In addition to the stroller, many modern parents have several other means for carrying the baby. Slings and kangaroos enable moms to be closer to their babies. Indeed, in the first weeks of life, it is so important for a small person. However, very often the question arises of which is better: slings or kangaroos. You can find the answer only after studying the characteristics and determining the goals for which these devices are needed.
Types of slings and kangaroos
To determine which is better: a sling or a kangaroo for a newborn, it is necessary to study their types.
Sling is a wide flap of fabric, the length of which is not less than 4-6 m. It is tied in a variety of ways and is used to carry the child both in vertical and horizontal position. Its cost is low. But mothers need time to adapt to tying a sling. It is worth noting that it can not be regulated, only to re-bandage it.
There are 2 types of sling:
- A variety with two rings between which one end of the fabric is clamped. Thanks to such devices, it can be easily adjusted without dressing. However, this model can only be worn on one shoulder, which sometimes causes inconvenience and discomfort for parents.
- May-sling is an intermediate variant between a sling and a kangaroo. It has straps, so it can be worn on the shoulders. In this form of transferring, the baby can be both in a vertical and horizontal position. The design of the May-Sling is simple, easy and convenient even in hot weather. However, it cannot be quickly transformed as a classic sling.
A kangaroo is a backpack that involves carrying a baby on its stomach. Some models can be worn on the back. However, this type of transference is not used for long walks, as there is an increased load on the legs and spine of the baby.
For what age are intended
Before you buy a sling, a kangaroo for children, you must determine what age group the child can be attributed to. Each specific carrier is designed for a specific age:
- classic and sling with rings can be used for babies from the first days of life;
- May-sling will be an excellent vehicle for a child starting from 3 months;
- it is better to use a kangaroo when the child learns to sit (starting from 6 months), since in such a carrier he is in an upright position.
These age restrictions may slightly differ from the requirements of the manufacturer, so only a mother can evaluate how suitable this or that carrying is for her baby. If age is indicated in the product description, then it is better to adhere to it, otherwise it may harm the child.
Specialists pay special attention to the age restrictions of a kangaroo backpack. Young parents should remember that they should not be placed in a baby carrier before the age of six months. Otherwise, it will negatively affect the still fragile spine.
Location of the model on the body of parents
To determine whether a sling or a kangaroo backpack is better, you need to understand how it will be convenient for the parent to carry the baby:
- The back (on the back) is one of the most convenient weight arrangements for the carrier, since the load is evenly distributed on the spine of the parent. However, contact with the baby is practically absent. Therefore, this option is most often found in hiking backpacks.
- Front (on the stomach) is not the most convenient option. However, both the parent and the child can look at each other. This arrangement allows you to control the condition of the baby, and he, in turn, will feel safe. In addition, it is very convenient in this position to board a bus or a bench in a park. Front seating is most popular.
- Front / back, front / side - these types of placement help mom choose her own how to position the child based on the specific situation.
Having chosen the desired location of the baby, you can easily decide what type of carrying to use.
Child's position
When parents choose a sling, a kangaroo for children, they are guided by the position of the child. Kid can carry:
- Facing the parent - this type of transference provides maximum contact between the child and the adult. Also, there is a minimal load on the back of the crumbs. However, in this situation, the baby is very difficult to explore and study the world, to look around, he will have to turn his head.
- With your back to the parent - this provides the child with the widest possible view. However, such carrying loads quite heavily load the baby's spine. Therefore, you can not wear crumbs for a long time in this position.
- Face / back to parent - the best option, allowing mom or dad to select the necessary option based on the situation;
- Next to the parent, this is the most convenient position for mom and dad, as with such a carry hands are released and the load on the back is reduced.
Kangaroos provide a vertical landing of the baby face or back to the adult. The hard back of the backpack makes it impossible to completely fix the child in a natural position. In addition, there is a large load on the spine of the crumbs. When the baby is in a kangaroo, his legs hang in the shape of the letter "P". The weight of the child exerts a load on the lower part of the spine and perineum. Meanwhile, the legs are not fixed and prevent the parent from walking. This situation does not bring comfort to the baby and can adversely affect the formation of the skeleton.
Slings are a universal thing that allows you to place your child in any comfortable position. They also help the baby to be in the most correct position, and the legs are located in the shape of the letter "M". The position in the frog pose helps to evenly distribute the weight to the lower spine and butt. Slings do not have a rigid frame, so the tissue grabs the body of the child and presses it to the adult. Thus, the baby is well fixed and there is no such serious load on the spine. Of course, if the sling is tied correctly.
