Baby Slings

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Baby Slings

Moms with new babies often feel torn between getting things done around the house, and cuddling with their newborn. Baby slings or carriers can provide a solution. Baby slings were made popular with the arrival of babywearing. Babywearing is a term coined by Dr. William Sears. It simply means wearing your baby in a sling, carrier, wrap, or pouch throughout the day.

Babywearing is championed because it’s a much more personal approach to parenting than pushing baby in a stroller or placing them in infant seats all the time. Ancient tribes have been babywearing for hundreds of years. Wearing the child often is said to improve child to parent bonding, create healthy self esteem, and soothe fussy infants.

Using a baby sling also frees up Mom’s hands so that she can get more done around the house. Baby gets to enjoy the views and is interacted with more often when he is worn. The baby is may be soothed by the smell of his parent, the physical closeness, and by the gentle movement.

Baby slings are also great for nursing. They put the baby at the perfect position and offer discretion for nursing in public places. Additionally, a sling can take the strain off of the mother’s back and arms while feeding.

Baby slings come in a variety of shapes. Some are one-shouldered versions but there are also two shoulder supportive slings available. The sling can be adjustable either by a ring or with Velcro or buttons, or the sling can be non-adjustable with a custom fit.

Most baby slings can grow with the baby, offering different positions as the child grows. Infants are usually snugly cradled within the pouch, their heads supported by the sling. Babies at three to four months that can hold up their heads can be carried in an upright position so they can watch the world go by. Depending on the design the baby may be facing the parent or can be facing outwards.

Some slings can even be used for a side carry or hip supported position in which the child wraps their legs around their parent’s waist at the hip. This is a position best suited for older babies. Older babies may also enjoy being worn on the back, looking forward. This gives her a perspective similar to Mom or Dad’s. Wearing the child on the back is good for long treks since it better distributes the weight.

Baby slings have become such a trend that it’s easy to find products that are attractively designed. Some versions have padded shoulders and leg holes to enhance both Mom and Baby’s comfort. Fabrics should be breathable such as cotton or bamboo. Polyester and synthetic material can trap heat and overheat the baby.

Parents who have embraced baby slings should be cautioned: babies that are constantly carried in slings may sleep too much which can result in diminished nutrition. Babies carried in slings should also be given a chance to exercise for at least an hour every day. Babies need twenty minutes of tummy time each day as well.