Scarf-sling: models and instructions for winding

Every mother has faced difficulties when it comes to traveling with a baby. The usual mode of transportation is a wheelchair. But it is often quite heavy and uncomfortable, especially when you need to get into transport or a store / clinic on the way. Not all children can safely endure trips in a stroller. In the first months of life, they constantly need to feel the warmth of their mother, her presence nearby and the protection that she gives. Thanks to this, they do not worry in new and noisy places, fall asleep easily and do not experience psychological discomfort.

But it is physically difficult and very uncomfortable to carry a baby in your arms all the time, because we always need free hands. In this case, the experience of our ancestors, the sling, will help us.

There are many different slings, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

This is a piece of material with a length of 2 to 5 meters and a width of 50-55 cm to 80-85 cm. Such slings are made of non-stretch fabric and knitwear. The first option does not stretch, retaining its appearance for a long time, suitable for stronger fixation and heavier children. Knitted slings are able to stretch, and they are much more comfortable for very little ones. The design of the sling scarf is unique, it allows you to carry babies in a vertical and horizontal position. You can use it from the first weeks to 2-3 years.

There are three types of sling scarves.

• Most comfortable to wear short scarf, about 2 meters long. It is very compact and easy to wind, the baby can be in it from birth. A short scarf is wound around one shoulder, which needs to be changed, as the load will not be distributed so evenly.

• Scarf-sling of medium length. The middle scarf already has more ways to tie, is attached to both shoulders, which will allow better distribution of the load, it is already suitable for children a little older and heavier. Ideal for short trips to the store, playground or short walks. It will be quite difficult to make long, several hour trips in it.

• Long sling scarf. The most versatile model of such slings is a long and rather wide scarf, which is perfect for both newborns and older children.There are many ways to tie such a scarf, which allows you to choose the most comfortable way for you and your baby, depending on his age and desires.

This is a modernized scarf sling. There are rings on one side of the scarf, and the other end is tucked into them, thereby regulating the position of the child. Standard sizes for this type of sling: width -70-75cm, length -2 m. Due to the convenient design, the baby can be placed both in the cradle, as well as in an upright position. The main advantage of slings with rings is the ability to easily change the configuration, adapting to the circumstances. Another plus is the ability to quickly put a child in or out of the sling.

More technological slings. It is a rectangle of fabric with four straps sewn on the sides. The lower ends are tied at the mother's waist, helping to hold the baby, and with the help of the upper ends, his position is regulated. So the weight is distributed on two shoulders and the number of poses for the child increases. But it has two drawbacks. Firstly, the straps are long, which makes it difficult to carefully and quickly bandage it on the street. Secondly, it is not very convenient for feeding a child.

If you need a sling to wear at home during the first months of a baby's life, then it is better to choose a short scarf or a sling with rings.They are easy to use, do not take much time when winding, and allow you to carefully transfer dozing crumbs to the crib. But remember, you will only have one hand free, because in such slings the child must be constantly supported.

For long walks on the street, a long sling scarf or may sling is suitable. They allow you to more evenly distribute weight and change the position of the baby. A long scarf is suitable for babies, as it allows you to wrap your baby's head if he falls asleep. May-slings do not have such a function, you will either have to buy a special headrest or hold your head with your hand.

For a newly born baby, a short sling scarf or a sling with rings is an ideal choice, as they allow the baby to comfortably lie down in a horizontal position and quickly turn over, and it is also convenient to feed and lull the baby in them.

There are many different types of wrapping sling scarves, depending on the age of the baby and the chosen position.

The most convenient way to wind a scarf for the little ones is the "Cradle".

1. Attach the sling to the neck so that the difference between the ends is 40-45 cm, and at the back it sags to the waist.
2. Cross the ends, and thread the longer one into the loop behind your back. Then tie the ends at the thigh.
3. Straighten the straps, put the baby inside the cross and straighten the scarf.

