Carrying a baby is probably the oldest and easiest way to transport a baby and is a phenomenon that is present in all countries and cultures. Rembrandt already drew a picture of a mother carrying her child on her back. Carrying the baby lets the children feel the warmth and security of the mother and is therefore the most pleasant way for the baby to be taken from one place to another.

What is a sling?

The wipes are usually made of a solid woven or elastic material. They are available in different lengths, whereby a 5m long cloth is the standard. The sling is wrapped around the carrier and the child using a special technique. More elastic cloths are often used for newborns as they adapt particularly well to the shapes of the small body. The disadvantage, however, is that not all winding techniques can be used. For larger and older children, a firmly woven sling should be used to ensure the necessary stability.

Sling – Yes or no?

This question is probably asked by all parents nowadays when they are expecting a child or have become new parents. If you ask paediatricians and midwives, the wearing of a baby gets a clear “yes”. Man is by nature a Tragling and especially in the first months of life close physical contact is of great importance. The babies feel the rocking and the heartbeat of the mother. These two factors are the most familiar for newborns, because they already know them from the womb. Carrying it in a sling is therefore nothing more than carrying on with the familiar. In addition, the mother or father has both hands free and is therefore more flexible. Especially restless children feel safe and secure due to the warmth of the mother and the permanent closeness and become calmer. But it’s important, thatsman has a positive attitude towards wearing. Because children feel it when mum or dad do not stand behind their project and it can come to a rejection of the sling.

Blanket Types

As already mentioned, a distinction is made between elastic and woven cloths.
The woven and thus also firmer slings are woven with a special cross-body weave. This allows it to be stretched in both diagonal directions. Despite its firmer condition, the cloth adapts to the child’s body shape and is particularly suitable for larger and heavier children. Also the attitude of the mother is supported by the cloth. Colourful designs or integrated motifs make for a real eye-catcher.

The elastic cloths are those used more often by parents. However, in order to achieve a secure stability with them, one should choose a longer cloth, as this must be tied several times around the body. In order to guarantee safety, there is a requirement for elastic cloths that a person measuring 1.75m with a clothing size of 38/40 must in any case use a cloth at least 4.6m long. For parents who have a slightly stronger stature, the cloth should be at least 5.4 m long to allow the three-layer tying technique to be used. The Didymos sling, for example, is available in many different sizes and is one of the slings in the mid-range price range. Another good choice is the Hoppediz sling, which is also available in different lengths and costs between 50 and 70EUR. A further advantage of the elastic slings is the flexibility in the different tying techniques. Before you decide on a towel, it is best to get extensive expert advice and test different towels.

Advantages of a sling

The carrying of children on the womb is already has been practicing and giving babies the familiar feeling of closeness and warmth that they have known for 9 months in their mother’s womb. Baby carriers grow up healthier and happier than children who were mostly alone in their crib or cradle. The parent has both hands free, so it is also possible to do the housework or other activities with a sling. When going for a walk, wearing the stroller allows more possibilities when choosing the route, as there is no need to pay attention to unevenness or places that cannot be passed with the stroller. If you look at the health aspect, everything speaks for wearing. The back of the wearer is relieved by the special tying technique. The baby’s neck muscles are strengthened and the hip is additionally relieved by the squat spread position. Further advantages are the lower purchase costs compared to prams and the greater flexibility in public transport or when shopping. Furthermore, the sling can be easily and quickly stowed in a bag.

Disadvantages of a sling

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages that need to be mentioned. If a child is carried too long and too often, there is a risk that there will be too little movement for the baby. Parents should therefore place their baby carriers on their backs as often as possible so that they can move their legs and arms freely. It should also be noted that babies in particular are not yet able to hold their heads alone. It is therefore particularly important to support the head well and to stabilize it carefully with the sling. However, this often requires the help of a second person. If the children become heavier with increasing age, carrying them is no longer so pleasant for the parent. It can lead to pain and the child may also feel uncomfortable if it sits too long in the sling. Here it is advisable to use a pram or buggy, at least occasionally. In summer at high temperatures, the sling, especially the firmer versions, is often very uncomfortable for both carrier and baby, as the heat accumulates underneath and it becomes too warm for both parties. In winter, however, care must be taken not to wrap your upper body too warmly and to protect your feet and legs from the cold, as they are exposed to the temperatures without any protection. The upper part of the body is warmed by the mother’s upper body.

What should I bear in mind when buying a sling?

Since there are different sizes, one should be clear in advance with which kind of cloth one would like to carry. If a manufacturer has only one standard length, you should switch to another manufacturer. Because the length depends on body size and stature. The surface of the material must not be too rough, otherwise it will be difficult to bind, but it must not be too smooth, otherwise the knots could come loose. It is also important that the sling does not press or cut uncomfortably at any point. In order not to endanger the health of the baby, a cloth should be selected, which is pollutant-free. Many manufacturers include so-called centre markings. These make it possible to find the right position when binding. Once you have decided on a cloth, you should have a professional show you the different and correct tying techniques. Before the first use, it is advantageous to wash the sling a few times, as it becomes more handy with each wash cycle, which makes tying easier.

The right posture for the baby

In order to avoid possible damage and health hazards, it is important that the child sits correctly in the sling. The pelvis must be rounded and the baby must be in the so-called squat spread position. The legs are spread and the knees are at the height of the navel. This posture ensures that the hip is in the optimal position and can mature well. If the little feet stand to the rear, this is a sign that the child is in the hollow back. This must be avoided. Furthermore, care must be taken that the spinal column is not touched, otherwise the head will tip backwards.

bottom line

The sling offers parents a good alternative for the pram. If used correctly, there is nothing better for the little ones than to be carried on the warm body of mum or dad and thus give them the opportunity to build up an intimate connection and basic trust. If possible, it should not completely replace the pram, but the sling may become an important utensil in any family.