Babywearing has become an extremely popular way to soothe and/or transport a baby and using one of our recommended best baby slings is the best way to do that. We’ve tested over 30 different baby slings to bring you a complete buyer’s guide and a shortlist of 10.
Table of Contents
To save you some time of reading all of our reviews and 1000s of words here’s a table highlighting the best of the best
Best Baby Slings Reviewed
1. DaisyGro Premium Baby Sling
The DaisyGro Premium baby sling is usually the only baby sling most people need to see before they realise this is the one for them. Made using premium 95% cotton and 5% spandex this sling is super stretchy and very strong to keep your baby safe and buoyant while they’re being worn. There are two sizes available which refers to the wearer and therefore caters to those of all UK sizes.
Sadly, it only comes in grey which is a bit dull but most slings are, to be honest! Included is a simple to follow guide on how to tie it all together. Suitable for use up to 35lbs (16kg) and a lifetime guarantee is included. You simply can not go wrong with this baby sling and at a typical price of £20 is an absolute steal.
2. YogaBellies® Baby Sling Wrap
YogaBellies’ Baby Sling Wrap is another fantastic 100% cotton based baby wrap which is one of the few slings which have passed the Oeko-tex standard for non-toxic materials and one that comes with a few extras thrown in. Another feature of this sling is that it is a British manufactured product if you’re into all that ‘helping British companies’ thing. As far as the sling’s performance is concerned it’s comfortable, soft, stretchy (2-way stretch) and strong which are essential qualities to have. The price is good in the mid £20s and it has plenty of strong reviews to back it up.
Some notable features- If you’re a plus size woman this sling will work perfectly. This has a lot of fabric so be caution in hot weather. There’s enough material to wrap before putting the baby in. Babies can not be carried outwards with this sling.
The kicker with the YogaBellies® Baby Sling Wrap is that they shower you with some pretty decent freebies as a thank you (or perhaps to just get your money). Included with the sling is a matching hat, bag and a pretty decent eBook which explains all the different configurations for a dead easy wrap. And also a lifetime guarantee. We think the package is pretty amazing, especially for those who (sorry for quoting McDonald’s) like to get their money’s worth.
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3. Mamaway Baby Ring Sling
The Mamaway baby sling is one of the best ring slings on the market and has attracted a lot of positive attention from the bright colours (4 different colours available), strong materials, easy configuration and the fact that it can be used past 35 lbs where wrap slings wouldn’t be able to. The cloth material is very long and made of strong 100% cotton. Its strength by design, though, is its unique selling point and as its newborn friendly and can be used for toddlers this is a seriously cost effective option.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed then you’ll be pleased to know this provides a comfortable and safe feeding position and quick access to the boob. You can customise the hold and snugness much more in this than a wrap thanks to the ring. Mamaway have made sure its compliant with T.I.C.K.S which not a great many slings do. It has a 30-day refund policy attached which does fall short of the lifetime guarantee that some brands offer. This is not the cheapest sling by any means but we feel it’s one of the best returns on your investment.
4. Babypeta sling
The babypeta sling is an eye-catching product that may attract those who care about the way it looks but still want good performance, quality materials and an easy configuration. The sling itself is made using a cotton and spandex blend which does give the superior stretch, bounce and strength that pure cotton slings don’t offer. We know the style is what stands out but underneath this is a fine baby sling.
5. K’Tan Pouch
The K’tan pouch is the only baby pouch we’ve listed in the final top 10 list as generally they do not fair as well as wraps and tend to cost a lot more as well leaving us to believe they are not the ideal choice. However, we wanted to make sure we listed at least one and the K’Tan baby pouch we feel is the best pouch on the UK market. There’s no wrapping involved with the pouch as it’s ready to go which makes it incredibly convenient. It’s made with 100% and can be changed into 6 different configurations which are all included in the guidebook.
The K’tan pouch has a nice print design or 3 coloured stripes which is a nice change from the bland greys that slings typically come with. This pouch is suitable for newborn babies (even premature babies) and toddlers up to 35 lbs. The material’s breathable, strong and soft and an ideal solution for those worrying about the configurations of wraps and slings. A sash is included. Overall, we’re very impressed with this pouch and believe it would be ideal for those who don’t want the (superior) wraps or ring slings for whatever reason.
6. Lictin Baby Sling
The Lictin baby sling is another strong contender for your business with its unique selling point being it’s relatively low price. It is 95% cotton and 5% spandex and more than likely is the exact same design as some of the others. That being said, it’s a practical, reliable and safe sling to aid with breastfeeding friendly baby carrying that will soothe and help with maintaining the bond between the wearer and the child. This sling comes with a free matching bag for safekeeping and an instruction manual which gives information on the specification, washing instructions, installation and the two different ways it carries.
