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Babywearing is all the rage right now… not that it’s anything new. People around the world have been babywearing for hundreds of years as a way to both bond with baby and transport them around conveniently and effectively. I am a huge fan of babywearing, and with baby number two just a few weeks old, this WildBird sling has made it easier than ever to tote her around on my chest while chasing my toddler around the park, our apartment, and everywhere else life takes us.
Better For You, Better For Baby
Aside from pure convenience, the benefits of babywearing are more wide-ranging than you might think. In fact, according to WildBird, “carrying baby can reduce infant crying by 43% when they are worn for 3 hours or more during the day.” Sign me up! Slings and carriers also help you stay in tune with your newborn, allowing them to feel connected to your heartbeat and breathing, which evokes a similar response to those early days of skin to skin bonding.
“Carrying baby can reduce infant crying by 43% when they are worn for 3 hours or more during the day.” Sign me up! Slings and carriers help you stay in tune with your newborn, allowing them to feel connected to your heartbeat and breathing, which evokes a similar response to those early days of skin to skin bonding.
Cuddles Aren’t Just For Bedtime
Throughout my parenting journey, I’ve tried a bunch of different baby carriers, and while most were pretty good at getting the job done, my WildBird sling is certainly a favorite. It’s almost luxurious -- a sense most postpartum mamas (and new dads) have probably long forgotten -- and there is something so comforting about being able to cuddle your little one while getting things done.
The brand’s long-lasting, machine washable fabrics are buttery soft, with a wide range of options to choose from -- I opted for the modal, which is made from Austrian beach wood and woven in Los Angeles, CA. In addition to picking your favorite fabrics and patterns, you can also customize your sling’s length and ring color, ensuring that it’s both functional and fashionable. I was impressed by how easy it was to put on: It took me roughly 3 minutes to figure out after watching this great tutorial.
More Than A Carrier
If I had to pick one thing that sets the ring sling baby carrier above the rest, versatility would top the list. First, the carrier can be used in different configurations depending on your baby’s weight, meaning you can use it until your little reaches 35 pounds. I actually tried putting my 32 pound toddler into the sling and much to my surprise, she fit pretty comfortably. With my littlest, I like the newborn configuration, which keeps her super cozy and (drumroll, please) allows for breastfeeding while in the sling! This is huge because I don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to sit down and get comfortable when we’re on the go. The lightweight fabric makes it super easy to fold up and throw into a diaper bag or purse so you can truly use it whenever you need to. And because it is soft and stretchy, you can actually use this sling as a sunshade for the stroller/carseat or nursing cover.
With my littlest, I like the newborn configuration, which keeps her super cozy and (drumroll, please) allows for breastfeeding while in the sling! This is huge because I don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to sit down and get comfortable when we’re on the go.
Made By Moms
Another thing that sets WildBird apart from many other baby brands is that its products are made by moms. WildBird’s team of professional seamstresses not only understand what parents are looking for in a carrier, but they own and operate their own businesses and are given extensive training before joining the team. It’s immediately obvious from the quality that great care is taken to create each piece, and I love the idea of moms supporting moms.
Inspired By Nature
Each new collection is inspired by nature and includes patterns featuring seasonal tones and hues. I especially love the latest summer Seaside collection, which evokes memories of “childhood holidays by the sea,” the feelings of “breeze blowing through clifftop greenery,” and the “hazy afternoon sun on the beach.” It’s a fun mix of patterns and prints, including a couple of my personal favorites -- a tried and true stripe and dusty blue gingham.
With a wide-range of buttery fabrics and easy-to-use configurations, WildBird ring slings are perfect for any parent or caregiver who wants to keep their little extra close. Check them out!
Five More Reasons To Love WildBird
- This useful video tutorial page helps parents quickly and easily figure out the different ring sling configurations.
- Through the brand’s #intheknow commitment, WildBird is super transparent about its sourcing and manufacturing process, as well as pricing.
- Sustainability is a core component of WildBird’s mission -- and its “seed to sling” journey is shared in detail here.
- WildBird uses extra fabric (“scraps”) to make additional baby products, like totes, scrunchies and baby bonnets.
- A special section of the WildBird Instagram account is dedicated to bringing parents together and sharing tips from the community.