Why does a child flap his arms like wings? Why are we so strange or our symptoms of autism

Every mother wants to be closer to her newborn child. Wants to see and hear him constantly. It `s naturally. A sling for newborns will help with this. What are they, their types and which one is better? Why are not all slings equally beneficial for newborns?

Can a baby live without a sling?

Let's first understand the term “newborn baby”. A newborn is a baby between 0 and 1 month of age. A child aged from 1 month to a year is called an infant. In this article we will talk about children from 0 months to a year, i.e. newborns and infants.

First of all, parents need a sling. A mother always has this task - she needs to take the child somewhere. She is trying to put him in a stroller so that he can walk in it. But sometimes it happens that he doesn’t want to sit there and mom gets lost. Either take it in your arms, or give it to your grandmother, or leave it in the stroller.

If she decides that she will take him in her arms, then she begins to look for some acceptable way of carrying him. So that you not only feel comfortable and have your hands free, but also so that your shoulders and back don’t hurt. And at the same time, so that it is not harmful to the child.

Today there are such super things called slings.

There are a great many of them. Various models, designs, manufacturers. We will start from the age of the child.

Choosing a sling by age

First, we will distribute the types of slings by age, and then we will analyze each in detail.

Depending on the age of use, slings are:

– from 0 to 3 months.
- from birth.
– from 4 months.
Ergo-backpack, sling-backpack - from 5 months.

A ring sling and a scarf sling are exactly the two types of slings that can be used from the first days of newborn babies. This is due to the fact that only these two types involve literally point-by-point adjustment along the child’s spine, along his back.

It is possible to manually adjust every centimeter. How tightly the sling is stretched at the top, in the middle, at the bottom, along the hips, and shoulder girdle. That is, you can adjust every centimeter of winding with your hands, control and feel it.

Slings for a newborn do not set the position of the child, but we set it ourselves. The position of the baby is primary and only then with a sling, we, as it were, cling to the baby according to the formed physiological position.

Starting from 2-3 months, the weight of the child makes itself felt and it is already difficult for the mother to carry him on one shoulder.

The baby's weight will be distributed between the shoulders, lower back and back. It will be much easier for mom.

From about 12 months, it is better to use an ergo-backpack, a May-sling or a fast-sling.

The child begins to walk. A sling is rarely needed, only when the baby is resting.

Sling with rings for newborn

Represents a piece of matter. Metal or plastic rings are sewn into the fabric at one end. The second side of the fabric is fixed in the rings. Worn on the shoulder.

For carrying, the “cradle” position is usually used.

The ring sling is easy to use. Just for mothers with newborn children. He transfers the entire load of the baby onto one shoulder, so we make sure to alternate shoulders.

We go for a walk on one shoulder, and after a walk we go on the other shoulder. Or carry the baby on one shoulder for the first half of the day, and on the other shoulder for the second half of the day. Choose exactly how to alternate it, but you must do it. It is important not only for you, but also for correct formation muscle corset of the baby's back.

Allows you to adjust your child's position on the go. During use, it is easy to take the baby out or put it back. You can move the baby to the crib without waking him.

The load on one shoulder of the mother is a disadvantage of this carrier.

When choosing a sling with rings, pay close attention to the rings. This is a very important part of the design. Check the strength of the rings with your hands for bending and stretching.

The rings should be large: metal - about 8 cm and plastic - about 10 cm in diameter.

Sling scarf for newborn

It is a piece of fabric measuring up to 0.7 x 6 meters.

This type of carrying assumes a symmetrical position. There is no need to alternate shoulders here. All basic windings can be used. The load is distributed evenly across the shoulders, back, and hips.

Knitted slings-scarves

For the smallest children, you need to use knitted slings-scarves. They are reaching out. Unlike woven ones, which do not stretch either in width or in length.

Knitted slings are created not on looms, but on knitting machines. They are intended for newborns and premature babies.

The older the baby gets, the heavier it becomes. The heavier the child, the more the knitted fabric stretches and sags under the baby’s weight. Thus, the tension along the child’s back and attraction to the mother is not so good.

A knitted sling involves a wrapping called a “cross under the pocket.” This is a winding in which the carrier fits completely tightly onto the mother. And we place the baby in the finished winding. If we need to get the baby out, we take him out, the sling remains on the mother, there is no need to rewind.