This is not a newcomer to the UK market and has been backed by over 180 independent reviews on Amazon to put your mind at ease. It is a bestseller which has delighted parents up and down the country with a price point that’s extremely competitive. In a world of near identical products – why would you not want to save yourself around £5 with a purchase? Our Best For Mums testers struggle to find reasons why you wouldn’t!
7. Hana BAMBOO Baby Wrap
The Hana bamboo baby wrap looks just like any other wrap from the outside but it really isn’t. This is one of the most natural and ‘organic’ wrap you will find as it’s made from bamboo would you believe! Well, 48% of it does, along with 48% cotton and 4% elastane. All of this is OEKO TEX approved and above board so no need to worry about any risks involved with the bamboo. It’s a super soft and comfortable wrap to wear for you and baby and will attract ‘earth mothers’.
The use of bamboo leads to a sling which is cashmere soft, anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic. The bamboo fabric acts as a natural UV filter and is up to three times more breathable than cotton making it much better in the summer than most other slings. We’ve gone on and on about the materials but let’s not forget to mention that this sling is super stretchy, strong and reliable. It’s easy to configure and wear and apparently Holly Willoughby had one. Definitely one of the best baby slings out there, 440+ reviewers and us surely can’t be wrong.
8. Funki Flamingo Baby Sling
There ain’t no baby sling party without a Funki Flamingo baby sling. In the world of baby products, it is a household name and our list just wouldn’t be complete without it. This sling sets the standard of how a baby sling should be with quality materials, comfortable hold and a competitive price. It’s made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex so the cloth is stretchy and strong whilst still being breathable and soft. You can machine wash this bad boy.
This is a non-complicated baby sling that’s comfortable to wear around the house or outside in fair weather. Included is an instruction booklet and a link to a video online. Don’t let the neutral, boring colours put you off this fabulous baby sling. With over 1,300 reviews online, a 100% lifetime guarantee you will struggle to find any reason why this baby sling isn’t the one you’ve been after all your life.
9. Baba Bushbaby Wrap
The Baba Bushbaby wrap is an ideal product to help you wear your baby around the house or even outdoors, weather permitting. It can even be used to soothe colic or acid reflux in a baby by keeping them upright and moving. This is also a great wrap/sling for breastfeeding mums as it has keeps them at the angle for feeding and easy access to the boob. Similar to most slings this is made using 95% cotton and 5% spandex which gives it a nice bouncy hold while being strong and secure.
This sling is Oeko-tex certified and comes with a lifetime guarantee. This is a fairly new wrap to the market but has gathered a healthy amount of reviews so far which are overwhelmingly positive. You’ll be able to use this with a baby up until 35 pounds – they’ll be too big for a wrap by that point anyway. We did really like this wrap but we failed to find anything about it that stood out so our recommendation is to keep an eye on this wrap for it to be on offer.
10. The Baby Brand Baby Sling
Get your freedom back with the Baby Brand baby sling. This baby sling can help improve your bond with your baby by keeping you close to them all the time. It’s made using 95% and 5% spandex which gives a very bouncy but strong hold for babies up to 35 lbs. It’s the same sort of colour that 9/10 of baby slings are which is a bit boring. You’ll get a free matching bag and an instruction booklet to help you understand your new product. It’s easy to follow for any reading comprehension level.
This is another baby sling that looks, feels and works much like the others and without any particular unique selling point. So why add it to our list? Well, it’s always good to have healthy competition and from time to time this product may be on offer making it a stand out product. The Baby Brand baby sling is just as good as any sling leaving the price the only game breaker. It’s got plenty of reviews to back it up.
What is a baby sling?
A baby sling is a piece of cloth or fabric which can be tied in such a way that it can support a baby, small child or an infant close the wearer. Baby slings come in a few different shapes, sizes, styles and configurations with each of them having the same goal – to be able to wear your baby comfortably and securely. A baby sling is a type of baby carrier but it lacks the structure which can make it more secure for activities with more movement such as hiking and trekking. Baby slings can either be ‘pre cnonfigured’ or come as a single piece of material that needs to be tied manually. We will cover all types of baby slings in this article.
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Types of baby slings
Baby slings is a broad term to describe several different derivatives, here we’ll list the different types so you can see which is the best fit for you and baby
Wrap
The most common type of baby sling is the baby wrap as shown in the image above. A baby wrap is one long piece of fabric/cloth which is then tied to form a ‘pouch’ for the baby to sit in. A baby wrap can be worn front or back and many would regard this as the best way to get close to a baby without actually using your hands. Baby wraps are typically quite cheap as it’s a very simple product at the end of the day. A wrap is the most common type of slipe thanks to its simplicity, low price and value for money.
A ring sling is pretty much the same type of sling as a wrap except a ring (either plastic, metal or wood) is present to make configuring the sling easier. As you can see from the image the ring has been used in this example to create a pouch for larger baby with the ring taking much of the pressure from the wearer’s shoulders. A sling is a popular choice for those who are worried about their ability to tie a baby wrap themselves or want a stronger option to carry older babies/children.
