Which Sling For You?

There are lots of different baby carriers on the market.
Natural Connection only sell soft and lovely types of sling which are best for baby and best for you!
But which sling is right for you?

Babywearing is fabulous -

  • Promotes bonding and physical contact with baby
  • Research proves that carried babies cry less
  • Great for baby's mental, physical and emotional development
  • Great for helping baby to sleep
  • Gives busy mama back both her hands to juggle other children!
  • Great for shopping and getting down those tiny aisles... ditch that buggy!
  • A huge range of fabrics and patterns to suit everyone!
  • All slings distribute weight - some more than others.
  • It can be good to have more than one type of sling for different situations and to change the weight distribution on your back

All slings should be worn off the wearers neck - the fabric/straps should rest on the edge of your shoulders and cross on your shoulder blades for optimal support.  Avoid any twisted or folded fabric - again for optimal support. 

Babywearing Safety - Important Information
Keep your baby close enough to kiss
Your chosen baby carrier/sling should be supportive and comfortable for you.  When worn on your front your baby should always be close enough to kiss.  You should be able to dip your head down to softly nuzzle the top of your baby's head.  Many baby carriers offer a cradle position which has your baby in a reclined position.  Natural Connection recommends an upright tummy to tummy position.  This position offers optimal leg and spine support for your baby.  Your baby's back should be supported and fabric should be smooth over your baby's gently curved spine - your baby should not be slumped in the carrier.  If you do choose to position your baby in a cradle position please be contantly aware of your infants airway - your baby should not have her chin resting on her chest at any time.  This is restrictive for your baby's airway.  In the cradle position again ensure your baby is not slumped inside the carrier, that the fabric of the carrier is supporting your baby's back in a gentle curve and that there is no fabric covering your baby's face. Natural Connection offers free email support and advice concerning your exsisting baby carrier or any future purchases.  We are always happy to assist you with any babywearing safety concerns that you may have - please email sarah@naturalconnection.co.uk

There are lots of resources here - www.slingguide.co.uk
With all babywearing safety is paramount and Natural Connection only recommend safe and highest quality products.  If you have any concerns please do contact us. 

For essential safety guidance please see - www.babyslingsafe.com
Natural Connection is a founding member of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers Consortium

Pouch:

A pouch is essentially a one piece sling - a tube of lightly horizontally stretchy or non-stretchy fabric.  Fitted to size - it should hang no lower than your tummy button.  An upright position is ideal for baby and pouches can be useful way into toddlerhood for a supported hipcarry.  Very transportable and easy to use. 

  • Suitable from birth to approx 30lb
  • Extremely easy to wear and use
  • Compact and can double as blanket
  • Essential to wear the correct size to ensure close and comfortable fit
  • Really 'poppable' i.e. baby easy in - easy out!
  • Absolutely essential for getting baby from car to home..leaving two hands free to juggle toddler, keys and shopping bags!


Ring Sling -
A ring sling is pretty much an essential for all parents!  Ideal for a main carrier for infants and later complimented with perhaps a Woven Wrap, Mei Tai or Soft Structured Carrier. So extremely versatile and convenient for a multitude of situations and very beautiful too.  With a little practice a ring sling is extremely quick and easy to use.  A ring sling should be made with high quality fabric and safety tested rings which were manufactured for this purpose.  A ring sling should also be wide enough to wrap baby from the back of his knees to the top of his shoulder and only lightly padded. 

  • Fully adjustable via fabric between two rings
  • One size fits all It takes a little time to get the knack of the rings but once mastered is easy peezy
  • Fabulous for breastfeeding in terms of back support and discretion
  • Fabric tail can be used as a shelter from the sun
  • Also fantastically 'poppable' and easy to manoeuvre baby between carry holds
  • Really great for putting baby down for a nap...simply slide the rings down a bit, place baby down and wriggle out!


    Wrap -

    A wrap is one long high quality piece of fabric.  Stretchy Wraps are highly recommended for low birth weight, newborns and baby.  They are proven to promote bonding and thriving babies.  They are very easy to tie and use - and extremely comfortable.  Woven Wraps are also perfect for newborns and are supportive right into preschool years. They require a little more practice and can take time to master - there are a multitude of different carries.  But the rewards are huge and the learning is a joyful bonding experience.  We are happy to guide you through this process. 

    • Perfect from birth and onwards!
    • Once mastered wrap slings are a pure joy!
    • Numerous ways to tie and carry baby
    • Provides amazing back support and weight distribution
    • Stretchy wraps are great to start with
    • Stretchy wraps can be nice and 'poppable'
    • Woven wraps will hold a heavier baby in position for longer periods of time
    • A variety of lengths available to suit different sizes and wearing methods


    Soft Carrier -
    We recommend top quality Soft Structured Carriers.  We have tried and tested our carefully selected range and we are happy to answer any questions you may have about which may be best for you.  We carry Soft Structured Carriers which offer optimal positioning for your baby and wearing comfort for you.  Whilst a couple of our range do offer a 'baby facing out' position - we only recommend this for shorter periods of time. 

    • There are two main types at Natural Connection - MeiTai (with tie straps) and Soft Structured Carriers (usually with buckles/clasps - no ties)
    • Unlike other more rigid carriers the soft slings have no layer between baby and wearer - promoting closeness
    • With some brands of rigid carriers baby's legs dangle straight down and a lot of weight is placed on the pelvis. Soft carriers allow baby to adapt the 'frog legged' position which is optimal for healthy growth of the pelvis and back
    • Baby is upright and can be worn on the front or back
    • Back wearing is fabulous for the older baby - leaving Mum able to continue washing up (OK so maybe this is not so great!)
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