You have a mountain of laundry to fold and a toddler who needs a snack, but your newborn just wants to be held. It is the classic parenting dilemma.
Ring slings are the perfect solution for busy parents who need to multitask. These carriers are easy to use, lightweight, and fully adjustable. They let you keep your baby close while leaving your hands free to tackle your to-do list.
However, not all slings are created equal. If the fabric is too slippery or the rings are weak, you risk back strain or safety issues.
We have tested the top brands to find the safest, most comfortable ring slings on the market. Whether you need breathable linen for summer or a sturdy weave for a toddler, we have found the best options to keep you and your baby cozy.
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Perfect privacy cover
- Unwelded aluminum rings
- No ironing required
- Breathable 100% Turkish cotton
- Includes pouch for easy storage
- Curved pouch design
- Padded shoulder and rails
- Stitched tail for easy adjustment
- Suitable for all sizes
- Wide variety of colors
- For babies up to 45 pounds
Why Choose a Ring Sling?
Dr. Raynor Gardner invented the modern ring sling in 1981. It consists of a long piece of cloth with two rings sewn securely at one end.
You wrap the fabric around your body and thread the loose end through the rings near your shoulder. This creates a hammock-like pouch that cradles your baby against your chest. It mimics the natural way you hold your child, allowing them to hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth.
Beyond the bonding benefits, ring slings are incredibly practical. They are often faster to put on than buckle carriers and pack down small enough to fit in a diaper bag. Celebrities and parents alike love them for their “pop-able” nature, which means you can easily pop the baby in and out for quick errands.
Ring slings differ from other baby carriers because they are infinitely adjustable. You can tighten the fabric millimeter by millimeter to get the perfect fit.
They accommodate wearers of all sizes and grow with your child from the newborn stage well into toddlerhood. The hanging “tail” of the fabric also serves as built-in sun protection or a discreet breastfeeding cover.
What to Look For
Before you buy, consider these key features to ensure safety and longevity:
- Ring material: Look for solid aluminum or nylon rings that are continuous circles (unwelded) to prevent snapping under weight.
- Fabric type: Choose cotton or bamboo for softness, or linen for strength and breathability in hot weather.
- Shoulder style: Check if the shoulder is “gathered” (allows you to spread fabric wide over your shoulder) or “pleated” (more structured and narrower).
- Rails: Consider padded rails (the edges of the fabric) if your baby has sensitive skin, as this prevents red marks on their legs.
- Length: Ensure the sling is long enough for your body type, usually between 70 and 90 inches.
- Weight limits: Verify the manufacturer’s guidelines, especially if you plan to carry a heavy toddler.
Product Reviews
We tested these slings for ease of threading, fabric quality, and comfort. Here are our top picks.
Nalakai Luxury Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Best Ring Sling for Breastfeeding
The Nalakai Ring Sling stands out for its incredible softness right out of the box. Made from a blend of bamboo and linen, this fabric requires zero “breaking in.” Stiffer linen slings often need multiple washes to soften up, but the Nalakai feels gentle against a newborn’s skin immediately.
The extra length is a major plus. At roughly seven feet long, it accommodates plus-size parents easily and leaves plenty of tail fabric. You can use this excess tail as a nursing cover while breastfeeding on the go.
Temperature regulation is another benefit of the bamboo blend. It wicks moisture away, preventing that sticky, sweaty feeling during summer walks. The unwelded aluminum rings are lightweight but hold the fabric tight without slipping, even as your baby gets heavier.
We also love the brand’s mission. A mom designed this sling, and a portion of the profits supports low-income families in Costa Rica.
Pros
- Bamboo and linen blend is soft and breathable.
- Long tail doubles as a nursing cover.
- Unwelded aluminum rings ensure safety.
- Lifetime guarantee adds peace of mind.
Cons
- Soft material may require re-tightening with heavier toddlers.
- Fabric wrinkles easily if left in a bag.
Our Ratings
Kids N' Such 4-in-1 Ring Sling
Most Versatile Ring Sling
If you cannot decide between a wrap and a ring sling, the Kids N’ Such 4-in-1 gives you options. You can use it as a standard ring sling, a postpartum belly wrap, or a nursing cover.
The fabric is a cotton blend with 5% spandex. This slight stretch makes it feel more like a stretchy wrap than a traditional woven sling. It hugs your body tightly, which is great for newborns who need that womb-like containment.
