Naturally Happy Families
Social Media
  • Home
  • All About Babywearing
    • Newborn Babywearing
    • Babywearing Safety >
      • Babywearing FAQ's
  • Sling Library
    • Contact us
    • Policies >
      • Covid 19
      • Privacy policy
  • Book Now
  • Shop
  • Blog
  • VIP BBB

Newborn babywearing: top 5

26/2/2018

 
Picture
Newborn Babywearing – top picks

You know I’m a big fan of babywearing from the beginning! Here is a quote from the government’s Healthy Child Programme from the section Birth – one week (repeated throughout the schedule for the first year)

[Health Care Providers should]

“Promote closeness and sensitive, attuned parenting, by encouraging skin-to-skin care and the use of soft baby carriers”

Babywearing from the beginning can help settle, soothe, comfort and ease both baby and parents through the transition from womb to earthside.

There are so very many slings to choose from and a sling library is a great place to start, try some on and get a feel for them. I really recomend doing this before baby is born. Then you can give yourself some time to practise before baby arrives. This really is so beneficial. To me a sling is as important as the car seat! Familiarising yourself with how it works, how to adjust and be comfortable and most importantly, how to carry safely.

Not all slings are newborn suitable, not all slings will last from birth through to toddlerhood. We must pay very special attention to the positioning of a newborn baby in a sling or carrier. Focusing on airway, back support, hip and leg positioning. I am often asked for our most popular newborn sling. Here are my top picks. But do remember that the *best* sling is the one that fits you and your baby.

1. Stretchy Sling
This is a long piece of jersey (sometimes with bamboo). It is used by pre-tying the sling around the wearer and then popping baby into the cross pockets. It is secure, snug and cosy. Tied correctly it can beautifully support a newborn’s curled up position. Most people find these slings are perfect until baby reaches the age where they are more interested in the world and less sleepy and curled up state. Many sling libraries (ours included) offer a free stretchy hire scheme for those early weeks.
TOP TIP: MAKE SURE THE STRETCHY IS TIGHT ENOUGH, THIS CREATES THE SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BABY’S BACK AND ENSURES A PROTECTED AIRWAY.
Our favourite: Joy and Joe organic bamboo stretchy rrp: £40
from birth
https://www.joyandjoebaby.com/store/p208/Organic_Bamboo_stretchy_wrap-_Stripes_pattern.html



Picture
2. Close Caboo
Similar to a stretchy it is made from stretchy jersey cotton, but rather than having to tie it yourself, it is a pretied sling that you pop on like a tshirt, put baby in and then secure with an additional panel. These are really easy to use, easy to adjust and very comfortable. The down side for me is that you need to use both parts and I fear loosing one part! We find that parents enjoy using the Caboo for a similar amount of time to a stretchy sling.
TOP TIP: PUT THE RINGS TO YOUR WRISTS WHEN YOU GET READY TO PUT IT ON
Our favourite: Organic Close Caboo rrp £70
From birth 5lbs and up
https://www.closeparent.com/shop-now/travel/caboo-organic-multi-position-baby-carrier

Picture
3. Zensling
This is a full buckle carrier made using stretchy, soft jersey cotton. It is adjustable at the base of the carrier (to ensure optimal positioning for hips and legs), it is also adjustable along the height of the panel which is super handy to ensure the length of the sling allows complete view of baby’s face. It is easy to use, and those who prefer buckles rather than a tie on carrier this is a great option. It is also suitable for a bigger baby and even for back carrying when baby reaches approxiently 6 months or when sitting unaided.
TOP TIP: PLACE BABY AGAINST YOUR CHEST, SUPPORT WITH ONE HAND AND USE THE OTHER TO BRING THE PANEL OF THE ZENSLING UP AS YOU SETTLE BABY INTO THE CARRIER.
Our favourite: Black and ocean zensling RRP: £84.99
https://mamaruga.com/product/black-ocean/
From 3kg/newborn

Picture
4. Ring Sling
A GOOD woven ring sling is a wonderful way of carrying a tiny baby and will last all the way until toddler hood. It is a one shoulder carry, quick ups, threading fabric through rings to create a seat for baby to sit against you. For a tiny baby tummy to tummy is ideal. The ring sling has a “knack” to it, so really worth practising.
TOP TIP: BEGIN WITH THE RINGS AT ABOUT THE TOP OF YOUR SHOULDER TO ALLOW THEM TO MOE INTO THE OPTIMAL POSITION A YOU TIGHTEN AROUND BABY
Our favourite: Didymos Lisca (so soft)
RRP: £64.95
https://lovetobenatural.co.uk/didymos-didysling-lisca-smeraldo.html
Picture
5. Isara
Another full buckle carrier, but more structured than the Zensling. It has a wonderful adjustable panel to ensure it provides optimal postion for a small baby’s legs and hips (sutable from 4 weeks plus). This carrier will last a good while and comes in lovely patterns. It has a substantial waist band and with the ability to cross the straps it is very comfortable.
TIP: CREATE A DEEPER SEAT TO MAKE SURE THE PANEL HEIGHT IS CORRECT FOR BABY.
Our favourite:
https://sling-spot.co.uk/product/isara-baby-carrier-caribbean-dream/
RRP: £108
From 4 weeks old



Finally, this list is not exhaustive but just a selection of what we find is most popular in our little part of the world.


Please do come along to a sling meet where you can try on these and many more.


