One of the classic symptoms of MSPI is colic.  Sometimes when the MSPI is resolved, either by Mom going on an elimination diet or by switching to hypo-allergenic formula, the colic disappears.  Sometimes not. Colicky infants need to be held and rocked or bounced constantly.  This means that your hands are always full and your back kills.  This is especially difficult if you have othher kids.  In addition, many colicky kids won’t even go in a stroller, so getting out and about is an even greater challenge than with a normal infant.

One indispensable piece of baby gear for dealing with an infant like that is a baby carrier.  There are two broad categories of carriers, the Baby Bjorn-type and the sling or traditional type.  Having tried both, I am strongly in favour of the sling/traditional type.  There are a number of reasons for this;

• Once you know what you are doing, the slings are incredibly easy to use.  They generally consist of a long piece of cloth, sometimes with a ring or pocket.  That’s it.
• They distribute the weight of the baby even over your shoulders and lower back.
• They are extremely portable, just  roll it up, and washable.
• You can use a sling immediately after birth, since the baby’s head can be supported, unlike modern carriers.
• The baby is held right against the wearers body, it can feel your warmth and hear your heartbeat – this is extremely comforting for a colicky child.(I have often worn my kids in the sling with them in only a diaper and me shirtless).
• The slings can be used up to 35 pounds.  I carried my two eldest children until they were more than 2 years old.
• You can easily breastfeed while wearing the baby.

We have two slings from Maman Kangourou (the stretchy wrap) and I don’t know what I would do without them.

Check out the video below to see how to use a baby sling.

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