As a young mother, I was given a padded ring sling from an experienced mother and loving friend. She raved about how her little Lindsey nursed in it and slept in it and how it was the best parenting tool she had found. I quickly tried it on but couldn’t really get it to work.
Four years later, Dalton was born and I was very determined to wear him in that padded sling so that I could still spend lots of time with Kailee. I thought (correctly) that it would reduce sibling rivalry, so I made the sling work. I wore it backwards! Truthfully, it worked quite well for about 4 months. By that point, I had dropped 40 of the 60 pounds that I had gained during my pregnancy, and I couldn’t get the sling to tighten enough on me.
I soon discovered that there were hundreds of companies making slings. Then I discovered other carriers called pouches, wraps and mei tai’s and was amazed. Now, I have two philosophies about the different carriers: I wish I had found out about them sooner, and I’m glad I didn’t or I would have spent a lot of money on all the wonderful types that are available!
First, let me tell you what I discovered about the types of carriers:
Most new mothers and parents have seen constructed soft pack carriers, which are readily available at stores and are usually put on the parent’s wish list. They are two-shouldered carriers with buckles and straps for adjustability. It can be used in the front with the baby facing in or out. This type can work for most people but for a limited amount of time. It can start to be uncomfortable for the wearer and the baby once baby is about 15 pounds or 2 to 3 months.
Another type of soft pack is called a mei tai or asian baby carrier (ABC). These are also two-shouldered carriers with straps or buckles for adjustability. These are different in the fact that the baby is against the wearer and then tied on. Mei tais and ABCs can be worn on the front or back and have a long life span.
This is a tube of fabric that slips over one shoulder and makes a cocoon for the baby. It’s very versatile and is a good carrier for beginning baby wearers. Baby is worn in a natural position whether that may be up and down like during burping or laying in the cradle/nursing position. The trick is to get the right size to fit you and your baby perfectly. The downside is that it’s not adjustable. Although, a few companies make them with snaps so you can make them a bit larger or smaller.
This is a long piece of fabric that also slips over one shoulder and makes a cocoon for the baby. It is a bit more versatile because rings are sewn into it to make it adjustable. It can be worn by many different sized caregivers and can do all of the same positions as the pouch and maybe a couple of more. You can purchase some that are padded just in the shoulder area and some that have no padding at all.
This is a piece of fabric 2 - 5 yards in length that is wrapped around you and the baby in a variety of positions. Since the beginning of time, many cultures have used this instinctively to go about their daily lives. This type of carrier has a bit higher of a learning curve, but many love it for its versatility and the fact that it can be two-shouldered.
With my son, Dalton, I knew in my heart of hearts that wearing him would be good. At first I thought it was only because it was convenient. I soon came to realize that, yes, it was convenient but there were so many other benefits!
Babies need and want to be held. With little ones, they are so wobbly, you need at least one hand, if not both, to hold them. When you use a sling, you will have two hands free. Slings can be worn anywhere: at home, at a restaurant, at church, at the doctor’s office...
Studies have shown that babies who are held are more content, cry less and don’t show signs of colic as often as babies that are not held.
Through the media and other well-meaning adults, we hear about why we shouldn’t spoil a baby. But think of life the way a baby sees it...you just spent nine months in a soft, cozy, warm environment. Suddenly, you are pushed out (rather abruptly) into this bright, loud atmosphere. All you want is for someone to cuddle you and make you feel safe. Babies don’t cry to manipulate us. They cry to communicate with us. They might be feeling lonely or sad or scared or hungry or wet, and don’t want to be ignored. Dr. William Sears says that worn babies will cry 40-50% less. What an idea! Who wouldn’t want their babies to cry less!
According to Dr. Sears, babies (especially babies with failure to thrive and premature babies) spend less time crying when they are being held. So, instead of crying, they can focus their time on growing. Motion has a calming effect on babies. The close proximity also increases feeding frequency, which will obviously produce a growing baby! Research shows that babywearing promotes growth hormones and body enzymes that enhance growth.
While being held, baby is up at an adult level. Baby can see and hear what is going on around him/her causing baby to have more awake time, called quiet alertness. This is when a baby is content and can interact with the surrounding environment. According to Dr. Sears, this is the optimal state of learning for a baby. Research shows that carried babies show enhanced visual and auditory alertness. Baby wearing also increases bonding time with the person carrying them. When babies are carried, they spend less time laying in hard plastic car seats and swings, which reduces the risk of plagiocephaly (asymmetrical head shape).
Transitioning between different activities is easier on both parent and baby. As long as he/she can smell mom or dad, baby will feel safe and secure. Many times, babies who are in strollers or facing out in front-structured carriers can get over stimulated quite quickly. If they are snuggled up in a natural position carrier, they can sleep and eat with very little distraction.