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Sling Demo Introduction to Slinging
What are Slings?
Slings are by no means a new invention, on the contrary, mothers and children have used and continue to use slings all over the world as a basic means of survival. Slings are a way of wearing your baby as if holding them. The sling allows you to free up your hands and move easily through your busy day. Remember, anyway you can hold your baby, you can sling them!
 Kangaroo Kids' Slingaroos are simply my adaptation of what I believe is most necessary to baby wearing. Slingaroos are different from traditional store-bought slings in that there is no padding, allowing you to manipulate the fabric tightly and securely around your baby. The long piece of fabric running through the rings allows different size people to use the same sling. Also, essential to the Slingaroo is the sash, which allows you to nurse absolutely discretely. You will also find the sash to be an ideal burp cloth! Remember your Slingaroo launders easily in your washing machine. Our small, tight galvanized rings are combined with 100% breathable cotton to allow for durable, yet easily pliable material. The two thin strips of fabric hanging beneath the Kangaroo Kids' label allows you to tie your Slingaroo neatly together during storage, while during slinging provides a great place to hang a toy, keys or other necessities for your child's entertainment. Older children will love to dangle the ties between their fingers and chew on them.
I believe the Slingaroo, next to breastfeeding, is the single most important thing you will do for your baby. Like all these new obstacles you will encounter with your new one, slinging will be a challenge at first, but with persistence and practice, you will master it, and everyone will benefit!
Slingaroo vs. Front Carrier
Your Slingaroo is all you need. Unlike the front baby carriers, the Slingaroo can be used for the smallest of babies. I have slung 4 pound babies at Children's Hospital, to children as old as 4 years. Another defining difference between the Slingaroo and front carriers is the ability to shift your little one quickly and easily from one position to another. Not only can your baby be worn facing forward or toward you, but also you can easily manipulate them to the nursing position where you can breastfeed discretely and on demand. You do not need both! On the contrary, if you use only your Slingaroo, both you and your baby will become more and more proficient at using it. As your child's needs change, so then will your aptitude for slinging. Moving to the hip or the variety of other positions will come naturally with practice.
Home Grown
Our Slingaroos are not only Made In The USA, but are sewn here in St. Louis by Nina and friends, all fellow slinging and nursing moms!
For Some Little Ones, Nine Months Just Isn't Enough
Wearing your baby reminds her of the comfort, motion and balance she enjoyed in the womb. She will continue to hear your soothing voice and the constant rhythm of your heart. This calming reminder helps your baby avoid being over-stimulated, nurse well and feel absolutely secure. With this kind of constant attention, who needs fussing! Remember, your new little one will need to nurse often and on-demand, keeping her close and staying in tune with all her feeding cues will allow you to take care of all her needs, just as you did in utero.
Keeping Out the Riffraff
You have just brought home your beautiful new baby and, although, if breastfeeding, you are pumping them full of those wonderful immunities, you may still not appreciate everyone grabbing and cooing over your little one. This is, admittedly, difficult to avoid when left easily accessible in her car seat, swing, stroller or bouncy seat. In her Slingaroo, however, she will be well protected against her mom or dad's body. You see, no one is willing to invade your personal space quite as aggressively as they might your little one. Don't forget slinging makes for a great party trick when everyone wants to pass around the baby. Asleep or snuggled comfortably in your sling, you have a perfect excuse to suggest that we all let a "sleeping dog lie". They can look and admire, but please do not touch.
Listen to Your Baby, Sling Your Baby
By slinging and nursing your baby, you learn their language - their vocabulary is limited, but effective enough to aptly convey all of their needs. Your baby has little reason to cry. Regularly slinging your baby allows you to stay in constant communication with your little one while continuing to go about the business of your day. Wearing your baby does not need to slow you down. On the contrary, it will provide more freedom by insuring a calm, adaptable child who will eagerly learn from and consume his environment.
 No, You Cannot Spoil 'um, But it Will Spoil You!
By slinging your baby regularly, you are not creating an overly dependent child, and you are not unnecessarily indulging your little one. A new baby has very few needs, they need to be touched, fed, cleaned and they need to sleep. By slinging your baby, these necessary indulgences are made easy and enjoyable. I believe that a relaxed parent lends herself directly to an easy-going child. With some practice, slinging your baby often will help you both feel more comfortable with each other and thereby help you to approach each day relaxed and with confidence. Remember, just like breastfeeding, slinging gets easier and easier with practice. As your baby grows and places more and more demands on your time and energy, you will have become a master slinger and well able to handle the new challenges ahead.