And do check out the following safety information:
Picture

Self care for the babywearer

7/2/2018

 
Picture
After last weeks blog about being "that mum, surviving", I've been pondering self care. How to protect against parental burn-out especially when you're babywearing, (and wider baby care, all of it is hard work!) aka physically carrying someone for large portions of the day (and night sometimes!). I know that for Anna, I am her comfort. Carrying her in the wrap, or breastfeeding, are the things that settle her. And I’m so grateful to those parenting tools. But it can leave me feeling absolutely rung out. I can feel touched out, overwhelmed and I struggle to see past my own feelings of mother-stress to be able to think bigger picture. I end up being snappy, stressed and anxious.

​Thing is, the answer for me isn't give up babywearing/breastfeeding or just getting a break from the kiddos. I need day to day survival...

So how can I build in moments of self care throughout the day, even while babywearing, to allow me to get through the next moment, while still being attached (physically!) to my baby? Because sometimes I’m the mum who is st the end of her tether, surviving needing some care so I can carrying on carrying and caring for the baby!

​1. Good pair of headphones and a podcast or your favourite music
​I love listening to a podcast. It feels like escapism but without needing to leave the baby behind!. A long walk, baby asleep, big kids at school, headphones on. Wonderful. I love listening to "mummy" podcasts and also science-y ones. Makes me feel like my brain is working, and I remember I'm more than just a mummy. I'm a wanna-be space geek who loves trying to learn and remember the differences between dark matter and dark energy... by the way, it’s totally ok to put baby in the sling and headphones on when baby is crying. I’ve done it. Not because I didn’t want to comfort the baby but because other than slinging, I was out of ideas. Sometimes they just cry, so self preservation in those moments is key.
​Check out Scummy Mummies, Infinite Monkey Cage, Mother Pukka, dessert Island Discs (what are your favourites? Let me know in the comments!)

t’s worth saying too that these tips put the babywearer first on the understanding that babywearing is comfort and useful for your child...(what I mean is, if baby is hungry we’re not wearing the baby with headphones in and ignoring hungry cries 😂)

2. Go somewhere beautiful/makes you happy
​That's one of the brilliant things about babywearing. You can really go places. Long walk in the woods - easy. Getting on the tube in London, no problem. The beach. A museum, the zoo. Whatever works for you. Wrap and go! Even getting your nails done. After I had Samuel, I really was at breaking point. (3 children 3 years and under was not easy), I was sent to a local beauty place by a couple of friends who saw I was close to loosing the plot, and while I wore Samuel in his stretchy sling I had my nails done. And then had lunch. Felt sooooo good. A change of scenery is good for us. Babywearing totally helps feeling free to do that.

​3. Baby in sling - eat the cake.
​See my picture. That was actually taken during a very very long night of no sleep from Anna, and she was becoming increasingly more fraught. I wrapped her, she settled and I ate the cake. A few moments of bliss to get me through whatever was going to happen for the rest of the night. I learnt to ditch the guilt about eating the cake. Make it a healthy cake if you like?

​4. Surround yourself with those who support you.
​I had a great "new year" chat with a lovely friend a few years ago about spending time with those people who make you feel good about yourself and not worse. It was such a great life lesson. The days are hard enough without someone making you feel down about your parenting choices. (Come along to a sling meet!)

​5. Protect your back.
​This is so important. You don't want to be babywearing because it works for your baby but so sore afterwards. Babywearing should be comfortable for you both. Get a well fitted sling or carrier and take the time to make sure you've go it on 'just right'.

​6. Insulated cup
​I don't know why I even bother with mugs. Tea always goes cold. We found some great insulated mugs in Costco a little while ago which are non spill and double lockable. Make a cup of tea that stays warm and is safe to drink while babywearing. Pass the tea.

7. Netflix saves sanity
​I have spent many many hours walking around the lounge and down the hallway with a baby in a sling trying to settle them. It is sooooo freaking boring at times (can I say that? Just did). So, Netflix. I shudder when I think of how much money we spend a year on TV type watching but it saves my sanity. Baby in sling, settling, mummy distracted by watching the latest Star Trek Discovery (see told you, wanna-be space geek). or a marvel series, or suits. Sanity saved.

​8. Naps save lives
​I kinda hate the advice to "sleep when the baby sleeps" cos when do I get all the shit done I have to and also, how long will they sleep for? But I have also learnt that sometimes, especially in the early days, naps save lives. Get good at slinging baby to sleep and practise the transfer from sling to bed and then lie down yourself!!! (It is totally a ninja babywearing skill that takes time to find your method!) It's ok to do this. It really is. And that horrid feeling of a thudding heart when your laying down just waiting for your baby to wake up. Urgh its awful isn't it. Try and breathe through it. Acknoweldge it and try and let it go. Even laying down resting while scrolling instagram is a good thing.

​9. Be kind to yourself.
​Trust that babywearing is good for you and baby. Believe that cuddling your baby to sleep is a good thing. Let go of any guilt. Be kind to yourself if you are learning a new babywearing skill. You can totally do this.

​10. Soak up the oxytocin.
​Actually babywearing is good for you too. Holding someone close is an oxytocin trigger. The love/bonding hormone. If I'm feeling stressed, being held by my husband works to give me a moment of calm. And the same can me said when you're babywearing. The oxytocin works both ways. for you and baby. Love all round!

​I'd love to know any of your day-to-day tips.


    Archives

    June 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    June 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

      Sign up to our newsletter for new blog alerts

    Subscribe to Newsletter
Proudly powered by Weebly