A baby sling can be a valuable sleep aid for newborn babies as it soothes and calms. It can be used both at home and when out and about, even for those babies who struggle to fall asleep. And you’re free to do whatever you want without being held captive by a newborn who will only sleep when held!
Sleeping in a baby sling is easier
If your newborn refuses to settle or suffers from sleep disorders, babywearing is for you!
Babywearing can magically soothe a fussy, over tired newborn to a peaceful sleep.
It can also be a great help to those with babies who’ll only fall asleep when being held close to their parents as, thanks to your baby sling, you’ll be free to move about and do other things.
Napping in a sling is also handy when outdoors, surrounded by light or noise. For example, it’s a great help if you are on holiday and your usual routine is a little messed up!
Why do infants sleep better in a baby sling carrier?
Babywearing helps babies sleep, why?
Being in close contact with mum and dad soothes and calms babies. They feel protected, safe and secure from stimuli, and thus, settle more easily.
Keep in mind that up until recently your baby was snug inside the shelter of your bump, protected from the external world and soothed by mum's voice and familiar movements.
That’s why babywearing has magic calming powers: it mimics the sheltered, familiar place your newborn was used to.
Through babywearing, a young infant experiences skin-to-skin contact, breathes in mum or dad’s familiar scent, hears the reassuring sound of their heart beating and also benefits from the warmth from your body.
Babywearing also helps with body thermoregulation, which a newborn is yet to develop.
The upright position is also a great help for such young infants: it helps against colic and decreases the likelihood of reflux.
Discover all the benefits of babywearing here.
How to put baby down in their crib once they’ve fallen asleep in their sling?
If you’re out and about, once asleep, your baby can continue to sleep safely in their baby sling. Why disturb them?
If you’re home, once asleep, it may be easier to put your baby down to sleep in their crib. How to do it without waking your baby up?
The trick is to try to maintain physical contact for as long as possible, removing your baby sling slowly and leaning forward towards their crib, so that their feet touch down first and then slowly the rest of their body.
At this point you can cover your baby with their baby wrap as it will still have your scent on it.
Can I sleep with my newborn in a sling? The answer is no!
Falling asleep with your baby in a sling would mean running the risk of unintentionally crushing them with your body weight.
Or it may put your baby’s safety at risk by compromising your baby's natural physiological position and inadvertently closing their airway.
For instance, you could slump to one side, and your baby would find himself squashed and no longer in an upright position.
Babywearing is extremely handy and beneficial, however it should always be practised with care!
