Baby slings are a popular way for new mothers and fathers to carry their baby. Based on traditional methods of carrying babies used by cultures around the world, different types of slings have been created to allow for carrying the baby in a range of positions without needing to use the hands or arms. The use of baby slings is sometimes called "babywearing."
Types
There are many different types of baby slings available. One type is the ring sling, a long piece of material threaded through rings and worn over one shoulder. Another popular type is the wrap-style sling, made of a stretchy material that is wound around the adult's body to create a secure pouch for the baby. A popular version of a wrap sling is the Moby sling.
Benefits
The benefits of wearing a baby sling to carry your child include a closer bonding experience along with the convenience of leaving your hands free to do other things. Because baby slings are versatile, you can change the way you carry the baby. Some options include having the baby face inward toward you or outward to see the world. Slings also make breastfeeding easy, since they can be adjusted to allow the baby to feed while still in the sling. Parents who use slings also may find that their babies cry less.
Back Pain
For sling styles worn over one shoulder, back pain often stems from the asymmetrical use of the upper back muscles, the trapezius and the levator scapula, or shoulder blade muscle. These two muscles can become strained when you try to support the baby's weight on that shoulder.
Prevention
The first step to preventing back pain from babywearing is to make sure the sling is properly adjusted and put on correctly. The tighter the sling and the closer the baby is to your body, the less back pain you will likely experience. Shifting the baby's weight and switching positions occasionally can also ease the strain on your back.
Exercise
If you're already experiencing back pain from using a baby sling, yoga is a good way to relax the muscles and help get you and your baby comfortably back in the sling. Exercises that focus on core strength, such as Pilates or abdominal exercises, can also help alleviate any pain from babywearing and build up the muscles to avoid future problems.