Slinging and Eating
Breastfeeding babies nurse on demand and often during the first three months. Slinging your nursing baby allows you to be discrete and virtually hands-free. It is possible to nurse without holding your baby at all. However, most will find, especially with younger babies, that it is beneficial to keep one arm around the babies head, so they do not pull back on your nipple. Your other hand will still be free to drink a glass of water, eat a sandwich, read a book or even change the laundry. Slinging your baby while nursing will hold them firmly to you, thereby helping your baby to relax her body. With practice, the security and ease you feel will help to insure a very successful nursing experience.
Of course, the baby is not the only one who might actually get a bite in due to slinging. Imagine having your hands free to cook and eat during those bewitching evening hours. And, by all means, go out! Slung young ones can be surprisingly adaptable out for dinner and a movie. Whether you're using the sash to cover your baby completely or to cover your stomach, your hands are free and you can nurse discretely. No one but a fellow slinging, nursing mom will know what you are doing.
Everyone Gains
Slinging helps you lose weight while your baby gains. Baby wearing is good exercise. Training your baby to be a "Slinging Baby" allows you to stay active and go about your busy day while still nursing on demand - there is no need to stay home or on the couch. Your baby will gain weight by nursing on demand and by nursing one side completely. Energy will not be wasted crying, but used, instead, for rapid growth. Weight gain is important to your new baby. Her brain grows rapidly during infancy - doubling in volume by the first year. By nursing on demand, one side to the exclusion of the other, you will help ensure a high concentration of hind-milk full of those wonderful omega-3 fatty acids. Slinging your baby while nursing will help insure a relaxed, complete feed.
Slinging to Sleep
Slinging promotes sleep by allowing your child to feel secure. Slinging or holding your baby throughout the day will lead to quieter, more sleep-filled nights. Remember that sleep begets sleep. Keeping your baby up all day does not mean he will sleep better at night, on the contrary. A baby who enjoys routine, sleeps and feels secure during the day will sleep better at night. You are not beyond manipulation! Your sling will smell like you and be a constant reminder to your baby that you are near. Once you have nursed your baby to sleep, gently slide the sling over your head and lie the baby down in the sling. Remember, do not leave the fabric wrapped around the babies head. Another trick to nursing and slinging your baby down for a nap is to make sure your little one is sound asleep, and leave her in the sling for a few minutes after nursing before lying her down. If she wakes as you put her down, try patting her stomach repeatedly or gently applying pressure to her forehead - she just needs to know you are there! Remember, she is tired and does need to sleep. As they get older, you may prefer to put your baby to sleep awake, thereby teaching her to fall asleep on her own. Your Slingaroo will still be a wonderful tool for getting your little one relaxed and ready for bed.
Who Slings? You Sling!
If you can hold them, you can sling them. Whether an hour old or four years old, they will fit easily and comfortably in your Slingaroo. There is no weight requirement, only as small or as big as you are willing to hold. Remember, the earlier you start, the more relaxed both you and your baby will be slinging. Don't be afraid to use it all the time. The more you practice, the better you will be. Once mastered, I guarantee this is one thing you will not leave home without!
Dads
Slingaroos are designed to move easily from one person to another. Dads are often especially good at Slinging - you tend to be a little broader providing an ideal place for your baby to sit. Our Slingaroos come in many masculine colors and designs - and with practice, you can take it on and off and shift positions with much greater ease than the front carriers. Try it, you will be surprised.
 Grandparents and Caregivers
A baby who is use to slinging will feel instantly at home and secure in her Slingaroo. Minding your breastfed little one can, sometimes, be rather intimidating. Slinging will allow you to bond with your baby while recreating the security of her mother's arms. Practice slinging - you too need your hands free to go about your busy day. You will find your sling surprisingly easy on your back, as the fabric is comfortably distributed across your shoulder and back.
It's Not Just For Babies
Just as knowing your baby's every need is a learning process, slinging takes time and practice. Slinging your baby from day one teaches you both to work in unison. It is never too late to sling. An ideal age for slinging is actually 5 months and up. Once able to hold their heads, they will ride easily on your hip or back. Slinging also allows you to discretely nurse an older child in public, where only the experienced slinger will know what you are up to.