In summer, a knitted sling is hot and stuffy. Woven is much more breathable.

May-sling and fast-sling

May is usually used from 3–4 months, but some designs are suitable for children from birth. It's fast and easy to use independent development sling

Summer has arrived, it has become hot and you realize that the scarf sling has thick, warm fabric. Plus three layers on the child and the child’s body is to the mother’s body.

When it’s already 20–25 degrees outside and it’s getting hot, it’s recommended to use a thin and light May Sling. It will be ventilated and not at all hot in it.

The May Sling differs in design from the Scarf Sling. It is tougher and the child already feels differently in it, he runs around completely differently.

The child may have an adaptation period. The baby may cry or struggle. But gradually both mother and child get used to it and only enjoy using it.

The fabric of the mai and fast sling is very durable, they are designed for quite an adult age. Can support a heavier child. Manufacturers write that you can use this sling for as long as you need it.

Is it possible to have an ergo-backpack and a sling backpack?

The classic ergo-backpack is a wide, rigid belt. The back of the backpack extends from this belt and the straps extend from the back.

As for the baby's age. The idea is that a backpack is the same sling and the rules of the sling must be followed: correct position the baby's legs and tight pull towards the mother - relieve the load from the spine.

You can pull it towards you with adjusting tapes. And here there is a moment with age. When we pull the baby with these straps, tension is created in the area of the lumbar curve. If our baby is not sitting yet and this lumbar curve is not formed, then the pressure will be unnecessary!

If your child does not yet sit independently, then using an ergo-backpack is not recommended.

Each ergonomic backpack has a specific back pattern, which is shaped like a smile. This shape assumes that it fits the baby's bottom. Naturally, everyone's butt is different and this shape may not suit your child specifically. Therefore, before buying, you need to try on different sling backpacks and choose the one that suits your baby.

The backpack pattern has all kinds of inserts, seams, zippers, and pockets. Those. This is not just a layer of fabric that is evenly stretched, but a structure made of material, seams, zippers, zippers, and a hood in a pocket. This a priori creates an uneven load on the baby’s spine.

No matter what marketing slogans manufacturers come up with, you should not use an ergo-backpack for newborns. Be a conscious parent.

Which sling to choose for a newborn?

Any type of sling is still easier than just carrying a baby in your arms. And lighter than any kangaroo.

We discussed above individual species slings depending on their applicability to newborns. Now let's talk about how to choose a sling specifically for you and your child based on age, comfort, and load distribution on the back.

If we talk specifically about newborns, that is, children aged 0 to 3 months, then it is better for them to buy a sling with rings or a sling scarf.

Practice shows that when you first look at these two types of carriers, you want to choose a sling with rings. But after trying on the majority of mothers, approximately 70%, still prefer a scarf sling. They feel how much lighter the load is on their back and see that the scarf is no more complicated than a sling with rings.

Both slings are great for newborn babies and both will suit you depending on what you want from it.

In a sling with rings, it is easy to move the baby from a vertical to a horizontal position in just one movement, and this indicates his sufficient mobility. Especially when the baby is very small. Then he wants to walk vertically. Then he wants to feed on the breast and you move him to a horizontal position, since in a vertical position not all mothers are ready to successfully breastfeed from the very beginning.

In a sling-scarf, moving the baby from one position to another is more problematic, you need to do more movements. In terms of mobility, of course, a sling with rings wins one hundred percent.

At the same time, you need to understand that if mom is not a swimmer, then her back is not iron. It will be a little more difficult to carry a grown, heavy baby in a sling with rings long time. But this option will still remain excellent for carrying a baby at home and for short distances.

Before the purchase

Material. Must be breathable and natural. Density is average. There should be no synthetics.
Rings. It is better to choose metal ones. Plastic and wood are not as reliable and durable.
Functionality. It is better to choose a sling for several positions of the child.
Brand and price. It's better not to save money here. Choose famous brands with quality materials.

So, we found out that you can carry a newborn in a sling.

Each mother decides for herself which sling to choose for her newborn baby. But you need to be very careful. Not only yours, but also your health depends on your choice. small child. Follow the selection recommendations, look and touch the material in person. Remember that from 0 to 3 months it is better to use a sling with rings or a sling scarf. It's safer.

