Scarf Sling: Models and Winding Instructions
What it is
Every mother had difficulty with going anywhere with the baby. The usual way to move - stroller. But it is often quite heavy and uncomfortable, especially when on the way you need to go into transport or to the store / clinic. Not all children tolerate trips in a wheelchair. In the first months of life, they constantly need to feel the warmth of the mother, her presence is near and the protection she gives. Because of this, they do not worry in new and noisy places, they easily fall asleep and do not experience psychological discomfort.
But to wear constantly on the hands of the baby is hard physically and very uncomfortable, because we always need free hands. In this case, the experience of our ancestors will help - sling.
This is an ancient invention of mankind, which helped mothers at all times take care of the child and continue to lead an active lifestyle. It looks like a strip of fabric that is specifically wound on the mother's torso and supports the child in a certain position. In addition to convenience, the scarf-sling has another indisputable advantage - the load is distributed so that the carrying of weights does not cause harm to health and posture.
How to choose
There are many different slings, each of which has its own advantages and features.
Sling - a scarf
This is a piece of material with a length of 2 to 5 meters and a width of from 50-55 cm to 80-85 cm. These slings come from non-stretching fabric and knitwear. The first option does not stretch, while maintaining its appearance for a long time, suitable for stronger fixation and heavier children. Knitted slings can stretch, and they are much more comfortable crumbs at all. The design of the scarf sling is unique, it allows you to carry the children in a vertical and horizontal position. You can use it from the first weeks to 2-3 years.
There are three types of scarf slings.
- The most comfortable to put on - short scarf, about 2 meters long. It is very compact and convenient in winding, the baby can be in it from birth. A short scarf is wound on one shoulder that needs to be changed, since the load will not be distributed evenly.
A short sling scarf will be an ideal choice in the first months of a baby’s life. You will be able to have free hands and do things while the child comfortably sits on your chest. It is also very convenient for feeding.
- Scarf sling of medium length. The average scarf has more ways to tie, fastens on both shoulders, which will allow you to better distribute the load, it is already suitable for children a little older and heavier. Ideal for small trips to the store, to the playground or short walks. To make long, several-hour travel in it will be quite difficult.
- Long sling-scarf. The most universal model of such slings is a long and fairly wide scarf, which is perfect for both newborns and older children. There are many ways to knit such a scarf, which allows you to choose the most comfortable way for you and your baby, depending on his age and desires.
This scarf is ideal for active movement or long walks. Proper distribution of the load will not let you quickly get tired and maintain health.
Sling with rings
This is an upgraded scarf sling. On one side of the scarf there are rings, and the other end is tucked into them, thereby adjusting the position of the child.Standard sizes for this type of slings: width -70-75cm, length -2 m. Thanks to the convenient design, the baby can be positioned both in the cradle and in the upright position. The main advantage of slings with rings is the ability to easily change the configuration, adapting to the circumstances. Another plus is the ability to quickly plant or drop a child out of a sling.
May-sling
More tech slings. It is a rectangle of fabric with four straps sewn along the sides. The lower ends are tied at the waist of the mother, helping to hold the baby, and with the help of the upper it is adjusted its position. So weight is distributed on two shoulders and the number of poses for a child increases. But he has two drawbacks. First, the straps are long, which prevents him from tying up gently and quickly on the street. Secondly, it is not very convenient for feeding a child.
There are many types of slings, some are universal from birth to three years, and some are most convenient to use at certain intervals of life.
If you need a sling to wear at home in the first months of the baby's life, then it is better to choose a short scarf or a sling with rings. They are convenient to use, do not take a lot of time when winding, allow you to carefully transfer the dormant crumbs in the bed. But remember, you will only have one free hand, because in such baby slings you need to constantly maintain.
For long walks on the street fit a long sling-scarf or May-sling. They allow Bole to evenly distribute the weight and change the position of the baby. A long scarf will suit babies, as it allows the baby to wrap his head if he falls asleep. In May-slings there is no such function, you have to either buy a special headrest or hold your head with your hand.
For a newly born baby, a short sling-scarf or a sling on the rings would be an ideal choice, since they allow the baby to sit comfortably in a horizontal position and turn over quickly, and it is convenient to feed and lull the child in them.
When the child gains weight, it is better to switch to a long scarf or a May-sling, as they distribute the weight on two shoulders. And after 1-1.5 years, when the child begins to walk actively, but gets tired in the most unexpected places, a sling on the rings or an average sling-scarf is best suited as a way to rest for the baby, for example, planting it periodically on the thigh. At the same time, if there is still a need to spend a lot of time in a sling, then it is better to opt for a long scarf, since it is most convenient for both mother and baby.
