In this blog post, our midwife Charlotte tells you everything about weighing slings for midwives – from their importance in everyday midwifery to important tips for buying one.
What is a weighing sling?
A weighing sling is a soft, often lightweight cloth specially designed for weighing newborns.
What is it used for?
Midwives use the weighing sling together with a hanging scale, especially in postnatal care after birth, to monitor the baby's weight.
Is it normal for newborns to lose weight in the first few days after birth?
Yes, in the first few days after birth, it is completely normal for newborns to lose weight. This is due, among other things, to the excretion of meconium and urine and, on the other hand, to the adaptation of their own organism. The maximum weight loss is usually reached on the 5th day after birth and should not exceed 10% of the birth weight. After that, a slow and steady weight gain should occur day by day, which is why regular weight checks by a midwife are important. The newborn should have regained its original birth weight after 14 days at the latest.
What should I look for when buying a weighing sling?
As a midwife, three things are particularly important to me: material, size, and ease of care.
I definitely recommend using high-quality, soft materials so that it feels comfortable for the newborn. Popular options include weighing slings made of cotton or bamboo fibers.
You should also make sure that the weighing sling offers enough space to safely weigh the newborn in the first few weeks after birth. For example, I prefer the version without leg cutouts, so you can use it for as long and as versatile as possible. However, this is very individual.
The ease of care of the weighing sling is also particularly important, as it will be used frequently in your everyday midwifery and therefore washed frequently. Most weighing slings can usually be washed at up to 60°C.
O U R E X P E R T
Charlotte I Midwife B.Sc.
