Carrying your baby in a sling is a great alternative to a pram. At Tigadoo we stock the Didymos range of baby wraps and ring slings (Didyslings), all made of the finest organic cotton, woven in Germany. Below are the answers to the most frequent questions we are asked about baby wearing, or click here to see our range of Didymos wraps and ring slings.
What is the difference between a wrap and a ring sling?
Is it difficult to learn to tie a sling?
Will I get tired carrying my baby?
Will my baby get hot in a sling?
Until what age can I carry my baby in a sling?
There are numerous benefits to carrying your baby in a sling, both for baby and you
-For your baby, it provides a warm, secure environment - a great transition from the womb. The feeling of being transported close to the parent will calm and soothe it, and it will grow up with a feeling of security and confidence.
-For you, it offers the opportunity to have your baby close to you, and the interaction this provides, while at the same time enabling you to have both hands free, whether in the house or outdoors, and you do not have to carry a stroller around everywhere. For breastfeeding mothers it provides the freedom of being able to breastfeed anywhere discreetly (I have breastfed my baby in a wrap in cafes reastaurants, even just walking down the street) - you do not have to change your lifestyle just because you are breastfeeding.
What is the difference betrween a wrap and a ring-sling?
Didymos baby carriers, which we stock, come in two types - wraps and ring-slings (Didyslings). Both can be used from day one.
A wrap is a specially woven long piece of fabric (ours are 4.7m long). Its main advantages are its versatility and support it offers for the back. There are many ways to carry a baby in a wrap - it can be carried in front, on the hip or on the back, with several methods for each. Its length also means that the weight can spread over both your shoulders and across the back, thereby enabling you to carry your baby for long periods of time. It is also the most dicreet carrier for breastfeeding, and offers the most support, and security for the baby as well as you. Click here to see our range of Didymos wraps.
The ring sling is a shorter piece of fabric, carried over one shoulder (padded), with two rings through which one corner is passed for attaching, forming a pouch in which baby lies or sits. Its advantage is its simplicity of use. It is extremely quick to tie and untie. Again, baby can be carries in front, on the hip or on the back. It is great for carrying your baby for short periods. Click here to see our range of Didyslings.
Is it difficult to learn to tie a sling?
No, it is not difficult to tie either a wrap or a ring-sling. Having said that, some tying methods with the wrap require a little practice for the first first few days. At Tigadoo we are happy to offer any help and support you may need when you purchase a sling. Feel free to call us, or pop in for a "lesson". All ring-slings come with tying instructions, while the wraps include an instruction booklet with 15 tying methods for the 6 types of carry, as well as an instrructional DVD
Will I get tired carrying my baby?
You will be surprised at how long you can carry your baby without getting tired or feeling any backache. Just remember to fit the sling nice and tight, with the fabric spread over the shoulders, and a good support at the back. If you intend to carry your baby for loing periods, we recommend you use a wrap, as it affords this support.
Will my baby get hot in a sling?
Didymos baby carriers are made of fine organic cotton, with several colour-grown, undyed models. This makes them very breathable, and your baby should not get hot. As we are in Cyprus, however, you should avoid being out in the hottest hours during the summer (whether you are carrying your baby or not!), and make sure your baby is not overdressed. We used our sling throughout our baby's first summer, with no problem.
Until what age can I carry my baby in a sling?
You can use both a types of slings for as long as you and the baby are comfortable - even up to 3 years of age. In fact, the fabric has been tested safely with loads up to 150 kg! The wrap, in particular, with its extra support and multiple types of carry, will give you many possibilities that will be easy on your back as your child gets heavier.