Ring sling baby carriers are a popular and versatile option for parents who want to babywear. The main babywearing benefit most people think of is hands free time, but there are many others. Whether you are looking for a soft and natural option, something to wear in the water, or hoping to buy from a company that gives back – our lineup of ring slings has something for everyone.
We’re comparing different ring sling options, their pros, cons, and everything in between. Look no further, we’ve done our research and the answers to all of your ring sling questions. Trust us, we have you covered.
The Best Ring Slings – Our Picks!
- Kids N’ Such – 4 in 1 – The best of the baby sling and wrap world combined – Best overall
- Pura Vida – Luxury Ring Sling – Lighweight, breathable and eco-friendly pure life cotton – Most luxurious
- Turkish Cotton Ring Sling – A 100% Turkish double facing cotton muslin ring sling – Most vegan friendly
- Moby Ring Sling – One size fits all, color choices and machine washable – The most versatile option
- Maya Padded Sling – A lightly padded shoulder makes this the most comfortable option
- Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling – Great for the shower! – Best for the water
- Biubee Water Sling – A very affordable water carrier – Most affordable
Note: Our individual reviews are below, but you can also click any of the links above to check current prices on Amazon and other retailers
Table of Contents
Are ring slings easy to use?
Rings are perfectly safe, as long as you use them safely, and thread them properly and per the manufacturer’s instructions. According to the Mayo Clinic, ring slings should not be used for babies younger than four months of age. This is about the time when their neck muscles have developed enough to hold their heads up on their own.
You also do not want to lay your little one down in the ring sling at all. This can cause a suffocation hazard if your baby’s nose or mouth pushes against your belly, or if the ring sling pulls your baby into a c-shape with their chin next to their chest. This can cut off their airway.
Are they good for newborns?
This topic is debated. As in the paragraph above, many professionals, including those at the Mayo Clinic, say that ring slings should not be used before your little one can independently hold their heads up.
Still, manufacturers including Tula and Wild Bird, say it is safe to use baby slings as long as you wrap your baby carefully and make sure to put the fabric snuggly behind your baby’s neck to keep it in position. In the end, the choice is really up to you and whether or not you feel comfortable putting your little one in a ring sling.
Are ring slings safe vs structured carriers?
Ring slings are just as safe as soft structured baby carriers, as long as you use them correctly. In some cases, they are even safer because you are in control of your baby’s leg position. It is important that your baby is placed in a frog position, with their knees up higher than their hips. This provides structure for the hip sockets to stay in the correct position. A position that causes your baby’s legs to hang down can lead to hip dysplasia and other problems.
Many soft structured baby carriers are not made to hold your little one in the frog position that they need to be in to be safe. Check out a carriers position before you put your baby in them to make sure they will be safe inside it.
What wrap length is best for me?
While some ring slings sell under a ‘one-size’ option, the truth is that a one-size-fits-all ring sling might not be the right size for you. If you’re now asking yourself if you read that correctly, you did. No need to start looking for your glasses.
Just like every mama comes in different shapes and sizes, so do the best ring slings. You might want one with a long tail to allow you to try out different carries. Or maybe you want a shorter tail so you don’t have to tuck it in or drag it around in front of you. Each mama will have her own preference, and none of them are wrong.
To find the best length for you there are a few options you can try. One is to go into a store and actually try on different lengths of slings, this is obviously the best option, but it’s not always possible. If you do not live close to a store that carries ring slings you measure yourself at home as well.
Find the length of the ring sling you want online, for example, a small Maya Ring Sling is 67 inches long. Measure that length out on a piece of measuring tape or string and them wrap the measuring tape loosely around you like you would a sling. If the tail doesn’t seem like it would be long enough for you to go up a size and do the same thing until you find a length that will work.
Of course, I totally understand if new motherhood has you too tired to do all of these steps. Luckily there is also an online calculator you can try out to give you an idea of what length of sling you will need.
