If you had to choose one baby item for the mother of a new baby, what would it be?
Just one.
My answer?
A sling.
Slings allow mamas to keep their babies close, anticipate and meet their needs, comfort them, keep them safe and happy. And it allows them to do all this while keeping their hands free to do the other things they needs to do on a daily basis—dishes, talk on the phone, prepare lunch, and push older siblings on the swing.
I think slings and other babywearing methods are just about the best thing ever for parents of little ones which is why I invited Rebecca of L'il Peeper Keepers to join The Artful Parent as a blog sponsor.
You may be wondering what slings have to do with children's art, and I would say that carrying my second baby in a sling allowed me to continue to be an artful parent with Maia. I was able to hold and care for Daphne in the way she and I needed, while still doing art projects and other fun activities with Maia.
My babies are now 2 1/2 and 6 1/2, so when I had the opportunity to review a sling for L'il Peeper Keepers, I took it over to my friend Miriam who has a newborn. She and her husband have been carrying little Roanan in this lovely gray linen ring sling for the past month and love it.
According to Miriam,
The sling is very easy to use and, beyond initially fitting it to the wearer, it requires very little adjustment each time I use it. Unlike many types of babywearing gear, I don't have to put Roanan down to put the sling on and this is fantastic. I can hold Roanan and slip the sling over my head and into place and then ease him into it which makes the sling very versatile for different settings.
The sling is attractive, too, yet easily coordinates with most outfits. I especially love the subtle decorative stitching along the edges. And the light weight of the linen and the overall length of the sling are perfect (and I've tried several over the years).
Miriam says,
I've been able to do many tasks and activities while carrying Roanan in the sling, with his head just a kissable distance away from me! I can communicate more with him when we're out and about for a walk than if he were in a stroller.
If you are in the market for a sling or know someone who could use one (they make great gifts!), try out L'il Peeper Keepers. Readers can use the coupon code “Artfulparent” for free USA shipping through April 15th. You can also follow her on Facebook to keep up with "free shipping" and other specials that she posts there. And make sure to visit the L'il Peeper Keepers etsy shop.
Giveaway
Do you have a baby or know someone who could use a sling or wrap? L'il Peeper Keepers is offering an identical gray linen ring sling as a giveaway to one lucky reader OR the option of a blue gauze baby wrap + a white gauze swaddling blanket. Winner gets to choose.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment here by Thursday, March 29th, 11:49pm EST. The winner will be selected by random number generator and announced on Friday morning (I will also e-mail the winner). This giveaway is open to readers in the United States only. Good luck! Giveaway now closed.
The random number generator gave me number 78, so Carla Reed wins her choice of the ring sling or the wrap + swaddling blanket. Congrats!
I have a mei tai but I have always wanted to try out a ring sling. I have a baby coming soon, so this would be great!
