Baby Slings Are Useful In The City

By: Marlene Benedicto

During a recent subway trip in Toronto, I noticed a young woman trying to push a stroller through the doors and onto a train packed with business people and students. Though it is not uncommon that you have to shove your way through a large mass of people during rush hour, I couldn’t help but feel bad for the flustered mom and not mention her poor baby who was likely frightened by the chaos. After witnessing this, I realized how difficult it must be to wander around a busy city with a stroller. There are a variety of baby slings and carriers on the market today, which allow urban parents to bring their infant or toddler with them wherever they go without the hassle of having to use a stroller all the time.

The city lifestyle is one that is constantly moving and changing. Many people have to deal with the difficult task of trying to juggle their busy work schedule and their families. Between going to business meetings, making meals and doing household chores there is very little time during the day to fit everything in and spend quality time with your baby. Slings give you the capability to multitask. Because they are made out of lightweight materials you can easily weave through busy streets, buses and shopping malls with your baby attached to you. You never have to feel the guilt of dropping your baby off at a babysitter while you run and do errands.

Not only do slings allow you to avoid using a large, usually heavy stroller, it also keeps your child safe. You don’t have to worry about people bumping into your baby and potentially hurting them because they are up where everyone can see them. Busy cities are not always the safest places to take your young ones, especially when they become mobile and begin to walk. A baby carrier keeps your toddlers with you in a stationary place and eliminates the chances of them running off or getting lost.

Studies have shown that putting your infant in a sling gives them a sense of security and decreases crying. Carriers help your baby stay calm in your arms while giving you the ability to run errands and go about your day. Since it’s important for most parents to have a life outside of their home, slings allow you to bond with your child and have a little bit more freedom as well. If your baby needs a nap while you are out all you need to do is plop them into a sling and they can sleep comfortably while you have full use of your hands.

Parents of multiple children often have a difficult time keeping all of their kids in close proximity to them while they are out. There’s nothing more embarrassing for a parent than trying to chase their children, who are wildly running around in a mall or grocery store, and having onlookers sneer at you for not keeping your children under control. Unlike when you use a stroller, a “hands free” carrier allows you to carry your infant and hold your older children’s hand at the same time.

Slings are a practical option for urban parents. Not only are they affordable, but also make your day-to-day juggling act a little bit easier. You can relax and enjoy that latte at a downtown café and know that your baby is sitting comfortably with you.



Information about the Author:

For more information on baby slings and babywearing, check out: www.zfina.com