Using slings, or babywearing, is brilliant. As well as being a very practical way of transporting your baby (you need never ask directions to the lift again!) and having your hands free, there are many other advantages you might not be aware of. Baby wearers often find their babies are happier and more settled as the contact with mummy increases the baby’s emotional confidence. This calmness in babies can help them gain weight as they’re not burning calories by being stressed and they fuss less during feeds. They are also able to learn more in this quiet, alert state. In turn, mothers often find bonding easier and breastfeeding is often more successful as the contact between mother and baby reminds both what they’re there for!
I have three children and I’ve “worn” them all using a variety of different slings. Here’s an overview:
Wrap slings
These are very long pieces of fabric that wrap around you and the baby. They are the most comfortable slings to wear as the fabric can be spread out across your whole back, using all your back and shoulder muscles equally and not digging in. This makes them suitable for mums with bad backs too. Wrap slings are the most versatile because the baby can be worn on your front, back (even with a newborn) and hip, with options of keeping the baby’s feet inside or sticking out, and because they are just a length of fabric, they are infinitely adjustable.
Stretchy wrap slings are relatively easy to master as you can tie them round yourself before popping the baby in, but the downside is that the stretchy fabric doesn’t support a bigger baby as well and parents find the baby bounces up and down too much for comfort by about eight months.
Woven wrap slings, made from non-stretchy fabric, are easy to use when you know how. They are suitable for all babies and toddlers and have the biggest weight range of any sling. I bought one when my second child was ten weeks old and it’s probably my favourite sling as it’s the most comfy and, even now my youngest is ten months old, I can still fold it round her head for support if she falls asleep in it. It looks lovely, being aubergine cotton, and people come up to me in the street and ask me where I got it!
Soft structured carriers (SSCs)
These are not to be confused with “clip-on” carriers (the sort widely available on the high street) which do not offer effective support for the baby or comfort for the parent. Soft structured carriers consist of panels of fabric with shoulder and waist straps. They can be used for front and back carries, some for hip carries as well. Some are unsuitable for a newborn but, of those, some can be modified with inserts and straps to accommodate a little baby. On the other hand, the upper weight limit allows you to carry a pre-schooler (I can carry my four year old in ours), so you can pop an SSC in your bag and use it to carry your tired child at the end of a country walk, for example. Some SSCs have buckles, some have rings, some simply knot. My partner and I have found ones with buckles work very well for us: they are quick and easy which are important considerations as we have three children – try tying a sling while one child tries to tie your legs up with it and the other is making a premature start on the picnic...!
Ring slings
This is a sling worn on one shoulder with a large ring for adjusting it. A newborn can sleep flat in it and a toddler can ride on your hip in it, but they can also be used for front and back carries with feet in or out. They are, in my opinion, the easiest slings to breastfeed in, although theoretically all the slings I’m describing here can be used for breastfeeding. The only downside is that the weight is distributed unevenly so you might find going out for a whole day with one quite trying. They are ideal for popping the baby into quickly so you can knock up a sandwich or for running out to the corner shop.
Pouch slings
These are also worn on one shoulder and the baby can go in all the positions described under “Ring slings” but, unlike all the other slings, they do not adjust. This means it is important to get the right size for each parent (you and your partner may need one each) but, on the other hand, this does make them the easiest slings to use.
Common questions
I’ve had a Caesarean - can I use a sling?
Yes – you can carry the baby close to you but above your scar and you also won’t have to bend down to the baby because he or she will be right there in front of you.
My baby’s too heavy for a sling!
Sorry to disagree but your baby probably isn’t, nor is it that you aren’t strong enough. Many of us have the clip on carriers briefly described above which have poor weight distribution, meaning that we abandon them after just a few months. But do not be fooled! Try one of the slings described here and see if you get on better. Please. Just for me?
Where can I get one from?
Google the headings in this article and lots of friendly sling websites will appear on your screen!
Finally, are slings safe?
Yes - always remember to use common sense and TICKS and no harm will come to you or your baby:
Tight - for adequate support
In view at all times (this refers to baby’s face)
Close enough to kiss
Keep the baby’s chin off his/her chest to ensure breathing isn’t restricted
Supported back so the baby can’t slump and restrict his/her airway.
Happy babywearing!
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