The Best Ring Slings
Want the closeness of a wrap without the hassle? A ring sling may be the perfect solution.
By
The best ring slings are effortlessly chic and ultra versatile. Unlike bulkier carriers, ring slings combine the closeness of traditional babywearing with modern convenience, making them a lifesaver for any busy parent on the go—and a go-to for little ones who don’t like to be put down.
“Ring slings are the sandals of baby carriers,” says certified babywearing consultant Laura Brown of MamaBird Los Angeles. “They’re quick to put on and take off, making them a favorite among parents looking for a lightweight, compact and versatile carrier that travels well,” adds veteran birthworker and babywearing educator Adriane Stare of MostPartum. Ring slings fold up nice and small, easily stashing in a diaper bag without sacrificing space, and there are so many different ways to position your child from the newborn stage through the toddler years so you can use them for the long haul and even when nursing.
Our top pick, the hope&plum Hemp Blend Ring Sling, is super soft, stylish, sturdy and size-inclusive with glowing parent reviews. But since every family has different needs (and budgets), we've rounded up several other amazing carriers, including picks for warmer weather, older babies and more.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
Firsthand professional and personal experience. I’m a baby and kids gear commerce writer and a mom of three young children (who still like to be held). I’ve used and reviewed many different types of baby carriers over the years, from soft and structured carriers to wraps, ring slings and everything in between. I’m familiar with several of the brands included on this list and personally tested the WildBird and hope&plum slings featured here.
Expert POV. For this piece, we tapped two certified babywearing experts for the lowdown on the best ring slings. We spoke with certified babywearing consultant Laura Brown of MamaBird Los Angeles and veteran birthworker and babywearing educator Adriane Stare of MostPartum—both of whom are also moms themselves.
Ring sling data. At Babylist, we regularly analyze which baby products users are adding to their baby registries the most (and which ones they aren’t) and what the team of Merchandising experts—buyers who are responsible for ensuring the Babylist Shop is stocked with the best and newest gear—is excited about. Studying this kind of data helped us determine which products to test and the best ring slings for new and expecting parents.
Feedback and reviews. We reviewed comments and feedback from Babylist’s annual product survey of thousands of parents, read customer reviews from hundreds of Babylist users and spoke to parents on staff about their real-life product experiences.
How We Judged the Best Ring Slings
Best Ring Sling Overall
Pros
- Soft, breathable, high-quality fabric
- Size-inclusive; available in 3 lengths
- Extensive selection of prints and colors
- Free fit check with a babywearing educator
Cons
- Expensive
While pricey, the hope&plum ring sling is worth every penny. Crafted in the USA from breathable hemp and organic cotton, it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and support, making it a favorite among babywearing experts and parents alike and earning our top pick for the best ring sling.
“Sometimes new slings can be a bit stiff or crunchy and need breaking in,” notes Brown. What really sets the hope&plum ring sling apart is how seriously soft it is from the jump, making it much easier to use, adjust and tighten, particularly for beginners. And although it’s soft, it’s still strong and supportive enough to comfortably hold larger babies and toddlers too.
This ring sling is size-inclusive, available in three different lengths so all parents and caregivers can find their perfect fit. It comes in a huge selection of gorgeous prints, colors and patterns, so it’s easy to snag one that suits your personal style. There’s also a tutorials section on the brand’s website with tons of babywearing basics and how-to’s and complimentary virtual fit checks with a babywearing educator so you can learn how to comfortably and safely use your sling, a huge perk.
Additional Specs
Sizes: 74”, 84”, 94”
Weight Guidelines: 7-35 lbs
Fabric: Hemp/organic cotton
Care: Machine wash on cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or hang dry.
Best Ring Sling for Warm Weather
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Beautiful designs
- Versatile
- Well-priced
Cons
- Single-layer linen not as supportive for heavier babies/toddlers
- Can’t be tumble-dried
WildBird carriers and slings are a Babylist favorite and a fave of Stare’s, too. This sling is made from luxe, 100% natural European linen that’s light, airy and breathable, keeping you and baby nice and cool when it’s hot out or you’re just hot and bothered. “Thin cotton and linens are both breathable and washable, making them great for everyday use and humidity,” says Stare.
This sling comes pre-washed, so right out of the box I was impressed at just how incredibly soft it was—and it’s only gotten softer each time I’ve washed it. It’s made using all-natural, low-impact dyes so it’s gentle on the planet and baby’s delicate skin. Many reviewers also report how fast and easy it is to get their baby in and out of this sling, making it especially convenient and comfortable for quick carries around the house.
It’s important to note that the WildBird sling is made of single-layer linen, so while it’s great for warm weather, smaller babies and babywearing newbies, it may not be as comfortable or supportive for heavier toddlers or longer periods of wear.
And if you live somewhere warm and spend time near the water or in a pool, you may also want to check out the Beachfront Baby Water Ring Sling. It’s made of performance athletic mesh and is perfect for babywearing in water.
