From À LA MODEST
I wish I had known about Baby slings when my baby was a newborn! Unfortunately, I started out with a Mei Tai carrier that split her legs too far apart, which seemed really awkward and uncomfortable. See my other post on baby wearing with a Mei Tai. Even when that happened, Rammy never complained. Because I got so used to the Mei Tai, I still use it a lot. Baby slings however seem more tribal and natural, which I am all for.
On the plus side (not size!), baby slings look much nicer being worn and are quite stylish. They come in multiple colors and patterns, so you can wear whatever goes with your outfit. My Mei Tei is black and goes with anything, but it’s very structured looking and seems more like a front/backpack. On the other hand, baby slings look more like big scarves, which I like. You can also manipulate it so that you carry your baby in different ways (front or back, side/hip, upright or lying down). You can even breastfeed with it on! I will let you know how that goes when I try it myself! The fabric is big enough that it can act as a nursing cover for modesty’s sake!
I like that I can put my baby in it and take her out of it much easier than with my Mei Tai and other carriers. With the Mei Tai, there are several steps you have to go through to wear it. So even when I really want to do chores while carrying my baby, I end up just setting her down because I’m in a hurry or get too lazy. With a ring sling, it’s a lot faster. You just slip baby in and tighten.
I’m wearing a ring sling made by UK company Mamaway in the color Ocean Lanna. They make really cute patterns. I would love to get their gingham pattern, as well as their other striped slings, too.
As I mentioned in my other babywearing post, there are local and Facebook baby-wearing support groups out there, in case you need extra help when YouTube how-to instructions may not be enough. Just do a quick search. It is crucial to get it right and learn from a seasoned baby-wearing mama when the long-term health your baby’s spine/posture is at stake! Just like breastfeeding, it’s not as easy or natural as it looks.
P.S.: I need to wear this baby better for sure! I know I’ve got her on wrong :-/
So in a nutshell, here’s what I like about baby slings vs. other types of carriers:
- Fashionable—wear it like a scarf
- Doubles as a nursing cover
- Versatile—you can wear your baby in different ways other than just front or back
- Easily washable—most are 100% cotton
- Traditional/tribal way to carry baby around
- Ergonomic—not all carriers give proper postural support for both mommy/daddy and baby
- Baby can look at you easier without having to lean back, depending on the position you carry your baby
- Older babies or toddlers can be carried along your hip
- Easier and faster to put in or remove baby—for the busy, multitasking mama
Do you like ring slings? What is your favorite type of baby carrier?
Wearing: Mamaway ring sling – Liz Sport denim floral button down shirt and pink pastel plaid high waist skirt–Boohoo boots (see this outfit without baby)
Listening to: “No Provenance”- Joanna Newsom
