MAGIC SLING

MEI TAI INSTRUCTIONS

****PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE USING CARRIER****

* Ages Newborn- 3+ years and up to 35+ lbs.

*Always be aware of your baby.  Always bend at the knees, not the waist. Always tie knots- bows can slip or become untied.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your baby is safe.

*By purchasing a Magic Sling baby carrier, you agree that Magic Sling and Melissa Pruitt are not responsible for accidents due to use/misuse of our carriers.  Discontinue use of your carrier if you notice any obvious wear of any kind.  Please contact us if a repair is needed.

*As with any new carrier, it takes time to get used to putting baby in and taking baby out- Always have an extra person or a couch nearby when first practicing.  Be patient and make sure that baby is fed, changed, and happy before attempting to use any new carrier.  Practice makes perfect!

*Washing Instructions- Cold wash/hang dry- iron if needed

Infant Front Carry     4 mos-1+yr
1. Tie the waist straps in a knot in the back, like an apron, with the ‘right’side of the Mei Tai against your body.

2.  Pick up baby, and hold baby with her legs around your waist. 

1.           2.       

3. While holding onto baby’s back with one hand, pull the Mei Tai up between her legs and over her back with your other hand, creating a seat for baby. Let the shoulder straps hang behind you.

4. Keeping hold of your baby’s back, grab the shoulder straps behind you with 1 hand- pull them down to tighten the carrier against your baby’s back.  At this time, a slight ‘bounce’ or ‘jump’ can help to tighten the straps even more.

3.    4./5.

5.  With the Mei Tai tight against your baby’s back, and you holding the 2 straps together with one hand, the Mei Tai will hold your baby while you cross the 2 straps.  You should keep tension on the straps to hold baby tight.  Always have the straps crossed on your back, like a big 'X', before bringing the straps back to the front!

6. Keeping the straps taut, pass the straps to the front.  Either tie the straps in a knot under baby's bottom (over or under her legs), or tie in the middle of baby’s back Tying in the middle of back is necessary for babies who cannot sit on their own.

7.  If baby is low, swaying, or loose, the Mei Tai isn’t tight enough.  You will need to untie, pull and bounce again, then retie.  There shouldn’t be any space between you and your baby.

8. If you purchased a Mei Tai with wrap style straps, spread the shoulder straps wide over your shoulders and back.  This helps with weight distribution and comfort.
   

Newborn Carry      newborn- 3+ mos

 This carry is for babies who cannot spread their pelvic bones yet.  This is usually before 4 mos or so.  If baby cannot wrap legs around your waist, then this is how to use the Mei Tai until she can.  Always tie around baby's back until she can sit unassisted! 

Please follow directions above for Infant Front Carry, except that you will place the baby in the Mei Tai without her legs wrapped around your waist.  The baby’s legs should be ‘froggied’ up inside the Mei Tai.  Most tiny babies like this position, but don’t be alarmed if your baby doesn’t.  Just practice another time and see if she changes her mind.  If not, then wait until she can put her legs around your waist for the Infant Front Carry.  

      Also, you can opt to have her lay angled in the Mei Tai with her legs both to one side.  With this type of carry, you will need a blanket or small pillow to use as a support.  Remember, tie around her back, not under her bottom.

Infant/Toddler Back Carry       4 mos- 3+ yrs

 When trying this carry, it is helpful to have a person nearby or a large mirror to check your positioning. This carry may seem awkward at first, but with practice, you and your baby will figure out how to get the most out of it and it will be easy to do.  

1. Tie the waist straps of the Mei Tai in front securely with a square knot.  I like to tie pretty high up- between my waist and breast.  Others, like my model in the picture, like to tie a little lower.  Personal preference plays a part here.  The higher you tie the waist straps, the more elevated your baby will be on your back.  To get a VERY high back carry, or if heavily pregnant, many women find tying above the breast is more comfy.  Try different spots to see what works best for you and your baby.

2. There are a couple of ways to get your baby on your back.  You can place your baby on your hip and slide her around to your back into position (which is what is pictured here), or you can lift baby over your shoulder and slide her down into position.  Always keep your hand securely on your baby’s back while getting her into position.

