I got my ring sling yesterday and was trying to use it. I was worried his legs were spread too far- but they look about like Freddy's in this video! Haha My only other question/concern is the fabric rubbing the back of his legs under the knee. I worry it's too tight and uncomfortable. Though it would appear his bum is lower than his knees, so in theory there shouldn't be much pressure on them, right?

[@WithCare]

Thanks for your kind comments Scout. You're exactly right, the real pressure should be down in their bottom. Baby might get a red mark across the back of their legs but as long as their legs are hanging correctly in the M position with weight on their bottom, and feet aren't turning blue (sign of lack of circulation) things are typically ok. Happy Babywearing!!

[@Scout_Mae]

@@WithCare Thank you so much! 💕

[@JV-ut5sw]

Very thorough tutorial 😍😍 thank you! ✨

[@GinaFP]

Currently practicing with a stuffed monkey😅😂out baby will be here any day now!! It’ll take some getting used to…the monkey doesn’t have “knees” to make sure I’m getting the M position haha

[@natashahaag8204]

What’s a brand you recommend besides your local shop you got yours at?

[@WithCare]

Hi Natasha, there are so many wonderful linen ring slings on the market. Depending on where you live you could look to support a local business. Are you in Canada or the US?

[@juliannamaria8817]

Can this be used with baby’s younger then 10 weeks? Also is this supportive enough to let go with both hands for short amount of times to do tasks around the house and baby won’t fall?

[@WithCare]

Hi Julianna, Yes ring slings can be used with newborns as long as they meet the weight requirement of the particular carrier (each manufacturer can put specific limits) and there are no major health concerns that babywearing could make worse etc. I find ring slings are more of a hands on carrier with newborns, so to get stuff done I typically prefer a wrap or buckle carrier. Just feels more secure. It is important that no matter what carrier you use, you always support behind baby's head and neck if you lean down to do something etc. I hope that helps.

[@amyspeed9312]

@@WithCare Awesome! This was the info I was looking for, too. Letting go of the baby to do things around the house did not feel as safe. I am glad it was not only me!

[@blissfullydazed]

I just can’t figure out how to make sure baby isn’t loosing circulation in his legs 😭 I keep coming back to your video though. Thanks!

[@jesssnider2578]

This is my biggest issue too! It always feels so tight around the legs.

[@blissfullydazed]

Jess Snider is wish between the time I commented and now that I had figured it out but I still haven’t :(

[@WithCare]

Hi Georgia, The trick is to tighten the ring sling through the back area, but not too tight under the legs. Keep the hammock shape seat so the bum sinks down. Typically this takes the pressure off their little legs. I do recommend checking their circulation regularly and adjusting if you notice any issues. I hope that helps!

[@retnosawitri9224]

Could you tell me what kind of fabric does the ring sling you have?

[@WithCare]

Hi Retno, this is Potter & Pehar's "Elora" Linen Ring Sling @t You can get 10% off with code WITHCARE10. Linen is a great material choice for a ring sling. Happy Babywearing!

[@sonaangell9125]

Hi there, I’m currently trying out a ring sling for my 5 month old 18lb baby, I feel as though the fabric is digging into the back of his knees and causing purple legs, what am I doing wrong here?!? Lol.

[@WithCare]

Hi Sona, Awe i'm sorry to hear this. Hope we can sort it out. Here are a few ideas: - Make sure his clothing is spread out under the carrier so it's not bunching. - Make sure the carrier fabric is not layered and bunched under his legs. So pull the extra fabric up his back and out from under his legs. - Also make sure you're not over tightening the bottom rail. He should be sitting in the fabric hammock. If you pull that bottom edge too tight it will cause a lot of pressure and often irritation. If there is just a little skin redness and baby is happy it's not usually an issue, but if it's worse then you want to try to remedy with these actions. Hope that helps. Happy babywearing!

[@ashleyrindlesbach851]

My baby is 3 months and I have tried 4-5 different carriers. She cries when I put her in them, what would you recommend?

