Why You Need a Baby Sling

A baby carrier sling provides a safe and secure way to tote your baby around without taking up extra space; it also promotes a calmer, happier baby! In many countries outside of the United States, babies are hauled around in baby slings for most of the day. Some moms even nurse their babies while they are carrying them around in a baby sling.

Use of a baby sling is often more convenient than trying to carry baby around in her car seat. A baby sling also provides a neat way to carry your baby around if you don’t want to pack a bulky stroller. Slings can be used to tote your baby around while shopping, going for a walk, and even vacuuming around the house.

A baby sling will allow you the opportunity to maintain constant contact with your infant, thus further strengthening the bond between mom and baby. Studies have shown that babies who are carried around for longer periods of time generally cry less and are more content. In many countries where babies are carried for a longer part of the day, colic is virtually non-existent. Carrying your infant around in a baby sling also allows more time for learning, as visual alertness and quite alertness often increase as a result of carrier usage.

There are several different varieties of infant carriers on the market. Selecting the one that is right for you will depend on several different factors. One is the age of your infant. Some baby slings are designed with newborns in mind, while others are better suited for toddlers. Some offer more head support while others allow baby to move about slightly more freely.

One of the more popular types of baby slings is the pouch sling, also referred to as the tube of pocket sling, where 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 that mom or dad can wear like a backpack, with baby nestled in either facing in or facing out.

Popular Baby Sling Brands

Maya Baby Sling: Many different styles and fabrics, with prices ranging from $50 to $75.

Original Nojo Baby Sling: Can accommodate children from newborn to 24 months, and can accommodate a weight of up to 30 pounds. Prices range from $30 to $35.

New Native Baby Sling: It can be worn with the baby in front, side or back. Prices range from $35 to $50.

Keep in mind that there are weight limits on some slings: often children over 35 pounds are too heavy to be carried around.

Some tips for wearing a baby sling

- Always keep one hand on your baby when bending over or moving abruptly, to prevent your baby from accidentally falling out.

- Though baby slings are useful for accomplishing a variety of tasks, it is not recommended that you wear your baby in a carrier while cooking. The risk of hot substances splashing on baby is too great.

- Be aware of your movements when using a baby sling; remember that babies can be bumped by doorways or sharp corners, always be aware that your babies head or limbs might extend outside of the framework of your baby sling.

- Remember that older children might figure out how to climb out of their carriers, be certain that you utilize an age appropriate baby sling at all times.

- A baby sling should not be used in lieu of a car seat or other infant protection device.

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