[jenmparrott]

Ok so I went to my ped the other day with a wrap and my 27 week preemie in it and he told me that due to his low muscle tone, sensory issues and his size I should not use a sling. Has anyone heard of this before? I trust him to no end and would never think of changing.

Jennifer

 

[boscopup]

I don't know about sensory issues, but size... I used a sling with DS (29 weeker) as soon as he came home. He LOVED the sling, and it was great for him to have a cozy place on mom's chest to sleep. I think it was really good for him (like kangaroo care). I used an upright tummy-to-tummy carry.

 

[jenmparrott]

Thats is what I was doing but he said he would get to stiff and not learn other things that he needed to. I have since returned the sling but I am going to go crazy!

Jennifer

 

[kondonis]

it sounds odd to me - if your child (how old is he now?) has sensory issues and is not upset by the motion of the sling or the closeness to you, it sounds to me like that is something that HELPS him, rather than takes away from him. the rocking motion is vestibular movement, which helps babies learn to balance which is vital to being able to sit, crawl, and esp. walk. bouncing does this too, see-saws, and swing. if your child isn't crying in these situations, you having him in a sling and close to you actually helps him.

Now, depending on how old your child is, if your child is old enough to sit (adjusted age), then perhaps having him in a stroller would build his trunk muscles nad give him more room to practice his skills in balancing.

One of the things that helped us (we had a combo problem of low and hi tone areas) with the sitting and trunk control was an excersaucer because it engaged him in different positions. we also bought a bumbo seat (used it for a week) which helped loosen his hip flexors, and toys that really excited him that required him to sit up to use or be on his belly and look up (we had problems with neck control) to use.

maybe your dr. was just suggesting you switch up his physical environment to give him more reason to succeed in different environments?

 

[Benjismom]

It's true that some preemies have sensory issues but the explanation you're relating--about not learning to do things or becoming too stiff--doesn't really seem to relate to sensory issues so much as gross motor development. I carried both of my preemies (34 and 35 weeks) in a sling, although my older child told me quite clearly when he stopped being happy there (he still doesn't like blankets and such on his legs at age 6-1/2). I don't think there's any evidence that slinging impedes babies' motor development, regardless of whether they were premature. Maybe someone on the babywearing board will have more specific information.

FWIW, sensory issues vary tremendously, and what bothers one child is exactly what another child craves. For example, some kids can't abide vestibular stimulation (spinning around) while others want it continuously. Similarly, some kids can't take being touched and others want a very firm touch as much as possible. So it's hard to understand how one could generalize about sensory issues and slings.

Beth
DS (6-1/2--35 weeks); DD (3-1/2--34 weeks)

 

[jenmparrott]

It seemed strange to me to but I just thought I would ask. We are only 3 months adjusted and we are very behind in just about everything. I was just curious if this was something that Dr's told people other than me.

Jennifer

 

[Azreial]

our dr thinks the sling and pouch are great for my preemies

 

[USAmma]

My dd had sensory issues as an infant and her OT said the sling was great for her! It provided her full body pressure and security, as well as stimulus to her environment from a safe place. If the low tone is causing him to not be able to breathe in it or something, or is making reflux worse, you can use a front carrier instead. My dd was not able to tolerate the sling until she was about 9 mos old due to reflux but I always had her on my body in a carrier of some sort.

BTW slings, esp once they are in hip carry, help to strengthen the trunk and head, as well as a sense of balance. Not to mention how powerful the human touch is for healing and thriving and growing.

 

[Finch]

My son has sensory issues and the sling has been a godsend. He NEEDS that good squeeze from being pulled in close to me. After therapy (swim, play, speech, behavioral), he usually cries to be held in the sling because it makes him feel safe and he just NEEDS to be held like that, kwim?

 

[mrsfru]

Jennifer,

According to our physical therapist, the best thing for our preemie's hypotonia was the sling!!! I think your ped is misinformed on how it is used and thinks that you will be holding baby in it non-stop and not giving him a chance to stretch. It also sounds like he may not "get it" about the tight muscles, etc.

At any rate, I would definitely keep using the sling--your convenience and baby's feelings matter, too. The hypotonia and sensory issues will get better over time with PT and OT.

hths

mrsfru

 

[munkeesmama]

I think your ped is very misinformed. Slinging/wrapping preemies is VERY healthy for them and actually promotes growth. Make sure his head is supported and he is close to you and the both of you will be fine.

 

[GatorNNP]

agree with all of the above

 

[BetsyNY]

Our PT said that the sling was GREAT for Dennis' stiffness/arching, because it forced him to contract (cradle carry) when what he wanted to do was arch, arch, arch. Ditto the others--your ped is misinformed.