Why Use a Baby Sling
February 5, 2010
Filed under Baby Slings, Pouch Slings, Ring Slings, Snuggle Bum, Uncategorized
Tags: baby backpacks, baby carrier, baby carrier backpack, baby front carrier, baby hip carrier, baby papoose, baby pouch, Baby Sling, baby sling carrier, baby sling carriers, Baby Slings, baby wearing, baby wrap carrier, best baby carrier, child slings, classy baby slings, hot sling, hotslings, infant carrier, infant sling, Kid Slings
You have been waiting anxiously for your newborn baby to arrive and the time has finally come. This is a very exciting time for new parents and usually the first thing a mother wants to do is hold her new baby in her arms. As time goes on though, the baby’s demands can really keep a mother from doing what she needs to get done. This is where a baby sling comes in handy.
A baby sling allows a mother (or father) to carry their baby and free their hands up to do other things. It is simple to use and easily wraps over your arm and back to secure your baby in tightly, while still providing a secure and comfortable place for your baby to sit.
The baby sling allows you to get a number of things done while still holding your baby such as doing chores, gardening or even getting exercise such as walking. While you are doing this, it is so comfortable for your baby, they may even sleep. Breastfeeding can be done easily and discreetly. There is no longer a need to carry along heavy car seats or strollers as you can simply tuck your baby in and snuggle her close to your body.
Baby slings allow you to connect with your baby and reassure her that you are right there to snuggle, kiss or talk with her. It allows her to feel safe. It stimulates her without the need of having to be held physically in your arms.
Babywearing is also good for the baby’s mental and emotional development. When you are holding your baby in a baby sling, she can see the world the same way you do. She can see the sky, trees and other people rather than the ceiling or in the case of a stroller, only as high as people’s knees. She can be soothed by the natural rhythms of your body, your heartbeat, your breathing and your voice which helps her adapt to life outside the womb.
Baby slings come in several different varieties. They are usually soft with no frame and made of fabric which molds to your body. Some slings come padded and some do not. Most are adjustable so you can position your baby any way you desire. You can put her in a sleeping position or sitting up which is most popular when placed on your back.
There are things to consider and avoid when using a baby sling. For instance, you should not use one when cooking over a hot stove as your baby can easily be splashed by hot substances and burned. Also, do not bend over while wearing one as you will risk your baby accidentally falling out and keep in mind that the sling will not protect your baby from sharp corners or doorways.
The Comfort of Baby Slings
February 4, 2010
Filed under Uncategorized
Tags: Baby Slings, baby slings and parents, baby slings father, comfort baby slings
Visit any park or mall and you will see them: parents with their babies strapped securely to their chests in a baby sling. Baby slings are chic and vogue today, so they almost seem like a new invention in the world of baby gear. However, baby slings are not a new invention. They have been used for centuries by women across the globe who needed to have their hands free while caring for their infants. Today’s baby slings simply offer a comfortable evolution of these older versions.
There are several advantages to using a sling to carry your baby in. First of all, baby is comforted by the presence of your body. This has both a calming influence and creates more of a bond between parent and child.
Fathers can particularly take advantage of sling carriers. With these items hey get to participate more in the life of their new baby. When carrying a baby in a sling, you become closely attuned to her breathing rhythms and movements. This allows you to anticipate your child’s needs more fully.
Another benefit of baby slings for parents is the fact that today’s baby slings are easy on the back. Carrying your baby constantly on your hip or shoulder is very trying on the muscles of the back. When used properly, a baby sling distributes the baby’s weight more evenly, and even takes some of the weight in the fabric of the sling. This means you could carry your baby all day long without feeling muscle strain in your back. As a side benefit, new mothers’ backs get a break when using a baby sling because they are not constantly bending over to pick up their babies.
Baby slings and baby carriers come in a handful of styles including the wrap 
around. The slings allow the baby to face forward; tummy to tummy, hip, nursing and kangaroo carry position. The cradling position is a source of comfort for newborns. Wrap around slings are worn over the shoulder and can often be fastened with a buckle or with the fabric by itself. Wrap around slings are the most common slings and some of the most popular. They are flexible and allow for a variety of positions.
Slings are usually made of soft, friendly fabrics. The cloth should be sturdy enough to hold the weight of the baby and keep it evenly distributed. If the weight isn’t distributed evenly then parents will experience significant aches and pains. As the baby grows the weight can be distributed by using the different positioning of the slings. Most slings are machine washable.
