Baby sling carriers are very popular these days and so they should be. Giving your baby the closenes then want and maintaining hands free is great. It lets you get on with the housework or anything else you need to do without neglecting your child. Below are some things to take into account when purchashing a baby sling.
What type of baby sling carrier?
There are many types of baby sling carriers available on the market that choosing one right for you can be a headache. Some baby sling carriers are fairly expensive so making the right choice is extremely important.
There are many considerations you need to factor in before you buy. First of all how old is your baby? Some baby sling carriers are only suitable for the first few months while others can last you until the toddler years. However despite this even though a baby sling carrier says it is suitable for 0-3 years doesn’t mean that it is the best option for a particular age. It might work out being the best option for a newborn but isn’t as great for a toddler for example.
Besides age you also have to factor in which position your would prefer to carry your baby in. This can be a tricky one to decide but many baby slings cater for lots of different options. I thought at one time I would like to put my son on my back but when it came around to it I hated it! Luckily though my sling was great for all types of positions.
Physical Problems
If you have any physical injuries or problems you should always take these into account when purchasing a sling. Some slings are better for different types of problems.
Back problems and baby carriers
The best type of sling for someone with back problems is one that lets you wear your baby high up and close to you. This keeps the their centre of gravity above yours. The baby sling should also distribute weight widely to reduce the strain on your back. Wraparound slings can be a great choice in this case because it means you can effectively distribute the weight and place baby where it’s comfortable for you. Wrap slings take some time to get used to though. Another good choice is unstructured soft carriers as these are flexible enough to hold your baby close but also allow for better fit to you.
What will you be using the baby sling carrier for?
Many people buy a baby sling for various different reasons. Each reason can have an impact on what type you should buy. Will you be using it to nurse, do housework, long walks, getting your baby to sleep, housework? Some activities will be much easier with particular slings. For example while doing the housework having your baby in front of your can be awkward and make it difficult to do. Therefore a sling where you can easily put baby on your back is perfect. This is also great for when you are gardening.
For breastfeeding this can be entirely down to your baby and your shape. Some babies have to be nursed more upright due to things like acid reflux. In this case I found a wrap sling the best as it came my son pretty upright and allowed him to easily nurse. My son also hated being laid down in the ring sling pouches. It is worth finding a sling meet or somewhere where you can try a sling out first because you don’t know how your baby will react.
Multiple baby sling carriers
Many mothers own more than one baby carrier so they can easily adapt for their particular needs. However this isn’t necessary if you buy a versatile sling like the wraparound that accommodates for any situation. It may be worth getting a new sling though as your baby grows. For example I owned a stretch wraparound sling from 0-10months and then my son was just too heavy for it so I moved over to a tightly woven wraparound and also bought a Manduca soft structured sling that was easy to clip on and off for a toddler who wanted to get in and our frequently!
Adjustability of the baby sling carrier?
If you and your partner both will be using the sling then having one that is easy to adjust and caters for both your shapes and sizes is important. In this case a wraparound can be great as it caters for both but again this sling is difficult to get used to at first. You can also get non-adjustable pouches that are custom fit meaning they will only suit you and no one else. If you are likely to lose weight as well (like many of us do shedding off those pregnancy pounds) you are much much better off going for an adjustable sling. I wouldn’t even consider a fixed one.
What about the weather?
The hot weather slings made from cotton or mesh will be the coolest. For cold weather many baby slings will fit underneath your coat however there are also babywearing coats you can buy like the MAM coat. The MAM coat also gives you the ability to wear baby on back but keep them covered. You can also buy warm covers just to go over baby too.
More than one child?
Some baby sling carriers are suitable for 2 children. Some stretch slings will accommodate twins. You may though need to get 2 slings if you have different ages. Carrying 2 can work really well but also be tiring so consider if you have the stamina for it!
Whatever you choose to buy, taking into account these factors will really help you make a firm and confident decision about your baby sling carrier.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Buying Your First Baby Sling Carrier
Buying your first baby sling carrier can seem like an easy task, but once you delve into the world of slings you may become confused and flustered. There are many different types and styles and it is easy to fall in love with several different types and also be uncertain about which is best for your needs. This article goes over some things you should consider when buying a baby sling carrier.
1. How Will You Use The Sling?
The first thing you need to consider is how you will use the sling. Do you want your hands free so you can do housework and chores? Do you suffer from back pain and need a sling to take this into account? Do you need it to help a colicky baby? Will you be using it for going out and long walks? Will you be using it to breastfeed? Some slings are much better suited for different purposes, so having a clear indication of what it is you want to gain from having one will help.
2. Do Your Research
When you know what you want to use the sling for, then consider doing soem research on the different types of slings. Find out their strengths and weaknesses and also try to find forums where you can see other people’s reviews and experiences with baby sling carriers you like.
A wraparound sling is one of the most versatile types of baby sling you can get. It offers you endless possibilities about positions you want to carry your child in – whether on your back, front or hip. It is great for people with back problems and is a sling you can share with your partner as it can be tied to your needs. However, wraparounds can be a little tricky at first as you get used to wearing one.
