Distributors of many sling styles

Why a sling?

* Compared to front carriers with snaps, clips, buttons and straps, baby slings are the easiest-to-use, most versatile baby-wearing item you will ever find.

* Babies and toddlers often ask or need to be carried.

A sling will free your hands to

* pay a bill at the grocery store
* carry your baby if he is fussing in the shopping cart
* carry your baby if your baby dislikes the stroller
* move easily in crowds or public transportation (or museums) without a stroller
* keep your baby snug, tight and safely against your body (in a variety of positions) as you go about your day
* attend to your toddler while you keep your baby safe and snug in the sling
* nurse discretely in public, on the go

Benefits to baby

* lulls tired baby to sleep
* satisfies their need for touch
* provides a sense of security
* provides sensory input and vestibular stimulation
* strengthens babies muscles

As your baby is naturally rocked in the sling, the tactile pressure from all directions helps to stimulate tactile receptors in the babies skin. This helps to develop muscle tone. Babies will later cling to the wearer in the sling, which in turn also helps to develop muscle tone. (Heller, S.)

According to Researchers, Babies need Movement and Touch

By providing lots of touch (being held in-arms or carried in a sling) you can help your baby become happier, calmer and smarter. (Liedloff, J. & Heller, S) Babies who are carried often are in a quiet state of alertness, the optimal state for learning. The rich variety of sensory inputs a baby feels and experiences when carried in-arms or in the sling, fire neurons in the brain, which in turn leads the brain to grow and branch out. These new synaptic connections helps to lay the foundation for future learning. (Heller, S.)

When babies are held close by a loving parent or caregiver, they feel calm and contented. There are far less stress hormones (high levels of cortisol) which interfere with normal bodily functions, including digestion and brain development. (Heller, S.) It is theorized that excessive amounts of cortisol over time could magnify their future responses to stress. (Palmer, L.)

Research has demonstrated that even while a young child is crying during a stressful event (a doctor visit, for example), if she is comforted (held) during that stressful even, there is a much lower stress response. She still may be crying loudly, but there are much lower levels of cortisol measured. Human touch does make a difference.

Babies need sensory input (swaying, rocking, caresses, stroking, hugging, squeezing, exposure to a variety of sights, sounds, smells and tastes…) for optimal growth and development. (Schneider, C.) When a baby is wheeled in a stroller, all those sensations are lacking. (Heller, S.) With a sling, the wearer can provide all of the sensory input a baby needs. Safe and snug in the sling, the baby is comforted by your presence, heartbeat, body warmth, the rhythm of your walking, and the sound of your voice. Your baby will also feel deep pressure touch, which releases endorphins (the brain’s natural morphine) and has a calming effect. (Heller, S.)

Please visit our Recommended books on Baby Wearing to read the latest research. Visit the Rebozo Way website (distributors of authentic Mexican Rebozo slings) to view a list of studies on In-Arms Parenting. http://www.rebozoway.org/articles/studyiap.htm

Babies need touch and you need two free hands. A baby sling is the single best parenting tool you will ever find.

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To get your sling or a for a demonstration please e-mail jcl523@aol.com or contact La Leche League of Agoura Hills, California. We only ship inside the United States and by priority mail.