I have seen several comments recently that mums are saying slings are not for them. I am genuinely interested in the reasons why people wouldn't want to use a carrier of what ever type if it could make their lives easier?
Using a sling does not mean you have to wrap yourselves up in metres of fabric, you can if you want but you don't have too. There is a huge range and variety of carriers out there. It doesn't make you a hippy, it doesn't mean you have to parent in a certain way, breastfeed or co sleep. There is no "set" type of parent who slings.
The benefits for baby and carer cannot be argued with.
- Secure attachments
- Reduction in pnd
- Longer sleep
- Less ear infections
- Equivalent to tummy time
- Improves symptoms of GERD (reflux)
- No having to wait for a bus because there is already a buggy onboard orit has steps
- No having to drag a buggy across muddy fields/paths or the beach
This does not mean I am anti - pushchairs. I have owned 5 and regularly use one but I just get sadden when people discount a sling when in reality having your hands free might be a better solution for your needs just because 'slings aren't them'. I know I could not have coped on holiday without a sling (or three) as so many of the places we went were pushchair unfriendly or pushchairs were not allowed.
I would love to hear your thoughts.