When is it time to stop Babywearing: baby age / weight?

Ring slings are becoming an increasingly popular trend with more and more parents choosing to babywear and practice attachment parenting. There are a lot of questions and speculations surrounding ring slings and babywearing. Most of our posts address various aspects of babywearing, but this post is a part of a two part series, on when is it time to stop babywearing: baby age / weight and product life.

This post will discuss the baby age / weight limit for babywearing and the next post will focus on the product life of ring slings.

Babywearing has a lot of emotional and physical benefits and it’s history is undeniable. Research indicates that babywearing was the norm until people were enamored by Queen Victoria’s picture with her baby in a stroller. This attracted people to emulate a lifestyle they sought after, and the initial seeds for alternatives to babywearing were planted. However, with Dr. Sears’ research, babywearing became a phenomenon again in the 1970s. From then on, there was no looking back as the group of people who continue to support and follow the babywearing lifestyle is growing stronger day by day.

Now let’s get back to the focus of this post: When is the time to stop using a ring sling: baby age / weight limit?

With the modern day lifestyle it is nearly impossible to wear your baby regularly beyond maternity or paternity leave. Then there is the school of thought that projects attachment parenting as a path to dependency for life. Amidst all this chaos mommies and daddies feel the need to stop babywearing through ring slings as soon as possible. The truth is, if you and your baby are enjoying the ring sling there is no reason to put an abrupt end to it.

Research continues to highlight the positive contributions of babywearing and a ring sling is arguably the most convenient form of babywearing. There is no reason to worry about cumbersome baby carriers if you have a ring sling. You can slip it in your diaper bag or hand bag with ease. Particularly for toddler, you can take a break and let them walk a little when they want, and carry them so they get a little rest snuggled close to you.

So, apart from the weight restriction stated with your ring sling there is no age restriction to stop using a ring sling.

Babywearing through a ring sling can result in happier babies that  are more settled and cry less, happier mommies with increased contact with their little angels and continued bond between parent and baby. You, the parent, can determine a comfortable time to stop using a ring sling. If you are interested in babywearing until the weight restriction, then go ahead. If you are not able to engage in prolonged babywearing due to schedule conflicts or health reasons then that’s fine too.

The bottom line is babywearing your child through a ring sling is a gesture to show your baby you care for them. Eventually, they will find their place but the extra nurturing during the initial years can go a long way. However, as a parent you should dictate when it is time to stop using your ring sling. Again, this is apart from the ring sling weight restriction, which you must follow for safety. Above all, the time you stop using a ring sling needs to be a guilt-free decision because when it comes to parenting, you understand your child the best.