Sling wearing - great for baby, great for you!!

Having your hands free, discreet breast-feeding and not having to lug around heavy baby seats and prams is just ‘the cherry on top’ when it comes to the benefits of carrying your baby in a sling.

The one who benefits most is the little one who is being carried! Benefits include:
v Womb-like warmth and a close proximity to mom.
v Soothing movement helps baby sleep with ease.
v Babies who suffer from reflux and wind benefit from being carried in upright position
v Easily distracted babies find quiet containment in being in the sling and therefore will find it easier to nurse.
v Being at eye level with everything happening around him will help baby learn and internalize his new world more intently.

DUBIOUS? The most frequently asked questions about sling wearing …

Baby looks all scrunched up – surely it’s not comfortable?
Babies are used to being ‘scrunched’ up in the womb, and enjoy the secure feeling of being curled up in the sling — just be sure that baby’s chin is not pressed to his chest and that his face is not pressed tightly against your body. Remember to position baby with head and toes to the rails and not lying between the rails as one would in a hammock!
I have tried to wear a sling, but find it quite uncomfortable?
Make these checks – you’re bound to come to a comfy conclusion.

Check ring position — most people find it more comfortable to wear the rings as high up as possible.
Check the shoulder pad is positioned squarely on your shoulder — do not allow it to ride against your neck or too far forward or back.
Check how the sling fabric lies across your shoulder — the goal is to spread the weight evenly across your shoulder. Do not allow the material attached to the pillow on your shoulder to fan down over your arm, restricting your arm movements —keep this material folded back over the pillow.
Check how the sling fabric lies across your back — spread the back of the sling as widely as possible. The more you spread it, the less strain you will feel. Spreading it as low as possible is the key - even a small amount can make a lot of difference to your comfort.
Check how high you are carrying baby — the higher you carry your baby, the more comfortable you will be.

Is it worth buying a sling – surely I will only get use out of it for a short time?
Very! Slings are suitable carriers for babies from birth until 2 years of age. They also have a whole lot of other uses… Try using yours as a changing mat, a travel blanket, a safety belt for sitting in shopping trolleys or restaurant high chairs, as a shade cloth, a pillow… Slings are also very handy for sharing the load when you aren’t carrying baby, but have more to carry than what you can manage with your hands!

Be creative – slings wearing really is fun!