Using Your UpMama! Baby and Toddler Sling
The design of the UpMama! sling does reduce the learning curve, but it will still take practice to become an expert "babywearer". The first few times you put a diaper on your baby or gave her a bath was probably a little awkward too. Baby slings are the same, it often takes several tries to get it exactly right so the more you practice the better!
Streaming Video Instructions can be seen here: www.youtube.com/upmama
Download Video Instructions:
Sling Basics
Fussy Baby/Troubleshooting/Positioning
Newborn Cradle Position
Breastfeeding Position/Head Opposite Rings
Taking Baby out of Cradle Position
Infant Tummy to Tummy
Kangaroo/Forward facing Buddah ( at least 4 months old)
Hip Carry (at least 6 months old)*When I say "both loops" I mean "both rails".
Taking toddler out of Hip Carry
Toddler Tummy to Tummy
Toddler Back Carry (at least 12 months old )
Local Customers(Belleville and Quinte area of Ontario Canada) :Want to make sure you are getting the most from your UpMama (or any other brand)? Do you want to see how a sling can be used before buying one? Come for a free lesson and demonstration at 10:30am on the first and third Thursday of every month atWee Share Toys and More 117 Mineral Rd Belleville Ontario (from N.Front St, turn right onto Cloverleaf Dr. as if to enter the WalMart parking lot but turn left onto Mineral Rd instead)
Safely Using your Baby Sling
(Positioning Information Found Here)
You are primarily responsible for your baby's safety. We will not be held responsible for injury or loss resulting from the improper use of this sling. Please read the included use and safety instructions and always use caution and common sense. Failure to do so could result in injury or death.1. Always make sure there is good airflow to baby's face.
Baby's face should never be completely covered by the sling fabric. Baby's face should be visible at all times so you can check on him regularly. If you are breastfeeding in the sling you must take extra care to ensure baby is not pulled in too tight. Never breastfeed a newborn 'hands free' in the sling.
2. Baby's head and neck should not be curled forward pushing chin to chest as this can restrict breathing. A folded receiving blanket under baby's back can help prop him into the correct semi-reclined position. Learn more about safely and correctly positioning your baby
3. Use age-appropriate positions.
Babies need to have good head strength and control to carry them in the hip position or forward facing budda carry.
4. Practice
Use a doll or stuffed animal, or, even better, to get a sense of working with the baby's weight,use a 10lb bag of potatoes. Practice bending down or over to pick something up. Note how snug the sling must be to keep the bag or doll (baby) from falling out.
5. Always fully support your baby's weight with your arm when you bend over and when adjusting with the rings. Especially when loosening by lifting the outer ring, if you do not support your baby's weight the fabric can move throught the rings very quickly and baby could fall if you are not supporting his weight with your arm
6. When you first start using the sling with your baby
always do so while sitting on a soft surface or with the assistance of a second person. Until you are confident using the sling, always provide additional support with your arm.
7. Always make sure there is a wall of fabric between you and baby.
Before putting your baby in the sling, tighten the inner rail so the fabric is fairly snug against your chest (not tight). Insert baby, tighten the outer rail, and check again that the fabric is visible between you and baby.
8. Be aware of baby's head when moving through doorways
9. Every time you put on the sling, remember to check the seams and body for wear or damage.
10. Be aware of the weather or room temperature.
Don't wear a dark coloured sling in the sun as it will absorb the heat and could overheat baby. Remember that baby is getting some heat from your body and the sling fabric so dress him appropriately. In winter, the sling can be worn under or over your coat. If you wear the sling over your coat make sure baby is dressed for winter weather. If you wear the sling under your coat, leave the top of your coat undone to make sure baby is getting good airflow and you can see him at all times.
Don't cook while wearing your baby.
Don't ride a bike or jog or go skydiving!
Learn more about BabywearingPlease take a few minutes to visit www.thebabywearer.com where you will find some great information on all types of baby carriers. You need to register to use this site but it is very quick and easy.
Some other great Babywearing Websites:
www.kellymom.com/parenting/sling.html
www.wearyourbaby.com