Ring slings are often a popular choice but they use only one shoulder for the carry. These aren’t great for back sufferers but can be great for discreet nursing. However, some babies do not like laying in these types of sling especially colicky babies. They also can disgruntle the baby who suffers from acid reflux. Choosing a sling where you can keep your baby upright for nursing is a better option.
There are also many other types of slings so be sure to do your research.
3. Rent A Sling or Buy Second Hand
Baby slings can be expensive and you may want to rent a sling before making a definite decision. This protects you from making a bad purchasing choice and allows you to be confident with your final decision. Alternatively opt for a second hand sling. You can usually find these on ebay or other sites at a very low price. This is a good way to try out different ones and if you aren’t happy you can always resell them on ebay too.
4. Go To A Slingmeet
There are many groups now that meet up on a monthly basis. These give you the opportunity to try out various slings before you buy and prevents you from having to take the second hand route or renting route. You will also get to meet other mothers who are experienced in the sling world or new mothers anxious to get the perfect sling.
Buying a baby sling carrier can be a difficult choice, try to make sure you make the right one but following these tips.
Babywearing has become a popular practise over the past few years as more and more parents opt to use a baby sling carrier alongside using their pushchairs. This is a great thing! Babies love being held (especially when they are 0-6 months) and this has a nurturing aspect to it.
Babies don’t feel safe without feeling the warmth or movement of their mother and so keeping them close by using a baby sling is a great thing.
______________________________________________________________________________________
9 Benefits To Using A Baby Sling Carrier
1. Babies in slings are happier.
It has been shown in various studies that if your hold your baby more often than not, they will cry less and won’t be as fussy. A lot of the time a baby becomes upset when they don’t feel the presence of a caregiver/their mother. If you are carrying your baby in a baby sling carrier, if they are aroused from sleep they will easily drift back off once they acknowledge the warmth of your body or your heartbeat. If left in a cot, they will become fully awoken and cry when they realise you aren’t close by.
In cultures where it is the norm for babies to be carried in a sling all day, babies will cry a few minutes a day in comparison to Western babies who cry for hours a day. Crying is exhausting. Have you ever cried so much you had to take a nap? Crying is not only exhausting for baby but also for parents. It can also cause long-term damage to a baby’s developing brain as a result of it being continually bombarded with stress hormones.
Babywearing can be a lifesaver when dealing with a baby who suffers from colick.
2. It’s convenient
Babywearing makes outings a lot easier. When you carry a baby in a sling it is easier to get onto crowded buses, get through crowds and walk around stores. Pushchairs are not all made equal and some can be a pain to get onto a bus or to get around town with. Not to mention, when it is busy you may find yourself fighting to fold up your pushchair because there are too many on the bus. It can be difficult balancing a baby and folding up a pushchair. With a sling you can just sit down.
The baby sling carrier can also double up as a changing mat and is a great way to discreetly breastfeed. It can also help block out distractions for your baby while she or he breastfeeds too.
3. It promotes physical development.
When a baby is in a baby sling carrier, attached to their mother, they become in tune with the rhythm of their mother’s breathing, her warmth, the sound of her heartbeat and her movement. This helps a baby regulate its own physical responses in the world and helps their balance. Swing devices and baby hammocks do not offer the same benefits because they do not have the human heartbeat, the warmth, the rhythm of breathing that a baby requires to feel safe, nurtured and loved.
4. Toddlers like the security of a sling.
Despite a sling being associated more with babies, toddlers also benefit from the use of a sling. A sling, for some toddlers, can be a safe haven to go after a tantrum or when they are tired and just want to cuddle up with their mother/father. The sling can provide a security place just like when they were a baby and this can be important for a child’s growth in confidence.
5. Slings provide safety and reassurance to both caregiver and baby.
Instead of being separated by a pushchair, a sling provides added security in a harsh cruel world. There is no danger of losing a child in a crowd or become detached in anyway because your child is right in front of you, attached to you out of harms reach.
6. Builds a better relationship between caregiver and baby.
A baby in a pushchair isn’t constantly in contact with their caregiver. Instead it is separate and usually crying is the only thing that brings them both back together. With a sling you are in constant contact with your baby. If she has an issue she is right there in front of you to let you know and doesn’t have to shout or cry to get your attention. You can give her constant attention while getting about town.
Wearing your baby this gives you the ability to pick up on cues and learn your baby’s needs. This is an important part of being a parent and being a confident one.
7. It’s healthy!
Babywearing is a great way to get some exercise and weight resistance all in one. The great thing about baby wearing that as your child grows you get more and more weight resistance but at a pace you can handle. Wearing your baby thus can get you in good shape and this is something many mothers are concerned about after having a baby.
8. Baby Sling carriers are a great for other people to bond with your baby too.
The use of a sling doesn’t have to be just the mother’s responsibility or love. Fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends can all use it as a way to bond with your child. This can be a great way for a father to catch up, as they don’t get the opportunity to really bond while their baby is still developing inside the womb. The sling gives an opportunity for daddy to get closer to baby and for baby to learn daddy’s movements, heartbeat, voice and rhythms.
9. Slings are economical.
Baby sling carriers are a much cheaper alternatively to a pushchair. You can also easily get your hand on a second-hand sling by using places like ebay to help you find some.
