Sunday 3 February 2013

Types of Carriers: Part 2

Ring Sling/RS:



Rhianna  with Elias in a Maya Ring Sling: Back Position

A RS is a narrow piece of non-stretch fabric with two metal rings sewn into one end. The other end is threaded through the rings like a belt (there are a few different ways of sewing the shoulder that add comfort). To use a RS you place the rings on one shoulder and bring the rest of the fabric over the other (wear like a Miss America sash), then place the baby in the pocket made. You pull some of the fabric under the babies bum and between your body and the baby. Then you pull the slack out by pulling the fabric hanging out of the ring. You must have evenly threaded the ring for this to go smoothly. (Rhianna started with the rings on her back, because otherwise she ends up with them by her breasts). RS can also be used for back carries, you just place the baby in on your hip and scoot them around to your back!


For Infant use: RS’s are great for infant use, they are quick and easy. But one very important thing to note is that an infant MUST be worn upright tummy to tummy with you. There are lots of instructions out there for cradle carry, but this is no longer recommended, due to positional asphyxiation. This is when the baby’s chin is touching their chest and they are curled up, this will block their airway and they can suffocate. 
Maya Ring Sling: Hip Position (Plus grumpy Miles)
Some Brands:
http://www.mayawrap.com/
http://www.momodesignhouse.com/

There are also WCRS, wrap conversion ring slings, these are made of a woven wrap and can have a customizable shoulder style. Some shoulder styles include Gathered, Eesti and Knife Pleat, but there are a few more out there. Some wearers believe that a regular RS is not comparable at all with the comfort of a WCRS, but it really has to do with what RS you get. From my personal experience a RS with any padding is significantly less comfortable than one with out. The padding makes tightening very tricky, so the sling is not properly positioned.

Pouch Sling:
Miles in a Seven Slings Pouch, Green Vibe

This type of carrier is similar in design to a ring sling, but there are no rings. Essentially it is fabric folded in half and sewn at one end (there is also a curve in the join at the other end). This again is worn like a sash, and the baby is placed in the pocket made when you separate the fabric. The types of slings are based on sizes, it is imperative that you find one that is your correct size, due to the fact that you cannot adjust them. Some Pouches, have buttons or other types of fasteners to tighten or loosen, but you still want to get as close to your real size as possible.
For Infant use: Pouches can be great for infant use, but the same precautions must be taken as with RS. An infant must be carried upright and not in a cradle position.


Some Brands:
http://www.mayawrap.com/
http://www.gorgeousbaby.ca/3-hotslings-ap-pouch-slings
http://www.sevenslings.com/

No comments:

Post a Comment