Slinging Toddlers
If you can hold them, you can sling them! Older children are easy and ideal to sling. Keep your Slingaroo with you for those times when your toddler is whining or too tired to walk. Also, you will find your Slingaroo an invaluable tool for that newly mobile toddler who can quickly disappear from your sight. Using your sling as a means of keeping your toddler close will be something you will only wish for as they grow so very, very quickly. If you happen to be nursing an older child, your sling will help you to hold her body close while keeping your hands free. Toddlers, I am told, who have grown up with a sling may ask to sleep or keep their Slingaroo with them. My daughter Josie will actually fetch her Slingaroo when she wishes to be held or nursed.
 Slinging Siblings
Yes, you can sling two!! Whether close in age or the same age, slinging siblings will help reduce rivalry and keep your hands free.
Slinging twins at the same time is especially effective when they are small. Use the Kangaroo hold; they will sit close but comfortable. As they get bigger, use your Slingaroo for one to free a hand or, better yet, get dad or a friend to sling one, too!
Whether the same age or close in age, slinging will become an invaluable tool for easing sibling rivalry. Remember, no matter how pregnant you are, your first born will fit easily on your hip or back. Talk to your oldest about slinging and nursing - if you sling and nurse your new little one regularly, your oldest will become more easily adjusted to this constant attention. Moreover, if it is commonplace to see his mom wearing his little sister, jealous feelings will become less of an issue. You could make a deal about getting the newest arrival their own Slingaroo! Or, perhaps, give your first born their own Slingaroo to sling his or her stuffed animals or dolls just like mommy.
Keeping your hands free to make lunch, read a book or simply walk to the next room to check on your oldest's latest creation will be an invaluable tool for this new two-on-one scenario. Remember, you may be outnumbered, but, if you stay relaxed and keep your hands free, you can still out-hand and out-wit them!
Slinging Saves Money
All your baby needs is you. And, all you need is your Slingaroo! This may sound extreme, but it is true. Of the hundreds of dollars you will spend over the next couple of years on things to entertain your child, none will be as necessary as your Slingaroo. In fact, you can live without all of those things, but once you have mastered slinging, you will not leave home without it!
Slinging Instructions
Kangaroo Kids' Slingaroos are 100% cotton, machine washable and come in numerous prints and colors. Our Slingaroos are not only Made In The USA, but are sewn here in St. Louis by Nina and friends, all fellow slinging and nursing moms!
Select one of the following to learn more about the different ways to sling your baby!
 Slinging Your Slingaroo
Hold the rings in your right hand and the other end in your left - the Slingaroo should hang down like a hammock. Let the left and right sides of the fabric end gather to either side of your hand (or fold like an accordion). Feed the fabric end through both rings and then back through the top ring. The sash part of your Slingaroo should be easily accessible allowing you to easily pull individual sides to secure your baby to you. The ties at the top of the Slingaroo are used to tie together and store your sling and/or to tie or hang the toy or your keys.
Note: machine wash in cold or warm water and dry with fabric softener. You might wish to tie a cloth around the rings when your Slingaroo is in the dryer to avoid a clanging noise.
Putting on Your Slingaroo
Right Handers... this allows you to keep your dominant hand free. Hold the rings in the palm of your left hand, Kangaroo Kids logo will rust just above your thumb while the long sash will hang down in front. Put your right hand through the Slingaroo and pull your head through finishing with the Kangaroo Kids label at your left shoulder. The rings at your collarbone.
Left Handers... or if you prefer slinging on the left, simply put your Slingaroo on your opposite side.
 Tricks to Slinging
The key to slinging well is to keep your Slingaroo tight from the start. The Slingaroos pouch should rest about two inches under your chest. You should be able to easily tighten and loosen your Slingaroo by holding the bottom ring with a "c" hold between your thumb and pointer fingers and pull up against the fabric.
This is not about strength, but loosening the resistance. Remember you can tighten individual sides, back or front by pulling the left or right sides of the sash accordingly. Practice... practice... practice. The more you practice, the more relaxed and confident you will become with your Slingaroo.
 Kangaroo Hold
The Kangaroo Hold is ideal for the very newest newborn to about 6 months old, depending on the size of your baby. With your Slingaroo tight and in position, hold your baby high up on the left side of your chin with the four fingers of your hand under her bottom and your thumb keeping her legs crossed.
Holding your baby in position, let her slide slowly into the pocket of the Slingaroo. Remember, if your baby is inclined to lean forward or to the right, simply shift the baby's bottom either forward or to the right. You should not have to assist the sling with your hands. If you feel you need to assist with your hands, make an adjustment to your baby or sling.
