Slings and Carriers
Babies love to be held, and adults love to hold babies. But parents have busy lives and can't sit around holding their babies all day, no matter how much they'd like to. For this reason, parents need a way to hold their babies while getting other things done, from vacuuming the floor to talking on the phone. Luckily, a sling or carrier can help you hold your baby and keep your hands free for other tasks.
Slings
Slings are pieces of fabric that hold your baby on your body, distributing the weight from shoulder to hip. They can be used from the newborn period until your child weighs about thirty-five pounds. There are several different types of holds that can be used with the slings, depending on your preference and the baby's age.
Can you nurse using a sling?Yes, nursing in a sling is a wonderful, discreet option. Once you get the hang of it, you can also learn to nurse discreetly while moving around. This can be a blessing if you find yourself running errands and need to feed a hungry baby in public.
Some slings have padding; others do not. Some slings are simply long pieces of material that must be wrapped around your baby in a particular fashion, while others are fitted to a certain shape but offer flexibility in sizing.
Front Packs
Fronts packs are just what they sound like: backpacks for the front of your body. There are many varieties available, all with different systems of snaps and buttons to help you position your baby. Your baby can face either inward or outward.
Slings and other carriers are not just for moms! Many dads love using these items to hold their babies and bond with them. One family might even have two slings or carriers—one for Mom and one for Dad—if their sizes differ or just for convenience.
The main complaint about these types of carriers is that they can be difficult to learn to use. However, once you learn to use them, they are a snap. Some women don't like them because using a front-pack carrier makes them feel pregnant again. Ask a friend if you can try on her carrier or sling before selecting one for your personal use.
