Polar Bear Slings / About my slings and tutorials

About my slings

2009-06-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

The sling can be used from birth up to 35lbs
My Slings are made from single layer fabric (unless stated otherwise)
Most of the fabrics that I use are made from 100% cotton.
You will find more information about the content in each listing.
The edges and the shoulder pad/pillow have soft Polyester filling .
It is stitched in so that it doesn't bunch up or move around .
A shoulder pad has many functions:
-It gives you extra comfort on the shoulder .
-With an infant you can wear the sling upside-down and the shoulder pad acts as a pillow for the infants head.
-If you carry your infant in the snuggly position ( in front of your chest) the pillow provides extra support to the tiny body , neck and head.
The padded edges (1,5 inches )prevent the fabric from cutting into Baby skin. (legs , neck , arms) when the fabric is pulled tight against the baby. Having the fabric pulled tight is necessary for a secure fit when the baby is carried in an upright position or sitting
There is enough fabric to cover up when breastfeeding in privacy.
The sling has a wide middle section .
I use quality Nylon and Aluminum rings that went through a whole lot of tests by the Manufacturer(SlingRings)
The sling can be machine washed and dried in the Dryer
(both NOT on hot please!)
Please contact me if you have any questions!

Why Baby Slings? The Benefits of "Wearing" Your Baby...

2009-03-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

Why Baby Slings?
The Benefits of "Wearing" Your Baby...

~~ Baby Slings help you to establish a strong bond between you and your baby
~~ Sling babies are more content, less colicky and cry less
~~ Slings are better for your babies developing spine
~~ Slings are great for premature babies . They are reminded of the womb, the heart beat and movement of their mother. They feel more secure!
~~ Studies have shown that premature babies gain weight faster and are overall healthier when carried in a sling
~~ Using a sling is very versatile and comfortable
~~ You can nurse anywhere in private
~~ Your baby can sleep whenever it needs to without being moved
~~ You read your babies cues easier and react faster to her needs , there for the baby cries less
~~ You have your hands free to tent to other siblings, yourself , your household , shopping or eating for example.
~~ Toddlers can easily be overwhelmed by strange places and feel more confident when carried in the sling
~~ They learn about their environment, get better organized and learn language easier
~~ No bulky car seats to carry around
~~ No strollers are necessary when you go to the Mall , a crowded place or if you are out for a walk or hike in Nature
~~ Traveling with a sling is so much easier then taking a stroller, backpack carrier or car seat!
~~You always know that your baby is close and safe!
~~ In cold winter climate , the sling keeps the baby warm on walks

(I would wear my kids under my jacket in the sling..) and unlike with the backpack carrier, I could see if baby lost his soother, or mitts, if his hat covered his eyes and made him mad or if he still had warm feet.

There are many,many more reasons ....

Sizes

2009-03-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

My slings are lightly padded and come in different sizes.

The size mostly depends on the weight of the person that will be using the sling.
Should your weight be at the edge of a weight group, please select the next smaller or larger size.
S = 70-120 lbs (30-55 kg)

M = 110-175 lbs (50-80 kg)

L = 140-250 lbs (60-114 kg)

XL = over 250 lbs (over 114 kg)
(Please contact me if you are looking for a sling in XL or larger. I have to make sure that I have enough of the fabric )

If you have problems finding the right size , you can also measure from the top of your shoulder (for example the right shoulder )to the outside of your opposite hip( left hip) and e-mail me these measurements with your weight.

Kangaroo Carry

2009-03-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Kangaroo Carry

Between 3 and 6 months (earlier in some babies) your baby may prefer the Kangaroo position.

Support baby facing forward with one arm under her legs and her back against your chest.
With your free hand hold the edge of the sling outward, forming a pouch.
Slide baby into the pouch , bottom first, resting against your chest or in the crook of your arm.

Make sure to pull a bit of fabric up between the baby and your body.
Older babies might not like this position for long periods of time.
You also have the baby positioned parallel to your hip.

Snuggle Hold

2009-03-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Snuggle Hold

This position is useful from birth to about six month.
During the first two months this position works best if the sling is put on
backwards (pillow in the front).
The pillow is used as extra support for babies head and back.

Put the sling on.
Hold the baby against your left shoulder with your left hand. With your right hand , pull
the edge of the sling up and over the baby.

Bend over slightly, holding baby’s back with your right hand, and with your left hand pull
baby’s feet outside the lower edge of the sling.

Grab a bit of fabric between the baby’s legs and pull it towards you. If the baby is very young
and small he might like to tuck his feet close to his body, leave the feet inside the sling .
Adjust the snugness of the sling so that the baby is securely nestled against your chest.

Be sure that the upper edge of the sling is snug against the baby’s head and neck .
In a properly secure snuggle hold the baby seems to be sitting in a little pouch.

Some babies need the sling very snug or they don’t feel secure
If the backwards positioned sling still feels to loose,
try adding a small folded towel to the pillow.

Hip Straddle

2009-03-19T13:40:00.001-07:00

Hip Straddle

This position can be used by 4-6 month or when your baby is able to hold it's head
up without support.
Most people prefer to wear their baby on the hip opposite their dominant hand.
For example: right hip if left-handed, left hip if right-handed.

With your left hand (if you’re right-handed) hold baby high up on your left shoulder.

Using your right hand, reach from underneath the sling, between sling and your body,
for the baby’s feet and pulling them down and over onto your hip.
One leg in the front, the other in the back.
Pull fabric up over babies back and under his bottom.

Supporting baby with your left hand, reach with your right hand between baby’s legs and
grab some fabric, pulling it towards you.
Baby should sit in a pouch!
Pull the top edge of the fabric high on the baby’s back. Adjust the sling. If necessary adjust just the top edge by pulling that part tighter trough the rings to give the baby good support.
If that doesn't give the the result you look for, you might have to take the baby out of the sling and take the tail out of the rings, twist it inwards once, then tread it back through the rings.

Cradle Hold

2009-03-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

Cradle Hold

Put the sling on ( For newborn “backward”.)

While supporting baby’s back and head with your arm and hand, align baby in the direction of the sling.

Open the sling with your free hand and slide baby’s body into the sling while lowering his head into the pocket formed by the shoulder pad and the padded edges .

Please make sure the baby is laying in the fabric like in a hammock with fabric coming up on both sides of the baby!
Adjust the size of the sling by pulling on the tail.

If necessary adjust just the outer edge part

Doesn't that look comfy?

How to put your sling on.

2009-03-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here you will find instructions on how to put your sling on
and the different positions .
Easy to follow and easy to use!!

You will find instructions for these positions

Cradle Hold
Hip Straddle
Snuggle Hold
Kangaroo Carry ( Forward Facing)

Try using the sling without the baby first. Use a stuffed animal or doll to practice.
When you are comfortable with it, try the sling with your baby.
Pick a day when the baby is in a good mood.
Take a deep breath! Relax!!
If you are stressed, your baby could sense it and get cranky.
Give it some time!
Keep in mind that you and your baby have to get used to the sling ! If your baby had enough, try it another time again.
With time the whole process of putting the sling on and baby in it will become so easy, that you could do it in your sleep!

Let's start.....

Decide on which shoulder you want the sling to rest on.
For example, if you are right handed you might prefer to have the
sling on your right shoulder with the rings and tail facing forward

Lift the sling over your head and........let the shoulder pad come to rest on your right shoulder.
For a newborn you can put the sling on” backward” with the shoulder pad in the front
and rings and tail on to of your shoulder.
The shoulder pad acts like a pillow for the babies head.