Everything You Need To Know About Baby Slings

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. If you’ve heard of baby slings,  and want to know more, then you’ve come to the right place.

What is a baby sling?

A baby sling is a unique type of baby carrier made from a simply shaped piece (or pieces) of cloth. It is worn like a big shoulder bag wrapped around the body so your baby is held against your body.

What are the advantages to a baby sling over a different type of carrier?

Many baby carriers currently on the market are bulky and include complex fasteners. The first advantage to baby slings is that they are sleek, simple, and roll up into a neat little ball that can be stored in a diaper bag when you aren’t using them.

Other advantages include that of convenience. Unlike some carriers that convert into strollers, car seats, or  must be hauled around by the handle, baby slings are lightweight and leave your hands free to carry other items such as the diaper bag, or hold onto an older child’s hand while walking across the parking lot. Can you imagine how much easier life will be with both hands available?

Baby slings are also highly versatile. They can be used for a range of ages from newborn to toddler ages. They allow the baby to lie down, sit up, and can be wrapped so that the baby is carried on your front, back, hip, or anywhere in between! This not only helps you distribute weight evenly, but keeps life comfortable for both of you as baby grows.

If you’re planning on nursing your baby, then baby slings offer another great convenience. The ample fabric creates a shield with which to cover both you and baby no matter where you are. Rather than worrying about taking baby out of the carrier and finding a place to sit and nurse, you can quickly feed baby no matter where you happen to be.

Even though we commonly think of convenience first, there are even greater advantages to using baby slings. Touch is extremely important to children, especially during their first few months, and baby slings allow mothers and fathers to have their babies snuggled up against them where they can feel the heartbeat, warmth, and presence of their parent. This encourages strong relationships between parent and child and leads to happy, healthier babies. Even better, babies who are frequently carried don’t cry or fuss as much!

What are the disadvantages to baby slings? 

Disadvantages are typically a result of not using baby slings properly. Not having a sling that fits well - is too long or too big for your build or baby's size - can result in the baby being placed in positions that are not safe, especially for newborns. However, by carefully reading instructions, taking measurements, and buying the right size, these disadvantages can be easily avoided.

There are also a few baby slings that have unsafe designs. Doing your research and avoiding these designs will ensure any safety disasters that have resulted from these slings. This is especially important if you're thinking about buying slings through places like eBay, garage sales, or flea markets.

Will my baby get spoiled from being carried too much?

A common myth is that babies who are carried too often and get too much attention from their parents will grow up clingy and dependent on parental attention. The truth is that constant contact during their early years only helps them to develop healthy relationships with their parents and leads to independent well-adjusted children.  

Where can I find baby slings?

Everywhere! Online, in your favorite department stores, in specialty baby stores, you name it! And the best part is that the selection is limitless! So feel free to browse until you find the style and color that appeals to your sense of fashion, comfort, and safety. You won’t be disappointed!

HugaMonkey baby slings are one of the easiest and safest carriers on the market. With practical designs and affordability, HugaMonkey slings accommodate both moms and dads. And if you have more questions, we've got more answers!