The Benefits

Why is a sling good for you and your baby?
This is what the experts say: Dr. Sears, a paediatrician for over 30 years explains, "Because baby wearing resembles the womb as closely as is humanly possible, it fulfils a style of parenting that baby would have anticipated and helps a new baby fit into their environment."

Baby wearing is a way for parents to bond with their babies. Dr. Sears writes, "By extending the womb experience, the baby wearing mother or father provide an external regulating system that balances the irregular and disorganised tendencies of the baby." Dr. Sears writes "Baby wearing allows breastfeeding on the move so that busy mothers can nurture their babies with the best nutrition, yet continue their active lifestyles." Libertyslings offer enough fabric to allow breastfeeding to be done discreetly wherever necessary, giving breastfeeding mothers more flexibility to leave the house with their babies. See www.drsears.com for more information
Good for baby's physical development. By being so close to your body's rhythms, your newborn "gets in rhythm" much more quickly. Your heartbeat, breathing, voice and warmth are all familiar. Research has shown how this helps newborns. Ludington-Hoe SM, Swinth JY. (1996). Developmental aspects of kangaroo care. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 25, 691-703.

Why a LibertySling?

1. Liberty Baby Slings are made from quality fabric in cool breathable 100% washable cotton and linen . For those environmentally conscious among you, and who want only the very best next to your child's skin, we offer unbleached / un-dyed renewable cotton, which has been grown without the use of chemical pesticides.
2. A baby in a sling with its entire body in the sling benefits from the natural foetal position it is placed in. In a sitting position with the legs out, the spine does not hold all the weight of the baby unlike carriers where the baby is in a hanging position with legs apart
3. Made with a specially shaped seam for comfortable fit around baby.Wonderful for discreet Breastfeeding ( Pouche )
   The baby sling can be worn on either shoulder and is designed to distribute your baby's weight across your back and shoulder without putting uncomfortable pressure on any one point.
4. Can be worn in many positions, from lying down, front facing, rear facing, hip carry and back carry allowing you to use the sling for newborns right up to toddlers (35lbs)!!
5. Baby Wearing is exercise and it is good for you. Wearing your baby will help you lose the post baby weight. If you wear your baby throughout the day, you will become stronger and burn extra calories just by holding your baby.
6. Libertyslings papoose allows hands-free carrying which enables parent to get on with every day life while their child is nurtured safely.

10 reasons to Wear Your Baby

1. Wearing a baby is convenient
When we carry a baby in a sling; we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles. Pushchairs "baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee and car fume level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. A Liberty sling can be especially handy when negotiating stations, airports or any busy place with a small child and several bags!

2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes - walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.

3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day - in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones. Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky or "high need" babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.

4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.

5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; Liberty slings accommodate children up to 35lbs. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a "meltdown" occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a pushchair won't see many of the exhibits.

6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby's cries because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that he or she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, their trust in us is increased, their learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other carers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!

8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.

9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than pushchairs, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions.

10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn't love to cuddle their precious baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe their reactions to the wonders of the world around them. It's also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when he or she is in their sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.