 Cradle Hold
An ideal hold for the very newest of babies is the Cradle Hold. The Cradle Hold allows you to keep your new baby safe from her many visitors. She will prefer this position primarily when she is eating or sleeping, while the Kangaroo Hold will suit best when she is awake.
To execute this hold, you will hold your baby between the diaper with your right hand while letting the side of her body rest between your breasts. Put your baby in bottom first, letting the rest of her body fall into place.
To nurse from this position, loosen the Slingaroo until the baby's mouth is in position. You may have to shift her body slightly so that it is aligned with your body. Use the extra sash if you need more cover.
 Upright Position
The Upright position is ideal for the brand new baby to about a year old. As your baby gets older, and bigger, you will find that they will prefer to reside at your hip or back. You will, however, start from the Upright position to drop into the nursing position at any age. To sling to the Upright Position, hold your baby high on your right shoulder in the burping position. Keeping the sling tight, no more than 2 inches under your breast, allow the baby to sit gently into the Slingaroo. His feet can be out while his bottom is firmly caught. So that he is not inclined to shift left or right, you may tighten the front or top part of the Slingaroo by pulling the adjacent part of the sash. Again, you should not have to hold your baby, the sling will do this for you.
 Upright Position to Nursing
From the Upright Position, put your right hand around the baby's bottom, pushing up slightly. With your left hand, "C" holding the bottom ring loosen the resistance of the fabric, thereby loosening the Slingaroo about 3 to 5 inches. Pull the Slingaroo over the baby's head, then with your left hand, reach into the Slingaroo, grabbing your baby's bottom, thereby, shifting your baby's body into position to nurse. You can tighten and loosen your Slingaroo according to your comfort and cup size. You may or may not be able to nurse completely hands free. Sometimes it is necessary to keep your right arm under your baby's head to keep her from pulling away from the nipple. Depending on your child's size, her feet can be either in or out of the Slingaroo. The long sash can be used to nurse as discretely as desired. Your baby and the top of your Slingaroo will cover your breast. The sash is ideal to cover your stomach, where your shirt is pulled up. This may be far more important to you than showing your breast.
Sleep Trick
Nurse your baby to sleep. Once asleep, you can allow him to fall into a deep sleep in the lie down position. Gently loosen the rings and pull your Slingaroo over your head. Your baby should now rest securely in the Slingaroo. You may then lie your baby down in his sling. Remember, although he can lie in the Slingaroo, do pull it away from his head to avoid smothering. You will find that by keeping his Slingaroo close, he will be confused into thinking he is still in your arms, thereby, giving you an extra hour or so while he sleeps on his own. Older children will sometimes sleep with their Slingaroo as a reminder of their mom's presence.
 Nursing to Left
If you wish to nurse the older child on either left or right side, you can always use the Slingaroo like a harness to hold the child's torso while your arm rests under the baby's head. This position still allows for easy, portable nursing. You can still use the sash to cover if necessary.
 Hipster
Once your baby has good head control, between 4 and 6 months of age, slinging her on your hip will quickly become a favorite.
To hip sling, start with your Slingaroo tight and the rings high. Make sure the fabric over your shoulder is not pushing against your neck, if so, simply pull it over so that it rests to the side of your shoulder. Hold your child high, putting her legs through the Slingaroo at your hip. She will sit into the Slingaroo resting on your hip. You can tighten the top of the Slingaroo around her back by pulling the sash.
Your child should be sitting comfortably against you - your hands should be free. Once adept at slinging, this will become second nature for both you and your baby. Remember, in this position, if you can hold them, you can sling them!
 BackPackin'
From the Hipster position, you can move easily to the Back position, thereby freeing up your arms completely. To move to the Back position, you will shift your baby using one jumping motion 6 or so inches to your back hip. Pull your arm in front, your baby will reside just behind your right arm. You may tighten the top fabric as needed. This position is wonderful to free you up and will become quite comfortable with practice.
Note: if you are going to cook, you should stuff the long sash behind the rings in order to get it out of the way.
 If You Can Hold'em, You Can Sling'em
Get creative with your Slingaroo. If you master the previous holds, you can do anything, and your Slingaroo will become absolutely invaluable. In the adjacent picture, the baby is discretely nursing in an upright position - invaluable to moms and babies struggling with reflux.
Slinging your baby will become easier and easier as you relax and you become confident with holding your baby hands free. It will be difficult at first. Do not give up - it will come. Remember, if these directions are too overwhelming, you may always bring your baby to Kangaroo Kids for a lesson. If you do not have a baby yet, still stop by for a few tricks. Refresher instruction is always welcomed!
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