There are lots of types of slings so it’s worth finding out about the different styles, and even trying a few before you buy one. Read our article Which baby carrier, wrap or sling is best for me? to find out more. Are there are any benefits to using a sling? Many parents say it’s practical, whatever your lifestyle. Try tidying up or getting lunch ready for your toddler with your newborn in a baby carrier or baby sling. You’ll probably see what they mean. Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

Pisacane A, Continisio P, Filosa C, Tagiamonte V, Continisio I. (2012) Use of baby carriers to increase breastfeeding duration among term infants: the effects of an educational intervention in Italy. Acta Paediatr. 101(10):e434-8. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02758.x Whittle R. (2021) Towards interdependence: using slings to inspire a new understanding of parental care. Child Geogr. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2021.1955091 Most people will stop and settle so they breastfeed while stationary. However, if you are feeding on the go then keep an eye out for trip hazards.Whittle R. (2019) Baby on board: the impact of sling use on experiences of family mobility with babies and young children. Mobilities. 14(2). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/17450101.2018.1533682 Batra EK, Midgett JD, Moon RY. (2015) Hazards associated with sitting and carrying devices for children two years and younger. J Pediatr. 167(1):183-187. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2015.03.044 A sling, wrap or carrier is what you use to carry your child on your body, it's commonly called babywearing. It’s not a new phenomenon and has been practised for centuries in different cultures. We’ll use the terms sling, wrap and carrier interchangeably in the rest of this article. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{

International Hip Dysplasia Institute. (2022) Baby wearing. Available at: https://hipdysplasia.org/baby-wearing/ [Accessed 16th June 2022] This practice is beneficial for at least the first 6 months for correct hip development, and also encourages social development as they are facing their caregiver. It is particularly important if a baby is being held in a sling for long periods of time (International Hip Dysplasia Institute, 2022). Read more about hip dysplasia (hips growing abnormally) in our article about it. Can I breastfeed in a sling? You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. Slings help with transportation but they can also help parents and babies to bond and stay active while navigating the changes of new parenthood (Whittle, 2019; Williams and Turner, 2020). Younger parents’ relationships with their baby have benefited from babywearing (Williams and Turner, 2020). Parents of multiple babies may find it easier to manage if one baby is held in a sling, and some use a sling for each baby. Parents who are wheelchair users or have limited arm capacity may find it an accessible way to transport or bond with their baby. It can also be an opportunity for fathers and co-parents to share closeness and nurture their babies (Whittle, 2021). Little E. (2019) Culture, carrying, and communication: beliefs and behavior associated with babywearing. Infant Behav Dev. 57:101320. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2019.04.002Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700. ROSPA. (2022) Baby slings. Available at: https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/product/baby-slings [Accessed 16th June 2022] UK Sling Consortium. (2015) The T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe babywearing. Available at: http://babyslingsafety.co.uk [Accessed 23rd May 2022]