Weight category
Before buying a sling, kangaroo or ergo backpack, you should carefully read what weight the child can support. The service life if the instructions are not followed is significantly reduced. Baby slings and kangaroos, despite the fact that they have a certain margin of safety, can break. Also, weight restrictions can be associated with the design itself, and if it is exceeded, it creates inconvenience to both the child and his parent.
Carrying materials
To determine which is better: a sling or a kangaroo, you need to pay attention to what fabrics and materials the carrying is created from. The most popular include:
- Cotton is the most environmentally friendly, durable and pleasant to the touch fabric. Its shortcomings include a long drying time and difficulty in cleaning from contaminants. A great option for a hot summer.
- Cotton fabric - combines the benefits of cotton with practicality and ease of cleaning.
- Polyester is a durable, hypoallergenic, easy-to-clean material. However, he does not let in air, which is why the baby sweats more, and is also unpleasant to the touch. Not recommended for use in hot weather.
- Cotton with polyester - a material that combines the qualities of cotton fabric and polyester. Repels dirt and moisture, durable, “breathable” and pleasant to the touch. The remaining properties depend on the percentage of these two materials.
- Jersey is a knitted fabric. Manufacturers use only natural fibers, and with the addition of synthetic ones. The main feature is high elasticity. Therefore, most often classic slings are made from this fabric.
- Coarse calico is an environmentally friendly, lightweight, breathable, durable fabric. Used for sewing slings.
If parents want to carry the baby in natural fabrics, then slings are suitable for them. And if adults want practicality, then they can buy a kangaroo.
Advantages and disadvantages of slings
Which is better: sling or kangaroo? This question very often worries young parents. To make a choice, you need to understand what advantages this or that carrying has.
The positive features of classic sling include:
- a variety of colors, which helps to use it as a stylish part of the wardrobe of a young mother;
- a large number of methods of tying;
- great for walking;
- must be worn on two shoulders, so the weight of the child is evenly distributed.
The negative features of a sling scarf include:
- you need to train for some time to learn how to properly wind up the fabric;
- inconvenience during regulation (complete dressing).
As noted, the use of slings has more positive points than negative ones.
Pros and cons of a kangaroo backpack
Young parents wonder what is best: a sling or a kangaroo for a newborn. To answer it, you need to carefully study the main characteristics of these transfers, highlight the pros and cons of each type.
So, to the pluses of the kangaroo include:
- handles of such carrying are easily adjustable for any adult, regardless of physique and amount of clothing;
- you can change the position of the child from vertical to horizontal;
- prevents the appearance of pain in the lower back, thanks to a special strap that is attached to the back;
- the child enjoys sitting in the kangaroo thanks to the wide view.
By cons include:
- age limit, i.e. you can only carry a baby in such a carrier from the age of six months;
- can not be used for more than 2 hours a day, as there is a load on the spine of the child;
- with a weight of more than 6 kg, the carrying straps are pressed into the shoulders of the parent, thereby creating discomfort and causing pain.
Having studied the pros and cons of a kangaroo, parents can come to the conclusion that it is not suitable for a newborn. Its use can begin with six months of age.
Recommendations of pediatricians
So which is better: sling or kangaroo? Such a question can often be heard at a pediatrician's appointment. Experts still recommend using slings in the first weeks of a baby’s life. Since such a carrier is the most correct and meets the physiological needs of the baby.
Scientists have determined that when a child is raised, he instinctively takes the pose of a “frog,” which corresponds to his anatomical norm. This indicates that it is in the sling that the baby will feel more comfortable. Just do not in the first days of life wear the baby face away from the adult, since in this case his legs will not have support, which is not physiological for this period.
Parent reviews
Which is better: sling or kangaroo? Parent reviews are divided into three large groups. Some of them claim that from birth they carried a baby in a sling. This helped to keep the baby calm, as he was always next to his mother, and also nothing disturbed the natural development of the skeleton.
In another group, they carried a child only in a kangaroo. True, they were of the opinion of doctors and manufacturers, so they did not put the baby in such a carrier before the age of six months.
The third group of people at the same time leaves feedback on the sling and kangaroo. Since until six months old parents carried their children in a sling, and afterwards they gradually mastered the kangaroo. While the child is small, he needs comfortable physiological conditions, and as soon as he grows up, the time comes and there is a desire to learn about the world around him.
Conclusion
Sling, kangaroo, ergorypack - carry options are diverse, and each of them finds its customers. However, in order to choose the right one, any parent must understand for what purposes he needs it and how his child will feel in it.