I have always loved the concept of babywearing. I plan to wear my new baby a lot. I used to only have a Nojo baby sling with my older kids. I learned how to make pouch slings when my youngest was about 1 1/2. I decided I wanted to branch out more this time and have several options. Below is a stretch pouch sling I made. It is just a single layer of fabric. I basically used the info on this site www.ida.net/users/stace/sling.html to make it. I have made double layer pouch slings from 2 cotton non-stretchy fabrics, but decided it would be nice to have something with some stretch.
I also made a ring sling from 2 layers of cotton fabric I had in my stash. I ordered the rings from www.slingrings.com. I followed the directions for making it from this site. www.mayawrap.com/n_sewsling.php It was pretty easy and will allow for adjustability. The tail can serve as a cover when I am breastfeeding in public.
The baby carrier below is a mei tai. The front panel is fabric that matches the diaper bag I made. I used the instructions I found here. www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/bbo.html The instructions were pretty easy to follow. I have never used this type of carrier, but like the idea of straps on both shoulders to distribute the baby’s weight, and I like that I can wear the baby on my back.
The following sites have lots of great information on babywearing. www.thebabywearer.com and www.mamatoto.org I have listed some benefits of babywearing below.
The Benefits of Babywearing
- Babywearing enables the mother to be acutely aware of her baby’s cues and signals and heightens her perception of her child’s needs
- Babywearing reduces crying and fussiness by up to 51%, with parents feeling more competent and nurturing toward their children.
- Being in close physical contact with a parent provides a baby with a rich learning environment where all of their most important needs can be met - food, warmth, love and touch
- Babies who are carried learn more, stimulating brain development and expanding their future learning potential.
- Babywearing increases cardiac output, improves circulation, promotes respiration and aids in digestion.
- Babywearing provides the exact level and kind of stimulation an infant requires, energizing their nervous system and creating a quiet, calm alertness in the infant.
- Babywearing decreases the levels of stress hormones circulating in a baby’s blood stream, resulting in a more relaxed, happy baby
- Frequently carried babies fall asleep quickly and will usually sleep deeper and for longer periods of time in the comfort of their sling.
- Babywearing develops the muscles needed for the infant to sit, stand and walk.
- Babywearing enhances motor skills by stimulating the baby’s vestibular system (balance organs) by exposing the baby to a variety of sights, sounds and motion,.
- Babies worn in slings feel safe and secure which helps to foster a solid sense of self.
- Babywearing offers easy access to the infant’s food source - mothers’ breast milk, without having to stop or sit down.
Info taken from www.instinctiveparenting.com/flex/baby_wearing/44/1