Baby Slings Unwrapped
With an active toddler and a new baby on the way I really couldn't envision carrying the infant in my arms or dragging around in a car seat while I was on my usual chase. The answer - baby slings - the contraption I have been eyeing for a while, seen friends and playground moms wear, something that would free my hands yet provide close contact with the new baby. Why slings? Moms have been wearing their babies for centuries, but the modern sling was made popular in the 80s by Dr. Sears. I tried a Baby Bjorn when my son was first born, but it seemed to be better built for a man and it required for baby to have a good head control, which comes months later. So I decided to yield into my curiosity and unravel the mystery of baby slings for practical reasons.
Why is babywearing good?
There are benefits to both mother and baby, the biggest being instant connection and virtual skin-to-skin contact. It is essentially attachment parenting which promotes a solid emotional bond between parent and baby. With baby carriers, there is less fussing and crying (unless it's colic) - research has shown actually 43% less. Babies learn more, since they are up at the parent's view and see the world more, in a relaxed quiet and comfortable state. They also become more social as they are closer to people and note people's expressions, language, and manners in more detail. Baby slings are a great solution for on-the-go, discreet and easier breastfeeding. Providing close contact and comfort for any baby, slings are especially helpful to premature babies, offering "kangaroo" sort of connection and care. As many moms get depressed following delivery, babywearing can actually help, as it offers a great way to connect with the baby but is not hard physically. Finally, if you have an adventurous toddler like me, you need your hands free.
How to pick a carrier?
Baby slings work best for babies up to 18 months. After that it's likely your toddler will be too mobile to remain in the sling, his curiosity pushing him out in the world. However, when you travel, it can be very handy.
Definitely do your research before you buy, since the type of sling you need will depend on your size, the size of the baby, your positioning preferences, and, of course, your taste. And while there are many slings sold online, it's a good idea to try them on first, since the fit on many carriers is so different. Perhaps, try various types of slings at the store and then shop for a good deal on the one you pick online. Prices range from $20 to over $100. Some moms get creative and make their own - try this if you have the time and skill. See mayawrap.com for instructions on how to make one. If you like to change your shoes and purses daily, or are a more fashionable gal overall, try a hotsling or a reversible carrier.
It takes some skill to wear a sling - in fact, hearing of the process made me feel a bit intimidated. One well-known trick is to keep your baby above your belly button. If he drops below that, it throws off your center of gravity (similar to being pregnant again) and will cause back pain. Don't worry - in this day and age there are plenty of resources. Many stores and hospitals offer babywearing classes. Retailers offer good PDF and video instructions. Make sure the sling you buy is well made, the baby is secure and you practice wearing it before the baby is born.
Types of carriers
Ring Sling
This is a carrier most frequently featured in magazines when discussing baby slings. It's a piece of fabric held by adjustable rings. It's versatile for breastfeeding positions. It's also harder to learn and you will need to be OK with adjusting it frequently. Jane Sealy, a mom of two from Arlington Heights, IL, says it took her about a week to get used to a Ring Sling, but after that it was a breeze. Her daughter slept in it all the time, and was very content when she wasn't.
Wrap
Perhaps the easiest design (hint: you can make your own), a wrap is a long piece of fabric wrapped and tied around your body. For this reason it's also the most versatile carrier type. Wraps look very convenient, and since there are no weight limits, they can be used well into the toddler years. They are ergonomic and don't cause as much stress on the baby's developing spine. Wraps are one of the better types of carriers for plus-sized moms. The overall design also evenly spreads baby's weight making it easier on you. Rachel Mills from Skokie, IL said she loved her moby wrap so much that she plans on using it even more with her second baby, since she will also have to chase after a toddler.
Asian carriers
The most popular kind is Mei Tai (Chinese), but there is also Podegi (Korean) and Onbuhimo (Japanese). These carriers can be worn on the front, back or side and work best for older babies. There is great air flow through the sides, so it's also a better pick for warmer weather/state. The sling consists of a rectangular panel with straps and wraps around the body. I saw one of my playground mom friends wearing a Mei Tai recently and she highly commended it for back carrying. She recently took her 8-month old on a trip, and since there is no metal, it was a breeze walking through security, the baby snugly on her back.
Pouch
This is essentially a large roll of fabric worn like a sash. You wear it the same way as the ring sling over the shoulder with the baby in the little hammock. It's not bulky and is pretty easy to get used to. Remember though that if you get a pouch sling, it is supposed to fit YOU, not your baby, so pick based on your size. The baby will fit in it right no matter the size as long as the sling fits you properly. The downside here is that you often can't share it with the other parent or family. One fashionable take on the pouch is hotslings - an idea developed by Dallas mom/entrepreneur Kristen DeRocha, who went from making these in her living room to a multi-million dollar company. Hotslings are fashionable and easy to size. Adjustable pouches add versatility to the sling. Kangarookorner touts adjustable slings as their bestseller.
