What is a Sling?

So to start at the beginning, what is a sling?

Well, there really isn't any industry standard with regards to the terminology used. I tend to use the term sling or carrier interchangeably.

The way I use the term is to describe anything that helps you to carry your child in a supported way.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary

Sling in the context of a noun:

1A flexible strap or belt used in the form of a loop to support or raise a hanging weight.

‘the horse had to be supported by a sling fixed to the roof’

1.1 A bandage or soft strap looped round the neck to support an injured arm. ‘she had her arm in a sling’

1.2 A pouch or frame for carrying a baby, supported by a strap round the neck or shoulders. ‘a baby sling’

1.3 A short length of rope used to provide additional support for the body in abseiling or climbing.

So what is it?

A tool

A hug

A pair of hands

A break

A home

A safe place

A container

A nap

A rest

A walk

A support

A cure

A prevention

A safety net

A hot cup of tea

A snack or meal

A time for self care

A simple piece of cloth

A woven wrap

A buckle carrier

A ring sling

A hip seat

A scarf

A homeostasis regulator

A brain developer

A way of life

A memory

A relationship

A business

A community

It is also

A way to learn

A way to bond

A way to communicate

A way to connect

A way to understand

A way to explore

A way to develop

A way to survive

A way to travel

A way to stay warm

A way to stay safe

A way to meet the child's needs

A way to meet your needs

A way to meet others needs

A way to get the shopping done without them climbing out of the trolley

A way to hold your older children's hands whilst giving the baby what they need too

A sling can be so many things...what does it mean to you?

Zoe is a trained and insured carrying consultant, based in the Surrey Hills, Supporting you to carry safely, comfortably and confidently. Sharing the science behind carrying, supporting infant development and parents/carers mental and physical health.

For more on the science see other blog posts or instagram.

Zoe is available for consultations both in person and online to help you get carrying and runs workshops for professionals on infant carrying and the science behind it.

You can book online.

She writes and speaks on attachment, trauma, adverse childhood experiences and how carrying can be a prevention and intervention.

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