Right-handed people usually wear the pouch on their right shoulder; left-handed people usually wear it on their left. These pouches can be worn either way based on your preference. These directions are written for placement on the right shoulder.

Sizing

The Nine Acres Knit Pouch Sling may appear to be too small. The fabric will stretch to accommodate both you and baby. The Nine Acres Fleece Pouch Sling should be at or slightly above the top of your hipbone before your baby is placed in it. If you feel your pouch is the wrong size, please contact me.

	Hold the pouch in your right hand, with the seam at the bottom and the binding to your left Pass your left arm through the pouch from the fold toward the binding. Continue bringing the pouch over your head until it rests on your right shoulder.
	Cradle Carry for Newborns With the curved seam in front of you and slightly to your left, separate the two binding edges to open the pouch. Place baby in the fabric with his head toward your right shoulder. It may be helpful to prop up baby's head with a folded blanket. Breastfeeding is easiest in this position. When breastfeeding a larger baby, his feet can hang outside the pouch, like in the snuggle hold.
	Snuggle Hold With the curved seam in front of you hold your baby high on your left shoulder. Use your right hand to reach up under the pouch, grab your baby’s legs, and guide your baby’s bottom into the fold. Younger babies may like to have their legs tucked inside the pouch. For older babies the inside binding edge should be under their knees, with the rest of their leg hanging out.
Hip Carry Start with baby in the snuggle hold legs out; rotate baby and the pouch to your hip. Arrange his legs so that one is in front and the other is behind you. Notes: Make sure the fabric lies flat across your back and on your shoulder. The fabric should cap your shoulder and not be bunched up near your neck. This will restrict arm movement a bit, but your baby's weight will be better distributed and you will be more comfortable.

Care instructions

Machine wash cold, tumble dry low.

Extra little tidbit of help for the use of your pouch sling

* Make sure your child is rested and well fed before trying the pouch sling for the first time. This will make sure she is in a good mood and ready to try something new!

* Hard-soled shoes may get caught on the fabric when putting your child in the pouch sling. Remove your child's shoes when practicing with the pouch.

* Some infants, especially those that are exclusively breastfed, do not like the cradle hold because they associate this position with eating. If your baby fusses in this position, try breastfeeding in the pouch or try a different position.

* To make the pouch sling as comfortable as possible, keep the fabric spread out over your shoulder and across your back. Smooth out any wrinkles.

* Although you cannot adjust the pouch sling, it is possible to tighten the top rail by doing a "shoulder flip." Take the top layer of fabric that is resting on your shoulder and pull it away from your neck toward the shoulder cap. This will bring your child in closer to you, and is especially effective in the snuggle and hip carry positions