What is a sling? The types, advantages and disadvantages

Despite all the comforts of baby strollers, wearing baby in your arms has its advantages: psychologists proved that thus formed a close relationship between a mother and her newborn baby. But to carry the baby this way for a long time — extremely uncomfortable and hard, and sometimes dangerous to the health of the child and his mother. Therefore, the market of children's goods is popularized such a novelty, like a sling. It is a device made of a fabric, which is convenient, and, most importantly, safely, you have to carry the baby “myself”. In fact, such a thing is not new — its history dates back several millennia. Read more about what is a sling, how to use it and what to choose, we will tell you right now.

History sling

Translated with the English word "sling" denotes “bandage, suspension”. Even in ancient times people are using a variety of materials duct-taped children on his back or chest. But in those days there was little thought about the psychological comfort of the baby. Child duct-taped to secure it against various hazards, as well as to ensure that adults were free to continue working.

In some works by famous masters such as Giotto di Bondone, Rembrandt, Pellegrino Tibaldi, Andrea Ansaldo, depicted women who strapped themselves using scraps of the child.

In the period of the Renaissance was already known different ways of winding the fabric to be worn by kids. In addition, the special masters were made and the clothes were provided “niche” for the baby.

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At the end of the eighteenth century there appeared such a concept as swaddling a baby. So, kids were just wrapped in cloth and tied to a tree branch. Thus, the child's mother were released from the need to carry the crumbs and could work. Unfortunately, this swaddling adversely affected the physical health of the baby, not to mention psychological condition.

Then, in the XIX century there is a trend in parenting that is based on the fact that parents need to keep a distance, aloofness in dealing with the child with the aim to prepare the child to meet the challenges of life. At the same time was invented the first wheelchair, a trend which developed rapidly. While wearing baby on the hands were considered the servants.

A Little later for the same reasons appeared cots and even a room. All of these attributes was considered a demonstration of family welfare.

Whence again there was interest in the cloth carrying? Scientists, psychologists and doctors began to analyze the use of such devices at the end of XX century. This is due to the development of psychological science, and the emergence of ideological trends, to unity with nature and "natural parenting". During this period, teachers, psychologists, doctors began to pay attention not only to the physiological needs of the newborn, but also his emotional state, harmonious development.

In our country literally 15–20 years ago women with a sling on the street accompanied surprised look. Such a carrier for kids to bring only from abroad — in the domestic market, this product was absent.

Over time, and our mother appreciated the advantages of this method of carrying baby. There were the first slings: “Baiushki”, “Keeper”, “Orange mother”, “Mom's secrets”. Today, a wide selection of such products, manufactured from different fabrics.

Sling — what is it?

What is "sling" in the modern sense? This is a modified patchwork carrier children. Manufacturers make every effort to produce safe, eco-friendly, anti-allergenic and also aesthetically attractive product. Therefore, in the manufacture of carrying for children, use natural fabrics which do not cause allergic reactions, and also provide breathability.

Modern slings are designed for carrying children from birth to two (sometimes three) years. Different material, sizes, methods of winding (details below).

It is Convenient if the baby in such a carrying, is it safe to make crumbs in this position? Studies have shown that in the sling the baby is in the physiological position, which is not only harmful to health, but also strengthens it. So, in such a “cradle” the child adopts the same body position as on the arms of my mother. In this position there is no load on the spine, tiny has the ability to move the arms and legs. “Vertical” position with extended legs contribute to the prevention of hip dysplasia. Below we take a closer look at the question of whether a sling, what age it can be used.

In Addition to the above, there remains the psychological comfort of the baby — he feels the heart beating and the smell of mom that has a positive effect on his emotional state.

Types of slings

The Most common types of slings are as follows:

• Rings;
• Sling-a scarf;
• ABC (Asian).

To see More details about each type of sling.

Ring Sling

So what isring sling? This piece of fabric 2 meters long, one end of which is attached two rings. The free end of the material threaded into the ring — thus tightened to the required level loop. Put on a sling over one shoulder. Some manufacturers complement this carrier for children with a variety of accessories, such as soft bumpers for the convenience of baby pillow under the shoulder or rings. There are models with capacious pockets.

The Advantages of this type of slings are:

• No need to learn the techniques of coiling fabric — the baby carrier is easily worn and adjustable;
• The child may be placed in different positions: lying, half-sitting, upright;
• Fabric width allows you to hide the baby and mother during breastfeeding on the walk;
• In this sling, you can rock the baby and without taking out the sleeping baby to change its position from vertical to horizontal.

The disadvantages include the fact that the load is distributed only on one shoulder that could have a negative impact on the health of the mother. Therefore, it is necessary to hang the product every time on the other side.

You Can use this sling from 0 months. Reviews say that even newborn babies are comfortable and safe to carry with a patchwork rings.

Below you can see a diagram of the winding of the sling with the rings.

The Sling-a scarf

Another common patchwork carry for kids is the sling-a scarf. It is a 5–6 meters of fabric that can be wound in different ways. Its advantage, compared to other types, is that they can tie the two arms that results in uniform load distribution. In scarf you can also put the baby in different positions and discreet to breastfeed baby. Fit sling-scarf for newborn and up to two to three years, as used in the manufacture of durable materials that can withstand weight up to 15 kg.

But not so easy to apply this type of sling, compared to, for example, with carrying rings. In this case, you want yourself to wrap the fabric chosen method. In order to tie this patchwork carrier on the street, required skill, as long ends of the fabric may fall to the ground and get dirty.

In addition, this type of product does not allows you to easily move the baby to another position or even out of the sling. This is extremely inconvenient, when there is a need to shift the sleeping baby in the crib - it is likely to Wake the baby.

