Wearing your sling
Fold the sling so that the fold travels around your arm like a circle, and then flatten it with the seam pouch pointing down.

To use your left shoulder, put your right arm through the center of the sling with the fold pointing inward, then pull the sling over your head and rest it on your left shoulder; your sling should now be lying across your body from left to right. Reverse these directions to use on your right shoulder.

The top portion of the pouch should be under the armpit, level with the bottom of your ribcage. The bottom should hang near your hipbone. It should feel a little snug. If you don't feel like you have ordered the correct size, contact us so we can make an exchange for you before you use the garment.

The open part of the fabric should be facing up, forming pouch. The fabric should stay folded and flat on your shoulder and across you back, with the weight of the baby supported by your shoulder bone and hip, NOT your neck and back. Separate the two layers of fabric. Baby goes in the pouch.

Pea in the Pod - (Birth to six months)
Shift the sling so the seam is between your belly button and your hip. Lower baby into the pouch with his head by your chest, his bum at the seam and his feet down in the pouch. The baby can face forward to either side- whatever's most comfortable. For smaller babies, you may want to try placing a small folded blanket down in the pouch to add some padding and support.

Kangaroo - (3 to 6 months)
This position is for babies who have head control and want to see the world! For this position, move the seam of the pouch towards your belly button and away from your hip. Hold the pouch open as if you were going to put baby in lying down, but instead cross baby's legs, and place baby in the sling in a sitting position facing out. Hold on to baby until you and baby are comfortable with this position.

Hipster - (When baby can sit up to 30 pounds)
This is a great way to carry around your baby without your arms or hip getting tired. Pick baby up and put his feet through the sling. Open folds and drop him bum in. The sling should look like baby is using the sling as a chair. The top of the sling should cover the baby's back to his armpits and the bottom of the fabric should cover baby's bottom of the fabric should cover baby's bottom and extend to the bend in his knees. Try to have the seam go right down the center of baby's bum.

Trouble shooting
For some, baby wearing can take some getting used to. If you are having problems with your sling here are a few hints from Hot Mama Ink.

• Practice using a doll until you feel comfortable.
• Find the most comfortable position for you and your baby by trying all of the various ways to wear your baby.
• Try the slings when you and baby are fed and well rested.
• Practice by putting your baby in the sling in front of the mirror.
• Shift the sling to different positions on your shoulder by sliding the sling farther down on your shoulder.
• Twist the sling at your shoulder to tighten it slightly if you find it's a little too loose.

Safety
Slings are a safe and secure way of toting around your baby. However, it's important to follow a few guidelines.

• Think about how baby moves around in the sling, and how to keep him safe.
• Cooking while holding your baby is not a good idea with or without the sling.
• It's best not to use a sling with babies over 30 pounds.
• Our slings can accommodate only one baby at a time.
• We have included a pocket for stashing the wallet and keys while on the go. However, exercise caution when using with babies under 6 months old.
• When wearing baby on your hip remember you have added a few inches to your hip. Be careful when moving around and when going through doorways.
• When moving quickly or picking items up make sure to hold on to your baby.
• Prior to each use ensure that the quality of the sling has been maintained and that all seams are in good condition.
• As with all items that surround your baby such as pillows, blankets, bumper pads or clothing, it's important to remember to keep material away from baby's face to ensure that baby can breathe properly and that there is proper airflow. It's also important to keep baby's head from getting forced into her chest.

Cleaning
You sling as been pre-washed. For future cleaning it should be washed in cold water with like colors and dried on low heat.

Enjoy your Hot Mama Ink sling!!!