Babies are much more relaxed when they can feel secure in the arms of mom or dad. A sling supports the desire for security and can also be very practical for parents: At the latest when you as a parent have had to squeeze into a crowded streetcar with a stroller or tried to make your way through a crowded shopping store, you really appreciate a sling.
That’s why we can highly recommend slings – at least for shorter distances. A good sling is easy to put in, comfortable for the parents and supports the baby’s spread-squat posture.
But there is a large selection of slings, so it is not so easy to find the right one for you. That’s why we would like to introduce you to some specific models that we consider to be highly recommendable. Our checklist will help you to get a first overview.
- Classic baby slings come as a sling up to five meters long, which is turned into a comfortable carrier by sophisticated tying techniques.
- The width of the sling is usually about 60 cm to give the baby a secure hold.
- Slings are also available as pre-tied versions that can be put on like a T-shirt and individually adjusted by loops. This eliminates the need to tie the sling, which is time-consuming, at least when learning, and the carrier is quickly ready for use. However, pre-tied carriers are usually only used for the baby period. If you want to use the sling into toddlerhood, you will need additional tying options.
- Most baby slings allow use up to a maximum weight of 16 kg.
- The longer baby slings are, the more tying variations are possible with them. Slings are also suitable for toddlers, as they allow for appropriately adapted tying variations.
- When choosing the length , body size plays an important role. Even people with a petite stature need a sling length of about four meters. Tall women, but also men from a height of about 1.75 should choose a sling length from 5.20meters.
- Pre-tied slings are usually shorter, but allow only a few tying options.
- Woven organic cotton has become the best material for baby slings, as this fabric is very strong and durable.
- Care should be taken to select quality that has been tested for harmful substances , as babies tend to suck on the sling.
- Some models contain a small amount of spandex, which makes for an even more cuddly wearing experience.
- Slings made of viscose materials, which offer high breathability with strong strength, are also suitable for wearing in summer.
- For optimal hygiene, the sling should be washable at 60°C.
- If you are tying a sling for the first time or want absolute security, you should choose a sling that has integrated markings, for example in the middle of the sling, to make tying easier.
- A storage bag is already included with some slings for babies.
Table of contents
Recommended Slings For Babies
Here you can find the top 8 most popular baby slings.
Tip: For more safety, take a look at our guide to child safety locks for the socket.
The Best Sellers Of Baby Slings
We have compiled the most popular baby slings for you in this bestseller list.
Tip: A little something for the future: our guide to sippy cups.
Current Offers For Baby Slings
Here you will find a selection of current offers for baby slings.
Sling Advice
Which Baby Sling Suits Me?
A sling has many advantages – for you and your baby. For you, it means that you don’t have to push around a bulky stroller and you have your hands free. Babies are often more relaxed in a sling because they are very close to you and can feel your warmth. It’s best with mom or dad. But the big question is: Which model suits you best?
What Kind Of Sling Do You Want?
Many parents use their sling every day. In this case, it pays to buy a universal sling that can be tied or worn in different ways. Tying it requires a bit of practice, but if you do it every day, then routine quickly comes into play. The advantage is that the back is relieved when you switch between different carrying methods.
If you primarily prefer to use the stroller, then a sling that is very easy to put on is probably more worthwhile. So the putting on goes quickly, although you do not use it so often
You Want A Classic Sling?
You are type A!
Slings are very practical because they always fit exactly to you and your baby. This makes them particularly comfortable and safe. When the sling is tied correctly, the baby automatically assumes the recommended spread-squat position. Classic slings can be tied and worn in many different ways, whether in front of the belly, on the hips, or on the back. This makes them particularly flexible to use.
For type A, the Manduca Sling, the Hoppediz HOP-TYE Conversion Sling and the AURA sling from Ergobaby are perfect. The latter is particularly well suited for beginners.
Manduca Sling
The Manduca Sling is a particularly high-quality baby sling. It is made of 100% organic cotton and is GOTS certified. It can be worn on the back, in front of the chest, or on the hips and is very easy to tie with the enclosed instructions. The contrast stitching and elastic jersey fabric make it particularly easy to use. At the same time, it supports the squat-spread posture.