[@WithCare]

Hi Ashley, Sorry to hear you're having a tough time babywearing with your little one. Sometimes it's about finding the right position/carrier, but sometimes it's just about bopping around and distracting them while you get them settled. Heading outside is also a great distraction that sometimes makes them more excited (a bit tougher with the current freezing weather). You can also sing to them or tell funny stories/make noises. There are some babies who do hate all carriers, but I would say that's fairly rare. Many will learn to love being carried once they realize how cuddly it is. Good luck!

[@bubbleeQ]

Okay now I need a tutorial with a fussy, always kicking and grabbing baby😂

[@WithCare]

Ahh I get it. The struggle is real. Solidarity!! Sometimes bouncing them and singing helps a little. Or having an assistant to distract them. Good luck and happy baby wearing!

[@Leo-ot9bq]

Do you lean back when bringing your baby in the high burping position?

[@haileyhill-ortiz4517]

How long can a baby be held in a ring sling?

[@WithCare]

Hi Hailey, If baby is happy and in a safe and supported position there is no specific max limit, however in hot weather we recommend taking regular breaks to cool everyone off. Happy Babywearing!

[@calicole9870]

I can’t for the life of me not have it too tight on the leg furthest away from the rings. The fabric digs into his legs and leave a inset red mark. If I loosen, he’s too loose. I can’t figure it out! Any suggestions?

[@WithCare]

Hi Cali, I know how frustrating that can be. Can you try to scoop his bum/upper legs into the sling and pull the fabric up behind his knees like a hammock. So he's sitting in it vs being compressed by it. If that makes sense. Hope that helps. Good luck!

[@nathanhajek9039]

My mid back starts hurting almost immediately. Am I doing sometime wrong? Also, does being a man change anything about this method?

[@WithCare]

Hi Nathan, the method shown can be used on anyone, but if you're having mid-back pain it could be that the fabric is not spread out enough across your back/shoulder, or that baby is positioned too low. I hope that helps!

[@ronniep7759]

I bought one before rushing out on vacation with the family for my 6wk old. Thought this would be intuitive as a genius child from the 80s! I know how to use these rings. Out the box this is not! Thank you for this MUCH needed video

[@WithCare]

Awesome! So happy to hear I was able to help Ronnie. Hope you had a wonderful vacation. Happy Babywearing!

[@ashleepaffi]

Great video! Thank you ❤️ Do you have any tips for 12lb baby?? Is it better to try it when they’re sleeping? My LO gets extra fussy when I try to put her in the sling awake...

[@WithCare]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words. You can definitely try when baby is asleep. Sometimes it helps to bop baby gently as you go if they're upset. Ultimately if baby is getting really upset it's usually better to take a break and try again later. Goodluck!

[@ashleepaffi]

With Care thank you so much! I’ll keep trying.

[@Davianna81906]

I suggest making sure baby is changed, fed and burped... then immediately after try. I nurse, and never sling her till she’s eaten.

[@bozicaponjevic]

10 week old baby is it too old for this?

[@WithCare]

Hi Bozica, 10 weeks is a great time to start practicing with your little one.

[@jodiewilkins5618]

I couldn’t concentrate because of the heavy breathing. Was there an animal in the room or was that the camera man? But my husband and I really like the product a lot

[@WithCare]

Hi Jodie, Thanks for the feedback. There was no one else in the room. I've never had any complaints about the audio before and listened to the video again to see. I don't seem to hear any issues. Sorry there was an issue when you listened. Happy Babywearing!

[@WithCare]

Oh but the baby does snore a bit. Maybe that's it ;)

[@stephaniemclain4382]

Why does no one include threading the ring in their tutorial?

[@WithCare]

Hi Stephanie, I can't speak for other videos, but for mine it was just about time. Fitting the threading in 1 video makes it very long. You're welcome to watch my threading video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSweHuYrtB9mas

[@courtneyschiller8740]

This just looks so unsafe to me. Baby could fall out at any point. 😕

[@WithCare]

Hi Courtney, thanks for your concern. Baby carriers can be dangerous if not used properly, just like many products on the market that require user education (car seats, helmets, bouncy chairs etc). That's why I'm here providing educational content so more babies can stay safe. When babywearing is done properly it's one of the safest spots for baby, and meets many of their physiological needs.

[@courtneyschiller8740]

@@WithCare thank you! I really appreciate that