Grandparent Gift Ideas: Baby Slings
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Maybe one of the most appreciated gifts that a new grandparent-to-be can get the new mama (or dada) is a baby sling. Whether this is her first baby or not, if she has never used a sling before she may “poo-poo” the idea. But, mothers, who have used them, swear by them. They are one of the best ways to have a contented baby while at the same time allow the new mom to have her hands free in order to accomplish all of the other daily tasks that she still needs to perform like shopping, cooking, and helping any other children.
There are many different types of slings. Many of the companies that make baby products have come out with their own versions of the baby sling. Some are bundle packs that allow the baby to be “worn” on the mother’s (or father’s) chest and when the baby gets a bit older, it can convert into a backpack where the baby can ride. Others are hammock-shaped with an adjustable shoulder strap meant to hold the baby in one basic position for sleeping or nursing. |
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| Other slings look like one long – very, very long – table runner made of a soft, stretchable fabric like knit or fleece. With a little practice these slings can be wrapped around the parent in a configuration that will hold a sleeping child securely against the chest or facing out to allow for some interaction. As the baby grows, the sling can be adjusted so the pre-toddler can be positioned on the side over the parent’s hip. It is amazing how tiring it can be to carry those extra10-20 pounds around all day unaided. A sling takes most of the weight and evenly distributes it, which allows the parent to have free hands. |
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If you had a late-in-life baby recently and you had never used a sling before. you might think that it would be more trouble than it was worth. After all, you carried around your older kids the old fashioned way and thought a sling seemed a little too “new age”. Oh, my goodness! After using one, you would never care for an infant without one. This last baby of yours might have been one of those babies that needed (who are you kidding? – needs!) a lot of interaction – even when he was sleeping. Now, you could have spent the first year holding him and stuck in a rocking chair, or you could “wear” him in the sling and do almost everything around the house that needed to be done. Because of this arrangement, he would have been happier and so would you. |
Because slings can be found everywhere that baby products are sold, many often go on clearance. They are not that expensive for the basic design. In fact, you might find one at a consignment shop that sells baby supplies. Another option is online auction sites. After using yours throughout the winter, you might want a lighter one for summer-wear. If you're so inclined, find a lightweight fabric, sew some hems and make your own. Believe me, your grandchild will love being nestled and your kids will love the freedom that a sling gives them. Shop around. You should be able to find one that is perfect for your new grandchild.
At TheGrandparent Zone.com, you’ll find what you need for your children and grandchildren, when you see the Baby Carriers, Slings, Equipment and Gifts, the airplane ride on toys, the American-Made Wood Toys, and many other fun things!
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