Additional Specs
Sizes: Standard, 74” and long, 90”
Weight Guidelines: 8-35 lbs
Fabric: 100% natural linen
Care: Machine wash on gentle cycle; hang dry or dry flat
Best Affordable Ring Sling
Moby Double Gauze Ring Sling - Fern
From $58.99Pros
- Budget and breastfeeding-friendly
- Lightweight and breathable
- Minimalist, gender-neutral design
- Free 1:1 support with a certified babywearing educator
Cons
- Only available in one length/size
- Not ideal for heavier babies and toddlers
If you’re on the hunt for a simple but chic ring sling that won’t break the bank or your back, Moby is a must-have. Made of airy double gauze cotton, this minimalist ring sling is lightweight and ultra-breathable so you both keep your cool. It comes in gender-neutral colors and is one-size-fits-all so multiple caregivers can wear and adjust for a custom fit. It accommodates babies from the newborn stage (eight pounds) through the toddler years, though it’s best suited for smaller babies, as it may be tough to comfortably wear them for extended periods as they reach the upper end of the 33-pound weight limit.
Many Babylist parents and reviewers praise how breastfeeding-friendly the Moby ring sling is, with one calling it “effortless to nurse in” hands-free and noting how “the tail fabric can be lightly draped over for privacy if desired.” (You can even use the tail as a sun shade, burp or drool rag in a pinch.) Because it only comes in one size however, petite caregivers may find the excess fabric cumbersome to manage or adjust, while taller and plus-parents may have trouble finding a comfortable fit. Like hope&plum, Moby offers complimentary one-on-one support via Facetime, Skype or Zoom—just call (888) 629-9727 or send them an email at info@mobywrap.com to schedule.
Additional Specs
Sizes: One size (84.25”L x 25.6”W)
Weight Guidelines: 8-33 lbs
Fabric: 100% double cotton gauze
Care: Machine wash on gentle and hang dry or use the lowest dryer setting
Best Ring Sling for Older Babies
Pros
- Generous length with two size options
- Strong and supportive
- Fashion-forward prints
- Machine washable
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
For older babies and heavy toddlers, woven is the way to go for a comfortable carry and optimum weight distribution across your shoulders and back. Brown recommends the Tula woven slings as “a nice alternative to the linen look,” calling them “very supportive, long-lasting and also affordable.” They’re handmade and adjustable to fit babies from eight to 35 pounds, and while they come in two sizes, the standard length is several inches longer than most, giving you extra length to work with for back carries or to pop a tall toddler on your hip.
The Tula Signature Woven Baby Sling may feel a bit stiff at first and requires some breaking in, as noted by reviewers. It also has a steeper learning curve than wraps made from other materials. “Thicker fabrics, such as many woven varieties, can be extra supportive but aren't typically as easy to use for new wearers,” says Brown. However, it becomes progressively softer with each wash, making it cozier and easier to use and adjust over time, “even with a squirmy toddler,” as one parent points out.
Fashion-forward parents like myself will swoon over all the hip prints, from sweet cherries to luxe leopards and soothing neutral colorways, perfect for elevating any outfit. And it’s machine washable and can be tossed in the dryer for quick cleans.
Additional Specs
Sizes: Standard length (~77") and long length (~87")
Weight Guidelines: 8-35 lbs
Fabric: 52% Eucalyptus, 34% cotton, 14% viscose from bamboo
Care: Machine wash on delicate and tumble low or hang dry
Best Luxury Ring Sling
Pros
- Luxuriously soft yet strong
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Elevated design
- Heirloom quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Must be hand-washed
Hand spun and loomed by mothers in India and cut and sewn by mothers in California, Sakura Bloom makes the most gorgeous, heirloom-quality ring slings that can be passed down for generations. If Stare had to choose a sling based solely on comfort and user-friendliness, the Sakura Bloom Silk Ring Sling would be her top pick. “Silk must be hand washed, but it’s thin and strong, with the perfect amount of give and easy to use for beginners,” she says. It’s super soft on sensitive newborn skin, yet sturdy enough to support heavier babies and toddlers so you really get your money’s worth. “The silk makes [my baby] feel weightless compared to other fabrics and is so supportive,” raves one reviewer.
“Families who love slings and have older kiddos will usually opt for a thicker and wider sling, or a strong silk sling, both of which more ergonomically distribute the heavier weight onto their shoulders and backs,” explains Stare. Parents gush about how comfortable the silk is, for themselves and their baby, which is key when your little one wants to be held constantly and you’ve got things to do.
The Sakura Bloom Silk Ring Sling is designed for babies as small as seven pounds all the way up to 35 pounds and comes in two sizes: a standard 75-inch length and a longer 82 inches to accommodate different body types. Made of luxurious matte silk, it folds up nice and compact to fit in a diaper bag and is a total style statement in itself, with an elegant, elevated design you’ll want to wear—and wear them in—on repeat. The only downside is this sling has to be hand-washed, which is time-consuming and especially rough if your baby is a spitter or you’re a busy mom of multiples.