Video about sling scarf, perfect choice for baby:

Instructions

Currently, you can find several types of slings on sale. Moreover, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a sling in a store, focus first of all on its purpose, and then choose the color and size of the model you like.

The most popular among young mothers are sling-backpack, sling-scarf, sling with rings. Before going to the store, carefully study the information about all these types of carriers, or ask the seller to tell you in more detail about each of them.

If you are a happy mother of a baby, and you need a carrier to rock your baby at home or pick him up on demand, pay attention to the ring sling. This model allows you to carry your baby in the cradle position and can be used from the first days of life. A ring sling is not intended to be worn under clothing. It is inconvenient for long walks and for carrying older children, since in this case the entire load on the mother’s shoulders is distributed unevenly.

If you need a versatile carrier, consider a sling scarf. This type of sling can be used both for carrying and for carrying older children. Please note that all scarves are of different lengths. Choose the option that makes you more comfortable. For example, it is preferable for mothers with curvy figures to buy longer scarves. The long carry length also allows for many different winding options.

Short sling scarves are designed for petite mothers. Choose a small sling size if your baby is already older and you only need the carrier occasionally. It is very convenient to take with you, as it fits even in a medium-sized bag.

If your child is already a little older and you are afraid of having to wrap a sling scarf every day, pay attention to special backpacks. This type of sling is intended for carrying children older than 6 months. Remember to use the backpack correctly. After your child is buckled in, be sure to tighten all straps that provide ideal position baby in a sling.

When choosing a carrier, pay attention to the material from which it is made. Give preference exclusively natural fabrics. Linen slings are good to use in the summer heat, cotton slings are considered universal, and for winter choose a carrier made of woolen fabric. By purchasing a scarf or backpack, you can carry your baby in winter. To do this, it is advisable to purchase a special jacket with an insert.

When choosing a sling by color, remember that it should match your clothes, and not the baby’s clothes. The carrier temporarily becomes part of your look, so its color should match the color tone of your basic wardrobe.

note

The first weeks after the birth of a child are always warmed with some special warmth, tenderness for the tiny creature lying in your arms..
But...
Sometimes mom wants to eat :)). Go on a visit or to the store. And in the end, how long can you run circles around the house?! :))

As many mothers say, “a sling gives mom wings!” And this is so - you become more mobile, you can go to the store, visit, cook dinner and do other things.

A small child needs a loved one physical contact with his mother, the feeling of her warmth and smell, so when he is in his mother’s arms, he feels calmer, more relaxed, and shows more interest in the world around him. In the arms of the mother, the child receives that basic feeling of security, warmth and trust, which are so important for the formation of a healthy psyche of the child. However, if the mother needs her hands free (for example, to prepare dinner), then they need to be freed somehow, for example, using a baby-wearing device.

Remember that a child is not a smaller copy of an adult. That's why in order to correctly choose a sling for wearing a newborn, you need to know the features of its physiology, characteristic specifically for infancy and the first year of life.

Let's take a closer look at this.

Part 1. Features of the physiology of the baby’s first year of life.

Spine

As we have already said, a child is not a smaller copy of an adult, neither from the point of view of his skeleton, nor from the point of view of his functioning. Ossification and complete formation of the spine ends by the age of 25. Until the end of the second month of intrauterine life, the baby’s skeleton consists only of cartilage. As it grows, it will harden and turn into bone. By the end of pregnancy, some parts of the skeleton ossify (for example, the femur), and from birth a second wave of ossification begins - at the ends long bones(heads of bones).

Our spine is not perfectly straight. If we look at an adult from the side, we will see four small curves that make the spine resemble the Latin letter S. Thanks to these curves, we have flexibility, we can maintain balance and absorb stress while walking, running and jumping.

However, these spinal curves are not congenital. They are formed gradually as physical development child as a consequence of adaptation to gravity.

Stages of spine development:

The spine of a newborn baby is bent and resembles a slight arch or the letter “C”. He doesn't have any bends yet and doesn't have enough strength to hold his head up. When carrying a baby in her arms, the mother performs this function for him: she supports his back and head. If we want to carry the baby in some kind of device, it should allow the baby’s head to be fixed at the same level with the body or allow the mother to support it with one hand.
From about 6 weeks, the baby begins to raise his head from a lying position and by 2.5-3 months he can confidently hold it in an upright position. Cervical lordosis is formed.
Thoracic kyphosis develops in a child by six months, when he begins to sit independently. Lumbar lordosis is developed from the moment when the child begins to gradually stand up.
Sacral kyphosis appears after the child begins to walk and develops until the age of 6-8 years.

