Choosing a baby carrier or sling By Yvette O'Dowd
B
abywearing – carrying your baby or toddler hands-free in everything from a simple piece of fabric to a purposedesigned product – is popular. Not only do busy parents need do a million things at once (or so it seems!) but they recognise the need for close connections to bond with and soothe their child.
You don’t need to practice attachment parenting or call yourself a “babywearer” to appreciate their use. Working out what is safe and comfortable from the range of products can be daunting, let alone working out which will best suit your lifestyle, budget and taste. So, let’s get started and look at the basic styles available for parents who are choosing a baby carrier or sling: #1: STRETCHY WRAPS Designed to snuggle your newborn against your body, these strips of stretchy fabric look complex at first but the technique to wear them is simple once you learn how. Best suited to younger babies (3-8kg), they are not suitable for wearing on your back. #2: WOVEN WRAPS Coming in as many colours, patterns and textures as you can imagine, these carriers also come in varying combinations of natural fibres, including cotton, hemp, linen, bamboo, wool and silk. Designed for use from newborn to toddler on both the front and back, the techniques used to tie them range from simple to complex and – again – once you learn how, are quick and easy to do. It is recommended that back-wearing is only used by experienced wearers after using front-wrapping techniques. #3: RING SLINGS
P: 9789 3566 W: superswimschool.com.au 224 Cranbourne Road, Frankston 102
Peninsula Kids – Winter 2018
Often known for their bright rainbow stripes, ring slings are also available in many other designs. Suitable from newborn to toddler, they are a quick option for short periods of wearing and are terrific for wearing a child who can’t decide if they want to be up or down. The simple technique to wear them is easy to learn and use.