'You make it look effortless': Parents praise viral baby sling tutorial as expert dances through steps in under a minute

A baby wrap tutorial has gone viral on social media platform TikTok, gaining over 1.7million views.

While baby-wearing is a popular way for parents to carry their babies, actually knowing how to wrap a baby in a sling has to be up there as one of the most baffling things for new mums and dads to get to grips with.

Particularly as it is vital that you tie the sling correctly to ensure that it is secure for your baby and comfortable for you both.

That might explain why a simple tutorial showing how to wrap a baby in a sling has gone viral on TikTok.

The video, which was shared by the Glasgow Sling library, offers step-by-step guidance for parents to follow in order to comfortably and safely wrap their baby in a sling.

And it seems parents are loving it.

A week after it was originally shared the clip had clocked up more than 1.7million views, 326K likes and almost 4K comments, many from parents praising the simple guide.

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The video shows Hannah Inman, from the Glasgow Sling Library wrapping a baby wrap around her before placing a child snuggly in the sling.

Viewers have praised the clip for the simple yet creative way it showcases how to use a baby wrap, which is something many parents struggle with.

Commenting on the success of the video Gemma Hamilton, another member of the Glasgow Sling Library team who worked on the clip, told Glasgow Times: “Parents and carers often get the baby wrap and have to look online for instructions on how to use it.

“Fun tutorials are a big thing in the sling world, but they are usually done on Youtube.

“I decided to film the video on TikTok because it meant that we could utilise the 'duet' feature, and I had seen it successfully done with so many different topics.

“But when we posted the video, we had no intention of it getting as big as it has.”

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How to safely wear a baby sling

If you’re thinking of trying out a baby wrap or sling, it is important to follow some simple guidance, like that highlighted in the TikTok tutorial.

The NCT points out that unfortunately some babies have been injured and even died in baby slings and carriers.

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“Non-fatal injuries were mainly caused by dropping, while deaths were caused by positional asphyxiation. (Positional asphyxiation is where the baby’s body position blocks their breathing and they suffocate if this goes unnoticed.),” the NCT states.

“These risks have led to tighter safety standards for slings and carriers. Safety guidelines can also help you keep your baby safe.”

They recommend parents follow the UK Sling Consortium’s TICKS checklist:

• (T)ight: Slings and carriers should be tight enough to hug your baby close. Any loose fabric will allow your baby to slump down in the carrier, which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.

• (I)n view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby’s face just by glancing down. The fabric of a sling or carrier shouldn’t close around your baby so you have to open it to check on them. In a cradle position your baby should face upwards, and not turned in towards your body.

• (C)lose enough to kiss: Your baby’s head should be as close to your chin as is comfortable. By tipping your head forward, you should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead.

• (K)eep chin off the chest: A baby should never be curled so their chin is forced onto their chest as this can restrict their breathing. Make sure there is always a space of at least a finger width under your baby’s chin.

• (S)upported back: In an upright carrier, your sling should carry you baby comfortably close to you to support their back in its natural position. Their tummy and chest should be against you. Test this by putting your hand on your baby’s back and pressing gently, they should not uncurl or move closer to you.

If your baby is in a cradle carry or pouch, their bottom must be in the deepest part of the sling. This way, the sling doesn’t fold your baby and press their chin to their chest.