Why and how to Use a Baby Sling

Good things happen when we wear our babies. Babies who are worn cry less, are more calm and content, sleep more peacefully, nurse better, gain weight better, enjoy better digestion and develop better.

Using a baby sling can make life easier for you and is very good for your baby. Below are some of the advantages of "wearing" your baby.

It's convenient. You can breastfeed discretely in a sling while working, getting things done around the house, shopping or eating in a restaurant. If you have a baby who wants to be held all the time, this is an easy way to meet her needs while doing other things.

It helps moms care for older siblings. Carrying your baby in a sling can give you the mobility to care for your older children.

It helps some babies to breastfeed better. Some babies, particularly those who are tense or tend to arch their backs, breastfeed better while moving. Also, babies who are slow to gain weight (for no apparent reason) have been known to gain better if carried in a sling for several hours a day, since proximity to mom encourages babies to eat more frequently.

It reduces crying and colic. A 1986 study of 99 mother-infant pairs (reported in Pediatrics) showed that carrying babies at least three hours a day reduces crying and fussing 43% during the day and 51% at night. Babies are happier because they have less need to cry, and parents enjoy their babies more as a result.

It enhances learning. Carried babies have enhanced visual and auditory alertness, and increased "quiet alertness" times. Carrying a baby promotes cognitive development and speech development, since babies are exposed to more experiences and conversations.

Carried babies are involved in their parents' world. They participate in life, rather than see it as a spectator.

Carrying your baby promotes bonding and enhances parents' feelings of competence. A higher frequency of feeding and touching stimulates mothering hormones, and frequent carrying encourages and speeds the development of a mutual reading of each other's cues.

Finding a carrier that is right for you

There are many types of baby carriers. These include adjustable slings with rings (these come padded or unpadded), pouch slings that are not adjustable, asian-style carriers, and wraps that simply tie on.

Look at photos of the different types, and, if possible, try on several different types, brands and sizes of baby carrier to see which suits you best.

Below on the resources is a link that will take you to a page where you'll find some pictures of me and my son's father wearing a sling. Every woman is different and there are a huge variety of slings out there. I wanted to tell you what did work for me and my baby and which ones are my favorites. I also wanted to include a selection of baby slings, to help you make your decision easier. As you can see, I include a detailed information about the many different slings and included pictures for you to see how you can "wear" your baby.

Resources

• To learn more and to find the perfect sling for you see this page