Additional Specs
Sizes: Standard 75” and extra length 92”
Weight Guidelines: 7-35 lbs
Fabric: Silk
Care: Hand wash
What Is a Ring Sling?
A ring sling is a type of baby carrier made from one long piece of fabric and two rings sewn on the end. The cloth is worked through the rings to create a secure pouch for your child to sit in—no snaps, buckles or ties needed.
“The sling adjusts similar to a cross-body bag, with the fabric tightening through the rings to fit snugly around a baby or toddler,” explains Stare. “This design helps distribute a child's weight to a caregiver's back and torso, which are stronger than their arms and hips alone.”
Parents love ring slings for their simplicity and adjustability. They usually work best with babies, but can accommodate toddlers too. Generally, “wider, longer slings are ideal for taller or plus-size caregivers or for carrying toddlers, whereas shorter or narrower slings might be more comfortable for shorter and petite caregivers, or those with very young infants,” says Stare.
A ring sling is one of many carrier options, including baby wraps, babywearing shirts and soft structured carriers. If you’re looking for something that provides the closeness of a wrap without actually having to do the wrapping, a ring sling is a great choice.
The downside? They’re a bit labor-intensive to keep clean. Most slings require either hand washing or machine washing on a gentle cycle with cold water. Using the dryer is a big no-no for many brands; lots of ring slings must be air-dried so they don’t shrink. They can also be a bit uncomfortable for long-term babywearing.
Types of ring slings
Ring slings share the same basic structure but differ in material and shoulder types. Ring slings come in a wide array of fabrics like cotton, linen, silk, wool and even cashmere. Shoulder types differ between brands and include simple gathered (a shoulder sewn about five to eight inches from the rings), a floating gathered shoulder (sewn farther back than a simple gathered), pleated (narrow pleats near the rings) and even hybrid.
Ring sling vs. baby wrap
Because they both use one huge swath of fabric, baby wraps and ring slings are similar, but there are a few key differences.
Baby wraps tend to be a bit more complex. They go over both shoulders and around your waist, distributing your little one’s weight more evenly across your body than a ring sling. While this is great for making longer periods of babywearing more comfortable, the origami-like configurations can make wraps a bit tougher to get on and off.
Ring slings are best suited for shorter stints of babywearing. They’re far easier to get on and off than a baby wrap, which can be a big plus for some parents who need to use the sling multiple times a day. Brown loves them for quick ups and downs and says they can “make babywearing while sitting much easier which is why many use them around the house.” She loves them for the support they offer a newborn, ease of adjustment for breastfeeding and their compactness. They also fit all body types and baby ages. However, because all the weight rests on one shoulder, they aren't as comfortable as baby wraps and aren't recommended for long-term wear.
How to Use a Ring Sling
Every ring sling comes with its own set of specific instructions and size requirements, so always defer to those before using your sling. Keeping this in mind, these are some basic guidelines on how to use a ring sling.
Many ring slings come ready to use, but some need to be threaded. To thread your sling, push the fabric over the first ring and under the second to create a secure loop. (If you’re still unsure, check YouTube or TikTok; there are lots of how-to videos available.)
Hold your sling in front of you with the rings in one hand and the fabric tail toward the shoulder your sling will rest on. Pass your other arm through the loop and over your head and position the rings just below your shoulder.
Spread the fabric wide across your back. “Make sure there is zero slack in the fabric behind your back, as slack behind you can be tricky to tighten out once your baby is in the sling,” warns Stare.
Rest your baby on your opposite shoulder and guide them into the sling. Adjust the fabric around baby’s bottom by creating a seat that goes from knee to knee. (Tuck the bottom part of the sling between you and your baby to make this “deep” seat. It will help prevent the fabric from loosening when your baby straightens their legs.) Then spread the fabric up to the nape of their neck.
Tighten the sling slowly until your baby is secure. Be sure to pull the tail of the fabric across the top, middle and bottom so your baby is positioned snugly in the sling. “The sling should be adjusted to be snug but not constricting,” says Stare. “You should be able to slide no more than the width of your fingers between your baby's body and yours, so that their spine is well-supported.”
You can also try pre-tightening the sling before placing your baby in it. “Hold your baby in your arms and note where their bottom sits on your torso, as it's higher than you might expect,” notes Stare. “Then, put your sling on without your baby and tighten it to the height of where you'd naturally carry them, leaving just enough slack in the fabric to slide their body inside. This minimizes the need for adjustments afterward and helps keep the rings in a comfortable position near your collarbone.”
Once your baby is secured in the ring sling, use the T.I.C.K.S. acronym to check for a safe carry:
T. Tight
I. In view at all times
C. Close enough to kiss
K. Keep chin off chest
S. Supported back
And remember, all babywearing can be frustrating at first, so wait until your baby is calm the first few times you try your ring sling, and practice, practice, practice.
Expert Sources
Babylist content uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Certified babywearing consultant Laura Brown of MamaBird Los Angeles
Veteran birthworker and babywearing educator Adriane Stare of MostPartum
