If you are expecting your first baby, you’re might be overwhelmed with the amount of advice (and unsolicited advice) from others about what to buy.
A frequent tip for new parents is a baby sling. You might have even spotted new parents in your local town, a tiny newborn wrapped tightly to their chest in soft fabric.
But are baby slings as good as people say they are? And are they right for you? Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make that decision.
What Is a Baby Sling?
A baby sling is a soft fabric that wraps around an adult’s upper body. A baby sits, tightly secured within the material.
There are many different sling designs, so the baby sometimes sits at the back, at the side, and most commonly at the front.
What Are the Benefits of a Baby Sling?
It is no coincidence that baby slings are so popular with new parents. Here are some of the main benefits of using a baby sling:
Getting Mobile
For active parents who want to experience the great outdoors, a traditional buggy is often a poor option for steps, hills, and narrow paths. A baby sling allows you to be completely mobile.
Supports Your Baby’s Sleep Routine
Babies are notoriously challenging to get to sleep in the first few months of life. One of the first things you’ll want to do as a new parent is to create a regular sleep routine.
The gentle sway of being held close to their mom’s body in a sling can help a newborn drift off into a deep sleep and help you build that daily routine.
Better Bonding With Your Baby
Slings are a great way to get skin-to-skin contact, especially in the warm summer months.
Putting your baby close to your body and wrapping them in a ring sling will calm your baby and help you both bond in those precious early months.
Get More Chores Done
One challenge for new parents dealing with a baby who wants to be held all day is getting essential chores done. Putting your baby in a stretchy wrap frees your hands to get other tasks done around the home.
Reduce Backache
Holding a baby in your arms can lead to long-term back problems, especially when you aren’t distributing their weight evenly across your body.
A baby sling like this one from Love To Be Natural can help you avoid this back trouble.
How to Choose the Right Sling For You and Your Baby
Always look at safety ratings before selecting the suitable sling for your baby. And take the time to read honest reviews from parents, not just the star ratings, so you can understand the pros and cons.
Make sure you look at how easy it is to get a sling on and off, especially if you want to remove a sleeping baby from a sling and put them down in a crib.
Don’t forget to look at other practicalities, such as how easy it is to clean. And look at products that are lightweight if you plan to carry the sling around when traveling.
The Time-Tested Baby Innovation
There are more modern inventions than the baby sling, but few have stood the test of time as much as this innovation. Loved by moms and babies, they are a must-have for your prenatal shopping list.
Do you have a baby sling to recommend to new moms? Drop your suggestions in the comment box below.
