Baby On My Mind...

Have you ever noticed that once you have one baby the constant question you are asked is when/if you will have another.  I guess once we spill the metaphorical beans of motherhood, it's only a matter of time before it will happen again?  My son is almost 2 now and it seems to be on the tip of every ones tongue in conversation.  Not that it is a bad thing but its still a thing.  

6 Reasons to Invest in a Baby Sling

There are three very different opinions mothers have about baby slings. There are those who have never heard about slings and never tried them. There are those who have tried them but didn't get the full effect of them because either they didn't have the right kind or the right size or they just were not using them correctly. Then there are the ones who are die hard fans of baby slings and they couldn't imagine life without it. Where do you fit in? No matter what category you fall into here are six great reasons to learn about, reconsider, or brush up on your knowledge of slings.

1. Extra set of Arms- Ever wish you had four arms instead of two? A baby slings allows you to hold close to you without actually using your hands. You are free to multi task.
2. Go Anywhere- A sling makes you and your baby one unit like when you where pregnant. You can go pretty much anywhere you did when you were pregnant with out a bulky stroller or tired arms weighing you down.
3. Space Saver- There is nothing that you will find that folds up smaller than a piece of material. You can fold it in any way and it is not going to take up much room in the diaper bag. Your diaper bag is already stuffed to the brim with diapers and bottles and other essentials so a space saver is very important. Plus it is super light weight, no more than a pound.
4. Baby is at Your Level- Your baby sees the world as you do when they are in a sling. Studies have shown that a baby is more social and content when they can constantly see your face and experience social interactions with you.
5. Baby Loves It- The natural movement, the warmth, the closeness of material, hearing your heartbeat this is all very reminiscent of your womb. This is why a sling can soothe a baby like no other equipment could ever hope to simulate. Pediatricians like Dr. Sears recommend slings especially when you need help to calm a colicky baby.
6. Keep Baby Close- See, touch, hear, kiss, breastfeed all with little effort and at any time. Carried babies are much more in-tuned with their mothers. You will be amazed how much more you can interpret your babies cries.

It's no secret why the die hard baby sling users carry their babies, they know how to use them and they work. Any mother or father can find the perfect baby sling, and any mother or father can become an instant fan of slings. Learn more about baby slings. Don't be afraid to ask questions and find your perfect baby sling.

Experience The World In a More Baby Friendly Way

The beating of mother's heart, the gurgling of her tummy, the murmur of voices. These are all noises that soothe a newborn baby. Sounds that have been captured and played through speakers of pricey equipment. Don't be another victim of baby boutique-itis. I will admit I have been lured by the cuteness of baby products that I see, that I never knew of 10 seconds ago and suddenly I need it. I'm quickly put in my place when I see the price tag. The reality is that baby really only needs two main things, a warm body and mother's milk.

To achieve the closeness babies really need, you would need to hold them all of the time. In the first few days of motherhood bliss it may seem like you will never put your baby down. Reality is sure to hit soon after. Those dishes in the sink aren't going to clean themselves, and your cats hair balls are beginning to resemble tumbleweeds in a barren desert. Your arms may be getting stronger but it is a slow process. It's funny how 8lbs of baby in the morning feels more like a 50lb bag of potatoes in your tired arms at night.

So what if there was a way to hold your baby close to your heart and mop the floor? Would it surprise you if I told you it was possible? It's not some new fangled idea or product, people all over the world have been doing it for centuries. It is often referred to as baby wearing or baby slinging. Cultures all over have different ways of wearing their babies but they all use the same principle of using some type of material that is tied, wrapped, or sewn in one way or another creating a baby sling. This frees up your hands for anything else and also helps to distribute the babies weight. If there was anyway to make washing dishes more fun it would sure include being able to see and feel baby resting on your chest.

Baby slings are so cost affective and take up very little room in your diaper bag. Quality slings usually range in price from about thirty dollars to about a hundred and twenty dollars. If you use a baby sling to its full potential it can replace all kinds of pricey baby equipment. No more bouncer, swing, stroller, and no carrying a bulky detachable car seat where ever you go. Even if you don't plan on carrying your baby all the time it is still a good idea to have one for going grocery shopping, going to the beach, and the park with an older child. Have you ever attempted pushing your stroller in the sand? Well I have and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Chasing a toddler is so much easier if you have a sling because you wont have to leave baby behind in a stroller to catch big brother or sister. Some brilliant person (probably a mom) even came up with water slings so you can have baby comforted in your arms while you take them wading (no swimming please) in the pool.

If you want to be able to enjoy your baby to the fullest and you don't have a maid I strongly suggest you look into a baby sling that would suit your needs and style. When you have a sling you will quickly learn that it makes the world a much more baby friendly place.

I am a mother and a driving force to make baby wearing more popular.  I am super passionate about baby slings and making sure they are safe. If you have any questions I would love to answer them. View my hand picked selection of the best baby slings for your baby.

Are Baby Slings Safe For Your Baby?

There are many things to consider when you are a new mom. What to name baby, what will the theme of the nursery be, will (s)he have daddy's eyes or yours? Then there is the never-ending baby supplies available that may leave you wondering what is right for you and baby? Somewhere between wipe warmers and bath toys, you will probably stumble upon baby carriers and more specifically baby slings. If you look them up you will most likely see all of the ample benefits baby wearing brings. But you are also sure to find negative feedback as well. So what's the deal? Are baby slings safe?

Well yes and no. The answer really depends on what slings you are referring to. The types that are not safe are generally the pocket slings or any sling that is deep enough to envelop baby in material. To prevent this make sure any sling that you put baby in allows for baby's face to be completely visible and above all fabric.

In addition you should make sure babies chin is never resting on their chest. This could result in poor oxygen flow. Furthermore baby's face should not be tightly leaned into your chest, blocking their nose and mouth as a result. Even so the sling must be tight enough around you that there is no loose fabric which would not only put strain on your back but also allow baby to slump into an unsafe position. Any time baby is in the sling they should be close enough for you to kiss them.

Always be sure to check the baby sling in general. Over time they will likely experience wear and tear like any other article of clothing you possess. Unfortunately the comfy, strong material that is perfect for baby slings is not everlasting. Be sure all of the seams are strong. Never put more weight in the sling then what is appropriate. 35 pounds is usually the max weight in any baby sling.

It's important to be aware of your baby whenever they are in a sling. In fact you should always be aware of baby no matter where they are, right? Before you ever even put baby in a sling be sure to read all the provided instructions that come along with it. As a result baby slings are safe enough to carry your baby, provided you take in all the necessary precautions.

View a hand picked selection of what I think are the best baby slings for your baby.