Parenting and Attachment: The Role of Slings for Newborns
Jenny South is the owner of Hana Baby UK. A passionate advocate for nurturing attachment parenting. Helping connection through practical, gentle tools like their award-winning stretchy wrap. Designed to support parents from the earliest days, including those with premature babies. With years of hands-on experience supporting new families, my goal is to empower parents with knowledge that’s evidence-informed, down-to-earth, and truly supportive of the unique path you're on.
Welcoming a newborn into your life is an extraordinary journey filled with love, joy, and a fair share of questions, anxiety, and all those early days emotions. Especially when it comes to attachment and ensuring your baby's wellbeing.
One topic that often pops up is the use of slings, wraps and carriers – a practical tool that can foster that precious bond between parent and child. Allowing your baby to transition from womb to word in a gentle way. Since humans could walk upright, we've been carrying our babies, and believe me when I say, your babies want to be carried. Like it's on an instinctual level for them.
Baby carriers allow you to be hands-free when needed. Whether you're keen to understand the best time to start using a sling for your baby or curious about its benefits, especially in the case of a premature baby, you're in the right place.
Lets explore the intricacies of baby sling safety and delve into the developmental milestones that guide its use, offering gentle advice to help navigate this new chapter. As we embark on this exploration, remember that every parent's journey is unique, and seeking personalised advice can be invaluable, particularly for those caring for a little one who arrived a bit earlier than expected.
Understanding Slings and Newborns
Slings offer a wonderful way to keep your baby close while allowing you to move about freely. When your baby is in a sling next to their caregiver. They feel safe and secure. They can smell your scent, hear your heartbeat, and lie next to your skin. This not only keeps them calm, but regulates their temperature, and helps them bond with you. It's the next best thing to their womb environment which is all they've ever known.
Slings allow you to provide all these wonderful wellbeing benefits for your baby with ease. No expensive rockers or white noise machines. All your baby needs is you. Not only are slings a no brainer, they you the caregiver too. You can have two hands free again to do whatever you like? It could be the dishes, to painting a masterpiece. The choice is yours.
Let's look at when to start using slings, weight considerations, and their impact on development and attachment.
The ideal Age to Start Using Baby Slings
Most fabric slings can be used from birth, provided your baby meets certain criteria. Most healthy, full-term babies can be carried in a sling immediately. Every sling manufacturer will have tested their sling to a minimum and maximum weight. For our Hana Baby Slings it’s from 2.5kg up to 9kg. (That’s 5lbs 8oz - 19lb 13oz). I carried my newborn out of the hospital in my Hana Baby Wrap and to the car. No influencer-style car seat in a corridor photo for me.
Baby Weight Considerations
When using a sling, your baby's weight and size is a crucial factor to consider. Most slings have weight limits that you should adhere to for safety. Generally, slings are suitable for babies weighing between 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs.) and 15 kg (33 lbs.). However, these limits can vary depending on the type and brand of sling.
For newborns, look for slings that offer ergonomic support, which are breathable and light weight. And it’s a bonus if they help with heat regulation. You want your baby carrier to fit your newborn well. Airways need to be in sight at all times, and no big bulky straps covering their head.
This image above shows a baby carrier that is not fitting this newborn baby well. The back panel of the carrier is too high, meaning this baby could easily slip out of view. This could lead to overheating and babies’ airways being covered. For newborns, it's crucial to ensure proper positioning. Their airways should remain unobstructed, and their spine and hips should be well supported.
Consulting a babywearing expert can help you find a baby sling or carrier, that is not only suitable for your baby but fits you well. We've created this interactive map to help you find local support near you.
As your baby grows, you'll need to adjust the sling or carrier to accommodate their changing size and strength. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and consult a babywearing expert if you're unsure. Remember, every baby is unique. Some may take to slings immediately, while others might need time to adjust. Patience and persistence are key.
Impact on Development and Attachment
Slings can play a significant role in fostering attachment and aiding your baby's development. Research suggests that close physical contact promotes bonding and can have positive effects on your baby's emotional and cognitive growth. When carried in a sling, babies are often in a state of "quiet alertness". This state is ideal for learning and observing their environment.
The gentle movement experienced in a sling can also help with vestibular development, which is crucial for balance and spatial awareness. Moreover, the close proximity allows for easy breastfeeding and can help regulate your baby's temperature and breathing patterns.
As your baby grows it can also help their language development. Being close to you and observing you talk with others is their first introduction into language. Parents often find that they talk more with their babies whilst they wear them. Pointing to objects and explaining to their child what they are. Naming them whilst demonstrating what they are for.
Special Considerations for Premature Babies
Premature babies require extra care and attention, especially when it comes to using slings. Let's discuss the importance of expert guidance and safe practices for premature baby care.
Importance of Expert Guidance
When considering using a sling for a premature baby, seeking expert advice is crucial. Specialists in premature baby care can provide tailored guidance based on your baby's specific needs. These experts can assess your baby's developmental stage and advise on the most suitable type of sling. They'll also teach you proper positioning techniques to ensure your baby's safety.
Remember, premature babies may have different needs compared to full-term infants. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals can help you adjust your babywearing practices as your little one grows. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek support. Your baby's health and safety are paramount, and experts are there to help you navigate this journey.
Our Hana Baby Wraps have been highlighted as a standout for premature and neonatal use. The only stretchy wrap recognised as "best for premature babies" by Wear My Baby in 2024
Safe Practices for Premature Baby Care
When using a sling for a premature baby, extra precautions are necessary to ensure their safety and comfort:
1. Always ensure your baby's airways are clear and unobstructed.
2. Support your baby's head and neck carefully, as they may have less muscle control than full-term babies (see image below for inspiration)
3. Monitor your baby's temperature closely as premature babies can struggle with temperature regulation.
It's crucial to choose a sling that provides adequate support for your premature baby's developing body. Look for slings that offer adjustable features to accommodate your baby's growth. Better still, slings that offer a two way stretch or that can grow with your baby.
Start with short periods of babywearing and gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes stronger and more comfortable. Always listen to your baby's cues and remove them from the sling if they show signs of distress.
This is an image of a father wearing his baby in a Hana Baby Wrap. He has used a roll up muslin and tucked it under the top rail of the sling to give the premature baby more head and neck support.
Ensuring Baby Safety and Comfort
Safety should always be the top priority when using a sling. Let's explore safe sleeping practices in slings, with general safety guidelines to follow.
A Newborn Sleeping in a Sling
While it's common for babies to fall asleep in slings, it's important to follow safe sleep practices to reduce any risks. Always ensure your baby's face is visible and their chin is not pressed against their chest. Babies can curl up and want to tuck their chin down, so a little repositioning may be needed if this happens. Babies having their chin up in this position helps maintain an open airway.
Remember, while slings can be comforting for naps, they're not suitable for prolonged or nighttime sleep. Always follow safe sleep guidelines recommended by the NHS or the Lullaby trust.
Baby Sling Safety Guidelines
Following proper safety guidelines is crucial when using a sling. Here are some key points to remember:
• Always check your sling for any signs of wear or damage before each use.
• Ensure your baby is positioned correctly, with their face visible and airways clear.
• Keep your baby's chin off their chest to maintain an open airway.
• Make sure the sling is tight enough (think swimsuit tight, and that baby is close enough to kiss.
When putting your baby in or taking them out of the sling, use one hand to support them at all times. Practice over a soft surface until you're confident.
Regularly check on your baby while they're in the sling, especially if they're very young or born prematurely.
We've written a blog about the T.I.C.K.S babywearing guidelines if you'd like to familiarise yourself with them more.
For more information on babywearing for premature babies, you can visit this helpful resource.