Infant slings and baby carriers are rising in popularity across western culture – and baby-wearing experts are advising parents to do their research before they embrace the indigenous parenting tradition.
If you flick through any glossy magazine, you’re sure to find the newest celebrity parent fashionably carrying their child in a baby sling while out and about.
Celebs including M.I.A, Beyoncé, Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum have jumped on the baby-wearing bandwagon.
With their convenience and notable ergonomic design, it’s clear why baby-wearing products have become essential nursing items for many parents.
Traditionally made from Chitenge cloth in southern Africa, worn as an Amauti by Inuit mothers and incorporated as a Mantra carry in Peru, babywearing has been the most practical and economic way for mothers around the world to remain mobile and active while caring for their offspring.
With this global traditional being a way of life for many, the rise in babywearing in the UK has led to sling libraries opening across the UK.
Groups like Manchester Sling Meet in Urmston are one of the many organisations holding a collection of slings, carriers and wraps that parents can hire for a small fee and also seek advice from.
You can find them at the North West Baby and Toddler Show this weekend… and don’t miss your chance to get a THIRD OFF tickets for the show at EventCity… just quote MM’s code BTM48.
Lauren Harris from online shopping website Cheeky Rascals told MM: “Mothers need to follow all the guidelines properly, just because it works for someone else doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for them and vice versa.
“It’s all on an individual basis. Make sure you follow the instructions, or go to your local sling library to see what works for you. It’s all about making sure you’re comfortable and that the baby’s comfortable most importantly.”
SLING IT! A model demonstrates how to babywear safely
Studies have shown that baby wearing can stimulate an infant’s social and motor development as the technique allows a child to feel, smell their parent as well as hearing their heartbeat and voice even when surrounds are loud.
Close face-to-face interaction is also said to help a baby to pick up early signs of emotion and expression.
Lauren explained: “When you try one on at a baby show or a nursery store, they’re actually very comfortable and the main benefit of any carrier is the fact that you as a parent are free to use your hands when you’re at home you can watch the TV, do some housework, make some lunch without having to worry that you’re away from your baby and catch public transport with ease.
“It’s a natural thing really. People have been carrying their babies in that way for thousands of years and I’m sure it will continue to happen thousands of years ahead just because its beneficial and easier for everyone.
“There are loads of developmental benefits and social benefits for both mum and baby.”
Emily Williamson, owner of the South London Sling Library and baby-wearing consultant, will also be holding question and answer sessions for audience members.
Cheeky Rascals will be at the Baby and Toddler Show at EventCity in Manchester on September 26-28 giving practical advice and information on baby wearing and nursery products throughout the three-day event.
Visit here for more information and quote MM’s code BTM48 to save a third on tickets.
Image courtesy of rabble with thanks
