Have you come across mothers carrying baby in a sling that consists of a piece of cloth and two metal rings? That’s a Maya Wrap, one of severals types of baby slings. As simple as it looks, you’d be surprised how useful Maya slings are.

When my sister started to use a Maya Wrap 4 years ago, I recall saying it looked awful. It didn’t look pleasing to the eye on first impression, I must admit. That’s the first time I saw one and at that time, hardly anyone around the neighbourhood has seen one, let alone used it. When my sister used it in public, people would stare and amused to see a baby inside the sling. With his head peering out. Like a baby kangaroo in a pouch.

Aesthetics aside, my sister explained and showed me how useful it is. It was my first time seeing a Maya Wrap type of baby sling in action. I was impressed!

4 years later, blessed with my own baby, I bought a Maya Sling when baby Clarisse was 4 months old. I had trouble finding a local retailer in my area that sells it so I ordered one from eBay.

When it arrived, it took me days to figure out how to use it properly. The Maya Sling takes a bit of getting used to. My sister wasn’t around to show and teach me in person so I resorted to the next best thing - videos. Luckily, instruction videos on how to use a Maya Sling are a plenty on the internet, particularly Youtube. And those videos helped a lot! As a precaution, I practised maneuvering a doll instead into various positions in a Maya Sling before I’m confident enough to carry my baby. It wasn’t easy to be honest, but you’ll get the hang of it after some time.

The Maya Wrap baby sling is a fully adjustable baby sling ensuring a perfect and hassle-free fit at all times. Your baby will remain very comfortable inside the sling despite giving the impression of being crampy within. My baby Clarisse finds it snug and cozy. Infants like to be swaddled and the Maya Wrap baby sling gives them a similar feeling. Your baby will like sleeping in it.

It can be used in a variety of positions to carry your baby - tummy-to-tummy, kangaroo, cradle, hip and back carries. Once properly adjusted and in place, you can move about hands-free. And you’d also find just as many miscellaneous uses like using it as a light weight blanket when it’s cold, blocking the sun, a harness and a shopping cart strap.

Here’s what I like most about Maya slings; breastfeeding in public. I would put my baby deep into the sling. The end of the cloth hanging from the ring, which is about a foot long, can be used to cover up when I nurse my baby. I can breastfeed my baby inside the sling anywhere and anytime I want, without feeling uncomfortable.

These days, I do not leave home without my Maya Wrap baby sling. In fact, it remains in the car even when we’re home. Again, I would like to stress how I love to be able to breastfeed my baby in a Maya Wrap baby sling and walk about hands-free when I’m out shopping or running errands. Furthermore, babies look very cute when positioned in a kangaroo position. I’ve had people walk up to me and asked about my Maya Wrap baby sling. Mostly wondering where to buy it. While baby Clarisse has got her cheeks pinched a number of times.