Beginners Guide to Slings
Baby slings, also known as baby carriers or papooses, have been used by parents around the world for many thousands of years. At Closer to You we specialise in cloth baby slings based on traditional carrying methods from all over the world.
In this guide you can read:
Why carry your baby in a sling?
All about different types of slings
Which sling to choose?
Safe use of slings
Mei Tais
Mei Tais are a traditional Asian carrier. They are formed of a fabric body with four straps coming from the corners: the two shorter straps are tied round the waist and the two longer go over the shoulders of the wearer and then around the baby. The weight of the child is spread to the waist and shoulders. Mei tais can be worn on the front, back or hip; most often front or back. In front and back carries the mei tai is worn over two shoulders.
Modern mei tais vary in the size of the fabric body, amount of padding in the straps and angle of straps. Mei tais can be used from newborn through to two or three years of age; young babies can have their legs tucked in, older children have them out of the fabric and are carried most comfortably on the back of the wearer.
Mei Tais are a traditional Asian carrier. They are formed of a fabric body with four straps coming from the corners: the two shorter straps are tied round the waist and the two longer go over the shoulders of the wearer and then around the baby. The weight of the child is spread to the waist and shoulders. Mei tais can be worn on the front, back or hip; most often front or back. In front and back carries the mei tai is worn over two shoulders.
Modern mei tais vary in the size of the fabric body, amount of padding in the straps and angle of straps. Mei tais can be used from newborn through to two or three years of age; young babies can have their legs tucked in, older children have them out of the fabric and are carried most comfortably on the back of the wearer.
Wraps
Wrap slings, also known as wraparound carriers, are made of long pieces of material which tie onto the wearer's body and give a pocket of fabric to carry the child. Wraps can be made of stretchy or woven material.
Stretchy wraps are soft and comfortable, and are easy to use as the child can be popped in and out of the wrap with little or no tightening or retying required. Due to the stretchy nature of the fabric, many parents find these carriers work best for smaller or younger babies, up to around one year of age. Stretchy wraps are straightforward to learn to use, as there is one basic carry which is used for most carrying position. Stretchy wraps are best used for front carries – some brands suggest back carries, but the stretchiness of the fabric can mean that this is not the best choice of back carrier for larger or stronger babies. Closer to You do not recommend using a stretchy wrap in a back carry unless you are an experienced sling user.
Woven wraps are made from woven materials with a small amount of give or bounce, but much less stretch than a stretchy wrap, meaning they are very supportive. Woven wraps can be worn on the front, back or hip. In many carries the wrap will go over both shoulders of the wearer giving great weight distribution. The lack of stretch means that in many ties woven wraps must be tied round the baby, rather than pretied and left in place. It can take a little longer to get the knack of woven wraps, but they are one of the most versatile, comfortable and long-lived of cloth sling types, and can be used from newborn to two or three years. Woven wraps come in different sizes: some are designed to give the full range of carries, and the length varies for different body sizes. Another type of woven wrap is a rebozo, which is a shorter wrap designed to be used mainly in hip carries, very similar to the carries used in a pouch or ring sling.
Wrap slings, also known as wraparound carriers, are made of long pieces of material which tie onto the wearer's body and give a pocket of fabric to carry the child. Wraps can be made of stretchy or woven material.
Stretchy wraps are soft and comfortable, and are easy to use as the child can be popped in and out of the wrap with little or no tightening or retying required. Due to the stretchy nature of the fabric, many parents find these carriers work best for smaller or younger babies, up to around one year of age. Stretchy wraps are straightforward to learn to use, as there is one basic carry which is used for most carrying position. Stretchy wraps are best used for front carries – some brands suggest back carries, but the stretchiness of the fabric can mean that this is not the best choice of back carrier for larger or stronger babies. Closer to You do not recommend using a stretchy wrap in a back carry unless you are an experienced sling user.
Woven wraps are made from woven materials with a small amount of give or bounce, but much less stretch than a stretchy wrap, meaning they are very supportive. Woven wraps can be worn on the front, back or hip. In many carries the wrap will go over both shoulders of the wearer giving great weight distribution. The lack of stretch means that in many ties woven wraps must be tied round the baby, rather than pretied and left in place. It can take a little longer to get the knack of woven wraps, but they are one of the most versatile, comfortable and long-lived of cloth sling types, and can be used from newborn to two or three years. Woven wraps come in different sizes: some are designed to give the full range of carries, and the length varies for different body sizes. Another type of woven wrap is a rebozo, which is a shorter wrap designed to be used mainly in hip carries, very similar to the carries used in a pouch or ring sling.
Ring Slings
Ring slings are made from a piece of fabric with two rings at one end. The fabric 'tail' threads through the two rings, and then back through one ring – this provides the tension to hold your baby safely in place. The rest of the fabric forms a pouch where your baby can lie, sit or be held upright depending on their age and developmental stage.
