IT IS one of the many dilemmas facing new parents – and one that can costs hundreds of pounds. Weighing up the pros and cons of numerous prams and ‘travel systems’ can leave mums and dads in a spin. So for many parents the solution lies in something as simple as a strip of fabric.

Baby wraps and slings are fast becoming the way to travel with a child.

Endorsed by celebrity mums including Myleene Klass and Gwen Stefani a wrap can look as stylish as it is functional.

Along with the practical benefits of having a safe and secure way of transporting your child with minimum cost and effort, bonding is also a key part of sling wearing.

The growing popularity of the slings and wraps is evident through the number of babysling meeting groups that are being established across the country. Southampton Slingmeet is one of the newest, being set up at the end of last year.

Co-ordinator Debbie Hampton, mum of two, said the group was proving popular with mums in the area.

She said: “More and more mums are looking into using slings they have lots of benefits for parents and the child, not least helping with the bonding. Because the child is so close to you they feel your heartbeat and warmth so it is quite comforting for them, particularly new borns. On the practical side it frees your hands up to enable you to get on with other things.”

Along with meeting other parents and picking up tips on sling wearing, Debbie is on hand to guide new mums through the maze of different slings and wraps that come in all sort of shapes and sizes. The major advantage of the meetings is that slings are available to hire for the monthc giving parents the option of trying before they invest in a particular type of sling.

“It is all very well putting a sling on but after wearing it around the supermarket for a couple of hours parents can find it just isn’t suitable for what they want. So it is a really good way of finding the one that is right for you without spending a lot.”

Slingmeet Southampton meets at the Windmill Children’s Centre at Long Lane in Bursledon every month on alternate Mondays and Thursdays, the next meeting is on August 6. For more information about the group and tips on wearing a sling go to slingmeet.co.uk