Baby Slings, Attachment Parenting and Flexible Routine

It’s been interesting to analyse the change in my parenting style over the course of raising four children.  I often think about my poor first born as bearing the brunt of much learning on my behalf.  With my first child, I adhered to a strict routine, yet during my experiene in caring for every subsequent child, I’ve become more relaxed and flexible, to the point I’m in danger of becoming an flexible-routine-baby-carrying-room-sharing advocate.  I never would have imagined myself being where I am today; however, here I am, four children later, on the opposite side to the fence to which I started. I’ll do a more detailed post on this topic soon because my evolved parenting style doesn’t quite fit with attachment parenting or Babywise style parenting.

What has all that have to do with baby slings?  I’m a huge fan of baby-carrying; that is something that has been constant over my years of parenting. Baby-carrying is a wonderful way to bond with a baby. Snuggling close to mother can be comforting to a young child, especially when they are uncomfortable, in pain or sad. I see a baby sling as an extra arm, and what Mum doesn’t need one of those?

There are a lot of baby carrier/slings on the market. Personally, I’ve used Baby Bjorn, FisherPrice and recently a Jazslings with my niece.  I met Wendy, designer of Jazslings, at the 2010 Connect2Mums AusMumpreneur Conference. After the conference, we met at 3 Little Monkeys and Wendy demonstrated the product.  I was impressed and knew right away this product was worth sharing.

(Pictured: Wendy at the AusMumpreneur conference)

What I love about Jazslings

The design

* Jazslings is designed by an experience mother of four. I love that.

* The designed-for-a-mum-by-a-mum factor is obvious when it comes to usability and function.

* The one-piece design means there are no clips and no fuss.

* The sling can be easily machine washed.

Even support

When I wore the sling with my one-year-old niece, I noticed the weight was evenly distributed from the outer shoulder (Deltoid) and across the back. The broad strap distributes the weight across the back and torso so there’s no direct pressure on the top of the shoulder (Trapezius) like many other carriers. This makes a lot of sense as the deltoid muscle is the strongest muscle in the arm.

Fun colours and fabric choices

I’m a sucker when it comes to trendy designs. Flower Power (2) if a favourite of mine.

Cotton Collection

1. Dreaming 2. Flower Power 3. Natural 4. Night Garden 5. Poppy 6. Vintage 

7. Cherry 8. Jade 9. Licorice 10. Turquoise 11. Popscile 12. Tutti-Frutti 13. Tribal

Organic option

The sling also comes in this deliciously soft bamboo cotton.

Wild Nettle

Versatile carrying positions

The versatile carrying positions facilitate the needs of the carer and cater for the growth of the child. If you look carefully at each position, it’s apparent the sling is acting as you would naturally hold a child in your arms.

The girl in the purple top is my gorgeous sister pictured with her second child (1) and one on the way (bun in the oven).  She will soon have 3 children under three years of age so she’s going to need the sling for sure.

Note: There are different sling sizes according to body type.

Breastfeeding

An absolute favourite feature is the ability for the mother to easily and discretely breasfeed while the baby remains in the sling.  

Longevity

The sling can be used until a child is 3 (or 20kg)

Safety

There have been concerns in terms of baby carriers and child safety. Wendy has written a comprehensive article covering these issues and you can read it here.

Dolly Sling

I think this is absolutely adorable.  You can buy a dolly sling in these bright colours.

Dolly Sling

Testimonials

I’ve been researching Jazslings, and slings in general, and this is some of the feedback I’ve received:

“My youngest is now 8 months and I still use it for him and I used it for his big sister too so they certainly last the distance (big sis is nearly 4). This is a product I highly recommend.”

 — Mel (Mother of 2)

“This is fabulous, especially on those trips into the shops when you know you are going to get a trolley, but can’t carry no.3 & hold no. 1 & no. 2’s hands and a bag all at once without it.”

— Kathryn (Mother of 3)

“It feels even.”

— Emma (Mother of 3)

 

More

Jazslings Baby Sling Safety

Jazslings

Babywearing International

Is Babywearing Safe?

Not All Slings Are Created Equal