Ring slings can be used from newborn to two or three years; older babies and toddlers will most often be carried on the wearer's hip. Ring slings are worn on one shoulder only, some wearers find that with a larger or heavier child the weight distribution is not as good as for two shoulder carries; this is offset by the speed and simplicity with which a ringsling can be put on.
Ring slings are made from a piece of fabric with two rings at one end. The fabric 'tail' threads through the two rings, and then back through one ring – this provides the tension to hold your baby safely in place. The rest of the fabric forms a pouch where your baby can lie, sit or be held upright depending on their age and developmental stage.
Ring slings can be used from newborn to two or three years; older babies and toddlers will most often be carried on the wearer's hip. Ring slings are worn on one shoulder only, some wearers find that with a larger or heavier child the weight distribution is not as good as for two shoulder carries; this is offset by the speed and simplicity with which a ringsling can be put on.
Pouches
Pouches are simply a tube of fabric which you fold in half and put over one shoulder, forming a pocket of fabric where your baby or child can lie, sit or be held upright, again depending on their age and developmental stage. They are similar to ring slings in the range of carries which can be used. They also are used over only one shoulder, so again have the same trade off between speed and simplicity of use vs. the spread of weight over the body. Pouches are sized, and getting a good fit is crucial to getting a comfortable carry with a pouch.
Pouches are simply a tube of fabric which you fold in half and put over one shoulder, forming a pocket of fabric where your baby or child can lie, sit or be held upright, again depending on their age and developmental stage. They are similar to ring slings in the range of carries which can be used. They also are used over only one shoulder, so again have the same trade off between speed and simplicity of use vs. the spread of weight over the body. Pouches are sized, and getting a good fit is crucial to getting a comfortable carry with a pouch.
Which sling should I choose?
Every person or couple choosing a sling will have different aspects of carrying which are important to them. Some issues to consider are:
What age range do you want to use the sling over? Woven wraps, mei tais, ring slings and pouches can all be used from newborn to two or three years of age; stretchy wraps are often most useful in the first year; soft structured carriers have different periods of use depending on design (see specific manufacturer recommendations).
Newborns: Closer to You particularly like stretchy wraps, ring slings and the Wilkinet soft structured carrier for newborn and young babies.
Learning to walk: Pouches and ring slings are great for toddlers who want to walk a little bit and then be carried again as they can be slipped on and off easily, and left in place or folded up for in your bag when not in use.
Carrying toddlers and young children: Woven wraps, mei tais and structured soft carriers designed for older children provide most support for heavier toddlers and children.
Do you have any previous back, shoulder or neck issues? Often those with back, shoulder or neck pain will prefer a two shoulder carrier, so would choose a wrap, mei tai or soft structured carrier. Others who have issues only on one side find that a one-shoulder carrier used on the non-affected side provides the most support when carrying their children.
Are you going to be carrying your child for long periods of time? If you are carrying a child for a long period of time each day, you may like to choose a two shouldered carrier such as a wrap, mei tai or soft structured carrier to give the broadest distribution of weight.
How small do you want the sling to fold up? Slings vary in the amount of fabric involved and therefore the amount of space they take up in your bag or under the pram when not in use. Dimensions vary between brands, but broadly speaking pouches fold up smallest, then rebozo-length wraps, ring slings, mei tais, and finally stretchy and long woven wraps take up most room.
Does the sling need to be shared between different users or not? If you are going to be the only user of your sling then you can choose a sized pouch, or a wrap that is exactly big enough for your needs; if you are going to be sharing between different users, you may need a longer woven wrap or to purchase a ring sling rather than a pouch.
Soft structured carriers
Soft structured carriers are one of the most variable types of sling, they range from some with long straps which are tied on in a similar manner to a mei tai, to others with buckles on straps.
They also range in which materials are used in them; some use heavier canvas, others use soft cotton or padded material. Some soft structured carriers are designed for use from 4 or 6 months of age, it is important to check the individual descriptions from manufacturers or retailers. Most soft structured carriers are designed to be worn over two shoulders, on either the front or back of the wearer (some can also be used on the hip).
Soft structured carriers are one of the most variable types of sling, they range from some with long straps which are tied on in a similar manner to a mei tai, to others with buckles on straps.
They also range in which materials are used in them; some use heavier canvas, others use soft cotton or padded material. Some soft structured carriers are designed for use from 4 or 6 months of age, it is important to check the individual descriptions from manufacturers or retailers. Most soft structured carriers are designed to be worn over two shoulders, on either the front or back of the wearer (some can also be used on the hip).
Why carry your baby in a
sling?
