I’m sure I’m not the only Mum whose baby decided they weren’t going to be separated from them for even a minute, the very moment they were born. I learned to eat and do housework with one hand pretty quickly.
At some point though, I did need my hand back!
It was at this point I decided I was going to give a sling a try, and boy! Am I glad I did?!
A baby sling is a long piece of fabric that wraps around your body and the baby, keeping baby close to you while allowing you to go about your day. Given the chance your baby will wake, sleep and feed in the wrap. Did you know carried babies cry up to 43% less?
They’re great for newborn, premature or small babies as they hold baby nice and snug, unlike a carrier which suits older or larger babies. If you prefer a carrier, you can check out my blog on best baby carriers.
There are a lot of different types out there on the market though so read on to see the best baby slings as reviewed by parents just like you!
What's the difference between a baby sling and a baby wrap?
Baby slings are typically made of a thin fabric and are worn with one shoulder strap. Baby wraps, on the other hand, are made of a thicker fabric and are wrapped around the wearer's body like a shawl.
Baby slings tend to be less bulky than baby wraps and are easier to put on and take off no matter your body shape. They're also less likely to cause overheating in warm weather climates. However, baby wraps provide more support for the baby's weight than baby slings do, which can be important for newborns who have not yet developed good head control.
How to ensure baby is safe in the sling
Make sure the baby sling is securely fastened and that there are no loose fabric or straps.
Check the size of the sling to make sure it is appropriate for your baby, and use a newborn sling for babies weighing 3.1kg/7lb or less.
Position your baby so that his/her chin is higher than their chest and keep their nose clear of the fabric.
Make sure you can see your baby's face at all times when they are in the sling.
Never leave your baby unattended in a sling.
If you are worried you’ll forget exactly how to ensure baby is safe in the sling, you can use this trick by Dr Rosie Knowles, a carrying consultant from carryingmatters.co.uk who uses this handy acronym;
T is for Tight. Ensure that the sling is fitted nice and snugly with baby in a safe position.
I is for In view at all times. Baby should be able to have their face free from any of your clothing so that you can see it clearly.
C is for Close enough to kiss. The best way to check baby is at the right height is to bend your head to kiss the top of theirs, it should be easily in reach and able to manoeuvre freely.
K is for Keep chin off chest. "Their chin should be off their chest and baby's airway open and unobstructed, and remain so if baby falls asleep," says Rosie.
S is for Supported back and also for no Slumping. The sling should keep baby’s back well supported so they don’t drop down in the sling.
How do I choose a sling?
A sling is chosen by considering the weight of the baby, the type of fabric, and the design.
For newborns, a muslin wrap or ring sling is often used because they are lightweight and can be easily maneuver around small babies. As the baby grows, he or she will become heavier and a woven wrap or mei tai carrier may be more appropriate. Fabrics such as cotton, linen, or wool are sturdy and breathable, making them ideal for warmer weather. For cooler weather, a faux fur-lined carrier can provide extra warmth. Designs that include multiple straps and adjustments offer a more customized fit.
How I Choose - Best Baby Slings and Wraps
We know that the health and wellbeing of your baby is your top priority so I personally have read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings and spoken to tons of Mums to find the best products out there for your little angel. As well as recommendations from other parents, I cross check facts with medical advice including the NHS so that my recommendations are safe for baby to use and medically recommended.
Amawrap Baby Sling Wrap
Why Parents Love It
Parents using a wrap for the first time were pleasantly surprised how secure baby feels in the Amawrap Baby Sling Wrap. They say the instructions for use are clear and concise and that their babies settled well in it.
Parents find it comfortable to wear and it is reported to be fine for breastfeeding baby in, although one reviewer notes that you should tighten the sling right after breastfeeding to ensure it doesn’t wriggle loose.
What You Need to Know
Size 26.5 x 21.2 x 6.4 cm
Made from cotton
Suitable for babies 3.5kg - 15kg
Closure type: tie
Made In The UK, International Hip Dysplasia Institute Approved, Award Winning
Freerider Co. Baby Sling
Why Parents Love It
Parents’ favorite feature of the Freerider Co. Baby Sling is the exceptionally soft material which makes it comfy for parent and baby to wear. It is said to be simple to tie and comes with detailed instructions and videos to ensure a snug fit.
The International Hip Dysplasia Institute certified Freerider Baby Slings as Hip-Healthy products for your newborn
What You Need to Know
Size 22.1 x 19.8 x 6.2 cm
Made from 100% Tencel, a premium material that feels as soft as silk and is exceptionally lightweight and breathable
Suitable for for newborns to 13.5kg/30lb
Closure type: tie
International Hip Dysplasia Institute Approved
Hand wash only
Je Porte Mon Bébé L'Originale Baby Sling
Why Parents Love It
Parents love this wrap for the perfectly stretchy material which offers the perfect amount of support for babies back while still being soft enough for their comfort.
A great feature of the Je Porte Mon Bébé L'Originale Baby Sling is that you can tie it before putting it on so no need to fiddle around for hours trying to get the perfect fit.
It is said to be a little heavier than other wraps due to the material and for this reason it is best for cooler weather.
What You Need to Know
Size 27.6 x 24.1 x 7 cm
Made from Spandex, Cotton
Suitable for babies 3.5kg/7.7lb – 14kg/30.8lb
Closure type: buckle
Can be worn on the front, side or back
Can be tied before wearing for easy use.
Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap Carrier & Sling
Why Parents Love It
Parents love that this wrap is easy to tie and ideal for younger or first-time parents. They raved about the stretchiness of the material and that it is lightweight and breathable so great in warmer weather. Some Dads noted that it’s a little short for a male frame.
The Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap Carrier & Sling has a handy pocket, is made from breathable fabric to keep baby cool and is machine washable.
What You Need to Know
Size 20.32 x 4.57 x 20.32 cm
Made from 100% Viscose made from eucalyptus & acacia
Suitable for newborn (3.6kg/8lb) to age 3 (11.3kg/25lb)
Machine wash
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
Why Parents Love It
This sling is loved by self-confession sling-junkie parents due to the fabric being super comfy for both baby and parent. This stretchy wrap is said to give a great fit and also really warm so you can take baby out in winter without having to worry about layering them up.
Parents love the designs and say they always get complimented when wearing the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier although a few first-time sling wearers said this sling is difficult to tie.
What You Need to Know
Size 30 x 15 x 15 cm
Made with 25% Cotton, 7% Spandex and 68% Viscose from Bamboo
Suitable for babies 3.1kg/7lb - 15.8kg/35lb
Closure type: tie
Machine wash
FAQs
Baby slings can be a lifesaver if you have a baby that doesn’t like to be away from its parents and said parents need to get a certain amount of stuff done! But it can be hard to choose which is best as there are a lot of options available and some people have safety concerns so I have compiled some of the top questions around baby slings here for you to review.
Are baby slings safe for newborns?
There are a lot of different baby slings on the market, and not all of them are safe for newborns. The safest baby slings are those that keep the baby in an upright position with his or her spine in alignment.
One type of sling that is not safe for newborns is the pouch sling. A pouch sling wraps around your waist like a belt and holds the baby in a carrying pouch against your chest. This type of sling can cause breathing problems and hip dysplasia in newborns.
Another type of sling that is not safe for newborns is the ring sling. A ring sling consists of a piece of cloth attached to two rings.
The slings above are suitable for newborns but always make sure you check the minimum weight requirement depending on the size of your baby.
Is baby carrier better than sling?
It depends on what you're looking for. Baby carriers are more popular because they distribute the baby's weight more evenly using shoulder straps, whereas slings can put a lot of weight on one shoulder. Slings are also a little harder to use, since you have to make sure the baby is in the correct position, but a lot of babies prefer the snug fit of a sling, especially younger babies.
What age can a baby be put in a sling?
Some babies can be put in a sling at 3 or 4 weeks old, while others may not be able to be placed in a sling until they are several months old as it depends on their size and weight.
The best way to determine if your baby is ready to be placed in a sling is to check with your pediatrician. Some general guidelines to follow are that the baby should have good head and neck control and should not slump forward when placed in the sling. Also, the baby's body should be well supported with the fabric of the sling so that there is no risk of suffocation.
How long should a newborn stay in a sling?
It depends on the baby's age.
Babies under 4 months old should stay in a sling for no more than 2 hours at a time. This is because they need to be constantly looked at to make sure their head and neck are in the correct position, and they also need to be burped frequently.
Babies between 4 and 6 months old can stay in a sling for up to 3 hours at a time, but they still need to be checked frequently.
Babies over 6 months old can stay in a sling for up to 4 hours at a time, but again, should be monitored frequently.
How long can baby stay in sling daily?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it will vary from baby to baby. But there are some general guidelines that can help you decide how long your baby should stay in the sling each day.
Newborns should generally only be carried in a sling for short periods of time, no more than an hour at a time. As they get older, they can stay in the sling for longer periods of time – up to four or five hours at a time.
It's important to remember that you should always listen to your baby and put them down if they start to show signs of being uncomfortable or fussy.
Are ring slings safe?
Yes, ring slings are considered safe. That said, like any other type of baby carrier, it's important to use a ring sling properly in order to ensure your child's safety. Make sure the rings are always attached securely and that the sling is fitted snugly around your body. Be especially careful when carrying your child in a ring sling if you're pregnant or have a history of back problems.
Can I breastfeed my baby in a sling wrap?
It is generally not recommended to breastfeed in a sling wrap because it can be quite constricting and limit the baby's airflow. Some wraps also contain fabric that can cause skin irritation.
However, there are a few exceptions, such as the Boba Wrap, which is specifically designed for breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed in a sling wrap, be sure to check the wrap for these potential problems, ensure you're using stretchy wraps and make sure you're wearing a t shirt that is easily accessible!
Can I put my 2 week old in a sling?
Yes! A sling is a great way to keep your baby close while freeing up your hands. Make sure to use a sling that is comfortable for both you and your baby and be sure to follow the safety guidelines from the manufacturer.
Can I sleep while baby is in sling?
It's not recommended to sleep with baby in a sling as you should be able to monitor them consistently and there is also a chance you may roll onto them while sleeping.
Can a baby fall out of a ring sling?
Yes, a baby can fall out of a ring sling if the parent is not paying attention or fitted the sling incorrectly. Ring slings are a great way to carry your baby, but they require close supervision.
Make sure the fabric is tight against your baby's body and that the rings are at the base of your baby's neck. Never leave your baby unattended in a ring sling.
Is ring sling or wrap better?
It depends on what you are looking for in a baby carrier. Ring slings are perfect for quick ups and downs, and they can be used for newborns and toddlers. They are also relatively affordable.
The best baby wraps, on the other hand, can be used from infancy through toddlerhood, and they offer more support than ring slings. They can be a bit more complicated to use at first, but with a little practice they are very user-friendly. Wraps also tend to be more expensive than ring slings.
So, which is the best baby sling?
There's no one-size-fits-all-answer to this question so hopefully the information I've provided above helps you make an informed decision. I hope you’ve found the information above useful, as a first-time parent I often wish I had access to information like this so I want to help other parents through the minefield that is parenthood!
All of the slings above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which slings work best for you and your little one so you can buy today!
Thanks for reading!