Physiological position for a newborn from the point of view of spinal development:

The newborn does not straighten up on his own, straightening it is only possible by force, for example, if you swaddle it with a “soldier”. If a child is placed on his back, he will reflexively pull his fists to his chest, and he sleeps with his legs spread wide apart in the “frog pose.” The fetal position is the most natural position for babies; it calms and helps baby adapt to the new world.

The vertical and horizontal position of the baby "belly to belly" in the fetal position is very comfortable for the baby. In this position, children digest food better, thermoregulation is more effective, because the stomach area is closed. On our back, our subcutaneous fat layer is thicker, and our thermoregulatory cells are stronger.

When a child is picked up, his legs remain instinctively bent and spread. Together with the grasping reflex, this position helps the baby cling to its mother. In this way, we provide him with a natural posture that his body instinctively adopts to provide comfort, warmth and security.

Total:

When carrying a newborn in your arms, it is important to provide back support and cervical region spine. When choosing a device for carrying a child during this period, pay attention to the following:

Possibility of fixing the cervical spine. This will prevent the head from tilting.
Possibility of UNIFORM support for the entire back of the baby. This means that any devices with rigid backs or without the ability to finely adjust the tension of the fabric are not suitable for wearing a newborn and infant.

Another one important feature newborns -

immature hip joint.

The hip joint (HJ) is one of the most large joints in humans. It is formed by the acetabulum pelvic bone and head femur. Along the edge of the acetabulum there is cartilaginous tissue that increases the area of the joint. The joint is covered by muscles on all sides.

The articular cavity of the child’s TB joint is flattened, it is located more vertically in comparison with the “adult joint”, and the ligaments of the joint are overly elastic. If the development of the joint is impaired (dysplasia), the excessively elastic ligaments and articular capsule are not able to hold the head of the femur in the articular cavity; it moves upward and outward. With certain movements, the femoral head can move beyond the acetabulum. This condition of the joint is called “subluxation”. For severe dysplasia hip joint The head of the femur extends completely beyond the acetabulum, a condition called “hip dislocation.”

The angle at which the femoral head is inserted into the acetabulum is very important. If you draw a line through the edges of the acetabulum (AB) and a line through the middle of the head and neck of the femur (CF), then the CF line should pass through the middle (point O) of the AB line. The angle formed by these lines should approach a straight line (90 degrees): this ensures an even load on the head and acetabulum and normal development these structures. This position is very similar to the letter "M" and in Russia is known as the M-position.

As noted by Novosibirsk professor Yakov Leontyevich Tsivyan, one of the first in Russia to study the problem of diseases of the hip joints, “when the hips are abducted, the femoral head is centered in the acetabulum. Thanks to the early and constant centering of the femoral head in the underdeveloped acetabulum, the latter, under the influence of such centering, begins to develop correctly ", and ultimately the former underdevelopment of the cavity is eliminated. Consequently, the conditions for the occurrence of dislocation disappear. And by the time the child stands on his own legs, dislocation cannot occur - the conditions for its occurrence have been eliminated."

A direct connection has been noted between the increased incidence and the tradition of tightly swaddling the baby's straightened legs. Among peoples who carry children in carriers with straightened legs (Indians of North America and Canada), it is noted increased amount cases of hip dysplasia. But in those countries where newborns are not swaddled, their freedom of movement is not limited, and children are carried vertically with their legs apart, the incidence is much lower. For example, in Japan, as part of a national project in 1975, the national tradition of tightly swaddling the straightened legs of infants was changed. Result: reduction congenital dislocation hips from 1.1 - 3.5 to 0.2% (Yamamuro T, Ishida K. Recent advances in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip in Japan. J. Clinical orthopedics and related research 1984 Apr;(184) :34-40).

