Here's where we get to the really good stuff! Regardless of the carrier, every baby deserves to be worn. But I am a firm believer that Ring Slings are the best possible option for both caregiver and child... and here's why!
- It can be your one and only carrier for your babywearing lifetime. A Ring Sling's total adjustablility means that the carrier grows with your baby (and adjusts to your body as you recover postpartum), eliminating the need to replace the carrier when your baby grows (which happens about every couple of weeks :) Maya Wrap Ring Slings are tested to safely carry babies from 8-35 lbs.
- Not only can you use it with the same child for years, you can also take twice the advantage of it if you have multiple children of different ages/sizes. Take your one Maya Wrap with you on an outing, and you're prepared to carry either your newborn or your two year old, whomever needs it the most!
- There are no buckles or straps to fiddle with. (Don't we all get enough of that with car seats? ;)
- Although there are multiple reasons babies get flat heads, one of them, called "positional molding," is most often caused by consistent pressure on the infant's head. That consistent pressure comes from scenarios like this: You put your baby to sleep on his back in the crib. When he wakes up, you lay him in a bouncer or a swing until you go run an errand, at which point you transfer him to a car seat (which you just disconnect from the base to put in the shopping cart or stroller). When you get back home, he goes on a blanket on the floor or back into the swing... This lifestyle can be considered "more convenient" for parents, but that "consistent pressure" can cause serious problems. Holding your baby often is the best way to combat this issue, and Ring Slings offer the perfect solution. A Ring Sling molds to your baby's shape, supporting him without pressure. And the fact that it allows you to hold your baby hands-free makes increasing in-arms time so much more realistic. As supremely convenient as the car seat seems, it really only takes an extra moment to put your baby in a sling for an outing, and wearing your baby at home takes no extra time at all.
- Newborns are barely able to control their bodies, let alone that huge noggin of theirs. Ring Slings are fully adjustable, which allows them to mold around your baby's unique contours to support her entire body. The top rail (see Ring Sling Vocabulary) can be pulled up to a newborn's head so it doesn't slosh around.
- Total adjustability also means that you can share your sling with other caregivers that aren't exactly your size. And if one of those caregivers is a man, Maya Wrap slings are available in neutral colors even he can feel comfortable wearing.
- You can leave the bulky stroller and diaper bag behind. I got a carabiner and attached my keys and wallet to it. I clip the carabiner onto the rings, pop the essentials into the zipper pocket (see Why Maya Wrap) and enjoy really being hands-free!
- No fussing with a blanket--The tail is a built-in blanket (that can't fall on the dirty floor or blow away when you let go of it) that can protect your baby from the cold, wind, sun or noise.
Nursing
Oh, the wonders of nursing in a Ring Sling... I could go on for days. That's why this part is sectioned off. There are so many amazing things about nursing in a Ring Sling that this section needs its own bullets. :)
- Again, no fussing with a blanket. Since the tail is your nursing cover and is built into the sling itself, it stays put while you latch him on, and since you only have one end to hold on to, it's so much easier to keep yourself covered when he gets to that age where he learns how to swipe his little hand down and take the blanket off with it.
- If your child falls asleep while nursing, just leave her in the sling! No more aching arms and back as you try to keep her asleep even though you have nowhere to lay her down. Enjoy the cuddle time!
- Total adjustability means that you can discreetly nurse babies at any size (yeah, "any size" refers to the kid's size and the size of your you-know-whats ;) Just put the baby where you want him to be, tighten the sling to support him in that position, and there he will stay!
- Hands-free nursing is another perk of total adjustability. Because you tighten the sling in just the right places for you and your baby, the sling completely supports your child in that perfect position while your hands do whatever else they need to do. (I nursed Taggert while playing the piano with both hands... at church! And no one had a clue! "Oh, is he sleeping?" ;)
- The Ring Sling's complete nursing coverage gives you the freedom to discreetly walk around in public while nursing. And aside from actually walking around, you are free to just stand up and nurse without struggling to support your feeding child!
Imagine not scheduling your every outing around your baby's nursing schedule! No more sitting on the dirty toilet seats in public restrooms or awkwardly trying to hold her while you stand up in the stall because that seat is really nasty or hiding out in the car, hoping nobody's peeking in as they walk by... If you are going to nurse, please, please, please get a Ring Sling and invest the few moments it takes to learn how to nurse in it.
Visiting my Instructional Videos page will give you a comprehensive tutorial on learning how to nurse in a Ring Sling. If you live in the Phoenix area, I am more than happy to give you one-on-one instruction, as well!
Posts
