Mommy, Baby and a Sling!
Ranked #5,464 in Parenting & Kids, #182,740 overall
Give a New Mom a Sling for Christmas
With all the gifts available to give a new mom, what do you think would be most helpful? As a mother of three, I wanted to show you the things I found most helpful when my babies were newborns.
Often we are given lots of presents, told that we need to buy expensive furniture, clothing and accessories for our babies. Most of these things I found to be unnecessary and in this economy, we just don't have the money to throw away.
In this lens I offer suggestions for the most useful gifts that I received as a new mom. I found these gifts were ones that I couldn't do without, were the most helpful and of the greatest value for the money.
Here are my suggestions for gifts for a new mom...
Photo Credit: New Mother Wearing a Child by by anthrovik
Used under creative commons
I Wish I had a Baby Sling
A Baby Sling is a wonderful Gift for a New Mom
My number one choice for a gift for a new mom would be a good quality sling. Though some people prefer a front or back carrier, I discovered with my second child just how wonderful and handy a sling could be.
If I could choose only one gift to have received as a new mom, it would have been a sling.
I didn't know about baby sling when my first child was born. With her I bought a front pack. It was impossible to nurse in it and putting her in and taking her out were difficult tasks especially if she was sleeping and I just wanted to lay her down. So as she got older, I bought a back pack.
The back pack gave me free hands to work but she would dig her little feet into my back and begin to crawl up. I was constantly worried that she would fall out and again, if she fell asleep, it was nearly impossible to put her down and get her out without waking her.
Finally when my son was born, I was given a sling. What a different it made!
The sling was lightweight, comfortable for both me and my baby. My newborn could nurse to his heart's content while I had two free hands. When he fell asleep, it was easy to put him down without waking him.
Photo Credit: Mom-bliss!
on Flickr, Creative Commons
A Sling is the Perfect Gift for a New Mom
Lite-on-Shoulder Baby Sling(Fern Batik)
Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 06/03/2012)![]()
Product Features
* deep pocket with less slipping problem for squirmy babies.
* compact enough to pack away in diaper bag..
* used to snuggle, nurse, or rock to sleep
* carry a toddler on the hip
“A sling gives a new mom time with her baby and baby time with mom.”
A sling holds your child securely while leaving your hands free.
For every baby sling sale from this page, Squidoo donates $1 to charity!
Who uses your sling more, Mom or Dad?

Mother Kissing Infant
Kaiser, Henryk T.
Available at Allposters
Dads love to hold their newborn babies and baby slings
How to Wear a Sling!
Who can wear a sling?
Who wears a sling? It could be most anyone but usually it is the mother. Slings are perfect for keeping baby snuggly warm, up against mom's skin where baby wants to be and baby slings provide easy and discrete access for nursing.

Photo Credit: Mayawrap Baby Sling
on Flickr, Creative Commons
Wrap your baby very close, pull apart the cloth from top to bottom. If your baby still wobbles her head, be sure to pull the sling up to cradle the head as well. Some babies like to be facing mom as in this photo.
Baby Wearing!
How to Position a Baby in a Sling!

Photo Credit: Baby in a Sling
on Flickr, Creative Commons
Some babies like to face forward. Hold baby against your chest and cross his legs as you slide him down into the sling. Cinch the cloth of the sling tight and you are now hands-free with baby snuggled close. Baby often likes this position to see what is happening while still being close enough to feel you and your heartbeat. A baby sling
Dad has baby nice and close. That makes baby feel secure and leaves dad with two hands free. Dad's back might feel better, however, if he adjusted the sling so that the sling was on the outer side of his shoulder rounding down to his arm rather than against his neck. Once in that position, he should reach in back and spread the cloth out across his back. This will give better support for dad with less strain on his back.
Dad can use a Sling too!
How to hold a bigger baby in a sling!