Various are used to treat dysplasia orthopedic aids, allowing you to keep your baby's legs apart. All of them are designed to hold the child’s legs in the spread position. In children of the first 2-3 months, if hip dysplasia is suspected, therapeutic and preventive measures are used - spreading the legs with the help of soft pads (wide swaddling, Freik's pillow, etc.), gymnastics using abductor-circular movements in the joint, massage of the gluteal muscles.

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) has released information material for manufacturers of carriers for children, parents and everyone interested, where they write that carrying with legs apart is extremely important for proper development hip joint.

Remember that babies' joints are cartilaginous and very flexible. If the regular and long-term position of the child’s legs does not imply the correct insertion of the femur, then the cartilage may develop poorly.

What does it mean? This means that if you often and regularly carry your baby, for example, in a baby carrier, where the baby’s legs just hang, then you create the preconditions for problems with the formation of a TB joint in the child.

Carrying a child with legs inside a sling/carrying.

This method of carrying babies can often be found in old instructions and articles on websites. However, it can only be recommended in exceptional cases (very severe hypertonicity, prematurity). A healthy, full-term baby's legs should be outside from the knees and be able to move freely.

When your baby's legs are inside the sling, the spine has to absorb the shock of walking that would otherwise be absorbed by the wide spread of the legs. In addition, the position of the legs completely inside the sling/backpack often contributes to the formation of voids and prevents the sling fabric from being evenly tightened to properly support the spine. If you are carrying your baby in the fetal position with his legs inside the sling, do not forget to regularly massage and stretch your baby's legs. If the baby's legs are inside, then it is better to walk less and sit more in a sling.

What does the physiological position of a newborn look like in a sling?

Based on physiology, When carrying a baby either in our arms or in a sling, it is important for us to ensure three important factors:

cervical support (neck roll or cloth)
uniform support of the spine (only slings with point adjustment)
hip joint support (M-position). The legs are spread at an angle that is comfortable for the child and are free from the knees.

Photo from the site http://jeportemonbebe.com

In real slings vertical position baby looks like this:

The head support fabric or cushion passes under the back of the head or over the head at ear level.
The back is slightly rounded and evenly covered with fabric
The pelvis seems to be “twisted”, tucked towards the mother (the knees rest against the mother’s stomach)
The legs are symmetrical, spread at a comfortable angle (in newborns it is very small), free from the knees (M-position).

Carrying a baby in the cradle position has a number of its own characteristics:

Firstly, it does not involve placing the hip joint in the M-position, and therefore, both when carried on the hands and in a sling, it is important to alternate horizontal carrying with vertical.

Secondly, the baby is positioned slightly differently in the sling. The sling should provide support:

in the area of the back of the head
backs
pelvis and hips

The child is positioned diagonally. The lowest point of the diagonal is the child’s butt, the highest is the head, the knees are above the butt. The child is positioned half-turned towards the mother. at a height comfortable for mom, half side to mom.

Thirdly, and very important! A mother should always see the child's face. It should not be under the chest, under the armpit, or covered with cloth. Maximum fixation is along the line of the crown and ear.

During feeding, it is necessary to support the baby's neck (!) on the elbow bend in order to be able to control the baby's condition and the correctness of attachment. The chin should not be pressed against chest, one or two fingers should fit freely between them.

In real slings, the horizontal position of the baby looks like this:

So we have figured out the main features of the physiology of a baby in the first year of life. All that remains is to choose a sling :). As you probably already understood, not all slings will be equally useful for a newborn and an infant - some are ideal, and some are not at all. Let's find out!

In contact with

Of the variety of slings, two types are the most popular and versatile: ring sling and scarf sling. Each of them has its own special advantages.

These types of slings are united by the fact that they can be used both for an older baby and allow you to carry the child in different positions: horizontally (in the cradle) and vertically (in front, on the side, behind the back). I note that these slings complement each other. Each of them is convenient in a certain life situation, V certain age child, with a certain baby weight.

“Which type of sling is preferable?” - many mothers ask the question before deciding to buy this wonderful invention.

As a rule, for a beginning sling mother, especially if we're talking about For a newborn, a sling with rings is considered the most convenient. The rings allow you to more dynamically and literally “on the fly” adjust the length of the sling, and also allow you to easily and quickly put down a sleeping baby if necessary. In addition, a sling with rings allows a mother to quickly master the basic principles of proper “sling placement” of a child and, subsequently, not experience difficulties in handling any other types of slings.

