First Words Summer 2017 | Page 46

Hands Free and Happy!

Finding your Babywearing solution for All Areas Access to the Outdoors

There are SO many benefits to using a safe, comfortable sling or carrier. From reducing crying and symptoms of reflux, to supporting your baby’s emotional, cognitive and physical development, helping to establish breastfeeding and simply giving you your hands back to get some stuff done. But as a second-time mum with an active older child to keep occupied, one of the things I loved best about babywearing my youngest was the freedom it gave all of us to go wherever we wanted and enjoy unencumbered time together.

From Nature Play groups, to adventure playgrounds, to farms, museums, and even clambering over boulders by the sea, my 4 year old son and I were able to explore it all. No struggling to navigate public transport or off-road terrain with a buggy; we could go anywhere! And all with his little sister strapped snugly to my front (or back once she was old enough) so that she could share in the fun too!

Using comfortable carriers gave us the freedom to do what we wanted to do; and I became so passionate about

helping others to find that freedom that I trained as a Carrying Consultant, and set up the South London Sling

Library to help others to be able to do the same. With the right carrier, you can carry your baby safely and comfortably for as much of the day as you need or

want to - whether for a few

minutes, or many hours at a time - without hurting your back or shoulders. Provided that your baby is supported safely in the carrier, there

is no maximum time that they can spend being carried. But with the bewildering range of options available, from multi-functional structured carriers, to soft wraps, tied slings, backpacks and everything in between, how on earth do you know which sling or carrier will be the right one for you?

Well, the most important thing to remember is that everyone is different! Reviews and articles will never give you the experience of using a particular sling or carrier yourself with

With summer here, it’s great to get out and about more - whether around town, or getting closer to nature - and babywearing is a fantastic way to enjoy unrestricted access to the outdoors.