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By Tammy NissimLightweight, simple and elegant; a Little Frog Ring Sling is the perfect addition to your baby carrying kit.
Made from super soft woven cotton, they’re great for everyday use. Their gorgouscolours and patterns make them ideal for weddings and special occasions, too.
They’re adjustable from birth to 3 years, and suitable for mums and dads (UK size 6 to 20/22).
Here’s what you need to know…
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WHAT IS A RING SLING?
Unlike conventional carriers with their numerous clips, straps, velcro and poppers, ring slings are simple and beautiful: they’re made of just one piece of fabric, with two rings sewn into one end.
To set it up, thread the fabric ‘tail’ through the rings and pull to tighten. This creates an adjustable sash-shaped sling worn over one shoulder, which will fit everyone and anyone
Newborns are worn on your front, and once they can support their upper body and have reached the curious stage (at around 4-5 months) they can move to your hip.
IT’S THE ULTIMATE HIP CARRIER
Parents tend to carry older babies on their hip. But we can all fall into bad habits, compensating by jutting out one hip, which can put a strain on our backs.
The Little Frog Ring Sling holds your baby close and replaces the arm you would usually use to support baby’s bottom, so you can straighten up and have your hands free
You might ask what the point is of a dedicated hip carrier, when most conventional carriers already (claim to) offer a hip position?
Carriers with padded straight shoulder straps don’t sit comfortably on the curve of your shoulder. The Little Frog will cover the full width of your shoulder and take baby’s weight on the opposite side.
Additionally, a hip carry is a fab alternative to outward facing, as your baby can look around and interact with the world while still having your eye contact and reassurance. They are safe to nestle in and nap on the go.
PERFECT FOR THE UP-DOWN LIFE OF A TODDLER
The quick release of the rings makes it easy to bring your toddler down swiftly… and then bring them right back up again a few moments later!
On so many occasions I have left a bulky conventional carrier at home and later regretted it. But a lightweight ring sling like the Little Frog is ideal as a “just in case” carrier.
When not in use, it will squish easily into your bag, or can be worn as a pretty scarf. They also come in handy as a makeshift picnic blanket or play mat!
…AND ALSO BRILLIANT FOR NEWBORNS
Many buckled carriers aren’t really ideal for very small newborns; the ‘seat’ is often too wide, and the panel too rigid for those early weeks. In comparison, Little Frog’s woven fabric is soft and will mould perfectly around a newborn’s shape, respecting their natural physiology.
It’s important that your baby is held snug and high. Always follow the TICKS advice for a safe carry with a newborn.
IDEAL FOR SHORT PERIODS
As ring slings distribute your baby’s weight over one side of your body, they tend to be worn for shorter periods of time.
You will most likely want one alongside a conventional carrier which takes baby’s weight across both shoulders and has the support of a waistband. A ring sling is best suited for short trips around the shops, or pottering around at home, rather than a 5-mile walk!
If you decide you need a hip carrier with a waistband and more structure, I can recommend the excellent Scootababy carrier, but it’s only suitable from around 5 months (and isn’t as beautiful or as lightweight as the Little Frog).
INTUITIVE AND EASY (AFTER SOME DEDICATED PRACTICE!)
There’s a knack to using these slings which requires a little patience to start.
There’s no waistband, which might make you wonder how your baby will be held securely. The answer is a good pelvic tuck (with their knees held higher than than their bum) and friction: your baby is held snugly against you, and just like in a deckchair, the deep seat you create is almost impossible to get out of!
Once you see it in action, it’s fairly intuitive. My hot tip – prepare your ‘pouch’ before popping your baby in, so there is minimal adjustment needed once they are seated!
IDEAL AS A BREASTFEEDING AND BOTTLEFEEDING AID
For those who feel reasonably confident with feeding and would like to try it in a sling, the Little Frog is ideal due to its simple hammock shape and adjustability.
It won’t be a hands-free option for a newborn or younger baby. You’ll still need at least one hand/arm to support your baby until they have full upper control at around 5-6 months. But one hand free is better than none!
VALUE FOR MONEY
Starting from just £45.95, Little Frog ring slings are exceptionally good value considering they will last your entire babywearing journey.
Ring slings don’t always get the love they deserve. It’s one of those carrying options that can benefit from a bit of tuition to get started. But once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one!