As a rule, beginning sling mothers start using a sling-scarf from 5-9 months, when the baby has already grown up and become heavier. At first, they are used only for long walks or travel. And subsequently they find many different uses for it, both at home - they are used to perform household chores that require two hands, and on the street - for hiking in the forest for mushrooms and berries, for cycling and skiing; and also as a hammock, swing, blanket, etc.

If you are puzzled by the choice of a ring sling, then you should pay attention to the following points, which determine how comfortable and safe it will be for you and your baby to use:

The rings should be metal - this will ensure the reliability of the sling during use. Large diameter rings (about 6-7 cm) make it easy to adjust the length of the sling. Such rings will not break or crack during use of the sling and will allow you to easily and quickly adjust the length of the sling.
It is convenient if the edges of the sling, the so-called sides, are soft enough - then they will not cut into the skin of the baby and mother. As a rule, for this purpose a layer of padding polyester or foam rubber is laid in the sides. It should be taken into account that too thick filling of the sides makes the design of the sling more bulky and not very comfortable.
Many manufacturers make shoulder pillows. Thanks to it, the fabric lies softly on the baby carrier’s shoulder and does not put pressure. It is convenient if the pillow is integral with. In this case, the pillow itself does not fidget, and the fabric of the sling lies flat, does not cut into the body, and the load is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the shoulder and back. Therefore, you will feel comfortable carrying your baby.
Textile. When choosing a sling for your home, give preference to natural materials, as they “breathe” and, therefore, do not create additional discomfort for your baby. For outdoor use, you can use fabrics with the addition of synthetic materials.
Slings differ in size; sling manufacturers usually indicate it. The size of your sling depends on your clothing size. If you have a borderline size, a smaller sling will be more convenient. If you are in doubt or there is no marking, fitting will decide everything. When trying on a sling, pay attention to the fact that the soft sides should not reach 3-10 cm from the rings. If the sling is the right size, it will be more convenient for you to use it.
If you have a newborn baby and you need a sling for outdoor use and at home, it is better to choose two slings, then you will have less hassle with washing, and the sling will always be at hand. For home use It’s also convenient to have two slings - if one is in the wash, then you use the second one.

When choosing a sling scarf, the main requirements are for the fabric from which the sling is made. The best sling scarves are made from natural fabrics that do not stretch at all in length, stretch a little in width and stretch diagonally. This fabric ergonomically fits the baby, does not cut into the shoulders and does not cause inconvenience to mother and child. Such fabrics include some types of knitwear, stretch and jacquard fabrics.

Manufacturers use the following types of fabrics: stretch fabrics (knitwear, fleece); low-stretch fabrics (stretch denim, stretch cotton, stretch poplin); non-stretch fabrics (jacquard, calico).

Stretch fabrics and calico are more suitable for newborns or for those who just want to see if a sling scarf itself would suit them. But you should know that as the child’s weight increases, they begin to cut into the mother’s shoulders and/or stretch greatly.

The length of the scarf sling is also selected taking into account your clothing size. If the marking is not indicated, then if you wear clothing sizes 42-46, you will need a length of at least 460 cm; for sizes 48-54, the optimal length will be 480-520 cm. If you have a borderline size, a larger sling scarf will be more convenient.

Let's summarize:

For a child up to 3 months. A sling with rings will be convenient.
For a child from 7-8 months to 1.5-2 years - a sling scarf.
For a child from 4-8 months - a combination of a sling with rings and a sling-scarf.

Carry your babies with pleasure!

Discussion

I liked my miracle baby sling. It’s inexpensive, but it served me well for 2 years. The advantage is that you don’t need to wrap it like a scarf, the workpiece is already there. All that remains is to wrap the ends

I don’t know about anyone, but I’m just somehow scared to carry my baby in a sling. Perhaps a sling for a child is a comfortable thing, but I either carried it in a stroller or carried it in my arms; I never even bought a sling.

IMHO, a scarf is more comfortable for a newborn. And for older people - May-sling. Also convenient and versatile))
I personally didn’t like the knitted scarf at all...
By the way, many people believe that it is preferable to carry newborns vertically, because in the “cradle” position there is a possibility of poor placement of the baby’s head. Yes, many babies don’t like lying horizontally in a sling.

