Monday, December 2, 2013

How to Adjust a Baby Sling

Wearing your baby is just one way to bond with your little one. In some cultures, a baby sling is a regular fixture of motherhood, allowing moms to be close to their babies while giving her the freedom to go about her day, doing mommy things like chores and shopping.

The Peanut Shell Adjustable Sling - Hey Momma why not carry ur baby all day
But there is an art to adjusting a sling so both mother and baby are comfortable together. Most baby slings have rings that look like simple fasteners, but actually allow you to tighten various parts of the sling and loosen others, so baby is comfortably positioned and the sling doesn't pull on your neck and shoulders. The foam-padded section at one end isn't for the bay (as some might assume) but for cushioning the mom’s neck and shoulders.

Because a sling requires you to carry most of a baby’s weight on one side, you may experience neck and back discomfort. When that happens, try switching sides. You may want to cradle your baby with your arm when she is inside the carrier until both of you become used to how it feels. Walking around and talking to baby may calm her if she gets fussy. Coaching from an experience sling wearer can help. Talk to a friend who has used one or get in touch with an org to find someone to give you pointers. You can also watch online sling videos to get you started.