Video: Newborn Cradle Carry (Feet at Rings)

This carry is one of the most popular holds for a newborn, and it can be adapted as the child grows. It's a perfect position for discreet and hands-free breastfeeding. To prepare to use this hold, be sure that you are in a safe location (not in the middle of a parking lot where you might be hit, for example), and observe all other safety precautions. Position your ring sling so that the rings are at "corsage height" or slightly higher as it will probably slip down as you adjust the tail. With the inner rail pulled up against your stomach below your chest, open the pouch by loosening the tail and pulling the outer rail away from your body. Insert the baby's feet first a few inches away from the rings and closer to your body within the pouch. Always keep your arm around and under the baby until he or she is completely secure in the sling. As you ease the baby into the pouch, pull the outer rail up around the baby while maintaining several inches of the inner rail between you and the baby. The baby should be lying at an angle across the pouch of the sling, with the feet closer to you and the head closer to the outer rail. This positioning keeps the rails from coming up over the baby's head, which usually causes them to feel closed in and uncomfortable. While using your arm to lift the baby slightly to reduce tension on the rings, pull the tail of the sling out and down to tighten the pouch. The bottom of the pouch should be no lower than your belly button, and the baby should be positioned close to your chest. Finally, find the sides of the tail that correspond to the inner and outer rails and pull to secure the sling for comfort and safety. To conveniently breastfeed your baby in this position, simply lower the inner rail close to your breast, position the baby at the breast, and use the tail of the sling as a cover. It will take some practice to figure out the best way to secure the sling for comfortable, hands-free breastfeeding.

As the baby grows, you may find it more comfortable for him or her to have one or both feet sticking out of the pouch over either the inner or outer rail. This position continues to be great for breastfeeding as long as you need it.

Elizabeth and her daughter Rebekah kindly modeled all of the newborn carry holds.