The Babywearer

Why baby wearing?

The Babywearing benefits

- A babywearer provides a safe environment for baby while shopping or in-between crowds of people.

- Wearing a baby is convenient because you have your hands free to do and carry whatever you need to. You can shop, read a book, cook, clean and even exercise while holding your baby!

- A babywearer can still play and spend time with their older children while their baby feels secure and comforted.

- Breastfeeding mothers can breastfeed on the move, and breastfeeding in public is much more discreet in a baby sling.

- Breastfeeding in a sling can help mom increase her milk supply by allowing baby full access to the breast. It is especially great for in the beginning when mom is trying to establish a milk supply…in particular those moms who have adopted their babies.

- Wearing a toddler in a sling can help sooth them during emotional times.

- Carrying baby in a sling can help mom burn some extra unwanted calories.

- Most babies are very happy in a sling and cry and fuss less because they feel comfortable and secure. Research has shown that babies who are carried in slings cry about 43% less overall than other babies do.

- Baby wearing is fun. You’ll see all baby’s reactions and have loads of fun together.

- A sling helps distribute the weight of baby so that mom or dad don’t end up with back and/or shoulder pain.

- Slings can be worn during those times in which baby struggles to sleep…most babies will fall asleep with movement.

- Babywearing can help dads bond with their babies too.

- Wearing baby can also help a post partum depressed mom bond with baby better.

- Research suggests that the transition from the womb to the sling is less abrupt and can actually help baby transition to life outside the womb easier. They may also develop a stronger sense of security.

- Babies who are carried in a sling have a busier view than babies who just lie around. They are also spending more time in an alert state which helps for increased and faster learning and

development. They will be held close to mom or dads face and will hear conversations…leading to faster speech development too.

- Baby sling wearing movement helps those babies with acid reflux. Some babies have less gas when being carried upright.

Types of baby wearing slings

1. The wraparound sling “wrap slings”

- A babywearing wrap is a very versatile sling and is probably the most popular one too. These slings are made from a simple piece of cloth that is tied around mom or dad’s body. ( baby wearing instructions video below shows exactly how it’s done)

- The baby wearing wraps are usually worn around both shoulders and then around the waist for support, baby can also be worn on the back or on the hip with this baby wrap.

- The best baby wraps are made from a woven or stretchy fabric for easy access to baby. They are usually made from silk, wool, linen or hemp. Woven wraps are more supportive to larger babies.

- The weight of the baby is nicely distributed in a baby wearing wrap, but it is sometimes a little difficult to learn how to use a wrap for baby.

- Pouch slings are one of the easier slings for a babywearer to use.

- They are cut and shaped especially for baby’s shape and are just slipped over mom or dad’s head.

- These pouches do not have rings, but usually have zips or press studs for adjusting.

- Baby is more easily inserted or taken out of these types of slings

- Not really suitable for older babies as the extra weight will definitely give mom or dad a sore back or sore shoulders.

3. The ring sling

- This sling has a piece of cloth that is threaded through two rings, the cloth then wraps around the babywearer’s body from the shoulder to the opposite hip and then back up to the shoulder. The end piece of cloth is then threaded through the ring to give a buckle effect. The weight of baby causes that the material

- Baby can then be placed in a sitting or lying position.

- These slings are usually made from cotton, hemp, silk brocade or lightweight twills. Always make sure before buying one that the rings have been stitched on repeatedly.

- Ring slings can be used for babies and for toddlers.

- Breastfeeding baby wearing ~ These slings are the best type of nursing slings to use for breastfeeding as the rings allow for quick adjustment.

4. The soft carrier and backpack

- These are all the other different types of slings.

- These types of slings are usually made for easy usage.

- They usually have shoulder straps and are ideal for plus size baby wearing. They include mei-tai and Chinese inspired slings.

Tips when buying baby carry slings

- Make sure you are getting the right sling for your specific needs: Do you need to breastfeed baby discretely? How heavy is baby?

- Make sure it’s good quality, you don’t want baby falling out because of bad craftsmanship.

- Babywearing in summer can get hot! Get a fabric that won't make you even more hot. And in winter it would be best to get a nice thick fabric for extra warmth.

- Choose a color sling that you won’t mind wearing each day unless you can buy more than one! If your baby’s dad is going to use it I’m sure he won’t want to walk around with a flowery pink sling.

- What size would you need to get? Do you need extra space for large breasts?

- Is the sling easy to adjust and use?

Baby wearing tips

- Check your sling regularly to make sure that it is in good condition and that you are wearing your baby safely.

- A new babywearer can try different positions with a sling until they find one position that is comfortable for them.

Babywearing safety

- Ensure that your baby is not curled up so tightly that his chin is touching his chest, this could block his airway. Make sure there is at least a finger width space between his chin and chest.

- A babywearer should check that their baby’s back is supported at all times.

- Make sure nothing is covering your baby’s face.

Baby wrap instructions videos…

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