Before putting your baby in the sling, fold sling in half lengthwise and insert the tail of the sling through both rings.  This will create the pocket that the baby will rest in.  Put the sling over your head and one arm, leaving the slightly padded section over the top and outside of one shoulder with the rings and fabric tail in front.  The rings will be resting a bit below your collar bone.  This positioning of the rings and padding will provide more support for your neck, shoulders and back.  I recommend leaving it like this for all sling positions, although as you will see from some of the pictures below, it is not always necessary.  Slide the fabric tail over one ring and under the next to tighten, and pull the tail until the sling part of the fabric is at a comfortable level (usually right below the breasts).  This can be adjusted once the baby is in to fit yours and your little one’s preferences.

There are many different positions you can use to carry your baby, and as your little one grows you will find he or she prefers different positions.  Below is a quick guide to different ring positions for your little one.  Some of this information was taken from Dr. Sears, author of The Baby Book. (© Copyright 2006 AskDrSears.com. All Rights Reserved.)

CRADLE CARRY:
	With the sling on and holding your baby in one arm, place baby inside the pocket (made when you folded sling in half lengthwise) with your baby’s head toward the rings.  Tuck his feet inside.  It is important to make sure that your baby’s head is not tilted down as this can obstruct his airway.  If additional support is needed, place a folded receiving blanket under the baby’s head and torso.  After a few weeks you won’t need this receiving blanket under his head.  While still supporting your baby with your arm, use the opposite hand to pull the extra fabric tail until the sling tightens to a snug position that is comfortable for you and your little one.
SNUGGLE HOLD-NEWBORN AND OLDER:
	After putting sling on, hold baby against your shoulder. With your opposite hand, pull the edge of the sling out and up over your baby’s bottom and back. Pull her feet down under the lower railing of the sling. Adjust the snugness of the sling so that your baby is securely nestled against your chest. Be certain the lower railing is snug against the baby’s thigh and the upper railing is snug along the back of her head and neck.
KANGAROO CARRY - AGE 3 MONTHS AND OLDER:
	This forward facing position is for babies with good head control. After putting the sling on, support your baby facing forward with one arm under his legs and his back against your chest. With your free hand, hold the edge of the sling outward forming a pouch. Slide baby down into pouch bottom first. Most babies will cross their legs “Indian-style.”  Pull the fabric tail until sling tightens and sits at a comfortable level for you.
SIDE CARRY - AGE 3 MONTHS AND OLDER:
	In this position baby will sit up on either side with both legs contained in the sling. Place baby in the Sling like the Kangaroo Carry, with feet to one side or the other. Younger babies like the back support when they sit on the side next to the rings.
HIP STRADDLE – AGE 4 MONTHS AND OLDER:
	In this position your baby will sit up on either side with both legs outside the sling. It is very similar to the Snuggle Hold, only on your hip instead of against your chest.  After putting the sling on, hold your baby on your hip at the most comfortable height for you.  Slide the upper edge of the sling out and up your baby’s back, leaving the lower edge supporting her bottom.  Adjust the fabric tail so she is sitting snugly against your side.