The Best Baby Slings for Every Parent and Child

Babies love to be close to you. It’s only natural after being in the womb for 9 months, but it’s also not exactly convenient when you’re trying to get stuff done. That’s where a good quality baby sling can make all the difference, and we’ve looked at the best ones currently out there.

Baby slings are available in all different varieties but they each share the same core concept—a safe (and often stretchy) piece of material that you wrap around yourself and your baby so they’re securely attached to the front of your body. That way, your baby is kept snug, you know exactly where they are, but your hands and arms are free to do other things. It’s a great way of ensuring you both feel more secure as you go about your day. It also has benefits for bonding and nursing.

Here’s our pick of the baby slings currently out there.

Best Overall: KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier ($25)

If you’re in need of a straightforward baby sling that simply just works, regardless of any specific requirements, then buy the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier.

It’s a one-size-fits-all sling that simply requires an extra loop around for smaller sized mothers and babies. It’s designed using sturdy and stretchy fabric so there’s no undue strain placed on your back or shoulders, while you support your child. It’s also suited for newborns right up to 35lb babies so it’ll last you a reasonable length of time too.

It also doubles as a breastfeeding cover for when you want a little extra privacy while nursing.

Best For Newborns: Boba Baby Wrap ($40)

If you have a particularly small or newborn baby, it’s understandable that you might want to get a baby sling that’s specifically aimed at their smaller size. Particularly as it saves you creating an extra loop or two of material. The Boba Baby Wrap is a good solution for this. While it’s good for babies up to 35lb, it’s designed in a way that means it’s extra snug for smaller tots.

Made from a machine washable French terry cloth blend, your baby can snuggle up to you tightly without any worries. There’s Spandex in there too so it retains its shape and never loosens or sags, no matter how often you re-adjust it to nurse or take the baby out. Instructions are super simple too.

Best For Easy Tying: Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling ($40)

Many baby slings involve ties to secure them to your body. The Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling does things differently. It uses a ring so that you can thread fabric through it to form a loop, then adjust it easily and quickly to keep your baby snug. If you’re not the most dexterous (or you’re simply in a rush), these are a good way of getting the job done with minimum hassle. Our Editor in Chief Jason Fitzpatrick swears by slings with this simple cloth-and-ring design—his daughter practically lived in a similar sling when she was a baby.

The Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling is made from 100% cotton so the fabric is breathable and ideal if you or your little one have sensitive skin. It works for babies between 8 and 35lb with it easily adjustable so you can use it on your tummy or your hips and tummy. Overall, it feels like a more natural solution to the baby sling problem, which makes sense as this sling is made from eco-friendly and fair trade material.

Best For Nursing: CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling ($38)

All the slings here make it possible to nurse without moving your baby but the CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling makes it even easier than most. Due to its positioning, your baby is in the prime position for breastfeeding while also feeling secure and happy next to your skin.

The sling is made from a mixture of French terry cotton and Spandex so it’s comfy yet flexible. And, of course, it’s machine washable too because yup, you’re going to need that. You can choose to have your baby pointing towards you or away so it’s a neat system for helping your child see what’s going on in the world, or allow them to snuggle to your side. What more could you want?

Best Budget Option: Innoo Tech Baby Sling ($20)

Most full baby slings aren’t the cheapest of things to buy. Sure, you want the best for your kiddo but babies are expensive. If you’re on a budget, buy the Innoo Tech Baby Sling and you get the best of both worlds.

The sling does everything you could need, keeping your baby snug to your body when you need them to be while liberating your hands and arms. There’s a reasonable amount of support for your shoulders and back (although maybe not quite as much as more expensive options), and your baby is very secure to your body. It’s made from French terry and spandex too, so it’s good for sensitive skin. Just make sure to watch the instructional DVD when learning to put the sling on!

Best For Hot Weather: Cuby Breathable Baby Sling ($19)

Baby slings are an awesome way for keeping you and your baby warm, which means they’re pretty awful in hot weather. Your baby still wants to stay close to you though, so what do you do? Buy the Cuby Breathable Baby Sling and enjoy a little respite. There’s less material involved than with other baby slings so your baby isn’t quite as snug as with others, but it means they don’t overheat and neither do you!

Its soft, mesh fabric means it’s perfect for you when out and about during the warmer summer months. It even dries quickly so you can use it poolside if need be. It’s perfect for keeping your baby close without trapping in heat or moisture.