Slings/Baby Carriers

Benefits of Wearing your Baby

Convenience – It allows you to actually get things done. You can wear your baby around the house, while cleaning, gardening, etc. It is also great for outside the home. It is much easier running errands without trying to negotiate a large stroller or carry a heavy car seat around. Slings are also convenient for other purposes – they can be used as a pillow, a cover, a changing pad or anything else you can think of. Most slings are also small enough to be folded up and put in a purse or diaper bag.

Promotes breastfeeding – A sling can be a real lifesaver in those early months of breastfeeding, when newborns seem to nurse around the clock. You can nurse while you are wearing your baby, and still go about your daily activities. Some babies nurse better while on the move. So it can be great for babies who are having problems nursing. Being so close to their mothers also encourages babies to nurse more frequently. Breastfeeding can also be done very discreetly in most slings.

Safety – A sling provides a safe, secure environment for your child when you are in busy public places such as shopping malls, museums, or airports. You don’t have to worry about your toddler running off if they see something interesting. Slings also provide a safe, comforting place for toddlers to come to when they are feeling overwhelmed or after a tantrum. Many of us have had that horrible feeling when you turn around in the store and your child is no longer next to you. Keeping your toddler in a sling or baby carrier certainly provides peace of mind.

Helps babies grow – Babies nurse more frequently and in a more relaxed way when worn in a sling. Motion also sooths infants so they can divert all there attention to growing instead of crying. For premature infants, being worn in a sling creates a womblike environment. It keeps them warm, encourages frequent feeding, and the mothers’ movement calms them.

Helps baby adjust to life outside the womb - When worn in a sling, baby can hear mothers breathing and heartbeat. They are warm and nestled tightly in the sling and the movements of your body reminds baby of the womb. It can help sooth and calm them as they adjust to life outside the womb.

Reduces crying and colic – Babies who are worn are happier and cry less. The womblike environment of the sling sooths babies and greatly reduces fussiness and crying.

Enhances learning – Since babies spend less time crying when warn in a sling, they have more time to observe the world around them. They are up off the ground and are able to see and hear whatever the person wearing them does. They spend more time in the quiet alert state, and are able to take in more information than they would if they were not included in all the activities and conversations. This also enhances speech development.

Enhances parent-infant bonding – Mothers who wear there babies become very aware of their babies needs, without the baby having to cry. This makes both mother and baby happier. In fact, postpartum depression is less common in mothers who wear there babies. Slings are also great bonding tools for fathers or other caregivers to use to get to know the baby and for the baby to get to know them.

Healthy for parents – Going for walks with your baby in a sling is very good for you. It can help you shed that baby weight faster than you know. Just going about your daily routine while wearing baby can be great exercise.

Helps siblings – Carrying the new baby in a sling helps meet the needs of baby and also frees you up to give your other children your time and attention. Twins can also be carried at once using two slings, or mom and dad can each wear one. When I go grocery shopping, I wear one child in the ERGO Baby Carrier, while the other rides in the cart. I don't know how I'd get groceries without it.

Economical – A sling is an economical way to not only carry your baby, but it also provides all the other benefits listed above at no extra cost. Most baby carriers or slings can be used for kids up to 3-4 years old, plus you can use them for multiple children. What a great value!