Is it OK to use sling/carrier during (A)ctive time?

[Jys]

Sometimes my 7.5 week old baby is just alert and not sleepy in the least. During A time, we play (I talk/coo at her), use toys, listen to music, or she watches a mobile or sits in swing or bouncer. Sometimes though I simply have to do things and she is crying. I was wondering, is it OK to carry her around during the active time in a sling/carrier so I have my hands free? I love having her close of course and she loves it too (stops crying), but I don't recall reading much about this in the books. Is it a bad idea to do this?

[Peek-a-boo]

Yes--I think slings are great.  You don't LO to get in the habit of sleeping in there and you don't want to be using it to calm her if the real problem is that she's tired, but if she's alert and that's a way for her to check out the world while you get stuff done--it's fabulous.   

[bethann]

I would say that it would only be a bad idea if you were using it to help her fall asleep and she becomes somewhat dependent upon it.  I love putting Caleb (9wks) in my sling or baby-bjorn when I need to get some housework done or Abigail wants me to play outside with her.  Caleb loves it- in fact- we're all happy with it!  It's also helpful for their neurological development.  (movements and stimulation such as rocking and bouncing help them develop- actually known to decrease epilepsy!).