Is a sling the thing for getting hands free?

This article is from Mom2Mom,
Q. I'm desperate to have my hands free while I take care of my three-month-old son, but I've heard slings can be dangerous. Is there a type of sling or wrap I can use so I can get a few things done during the day?
A. What a smart momma you are to seek a solution to your challenge of getting daily tasks done while still being able to tend to your baby.
Babywearing, as it’s called in the attachment-parenting world, can be an excellent solution. Infant slings and wraps have been used for thousands of years in cultures around the world. In addition to freeing up both hands, babywearing provides many benefits to the baby, including promoting a positive bond between child and parent. (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/t051100.asp#T051103) And, according to anthropologists who travel the world studying infant-care practices in other cultures, infants in babywearing cultures cry much less.
Having used a sling with both of my children, it’s one of the essential items I keep in my “postpartum doula kit” to use while working with clients. I like to be able to model to new parents how to get chores done – like laundry, for instance – while still meeting the needs of the baby via safe sling use.


You can read the full article here - http://www.trianglemom2mom.com/content/ask-is-a-sling-thing-getting-hands-free and for more information about slings please visit the Natural Nursery.

ERGObaby Carrier - I can't decide!

This is a question on Yahoo Answers asking about the ERGObaby Carrier.

Ergo baby carrier - I can't decide between the Original, Organic or Performance versions...
Which do you like?

My baby tends to get over-heated easily so I'm leaning towards the Ergo Performance, but I've heard the Organic is so much more comfy. If he's not comfy in the Performance, then there's no point in getting it if he won't sit in it, you know? So, I'm looking for any opinions on the Ergo in general and also if anyone has tried the different models. They are quite pricy and I don't want to spend the money it we aren't going to use it. THANKS!"

 

The Natural Nursery has pages of information about the different types of ERGObaby Carriers and lots of instructional videos. There is also a page of reviews so you can see what customers think of the different types.

10 Reasons to Buy a Baby Sling

1)Hands free - When your baby is in a sling you get your hands back to do whatever you need to - I've cooked, cleaned, shopped, sewn, knitted and even worked at a market stall with my baby in a sling.
2)Comforted baby - For a newborn the environment inside the sling simulates the womb, the baby can hear the heartbeat of the wearer and feels safe. When your baby is carried close you can respond really quickly to needs.
3)Less burping - The constant movement in a sling can help to ease colic and reflux.
4)Better head shape - There is no pressure on the head with a baby sling and babies who are carried are less prone to Flat Head Syndrome (which they can get if they spend a lot of time on their backs).
5)Helps bonding - Slings are excellent bonding tools for fathers and grandparents.
6)Happier baby - Babies who are carried have less stress hormones.
7)Milk on Tap - Most slings are easy to breastfeed in discreetly.
8)Stairs are no problem - No more thumping a pushchair up steps!
9)Cleaner Air - In a pushchair the baby is at the same height as exhaust pipes, in a sling, the baby is higher up and away from them.
10)No bashing bags - I lost count of the number of times people smashed their bags into my pushchair - you don't get that problem with slings as your baby is carried at your chest height.

ERGObaby Sucking Pads Review and Video

ERGObaby sucking pads

This video explains how to use the ERGObaby sucking pads. They extend the life of your carrier by reducing the number of times it needs to be washed. Children love to teeth on the carrier shoulder straps of the ERGObaby carrier. The sucking pads are made of 100% cotton. Open the sucking pads to attach them to the shoulder straps. They are reversible and machine washable.

A Natural Nursery customer sent in this review of the ERGObaby sucking pads:

Worth It -

Great for a suckt/dribbly/pukey baby. Soft and wash well. I've also used them in place of the my carseat chest strap pads when those are in the wash.

5/5 AW. April 2011

ERGObaby Carrier Waist Extender Review

The Ergo Waist Extender is an extra part to add to the belt of the baby carrier to make it bigger.


Natural Nursery reviewer CB gave it 5 out of 5 and said ' Really pleased with this - easy to use and blends in well.'

For more information about Ergo products please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk

ERGOBaby Performance Carrier Review - Fantastic 5/5

 Fantastic, 5/5

I am delighted with my Ergo Performance. My baby is a really 'hot-blooded' little boy and both he and I were overheating with wrap carriers. We both stay nice and cool with this. My husband really likes this carrier as it looks quite sporty and he has found it really comfy to use (6"1, size Large). I on the other hand am only 5'2"/size 10 and also find this carrier very comfy. Of note, the shoulder straps are different to the original - they are not thick and squishy but firmer and thinner. However, I have never found them uncomfy even after hours. They are also more tapered and come in closer together. 

I was worried this might mean they rubbed on my neck. However, having tried both the Performance and Original I found these actually a much better fit - the original straps are very bulky and wide-set and meant it kind of hung off my outer shoulders and pulled. So some smaller ladies may find the straps rub on their neck but I've actually found this a much better fit. Although this is not a 'waterproof' carrier, I have survived 30mins in a big downpour. I had my regular-sized waterproof coat on over and was able to do this up at the bottom (below the Ergo) to cover my son's legs. I put the Ergo hood up, tucked his arms in and scampered home! I was impressed to find an essentially dry baby underneath when I got in, who had enjoyed the adventure! The lightweight nature of this carrier also meant it then dried out quickly. Overall, a functional, versatile carrier which is comfy for 2 very different sized people and also very easy to adjust between us.

AW April 2011

For more information about the ERGObaby Carrier please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk.

Get the Holly Willoughby Baby Sling look at the Natural Nursery

This Morning host Holly was snapped by photographers on her way to a Royal Wedding Party. Her baby is only a couple of weeks old and Holly carries her sylishly in a wraparound sling that goes with her dress.

A wrap baby sling is made from a single, long piece of fabric that you wrap around yourself and baby to give a secure, comfortable fit, allowing you to keep your baby close to you.

Calin Bleu gauze wrap baby slings are simple, stylish baby carriers suitable for use from birth right the way through to a toddler sling.

The baby sling can be easily popped into a bag, under a buggy or stowed in the car, ready for use when you want to carry your baby.

Calin Bleu wraparound baby slings are designed and made in the UK to allow both parents to use the same baby sling, even if they are different sizes. Wrap baby slings are comfortable for parents with back problems as the sling spreads the weight evenly across both shoulders, the back and the hips

Calin Bleu baby wraps have been recommended in Pregnancy Baby and You, Juno, I’m Pregnant, Practical Parenting, Your Family and many other parenting magazines.

For more information about baby slings and carriers please visit www.naturalnursery.co.uk where you can see a full range of Ergo Baby Carriers alongside accessories and wraparound slings.