Photo Credit: Dad with Baby Sling
on Flickr, Creative Commons
As baby gets a bit bigger he might like to stretch his feet out a bit more in the sling. Here you see that this baby has his feet to the side somewhat wrapping around dad. The baby sling
Toddler in a Sling!
Carry your baby or toddler in a Sling

Photo Credit: In a Sling
on Flickr, Creative Commons
As your baby grows and develops they will begin to move around on their own. They will begin to crawl, take their beginning steps and soon begin to walk. That doesn't mean that they will be able to walk all the time.
There are many times when your toddler will still want to be carried. A sling is still the perfect way to carry a tired toddler. Notice how this little child has his legs sticking out below the sling
Also notice that this child is now on the mother's back. Many moms and toddlers or big babies enjoy this sling position because it allows mom's hands to be free, keeps baby's hands away from what mom may be doing and still allows her to snuggle right up to mom.
Big Sister Sling!
Help your Toddler adjust to the New Baby!

Photo Credit: Big Sister Sling
on Flickr, Creative Commons
When a new baby comes along, it may be difficult for the new big sister or big brother to adjust. Often giving them a baby doll and their own baby sling
Why would a new mom need a Sling?
Advantages to Using a Baby Sling
A green sling is perfect for fall or Christmas. Choose a baby sling
Benefits of Using a Baby Sling
Many parents commonly 'wear' their babies in slings. There are many benefits to this practice, the most common of which is bonding with the baby while still being able to work with your hands.2 points
Baby Slings - Why, How & Where?
kellymom.com - Breastfeeding and Parenting. Evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting issues.1 point
Make your own sling
Making your own sling has many advantages: you can choose your own fabric, obtain a better fit, personalise as you wish with pockets and clips, and it also saves you money! Although many slings can be sewn by hand, we do recommend that you use a sewing machine.1 point
You're able to do more around the house with a Baby Carrier
Ergo Baby Carrier, Baby Carriers, Beco Baby Carrier0 points
Poetry that Speaks to the Soul of a New Mom
Favorite Christmas Tales for a New Mom
Poetry of the birth of Christ that will speak to the soul of a new mom. When I was a new mom I could never read the final two poems without tears coming to my eyes. They speak of mothers who know that their children come first.
The Queens Came Late speaks of making sure that someone is there to care for their own children before they can go see Mary's newborn babe and that they need to get back home to their own children.
The last poem is written from the viewpoint of a new mom who knows that Mary would understand that she needed to stay home because her child needed her just as much as the baby Jesus needed Mary.
When It Snowed That Night, the poetry that pours from a mother's heart, would be an ideal gift for a new mom.
Countdown to Christmas
Stocking Stuffers for New Moms
Celebrate your baby's first Christmas with a Christmas Ornament.
What people are saying on Twitter about baby slings
The Best Magazine for a New Mom
Mothering Magazine is now Online!
If I could receive only one magazine it would be Mothering Magazine.
Give a New Mom the Answers she needs about Breastfeeding
Learn how to nurse descretely using a Baby Sling
I first heard about La Leche League in my childbirth class before my first baby was born. La Leche offers classes and group sessions where moms discuss breastfeeding issues and get to know other new moms. It is a wonderfully supportive group that often leads to lifetime friendships. I learned how to wear my baby from the wonderful moms at La Leche meetings. Many moms at La Leche meeting use baby slings
La Leche League International
Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.3 points
Breastfeeding: The Gift New Moms Give to their Babies
Breastfeeding Poll for New Moms
Breastfeeding is the best way for both you and your baby to stay healthy.
Breastfeeding is easy and convenient.
Breastfeeding helps you to bond with your baby.
Breastfeeding is Best!
As an experienced mom, you can give the gift of experience. Talk with a new mom about your experiences with breastfeeding. If she has questions you can't answer, La Leche League is here to help. All over the world, experienced moms are giving new moms the tips and information needed to successfully breastfeed their babies.
What would be the best gift for a new mom?
Happy holidays to All New Moms!
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glowchick Apr 6, 2012 @ 9:01 am | delete
- I did not have a sling ( I personally couldn't get it work) but I did have a Snuggly with all 5 of my children. It was so great!
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Frischy
Apr 6, 2012 @ 7:23 am | delete
