Pocket Sling
Pocket Sling
How to Know if Ring Slings Are Right For You
Baby ring slings are a versatile, fun and easy-to-use baby carrier that allows you to go anywhere with your baby snuggled up closely to you. Ring slings are the best known type of sling carrier and are generally the lowest cost option. Though some styles of ring slings can be purchased at major retailers, shopping online will bring you more colors and patterns than you can imagine.
A ring sling is made from a long, loose piece of fabric, usually cotton, with two large rings at one end and a long, fabric "tail" at the other end. The tail end is adjusted through the metal rings to form a pouch to hold the baby snuggly against the caregiver. The sling is worn over one shoulder, allowing the caregiver close contact with the child while leaving hands free.
A ring sling is a popular baby carrying choice for many people. There are padded and unpadded versions, depending on how much support you want for your baby, and how much room you want the sling to take up in the diaper bag when you're not using it.
The versatility of a ring sling is one of its major selling points. A ring sling can be adjusted to fit most any size adult caregiver, making it unnecessary to purchase multiple carriers in a family. The baby can be held lying down or sitting up, on the back or front or hip, and facing the caregiver or facing out, away from the wearer.
Two other factors that add to the popularity of ring slings are the "popability" factor and their use to facilitate breastfeeding. Popability refers to the ease with which a baby in a carrier can move from a lying down to a sitting up position, or how easy it is to "pop" a toddler in and out of a carrier. Ring slings are particularly effective for this purpose. They are also known for being discreet and easy to use for breastfeeding, both at home and in public.
Those who love ring slings point out how much more convenient they are than toting around a heavy car seat baby carrier, and how easy they make it to carry a baby who insists on being held just as you're preparing the salad for dinner or finishing an important project.
If you're out in the park or at the mall, a ring sling keeps your child close to you and comforted without your having to tote around a bulky stroller or chase him or her around the aisles or away from the duck pond.
The benefits of ring slings, then, include their versatility, allowing you to use the same baby carrier from the infant to the toddler stage, and allowing any caregiver of the child to use the same carrier. It allows many styles of baby carrying, and the long tail can be used to offer discreet cover while breastfeeding, shade from the sun, or (with the addition of a pocket) hold wipes, keys, etc.
The negatives of ring slings are that the long piece of fabric takes some getting used to. Some people have difficulty mastering the adjustment of the rings and the tail.
Though ring slings may take a few attempts to get used to adjusting and wearing the sling, they are a great option which lets you spend more building a closeness and bonding with your baby.
About the Author
Maria Cummings is a devoted parent, wife and expert author on family matters and parenting. She is devoted to helping children's organizations and activities. Maria is also the Sales Manager for BustlingBaby.com which offers a variety of
sling carriers
and
ring slings
which promote healthy infant bonding through baby wearing.
 |
 WHOLESALE LOT 20 Folding Pocket SLING SHOT Slingshots  US $55.00
|
 HighPower pocket SLING SHOT folding Slingshot AUSTRALIA US $22.50
|
 Sling Shot Pocket Rocket Folding Slingshot AUSTRALIA US $19.78
|
 Pocket SLING SHOT folding Slingshot US $12.99
|
 FOLDING POCKET SLING SHOT US $11.00
|
 Folding Pocket Hand Slingshot Sling Shot Vintage Design US $10.95
|
 Pocket SLING SHOT folding Slingshot in stock in USA US $9.99
|
 High Power pocket SLING SHOT folding with FREE AMMO new US $9.78
|
 HighPower pocket SLING SHOT folding Slingshot FREE AMMO US $15.50
|
 HIGH VELOCITY FOLDING SLING SHOT FITS IN POCKET US $6.99
|
 Pocket SLING SHOT folding Slingshot US $4.50
|
 2 High Power Pocket Folding Wrist Sling Shot Slingshots US $1.49
|
 Hunting Folding Slingshot HighPower Pocket Sling Shots US $1.25
|
Learning to Use Baby Slings Safely
One of the biggest fears parents have about purchasing and using baby slings is that their child will fall out of the sling. As long as the wearer properly wears and uses the sling, the baby will remain safe and secure inside the pouch created by the sling. Baby slings aren't meant for strenuous physical activity like jumping or running. In these instances, it would be possible for the baby to come out of the carrier. However, in normal everyday use such as walking, shopping, etc., parents will find that their child is quite safe in the different types of baby slings found on the market.
Here are some tips for learning to use baby slings safely:
Practice, Practice, Practice
Since you're not used to carrying your baby in this new position, use a heavy doll or something baby-sized to place inside the sling. Practice moving around with your "baby" by bending over, moving through doorways (don't hit the "baby's" head!), and getting the "baby" in and out of the sling. Most accidents are from the wearer tripping and falling, so get used to having the "baby" near you in different situations before you carry your own child in this manner. You want to get your reflexes used to this new feeling and the weight of the baby, should something happen where you need to react.
Change Positions
Doctor's recommend that you change position often, especially if you are using a sling or pouch. By changing position, the baby has a chance to get more comfortable in a new position and move around some. This is especially important if you are wearing the baby for extended periods of time. The sooner you get in the habit of doing this, the better off you and your baby will be.
Build Up Your Endurance
Just like a new workout program, you want to gradually build up your muscles to carrying your baby. If you have a newborn, this is going to happen automatically. However, if you are starting out by wearing a toddler, you're going to need to build up to it slowly or risk a possible pulled muscle. Baby slings relieve a lot of the pressure of carrying your child, but the weight is still there. You'll be much better off to start with some shorter carries than with one very long session.
Pay Attention To What Goes In Your Baby Sling
The pouch where your baby is secured is not the place to put your keys, wallet, or other sundry items. These things can injure a newborn very easily and can even be choking hazards. Many baby slings have additional pockets so that you can secure your extra items without endangering your baby. Make sure and look for these type pockets, if that's important to you, when purchasing your sling.
There are many things you can do to ensure the safety of your child when you first purchase your sling. Just use common sense and you'll wonder how you ever lived without baby slings!
About the Author
Pure and Honest Kids offers a great selection of
baby slings
. Visit us today on the web for
baby slings
as well as
Serena and Lily
bedding.