What other ring sling specific mechanics should I consider?Updated 6 hours ago

Our ring slings are made to be worn on either shoulder or both! Some people are comfortable going back and forth between their two shoulders, and some pick a shoulder and stick to it. Both are right!

Here are some things to consider when you're trying to decide which shoulder to wear on:

• Are you right or left handed? Some people prefer to wear on their non-dominant shoulder. They feel they have more mobility in their dominant hand that way.
• Which hip do you hold your baby on? Some people like to choose the opposite shoulder so when they do a hip carry it feels more natural.
• Do you have any medical or mobility concerns? If you have any history with your shoulders, you should pick the one that will be more comfortable for you in the long run.

Aside from which side the wearer chooses, hope&plum ring slings can be worn 3 different ways for the baby too: front carry with baby's legs in, front carry with baby's legs out, and hip carry with your older baby or toddler's legs out. 

While you can find tutorials online for back carrying in a ring sling, hope&plum does not safety test for these carries. Additionally, these carries are considered advanced and require a very compliant older baby or toddler. 

Infants should be worn in a front, tummy to tummy carry centered on the caregiver's chest until they have strong head and neck control. 

Once you're holding your baby on your hip without extra support without a carrier, you're generally safe to move to a hip carry in a ring sling. 

And -- pro-tip -- we call it a "hip carry" but it's really just an off-center carry with baby's bottom positioned between your belly button and your hip. 

Of course, you can keep wearing bigger, stronger babies in a front carry. But we find that as babies grow, they like the freedom of being able to look around in a hip carry, with the security of being able to snuggle back into their caregivers to rest or cuddle!

Check out our blog post on how to use a ring sling for more information on front carry vs. hip carry.

And of course, we're always here for fit checks to help you find the safest and most comfortable way to wear your baby!