Using cloth baby slings has been increasing in popularity in the UK over the last few years. Why do parents choose a cloth baby sling to carry their babies?
Using cloth baby slings has been increasing in popularity in the UK over the last few years. Why do parents choose a cloth baby sling to carry their babies?
Slings are great for babies
Research has demonstrated a range of benefits for babies who are held and carried in slings:
Research has demonstrated a range of benefits for babies who are held and carried in slings:
- babies who are carried more cry less – and babies who cry less in the first few months cry less over their next year
- babies who are carried more have better regulated respiratory rates, heart rates, and internal body temperatures
- babies carried in slings experience human touch and movement, with benefits for their physical development as they adjust to the movement and learn to hold their heads up (holding your baby while moving counts towards 'tummy time')
(Adapted from
Blois, 2005: see
Resources
for more
information)
Slings make your life easier
All babies want to be held at some point: with a sling you can do it more easily and comfortably and most carries leave you with both hands free to get on with other tasks or looking after older children.
Many parents with two or more children find a baby carrier invaluable in giving the younger child time being held close while getting on with the fun things their toddlers and older children want to do.
Getting on and off buses, in and around shops, up and down stairs are all so much easier with your baby in a sling than in a pram or pushchair.
All babies want to be held at some point: with a sling you can do it more easily and comfortably and most carries leave you with both hands free to get on with other tasks or looking after older children.
Many parents with two or more children find a baby carrier invaluable in giving the younger child time being held close while getting on with the fun things their toddlers and older children want to do.
Getting on and off buses, in and around shops, up and down stairs are all so much easier with your baby in a sling than in a pram or pushchair.
Slings are comfortable to use
All the cloth baby slings sold by Closer to You are very comfortable to use. They are based on traditional carrying methods from around the world, which spread the weight of your child across your body. Many of our slings allow you to carry babies and toddlers up to two years of age or beyond in great comfort. We stock a range of different styles of carrier to suit your needs: see the section on Which sling to choose? for more information on selecting the right sling for you.
All the cloth baby slings sold by Closer to You are very comfortable to use. They are based on traditional carrying methods from around the world, which spread the weight of your child across your body. Many of our slings allow you to carry babies and toddlers up to two years of age or beyond in great comfort. We stock a range of different styles of carrier to suit your needs: see the section on Which sling to choose? for more information on selecting the right sling for you.
Slings are beautiful and stylish
Cloth baby slings come in a wide range of beautiful, stylish and unusual fabrics. You are not limited to navy or grey (though you can choose them if you would like to!) – you can choose from bright stripes in a range of colourways, modern or classic florals, or a wide range of solid colours to suit your wardrobe.
Cloth baby slings come in a wide range of beautiful, stylish and unusual fabrics. You are not limited to navy or grey (though you can choose them if you would like to!) – you can choose from bright stripes in a range of colourways, modern or classic florals, or a wide range of solid colours to suit your wardrobe.
All about different types of slings
This page gives an introduction to the types of cloth baby sling which are available. It is not an exhaustive list as new carriers are being brought onto the market all the time.
Safe use of slings
Cloth baby slings are very safe to use, as long as they are used correctly and some basic (mainly commonsense) safety rules are observed.
When using a cloth baby sling the safety of any child carried in it is your responsibility at all times. Ensure that you understand how to use your sling correctly: if you are in doubt, consult the instructions provided, check the manufacturer's website or book a follow up appointment with Closer to You to get a reminder of the correct techniques for using your sling.
Some safety issues to consider when carrying your baby or child are:
- check the structural integrity of your sling before every use, in particular ensure seams and other sewn areas are intact and secure.
- your baby's head or other body part may stick out further than you realise, ensure you have enough space to pass obstacles.
- ensure that your baby or child has clear access to air at all times: ensure that their chin is not pushed against their chest (particularly for newborns); do not place any material over a baby or child's face; ensure your baby or child does not have their mouth and nose completely pressed against the carrying adult.
- make sure that the position you are carrying your baby in is appropriate for their age and stage of development (for example, head control is necessary for hip carries).
- when you first try out any unfamiliar carrier or new type of carry, practice getting your baby or child in and out of it over a soft surface, such as a bed or couch, or have another adult on hand to assist you.
- support your baby or child if you bend over whilst carrying them in a sling: most slings will hold your baby or child secure whilst you bend but holding them with a hand ensures they cannot slip out of the sling.
- dress your baby or child appropriately for the weather conditions and the chosen sling: remember that your sling counts as at least one layer of clothing for your child, so in warm weather you will want to reduce their amount of clothing. In cold weather you may consider wearing a coat that can be placed over both you and your child to share body warmth; ensure that your child has clear access to air if the coat is zipped up around them.
(with thanks to M'Liss
Stelzer, babywearing educator, for assistance with
compiling this safety guidance)