There are many types of baby carriers out there and it's not easy to decice what works best for us. Some parents simply choose a type of carrier because it's mainstream and can be purchased in one of the major baby stores
However, a simple ring sling offers great advantages, here are some:
Does not put strain on baby's spine In the first few months of life, baby's spine is best rested in an inclined position with the weight distributed along the spine (like when we hold a baby our arms). Read this article about baby's spine and carriers
Baby slings can be used with very small babies -even preemies- as well as with toddlers.
Ring slings can be worn in many different positions: front, hip, back, reclining, kangaroo and nursing positions.
Slings are not bulky: they fit in a diaper bag or coat pocket.
Baby slings can be used as blankets, or shopping cart strap too.
Babywearing
Parents have carried babies in simple carriers for centuries and for many reasons, to keep the calm, to be able to do other things, or just to enjoy baby.
These are a few reasons that make babywearing a great experience for babies and parents:
Babies cry less
Babies feel comforted and secure while tighted up to mommy or daddy
Sling babies explore their surroundings more.
In the sling, babies tend to be alert and observant of what is happening around them. Plus they are at the right height to observe what mom and dad are doing
Babywearing helps smoothing the transition between the womb and the outside world.
Helps mom or dad get house chores done!
A pair of free hands and a calm baby can be quite helpful while trying to fold the loundry, help an older kid or play freesby with the dog.
Helps mom breastfeed outside the house!
Many breastfeeding mom barely go out the house beacause they're not comfortable nursing in public. With the help of a sling, nursing can be quite discrete, especially if the tail is used to cover baby's head.
Helps putting baby to sleep at night.
babywearing a tired baby can do magic to help him/her fall asleep or relax to the point he/she can fall asleep on his/her own
Babies in a sling don't fear strangers
During the stranger anxiety phase even the smallest gesture can sometimes cause baby to scream, not to mention when well intentioned friends or family members want to pick up your cute baby!
Well, wearing your baby while introducing strangers is quite a solution. baby feels safe while in contact with mommy or daddy and doesn't get scared, even better, no one will try to pick up the baby while your are carrying in the sling -it looks so complicated. Your baby can have all the time she/he needs to warm up and gain confidence about the new people, without the necessity of lengthly -sometimes uncomfortable- explanations.
An unpadded ring sling can adjust to the size of a premature baby. You can carry your preemy skin-to-skin (kangaroo care) securely in the sling.
Spread the weight on your shoulder
Make sure the fabric is spread on top of your shoulder, this will prevent the sling from riding up your neck and distribute the weight on a larger area. For best results you want to spread the fabric before putting baby in the sling, then hold the fabric on the ring side, under your arm.
Spread the fabric wide across your back
Make sure to spread the fabric of your ring sling as wide as possible across your back to distribute the weight on a larger area.
Keep ring in place
Hold the fabric under your arm while you put baby in your ring sling. This will prevent the ring of the sling from slipping forward.
Babywear as part of your baby's sleep routine
Baby will relax and get ready for quite activities after a busy day. You can sling baby to sleep or just to relax in preparation for sleep.
Choose size
Sling size is somewhat subjective, some people prefer a longer tail than others. Here's a couple of questions you can ask yourself to help your choice:
At what height would you like the pocket of the Maya wrap? A longer tail will also put the pocket lower and a little harder to reach.
Would you like to have enough tail to cover up your baby's head? For instance when you breastfeed or get out of the car in bad weather. A longer tail will help you do that
Do you want to share your sling with your husband, or someone of difference size than yours? You may want to compromise on a size that fits two in the family
