Choosing A Baby Sling
Baby carriers, or baby slings, have been around as long as babies. Different
regions of the world with different cultural needs have developed unique
carriers, many of which are still popular today. In China, for example, mothers
have worked in the fields for thousands of years with babies strapped to their
backs! With the Internet making the world a far more accessible place, you
can now find baby carriers of all shapes and sizes, and with a little searching
you are sure to find one that fits your needs.
Finding the best baby sling is a personal journey. Every baby will have
different needs and every mother will have different requirements. One child may
do well in a pouch-type sling, and the second child (from the same parents) may
refuse to stay put. Time is also a factor; if you are only going to be using the
sling for a few minutes a day, one that has lots of straps or wrapping may not
be suitable. Some slings will allow you to breastfeed your baby; others will
not.
 The
Ring Sling is great for giving you a free hand around the house, and is mostly
used with newborn babies. It consists of a length of cloth that is attached to
two rings on one side. The other end of the cloth is threaded through the two
rings, forming a pouch for baby. When the baby is in the pouch, the weight of
the baby causes the threaded fabric to lock into place.
Fabric Pouches are similar in use to the Ring Sling, only without the rings.
They consist of one solid tube of cloth that is draped over the mother’s
shoulders, creating a pouch for the baby. These can be bought commercially or
made by hand (avoid slippery material if you do make your own).
 Wraps
are several yards of fabric that are wrapped around the baby and the wearer, and
then tied into place. It allows almost any piece of sturdy cloth to be turned
into a sling or wrap (even bed sheets can be used for this purpose). The only
limit to how you can secure the baby on the carrier is the length of the fabric
that is being used. These are great for hands-free carrying – in the front or on
the back. They can also be used to carry toddlers.
The Backpack Carrier (or Mei Tai) is traditionally a square piece of cloth
with straps coming out of each corner. It is secured by bringing all the straps
around the person doing the carrying to be tied all together. It can act as a
front or back carrier and can be used with toddlers or infants who can hold
their heads up well.
 There
are also many "branded" and unbranded stitched and padded baby carriers on the
market. You may be able to find a friend who has one which you can try before
you buy, or a larger store may have one which you can examine out of its
packaging. Some will suit your baby; others will not. Unfortunately these kind
of baby carriers can be pricey and if your baby doesn't take to it, it is a
wasted investment.
The best baby carrier is one that is comfortable and convenient for you and for
your baby. Before you buy a carrier try it out for yourself, and make sure it is
easy to tie and untie without any help. Carriers that take two people to do up
won’t be very useful when you are alone and want to pop your baby in for a quick
walk. Take your time choosing and then practice, practice, practice.
You might also be interested in:
The Benefits
Of Using A Baby Sling
Baby slings or carriers have been used for thousands of years - for
good reason! We discuss the benefits here...
Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes
home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is
perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum
More about Newborn Babies
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