The more competent you feel as a parent, the more you can relax and enjoy your child. And a large part of feeling confident in your parenting is being able to read your baby's cues successfully. When your baby is held close to you in a sling, you become very sensitive to each other's gestures and facial expressions. Each time your baby is able to let you know she is hungry, bored or wet without crying, her trust in you is boosted and your confidence in yourself as a parent is reinforced. This positive cycle of interactions builds upon itself, enhances your mutual attachment, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.
Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for everyone in baby's life. I see a dad going for a walk with his baby in a sling. Baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't get the automatic headstart on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and anyone else the baby comes into contact with.