SLINGS **How, why, when to carry your baby** - an online course!

[Papillon]

Promoted by the arrival of our 2nd child, the sling is now back in our lives. I have found the use of a baby sling so beneficial and really want to share with others my experiences and would love to hear the experiences of others who have used slings or baby carriers. As my sister says "Sharing is Caring"

We found using a sling with our dd to be practical, easy and vital to enhanced peace and harmony indoors and outdoors.

If you are interested in buying a sling, most of your local midwifery centres will either sell them or direct you to where you should be able to buy a sling in your area. Hopefully your local hospital will also have information. My local hospital even has a Sling carrying course.

I found that practising with a large stuffed toy, like a bear or rabbit helped me gain confidence before I ever attempted putting my baby in the sling.

Some benefits in my experience:

Use of both hands
Bonding
Baby loves it - the baby is with you for increased periods of time
Diversity of sleep habits
Warm, safe environment
Do Household chores while baby is in sling
Extended carrying time (years) over a baby carrier
Outdoors - Toddler keeps the pram whilst baby is in sling
Outdoors - 1 child - ease of mobility

Here is a good link with some illustrations and tips on how to carry your baby / toddler.

Baby sling tying tricks

If you find the price of a sling unaffordable then perhaps you could try to sew one. After all it is just a long rectangular piece of material. Get a breathable material which is as natural as possible. If you live in a hot country, then I recommend you get a strong, light weight material to make the sling.

Sew your own sling

Thats about all I can think of for now. Will be back tomorrow to try and answer any questions you may have

If anyone else has some good ideas, stories or thoughts - please post!!

I really want to get an ergo but seeing as money is tight right now and my homemade sling works really well on the back I can't quite justify it. I think we'll get one sometime this spring though.

A thread for sling devotees - Excellent!
I carried dd everywhere all day long for the first 16 weeks of her life. She is now 18 months and really enjoys her sling rides though they arent as long or frequent anymore!
She will still fall asleep in it too if i really really focus on the project
Having a lighter child helps as ds at 18 months was far too heavy to carry for longer than 10 mins - DD is so lightwieght i can carry her all morning and cook as well

What a great thread! I love my sling.

I bought a Slingeasy which I use to carry DS in (he's 1 and quite chunkified) - he sits on my hip. He loves being carried round and likes to go to sleep in it. And, it is SO easy to use no fiddling with loads of straps and buckles. Just wish I knew about it when he was smaller!

ooh Mears, am I too late to add my recommendation for your friend? I would definitely get her a kanagaroo korner adjustable fleece pouch if your budget can stretch that far. It would be just perfect for both her kids- the hip carry is particularly comfy!

quick q for you..

my baby is ready to turn forward facing in her sling (wilkinet), but how do i stop her little face from freezing off in this weather?