1.  2.

3. While leaning over slightly and holding onto baby, grab the Mei Tai and pull it up and over baby’s back, checking to make sure it is completely over her back.  Baby’s legs should be sticking out of the sides centered on the Mei Tai (like piggy-back).

         3.

4.  Grab the shoulder straps in front, and pull them tautly down in front of you, while standing up slowly.  This will hold your baby in place.  Bouncing slightly here, while you hold the straps, will help to tighten the Mei Tai against baby’s back and will also help baby’s bottom completely fill the seat of the carrier.  Also, make sure that her legs are still spread out completely.  This will help her sink further into the seat of the carrier.  Check a mirror.  Make sure she is centered.

5.  Now you may either cross the straps in front over your chest, or simply pass them under your armpits.  You will then bring them under baby’s legs and tie a knot under her bottom, or if you have enough strap length left, you may cross them under her bottom and bring back around to tie a knot at your front waist.

4.  5.

6.  If at this point, baby is low or loose, untie and pull on your straps again, bouncing and pulling to tighten.  Retie.  If baby is low or loose, the Mei Tai isn’t tight enough.  There shouldn’t be any room between you and your baby.

7.  To get your baby down from your back, lean forward, untie the shoulder straps while still holding onto baby’s back.  Take the shoulder strap off on the side you wish to slide her around to. Hold the other strap in between your knees. Slide baby to your hip.  

Happy Babywearing!

Questions? Email us at: missy@magicsling.com

 ONBU PICS COMING SOON.....

 Magic Sling

Onbuhimo Instructions

****PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE USING CARRIER****

* Ages 4 mos.- 3+ years and up to 35+ lbs.

*Always be aware of your baby.  Always bend at the knees, not the waist. Always tie knots- bows can slip or become untied.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your baby is safe.

*By purchasing a Magic Sling baby carrier, you agree that Magic Sling and Melissa Pruitt are not responsible for accidents due to use/misuse of our carriers.  Discontinue use of your carrier if you notice any obvious wear of any kind.  Please contact us if a repair is needed.

*As with any new carrier, it takes time to get used to putting baby in and taking baby out- Always have an extra person or a couch nearby when first practicing.  Be patient and make sure that baby is fed, changed, and happy before attempting to use any new carrier.  Practice makes perfect!

*Washing Instructions- Cold Wash/Hang Dry, iron if needed

Infant Front Carry         4mos-1+yrs

1.  Take Onbu and place the straps over your shoulders, cross them in back, and put through the loops at waist.  Pull the straps to your back, tighten, then loosen a bit, and tie a knot in back.  You will have the Onbu on the correct way, but without the baby.  After practice, you will see how loose you need to keep the Onbu, prior to putting baby in the carrier.

2. Take your baby and either slide her through the side, or through the top, and have her thighs on top of the loops, with legs spread around your waist.  If this doesn’t happen easily, put baby down and loosen the straps a little and retie. Try again.  Her arms can be above or below the shoulder strap, depending on how tall she is.  You do want the body of the Onbu to be at least to her armpits.

3.  Once baby is in, she will probably be hanging quite low.  Reach around and grab the knot you have tied and pull.  At this point, bouncing slightly and pulling on the straps, will get the baby higher and tighter.  Untie the knot, while keeping straps taut, and retie.  If it still isn’t tight enough, or baby is swaying, grab the straps behind you near the knot, and bounce again, pulling tighter, and retie again.  There shouldn’t be any space between you and the baby.  If there is, the Onbu isn’t tight enough.

**Please do not attempt using an Onbu with a baby who cannot spread her pelvis and wrap her legs around your waist.   Also, head control is necessary.   Your baby may suffer injury- it isn’t safe!  This is NOT a newborn carrier!***

Infant/Toddler Back Carry         4 mos.- 3+ yrs

When trying this carry, it is helpful to have a person nearby or a large mirror to check your positioning. This carry may seem awkward at first but with practice, you and your baby will figure out how to get the most out of it and it will be easy to do.

