Baby Carriers and Slings

Nala Jones asked:




Carrying your baby in a sling keeps your baby in the best place possible; Close to your heart! Baby slings let parents carry their children right next to their bodies, giving the child a heightened sense of safety, security, and closeness with their parents. Also known as baby-wearing, slings have been used for thousands of years and have been shown to provide enhanced mental and emotional development in children.

It is known that children who were held in baby slings as children grow up to be very confident and well adjusted teenagers and adults. These children have a strong feeling of security. They were brought into this world feeling safe and secure, therefore causing confidence and a sense of worth. Will this cause my child to become spoiled you ask? Some studies have stated that children actually display independent and self-sufficient behaviors earlier than those children that were not held close by slings or similar carriers. This is because their basic early development needs of feeling safe and secure were fully met, therefore giving the child a good foundation for working on his/her own when it is time.

Accelerated learning is another benefit of baby-slinging due to the increased exposure to language, the environment, and social situations. When the baby is up close and personal to you and your interactions with society they are being fed a huge amount of information that their brains process and soak up like a sponge. They are also more receptive to what they are learning because of the safe environment the sling provides. Compare this to the typical child that is isolated in their crib or stroller down near the ground and away from most of the social interaction.

Baby Slings also allow a convenient way to get things done while your baby is snuggled close. If you have ever tried to clean house or shop for groceries with a crying baby in your arms you will appreciate the utility and value of a well-made baby sling. The sling allows you to hold your child while leaving both arms free for chores or shopping, and at the same time calms your child so they cry much less often. Many children just want to be held close to their parents, and a sling or wrap allows you to do so on a more consistent basis without interrupting your daily routine.

There are dozens of baby sling styles available:ring slings, water slings, pouches, designer slings, organic cotton slings, and wraps. Water slings are designed to hold your child safely while you shower or bathe them, or take a dip in the pool, while designer slings will match any outfit you choose to wear!