But I always advise purchasing two slings at once - with rings and a scarf - or just a knitted sling-scarf, which can later be changed to a woven one and supplemented with a sling with rings. A ring sling for a first-time mother is often much more difficult to master without face-to-face consultation than a sling scarf. Moreover, it is knitted, which forgives winding flaws.

I also wouldn’t say that a sling with rings is not used after a year. Especially with children who have started walking, it is very convenient to use it on walks, when you need to take the child out of the sling and put it in the sling many times. In this case, it is possible to put the sling on a child standing on the ground, throwing the cloth over his head, which allows you to practically avoid soiling the mother’s clothes with shoes that have been in a puddle :)

Comment on the article "How to choose the right sling?"

Strollers, car seats, kangaroos. A child from birth to one year. Care and education of a child up to one year: nutrition, illness, development. As I understand it, the child’s legs should be spread apart. At the same time, some sites write that facing the world is good, others - that it is bad.

Discussion

I highly recommend Baby Bjorn! Last time I had an ergo, I didn’t like it at all, incl. principle of leaning. And Bjorn is so simple that you can dress yourself with one hand and the child is just super comfortable. You can sit in it either way.

We have an ergobaby 360, we took the 360 because of the position facing the world, my girl doesn’t want it any other way:-(((but this is from 6 months, at 4 I carried her facing her mother.

In the live journal about slings:
[link-4] - profile, rules. community about scarves, help in choosing a scarf, a lot of photos and reviews
[link-5] - the community itself

With a new addition to your family. I agree with previous opinions, rings are the most convenient option, you don’t need all these knots, we have Amazonas Ring Sling lollipop made of 100% cotton, very light and comfortable

sling Which to choose?. Strollers, car seats, kangaroos. A child from birth to one year. Care and education of a child up to one year old: nutrition, illnesses They ordered me to buy a sling as a gift, they said that it was needed with rings. I found a website - orange mom, went in, my eyes widened, to collect it in a heap...

Discussion

why with rings? Maybe we should look at a sling scarf for starters?

We have a ring sling made of linen "flax" - "natural" http://www.kengurushka.ru/index.php?option=com_conte-nt&task=view&id=52&I-temid=94 , I like it because the fabric does not stretch natural, the child does not sweat and there are no allergies, the synthetic sling caused us to get stains(
Our sling has detachable rings and is machine washable.

The sling makes the life of a “newly made” mother much easier; the baby is always nearby and her hands are free, which allows her to do much more things. Many parents worry whether a sling is dangerous for a newborn? People also ask the question: “Which sling is best for newborns and children? early age? Let's try to figure it out.

Types of slings

There are several main types of slings - ring sling, scarf sling and May sling.

Ring sling

This is a strip of fabric, about 2 meters long and 60-70 cm wide, at one end of which there is a shoulder pad and rings, the other end of the fabric is tucked into rings so that its length can be adjusted.

This sling is easy to put on and take off and is very convenient to use, especially at home. If the baby falls asleep, the ring sling can be discreetly removed without waking the baby. In this sling, it is possible to change the baby's position on the go, without changing the sling (from lying to sitting and vice versa). It is convenient to feed the baby. In such a sling, a child can be carried both vertically and vertically. horizontal position. The sling allows you to maintain the natural position of the spine and supports the head.

The ring sling is suitable for both newborns and infants.

Among the disadvantages, we can note: they wear a sling with rings on one shoulder (shoulders can be changed), if the child is heavy enough, the load immediately becomes noticeable.

When purchasing a ring sling, pay attention to the presence of sides. For newborns and children in the first month of life, a sling with sides is recommended. Also pay attention to the rings, it is better if they are metal. Wooden and plastic ones can crack. The diameter of the ring largely depends on the type of fabric. So for calico and linen fabrics, rings with a diameter of 5-6 cm are suitable, for waffle fabrics - 6-7 cm; for slippery fabrics - 5 cm. Rings with a diameter of less than 5 cm are not recommended, as they are more difficult to adjust the sling.

When choosing a sling for a newborn, give preference to natural fabrics, preferably 100% cotton.

One similar option is a sling tube. Outwardly, it is similar to a ring sling, but less convenient and practical. The baby sling is poorly adjustable and difficult to remove without the baby noticing. So, be careful when purchasing.

