Carrying your baby around in one arm and managing the chores with the other is truly demanding and fatiguing. Baby slings can be extremely useful in such situations. The baby can rest comfortably in the physical closeness of his\her parent and you can carry on your work with both hands without straining your back.
Benefits for Parents
Research points out that mothers who use baby slings are less likely to experience postpartum blues as they feel in control of their lives. They can go for a walk, shop around, cook and play with other children with the baby safely wrapped in the sling. Baby slings support hands-free feeding, eases back and shoulder strain if worn properly and allows for less awkward use of public transport in comparison to prams and buggies.
Benefits for Babies
It has also been seen that babies who are carried in a sling have a better growth and development compared to the ones left alone in a crib. This is because they spend more time interacting with their parents, exploring the world from their parents’ arms and less time crying. It is seen that the rate, frequency and duration of breast-feeding also increases for sling carried babies. They are emotionally and psychologically more secure and happier.
Safety Concerns
The sling should be worn correctly to reduce the danger of baby falling from or suffocating in the sling. To prevent these, position the baby carefully in the sling, check her\his position frequently, avoid using any extra cloth inside the sling and check the slings rings and other hardware before using it.
Types of Slings
Wrap around Sling
This is a piece of cloth tied around the body and fastened with a knot or rings. It is an adaptable sling that can be worn across the body like a sash or fastened on the hip, back or front depending on the need of the hour.
Drop-in baby carrier
It has holes for arms and legs and a pouch where the baby can sit. The baby can face inwards or outwards and is suitable only for babies up to 6 months of age.
Back Pack Carrier
This is worn on the back and has a metal frame; it is suitable of babies who are old enough to sit without support.
You can choose one that suits your needs and comforts the most.
