Mothers throughout history have used baby slings to keep their infant close to them while freeing up their hands for other work. Slings provide warmth and protection to the baby and a sense of security to the mother that her baby is safe, right next to her heart. The benefits of slings continue to help out new mothers even in this modern age.
Less Fussy Baby
When babies are born, they are thrust into the world and out of the warmth and comfort of their mother's womb. When a newborn is placed in a sling worn by his mother, that baby can once again experience the movements of his mother, hear her heart beat and feel the warmth of her closeness. It not only gives the mother and the baby a lengthened opportunity of fetal bonding, but this closeness promotes less crying in babies, reports pediatrician William Sears from the University of California, Irvine. Sears cites a 1986 study from Montreal pediatricians that found that babies who were carried throughout the day fussed 43 percent less than babies who did not receive supplemental carrying.
Increased Mobility
When you are a new mother, you wish more and more that you could have an extra hand or two to complete tasks, while still holding the baby. With baby slings, you are given that opportunity. The sling holds the baby safely and securely while you carry on other tasks, such as preparing meals, sorting laundry or just shopping.
Breastfeeding Discretion
If you are breastfeeding, you know all about the trials of trying to breastfeed your baby in public: Your breast feeding bras or shirts are complicated, and you can end up with an exposed breast. Trying to throw a small blanket or towel over the baby and your breast gets both you and the baby really hot, and if you have to lift up a normal shirt, your stomach could be exposed as well as your breast. With a baby sling, the baby is already comfortable, and the sling will cover all the body parts you want to be kept covered.
Bonding Opportunity
Mommy is not the only one who can wear the baby sling. The father or other family members can do it, too. This provides a special bonding experience with the baby for these other caregivers. The father can feel what it was like for the mother to carry the baby during the pregnancy. Other family members, such as the grandparents, can also use the sling to form a bond with their newborn grandchild.
