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What is sling and how to choose the right model
A sling is a piece of cloth used to transport a baby. Translated from English sling - sling. The history of the creation of the sling is so deep that scientists are thousands of years old! In different cultures, children were worn in scarves, scarves, aprons and other dressings.
Using the sling helps the mother free her hands, which makes it possible to be in constant contact with the baby, so necessary for the baby to adapt to a new unknown world. But the sling plays a good service only if it is used correctly and is selected by age. When choosing a sling, you need to pay attention to three things.
- It is necessary to take into account the child’s age and weight — the choice of the “carry” model depends on it.
- You need to decide what time of year you are going to walk with the child.
- The choice of sling also depends on the nature of the baby, the mom’s lifestyle and her needs.
Now let's talk in detail about each sling model, its pluses and minuses, and how old a baby can be in a sling.
Sling with rings
A sling with rings is a long strip of fabric, on one side of which two rings are sewn. How to use a sling with rings: the second end of the web is passed through the rings and securely fixed. Such a sling is worn over the head and worn on one shoulder. So that the fabric under the weight of the child does not cut into the shoulder, this place is sealed and stitched with an “accordion”.
The sling on the rings is well suited for beginners slings, it is easy to learn. This is ideal for newborns who especially need maternal warmth and often ask for handles. Up to four months, the baby must be laid horizontally. And if the baby is hungry, then you can feed him unnoticed by others.
Such a sling is convenient to use at home, doing housework. If the baby fell asleep, it is very simple to remove the sling with the baby without waking him. To do this, just loosen the rings and bend over the crib.
A sling with rings is also suitable for older children: the child can be in an upright position, sitting or half-sitting. And curious children will have to narva a position behind their back or on their side, which opens up a wide view for the baby while walking and traveling. A sling with rings is convenient for motion sickness of a child, for going to the store and clinic.
Minuses:
- it is difficult to carry a child weighing more than 8-10 kg;
- the load falls on one mother’s shoulder, therefore, in order to avoid health problems, it is necessary to alternate the shoulders.
Child age: from birth to one and a half years.
Sling pocket
Sling pocket has the same characteristics as the sling on the rings, only it is more compact and lighter. He has a pocket specially cut under the ass of a peanut. Such a sling is sewn according to the individual size of the mother and taking into account the age of the baby.
Minuses:
- not suitable for both parents if they are of different physique;
- it is difficult to carry a large baby, since the load falls on one shoulder;
- there is no tail, like a sling with rings, to cover the child from the sun or inquisitive eyes.
Child age: from birth to one and a half years.
Sling scarf
Sling scarf is a knitted or woven fabric with a length of four to six meters and a width of 40 to 70 cm. The sling is tied in a certain way around the mother's body, forming a pocket for the baby. For a size 40-44, a length of 4 meters will go, for sizes 46-50, 4.5-5 meters are enough, and from 52 sizes - 5-6 meters. A sling scarf can be worn on either one or two shoulders.
This sling is well suited for both newborns and older babies. Ideal for long walks, travel. Due to the uniform load, the back does not get tired of wearing even well-fed peanuts. There are so many options for tying a scarf.
Minuses:
- not convenient for home use. Since it is difficult to put a baby who has fallen asleep in the bed without disturbing his sleep, because for this you will have to unwind the entire canvas of the scarf;
- requires some tying skills;
- in dirty weather or when going to the clinic it will be difficult to bandage the scarf without staining its ends.
Child age: from birth to two years.
Physiological backpack
There are several varieties of it: fast-sling, ergo-backpack, sling-backpack. These are child-transporting devices resembling a backpack. They are a dense fabric cloth, to which a belt and straps with plastic fasteners (fasteks) are sewn. Here you don’t have to tie anything, wrap it up - just adjust the size once according to the figure and snap three fasteners. The physiological backpack is very easy to use.
You can start wearing an ergo-backpack for newborns when the kids are already confidently holding their heads and raising their legs well with a “frog”. Unlike traditional “kenguryatniks,” a backpack provides the child with a physiologically correct position with widely spread legs. In this case, the load does not fall on the baby's crotch, but is distributed evenly on the ass, thighs and back. This position is approved and recommended by orthopedists and is safe for the child.
It is convenient to carry even a heavy peanut in a backpack. The weight is practically not noticeable, since it is evenly distributed on the lower back and hips of mom or dad.
It will be convenient for the child to sleep even in an upright position - his head can be fixed in the desired position with the help of a headrest adjustable by buttons. Toddlers in this backpack can be worn on the front, on the side and on the back. It will not be difficult to feed the baby without removing it from the “saddle” - it is enough to relax the straps a bit so that the baby’s head is at chest level.
Minus:
- it is impossible to carry the baby in a horizontal position.
Child age: from three to four months to three to four years.
May Sling
May-sling for newborns is similar in functionality to fast-sling, only in the corners it does not have straps with fasteners, but is fixed to the body using long straps-belts. The lower straps of the May Sling are tied behind the back at the waist of the sling carrier. And the upper ones are thrown over the shoulders, then crossed behind and brought forward behind the child’s back. After that, you can immediately make a knot, or twist the straps, then take them back behind and tie there again.
Such a sling is a good alternative to a sling-scarf, but it dresses much faster. The load on the mother’s back is distributed as evenly as possible. Experienced baby slings can easily put the baby in a reclining position and feed.
Minuses:
- not suitable for laying the child in a horizontal position;
- the width of the straps is not adjustable, unlike a sling-scarf.
Child age: from three to four months to three to four years.
Aqua sling
Aqua sling is designed for swimming together at home, in the pool or outdoors. It is sewn from a breathable thin waterproof fabric that does not transmit ultraviolet rays, ideally from natural silk.The model can be any of the above slings.
Sling selection: material, color and design
It is worth paying attention to the material from which the sling is sewn. It all depends on the time of year in which you are going to use the sling, and the climatic features of your region. For summer, it is better to use thin natural fabrics - cotton or linen. In winter, the scarf will be very warm due to the large number of windings, and in summer it is better to replace it with a May-sling. Keep in mind that the child will need to put on a layer of clothing less, since there is additional heat from the mother.
Now on the market there is a huge variety of colors and patterns. The sling can be sewn by itself or on order, with an individual design, embroidery or applique.
In the modern world, sling is not only an assistant to mom, but also a stylish accessory. It will emphasize your individuality and will become an integral part of the wardrobe common with the baby.
Be an active baby sling! Use multiple slings. The combination of even two models will allow you to feel as comfortable as possible anywhere. To choose your sling, do not hesitate to try on a few and understand which sling is sewn specifically for you. If your acquaintances do not have slings, then they are probably in your yard or in the neighboring yard, who will enthusiastically share their experience and will gladly teach you how to use sling.
To summarize
Sling selection is a responsible business. Using our tips, you will make the right choice! Each sling is good in its own way, but they have one thing in common - they are orthopedic useful and safe. In a horizontal position, the child lies as if in her mother’s arms, and in a vertical position - in the physiological pose of a “frog” or “embryo”. By acquiring a sling, you will become a mobile mother with a baby “in her arms” without any harm to her health!
Video instructions on how to use the sling
Sling with rings
Sling scarf
May Sling
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