For the Tie Top Sling, which can be purchased here…there are several ways you can tie it, whether it is a Stork Sling or a Cotton Sak Sling.
Following are pictures and an explanation:
The first option is to just hold both ends together, and tie it in a big knot. You can then have the parent hold the top of the sling, as it is not tied to anything (see image).
When you are tying the sling…keep in mind that you want to keep the front of the sling slightly higher than the back…as babies are top heavy, and will fall forward if you don’t elevate the front.
Also, keep your knot as big as possible. Tiny, tight knots don’t look as good as larger, loose knots. You may even want to tie it twice, over itself to produce a nice bulky knot.
This is the resulting image, holding the sling as you see above. The beanbag has been edited out in Post Production.
The second option, is to use it as a Hammock, as seen here. Have a parent hold each end of the Sling over a beanbag for this one.
(My apologies for the size of this image, it is from another photographer who sent us a picture in a small format – but it does the job to provide you with a visual.) Again, there is a beanbag directly under the baby, which remains there at all times.
The third option, would be to tie it to a branch or pole…such as this.
I start by bringing both ends of the sling over the top of the stick, from the front to the back.
I then bring the ends under the stick, and around to the front.
I criss cross them, and bring the ends to the back again, and tie it behind, so that the knot is not visible.
People tie them in many different ways…this is just the way I do it.
I’ve done it in a variety of ways…this one is just the easiest to explain!
This next knot is much more detailed, and almost impossible to explain…but I just did the knot above, without tying it off right away, and kept wrapping the ends around to create a nice bulky knot.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ! **********************
First and most important…, ALWAYS make sure you are working with a baby that is SOUND ASLEEP! This is very important, as awake babies can bolt themselves out of a sling with their little legs very easily!
Always position the baby first, before lifting the baby in the sling. Do not attempt to put the baby in the sling while it is hanging in the air.
DO NOT remove the beanbag when taking your picture! You can remove it in Photoshop during your post production.
Babies Safety is First and Foremost!! Baby should NEVER be left alone while hanging in the sling! And, there should always be a set of hands close to the baby for added protection! If you don’t have enough hands to assure babies safety…or if your baby is awake…DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS POSE!
When used correctly, your Newborn Sling is a safe prop to use. LaurieL Photography, the Maternity and Newborn Photography Prop Shop, and its owners cannot be held responsible for any harm brought to a baby because of inappropriate use of the sling. It is YOUR responsibility to assure the safety of the baby while using this prop.
Thank you for the lesson. Would you mind sharing the size of the cloth you used for the tie top sling and also what you put in the front to make the ledge (and how you secured it there)? Thank you so much! Amy
Great!
I just placed an order for slings and I feel much more confortable to begin use after these lessons…