Sling style baby carriers go back many centuries in our history. Ring slings, wraparounds, pouches, and a variety of other cloth slings have been used throughout the world. Though, historically, slings were an invention of necessity to enable mother’s to tend to their children while they worked in the fields, ring slings have a lot of benefits to today’s parents.
Ring Slings are perfect for mothers who want to practice attachment parenting since the sling holds the baby close to the mother’s body. As with many of today’s sling style baby carriers, ring slings offer a transitional womb, close to mommy’s heartbeat, for newborns as they adjust to their new life in the world.
Slings have been proven to help babies sleep better, cry less and adjust to the world easier than babies who are not carried close to their mothers throughout the day.
A sling is a one piece fabric made of cotton which slips over the mother’s shoulder. The material will stretch a bit widthwise, but not lengthwise, thus making it practically impossible for baby to slip through. A true sling has no ties, buckles or Velcro which could release and cause serious injury to the baby.
Cotton is the material of choice for most slings as cotton is more durable and versatile than materials. Hemp can break easily and become water bound. Silk, while beautiful, holds heat and is not suitable in warm climates. It would be tempting to use a yarn sling during colder months, however, yarn stretches, quickly losing the shape and safety of the sling.
The first fitting of the sling can be uncomfortable. The mother should put the sling o herself first. Once the sling is in place the mother can then slip the baby inside, feet first. Baby’s spine should be parallel to the seam of the sling.
A ring sling works on the same principle as a traditional baby sling, the difference being that the fabric is not a continuous loop of material, but a rectangular strip. The two ends of the material are threaded through rings to secure the sling to the mother’s body. One end, the “tail” is longer than the other end. Pulling on the “Tail” will tighten the sling to the mother’s body.
Both the ring type sling and the true sling offer a hands free position for the mother and provide skin to skin comfort for the baby.
The only drawback to wearing either a ring sling or a sling in this part of the world is that the slings cause curiosity. In eastern countries and many third world countries slings are the preferred method of carrying a baby.
Soothing a sling baby is easy as the baby is already snuggled next to mother. All mother has to do is get up and walk about. The gentle walking motion soon lulls the baby into peacefulness.
Anyone can use a sling, even dads, though they might balk a bit at first. Older siblings may soon request a mini sling for their dolls and stuffed animals.
A concern about where a baby sling is the possible strain on the back: If the sling is properly positioned with the material spread across the back, there is little strain on the back.
Regardless of the type of sling you choose: ring sling or traditional sling, you can be reassured that the decision to wear your baby is the best one for their physical and emotional development.
Learn more about the benefits and convenience of ring slings: http://www.bustlingbaby.com/baby-slings-carriers-baby-ring-slings.html David Cummings is General Manager of Bustling Baby, a business devoted to providing baby mobility, comfort, and convenience to active families.
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