Baby Sling

A baby sling is one of the coziest ways for a mother to carry her baby close to her body and have her hands free. It is suitable for a newborn, a larger baby, and even a toddler because it can be adapted to different holding styles. A baby sling is essentially a long, oblong piece of cloth with a fastening method such as a buckle, clasp or knot, at the top. It often has padding around the edges of the cloth to cushion the baby snugly.

Baby slings can be worn with an infant asleep in a laying down position inside, or be adjusted for the baby to be reclining to nurse. A baby may even be placed inside in a supported sitting position so he can look around.

A baby sling can be modified to hold the older baby straddled on the hip, or even adjusted to be worn supporting the baby on the back. The simple cloth is very versatile!

A variation on a baby sling, called a baby pouch, is a handy modification that is more like a big pocket that the baby can be fit into that holds the baby snugly against the mother's chest. Babies can ride in reclining or sitting positions in a pouch, as in a sling. Pouches are made of many elastic-like materials, so that they are easy to slide the baby into when stretched, yet snap back into shape to hold the baby tightly to the mother. Some are made of breathable fleece to keep the baby warm when the mom and baby are out and about. Other lightweight material pouches are also available.

Baby slings can be made of many different kind of materials, patterns and sizes. Many women make them homemade and sell them on ebay. You will readily find many different baby sling sellers on the internet. Prices range from about $30 to $70 depending on the material and the seller.

What's nice about a baby sling, as opposed to a baby carrier such as Baby Bjorn, is that it can be adjusted to hold the baby in reclining positions for sleeping or nursing. The baby carrier can only hold the baby upright facing front or facing the mother.

Whatever carrier a mother chooses, a baby carrier is an essential helper for a mother. Having hands free while holding the baby is very freeing for the mother. The baby sleeps peacefully in there, or rests happily, because mom's warm, familiar body and heartbeat are close by and soothing. Being in a baby sling is also a natural position for the baby, as newborns and infants like to be swaddled. A sling holds the baby in a swaddled position, so the baby while the baby is snuggled in the sling, he is able to feel the familiarity of being snuggled in the womb.

Baby slings are the most versatile and useful things for a mom to have. They are especially great for moms who are caring for older children, as the mom can have her hands free to help the older child while holding the baby.