Things to Look For in Baby Slings
Baby Slings have been used by various cultures around the world for many years. Both men and women have carried their children this way while they tended to their daily tasks. ...

Baby Slings have been used by various cultures around the world for many years. Both men and women have carried their children this way while they tended to their daily tasks.

It seems those cultures that we may have considered "primitive" were in advance of their time; studies have since shown that baby slings reduce fussiness in babies and increase nightly sleep time. They allow the baby to feel close to your heart, and to be lulled by your body warmth and movement, all of which contributes to the bonding process between parent and child.

The baby sling was introduced to the more modern countries in 1981 when Dr. Rayner Garner created the first adjustable, padded baby sling. Since then, many have been made commercially by various companies.

With so many choices for ways to "wear your baby," it may be hard to pick the one that's right for you. Here are a few tips.

1. Don't let price determine your selection. Nothing is more important than the safety of your child. Look for a sling that has some kind of safety device built in to prevent the sling from slipping off, even if worn incorrectly.
   
2. Try to find a sling that is made of 100% cotton. This natural fabric is breathable, which means a comfortable baby and parent all year round.
   
3. Baby slings should have lots of padding, especially in the region of the baby's head. And you'll appreciate extra padding in the area of the parent's shoulder as well. Look for padding that is sewn into the sling, preventing it from shifting.
   
4. The batting should be flame-retardant.
   
5. Do your research online to find out if the brand of baby sling you are considering has any safety issues or recall notifications.
   
6. Lastly, the best endorsement for a baby sling is word-of-mouth. Try to go with a brand of baby sling that others have used and loved.

    

   With just a little extra time spent in online comparison, you'll find the perfect carrier for your little treasure.