At slingheaven we have TEN babyweaing consultants trained with Trageschule, Slingababy or both. We want to help and support you on your babywearing journey. We have put together some of the most frequently asked questions here. If there is something we haven't covered please contact us and we will endeavour to work with you to find a solution.
Best Baby Carrier for a newborn?
Of course, it is all down to personal preference, however, we would recommend a stretchy wrap, woven wrap or ring sling as the perfect slings for a newborn. This is because they best replicate the womb environment and ease baby's transition into the world, therefore making your baby less likely to protest being in the sling. They are touched on all sides, tight against you with the even pressure of the sling and are close enough to hear the soothing sound of your heartbeat.
Buckled Carriers (SSC’s) and Mei Tai’s are ok to use, but more care needs to be taken to ensure baby is supported correctly. There are many slings on the market that have a ‘newborn setting’ or ‘newborn insert’, some are sold as extra and some are included with the sling upon purchase.
Best Baby Carrier for a toddler?
Basically, anything that isn’t a stretchy wrap! Toddlers and preschoolers can be carried in a buckled carrier (SSC), Mei Tai, Ring Sling, Pouch Sling or Woven wrap. Depending on the age and height of your child you may need a toddler or preschooler sized carrier rather than the standard or baby sized ones. As long as the carrier you use supports the child’s legs so that they are at least level with their bum, but preferably higher, knee to knee support is not such an important feature once your baby has learned to walk. There are many toddler sized slings on the market right now, which many people find more comfortable to carry with rather than a standard sized carrier when their toddler gets that bit bigger.
Best Baby Carrier for breastfeeding in?
There are lots of factors to consider when breastfeeding in a sling. It depends on the age of your child, their ability to latch and your confidence with the sling. In the early days (the first 6 months) it is an idea to use the sling as a feeding ‘aid’ rather than a replacement for your arms and hands. Use the sling to support and take the weight of baby’s body and you support the head with your hand or arm. This means you still have one hand free to make some food or drink, turn the pages of a magazine, or to get some jobs done!
You should never have any fabric covering your baby’s head. This can pin baby’s head to your breast and cause baby to choke should they need to unlatch and also may hinder their breathing.
When your baby has finished feeding, always return them to the upright tummy to tummy position. This aids digestion, therefore, reducing the chance of wind and reflux.
Once your baby is confident with their latch and you are confident with the sling, you can feed on the go! Usually, it will be a case of loosening off the sling, jiggle baby down a bit and allow them to latch on in the upright position. Once finished, take their weight with one arm and tighten the carrier again.
Best Baby Carrier for both baby and toddler?
There are many adjustable slings available on the market at the moment. The width and height of the main body of the sling are adjustable to make them wider/longer for an older child or narrower/shorter for a baby. Some non-adjustable slings come with additional removable aids like stirrups to enable an older child’s legs to be well supported or newborn inserts for use before your baby fits into the wide base of the carrier.
Most slings on the market are weight tested to approx 20kg/44lb.
Won’t I get hot in a wrap-around sling?
It can get a little bit toasty! However if you both dress accordingly it shouldn’t be any worse than carrying a bag. You want to ensure you are as close to skin to skin as possible as, especially with a small baby, you will regulate your temperatures together.
In the summer all you would need is one layer of clothing each, perhaps pop a muslin in between you to absorb any moisture. Try to stick to the shade and ensure both of you are well hydrated.
Different materials are more breathable and better suited to warmer weather, for example, linen is a very strong and supportive material used in wraps and also thermoregulates to help keep you cool.
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