Baby slings offer an excellent opportunity for both parents to bond with their baby. They are made with a variety of fabrics and colors. Some parents even make their own, choosing from several baby sling patterns. Babies seem to enjoy them as well since they are able to view more of the world on their own, while still experiencing the closeness of a parent or loved one. Some parents use slings only to wear a non-mobile infant. Once babies develop more intentional movement, it may be more difficult to keep them safely in the sling. Some parents, however, use them for larger babies as a way to quiet a fussy baby or even nurse regardless of the baby's mobility. Nursing mothers may find a ring sling to be convenient. Newborns nurse quite frequently, and using a sling allows the mother's hands to stay free while for other projects or shopping while baby nurses. It is also easy to slip a blanket over your shoulder to allow for more discreet nursing.
What to Look for
The material used to make the sling should be sturdy enough to support the baby's weight. Materials can range from silk to cotton and can accommodate a variety of baby sizes. Make sure that the fabric holds a good seam and does not fray. Some baby slings are made with rings and can be adjusted by slipping the tail of the fabric either up or down to add or reduce tension. Baby sling wraps are made to be tied and can be challenging to learn to use in the beginning. Some baby slings are made with padding in the shoulder area to provide more comfort for the wearer. Some parents find that they are able to reduce back and shoulder pain if the sling is correctly worn. For wraps that are tied, experiment with several different methods to find the one that feels most comfortable. Some tie methods are quite complex and difficult to master.
Common Pitfalls
Sling wearers should be aware of safety issues while using any type of baby sling. Avoid smoking while the baby is in the sling. Also, drinking hot beverages is not recommended since an accidental spill can burn your child. It's easier to bump your baby into something while wearing a sling, so it does require some practice prior to extended use. Unfortunately, accidentally dropping the baby can happen, too, especially if the sling is not correctly worn, tied, or is made of a flimsy material. Be sure to carefully position the baby to avoid accidental suffocation.
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