Using A Baby Sling
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 One of my first baby slings (that's Faith at 5 months). Read my personal comments below on the different baby slings and carriers I've tried. |
Especially if you have to carry your little (or not-so-little) one for a long period of time (read: ooh my aching arms!). That's why baby slings and baby carriers are godsend! It's great that this age-old practice of carrying babies called babywearing is now on the rise in the western world!
And for good reason!
Aside from the fact that babywearing promotes parent and child bonding (you'll read the other benefits of babywearing below), baby slings and carriers are essential 'tools' to use during playtime.
Here are some instances where baby carriers & slings can come handy when you're playing with your child:
- when playing 'bouncing', 'swinging' and 'galloping' games with your baby (saves you from having sore arms and an aching back!)
- when going on baby field trips (like the zoo for instance), your baby can enjoy viewing the world from your level (and not down on the ground in a stroller). It is easier then for you to talk to him about what you can see (it's really difficult doing this when your child is in a stroller)
- when playing with your baby on 'those days' when your baby just wants to be carried (it's like having another set of free hands!)
And what about the other good things about "wearing your baby?" Here are some of the benefits...
- babies who are carried cry less due to the comfort of a womb-like environment.
- carried babies learn more because they spend more time in a quiet state of alertness.
- babies are more organized; parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have balancing and soothing effects on infants.
- babies get "humanized" earlier by developing socially; babies are closer to people and can study facial expressions, learn languages faster and be familiar with body language.
- babies who are carried are smarter because of rapid brain growth due to constant daily stimuli and being an intimate part of the adult world.
Best Time and Place For Babies to Learn
And get this. Infant specialists say that when babies are carried close to you, they are in a state of ''quiet alertness". What they mean by this is that they are at their most alert state.
And this is the best time for them to learn!
Have sling, will play!
If you currently use a baby sling or baby carrier, I've collected some fun games and learning activities you can do while 'wearing' your baby!
Choosing the Right Baby Carrier & Baby Sling
If you are still on the lookout for a baby carrier or sling, I'm sure you'll agree that with all the conflicting advice out there, choosing the right one can be quite daunting and confusing.
The truth is, no one baby carrier is perfect for every parent in every situation.
So let me show you some types of baby carriers and slings that I've used and what I think of them. Hope it can somewhat help you decide on what to use.
Fabric SlingThe fabric baby sling is just a simple length of fabric which is knotted at the ends or is secured by a pair of heavy duty rings. This is the closest style to the traditional baby carriers that were used by Indians, Africans, Asians and other non-western countries were babies have always been 'worn' by their mothers.
My comments
I love it! I give it "two thumbs up" for its versatility and comfort. I used this asian style baby carrier (in bali sarong fabric) when I gave birth to Faith in Brunei (that's in Borneo). I simply tied a knot at the ends then away Faith and I went.
I was able to go walking with her the moment my doctor told me it was okay to exercise. I was able to breasfeed discreetly in public too.
When we flew to Bali for a holiday when Faith was 2 months, she was a breeze to take care of, thanks to this sling! I really like the ethnic style too. But of course there are several fabric designs that you can choose from.
Hip Baby CarrierHip Carriers are ideal for older babies and toddlers. They help you carry your child on a hip (afterall, that's the first place you carry your older child when you pick him up). But this time, you don't get the arm cramps and aching back. The straps on the waist and shoulder help redistribute the child's weight to either the shoulder, hips, or both. They can be used only with babies who can sit up well, but do continue to be useful as the toddler gets older (up to about 35 lbs.).
My comments:
Hip Baby Carriers ROCK! I designed this hip baby carrier (it's the only baby carrier using padded gel strap for ultra comfort!). I've been using it eversince Faith was 7 months. It's very quick to put on, unlike most front carriers. On my 'weight training days' I go out power walking with Faith for an hour - now that's a workout!
But it doesn't strain your back or neck! If you're not the type to go for fabric slings (I know some Moms think it's a little bit too 'earthy'), then you'll find the hip carrier -- err, hip!
To read more about the MollyCuddle Hip Baby Carrier, please click here. You can even buy and try it out for 60 days. If you are not happy with it, you get a refund!
Front Pack CarrierThis is the opposite of backpack carriers. There are 2 shoulder straps that go over the shoulders and around the back, and the baby is placed upright into the front pouch in the front, with legs sticking out of little slots.æ Baby can be worn facing forward or facing backward (depending on the brand of baby carrier).
My comments:
Hmm... Frankly I am not a big fan of front pack carriers. My husband didn't mind it though but he used it when Faith was from 3 months to 6 months old. It was a bit of a mission to put it on with so many buckles and straps. And it wasn't too friendly on my back and shoulders either.
Baby BackPack CarrierWell basically the backpack carrier is a framed carrier similar to what backpackers use but is designed to put babies in (instead of camping gear). Your baby should be able to support his neck, so it is suitable for babies 6 months and up.æ
My comments:
Hmm... I used my baby backpack carrier a few times when I went bush walking but it strained my back so I stopped using it. My husband loves it though. He refuses to wear all my slings (he says it's like borrowing one of my dresses). So he chooses to use the backpack carrier. They are also not easy to put on, but do tend to be able to carry babies as they grow into toddlers.
Wrap-Around SlingThe wrap-around baby sling is basically one very long piece of fabric which the parent wraps around herself diagonally several times. Something like a long shawl worn around you. Unlike the basic fabric sling, it goes over both shoulders. The baby sits in the pouch formed in the front, side or back.
The advantage of this type of sling is that it is easier on the back because the baby's weight is distributed over two shoulders instead of just one.
My comments:
I am currently waiting for my order to arrive as I tried on this type of sling from a friend of mine and loved the look and feel of it. Will give you more comments once I've started using it more often! Watch this space!