1.  Take Onbu and lay it out on a safe surface (bed, couch, etc.), right side down, with straps thread through the loops (not crossed).  Take your baby and place her on the Onbu.

2.  Take the shoulder straps under baby’s armpits, pull them together tightly, holding the straps. Lift baby up, being held by the Onbu straps, with one hand.  Hold onto your baby’s bottom with your other hand.

3.  Get ready to do the “Santa Toss”- Place baby over your shoulder, while still holding both straps together tightly.  Then bend down slightly, lower baby down a little, and flip the strap that is opposite over your other shoulder.  Make sure that the straps are still under your baby’s armpits, holding her in place.  Baby should be quite high on your back.

4.  Hold onto baby with one hand.  Put opposite arm through shoulder strap, and pull on the strap tightly.  Put that strap between your knees and hold tightly.

5.  Grab the other strap and put arm through and pull on the strap, and tighten.

6.  Take both straps, bounce, pull and tighten, then tie straps in a knot.

7.  If the Onbu still isn’t tight enough, or baby is swaying, grab the straps near the knot, and bounce again, pulling tighter, and retie again.  There shouldn’t be any space between you and the baby.  If there is, the Onbu isn’t tight enough.

8.  To take baby down, loosen the knot, and take the strap off of the shoulder on the side where you would like to retrieve her.  Bend down slightly,  slide baby to your hip and bring around to your front.

Magic Sling

Ring Sling Instructions

****PLEASE READ ALL DIRECTIONS BEFORE USING CARRIER****

* Ages newborn- 3+ years and up to 35+ lbs.

*Always be aware of your baby. 

 *CAUTION!! Make sure that infants in the cradle/nursing position have an unobstructed airway- baby should never be in a chin to chest position in the sling- this may block her airway.  Always check your small infant's breathing. 

*Always bend at the knees, not the waist. 

*Do not cook while using this ring sling.  Fabric is not fire resistant. 

*This sling is not to be used in a vehicle.  It is not a substitute for a car seat.  

*Do not use this sling while exercising or participating in strenuous activities.  Do not use around mechanical equipment.

*Do not use this sling while intoxicated. 

*It is your responsibility to make sure that your baby is safe.

*By purchasing a Magic Sling baby carrier, you agree that Magic Sling and Melissa Pruitt are not responsible for accidents due to use/misuse of our carriers.  Discontinue use of your carrier if you notice any obvious wear of any kind.  Please contact us if a repair is needed.

*As with any new carrier, it takes time to get used to putting baby in and taking baby out- Always have an extra person or a couch nearby when first practicing.  Be patient and make sure that baby is fed, changed, and happy before attempting to use any new carrier.  Practice makes perfect!  You can do it!

*Washing Instructions- Cold Wash/Hang Dry, iron if needed

Tummy to Tummy    ages newborn- 9+ mos.

1.  Decide which shoulder you wish for the sling to rest on. Put your opposite arm through the Ring Sling, with the tail pointing down (right or left shoulder- your preference).  Make sure the sling isn’t too loose and that the rings are on top of your shoulder. 

2.  Place your baby high on the shoulder that is opposite from the rings. 

3.  Open the sling and lower baby vertically into the sling, making sure her feet are sticking out of the bottom (tiny babies can have their feet inside, froggied up)- never let go of your baby until the sling is positioned very tightly around her.

2.  3.

4.  While holding onto baby with one hand, pull down and out on the tail of the sling, pulling baby tightly in to your chest.  There shouldn’t be any space between you and baby.  The fabric should be taut around her back and bottom.  Make sure the sling is pulled up to baby's armpits or over baby's shoulders.  If the rings wind up in your breast area, this means that your sling was too loose when you started.

5.  Make sure that the sling is tightened to the back of baby’s knees (NOT her bottom).  Knees need to be higher than her bottom.   Her legs need to be 'froggied' up to her body. Baby's bottom needs to be cupped by the sling.   ****This is extremely important- baby could stiffen and slip out of the bottom if this step is ignored****

4.  5.