What’s best for warm weather?
No one likes to deal with a cranky baby, and an overheated baby is almost always cranky. Ring slings are a great option for warmer weather since they consist of only one layer of fabric around your baby. Still, the type of ring sling you get might make a difference in keeping your baby cool.
If you’re looking for a baby carrierfor the summer or a beach holiday, check out our roundup of the top baby carrier for hot weather.
For younger babies choose a 100% cotton wrap. Cotton is a breathable fabric, that still is easy to tie and gives the extra support that younger babies need. When your baby is older, and you are more seasoned with baby carrying, you might want to choose a linen blended fabric. These are sometimes harder to tie because they take a bit to break in, but the fabric is light and airy in warm weather.
What are the best brands?
Choosing the best ring slings for you is a very personal choice. To help you out we have done our research and came up with our favorites and listed them in order for you below. We love how the Kids N’ Such – 4 in 1 Baby Wrap Carrier and Ring Sling gives you four completely different baby carriers in one, and Pura Vida is giving back to help mothers in need in Costa Rica. Whether you are looking for a ring sling that both you and your partner can use, or something you can into the water with you, we’ve got you covered.
Ring Sling Reviews
Best Ring Sling Overall – Kids N’ Such – 4 in 1
The 4 in 1 Baby Wrap Carrier and Kids N’ Such is our choice for the best of the ring slings. This ring sling baby carrier gives you the best of baby sling and wrap world. When you take in the price of a baby carrier, wrap, and metal rings purchased separately the idea of a 4 in 1 baby carrier is very appealing. Add in that this carrier has a budget price tag, which makes it considerably more affordable than one high-end or luxury ring sling baby carrier much less four. This ring sling comes in one, one-size-fits-most, option and the soft grey color will look good on both moms and dads.
What we liked:
- The neutral cover makes it perfect for dads to babywear too.
- It comes with a carrying case to allow easy access to all of the accessories on the go.
- While the wrap is stretchy, it’s not too stretchy. This allows you to keep using this ring sling as baby grows
What we didn’t:
- It is really long for a one-size-fits-most sling, so it might be too long for shorter mamas.
- It’s not 100% cotton or linen, so it might not be as breathable as other slings on hot summer days.
- One color, so there isn’t any room for versatility with this baby carrier.
Most Luxurious – Pura Vida Ring Sling
The Costa Rican saying of pura vida, translated as “pure life” inspired this company to create a line of soft, simple, and eco-friendly ring slings. The sling is made from soft bamboo and linen blend, that can hold your baby from 8-35lbs. The fabric is soft and breathable, making it perfect for keeping your baby cool during warm summer days.
The Pura Vida Luxury Ring Sling is one-size-fits-most and comes in twelve colors for you to pick from. The two metal rings in rose gold are unique and add an extra bit of luxury to the sling. It’s also durable and made to comply with all US safety standards.
Pura Vida cares about families, all families. In fact, 5% of every purchase is donated to families in need in Costa Rica. With all of these options, the Pura Vida Luxury Ring Sling is a purchase you can feel good about. The price is higher than the Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Baby Wrap but this ring sling is still super affordable compared to most ring slings.
What we liked:
- The lightweight, breathable fabric makes this ring sling perfect for any weather scenario.
- Comes in 12 stylish colors that go perfect with the unique rose gold rings.
- The company has great customer service, at times even the owner will chat with you on Facebook.
What we didn’t:
- Because the fabric is all-natural it can get very wrinkly.
- The linen and bamboo blended fabric can be harder to tie than synthetic fabrics.
- It’s one-size-fits-most, so you can’t purchase it as a size that works best for you.
Vegan Friendly – Turkish Cotton Ring Sling
This classic ring sling is an import from Turkey and made from 100% Turkish cotton muslin. The lightweight material is breathable and soft against your baby’s skin, allowing for optimal comfort for both you and your baby.