The neutral gray color is excellent for parents who want to share the carrier, as dads often prefer the understated look. It includes two metal rings, allowing you to convert the long fabric strip into a sling quickly.
However, note that stretchy fabrics are generally not safe for back carrying. We recommend sticking to front carries with this specific model to ensure your baby remains secure.
Pros
- Versatile design works as a wrap or sling.
- Spandex blend offers a snug, custom fit.
- Budget-friendly option for trying out babywearing.
Cons
- Not safe for back carrying due to stretch.
- Requires more learning time to master the different modes.
Our Ratings
Netursho Bamboo Ring Sling
Best Ring Sling for Summer
Summer babywearing can lead to overheating, but the Netursho sling solves that problem. It uses a blend of 80% linen and 20% cotton. Linen is naturally thermoregulating and highly breathable, allowing airflow to reach your baby’s back.
The texture strikes a good balance; it has the strength of linen to support weights up to 44 pounds, but the cotton keeps it from feeling too rough.
It features durable aluminum rings that allow the fabric to glide smoothly for adjustments but lock in place once weight is applied. The width is generous, helping you create a deep seat for your baby, which is crucial for healthy hip development.
Pros
- Linen blend keeps you and baby cool.
- High weight limit of 44 pounds.
- Eco-friendly materials.
Cons
- Linen can feel stiff until washed a few times.
Our Ratings
Vlokup Baby Water Ring Sling Carrier
Best Ring Sling for Water
Water safety is paramount, especially when you have a toddler in the pool and a baby in your arms. The Vlokup Water Sling allows you to keep your baby secure while you wade in the shallow end or take a shower.
It is made from 100% polyester jersey mesh. Unlike cotton, which gets heavy and saggy when wet, this mesh stays light and dries incredibly fast. It is breathable and perfect for hot beach days even if you do not go in the water.
The aluminum rings are rust-resistant, so you do not have to worry about corrosion after pool use. Just remember to rinse the chlorine or salt water out after use.
It fits babies from 8 to 35 pounds. Keep in mind that for water safety, you should only use this for wading or showering, never for swimming laps.
Pros
- Mesh fabric dries instantly and doesn’t sag when wet.
- Perfect for the pool, beach, or shower.
- Available in many bright colors.
Cons
- Mesh is slippery and may need frequent readjustment.
- Not as supportive for long, dry walks.
Our Ratings
Mebien Baby Wrap Ring Sling
Most Breathable Ring Sling
The Mebien sling feels like your favorite muslin swaddle blanket. Made from 100% Turkish cotton, it is incredibly airy and soft.
The single-layer weave is ideal for newborns and hot climates. It is pre-washed, so you do not have to worry about shrinkage or spending weeks breaking it in. The fabric has a nice “grip” to it, which helps the rings hold their position without slipping.
This model is a bit shorter than some competitors, which is a huge plus for petite parents who are tired of tripping over long fabric tails. However, it includes a clever zippered pocket in the tail for stashing keys or a phone.
Pros
- Turkish cotton is soft like a muslin blanket.
- Zippered pocket for small essentials.
- Pre-washed and ready to wear.
Cons
- Shorter length may not fit plus-size parents comfortably.
- Lightweight fabric offers less support for heavy toddlers.
Our Ratings
Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Carrier
Best Ring Sling for Toddlers
As your baby grows, you need a fabric with more structure. Hip Baby Wraps are handwoven in India and offer a sturdy cotton weave that supports heavier children (up to 35 pounds) without digging into your shoulders.
This is a true “workhorse” sling. The gathered shoulder spreads widely, distributing your toddler’s weight evenly across your back. This makes it a great option for hip carries when your child wants to see the world but their legs are tired.
We appreciate the fair trade production and eco-friendly dyes. Because these are handwoven, you might find small nubs or cosmetic imperfections in the fabric, which add to the character and grip of the sling.
The cotton is machine washable and actually gets softer with every wash.
Pros
- Sturdy weave supports toddlers well.
- Beautiful handwoven patterns.
- Fair trade and eco-friendly production.
Cons
- Thicker fabric takes a little more effort to thread initially.
Our Ratings
RosyBaby Lite-on-Shoulder Baby Sling
Best Ring Sling for Sleeping
The RosyBaby Lite-on-Shoulder sling features a unique structured pouch design. Unlike traditional flat rectangular slings, this one has curved rails that help create a deep seat effortlessly.
