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Why KinderSling? | Other considerations | How to choose your size | Instructions
About
KinderSling
The Kindersling is a very comfortable pouch style carrier designed to carry babies from birth on until about 30 lbs. It is made out of a single piece of durable fabric, sewn together with a triple zigzag stitch--and reinforced with stitching throughout. It can be folded up to fit in any size purse or diaper bag. In fact, my husband even carries his in his back pocket!
Why KinderSling?
- It’s easy to put on; no straps, belts or buckles.
- It’s everywhere you go and right there when you need it; it fits in your purse, diaper bag, or jacket pocket.
- Your baby is where it wants to be, snuggled (sleeping) close to your chest or riding high and proud on your hip.
- It just looks nice! Designed by a woman for women. You can choose a sling for everyday use or for a special occasions. You can even choose your own fabric for a custom look.
The spinal distress that is put on a baby while carried in one of the conventional front or back carriers is very high, since only a very small amount of your baby’s body is supported in the carrier. Even from early months on, the baby’s weight is fully held up by a small piece of fabric resting under his/her crotch.
In the KinderSling, while a newborn, the cradle position is the most safe and natural way to carry your baby. In the Hip Hugger position, your baby’s weight is supported by a very large piece of fabric and distributed all around his/her buttocks. And for you, the weight of your baby is equally distributed, making sure you are not pulled forward or backward.
For nursing moms, the KinderSling provides a convenient and discreet method for nursing your child.
Since the Kindersling is a non-adjustable carrier, they are sized to fit the person who will be carrying the child. To determine your size, you will need a tape measure, in inches. Wrap the tape measure around your upper torso, under your armpits and above your breasts. Use the chart below to determine your size.
XSMALL 25’’
– 33’’
SMALL 30’’ – 38’’
MEDIUM 35’’ – 43’’
LARGE 40’’ – 48’’
XLARGE 45’’ – 53’’
A lot of the sizing of the Kindersling has to do with personal preference. For example, I am an average sized woman, 5’6’’ and 120lbs, but prefer to carry my baby very close. Therefore I use an XS.
If you prefer the sling to be a little looser or if you are planning to wear this particular Kindersling in the winter--when you and your baby will wear a lot more clothing--you may wish to consider going up one size.
Don’t worry if you make the wrong choice. All KinderSlings come with a 90-day return and exchange promise. We will gladly exchange your carrier for another size or refund your purchase if you decide it just doesn't work for you. Please see our exchanges and returns section for more details.
Also, please feel to e-mail or phone me if you need help figuring out the correct size for you or someone else. If you are in the Dallas area, you are always welcome to stop by for a formal fitting.
Cradle Position | Sitting Position | Hip Hugger Position | Piggy Back Position
Keep in mind, there are a lot of different ways to carry a baby or child in the Kindersling. Take some time to practice so you can find the most comfortable position for you and your baby.The first few times, you may find it helpful to have someone assist you.
Remember, we are always just an e-mail or phone call away if you have questions.
Getting Started: Putting on the KinderSling
- Slip the sling over your head, with the two open edges facing your neck.
- Position the rounded pouch part (area with the triple zigzag stitch) above your hip on the other side of your body; pull it lightly forward so that the pouch area is in front of you belly.
- Always make sure that the double fabric is smooth and flattened out completely over your shoulder and back -- not bunched up close to your neck. (See close-up photo below).
KinderSling Carrier Positions
The following carrying instructions assume you have the sling on (see directions above). Please refer to the photos for details.
Note: this is the only position suitable for newborns.
- Open the pouch by pulling the two fabric edges apart.
- Using the opposite arm the sling is draped over, cradle your baby’s head with your hand and lay them gently into the sling by inserting your whole arm into the pouch.
- From this position you can have your baby lay cradled on their back with their face towards the pouch opening (and your face), or you can turn them towards your breast on their side (which would allow for discreet nursing.).
- If you would like your baby’s head higher up you can roll or fold up a receiving blanket and put it under their back and head.
- Note: For nursing moms, to switch sides, take your baby out of the sling, put the sling onto the other shoulder, and return your baby to the sling in the cradle position, using directions above.
How to carry your toddler in the cradle position:
First, put your baby into your Kindersling using the hip hugger position (see below) then use both of your hands to lay them sideways into the pouch. Pull the outer fabric up to fully support their head while sleeping or nursing.
How to take your baby out of the carrier while in the cradle position:
Insert the opposite arm the sling is draped over into the pouch, scooping your baby up and fully supporting their head with your hand. Gently lift your baby out of the Kindersling. You can use your other hand to keep the pouch open.
How to lay your baby down into their bed or car seat while in the cradle position:
Lean forward and let the full weight of the sling and baby touch the bed or car seat. While leaning forward, use both of your hands to slip the Kindersling over your head, pulling your body backwards out of the sling. Your may leave the Kindersling on your baby as a blanket or buckle them into the car seat with it on, or you may gently pull it out from under them.
Note: this position is for babies who can support their head. If your baby is rolling over, laying on their belly and holding up their head, or if your baby can sit up by themselves, then they may be ready for this position.
Pick your baby up with both hands and let them sit in the crack of the arm opposite the shoulder supporting the sling. Using your other hand, cross their legs. Then use both hands to sit your baby into the pouch, positiong them at about the middle of your chest. You can face them forward or towards your chest. If your baby is facing out, pull the inner piece of fabric up to support their head. If your baby is facing toward you, pull the outer piece of fabric up to support their head.
How to take your baby out of the Kindersling while in the sitting position:
With both hands under your baby’s armpits, gently pull your baby out of the pouch until their feet have cleared the sling.
Note: this position is only for babies who can sit up by themselves
With the rounded pouch area (triple zigzag stitch) resting above your hip, pick your child up with both hands and lay them on the shoulder opposite the one supporting the sling. Keep one arm wrapped around your babies rear, while the opposite hand slips both of their legs through the area between the Kindersling and your body. When the inner fabric edge touches your baby’s rear, sit them into the pouch by pulling the outer fabric up under his armpits. You may also tuck their arms into the pouch and pull the extra fabric up to their head for extra support or warmth. Make sure that their rear is comfortably resting in the pouch, much like a sit-up hammock, with the triple zigzag seam in the middle of their body running up their spine, and their legs spread around your hip. You can now use both of your hands to gently slide the sling towards your hip or towards your belly to find the most comfortable position for you and your child.
How to take your child out of the Kindersling when in the hip hugger position:
With both hands under your baby’s armpits, gently pull your baby out of the pouch until their feet have cleared the sling. If your child can stand or walk along, you may bend your knees so your child's feet touch the ground. Once their feet are planted firmly on ground, pull KinderSling over their head.
Note: this position is only for babies who can sit up by themselves
First, put your baby into the hip hugger position as directed above. Make sure that you have either pulled the outer fabric up all the way under your child’s armpits or have tucked in their arms into the pouch and fully pulled the fabric up to their head. Use both hands to gently slide the Kindersling onto your back. This is done easiest by bending your knees slightly and leaning slightly forward. You might need to slide it in two or more moves. Make sure their legs are straddling your back fully in a comfortable position for both of you.
How to take your child out of Kindersling when in the piggy-back position:
Use both of your hands and gently slide the Kindersling towards your hip so your child is resting back in the hip hugger position. With both hands under your baby’s armpits, gently pull your baby out of the pouch until their feet have cleared the sling. If your child can stand or walk along, you may bend your knees so your child's feet touch the ground. Once their feet are planted firmly on ground, pull KinderSling over their head.