FAQs concerning carrying and being carried

1. When can I start carrying my baby in a sling?
In principle from the first day if the baby is not ill and not physically disabled. If this is the case please first discuss the use of a sling with your doctor or physiotherapist.

2. How long can I carry my baby in a sling?
In principle you can carry your baby for as long as you and your baby like. Babies make it quite clear when they no longer want to be carried and you will also notice when you have had enough. Women who have recently given birth should start with brief periods of carrying and increase these gradually, as care should be taken not to put pressure on their pelvic floor or caesarean wound immediately after birth! If you and your baby enjoy it you can carry it until it is about 3 years old (or even longer if you like).

3. Can I also start using a sling if my baby is already older?
Certainly! However, it is possible that your baby will take a while to get used to the new closeness. This may call for a bit of patience on both parts. You should also gradually increase the carrying time. The later you start the heavier the baby will be and your own muscles will have to get used to the new weight gradually.

4. What special features must I pay attention to when using a sling?
The sling should be so tightly tied that you don't feel you need to also hold or support your baby with your hands. In addition it is important to always place the baby with its face towards your body. It will always take several attempts to learn to tie the sling properly.

For newly born or young babies it is essential to choose a version which can always be individually adjusted to the child and the carrier. This ensures that the sling is tied firmly enough.

5. Which length of sling is best suited for me?
The standard length of baby slings is about 450 cm. This length is sufficient to tie the sling using all popular carrying methods for women and men up to size M. for persons larger than this the size of the sling should be chosen according to the size and weight of the carrier. It is important to ensure that the sling is an optimal fit for the person who carries the baby most!
AMAZONAS baby slings are available in two lengths, 450 cm and 510 cm, which is long enough for all popular carrying methods. Enclosed to our products you will find detailed tying instructions. We recommend you take a carrying course or let experienced parents show you how it is done.
The sling should not be too long as hanging down ends can trip you up.

6. Can the baby breathe enough in a sling?
Basically yes! You must pay attention that your baby's nose is free so that it gets enough air. Your movements enable the air to circulate through the sling and ensure an adequate exchange of air. It is also important not too dress babies carried in a sling too warmly as they can become too warm especially under a jacket.
Various studies have shown that the oxygen breathed in by a newly born baby in a sling is only about 1% less than without a sling. This is because a baby's breathing is far more peaceful and relaxed in a sling.

7. Will I spoil my child if I carry it too often?
No!
Babies and toddlers are carried in all cultures! Two thirds of the world's population still carries their children today. You cannot possibly spoil a small child who is only able to get attention by crying (contact crying) by carrying it. The wish for closeness, contact and security is one of our basic needs and this should quite simply be satisfied.
Thus being carried in a sling responds to the baby's natural need to be close to the body as well as the parents' need for flexibility and mobility.

8. Advantages of a sling for the baby
Being carried fosters the motor, cognitive and emotional development of your baby. For the very young in particular the sling is very pleasant as their muscles can relax, the baby can breathe more easily and its digestion functions better, easing reflux and colic.
The primeval need for body contact and security is satisfied and the baby's sense of balance is trained.
The squat-straddle-position of the baby's legs in a sling also positively influences the development of the hips.
Thanks to the special weave of the sling it adjusts optimally to the baby's body and provides support.

9. Advantages of a sling for the parents
Using a sling will also satisfy your need for closeness. You will be able to move your arms freely and also perform minor tasks.
A sling enables the parents of adoptive children to develop primeval trust and helps establish an intensive relationship.
Thanks to the close contact you get to know your baby and its needs / wishes more quickly.
The sling also helps fathers establish intensive relationships with their babies and consciously experience body contact.
A sling weighs less than a pram, for example, takes up less space and is easy to take along, also when travelling.
Using a sling thus satisfies the natural need that babies have for body warmth and the parents' need for flexibility and mobility.

WE WISH YOU A LOT OF FUN AND PLEASURE WITH YOUR AMAZONAS BABY SLING!