In a previous entry about the history of babywearing, I mentioned that Dr Sears came up with the name for carrying a baby in a sling. Well, Dr Sears came up with some other interesting facts too, for instance, carrying your baby upright can reduce the effects of colic and reflux – definitely worth considering if you have a colicky baby (and if you do, you will try anything…I did!). Babies who are carried learn more quickly, as they spend their time being involved in your world, not just watching, but participating; developing a brain that is learning to learn.

Some people suggest that having your baby in a sling will make him clingy. In fact your baby will become more emotionally secure and independent as he knows you are around as a safe base from which to explore.

Need I go on? Well, there are always the extra calories you burn by carrying your baby, and the way you can breastfeed discreetly. The snugly cuddles you both get to enjoy stimulate your new-mum hormones, and can help to reduce the likelihood and severity of post-natal depression. What do you do to get your baby off to sleep in a pram? You rock him and talk to him to simulate the motion and closeness of your own body.

So, are they easy to use? Surely they can’t be as convenient as a pushchair?

Yes, they are very easy – you can go up stairs, through narrow doorways or for a pleasant summer walk. And you don’t have to push an empty one round town when Junior decides he would rather walk. Not only that, but they’re light and fold up small – can you get a pushchair in your handbag? More importantly, can you afford a pushchair to go with every outfit!?

Having said all that, the main benefit for me, at least to start with, was that I regained the use of my hands after months of trying to make lunch, hoover, iron and just about anything else, all whilst holding on to my dear son. So, slings, carriers, mei tais, call them whatever you like, are starting to sound like a good idea, aren’t they? I have to admit, I got in to babywearing through necessity rather than choice, but I do love it, and so does my now rather chunky 30(!) month old son. The only difficulty now is choosing which fabric for the next one…