Rebozo Ring Sling We are fascinated by how small the carbon footprint is of Maya women and how little Maya people take from the Earth. How they weave their clothing, farm their land, walk everywhere, use public transportation for long trips and take care of their limited supply of water and electricity. They save and reuse things we usually throw away; make jewelry out of coconut and coffee shells, and use natural dyes from plants and fruits! We are in awe of the multi uses of their wardrobe, like the Rebozo Sling! After traditional baby carrying use, this simple foot-loomed rebozo can become a tablecloth for the family or used to keep the sun or rain off of these women’s heads. It can be used to keep them warm and it becomes a carrying cloth to bundle breads, groceries or goods to be sold at the market; its life is extended by becoming a window cover or a room partition, and when a mom is finally done with it, she takes it to the market to be sold to buy more thread to make a new rebozo. A new life is then given to that old rebozo by an artisan or artist who will repurpose it into a woman’s bag, a clutch, a whimsical doll or even into a pair of summer sandals! We hope you will enjoy your Rebozo Ring Sling made by Guatemalan artisans. With Love, Mikoleon Safety We at Mikoleon respect the bond between a parent and a child. With careful design, our artisans have crafted the perfect Rebozo Ring Sling for you and your babe. Inspired by the traditional Guatemalan Rebozos that have been used for decades to carry children, we present a beautiful, safe and easy to wear baby carrier. Please spend some time to learn the following simple and necessary instructions to best prepare you for some safe parent + baby Ring Sling time. Additional tutorials can be found at Mikoleon.com. You’ll be a Ring Sling expert before you know it! Because our rebozos are made with cotton, the fibers hold tight together, ensuring a safe fabric to hold your babe. However, we encourage that you be mindful before and after Ring Sling use. If you see anything out of order, please contact us at info@mikoleon.com. We’re happy to help! Care Machine wash in a cold water gentle cycle. Unloop the sling before washing. We recommend liquid mild soap. Hang or lay flat to dry. No bleach or soaps with strong chemicals. Press with hot iron if desired. To store, loosely roll or fold your sling away from direct sunlight. 1 Drape the ring end of the sling over either shoulder facing down with the rings by your collar bone. Grab the other end of the rebozo by stretching it flat, diagonally across your back and under the opposite arm. Continue to pull that end until you meet the rings. Use one hand to lift both rings and with the other, loop the rebozo end up and through both rings together. 2 Separate the two rings and pull the fabric over the top ring and lace under the bottom ring. There should be equal rebozo through the rings. To adjust, pull the end of the rebozo. Different parts of the end will tighten different parts of the sling. Almost like tightening your hair in an elastic. The sling should have just enough slack to fit your baby, creating a pouch. 3 Rings should be high on the shoulder. Make sure fabric is evenly distributed through ring. Insert your thumbs through the fabric and smooth out from the center to the outer edges. 4 Place your babe’s tummy high on your opposite shoulder from the rings. Reach under the fabric and cup both baby feet. 5 Place baby´s body into the rebozo, holding your baby with one arm and moving the rebozo with the other. 6 Pull the rebozo up between your baby´s legs to create a seat for them. Baby should comfortably sit in the rebozo with their bum below their knees, in froggy pose. 7 Secure the sling to strengthen its hold on you and the baby. Pull different parts of the tail at an angle to tighten each part of the sling. Baby is properly in the sling when you can feel their breath, fabric is tight across back, rings are looped; rebozo seat is deep and pulled up with the baby securely inside. This is the “Hip carry” style. To help the baby stay inside the seat, their knees should be above their bum, putting all weight in the bum. The Check List Once your babe is snuggled up in your Ring Sling, review this checklist in your head. Remember: “Don’t skip the six or you’ll have to fix!” After you’ve completed all six steps, you’re ready to begin your parent + baby Ring Sling time! Tummy to tummy Carry The most common ring sling carrying style is one that works for babies of all ages. In this carrying position babies can have their feet tucked in or out, in froggy pose, whichever is most comfortable! Please seek additional instructions when carrying a newborn. For video tutorials on this and other carrying styles and positions visit mikoleon.com. FAQs You might be wondering these questions. If you can´t find what you´re looking for here, visit our FAQ´s page at mikoleon.com Why the Rebozo Ring Sling?The Rebozo Ring Sling is a traditional, easy and safe way to carry your babe. The fabric is flexible, light and comfortable. Not too many steps and is easily adjustable as your baby grows. After little practice, you’ll be able to whip your baby into a Rebozo Ring Sling, just like the Mayan women in Guatemala! To see a tutorial, visit at mikoleon.com. How soon can I start to wear my baby? If your baby has health challenges or weighs less than 8 lbs, you should consult your health care professional if your baby is ready for a Rebozo Ring Sling. Newborns require special consideration to carry in ring slings; please follow all safety instructions before using our sling for babies under four months old. Will my sling get even softer with use? Our Rebozo Ring Sling is made from 100% foot-loomed cotton and will be soft when you receive it. Just as the Maya women use their rebozos forever, your Rebozo Ring Sling will safely age and get softer with use. Warning IMPORTANT! KEEP FOR FUTURE USE. WARNING - Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions can result in death or serious injury. Only use this carrier with children weighing between 8 and 35 pounds. Suffocation Hazard Babies younger than 4 months can suffocate in this product if face is pressed tightly against your body. Babies at greatest risk of suffocation include those born prematurely and those with respiratory problems. •Check often to make sure baby’s face is uncovered, clearly visible, and away from caregiver’s body at all times. •Make sure baby does not curl into a position with the chin resting on or near baby’s chest. This position can interfere with breathing, even when nothing is covering the nose or mouth. •If you nurse your baby in carrier, always reposition after feeding so baby’s face is not pressed against your body. •Never use this carrier with babies smaller than 8 pounds without seeking the advice of a healthcare professional. Fall Hazard •Leaning, bending over, or tripping can cause baby to fall. Keep one hand on baby while moving. •Read and follow all printed instructions and view instructional videos (mikoleon.com) before use. •Check for ripped seams, torn straps or fabric, and damaged hardware before each use. If found, stop using carrier. •Always check to ensure that all knots, buckles, snaps, straps, and adjustments are secure. •Ensure that the baby is safely positioned in the sling carrier according to manufacturer’s instructions for use. •Never leave a baby in a sling carrier that is not being worn. •Check on the baby often. Ensure that the baby is periodically repositioned. •Never use a sling carrier when balance or mobility is impaired because of exercise, drowsiness, or medical conditions. •Never place more than one baby in the sling carrier. •Never use/wear more than one carrier at a time. •Never use sling carrier while engaging in activities such as cooking and cleaning which involve a heat source or exposure to chemicals. •Never wear sling carrier while driving or being a passenger in a motor vehicle.