Hoppediz HOP-TYE Conversion
The sling from Hoppediz can be worn individually and adapts perfectly to your body shape and that of your baby. The comfort is optimized by the gatherable sides and the hood that can be rolled in as a neck support. Thus, it also optimally supports the spread-squat posture, which is especially good for your child.
The Hoppediz HOP-TYE Conversion can be put on in different ways, which are explained clearly with pictures in the instructions. Nevertheless, it takes a little practice at the beginning, until you have the right technique out.
Ergobaby Sling AURA
The sling from Ergobaby is made of viscose and therefore particularly elastic. This makes tying easier and small beginner mistakes are not so bad. For beginners, the AURA sling is a great choice. In the cloth was also transported a small bag, so that the cloth can also be easily taken along when it is just not in use. The only drawback: thanks to the elasticity it is great for beginners, but can also only be used up to a maximum weight of 11.3 kg.
You Want A Sling That Is Easy To Put On?
You are type B!
There are slings that are much easier to tie than the classic version due to a certain cut or extras. These are especially recommended if you don’t use the sling that often, because then you don’t have to deal with all the different ways of tying that a classic sling has to offer.
The Amazonas Ring Sling and the Wallaboo Sling Connection simplify tying and still contribute to a comfortable wearing experience.
Amazonas Ring Sling
The special feature of the Ring Sling is the two iron rings, which makes it particularly easy to put on. This makes it a practical alternative to other slings and almost as easy to handle as a baby carrier. It also impresses with a great price.
Another advantage is the integrated bag, in which the sling can be stored when it is not in use. The Amazonas Ring Sling baby sling is made of 100% cotton and complies with Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Wallaboo Sling Connection
Why Do I Need A Sling?
Many parents prefer the stroller in which the baby lies comfortably. In this way, parents’ shoulders are not burdened and strollers usually still have a spacious basket and a suspension for the diaper bag, which is very convenient.
But in many situations a stroller proves to be impractical, e.g. in crowded stores. So especially for shorter distances, a sling is a practical alternative. Apart from that, babies generally feel more comfortable when mom or dad are very close to them. A sling also supports the spread-squat position, which is highly recommended for babies because it prevents hip damage.
Another advantage is that although you carry your baby with you, you still have your hands free for other things and this is also very practical at home.
Here Is What You Should Look For When Buying A Baby Sling
Easy tying or classic?
Before buying, think about how often you will use the sling. If it will be used very often, then a classic sling is better for you. You can tie and wear it in different ways and this is better to provide variety and also a relief when you use it frequently. Tying it needs a little practice and routine.
If you want to use the sling only sporadically, then a sling that is easy to tie is more practical.
The size
If you decide to use a sling, then the size or the length plays an important role. The advantage of a sling is that it can be tied in many different ways. So make sure that the sling is big enough so that you can try out a bit how you prefer to tie it. The length of the sling depends on your and your partner’s clothing size.
For parents who want to carry their child very often with the sling, it is worth buying a simple and universally bindable sling. This way you can try out and use different tying techniques. If you only want to carry your baby from time to time, a sling that is suitable for only one or two wrapping techniques is also sufficient, as variety is not so important here. In this case, it is also not worthwhile to deal with many different binding techniques.
The material
Most models are made of organic cotton, which is highly recommended. Either way, though, you should make sure that the sling is tested for harmful substances.
For newborns, elastic fabrics, such as jerseys, which are particularly cuddly, are sufficient. The advantage for beginners is that they do not necessarily have to be re-tied every time and also forgive small beginner mistakes when tying. However, if you want to use the sling for a longer period of time, you should choose a strong fabric that offers enough support when the baby weighs a bit more. Woven fabrics are particularly suitable for this purpose.
FAQ About Slings
You can use slings from birth on.
The sling should be at least 4.60 m long.
You can carry your baby as long as you like. Most slings have a maximum weight of 16 kg.
Slings can actually be used as early as after birth with a solid bond.
There are different ways of tying the sling. If you don’t have much experience in the field, the safest way is to choose a sling that includes markings for secure binding.
There are extensions of jackets or special blankets for this purpose. Your child should not wear a snowsuit, because that could be much too warm due to the proximity of the body under the sling.
There are several recommended suppliers if you are looking for a good baby sling. Take a look at our guide, where you will find specific product recommendations as well as a comprehensive checklist on the subject of baby slings.
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