The Best Baby Sling - 2021

Who has two hands and needs way more help than that? A new parent, that’s who. Somewhere between midnight feedings, diaper duty, first words and baby playdates, you’re supposed to keep up with all of your pre-baby responsibilities — and find time for yourself. 

Spending every second getting to know your new family member would be ideal, but it’s not possible unless you have the right gear. Using a baby sling can help you continue to bond with your baby while you run errands, catch up on work or care for older children. 

Taking your baby along when you leave the house also exposes them to new people, conversations, smells and sounds. It expands your baby’s world and makes them an active participant in your outings. 

A standard baby sling is a long piece of cloth that you wrap around your body to hold your kiddo close. They’re usually made from breathable cottons and a touch of stretchy fabric, like spandex or elastane. Airy cotton maintains a comfortable temperature for parent and baby, while spandex provides effective yet gentle support. 

Many slings are “one size fits all,” but they stretch to accommodate parents of all shapes and sizes. They come in a range of lengths, and you wrap them across your back and around your shoulders a few times to evenly distribute your baby’s weight

Longer wraps are better for larger or taller adults, while shorter wraps create a perfect fit for petite parents. You can also wrap a long sling over itself several times for a toasty wrap on chilly days, or use the extra lengths to create other types of holds for your baby. Most slings hold your baby facing forward or towards you, but some can create other holds, like a horizontal swing across your chest.

You’ll want the absolute best for your newborn when you’re picking out a baby sling. Our Tips & Advice will steer you towards the right one for you.

• When you’re looking for the perfect baby sling, fabric comes first. You need a strong material with a bit of stretch to keep you and your baby comfortable and secure. The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier and the Cuddle Bug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling are both 95% cotton with 5% spandex. 
• Breathability is essential when you’re using a baby sling. Your baby will be wrapped tightly against your body, and you’ll both be in for a sweaty day if your sling is too thick. The Kids N’ Such 4-In-1 Baby Wrap Sling & Carrier is made from cotton, so it’s nice and airy on hot summer days. 
• The sling’s length will help you determine if it’s the right size for your body. Longer slings, like the 17-foot Kids N’ Such 4-In-1 Baby Wrap Sling & Carrier, are better for tall or plus-sized parents. Shorter slings, like the 15-foot long Cuddle Bug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling, are a better pick for petite moms and dads. Since you won’t have as much fabric to wrap over in layers, shorter slings also might fare better in hot climates. 
• Your sling won’t do you much good if you have to fight with it to put it on. Compare the wearing instructions on different wraps to see what works for you. You’ll have to do a few loops around your arms and back with most wraps. Some are trickier than others, but they might be worth the energy if you love their other features. The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier takes a few more steps to get on, but it fits bodies from petite to plus size.
• Having a baby can be tough on a mother’s body, and the ideal wrap will keep you close to your child without putting stress on your back or shoulders. The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier has an ergonomic design that equally distributes your baby’s weight across your back and shoulders. 
• Babies can get mighty fussy if they’re lying or sitting in an uncomfortable position. If your little one is persnickety, go for a wrap that allows for multiple positions and minor adjustments. Your baby can sit facing you or relax horizontally across your chest with Kids N’ Such 4-In-1 Baby Wrap Sling & Carrier. The CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling is a versatile wrap with up to four positions for your kiddo. 
• Picking a wrap that grows with your baby is a great value. The Nalakai Luxury Ring Sling Baby Carrier can fit kids between 7 and 35 pounds, so you can swaddle your child for up to a year or so.
• Messes and accidents are some of the first challenges you’ll face as a parent. Make sure that your wrap is easy to wash and dry so you can use it whenever you need it. Most of our top picks are machine washable and dryer safe, but make sure to double-check the instructions on the tag. Washing your baby sling will also help it shrink back up if it’s started to sag. 
• Some baby slings can play a larger role in a woman’s postpartum experience. The Keababies Baby Wrap Carrier transitions into a postpartum belt, a nursing cover and a swaddle blanket in seconds.