The baby sling is a fabric to tie used for carrying the little one next to the mother’s or father’s body. It’s a safe item for the baby and very practical for parents. Learn more about how to wear the sling, its advantages, and its main tips.
With the end of the maternity license and the return to work, it becomes challenging to give babies the attention they need. Or even if you stay at home, it’s difficult to carry your baby all the time, and it’s not really handy. However, there’s an old and very special way of keeping in touch with your little one, providing him with mobility: the baby sling.
This tying fabric can be used as a carrier and is becoming more and more popular. Undoubtedly, it’s a much more practical and economical way to carry your little one than the famous strollers. In this post, we show how to wear the sling, bring some tips and even list the advantages that this item brings. Come check it!
Reasons to acquire a baby sling
According to the Theory of Exterogestation – widely accepted among pediatricians – the baby remains in symbiosis with the mother even outside the womb, and this period lasts from 3 to 9 months of life. Therefore, in order to allow the baby to develop as harmoniously and naturally as possible, it’s important that hes’s well adapted to the exterior environment.
In this scenario, the baby sling was developed. It meets the needs of the little ones while keeping the caregivers free. They’re items carefully designed to help resolve this difficult extra-uterine transition, providing the baby with the care and support they need, so they can grow in maximum comfort.
The way the sling embraces you and your baby allows the fabric to always adapt to your body shape, while evenly distributing your child’s weight. That way, the experience becomes comfortable for both of you.
How to wear the sling
Many parents, when purchasing the baby sling for the first time, are curious to know how to tie it. To make it easier, we’ve created a step-by-step. Check it out:
Photo: Pinterest
1 – Locate the middle of the fabric and place it at the height of your abdomen.
2 – Cross the fabric on your back, making an “X” and pull the ends over the shoulders, bringing them to the front.
3 – Gather the fabric in front of your belly button, tuck it inside the fabric that is at your waist and then cross it in front of you at the waist. You should now have an “X” on your chest. It’s important to leave a certain amount of fabric slack, as the baby will fit in this part of the fabric.
4 – Cross the fabric on the back, below the waist, making an “X”.
5 – Pass the ends of the fabric to the front, through the front, tying them a little below the waist with a double knot, on the side.
6 – It’s time to grab your baby! Place him in front of you and settle him inside the fabric, placing one leg and one arm at a time;
7 – Now that you have the baby in a sitting position, adjust the upper part of the fabric so that it completely covers your back;
8- Finally, accommodate the baby’s buttocks and thighs, so that he is fully supported by the sling and in an “M” position, that is, with the knees up higher than the hips.
There you go! Now you and your baby are closer in a comfortable way and at the same time with free movement.
Safety Tips
It’s important for parents to be aware of some tips to ensure the safety of the baby:
- The baby’s natural position, similar to the fetal, must be respected. Thus, the spine must be in “C” position, whilst the legs must be bent in “M”, with knees higher than the hip line;
- Make sure you can fit two fingers under your baby’s chin. He needs to be above your chest so that his airway remains open for breathing;
- Make sure you can see your baby’s face at all times, whether he’s awake, sleeping or breastfeeding. Make sure his face isn’t pressed against your body. To avoid this, gently turn your baby’s face to one side and arrange the fabric so that it is away from his face
Keep in mind that it may take a while before your baby likes or feels comfortable with the sling. If he gets agitated when you put him on the fabric, do your best to calm him down by gently rocking back and forth, and rubbing his back. Be kind and give yourself and him enough time to get used to it.
And it’s worth it! Among its main advantages are the straightening of bonds between baby and caregiver, the relief of colic and reflux, the ergonomic weight distribution, the comfort in breastfeeding on demand, and the possibility of being close to the baby with free hands to perform many activities.
Did you enjoy learning more about the baby sling? When selecting a sling for purchase, make sure you pick one made out of cotton fabric, which is breathable and avoids sweating and overheating.
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Also read our article on baby development in the womb.
