Yesterday, I wrote this post about my experience as a plus-size mum who wanted to try baby-wearing.
As I explained in that post, I was really worried that there wouldn’t be a sling that would fit me. But I shouldn’t have worried. There were many options to choose from, and the slings I ended up using (a Hana wrap at first, then a Manduca baby carrier when Pumpkin got older) actually had plenty of room to spare.
Why choose to baby-wear?
Everyone has different reasons for choosing to baby-wear, so before you go out and buy a baby sling, think about the benefits, as well as the problems you might encounter – because it might not be for everyone.
On a train into London.
Here are some of the reasons I wanted a baby sling:
- Happier baby – Advocates of baby-wearing say it makes a baby feel safer and that it can be beneficial for early development. Since I was having trouble with milk production, keeping the baby close to me should have helped with that too.
- Easier to get around – Living in London, getting around with a pram can be difficult, especially on the Tube, where step-free access isn’t always available.
- Air travel – I knew we’d be travelling with Pumpkin sitting on my lap for at least two long-haul flights, so I wanted a way to hold her during those flights without actually having to hold on to her for 11 hours straight.
- Hands-free at home – I wanted a way to keep Pumpkin close, while still being able to do things at home. The wrap meant I could clean, prepare meals and even write blog posts while she was cuddled up on me.
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Boarding a plane in an Icelandic blizzard – but Pumpkin was comfortable and happy.
Here are a few problems I encountered with baby wearing:
- Hot – In the summer months, having a baby (ie, a portable radiator) strapped to you can get very warm, even with a nice breathable fabric wrap.
- Tiring – As Pumpkin got older, baby wearing become more and more exhausting. This was probably more noticeable since I’m not in prime physical condition.
- Can’t put baby down – If you’re out for a whole day and have baby in a sling, there’s no option but to keep wearing the her. Going out for lunch? You’re going to have to eat with the baby strapped to you – or hand her off to your dining companions. Need to go to the bathroom? If there’s no one with you who can take the baby for a few minutes, you’re going to have company in the loo.
- Other stuff – Going out with a baby means bringing supplies. If you have a pram, that’s easy – just put it all in the basket below and off you go. If you’re baby-wearing, you’ll need to carry a bag too. I opted for a backpack that I put on over the sling, but with a baby on my front and a backpack on my back, I was very conscious of my new proportions.
These problems did not put me off baby-wearing, but they are definitely something to be aware of.
How to choose a baby sling
My first piece of advice to mums of any size when choosing a baby carrier is to find a local sling library. Why?
- It’s a more relaxed environment than a high-street shop.
- You can try out a variety of different baby carriers – they tend to have more options than a normal shop.
- The sling librarian is an expert who can provide loads of advice.
- The sling librarian can also make sure that the sling you choose is properly supporting your baby.
- Most sling libraries allow you to borrow the baby carrier for a certain length of time – that means you can test it over several days rather than a few minutes in a shop.
Heading home after our first trip to the sling library
Where do you find a sling library?
- Search for it on Google.
- Try the UK Sling Libraries Network.
- Try a Facebook search.
- Ask around – local playgroups, baby groups and NCT groups might be able to point you in the right direction.
For those in south-east London, I highly recommend the Greenwich & Lewisham sling Library.
Pumpkin’s first trip to the beach.
If you can’t find a sling library in your area, here are some things to look for when choosing a carrier:
- Good support – Most importantly, a wrap for infants should provide plenty of support. According to the NCT, the sling should allow your baby’s back to remain in its natural rounded position, support the hips to allow a “spread squat” position and support the back of the baby’s head.
- “Close enough to kiss” – The wrap should be adjustable and your baby should actually be held pretty high up on your body – close enough to kiss. Your baby’s face should also always be visible.
- Comfort – A baby sling is supposed to make your life easier as a mum – and if you’re not comfortable wearing it, then it’s not doing its job.
- More than one – Some baby carriers say they’re suitable for all ages, meaning you only have to buy one. But you might find that one works better for infants and another is preferable for older babies and toddlers. That’s what I found, so we started with a fabric Hana wrap, then moved on to a Manduca baby carrier when Pumpkin was about 10 months old. It was more expensive, but meant that both Pumpkin and I were properly supported and comfortable.
I hope this guide was helpful for anyone looking to try baby-wearing, especially for more curvy mums.
Getting over jet-lag after her first long-haul flight.
If you’re looking for more advice, here are some useful links:
- SlingGuide – A comprehensive and independent site that is run by parent volunteers who want to help others choose and use a sling.
- T.I.C.K.S. – A set of rules to help ensure safe baby wearing.
- The Baby Wearer – An online forum dedicated to baby wearing.
- Babywearing: 23 science-backed benefits: An interesting post from We the Parents.
Please share your experiences of baby wearing in the comments below. And if you think there’s anything I’ve missed, please let me know.
Playing with the willow tree at Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
Note: I’m not affiliated with Hana, Manduca or the Greenwich & Lewisham Sling Library in any way. I just think these things are all great and wanted to share them with my readers. 🙂
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