The rails (edges) are lightly padded. This padding protects your baby’s thighs from red marks and offers a cushioned place for their head to rest if they fall asleep.
The shoulder is also padded, which some parents find more comfortable than a gathered fabric shoulder. However, the padding means you cannot spread the fabric as wide, so it sits more like a sash.
The rings are cast copper and zinc alloy without welding points. It is compact and weighs only 10 ounces, making it perfect for travel.
Pros
- Padded rails prevent digging into baby’s legs.
- Curved shape makes creating a seat easier.
- Compact and lightweight for travel.
Cons
- Padding makes the sling harder to adjust through the rings.
- Fixed shoulder width limits weight distribution.
Our Ratings
Moby Ring Sling
Best Ring Sling for Plus-Size Moms
Moby is a giant in the babywearing world, known for their wraps, but their ring sling is equally impressive. It measures 78 inches long, providing ample room for parents of all sizes to wear it comfortably.
The fabric is a high-quality woven cotton that feels substantial. It is strong enough to carry kids up to 45 pounds, which is a higher limit than many other standard slings.
The rings are heavy-duty aluminum. Because the fabric is double-sided and woven, it is reversible, often offering a slightly different look on the inside.
It is machine washable, though we recommend air drying to preserve the fabric’s lifespan.
Pros
- Generous length fits plus-size bodies well.
- High weight limit of 45 pounds.
- Reversible woven fabric.
Cons
- Material is thicker and warmer than single-layer linen.
Our Ratings
WildBird Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Best Gender-Neutral Ring Sling
WildBird has built a cult following for their aesthetics and quality. These slings are made from 100% European linen, which is stronger than cotton and naturally hypoallergenic.
The linen is initially crisp but breaks in beautifully to become buttery soft. It offers incredible support for heavier babies without sagging.
Design-wise, WildBird focuses on solid, earthy tones and neutrals. This makes them a favorite for parents who want a carrier that matches their outfit rather than looking like “baby gear.” It is a great choice for dads who might shy away from bright patterns.
The single-layer linen is perfect for all seasons, cool in the summer and warm enough in the winter with layers.
Pros
- High-quality European linen gets softer with time.
- Stylish, neutral colors match any wardrobe.
- Strong support without bulk.
Cons
- Higher price point than basic cotton slings.
- Requires a “break-in” period to reach maximum softness.
Ring Sling FAQs
How Many Yards Do You Need for a Ring Sling?
If you are making your own, you typically need about 2 to 2.5 yards of fabric. This length (roughly 72 to 90 inches) accommodates most body types comfortably.
How Many Pounds Can a Ring Sling Hold?
Most standard ring slings are tested for 8 to 35 pounds. However, some brands with stronger weaves, like Moby or WildBird, are rated for up to 45 pounds.
How Long Do You Use a Ring Sling?
You can use a ring sling from the day your baby is born until toddlerhood (around 2 or 3 years old). It is one of the few carriers that works equally well for newborns and walking toddlers.
Are Ring Slings Good for Back Pain?
Yes, if used correctly. Spread the shoulder fabric wide to distribute the weight across your back and shoulder cap. Always keep the baby high and tight to prevent drag on your lower back.
Are Ring Slings Safe for Baby Hips?
Yes. Ring slings naturally support the “M” position (knees higher than bottom), which is optimal for hip development. Ensure the fabric extends from the back of one knee to the other.
Should I Get a Single or Double Layer Ring Sling?
Single layers are cooler and easier to adjust, making them great for beginners and hot weather. Double layers offer more support for heavy toddlers but can be harder to tighten.
Can You Breastfeed in a Ring Sling?
Yes, ring slings are excellent for breastfeeding. You can loosen the rings slightly to lower the baby to breast height, and use the tail for privacy. Always return the baby to the upright, kissable height immediately after feeding.
How Do You Wash a Ring Sling?
Place a sock over the rings to protect your washing machine drum. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle with liquid detergent (no optical brighteners), and hang to dry to prevent shrinkage.
Ringing It Up
Ring slings are a game-changer for parents who want to keep their baby close without dealing with complex buckles or miles of wrapping fabric.
Our top pick is the Nalakai Luxury Ring Sling. The bamboo and linen blend offers the perfect mix of softness and strength, and the lifetime guarantee proves the brand stands behind its quality.
For active families, having a simple carrier that fits in a purse is invaluable. Whether you are soothing a fussy newborn or giving a tired toddler a lift, the right ring sling makes the day a little easier.
