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Wearing your baby safely

Written by: Dana Thomson   

Slings have been around for thousands of years, and there is no question why! There are many benefits for both parents and babies to using a baby slings.

Slings are great for parents, since they evenly distribute the weight of your baby across your back and shoulders, while freeing up your hands. Slings are easier on the backs of both parents and baby than front pack carriers, and the ease of getting baby in and out can't be beat. Slings are a convenient way to carry your child. 

You can take care of your other children easier, breastfeeding is simpler, there are many different ways to use the sling as a privacy covering.  Another great benefit of wearing your child in a sling is that they can actually grow to be more independent children. Because you are more in tune with their needs and are more apt to take care of their needs quickly when they are held close to you, children who are worn in slings are more secure with their environment and thus more independent.
 

There are many benefits for babies as well.The shape of the sling contours to your baby’s form, and ergonomically supports him or her close to your body.  Slings snuggle babies close to their care giver’s body, right near the heart.  This closeness promotes bonding, and makes for babies that are happier and cry less because they feel safe and secure. 

Research also shows that sling babies are humanized earlier and in some cases are more intelligent.  Sling babies also learn more, are more organized and content. As your baby grows, there are many different positions to try as well, including the back carry, hip carry and the kangaroo carry. Some parents get the hang of using their sling right away, but many others find that learning how to use a sling takes practice. Babies tend to enjoy slings more if they start using them as newborns, but some babies don't seem to like them at first.

These babies may grow to like them if given the opportunity to get used to being in a sling. Babies may cry when first put into a sling but often times walking will help to soothe them.  Mothers can even try nursing babies while in the sling.  He or she will likely begin to enjoy the ride. Also, parents may initially feel like their baby is not secure and may fall out, but if used correctly, slings are very safe. When you use a sling, be sure your baby is nestled snugly and deeply into the pouch and that there is fabric between you and your baby. 

Keep an arm around your baby until you and he or she feels more secure.  Also, be sure to follow some simple tips to use your sling safely. You can also experiment with the different positions to find the one that you and your baby like best. Try new positions when your little one is happy and you are sitting down.  It can make wearing a sling much easier to learn when a confident, experienced sling-wearing mother demonstrates how to use one.

It’s very important to wear your baby safely. Here are some tips to follow from renowned pediatrician Dr. Sears:

• While you are getting used to wearing your baby, support him with your hands. As you go through the learning phase of moving and reacting, the urge to support your baby with your hands is instinctive. After you become a babywearing veteran, you can safely carry your baby in the sling with one or both hands free.
 

• Wear baby cautiously in the kitchen. Do not wear baby while cooking or working with sharp or hot objects.

• Do not drink hot beverages when wearing baby, although wearing baby while eating is safe.
 

• When wearing your baby and stooping over, bend at the knees, not at the waist, and hold baby in the sling with one hand.

• Toddlers, if worn are at your reaching level, can grab dangerous or breakable objects off shelves. Keep an arm's distance away from potential hazards.
 

• When going through doorways or around corners, be careful that baby's body does not stick out past your arm and strike the wall or doorjamb.

• Do not ride a bicycle or other moving vehicle while wearing your baby. Baby carriers are not substitutes for an approved car seat.
 

After learning how to use one, many mothers find that the ease and convenience of using a sling make it an essential baby care item.  Slip it over your shoulder, settle your baby in it, and off you go! Give babywearing a try.  Being close to your child and interacting with them is a wonderful experience that doesn’t last for long!  Enjoy the times when your baby or toddler wants to be held close by using a baby sling.

New mom, Dana Thomson and Interior Designer, Antje Reid are owners of Pea in a Pod Designs, a Toronto based company that focuses on promoting happier, healthier babies and increased awareness about the benefits of using a baby sling. By exploring the market they found an overwhelming recognition of the benefits, but a lack of fashion forward designs. As a result, they have created products that put a new spin on an old tradition. 

Their products appeal to the trendsetting mom (and dad!!) When it comes to purchasing baby products, there are two things that mothers don’t want to compromise on; quality and style. “Even when times are tough, we have found that families will cut back in other areas, but will still purchase what they feel are the best products for their babies”, says Dana Thomson. “Our slings and blankets are the best choice for parents who want the best quality, but don’t want to compromise on style. Our designs are fashion forward and are constantly evolving to meet the current trends.”

With this in mind, Thomson and Reid are expanding their product line to include custom orders. Currently, Pea in a Pod Designs offers crib and stroller blankets as well as large picnic blankets with a waterproof backing a great item for the summer.