“Burping” position (high on the shoulder) – with two slings

This position is suitable for babies from the very first day after their birth. It mimics the way we hold a newborn on our shoulder to burp it and fully supports the baby’s little head. Many babies with colic calm down only in this position!

For this position you will need two slings. They could be the same or different.

Note: You could put your baby in this position using just one sling, however it would not be safe enough!

1. Put on one sling normally. Then take your arm out through the sling, sliding the ring down from your shoulder towards your waist.

2. Now you will be wearing your sling like a hoop around your waist. Lift it up over your other shoulder while the ring stays at your waist.

3. Essentially you will now be wearing your sling the other way round. The tail will hang in front of you and you will be able to use it to adjust your sling normally.

Stretch the tail as much as needed so that your sling is already quite tight (leaving for now only a little “margin” for your baby).

4. Do the same steps with a second sling starting from the other shoulder. You will end up wearing the two slings crossed in front of you. The rings will be opposite each other at your waist.

5. Hold your baby high on your shoulder (as if you wanted to burp it). Open the slings and put your baby under one sling (the one that is on the inside, closer to your body).

6. Spread the fabric around your baby so that it settles well inside the sling and then move it to the same shoulder as the sling.

The baby’s little legs will be folded like a little frog, the way all newborn babies usually fold them.

7. Stretch the fabric so that it hugs your baby well up to its shoulders and pull the tail so that it tightens.

8. Now you will repeat the process with the second sling too. Spread the fabric well over the baby and pull the tail in a way that tightens it snugly around your baby.

9. Make sure there is no loose spot anywhere in your carrier.

You’re ready! You can keep your baby in this position for as long as it needs to burp or to fall asleep!

10. If your baby has just eaten and tends to bring up little mouthfuls, you might want to put a burp cloth on your shoulder to avoid “accidents”.

Remember that, for your own comfort, the fabric on both slings should be well spread across your back. Also make sure that the rings do not press against your chest at any point (especially if you are breastfeeding).

In the video below I am in the 8th month of my pregnancy, and I am wearing in this position a newborn baby, just 45 days old!

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