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Original poster

Thoughts on baby slings?

32 replies

Spockrates · 28/06/2023 22:17

I ordered one of those baby carrier things where u strap your baby to your front, I have a 6 week old with reflux and cmpa, and sometimes she doesn’t settle so I can’t get out of the room and I can’t carry her in my arms and do house work and cook dinner with her in my arms, so I ordered one but I’m concerned about the heat will my body heat be too much for her to be in one during the hot weather? Right now I have no life I can’t cook I can barely get any house work done and living like this is really affecting my mental health so I thought getting one would be a good idea because I can just strap her to me and get on with my day but my mum doesn’t recommend she said it will spoil her, she’ll want to be carried all the time, and in the long run it won’t be a good idea as I’ll never be able to put her down if I get her too use to being carried all the time, she said it will make it hard to get a baby sitter too when I go back to work because all she’ll do is cry for me, she’s currently 6 weeks old, this is making me apprehensive about using it, right now our routine is I feed her if she falls asleep I put her in her cot but if she’s alert and awake I talk to her, play with her or sometimes just lay with her, she doesn’t let me walk away from her or she’ll cry it’s hard to get anything done so does anyone recommend?

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Beginningless · 28/06/2023 22:25

Agreed, your mums ideas about ‘spoiling’ the baby are outdated. Babies love to be strapped to their mums and many feel they’re safest and most secure that way. Secure children are the ones that are able to separate and be independent when they are confident, those that don’t get parental support when they need it are more likely to be insecure and clingy. As a general rule, there’s more to it than that but I’d say get the spoiling idea out your head. I had a few slings but never used them as much as I wanted due to back pain, unfortunately.

Tygertiger · 28/06/2023 22:25

She’s six weeks old. She still thinks she’s part of you. Read about attachment theory. Children have to learn dependence before they can be independent - they are more likely to be able to self-soothe when older if they feel safe as tiny infants. You categorically cannot spoil a baby. Carry her and enjoy the closeness. It’s good for your mental health too (that lovely oxytocin release).

only thing is, a lot of slings aren’t ergonomic and hurt your back. Try a Tula or an Ergo rather than a Baby Bjorn, they’re much more comfy. My babies lived in slings like little kangaroos and grew into very independent children :)

elderflowerandpomelo · 28/06/2023 22:24

In fact I was talking just last week to a friend who had children in parallel w mine, and who slung her second (seeing how great it was) - said she wished she’d done it w the first too. Just because it’s so special and lovely to have them so close…

elderflowerandpomelo · 28/06/2023 22:23

My babies lived in slings. They are THE BEST. Wonderful for baby, wonderful for mum. Kids are now teens. Slings did not harm them in any way, only helped! Do it!!

Astromelia · 28/06/2023 22:21

Definitely try the sling. 6 weeks is so little, she will love to feel close to you while you go about your day. You can’t “spoil” an infant, she doesn’t understand what’s happening, she just knows that she feels better when she is with you. In a few months things will be completely different, she will have different needs and you’ll work it out then.

This has some good advice for safe sling use in summer.

https://www.sheffieldslingsurgery.co.uk/2014/07/22/summer-slings-and-keeping-safe/

Summer Slings and Keeping Safe in The Sun - Sheffield Sling Surgery and Library

As temperatures rise, parents wonder how they can keep their child safe in their summer slings. Rosie discusses this common question in depth.

https://www.sheffieldslingsurgery.co.uk/2014/07/22/summer-slings-and-keeping-safe/

ConfusedinOctober · 28/06/2023 22:21

Not true. My baby lived in a sling for her first 6 months, she even took all her naps in it. She's 5 now and isn't clingy or spoilt and she settled into nursery easily at 6 months old. Use the sling!

ShowOfHands · 28/06/2023 22:20

You can't spoil a baby by offering them what they need. You can make them feel safe, secure and loved.

I adored my slings and had many of them. In summer, I used a lightweight wrap and kept the baby in just a nappy and vest.