Looking for a great first baby carrier? Then consider one of the best things ever to happen to modern parenthood - a baby sling.
A
baby sling is a baby carrier made out of fabric that wraps around the
wearer's body from his or her shoulder to the opposite hip and back up
to the shoulder, creating a pocket for the baby to sit or lie down. Very
common in many cultures around the world, the use of baby slings, or
"baby wearing" as it is sometimes called, is gaining popularity in the
United States as parents are realizing the many benefits associated with
baby slings.
Benefits of Baby Slings
o Baby slings are
"hands-free." They allow your baby to be with you at all times when you
are running errands or tending to chores around the house.
o The
baby finds comfort in the sling environment which simulates the
pressure, motion and warmth sensations they experienced before birth in
the womb.
o Slings are great bonding tools for fathers, grandparents and other caregivers.
o Slings may aid in reducing crying and colic, and lower the baby's stress hormones.
o Slings often make it easier to nurse in public.
o A baby sling can be used for newborns and babies up to 35 lbs.
One
of the more popular types of baby slings is the pouch sling, also
referred to as the tube or pocket sling, where the baby is carried in a
semi-prone position. This type of sling often fits around one arm, with
baby hanging at about stomach level. There are other types of slings
which can be worn like a backpack, with the baby facing in or facing
out.
Using a baby sling is often more convenient than trying to
carry your baby around in his or her car seat, and much easier on the
back. A baby sling also provides a great way to carry your baby around
if you don't want to pack a bulky stroller.
Padded or Unpadded?
Padded
or unpadded, that is the question many parents must decide, and there
are pros and cons to both. Many parents like padded slings because they
give their baby's head some support, and feels more comfortable on the
shoulders. Many parents dislike padded slings because they feel padding
makes the sling too bulky, and keeps the sling from being adjusted very
tightly because the padding won't move through the rings. They also like
unpadded slings because they are more easily shared between two people
of different sizes. One option would be to choose a lightly padded baby
sling which gives support to the baby's head, yet lightly padded enough
to slip through the rings.
Popular Brands of Baby Slings
Popular
brands of baby slings include Maya Wrap, The Peanut Shell, Moby Wrap,
and Hotslings, and will generally cost in the neighborhood of $35 to
$70. For hot summer days you might want to check out slings made out of
Solarveil(TM) , a breathable material with UV protection, blocking out
95% of the sun's harmful rays. You can also use the Solarveil (TM) sling
in the pool, shower or beach.
Baby Sling Tips
When using baby slings, it's important to keep the following in mind:
o A baby sling should not be used instead of a car seat or other infant protection device.
o
Do wear your baby in a carrier while cooking at the stove or oven, as
there is the risk of hot substances splashing on your baby.
o Always keep one hand on your baby when bending over, to prevent your baby from accidentally falling out.
o Remember that babies can be bumped by doorways or sharp corners, so be aware of those things while walking with your baby.
Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Expecting Baby website, where you can read about such things as MacLaren Baby Strollers review.
0 comments:
Post a Comment