Pouch
A baby pouch is a type of sling with a pouch already built in with the only thing left for the wearer to do is just put it on. With a baby pouch, the configuration will always be the same as the picture illustrates. Using a baby pouch is not ideal for newborn babies or small babies as there is too much play involved and they must be able to support their necks for it to be safe. However, this is a great casual option for those who want a simple solution for an older baby.
Do I need a baby sling?
When you’ve you’re bringing home a bundle of joy home, especially for the first time, it can be daunting when you consider everything you need to get. A baby sling is definitely NOT on the ‘definitely need’ list but they are certainly on the ‘definitely will make things easier’ list.
A sling is simply a tool which can help you get closer to your baby but keep your hands free. It’s an ideal piece of kit to help you do some housework or nip out to the shops when your baby just isn’t in the mood to be in the bouncer, chair or the pram. So, do you need a baby sling? No. Will it make things easier? Yes.
Benefits of a baby sling
Here at Best For Mums we are big fans of baby slings as a method to bond with a baby while allowing the parent to move around freely and complete simple tasks.
1. A convenient way to carry
Carrying a baby over a certain length of time can be very tiring for the parent and restricts them from being able to do anything else. A baby sling will enable you to have both hands free and to take the pressure off your arms while still technically carrying them.
2. Bonding
Physical contact is a great way to bond with a baby and using the best baby sling enables the parent to be able to be in physical contact with them for longer creating a very strong, cuddly bond which will last well beyond the use of the baby sling when they become toddlers.
3. Happy babies
A study by Harvard University found that babies who are held close to their parents are happier and easier to handle. A baby sling enables physical touching without taking away the wearer’s mobility – think of it as hands free cuddling. If you need to get some stuff done or need to go somewhere then a baby carrier or baby sling is the best way to go about it. That’s not to say that a pram doesn’t have its place, though!
4. Health and Fitness
Wearing your baby in a sling will burn more calories and keep you in much better shape than not using it. Think of wearing your baby like wearing a weighted training vest! If you use any products that monitor your heart rate and calorie burn rate then do a test with the same walk with a pram and another with a baby sling and we’re sure you’ll get two different results! It’s not just how much calories get burned that is the only health and fitness factor, though, as your muscles will also get stronger as they adapt to the extra weight on your body. Your upper back muscles in particularly will be toned with use.
5. Economical
A baby sling is a cheap purchase even at the higher end of the market when compared to other methods of baby transport such as prams. At the end of the day, even the best baby slings are pieces of material that are to be tied up and do not pose much of a financial burden on a parent. This means that parents on a very tight budget can enjoy this product without taking a chunk out of any savings.
Is a baby sling suitable for me?
Honestly, we feel that a baby sling IS for everyone and the positives far outweigh the negatives no matter how you spin it. However, we can understand that perhaps some people would prefer a different method so we’ve listed some things to consider before making a purchase
- It can be physically demanding
- Once you take them somewhere with the sling they will need to come back in the sling
- It is not as secure as a carrier or a pram
- It’s not waterproo
What to look for in a good baby sling
Most baby slings are pretty much identical but there are some features we feel are worth looking out for when looking for the best slings for babies to whittle a shortlist down to just one. Here we’ll list our recommendations of desirable features.
Quality materials
Don’t buy any baby products made using cheap materials full stop. With a baby sling, you’re looking for the fabric to be made using stretchy and strong material that can handle the weight of a product with a bit of bounce. Look for slings made out of cotton, polyester and spandex.
One size fits all
Babies grow quickly, some would say too quickly. If you don’t get a baby sling which is ‘one size fits all’ then it’s going to get binned pretty quickly. If the sling is made with stretchy, strong material then it should automatically be a one size fits all. If not, then it’s no good in our opinion.
Easy to use and put on
From an image, it may look like baby slings are difficult to put on, especially alone. Make sure while doing your research you see if there are any easy to follow instructions available or some testimonials from users about how quickly and easily they’ve been able to get it on.
Good reviews
If a product has been purchased a lot and is of decent quality then it should have gathered some positive reviews. Let other customer experiences help you understand if the product is good or not. Don’t just check Amazon for good reviews do a few branded Google searches as well to get some reassurances that others have purchased your intended product before and have rated it quite well.
Ticks Babywearing
There are no official government guidelines on baby sling safety regulations. This, in short, means that anyone anywhere can sell baby slings on the UK market undeterred by safety restrictions. Enter T.I.C.K.S! Known from now an as just ticks, is an unofficial guide on how a baby carrying the device should be worn and used to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for babies. Ticks is an acronym for tight, in view, close enough to kiss, keep chin off chest and supported back.
Here’s an infographic which explains more:
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/business/certifications_and_services/ots_100/ots_100_start.xhtml
