Frequently
Asked Questions
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
I've seen lots of other brand of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
The cloth baby slings stocked by Closer to You have all been developed carefully over a number of years to be very safe to carry your baby when used correctly. If you are at all unsure about the safe use of your sling, please check the instructions which came with it, refer to the manufacturer's website or contact us for a follow up appointment to remind you of the correct techniques for using your sling.
Closer to You follows the TICKS checklist for safe use of slings:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
See here for more information: TICKS checklist for safe use of slings and read more safety tips in the Safe use of baby slings section of the Closer to You Beginner's Guide.
I've seen lots of other brands of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
If you've already got another kind of baby sling that is working well for you, then great! I'm sure you are enjoying the many benefits outlined on other pages. Parents who have used some of the carriers which are readily available in high street shops often tell me one of two things:
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
If you have tried one type of sling which hasn't worked for you, it is still worth trying others. See the previous question for issues which arise for many parents using a papoose-style carrier. Some issues which might have made your sling uncomfortable:
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
All the slings supplied by Closer to You come with instructions for use – start with these instructions for the best way to use your sling. You can also look at the manufacturer's website for further instructions.
For a carry on the front of your body you will feel most comfortable with your baby or child:
For hip carries, place the child so that they are sitting slightly above your hip, more on your waist, with their legs wrapped round you for smaller children or bent at the knee for larger toddlers and preschoolers.
For back carries with older children, experiment with having them slightly lower or higher – often having their bottom around the small of your back can be a comfortable position.
Make sure that all straps / material are pulled close and tight to you and your baby whilst still ensuring that your baby is comfortable and has clear airway access. See the next FAQ for more information on safe use of slings.
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
I've seen lots of other brand of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
I have tried out my sling and love it, but my family are concerned that it is unsafe.
The cloth baby slings stocked by Closer to You have all been developed carefully over a number of years to be very safe to carry your baby when used correctly. If you are at all unsure about the safe use of your sling, please check the instructions which came with it, refer to the manufacturer's website or contact us for a follow up appointment to remind you of the correct techniques for using your sling.
Closer to You follows the TICKS checklist for safe use of slings:
Tight
In view at all times
Close enough to kiss
Keep chin off the chest
Supported back
See here for more information: TICKS checklist for safe use of slings and read more safety tips in the Safe use of baby slings section of the Closer to You Beginner's Guide.
I've seen lots of other brands of baby carrier and papoose in shops - why would I not choose one of those?
If you've already got another kind of baby sling that is working well for you, then great! I'm sure you are enjoying the many benefits outlined on other pages. Parents who have used some of the carriers which are readily available in high street shops often tell me one of two things:
- for some parents the carrier is uncomfortable straight away – they never find a comfortable way of carrying their baby and give up on the idea, missing out on all the benefits.
- even where they have been able to carry their baby comfortably in the early months, by the time their baby is around 15lbs – as young as two months for some babies – they find their carriers are uncomfortable in use for any length of time. If you have previously used a papoose carrier and it is no longer comfortable, you may find a mei tai or woven wrap is a great second carrier to consider.
I've tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for me / my baby hated it.
If you have tried one type of sling which hasn't worked for you, it is still worth trying others. See the previous question for issues which arise for many parents using a papoose-style carrier. Some issues which might have made your sling uncomfortable:
- one-shoulder carrier where you would prefer a two-shoulder – particularly for heavier babies and toddlers a two-shoulder sling such as a Mei Tai or Woven Wrap will spread the weight across your body.
- adjustability – if you tried a non-adjustable carrier such as a pouch, or a carrier which is difficult to adjust easily, you may not have had the sling in the optimal position. See the next FAQ for more tips on using a sling.
Help! I've got my sling and I don't know what to do with it!
All the slings supplied by Closer to You come with instructions for use – start with these instructions for the best way to use your sling. You can also look at the manufacturer's website for further instructions.
For a carry on the front of your body you will feel most comfortable with your baby or child:
- higher on your body
- closer to your body
For hip carries, place the child so that they are sitting slightly above your hip, more on your waist, with their legs wrapped round you for smaller children or bent at the knee for larger toddlers and preschoolers.
For back carries with older children, experiment with having them slightly lower or higher – often having their bottom around the small of your back can be a comfortable position.
Make sure that all straps / material are pulled close and tight to you and your baby whilst still ensuring that your baby is comfortable and has clear airway access. See the next FAQ for more information on safe use of slings.