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How to Make a Baby Sling With Pins & Needles

by Contributing Writer

Overview

Why spend more money on yet another appliance your baby will grow out of in a couple of months? With busy parents needing both hands to run errands and do housework, a baby sling is a must-have item. Luckily, it is one that you can make at home with items you probably already own. With this guide, you have the opportunity to create a baby sling that is convenient for you and your style.

Step 1

First choose a fabric. The fabric can be any color, shape or pattern and whatever material you are most comfortable with. A local fabric store will have many options to choose from. A softer, pliable fabric like jersey sheets works well. Also, consider any fabric allergy you or the baby may have.
Step 2

Make sure the fabric is a rectangular shape. The measurements are entirely up to you, but it should be wide enough to cover the baby and long enough to be wrapped around your body a few times.
Step 3

Decide on the measurements you want, then drape the fabric over your neck like a long scarf. The amount of material on each side of you should be of equal length.
Step 4

Take the sides of the fabric and pull them under your armpits. Crisscross the fabric in the back and switch the fabric of each hand. Now pull the fabric back to the front of the body. The fabric should be under your armpits and should be draped around your neck similar to a backpack.
Step 5

Take the remainder of the material and create a sort of nest or cocoon to hold the baby. Use the material to wrap and drape the nest. Make sure it is secure and held close to your body. The material should now be crisscrossed again in front of you with the space for the baby.
Step 6

Take the ends and wrap them around your body. One end should go up over your shoulder where the baby's head is, and the other should be wrapped behind your back, underneath your armpit on the opposite arm. Have each side meet behind you and tie in the back.
Step 7

You can safety pin or sew the area around where the baby is nestled against your chest. You can also pin wherever there is a wrap/tie/crisscross on your body for extra security. The point is to create a sling that fits to your body and the baby's and feels secure with or without the pins. It is a personal choice.

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Fabric/sheets/blankets Scissors Safety pins/needles/thread (optional)
Fabric/sheets/blankets
Scissors
Safety pins/needles/thread (optional)
Make sure to test run the directions before you cut the fabric. If using a sheet or blanket, you may want to cut it in half lengthwise and sew together with needle and thread to increase the length.
Make sure to test run the directions before you cut the fabric. If using a sheet or blanket, you may want to cut it in half lengthwise and sew together with needle and thread to increase the length.
ALWAYS put safety first! Make sure that if you choose to use pins you protect your child's skin from getting punctured. Also make sure there is plenty of breathing room; do not tie knots too tight and cut off your or the child's circulation.
ALWAYS put safety first! Make sure that if you choose to use pins you protect your child's skin from getting punctured. Also make sure there is plenty of breathing room; do not tie knots too tight and cut off your or the child's circulation.