May-sling

Not really suitable for a newborn. This sling is appearance similar to a kungurushka, but unlike it, in a May-sling the child sits more physiologically (the fabric of the sling supports the baby’s hips). Wide straps lined with synthetic padding reduce the load on mother's shoulders. A child in this sling can be worn on the stomach, on the back, or on the hip.

May-sling is a square or rectangle made of thick fabric, in the corners of which long straps are sewn.

This sling is more suitable for children who can already sit.

Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that it is not suitable for carrying a child in a horizontal position; not suitable for newborn children, the width of the straps is not adjustable.

When purchasing, pay attention to the straps; they should be wide and padded with synthetic padding; the attachment points of the upper straps should be reinforced with additional seams. The width of the fabric (square) can vary between 35-45 cm. younger child, the smaller the width of the square should be. Also pay attention to the fabric - it should not stretch in a May-sling.

Sling scarf

This sling is represented by a long strip of fabric (from 3 to 6 meters in length and 45-70 cm in width). The sling scarf can be worn on one or both shoulders. This sling is suitable for newborn babies. When using a sling scarf, the load is distributed evenly across the mother's shoulders, back and lower back. Great for carrying heavy babies. You can carry your baby in it both vertically and horizontally. Allows you to evenly support all parts of the spine, including the cervical region. It can be easily adjusted to suit any weight and age of the baby. Allows the baby's hip joints to be positioned correctly.

There are small disadvantages: it requires skill in tying, it is difficult to tie the sling on the street, on the go, it is not convenient for home use (it takes a long time to tie, it is hot).

If you decide to purchase this model, then when purchasing, pay attention to the fabric (ideally 95-100% cotton) and the length of the sling scarf. The length is determined by your size and the positions in which you plan to carry your baby. Many manufacturers produce universal sling scarves 5-6 meters long (the excess fabric is simply wound around the waist). If you choose by size, then for sizes 40-44 a length of 4 meters is suitable, for sizes 46-50 - 4.5-5 meters, from 52 and above - 5-6 meters.

A sling scarf can be made from knitted fabric or from a special fabric for slings.

A little about the physiology of a newborn baby

The spine of a newborn is not similar to the spine of an adult, it resembles an arch, it does not yet have bends and is not strong enough for the baby to hold his head up. Therefore, when using any devices for carrying a newborn, you must ensure that it allows you to fix his head at the same level with the body, or that the mother has the opportunity to support her with one hand.

The curves of the spine are formed gradually:

From 5-6 weeks, the child begins to raise and hold his head in a lying position - at this time the formation of cervical lordosis begins;
When a child begins to sit independently, thoracic kyphosis occurs;
The child begins to stand independently - lumbar lordosis is formed;
When a child begins to walk, sacral kyphosis appears.

The physiological position for a newborn baby is the fetal position (arms and legs pulled up to the body, with the legs apart at the hip joints).

A newborn feels very comfortable in the “belly to belly” position.

When we hold a newborn in our arms, it is very important to provide support for the back and cervical spine, this also applies when we place the child in a sling.

Newborn hip joints

The hip joints of a newborn are not yet mature enough, they are very flexible and mostly consist of cartilage tissue. And some babies may experience various pathologies development of the hip joint (dysplasia, dislocation, subluxation).

One of effective methods prevention and even treatment of hip joint pathology is wide swaddling and carrying children with their legs vertically apart.

Therefore, when carrying a baby in your arms or in a sling, you need to make sure that there is support for the hip joint, the baby’s legs are spread at an angle that is comfortable for the child and are free from the knees (for sufficient movement).

Which slings are not suitable for newborns?

Fast slings;
Backpacks
Kunguru;
Sling bags

They do not provide the necessary support for the spine and correct (M-position) for the pelvis and legs of a newborn baby;

What else influences the choice of a sling?

Mom's health;
The purpose of purchasing a sling is for home, for the street, for travel, for long-term or short-term wearing,
Season;
Clothing style;
How much you are willing to spend on a sling (your budget).

Any sling for a newborn should provide support in the occipital part of the head, back, pelvis and hips.

If you are using a sling, position your baby so that you can always see his face.

Remember that the sling should be convenient and comfortable for both you and your baby.