About Slings

Slings certainly can make life easier for a busy parent. These baby carriers help a mother to get things done around the house, while comforting her baby. Many parents who practice attachment parenting enjoy using slings. Baby slings also make it easier to keep baby close when traveling. Even though slings can make life easier, it can be difficult to find the right sling. After all there are so many different types of slings available, and so many different people with various body types.

Function

Photo taken by Jeanne B Mitchell

The main function of a sling is to allow parents to multi-task. Carrying a baby in a sling allows a mother or father to be hands free, and keep a child close to them at the same time. Slings help to keep babies safely and securely attached to their parents. When the sling is worn correctly it can help to provide back support.

Benefits

Mothers love slings because it works as a bonding and attachment tool which facilitates breastfeeding. The sling allows the mother to walk around the house, and do other chores while nursing a baby. Babies love to be held close and comforted. Slings are especially helpful in our fast paced modern society because slings allow mothers to discretely breastfeed their babies in public. Most slings have a cover flap attached, which can be pulled over for privacy. Baby slings provide support which can prevent injury from straining. Baby carriers promote attachment parenting and parental bonding with their child, because parents who use slings tend to keep their babies close more often. Slings are great for parents who love to hold their babies and take them everywhere.

Types

There are many different types of slings. Some slings are more padded while others are thin and breathable. You can find adjustable slings with rings or pouch style slings. There are also Asian-style slings which can be wrapped around your body. Most slings come with a how to booklet or video.

Warning

Babies over 35 lns. should no longer be carried in a sling. If your baby falls asleep in the sling, and you want to put the baby down in the crib, be sure not to leave the baby in the sling when putting the baby in the crib. The baby can become entrapped in the sling if he moves around. The baby should only sleep in the sling if you are wearing it.

History

Baby slings have been around for thousands of years, basically since the beginning of time. In ancient days mothers carried their babies in handmade slings from the time they were born, until they were well into toddler hood. African cultures mainly use the sling tied around their front, while Indians liked to carry their babies on their back. Baby slings became popular in the United States during the 1960s after a Peace Corp volunteer by the name of Anne Moore, watched Native women carrying their babies in slings. She came back to the United States and her and her mother, began designing and selling colorful adjustable slings.

Resources

• Dr. Sears for more information about slings
• History of baby slings