On the stomach:

1. We press the middle of the sling to the back near the waist, cross in front and throw it over the shoulders.
2. Once again we cross the ends behind the back, throw them forward and tie.
3. We seat the child, putting the legs under the upper parts of the cross, and straighten the sling.
4. This method can be used both for the position of the child facing the mother, and for the position facing the world.

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On the side:

1. Fold the scarf in half and drape over one shoulder. Then make a knot at the hip.
2. Move the knot to the height of the shoulder blades behind the back.
3. Throw a scarf over the baby sitting in front of you, then move it to its side.
4. Spread the scarf across the entire width, only the legs and head remain free, straighten the strap.

On the back:

1. Position the baby in the center of the sling and cover the ends of the handles.
2. Take the child under the armpits with crossed arms and carry over the head.
3. Bend over, place the child on your back, throw the ends of the scarf over your shoulders.
4. Draw the ends under the baby, crossing them.
5. Move the ends of the scarf to the stomach and tie.

Both foreign and our domestic firms are engaged in the production of slings of various models.

One of the most famous and successful companies in the field of natural parenting is Mother Echidna. There are two brands under this common name. "Echidna" is engaged in the production of clothing for nursing, Mum's era specializes in slings.The factory is located in Russia, the highest quality parts and fabrics are purchased in different countries. So, for example, fabric for cheap slings is produced in Russia, and for expensive ones - in India. All products use natural, hypoallergenic materials. Mams era is slings of different models and colors at the most reasonable prices.

A special line of sling scarves from the Mum's era brand, made from organic jacquard weave cotton, produced in India. Differs in the increased convenience both for the kid, and for mum. The fabric stretches diagonally so it gently hugs and supports the baby and relieves pressure on the wearer's shoulders.

These are nursing clothes from Norway. High quality, natural fabrics, a wide range of models, beautiful colors and reasonable prices are the main features of this brand.

An American brand created in 2006 by a married couple with 4 children. They have come a long way in search of the perfect baby carrier and decided to share it with the world. The company produces ergo-backpacks and slings from natural 100% cotton. Every year they update their wraps with the latest developments from physiologists to make their products even more comfortable. And a large number of colors, low prices and product certification in Russia make their slings even more attractive.

Sling scarves from an Italian brand at a great price. The company has a large production in Italy, so all products undergo mandatory certification according to ISO standards.In the manufacture, natural materials and dyes are used, fabrics, thanks to special processing, are very soft, but of medium thickness, so these scarves are suitable for both newborns and older children.

Russian production, famous for its low prices. Sling from Fareeda can be bought from 1500 rubles. The main advantages of the company are hand-made production of each model, natural fabrics and dyes and hand-dyeing. The main feature of their slings is the fabric with a diagonal weave, which allows you to make scarves thin and compact, but at the same time very durable, designed for a fairly large weight of the child.

Perhaps the most unusual sling scarves you will find under this brand. The company specializes in long scarves made from cotton with a special mesh weave. Such slings are not suitable for newborns, the manufacturer recommends starting their use from 3-4 months, but they can withstand a lot of weight, which means they can last you up to 2-3 years. The mesh construction will be especially convenient for summer walks, as it provides protection from overheating.

Another young Russian manufacturer that has already managed to establish itself in the baby goods market. Specializes in soft long jacquard (diagonal) weave scarves made of 100% cotton. The models of this manufacturer are best suited for newborns and children up to a year, as they are very soft and gently hug the baby.

Hundreds of thousands of moms and dads around the world already use sling scarves and have managed to appreciate them. Most parents agree that this is a very convenient accessory, as it allows you to do without a bulky stroller and at the same time leaves your hands free.The main advantages of women consider the correct distribution of weight, as well as the comfortable and safe position of the child when worn, the ability to feed or let the baby sleep without interrupting the walk. But most buyers note that a beginner will have to practice winding a sling scarf, as this may not work out the first time.