Ring sling back carry
This position is suitable for babies who can comfortably sit up on their own (from about 6.5 months).
It is a good idea, the first time you try this position, to have someone with you to watch that your baby is safe throughout. Use a mirror if you like, where you will constantly check your baby’s position. Once you get used to this position, you will find that it is very comfortable and very easy!
Note: In the photos below I am already 6 months pregnant and my Vasilis is 15 months old and 15 kilos! This position is one of the most comfortable ones for me at this stage when I prefer my belly “free”!
1. Start with the baby in the upright/seated position with the legs out. Your sling should already be adjusted to the right size and the baby should be sitting at the right height on your body.
Grab the baby by the armpits and place it high on your shoulder. Now turn the fabric of your sling, guiding the rings towards your back.
2. When the rings reach the center of your back, spread the fabric with both hands over your baby’s back, make sure that the bottom part reaches at least up to the crook of the knees and that the top part will cover its shoulders, and help your baby to sit in the starting position.
3. Your baby is again in the position from which you started. The rings are for the moment still on your back.
4. Supporting the baby’s weight with one hand, begin to turn it to the side, together with your sling. The rings will start to come forward again.
5. When the baby reaches your side, lift your arm over its head, passing the baby underneath, and keep turning it slowly towards your back. By leaning forward, the baby’s weight will be supported by your back and so it will be much easier to turn it safely.
6. The rings will now be back in the correct spot again (over your chest and below your shoulder bone). Adjust the sling as needed by tightening the tail. (Remember that the rings lock with the baby’s weight and that is why, as you tighten, you should support the baby with your hand). For both of you to be comfortable, there should be no gap between the baby and your back.
7. As always, make sure the baby’s legs are open, that its knees are at least at the same height as its bottom and that the fabric of the sling reaches at least up to behind the knees.
8. It is an easy and safe position for your baby that you will both enjoy very much. It does, however, require the baby to have good lateral support (it is not suitable for babies who do not sit on their own) and for you both to have experience with the seated position with the legs out.
Note: If your baby is small, and does not yet sit comfortably on its own (it does not have good trunk support), it is preferable to wear it on your back using a carrier that is traditionally intended for this position, such as a mei tai. For babies with head support you can use a ring sling carrier and this method which also offers you support on both shoulders.
Watch it on video:
Note: If the baby is younger than 6.5 months but has good head control, you can again wear it on your back in the way described here. Although you can put a small baby on your back with a ring sling if necessary, it would be preferable – and more comfortable – for smaller babies to use a carrier that is more suitable for this purpose (such as a mei tai or a wrap).
