Baby Sling - Over The Shoulder Baby Holder

Mothering in the Millenium (see colors and patterns)

A randomized, controlled test reported in Pediatrics showed that carrying babies in the manner we promote reduces crying and fussing 43% during the day and 51% at night. And logically, other studies show these less frustrated babies are less often victims of child abuse. Still, others show that institutionalized infants who are touched and cuddled regularly grow physically and mentally at a faster rate and have a dramatically lower mortality rate than babies on a "maintenance only" (diaper and fed) program. Most of us are aware that today's premature incubator babies are on "touch programs" for these same reasons.

Studies have also shown that the continuous contact of using a sling is even more beneficial to the bonding process than breast feeding itself. A stroller or plastic carrier does not provide the tactile stimulation and natural rhythm of movement necessary for proper neurological development. Babies have excess energy that they are not able to discharge by themselves. Looking out from a stroller, bouncer or playpen, though convenient for the caretaker, does not provide the gamut of stimulation a baby needs. While being carried in an Over the Shoulder Baby Holder, the baby participates in the bearer's walking, talking, laughing, working and playing. Babies in a sling have little reason to kick, arch, stiffen or cry. They are busy enjoying pleasure, warmth, touch, security and oneness with their mother. A content, alert baby observes and learns more readily. The Over the Shoulder Baby Holder complements this parenting style because during the dozens of times we pick our baby up daily we simply slip the carrier on and place the baby in it in just seconds. Our baby holder is receiving enthusiastic support from hospital and university pediatric departments, baby authors, natural childbirth educators, lactation consultants, birthing centers, chiropractors, etc.

Some of the benefits to you and your baby are:

1) The horizontal position supports head and neck reducing stress on baby's spine,
2) The padded shoulder pillow interferes less with mom's upper-chest circulation thus reducing the likelihood of breast infection,
3) Elimination of leg openings improves baby's leg circulation and will not promote bowleggedness,
4) Weight distributed on parents shoulder, hip and back reduces back fatigue and injury.

Sometimes parents think prolonged carrying of a child is too difficult, but our carrier is so simple to put on and so comfortable they quickly change their minds and the results of your effort come back for a lifetime. Your baby can be exposed to a variety of experiences and yet feel safe and secure in it's cocoon..the womb with a view.

WEARING INSTRUCTIONS

Practice using the sling before you put your infant in for the first time. Get used to putting the Baby Holder on and off, and shortening and lengthening the sling. Use a doll for the "right feel."

Above all, relax! This is not a test of your parenthood. Babies feel more secure when movement is taking place. As soon as your infant is in the sling, start moving and talking. The more comfortable you are, the happier baby will be.

If baby looks uncomfortable, don't be afraid to simply "lift" him into a more natural position. It is recommended to keep your arms under the sling and baby until you feel more secure with it.

Grasp Baby Holder with rings at front and tail hanging down.

Pass over head and rest shoulder pad on shoulder; sling portion will be under opposite arm. Rings are at front (positioned approximately where you would pin a corsage) with the tail hanging down. Rings must be kept in this position at all times or the baby holder will not open properly. You should pull any slack fabric from behind your back. Do not slide the pad off of your shoulder. Baby Holder may be worn on either shoulder. To adjust the sling for a smaller parent, lift baby with one hand to "unlock" rings and pull down on tail with opposite hand. To enlarge the sling, lift up on bottom of upper ring and pull down on sack portion with other hand.

To place baby in horizontal position, to sleep or nurse, loosen tail to make plenty of room in the "sack" where the baby lies. Make sure rings stay high on chest. Turn batting along bottom edge up against parent's tummy, even with belt line. Stretch sack out evenly in front horizontally by pulling out on both rolls of padding at the same time with both hands. Position baby's head away from rings. As baby grows, feet can hang out. Pull material up for discreet nursing, or to shade baby's eyes from sun or to shield from cold wind.

NOTE: with smaller babies if they look lost down in the bottom of the sling, lay their head right on the padded edge.

To incline tiny newborn for better head support, tighten tail up to make sack smaller. Turn bottom batting up high against your chest, tucking excess fabric behind your back. Pull sack open straight out in front of you. Lie baby on back with head toward rings. Remember to keep ring high on chest as previously described.

NOTE: Keeping the batting high on you chest pulls the slack out of the pouch around the baby's head so he can see out and experience the world. Or, you might fold a little blanket or diaper behind his upper body.

To sit baby facing forward, tighten tail to about medium depending on the size of the baby. Turn bottom batting up against your tummy, pull sack straight out in front of you. Cross baby's legs to sit down in pouch. Baby's head rests against center of your chest. If baby cries when you first put him in the sling, and he is in it properly, you might try again later when you are both in a relaxed mood. In comparison, some babies cry the first time they are put in a bath tub, but as they become used to it, they learn to love it.

Baby can face tummy to tummy with parent too. Little infants can put legs in sack, while larger babies put legs out. Position batting along bottom of sack either up against parent's waist to create a curved bag with baby's legs in, or tuck batting under baby's bottom with legs out. Tighten tail snugly.

To carry a larger child on parent's hip, pull sack to your side, straddle baby on hip as usual, place lower batting under baby's bottom, one leg will be behind your hip, the other in front, both legs hang out of sling. "Lift baby", pull on tail to tighten sack so baby is closer to parent's side. Pull top batting up as high as you like to support baby behind his back or head. To carry baby on back, just slide baby behind arm.

Parent can remove the Baby Holder without waking baby by simply lying baby down and backing out of the baby holder while slipping it over your head.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Baby Holder is made of soft and cool 100% cotton material or mostly cotton. Less allergenic for sensitive baby skin. Padding is flame-retardant polyester fiber fill. Wash gentle cycle, low heat, air or fluff dry recommended, no bleach. Non-phosphate detergents suggested for baby's skin. Wash separately first few times as fabric may bleed. Excessive heat may shrink your Baby Holder.