Babywearing
Happy Baby, Happy Family
- Calmer Babies - Babies who are carried in a sling have more calm, alert periods. They cry and fuss less. Slinging can help babies with colic by reducing susceptibility to vomiting and excess spitting up. Babies also sleep longer and more comfortably when in a sling.
- Cares for Tiny Backs - A sling conforms to a baby's body, eliminating pressure on the developing spine.
- Close and Secure - Sling carriers allow babies to see and feel their mother or father, while increasing the time the parent is able to comfortably hold them.
- Baby's Favourite - Babies prefer being held. (Think of the times you see mothers holding a baby with one arm and trying to push a stroller or shopping trolley with the other.)
- Discreet Nursing - A sling provides for discreet nursing in public while also attending to other tasks.
- Weight Distribution - Slings, as opposed to strapped carriers like backpacks or front packs, distribute the baby's weight evenly over the parent's back, reducing strain.
- Enhanced development - Babies who are touched and cuddled develop physically and mentally at a faster rate and have a lower mortality rate than babies who are given only maintenance care.
- A spare hand! Older siblings are less resentful of a new baby who is carried in a sling, since the mother has her hands free to help with the older child's needs. Parents who carry their baby in a sling can more easily accomplish other daily activities.
Baby carriers that we like
The
Unpadded
ring
sling is probably my favourite baby carrier - it is
infinitely adjustable, light to carry,
easy to nurse in, flexible in carrying positions (at least 7 that I can
think of off
the top of my head), cool in hot Australian summers and I make them
in lots of fantastic fabrics! Different positions make carrying any
baby from newborn to toddler comfortable and convenient.
A
stretchy pouch is our favourite for winter or any
time we want to snuggle. It is simple to put on, easy to nurse in,
very light to carry and fairly flexible for carrying positions. I have
a stretch cotton pouch for summer days when we want to use a pouch.
This sort of carrier is my daughters' favourite - they have a rainbow
of them!
When we are heading out on a long bushwalk, I often start wearing a knit wrap. This is tied over both shoulders and distributes the weight across shoulders, back and hips. It is light and very adjustible; however it takes some practise to tie well and you need help for some of the back positions until you are competent with it.
How to choose a baby carrier
Have a look at Peppermint.com for someone else's guide to choosing a baby carrier.
How to wear various baby carriers
You can find lots of ways of wearing slings and wraps by online searching - and don't forget to browse Youtube as well.
If you can make it to a sling meet you will always find people willing to help you sort out a new carry. And if you can't, then a visit to the Baby Carriers Down Under forum is sure to help you on your way!
How to make a baby carrier
Some fabric, a straight stitch sewing machine and a little
time is all that is needed to make yourself a tube sling or mei tai.
With a pair of
sling rings, you can quickly make your own ring sling. I now
have aluminium sling rings in stock in two sizes - medium and large and
five colours (black, bronze, gold, slate and silver).
Medium sized sling rings are ideal for medium weight fabric, in widths of 65-80 cm. They have an inner diameter of 6.5cm and outer diameter of 7.5cm.
Large sized sling rings are good for heavier weight fabric or two layers of lighter fabric. They have an inner diameter of 7.5cm and an outer diameter of 9 cm. If you are using a heavy weight (winter weight) or heavy nap fabric, a very wide fabric (80cm-115cm/30"-45"), or have had difficulty adjusting your sling in the past, these would be best for you.
Jan Andrea's wonderful Sleeping Baby website has links to a number of good tutorials for making your self a baby carrier.
Another extensive source of links to sew or improvise a baby carrier is given at The Babywearer.
Where to buy a baby carrier
I make unpadded ring slings and pouches to order. Your sling will generally be sent to you within 3 days of placing an order. Click here to pop over to a page with details about price and fabric choices.
You may also be interested in:
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Kids size slings - for your older children to carry their toys |
Wool nursing pads - perfect for absorbing excess milk |
Open crotchpants - order them long to keep little ankles covered |