The carrier comes prewashed and is not chemically processed. There are no softening agents or artificial fragrances, and the wrap is completely vegan-friendly. The best thing about an all-natural fabric? The more you wash it, the softer it gets. So don’t worry about baby spit up, just toss it in the wash and get it clean again.
This adorable ring sling fits baby’s from 8-35lbs and is essentially two slings in one, with it being grey on one side and pink on the other. This allows it to be versatile, so mama and daddy can both babywear with it.
What we liked:
- Double facing, grey on one side and pink on the other so you can turn it around to fit your mood.
- The fabric is double-woven, so it won’t get wrinkly.
- The soft and sturdy design will keep your baby both safe and comfortable.
What we didn’t:
- There is only one color option.
- It only comes in one size.
- The fabric does not have any stretch, so it can be harder for first-time baby wearers to use.
Most Versatile – Moby Ring Sling
Moby is a popular babywearing brand that sells a wide variety of carrier options. Their ring sling is made of 100% cotton and comes in three different colors for you to choose from. This ring sling is also machine washable, making it a low-maintenance carrier option. It also uses aluminum rings.
Moby has been making baby carriers since 2003, and all of their ring slings are made to the US safety standards. They are globally recognized as one of the leaders in babywearing innovations.
What we liked:
- There are three different color options to choose from.
- It’s longer than other one-size-fits-most options.
- It’s machine washable, so you do not have to spend time handwashing it.
What we didn’t:
- The fabric is thicker than many other ring slings, making it harder to pull it through the rings.
- Since the fabric is 100% cotton it does not have any stretch, which can make it hard for new baby wearers to tackle.
- Although it is a natural fabric, it isn’t breathable, so it can be hot in the summer.
Maya Wrap/Sling – A comfortable choice
Here’s a option that most people will find more comfortable and usable than some other slings. This ring sling features a slightly structured and lightly padded shoulder section. The light padding will over time learn to conform to the shape of your shoulder and end up fitting like an ‘old slipper’. The issue can be that not everyone gets on with it. If you have large shoulders for example the structure to the padding may not be forgiving enough to fit you well.
What we liked:
- Several carry positions
- Several color choices
- Machine washable
- Fits in a diaper bag
- Zippered picket
- Easy on-off
What we didn’t:
- Lightly padded and structured shoulder may not suit all body shapes
Best Water Sling – Vlokup Baby
The Vloku Baby Water Ring Sling is great for a mom on the go. You don’t have to worry about your baby crying whenever you take a shower! The polyester mesh fabric is breathable and dries quickly, so you can use it both on land and in the water.
Fifteen color options mean that there is something for everyone, and at an affordable price you can even buy multiples. That means you can mix and match your sling to your outfit.
The Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling meets all of the US safety standards and is machine washable, so it can stand up to all of your baby’s messes.
What we liked:
- With 15 color options, there is something for everybody.
- The polyester mesh is breathable and can even be worn in the shower or pool.
- A very affordable price.
What we didn’t:
- The fabric bunches easily, making it hard to adjust.
- Because it is so stretchy it is not safe for older babies.
- Does not come with instructions.
Most Affordable Option – Biubee Water Sling
The Biubee Water Sling Baby Wrap Carrier is the most affordable option on our list. This ring sling is made specifically for hands free water fun with your baby. The lightweight, 100% nylon material is stretchy and breathable, and the plastic rings do not rust in the water.
This sling ring comes with a carry bag, so you can keep it in your diaper bag for pool days or days at the lake. It’s one-size-fits-most and can hold your baby from birth to 35 pounds.
What we liked:
- Plastic rings won’t rust like their metal counterparts.
- Fabric is lightweight and breathable for hot summer weather.
- The most affordable carrier on our list.
What we didn’t:
- The mesh fabric bunches and gets slippery, making it hard to tighten around the rings.
- The stretchy material is not safe for larger baby’s who like to wiggle.
- Only comes in one color.
