The Baby Sling trick

... or how a baby carrier effectively improves sleep

A baby sling is ideal to help your baby sleep well and get the most out of her baby sleep patterns.

Carrying easily soothes your baby to sleep. With a sling, or baby carrier, you can help your baby sleep anytime, anywhere and still have your hands free.
Mother with newborn baby sleeping in baby sling

Mother with newborn baby sleeping in baby sling

That also makes it perfect to introduce her baby sleep schedule and make the most of her natural sleep patterns.

The baby sling definitely is my favourite baby sleep accessory!

Why use a baby sling?

Well, reason number one without a doubt:

... because it is such a wonderful thing for both you and your baby to be so close and all cuddled up ...

Regarding sleep matters, use your baby carrier to:

Introduce your baby's sleep schedule
Soothe your baby when too fussy to settle for sleep easily

Most babies and children - and adults for that matter ... - sleep very easily when on the move. A walk in the stroller or a drive in the car very often sends them off to sleep in a snap.

A 'walk' in the sling does the same trick, but better in quite a few ways. You have your baby close to you, which feels absolutely great for both of you: your baby will get into a safe deep sleep.

You keep your hands free to do other things too, with the older kids, some work around the house, ...

You can carry baby in the sling when you are out but of course also at home. So you do not have to go out for a walk to soothe her to sleep or when fussy.

So, when you are working on baby's sleep schedule just put her in the sling at your chosen nap time. Or at night to help her settle for the night.

Using the sling like this is especially useful when your baby does not easily settle to sleep by herself yet. If she is able to settle herself in the cot, I would recommend to keep that good habit.

And then enjoy the wonderful feeling of carrying your baby close to you any other time you like.

Baby carrying benefits

Buggies and strollers and the likes have become the standard means of transportation for babies in today's industrialised world.

However, in the past and also in less-industralised and more traditional places, carrying baby is the default way of getting around: babies and toddlers happily join their mother's everyday activities, carried on her back.

Many scientists regard this traditional way as most beneficial for the emotional and behavioural development. Although not always possible in every situation in every society, carrying your baby when you can and want to, has many benefits.

These benefits include increased bonding with baby, less crying, reduced fussing.

That also means a more relaxed mum/dad, resulting in a more relaxed baby again.

And the carrier also makes you very flexible (compare climbing on the bus while weight lifting a stroller to hopping on with baby in the sling).

Possible concerns about using a baby sling

Even if baby slings become more and more popular, many parents worry weather they are safe and ok to use. Let's have a look at the main concerns:

Is using a sling safe for my baby?
When used correctly, an appropriate sling that offers full back support poses no safety problems. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure baby is firmly wrapped and in a good comfortable position.
Can I use a baby sling?
Unless you have severe neck, back, or hip problems there is no reason why you could not carry your baby in a sling.
And even if you do have problems, there are very good ergonomic slings that even help you carry baby in a safer way than when carrying her without a sling.
Will I spoil my child when carrying so often?
No research has shown that extra carrying spoils a child in a bad way.
Studies reveal that babies who are held and carried more, cry less and are more content babies.

Babies who are closely bonded to their parents grow up to be confident independent children.
Is a sling complicated to put on?
The first time, yes it might be a bit complicated to wrap a seemingly endless amount of cloth around you and then fit baby in it as well.
But after a bit of fiddling around you'll put on most types of slings in no-time. It is child's play ...

Choosing a good baby sling

Baby slings are not expensive but it is important to choose one that suits you well. Your sling must be ergonomic and safe for both you and your baby.

Since you will probably end up wearing it quite often, the sling will be part of your outfit so pick a colour and fabric you like.

There are different types of baby slings and carriers. There are the soft cloth slings, ring slings, maya wraps, pouch slings and you also have the stiffer baby carriers for front and back.

They differ in texture and looks of course, but also in comfort for you and baby, the minimum required age (the soft cloth and wraps ones are usually from day 1), maximum weight, ...

I have never been creative and brave enough to do so, but you can make your own baby sling using a free online baby sling pattern. I have seen fantastic results of beautiful and very inexpensive yet great quality slings!

Whichever sling you decide on, give yourself, and your baby, some time to get used to it. Once you are both comfortable, you are ready for the Baby Sling Trick ... on to more and better sleep!

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