I am admitting my bias here but I love unpadded ring slings! I have recently bought two for my twins, and while I know there are a variety of carriers to choose from, I am convinced that unpadded ring slings are the easiest and most versatile. So, I’ll tell you from the beginning of this blog that if you are not sure what type of baby carrier to buy keep reading. Let me convince you why the ring sling is an essential piece of baby equipment for the baby wearing mommy.
Unpadded vs. Padded
Slings that are sold in stores are generally padded slings. In fact, the only way I know of to obtain an unpadded ring sling is to order it or make it yourself. I know in theory, it seems like a padded sling would be more comfortable. That’s why manufacturers put the padding in there–because you think it would be more comfortable. I actually used a padded ring sling (from NoJo) for my first three children. It wasn’t until I had twins that I started exploring more options.
What we don’t realize about padding is that it does two things: it centers a small amount of fabric on your shoulder thus putting the bulk of the weight on a small spot; and it makes the fabric difficult to move through the rings.
The most comfortable way to wear a sling, is to have one where the material is spread over your shoulder. This is easiest on your back, on your shoulders and on your neck.
“Popability”
Popability refers to how easy it is to get the baby in and out. Slings in general are much easier to “pop” a baby in and out as needed. However, unpadded ring slings have the advantage of not having extra padding which makes the fabric move more easily through the rings. Therefore you can adjust it to get the baby in or out quickly.
Most other carriers cannot boast about “popability.” They all have extra straps and latches here and there that must be fastened or unfastened in order to get the baby in and/or out.
Versatility
Again, I’ll admit my bias, but ring slings are the most versatile carrier there is. Consider these facts:
1. You can use a ring sling for a newborn as well as a toddler. A well made one can carry a child up to 40 lbs.!
2. You can nurse discreetly in a ring sling. I even nurse my twins in their ring slings and no one is ever the wiser.
3. You can wear a baby using a ring sling in front, on either hip, or on back. For those of you who are desparately curious, I wear my twins either on each hip, or on front and on one hip.
4. One little known uses for an unpadded ring sling is as a tether. While it is true if you only have one little one at a time you may never need tethers. But tethers are a great solution for twins or moms with a toddler and a newborn. What’s great about using a ring sling as a tether is that if your little one gets tired of walking, you can carry him in the sling!!
Can you tell I love my ring slings? I really do. If you’re making a decision to buy a sling, consider going online and looking at the many options for carriers before you buy whatever is at the store. You won’t regret it!
Some Useful Sites:
This is actually where I’ve ordered all of my baby carriers for the twins. I absolutely love it there. I know you would too.
www.thebabywearer.com Has instructions and a chart to compare different types of slings and carriers
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