Sling

Things to know about baby slings

A baby sling is made of a robust yet slightly elastic material and is wrapped around both the child and the parent. This creates a secure hold. At the same time, it provides optimal comfort for the child. A classic baby sling is about 5 m long and can be made of different materials. Rough woven fabrics are particularly suitable for tying a baby sling and offer optimal support even with a heavier weight. Particularly soft and elastic materials, on the other hand, are better suited for newborns. They snuggle up to the baby like a second skin and thus create excellent comfort.

Pram or baby sling?

The baby sling is a great alternative to the pram. It is one of the oldest and most proven forms of carrying. It's no wonder, because so close to mummy and daddy, the child simply feels as comfortable as can be. The warmth and the steady heartbeat have a calming effect. In addition, the child is carried in the healthy squat-splay position. This effectively prevents hip malposition. In the pram, on the other hand, the child is far away from its parents. In addition, the pram is bulky and unwieldy. On stairs, in public transport or on cobblestones, it becomes more of an obstacle than a support. If you carry your baby in a sling or baby carrier, you can navigate everyday life much more easily. However, you are also constantly carrying the full weight of your child and have to do without the practical storage space in the pram. For many parents, a combination of both transport options has proven to be the best solution.

What you should look out for

Baby slings have been used for centuries in different cultures. If you tie the sling correctly, you are choosing a very safe method. However, remember that incorrect tying can lead to serious injury. There are many different tying techniques, such as the cradle, the hip-sit or the wrap-around cross-carry, which can be tied on the belly as well as the back.

Make sure that the sling is tied as tightly as possible. However, it should still be able to move the head. You should also choose a sling that is appropriate for the weight of your child. Elastic slings are suitable for babies weighing up to 10 kg, while woven slings are also suitable for children weighing up to 20 kg.

You should also be careful not to dress the baby too warmly. Since the baby is lying close to your body, you will be keeping him or her warm at the same time. Normally, a simple romper suit is sufficient. However, the feet must always be warm, which is why additional socks or tights are important.

Baby doesn't like the sling - what to do?

The easiest way to get your baby used to the sling is to wear it from day one. Older children often need time to get used to the sling and do not like it at all. In this case, start with only a short wearing time per day, which you increase slowly. Many children calm down when they are slowly carried up and down. It is also a good idea to try out different ways of carrying your child. Older children often feel that their field of vision is restricted by some carrying methods. In this case, it can help to carry the child on your back or on your hip.