A sling for newborn is a simple and useful device that allows a mother to hold her baby under her heart, proven for centuries. Both women in ancient times and modern mothers have appreciated the advantages of a sling for newborns. Soft carrying of infants has many supporters, but there are still debates about the harm and benefits of a sling for newborns. Let’s figure it out.
Sling for newborn, Mom’s Helper
The tradition of carrying babies in pieces of fabric, which today are called “slings” in English, goes back to ancient times.
And in modern times, the fashion for slings for newborns has returned. The impetus for the revival of the tradition of carrying babies under the heart in a fabric carrier was the popularity of the ideas of conscious parenting.
Benefits of a sling for newborns
1. Comfort for the baby
A sling for newborns provides the closeness of mother and baby, which is so necessary for the baby, especially in the first days and months after birth. He needs to inhale mother’s scent, feel protection, and the baby calms down next to her.
2. Hands free
With a baby in a newborn sling, a mother can do household chores that she never has time for. A soft carrier will help when going to the store or on a walk, when you need to hold an older child by the hand. With a newborn sling, you can do without a stroller, especially if walking is inconvenient due to uneven sidewalks or an unsuitable entrance. Modern mothers visit exhibitions and other cultural events while the baby snores in a newborn sling.
3. Relief from pain and discomfort
According to neonatologists, tightly pressing the baby’s body to the mother in a sling for newborns helps reduce the pain of intestinal colic. A common problem for infants is gas and colic in the abdomen due to the immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
4. Baby’s peaceful sleep
Mothers have noticed that in a sling for newborns, the baby sleeps more soundly and calmly. The secret is in the magical lulling movements. By the way, if the baby does not calm down when rocked naturally, whines, then something is bothering him. For example, when the first teeth are coming through.
5. Convenient feeding and improved lactation
When the baby is close by, in a sling for newborns, it is easier for the mother to feed him regardless of the place. According to doctors, using a sling for newborns will help establish lactation in the first weeks after the birth of the child and will allow the mother to breastfeed longer.
6. Benefits for mom’s back
If the sling for newborns is made of high-quality, dense fabric and is put on correctly, the baby’s weight will be distributed evenly across the shoulders and back. The sling allows you to maintain your posture. According to experts, this method of carrying a baby is healthier for the mother’s back than when she carries him in her arms.
At what age should you start using a sling for newborn?
This device is suitable for infants from the first days of life. The sling for newborns from 0 allows you to place the baby horizontally. This position will remind him of the position in the mother’s belly and will be natural for the baby in the first weeks and months of life.
To decide when to stop wearing a sling for newborns, it is worth considering the individual characteristics of the baby. Neonatologists say the approximate age is from six months – until the baby begins to actively crawl. This means that he is ready to comprehend a new interesting world, and he needs to be allowed to move separately from his mother, albeit under her careful supervision.
What kind of sling is suitable for newborns?
Experts advise mothers to pay attention to the following slings for newborns:
- With rings – a fabric about 2 m long, at the end of which two ring fasteners are sewn. It is with their help that the mother fixes the free end of the sling for newborns and puts it on her shoulder. It turns out to be a light hammock for the baby in front. This version of the sling for newborns is suitable for a short stay of the baby in it. It will be comfortable to wear in the summer. The mother will not have any difficulties with how to tie a sling for newborns. There are no complicated winding methods, the sling with rings is easy to use.
- A scarf from 2 to 6 m long made of natural fabrics. Mom wraps it around both shoulders, as she likes. To do this quickly, you will have to practice a little, how to tie a sling for newborns.
- When the baby grows a little and can no longer constantly stay in a horizontal position (for example, from 4-5 months), my sling will do – a square piece of fabric with wide ties, sometimes with soft filling. The mother wraps the lower straps around the waist, and crosses the upper straps over the shoulders on the back and also connects them at the waist.
What to look for when choosing and using a sling for a newborn?
- The mother herself decides whether to carry the baby in a sling for newborns. There are no age restrictions: some babies go home from the maternity ward in a sling.
- When choosing, you need to consider the purpose of carrying, the age and weight of the baby, as well as the height of the mother. If you will wear it at home and do not want to practice winding, then a ring sling for newborns will do. A scarf requires more practice, but is convenient both outdoors and at home.
- The material from which the sling for newborns is made should be soft and pleasant to the touch. It is worth choosing a product made of natural fabrics (cotton, linen) or knitwear.
For centuries, baby slings have helped mothers take care of their babies. So don’t be afraid to try this device. Everything new is well forgotten old!