6.  Check your work to make sure baby is in securely. Make sure that the sling is spread over your shoulder and back. 

7. To get baby out, pull up on the bottom ring to loosen. While holding onto her, lift baby out or pull sling up and over the baby.

         7.

NURSING/CRADLE PICS COMING SOON.....

Nursing/ Cradle Position    ages newborn to weaning

**this position transitions quite easily from the Tummy to Tummy position.**

1.  Follow steps 1-3 for Tummy to Tummy position

2.  Lower your baby into the sling, semi-horizontally, on the side opposite the rings.  If wanting to nurse on the other side, either shift the rings behind your shoulder or switch the sling to other shoulder before putting baby in.  Baby's legs can be inside the sling for smaller infants, or out, for bigger infants and toddlers.  Ideally, you would keep baby's legs inside as long as they will fit. 

3.  Get your shirt and your breast into position, remembering to never let go of an unsecured baby.  Let your baby latch on then tighten the sling around your baby, by pulling out and down on the tail at the position for her to latch and nurse naturally.  The baby’s head can be either in the sling or out- whatever is the most comfortable for her and you.  For added privacy, you may use the end of the tail for a cover-up.  Make sure that the bottom rail is tightened up around baby’s legs.  She should be as secure as if you were holding her to nurse.  With practice, this will be hands-free.

4.   Check your work to make sure baby is in securely.

FORWARD FACING PICS COMING SOON.......   

Forward Facing   ages 3 mos- 9 mos

**This position cannot be used without constant support from the wearer***

***This carry is not appropriate for very wiggly babies***

1.  Put your arm through the Ring Sling with the tail pointing down (right or left shoulder- your preference).  Make sure the sling isn’t too loose and that the rings are on top of your shoulder.

2.  Pull lower rail (hem) up on your body to make a pouch.

3.  Place baby inside the pouch, with her legs froggied up in front, making sure that the rail closest to you hasn’t slipped down.

4.  Pull the tail out and down to tighten.  You will then have to pull on the upper rail part of the tail to tighten it independently.  This will draw the extra fabric up on baby’s front so that it is taut.  If the rings are in your breast area, the sling was too loose when put on.  Take baby out and try again with the sling a little tighter to begin with.

5.  Check your work to make sure baby is in securely.  Remember that this position is not hands free- you must always keep a hand on baby’s front while in this position.  You must take extra caution in this position when going about your duties- do not bend without holding onto baby securely.  This position is not good for chores.

Hip Carry  ages 7 mos- 3+ yrs.

**This position is appropriate for babies with significant upper body strength**

**Some babies may not be ready for this position at 7 mos.**

**If you find yourself carrying your baby on your hip, then she is ready for this**

1.  Put your arm through the Ring Sling with the tail pointing down (right or left shoulder- your preference).  Make sure the sling isn’t too loose and that the rings are on top of your shoulder.

2.  Place your baby high on your shoulder that is opposite from the rings. 

3.  Open the sling and lower baby vertically into the sling, placing her on your hip, her legs wrapped around your waist. Make sure her feet are sticking out of the bottom- never let go of your baby until the sling is positioned very tightly around her.

2.    3.

4.  While holding onto baby with one hand, pull down and out on the tail of the sling, pulling baby tightly in to your side.  There shouldn’t be any space between you and baby.  The fabric should be taut around her back and bottom.  Pull the fabric up over her shoulders, or under her armpits for an older toddler.  If there is loose fabric around baby’s back, pull the tail rail that corresponds to the upper rail- this will keep baby closer to you, which will make baby safer and reduce neck and back strain for you.  If the rings wind up in your breast area, the sling was too loose when you started.  Take baby out and start over.

5.  Make sure that the sling is tightened to the back of baby’s knees (NOT her bottom).  Baby's legs should be around your waist.  Knees need to be higher than her bottom.   ****This is extremely important- baby could stiffen and slip out of the bottom if this step is ignored****

4.  5.

6.  Check your work to make sure baby is in securely. Make sure that the sling is spread over your shoulder and your back.