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Keep Your Little One Safe With the Best Baby Slings
As any parent would know, newborns can be quite the handful. Infants require constant attention and round-the-clock care, which can be physically and emotionally draining, to say the least. With a baby sling, you can run errands, complete house chores, and live your life with the assurance that your baby is safe and comfortable.
That said, there are many different designs, makes, and styles of baby slings available on the market, so choosing one can be difficult. Thankfully, our buying guide can help you make the right choice for yourself and your baby. Read on to find out more about the top baby slings in 2023!
Buying Guide: Baby Slings
What Is a Baby Sling?
A baby sling, or a baby carrier, is a convenient, hands-free way to keep your baby secure and nearby while you go about your daily tasks. Most baby slings wrap your child in the front of your chest or belly, but some styles keep your baby on your back or hip. A baby sling is typically made of a soft and stretchy T-shirt-like material and wraps around your body, making a cocoon for your baby to sit in. They are usually one size fits all, and can be used by both moms and dads.
Why Do I Need a Baby Sling?
When you become a parent, you now have a tiny human who requires your care for almost every hour of the day. Baby slings make the task of catering to your child and taking care of your daily duties go hand-in-hand. In addition to being practical, baby slings are more comfortable than the alternative, which is baby carriers. This is because slings usually do not have any buckles or clips that dig in and cause discomfort.
Another reason for buying a baby sling is that they promote bonding between you and your child. Chest to chest contact is a proven booster for postnatal recovery and can help your child’s physical and emotional development simultaneously.
TICKS Guidelines
When you are using a baby sling, be sure to keep a few guidelines in mind — the TICKS acronym can help you remember these pointers. T is for “Tight”, I is for “In view at all times”, C is for “Close enough to kiss”, K is for “Keep chin off chest”, and S is for
“Supported back”.
A summary of this acronym is as follows: Make sure your sling is tight, your baby is in your view at any point, the proximity between you and your baby is enough to kiss their forehead, your baby’s chin does not touch your chest, and your back has support. These guidelines will ensure you and your baby both have a safe and positive baby sling experience
Features To Look Out For
Baby slings have so many different features that it can be easy to get confused. Here are a few that you should be on the lookout for.
Fit
The first is fit. A sturdy, secure fit is essential when it comes to baby slings, as that is what will contribute to your child’s safety. Look for wraps that fit snugly and securely, and do not come untied by themself under any circumstances.
Comfort
Another feature to look for is comfort. A comfortable sling is one in which your baby does not feel hot or unhappy being in. Materials like soft terry cotton are good for baby slings.
Stretchiness
Stretchiness is another feature to consider because, as your child grows, your sling should accommodate them. Whatever your decision is, make sure you choose what will suit your family the best.
Reviewing the Top-rated Baby Slings of 2023
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier – Best Overall
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Available in 16 colors, the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier is a standard baby sling that functions well and gets the job done. It is made of a mixed fabric containing 95% cotton and 5% spandex, making it soft yet stretchy at the same time. And, because it’s machine-washable, this baby sling is convenient all the way down to its maintenance, which can be a lifesaver for new moms. Even better, the baby’s seat is quite ergonomic, meaning it will adjust to both your baby and yourself. Because of its various designs and comfortable, high-quality material, we’ve picked this baby sling as the best on our list.
Pros
- Supports children between 7 and 35 pounds
- Soft and stretchy material
- Machine-washable
- Ergonomic baby seat
Cons
- Fabric isn’t very breathable
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier – Best Design
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The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier is an ergonomically-designed baby sling specifically catering to even weight distribution. In addition to being suitable for infants up to 36 months old and 35 pounds in weight, this baby sling is also available in up to 16 colors, so you can carry your baby safely without compromising on style!
The last thing a new mother or father wants is to experience pain while caring for their infant, so this product is designed to support your back and shoulders. This baby sling is also certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, so it will ensure proper hip development for your baby. And because the mixed cotton fabric is soft, stretchy, and breathable, your baby will definitely be comfortable in this sling.
Pros
- Available in 16 different colors
- Supports back and shoulders
- Soft, stretchy, breathable fabric
Cons
- Design is difficult to wrap
Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier – Most Affordable
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Available in 10 colors, the Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier is a great product for its price. Lightweight, soft, and made of stretchy rayon material, this hands-free baby sling is an amazing baby shower gift for new mothers. The gender-neutral design suits any child and offers superb support with its double-sided stitching, all while stabilizing your baby’s posture while they are seated. A convenient storage bag is also included to keep your wrap safely tucked away between uses.
Pros
- Available in 10 colors
- Soft, stretchy rayon build
- Comes with a storage bag
- Affordable price
Cons
- Difficult to tie properly
CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling – Most Convenient
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The CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling is a great product designed with busy parents kept in mind. Having your baby close while you complete your work is a win-win situation, and this baby sling features cross straps that allow for even weight distribution, providing support without any back pain or shoulder stress. The fabric is made of comfortable french terry cotton mixed with 5% spandex, keeping it stretchy yet lightweight. Whether you have a newborn weighing 2 pounds or an infant that is up to 35 pounds in weight, this baby sling keeps your little one secure. It is also simple and easy to put on, making it all the more convenient!
Pros
- Available in five colors
- Cross straps for even weight distribution
- Breathable and stretchy fabric
Cons
- Doesn’t fit larger sizes
Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling – Most Unique
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Available in 13 vibrant colors and designed in a unique ring style, the Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling is a product that stands out from the crowd. This baby sling is designed for babies in the weight range of 8 to 35 pounds and is made of a hand-loomed, breathable, 100% cotton fabric. The ring is made of aluminum and goes over the left shoulder, but does not dig in or cause any neck pain, It’s also quite secure, enforced with double and triple seams to ensure your baby’s safety.
Pros
- Available in 13 colors
- Made of 100% cotton
- Secure with double and triple seams
- Machine washable
Cons
- Colors might run
People Also Asked
Q: What is the recommended age and weight for babies in a baby sling?
A: For baby slings that accommodate newborns up to 36 months, babies should generally be 7 to 35 pounds.
Q: How tight should my baby sling be?
A: There is no correct answer for this, but a baby sling should be tight enough to hug your baby close. Anything looser may be uncomfortable for your baby.
Q: Will baby carriers harm my baby’s hips?
A: Yes, this is a possibility if your baby’s posture isn’t correct. Be sure to look for products that correct posture and don’t hinder hip development.