Looks Like a sling for newborns? The photos are below.

Asian sling

This kind of carry is also called the may-sling. Why “Asian”? Yes, because in Asia common this type of winding fabric to carry the child. Despite the fact that in distant countries prefer to tie the baby on your back in our area with such a sling of the children are on the chest and on the thigh.

This sling is a rectangular piece of cloth with straps at the top and bottom, which is governed by desired size. This kind of product looks similar to a babybjorn, but in contrast, Asian baby sling is a physiological position. In addition, this kind of carrying easy to master.

But there's a significant drawback - the child can be put in horizontal position. Therefore it is better to use a sling for baby from 6 months. Reviews of young moms say that this kind of carrying much more practical and easier for little grown up kids.

Advantages of slings

Why more young moms are choosing a sling instead of a stroller? Here are a few arguments in favor of patchwork pet:

• Physiologically correct body position of the baby in a sling helps to prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system, reduces colic and psychological comfort of the child;
• A doctors proven that wearing baby in a patchwork carrying a positive effect on improving the process of breast-feeding: contact between child and mother, a warm feeling improve lactation;
• Portability: no need to worry about the presence of stairs, narrow passages, passages, elevators and other obstacles which can be difficult to overcome with a stroller;
• Freed hands, with a sling a young mother can accomplish any economic work, to talk on the phone, drink coffee and more, while not letting the child out of sight;
• Observations show that carrying baby in a sling allows the woman get back in shape after childbirth;
• Efficiency: no need for the growth of the baby to buy new slings — the age of the children which can be safely carried in a patchwork tote is from birth to three years.

Options for the location of the child in a sling

How to wear a baby sling, how to position a child in it? There are three options, regardless of the type carrying cloth:

• Stomach;
• Hip;
• The back.

In the slings with rings, you can still put the baby in position “cradle” — for newborns, the most suitable is this location in a sling. Children over six months of age can already sit upright.

Methods of winding

These types of slings as Asian and rings can be wound only in several ways, namely through the shoulder, on two shoulders and on the back. But the options of tying a scarf there are a few dozen. Master them by yourself or need to attend special courses, which teach such skills. How to tie a sling for newborns? The photo below demonstrates one of the variants of winding. Also note the most common ways of tying a scarf:

• Kangaroo;
• Simple cross;
• Cross of eight;
• Cross over pocket (there are several variants).

Winding the sling-scarf — a time-consuming process. The skill can be done in just a few minutes to tie even more difficult to work with nodes.

Overview of the most popular brands producing slings

The Most popular “clingman” are the following brands-manufacturers of slings are:

1. “Deimos” — this German brand has been around for over 40 years. She is popular throughout Europe. A large number of consumers claim that carrying the brand “Deimos” — this is the best sling. Manufacturer specializiruetsya on standard scarves. The most popular among the buyers collection of this brand — is “Strip”, “Indigo”, “Wave”, “Nino". The manufacturer uses natural materials such as linen, cotton, wool, cashmere, hemp. Special attention deserves the collection of slings-limits. These scarves are made from a mixture of different rare tissues (wild flax, Indian nettle, and others), other than the original colors.
2. “Alewell” — it is a Norwegian brand created relatively recently — in 2007. The manufacturer produces a sling-scarves and patterns with the rings. The most popular lines of this brand are "Zara” and “jade”. Used materials such as cotton, bamboo fiber, silk, and linen. Periodically, the company delights its customers in the issuance of the series “limits”. So, have gained popularity patchwork carrier, which is made from bamboo and silk in equal proportions (among sligoman it was called the ‘bambakashat”).
3. Mums Era sling has a diagonal weave of the fibers, which eliminates stretching of the fabric in width. In addition, the manufacturer produces slings-scarves of different sizes, which differ in length.
4. Strong demand in the domestic market enjoys a Scottish brand called "OSHA". A feature of such slings is that they are painted by hand. Unusual Celtic ornaments are also attracting the attention of consumers. But the slings of this brand are much more expensive than others on the market. Therefore, they are not common in the circles sligoman.
5. “Viper” — is a popular domestic manufacturer. Attracts the buyers with its affordable price, high quality and bright fun colors. Particularly in demand knitted sling-a scarf of this brand.

Doctors Opinions on slings

Both domestic and foreign doctors, psychologists continue to investigate the influence on health of child slings of various models. For example, the surgeon Filippov, D. N. argues that such a fabric carrying for toddlers do not cause any harm to the formation of musculoskeletal crumbs. Moreover, such physiological position in which the child is in the sling, helps prevent diseases of hip joints and spine.

Pediatrician Rochelle Cases hold such opinions, but said that slings are safe for the health of the newborn only in the case if you choose them correctly and use.

Many psychologists have similar with pediatricians opinion. Experts say that wearing baby using the patchwork carrying case allows you to keep the emotional comfort of the baby, contributes to the unity of mother and child.

Customer Reviews

The Slings, of course, have a number of advantages. But, nevertheless, reviews of young moms on this method of wearing the baby is ambiguous. Patchwork carrying suitable active parents who are constantly in motion, often traveling with a baby. In addition, according to singorama, buy should several types of transfers, using them in different cases. So, if you have a long walk, it is more convenient to choose a baby sling-a scarf or rings that the kid had the opportunity to comfortably sleep. And if you are planning a trip to the supermarket — more practical to use a Mei-sling.

We talked about the fact that such a sling, described its advantages and disadvantages. But the question about whether or not to purchase this device, I can answer only the parents themselves, after weighing all the “for” and “against”, evaluate our own priorities in the development of the baby.