Instructions

Please note that we no longer provide printed instructions with your sling in an effort to reduce waste, however printable instructions can be downloaded here

Using the Mbeleko is very easy but it does require a little practice and patience at first. Once you've mastered it, using theMbeleko will become second nature, you will be able to put your baby in quickly, securely and comfortably.

At first your baby might take time to get used to the sling. We suggest you practice when baby is fed and well rested. It's a good idea to start sitting down or over a soft surface like a bed. Having someone else to assist you work it out can be a great help as well. You may like to practice with a doll or teddy bear to get used to the way your Mbeleko feels.

Threading
Begin with your sling laid flat, pocket/logo side facing up. For reversible Mbelekos, have the side you want least visible facing up.



Carefully gather the open end of the sling together by holding a side in each hand and 'crimping' the fabric together to form a fan. Make sure to keep the edges on the outside.




Bring this gathered end through both the rings, loop it over and then take it down through the bottom ring. Bring around 1/3 of the sling through the rings to form your 'tail'. It is very important to keep the edges on the outside and not to twist the sling through the rings - this effects your ability to adjust the sling later.

Unless requested otherwise the Mbeleko ships pre-threaded.

Putting it on
You can wear your Mbeleko on either shoulder so decide which side your prefer. If you want baby on your left side you will need the sling to be on your right shoulder - vice versa to wear baby on your right. It is a good idea to swap sides sometimes to avoid strain.






Hold the sling at the rings making sure the tail is at the front.









Place your left arm through the sling and bring the sling over your head.










Rest your Mbeleko on your right shoulder with the rings just in front of your shoulder.









It is important for your comfort that you have the sling spread over your shoulder, and wide across your back thereby spreading the weight and preventing the sling form 'digging' into your neck.




You can adjust your Mbeleko by pulling the tail through the rings, the longer the tail the smaller the pouch, the shorter the tail the larger the pouch - smaller people and babies have longer tails and larger people and toddlers have shorter tails.

To take your Mbeleko off, pull the top rings up and away from your body, thereby loosening the sling enough to get baby out whilst maintaining your customised fit.

If baby falls asleep in the sling and you would like to put him down, it is best to do so by keeping baby in the sling and lying him on the bed by leaning over yourself. Then gently back out of the sling and bring it over your head. For safety we suggest you then carefully slide the sling from underneath baby or un-thread it completely to avoid baby getting entwined in the sling whilst sleeping.