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There is a wonderful subliminal brilliance to slings; they are one of the very few products on the market that initiates deep bonding between parent and their child. They are also one of the most practical, hard working, "life saving" nursery items a parent can have.
Most experienced parents will tell you that you will need a baby carrier of some sort, whether it's your arms or a product. Take it from a mum of 5 - arms get tired very quickly.
Arms are the most loving care that a parent can give and our slings are designed to emulate exactly that. So during those busy and harried times you can be with bub and remain hands-free.
In all honesty, you are likely to use a baby carrier far more than a pram or a car seat, so it makes good sense to research carriers as much as you would any other crucial nursery item.
So as you embark on the "Great Baby Expedition" from whence there is no return, look closely at some pointers to help in your decision
Babies just love to be carried and held!
Babies want to be carried constantly up to and around 18 months of age. The need thereafter diminishes but not entirely. It's an instinctive developmental trait and can't be avoided. Embrace it.
Who would have thought that a baby wanting to be picked up is a good sign? Of course it is; this shows that your baby is developing well on a social scale. They instinctively desire social engagement.
Parents, by carrying their babies constantly become far more intuitively connected with their child. With the structural dynamics of a sling there are more opportunities to be face to face with their baby, as opposed to an upright or parachute style (as they are more commonly referred to), as baby's face is often buried into the chest or outward. The close face-to-face contact with a hammock style sling emulates the same act of a parent cradling the baby in their arms. By gazing at your baby longer you will discover little nuances and permanent character traits unique to your child. This is baby's first form of language and communication.
Parents begin to know their child on a deeper level when carrying their baby and in doing so become their very own "Baby Whisperer".
It's all about being aware & attentive to everything about and around your baby. A sling will help make this easier for you.
Babies that are carried are way ahead
It is a well known and studied fact that babies who are carried more than babies left in prams, rockers, cots etc are far more developmentally ahead. Babies that are carried in slings become more self assured and comfortable with the world at an earlier age.
The first education a parent can offer their child is to be held and spoken to. Having the baby up close and personal in a sling leads to parents communicating (touch, conversation) to their child and not at them. This is the most stimulating bonding a child can receive. This is the same as talking and touching during nappy changes, feeding, bathing etc.
The smell of the parent during the earlier weeks of life is the most reassuring aspect for a newborn, the more your baby can smell you, hear you and touch you, the more settled the baby is. When using a baby sling, a baby has access to your smell, voice and touch all at once.
As babies don't come with user manuals and first time parenting can be daunting, parents' confidence can benefit greatly by using a baby sling.
Dads get to join in too
Carrying a baby in a sling isn't just for mums, dads can (and should!) get to enjoy the feeling of having a baby snuggled in close to their heart too. Many dads avoid carrying their baby simply because of a lack of confidence, and the belief that they won't be as good as mum; and in doing so, miss out on one of the best early bonding opportunities with their child. Carrying baby in the heart position in a sling, particularly in the first 4 months, allows dad to experience the sort of bond that is normally reserved for mum, and can potentially lead to a closer emotional bond with the child later in life.
So dads, why not give mum a break, take the weight off her shoulders and experience first-hand, the joy of carrying your child close to your heart, and make yourself eligible for super-dad of the year award!
Slings diminish the occurrence of child abuse
On a sadder note, our research with Karitane (www.karitane.com.au) has shown that parents who use a baby sling are less likely to abuse their children. Many early childhood educators & parent mentors encourage the use of a baby sling for 'at risk' parents, who themselves might have come from an abusive childhood. Abused children are more than likely to grow into abusive parents until the cycle is broken.
Help with Postnatal Depression
Using a baby sling can also help reduce post-natal depression. The "gentleness" of the bonding and interaction between mother and child whilst the baby is in the sling is a non-invasive treatment and has been clinically proven to help with post natal depression.
Where there has been a pregnancy or infant loss previously, using a baby sling or carrier can overcome the hurdle of dissociation that can occur when a new baby arrives.
By using a baby sling or carrier everyone reaps the positive benefits for many years to come!!
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