How to tie - winding instructions
There are many different types of winding scarves slings, they should be used depending on the age of the baby and the selected position.
For newborns
The most convenient way of winding a scarf for the smallest is the "Cradle".
- Attach the sling to the neck so that the difference between the ends is 40-45 cm, and behind it sags up to the waist.
- Cross the ends and slide the longer ends into the loop behind your back. Then tie the ends on the thigh.
- Straighten the straps, put the baby inside the cross and straighten the scarf.
For older kids
On the stomach:
- We press the middle of the sling to the back near the waist, cross it in front and throw it over our shoulders.
- Once again we cross the ends behind our backs, throw them forward and fasten.
- We seat the child, having put his legs under the upper parts of the cross, and straighten the sling.
- This method can be used both for the position of the child facing the mother, and for the situation facing the world.
On the side:
- Bend the scarf in half, slip over one shoulder. Then make a knot on the thigh.
- Move the knot to the height of the shoulder blades behind your back
- Throw a scarf on the baby sitting in front of you, then move it to the side.
- Straighten the scarf over the entire width, only the legs and the head remain free, straighten the strap.
On the back:
- Place the child in the center of the sling and cover it with the ends of the handle.
- Take the child under your arms with your arms crossed and move it over your head.
- Bend over, place the child on your back, throw the ends of the scarf over your shoulders.
- Spend the ends under the baby, crossing them.
- Move the ends of the scarf on the stomach and tie.
Brand models review
The release of slings of various models are engaged in both foreign and our domestic firms.
Mum's era (Mother echidna)
One of the most famous and successfully developing companies in the field of natural parenthood is Mother Echidna. Under this common name are two brands. Echidna produces nursing clothes, the Mum's era specializes in slings. The factory is located in Russia, the highest quality parts and fabrics are purchased in different countries. For example, fabric for cheap slings is made in Russia, and for expensive ones - in India. All products use natural, hypoallergenic materials. Mams era is the slings of different models and colors at the most appropriate prices.
Holiday
A special line of scarves-slings from the brand Mum's era, made from organic cotton diagonal (jacquard) weaving, produced in India. Differs in the increased convenience both for the kid, and for mother. The fabric stretches diagonally, therefore it gently embraces and supports the child and reduces the pressure on the shoulders of the wearer.
Elevlev
These are nursing clothes originally from Norway. High quality, natural fabrics, a wide range of models, beautiful colors and reasonable price are the main features of this brand.
Boba wrap
An American brand created in 2006 by a married couple with 4 children. They have gone a long way to find the perfect way to carry children and decide to share it with the world. The company produces ergo-backpacks and slings from natural 100% cotton. Every year they make changes to their sling scarves in accordance with the latest developments of physiological scientists to make their products even more convenient. A large number of colors, low prices and product certification in Russia makes their slings even more attractive.
Diva essenza
Sling scarves from the Italian brand at a great price. The company has a large production in Italy, so all products undergo mandatory certification according to ISO standards. In the manufacture of natural materials and dyes are used, the fabrics, thanks to a special treatment, are very soft, but of medium thickness, therefore such scarves will suit both newborns and children older.
Fareeda
Russian production, famous for its low prices. Sling from Fareeda can be bought from 1500 rubles. The main advantages of the company are hand-made production of each model, natural fabrics and dyes and manual dyeing. The main feature of their slings is a fabric with diagonal weaving, it allows you to make scarves thin and compact, but at the same time very durable, designed for a large enough weight of the child.
Filt
Perhaps the most unusual sling scarves you will find it under this brand. The company specializes in long scarves created from a special mesh-woven cotton. Such slings will not suit newborns, the manufacturer recommends starting their use from 3-4 months, but they can withstand a lot of weight, which means they can serve you up to 2-3 years. The mesh design will be especially convenient for summer walks, as it provides protection against overheating.
Velina
Another young Russian manufacturer who has already managed to establish itself in the market for products for kids. Specializes in soft long jacquard (diagonal) scarves weaving from 100% cotton. Models of this manufacturer are best suited for newborns and children up to a year, as they are very soft and gently hug the baby.
Reviews
Hundreds of thousands of moms and dads around the world already use sling-scarves and managed to appreciate them. Most parents agree that this is a very convenient accessory, as it allows you to do without a bulky stroller and leaves hands free.The women consider the main advantages to be the correct weight distribution, as well as the comfortable and safe position of the child when worn, the opportunity to feed or let the baby sleep, without interrupting the walk. But most buyers point out that the newcomer will have to train in winding the sling-scarf, as this may not happen the first time.