1. Wearing a baby is convenient
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic “baby buckets” and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents. A sling allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket or cushion.

2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat and the movements his mother makes — walking, bending and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.

3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day — in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or “high need” babies, who are far happier being worn.

4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and “weightlifting.”

5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a “meltdown” occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.

6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby’s cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced and our own confidence is reinforced.

7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents and other caregivers.
Fathers don’t have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make up for this once their baby is born. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own.

8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body.

9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions.

10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn’t love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It’s also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more.

— By Laura Simeon, from the Over-the-Shoulder Baby Holder Web site, www.babyholder.com

win a mamma’s milk sling

Win one of these stylish slings donated by Mamma’s Milk! We will draw names for three winners.

To enter, e-mail bethel@news-register.net with your name, address and phone number or mail your name, address and phone number to BabyGuide Sling Drawing, c/o Betsy Bethel, 1500 Main St., Wheeling, WV 26003. One entry per household.

Contest ends March 31. Winners will be drawn and notified on April 1.