- I adopted my baby when she was 10 months old. We used the sling from day 1 and we both adored it. We continued using the sling until she was walking independently at around age 30 months. I think the sling was very helpful to our attachment early on, as we did a lot of walking while in her birth country. It was wonderful to have my baby pressed against my body rather than pushing her around in a stroller. I carried my baby when she was 17 to about 25 lbs. The key is to really fan out the fabric across your back and pull it well down on your shoulder, so that the weight is distributed across your entire back and not pulling on your neck. I also like the position demonstrated directly above, with child on hip, for toddlers. I think it is the most comfortable for everyone.
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Terrie_Schultz
Apr 5, 2012 @ 11:36 pm | delete
- Slings are so convenient, you can carry the baby around all the time and still have your hands free.
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Senora_M
Jan 28, 2012 @ 8:45 pm | delete
- I love the lens! I have a sling and a wrap. I prefer the wrap (which I made). The sling hurts my shoulder--maybe I'm using it wrong. Having all that weight on just one side really doesn't feel good to my back or shoulder. Anyway, I saw that you're also a home birth mama from _Joan_'s lens. I had a home birth in November and just wrote about it if you'd like to check it out. :) http://www.squidoo.com/i_chose_home_birth
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Jewelsofawe Dec 3, 2011 @ 2:09 pm | delete
- I had a sling for my last two babies and loved it. I also breast fed the last two. Great lens! Blessed!
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Baby_Love
Dec 3, 2011 @ 12:36 pm | delete
- This is great! Most new moms don't realize how much help a sling can be. A lot don't even realize they're available!
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tokyonights7
Nov 7, 2011 @ 7:29 am | delete
- A great gift would be an "IOU a day off" card from the new mom's husband. ;-) Great ideas!
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Hedremp
Nov 7, 2011 @ 5:21 am | delete
- I never had a sling for my kids but after reading this I wish I had. Good advice!
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poutine
Jul 25, 2011 @ 6:33 am | delete
- Good suggestion.
I think the best gift for new moms is some help with the domestic chores, so mom can take a nap while baby is sleeping instead of cleaning.
Poutine
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TeamSTM
May 24, 2011 @ 7:27 am | delete
- This is Great Information for a Parent-to-be someday!!
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Blessedmombygrace
May 23, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
- Lensrolled this to my top 10 best newborn gifts lens.
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Blessedmombygrace
May 23, 2011 @ 9:09 pm | delete
- I have used my baby sling constantly! I agree, it is a perfect gift for a new mom!
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akumar46
May 23, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
- Nice gift for new moms...........thanks for information.
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awelldressedbullet
Jan 5, 2011 @ 10:32 am | delete
- If I was a baby, I much rather be in a sling, close to mom, so it makes sense that they are so popular.
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deldobuss
Dec 22, 2010 @ 5:42 pm | delete
- A breastfeeding cover was my favorite gift, and some bath soap to relax and have mommy-baby time in the tub.
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agalova
Dec 16, 2010 @ 5:05 pm | delete
- I enjoy babywearing! I have bought a few slings for new moms I know.
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Pukeko
Dec 12, 2010 @ 4:23 am | delete
- I loved my baby sling when the girls were little. Great selection here.
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Sylvestermouse
Dec 11, 2010 @ 11:24 am | delete
- There is so much to learn as a new mom. You simple don't realize how much certain gifts will mean to you in later years. 21 years down the road, one of my favorite gifts I ever received was the Christmas tree ornament my grandmother gave to me the year our son was born.
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capriliz
Dec 10, 2010 @ 2:45 pm | delete
- I had a sling for my daughter, and it was the most helpful item!
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Ladymermaid
Dec 10, 2010 @ 2:33 pm | delete
- (love) Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and an absolutely fantastic New Year :)
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About the Experienced Mom Who Know the Best Gifts for a New Mom
by Evelyn_Saenz
My passion is teaching and finding ways to teach children in fun, hands-on, creative ways. The unit studies I make on Squidoo reflect my view that learning... more »
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