Baby Slings

A sling is a necessity for any mother. They can be used for infants as well as for carrying older children. They are also a huge benefit for breastfeeding mothers, as you can put the baby in the sling, latch them onto the breast and go about what you're doing while they eat. This is especially helpful when your out and about, and don't have anywhere to sit down and feed your child. This also allows your child to be involved in your world, learning as they explore it. The right kind of sling can also grow with your child, even a thirty pound child can be carried easily in the hip position.

Now that we've discussed some of the benefits of slings, lets discuss the different types of slings there are available.

• The Sling Ring—this sling works by using looping fabric through two rings, the sling can be adjusted by pulling on either ring or pulling more fabric through to make it tighter. This sling can be used for infants up to older children and can be used to wear the child on the back, in the front, or on the hip.
  
  
• Kanga –this type of sling simply ties around mother and child making a pocket, it works best with the child worn on the back. Since this type works with the child being worn on the back, its best to use it with older children who can sit up unassisted and may be a little complicated to use without assistance.
  
  
• Asian Style—these slings vary—some tie and some use rings and ties. They have ties that are long enough to go over the parents shoulders and tie under the child's bottom; they also have ties that go around the waist. These were typically used for wearing a child on your back, but can be adjusted to be worn in front. These are great for infants and for older children.
  
  
• Pouch – This sling goes over one shoulder and under the other arm, creating a pouch for the child. This sling is non-adjustable. You can use this sling to carry a child in a front position or a hip position.

Need a sling but not sure you can afford one? If you buy one, they cost around forty dollars. Now, if that's too steep for you, but you have some time to spare, fear not, in less than a day, you could make your very own sling. All you need is a couple yards of fabric and possible two rings (if your making a sling ring) and you can have your very own sling for less than ten dollars! Follow this link to get instructions to make any kind of sling your heart desires. http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sling.html#sewing

Now I personally own two slings, my first one is a padded sling and although it can be used for up to twenty pounds, I can't get it tight enough to take the pressure off of my shoulders. So I also made my own ring sling, which took less than ten minutes, it required no sewing, and it works like a charm. I simply use it to make a criss-cross pattern around my child and tie it under her bottom and around my waist. Now this is tight enough that her weight isn't all on my shoulders.

Happy Slinging!

Home | Baby Clothes | Linens | Baby's Health | Feeding & Accessories
Baby's Nursery | Bathing | Traveling with Baby | Diapers
Play Time | Safety Items | Gift Ideas | Electronics
Contact | Site Map | Mailing List

All information © TinyTotLot.com 2005. All rights reserved.