Best Baby Ring Slings

Babywearing is basically a necessity. After all, you’ve got things to do that require having your hands free! Keeping your little one in a baby sling close to your chest helps comfort them and frees you up to get things done. But the practice is also valuable beyond the infant stages—which is why “toddler wearing” is a thing. Sometimes it’s just more convenient to carry a tot than to make them trot on their own. While there are multiple types of baby carriers (and toddler carriers at that), many moms opt for a comfy, sturdy ring sling to keep their child close. They’re less bulky than more structured carriers and easier to use than baby wraps, since they come with—you guessed it—rings that help them stay fastened. There are other benefits to buying a good ring sling too. A baby sling can help you form a physical bond with your child, as your bodies will be cozily pressed together whenever you wear one. Plus, the ample fabric and placement of a ring sling makes discreet breastfeeding a breeze. Ready to decide if a ring sling is the right choice for you? Read on for the full info, then shop our picks of the best baby sling options on the market.

What Is a Ring Sling?

To start, you’ve probably seen a ring sling “out in the wild” a couple times and wondered what it was and how it worked. A ring sling is essentially a long piece of woven fabric—usually something light and airy like cotton, linen, bamboo or silk—that gets fashioned into a hammock-like seat and threaded through two rings (sewn into the shoulder) to make it safe, secure, supportive and adjustable. There are no buckles, snaps or fasteners; the rings alone ensure a tight, anchored fit, which makes the feel a lot more flexible and fluid. It’s a great choice for a baby carrier in the fourth trimester when you’re starting to get into a routine and want to establish a close bond. It makes sense: Baby wants to be connected to you; they want to hear the heartbeat that was familiar to them in the womb and feel the warmth and tenderness of your touch. With a ring sling that hugs their tiny body ever-so-gently—and pulls them close to your heart—they’ll experience a sense of calm that can ease their fussiness, lull them to rest and even facilitate successful nursing sessions (if that’s your feeding journey!).

Baby slings vs. baby wraps: What’s the difference?

Wondering if a ring sling is the same as a baby wrap? While both soft carriers offer a quick and easy way to get your infant on and ready to ride for whatever comes next (be it a nice walk outside or errand running), the way they’re worn and how they distribute baby’s weight are different. A ring sling is worn diagonally over the body, from shoulder to opposite hip and has, at most, three wearable positions: front, hip and potentially back (this last option is only acceptable after baby turns one). A wrap, on the other hand, is usually wrapped around your shoulders and across your torso in infinite configurations that support front, hip and back carrying. Both carriers free up your hands, but, with a ring sling, the weight can be felt on your one shoulder, while a wrap carrier evenly distributes the weight across your hips and shoulders.

How to Use a Ring Sling

Worried you won’t be able to master wearing a baby sling comfortably? While there’s a learning curve with ring sling baby carriers, they’re far less tricky than wraps, since they come with rings that make wrapping and securing a cinch. You simply thread the fabric through the ring and sling it over your shoulder. Once your child is inside (always hold them with one hand until the process is complete), the shape lets you spread, tighten and otherwise adjust the fabric until you feel confident it’s sturdy and won’t bother you or baby.

The best way to figure out how to wear a ring sling is by reading the instructions that come with yours; the maker of your specific baby sling is the ultimate authority on how to use it and will provide important safety tips. While those guidelines are your source of truth, you can also consult visual guides, like step-by-step photos and educational videos for extra help. (Many sellers offer those on their websites, product pages and social media channels.) Then practice, practice, practice—it might be helpful to try it out in front of a mirror too. Here are a few extra pointers to get you started:

• Make sure the “seat” you make for baby is big enough (many sellers say that a ‘deep seat’ is the key) to fit them and keep them safely enclosed—if it’s too small, they could tumble out.

• On the flipside, the baby sling shouldn’t be too tight—it should feel snug but not enough to squeeze and cause discomfort, and your child’s head should always stay out.

• Pay attention to the way baby is positioned (never with their head angled down toward their chest, restricting their ability to breathe). You’ll also need to keep an eye on their nose and mouth, so that they’re never covered or obscured.

• You can wear your ring sling in a couple different ways: either in front of you or on your hip for extra weight support.

What to Look for in a Ring Sling

First and foremost, trust your intuition. Consider your ring sling an extension of your wardrobe, meaning find one that fits your style and feels comfortable. You’ll want it to be adjustable to your body shape and accommodating for baby’s size. Though most slings can safely hold babies from 8 pounds all the way up to 35 pounds, you’ll also want to be sure you’re not taking chances with a newborn who is too small or a toddler who is maxing out the weight limits. Here, a few other features to keep in mind:

• Adjustability. Feel free to shop around a little (not many ring sling brands are available in stores, so you’ll likely need to shop online) to try out different fabric lengths and sizes; you can always return what you don’t like. After all, what feels best on your body might be different than what feels best to your friend, especially if you (and your kids) are shaped differently. To this end, some brands will offer you a complimentary fit session with one of their style consultants after you purchase a ring sling.
• Breathability. With newborns, the natural need for a womb-like atmosphere is very apparent in the first few weeks of life. But when you’re using a fabric carrier, there’s a fine line between cozy and too-confined. Look for slings crafted from materials like cotton, linen, silk and/or bamboo which are more breathable fabrics and help with airflow.
• Compliance. The best baby slings aren’t only parent-approved, but also have institutional approval. Turn to ASTM- and CPSC-certified products for an extra confidence boost. Both parties have put out ring sling safety guidelines. You also may want to scope out slings with a “hip-healthy” sign-off from organizations like The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).

Best Ring Slings

Ready to buy? We’ve rounded up some of the best ring slings on the market, from a fashion-forward baby ring carrier to a breastfeeding-friendly option to a versatile water ring sling for the beach and other sunny summer adventures.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Baby Wrap Carriers to Keep Baby Close

Best Baby Carriers for Every Type of Parent

5 Best Baby Backpack Carriers for Hiking and Exploring