How to Carry a Baby in a Baby Sling

 

A baby sling can be a wonderful accessory for any new parent, mom or dad, because it can make it easier to move around with a new baby or even a toddler. Baby slings are gaining in popularity but many people do not know how to properly use or carry a little one in a sling. There are many different types of carries and you can choose which ones work best for you and your little one. Many baby carriers only allow one or two positions, either on the front or back but with a baby sling the options are many.

Hip Carry

Many people usually carry a little one on their hip when a child gets older and can hold their head up pretty well. Carrying your child on the hip is exactly like what you will experience in the baby sling. The hip carry allows a little one to be close to you while still being able to view the world. This is a very popular carry and can be used with either a pouch sling or a ring sling. A baby sling is perfect for this position and allows more freedom. Traditional structured baby carriers do not allow this position.

Tummy to Tummy

A newborn baby is perfect for the tummy to tummy carry as it promotes a great deal of bonding when your child is still at that age of wanting to be close with you. This carry is perfect for newborn babies all the way up age one or so. Children that are older prefer to look outward to enable interaction with the world. This carry works amazing with ring slings because it is so easy to tighten the ring to accommodate a tiny baby or an older baby.

Breastfeeding Carry

Most moms want to breastfeed their children but feel that it is a burden in public because others might see or be offended. With a baby sling it is very easy to breastfeed discretely while still providing comfort to your child. The breastfeeding carry, also known as the cradle carry, is great because you can position your child in a place where they can still breastfeed. This position can be used with a pouch sling or more preferably the ring sling. A ring sling provides extra fabric that can be used to cover a nursing baby without disturbing the child. This carry is not provided with the traditional baby carrier.

Kangaroo Carry

This is the perfect carry for younger babies who are able to hold their head up but at the same time want to look out and see what mom sees. Carrying in this position works best when the baby is younger and still likes their legs to be curled up. Older children prefer more freedom to move and kick so this position usually does not work well with toddlers. Again this type of positioning works best with a baby ring sling because it is must more versatile and can be adjusted easily to get the baby snug.

Back Carry

Most kids love piggy back rides when they are young and this carry is similar to that. The back carry allows a parent to still move around and do things but while having the baby on the back instead of on the front. It is not a carry that should be used with smaller babies and is saved for toddlers who are a bit older. The back carry can easily be used with a pouch sling, baby ring sling, or a traditional structured carrier that is meant to be worn on the back.

As you can see a baby sling offers a great deal of diversity providing many positions which can be used by mom or dad, minus the breastfeeding part. Baby slings offer many benefits and as you can see the ring sling can be used for any position because it can be tightened or loosened depending on the carry. Many of the other slings do not offer this because they are one size and cannot be adjusted. Your baby will love being carried in a baby sling and the freedom of being hands free offers many benefits as well.

By Samantha K

Posted in: Babies