Our Simple Guide to Choosing A Sling Ring That is Comfy & Practical
Ring slings are simple contraptions which are very beneficial. A ring sling is a long piece of cloth which has two rings. The cloth is inserted in the rings in such a way that you are left with a pouch. You can use a ring sling for newborn, for baby or even for toddlers. You will be able to use the best ring sling for breastfeeding, for summer and for other seasons too.
Babywearing with Ring Slings
Babywearing has become sort of a trend these days so ring slings are becoming more popular. Before choosing the best ring sling, find out all you need to know about them. Then you can make a wiser choice in the end.
Ring slings or baby wraps?
Ring slings and baby wraps are quite similar. But the great thing about ring slings is that they are easier to wear and remove. Once you get the hang of ring slings, using them is a breeze. Baby wraps, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated. Each time you wear them, you have to wrap them around your body in a certain way.
What to consider when choosing a ring sling
When choosing a ring sling, you have to consider some factors. After all, you will be using this contraption to carry a precious load. Here are some relevant factors to consider
- The best ring sling size
Ring slings come in different colors and sizes. The best thing to do is to select a sling which is wider and longer than what you think you need. In doing this, you will be able to use the extra fabric for covering up.
- The best ring sling material
When selecting a ring sling, make sure to find one which is made with high-quality materials. Remember that your baby’s skin will be coming in contact with the fabric, so it has to be very comfortable. Also, think about the rings of the sling. To ensure safety, the rings have to be made with high-quality materials too. Cotton and linen or linen blend are considered to be the best fabrics for ring slings.
- Durability and maintenance
You will be using the ring sling frequently, almost daily. So you have to consider the durability of the product. It needs to be constructed well to ensure the safety of your little one. Also, find one which is easy to clean and maintain. There are many machine washable options out there, which is more convenient
- Budget
Look at different products which fit into your budget. You don’t have to spend so much on a ring sling if you don’t have the funds to back it up. Ring slings come in different price ranges, so you actually have a lot of choices.
Advantages of using ring slings
Babywearing using ring slings is very beneficial, both for you and your baby. It’s a great way to form a bond with your baby while still being able to do other chores. Here are some of the amazing advantages of using ring slings:
- Helps your baby feel secure and loved
This is especially true for newborns. When your baby comes out of the womb, he/she feels the most secure when close to you. The transition from the womb to the outside world becomes easier when you carry your baby in a ring sling. Since your baby is right on your chest, he/she can hear your heart beating, much like while inside the womb.
- Helps your baby learn about the world
When your baby is in the ring sling, he/she is comfortably alert. This is a great state to be in for learning. Your baby will be exposed to the world around you, as well as all the things you are doing. Aside from this, your baby can also hear you communicating with other people in the household. This helps him/her become familiar with them.
- It’s easy to position your baby as needed
Babies can be positioned differently in ring slings. You can position your little one in different ways. You can place your baby on your hip, upright, sideways or any other position which the ring sling allows. You can even nurse your baby while in the ring sling.
- It’s hands-free
This is one of the greatest advantages. Ring slings are hands-free. It means you will be able to do other chores while keeping your baby close to you. You don’t have to sit in one place the whole day. Instead, you can make each day productive. You can do this by working around the house while tending to your baby at the same time.
- It’s fun and practical
Nowadays there are many different ring sling options which come in different designs. This makes it fashionable and fun to wear. Aside from that, it’s practical. It’s a versatile product which is easy to carry around and store.
Are ring slings safe?
If set-up and worn properly, ring slings are very safe. The more important issue is to ensure that you know how to work the fabric through the rings correctly. Once you’ve done that, adjusting the sling will not be troublesome. It may take some getting used to, but once you’ve learned how to use them, ring slings are extremely safe.
The Best Ring Slings We Recommen
1. Baby Tula Tencel Blend Ring Sling
The ring sling is a beautifully-made wrap which is woven by hand. It’s a carrier which is snug and easy to use. It’s made with a soft material which will support your little one comfortably.
The Baby Tula Tencel Blend Ring Sling can be used from the smallest of newborns to toddler.
This lightweight ring sling comes in two sizes, making it ideal for any kind of situation.
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2. Bibetts Pure Linen Ring Sling
The Bibetts Pure Linen Ring Sling is made in the USA, with linen material. Ring slings like this will allow you to keep your little one close while enjoying more mobility.
The all-natural material makes this product breathable and comfortable. It will cool down your little one on warm days and warm him/her up on cold days. It’s the best ring sling for baby which is machine washable.
It has also been tested to ensure safety.
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3. Beco Baby Carrier – Ring – Sling Carrier in Ocean
This ring sling may look simple, but it’s super functional too.
It’s a stylish product which was created with just the right size. Because it’s not too long and it’s not too short, it’s ideal for moms who are new to babywearing using ring slings.
With this ring sling, you will be able to carry your little one in two different ways. It comes in a traditional design and is made with 100% cotton.
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4. Sakura Bloom Classic Baby Sling (Maple)
The best ring sling for hot weather
The Sakura Bloom Classic Baby Sling lives up to its name.
The color combination of the fabric and the rings make it look elegant and timeless. The fabric of this ring sling is made with linen, which is a lot stronger than cotton. It also has antibacterial properties.
This sling is breathable and can be used for different occasions.
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5. Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling
The best ring sling for breastfeeding.
The Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling is tasteful and easily adjustable.
It’s a simple sling which is comfortable for you and your baby. It can be used for newborns through toddlers, allowing you to carry your little one in multiple positions. It’s made with a breathable fabric and it even comes with a pocket to store small items.
This machine washable ring sling even comes with a DVD which has the instructions on how to use it.
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6. Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling –
Best ring sling for toddlers
This colorful ring sling comes in a simple, traditional design.
It’s made with soft, hand-woven cotton. This material is able to follow the shape of the body, making it comfortable for the baby and the baby wearer. The fabric is also lightweight and breathable.
This keeps your little one dry and cool while in the ring sling. The rings on the Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling are made with sturdy aluminum. These rings make it easy to adjust.
This allows you to change your baby’s position with ease.
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7. Vlokup Baby Ring Sling
The Vlokup Baby Ring Sling is a mom-recommended product.
It’s a comfortable sling which allows you to make a deep pocket for your baby or toddler. This safe sling is not only functional but modern and stylish too.
The fabric is completely made with cotton, which is comfortable. It can be adjusted easily to fit babies and toddlers of any size. It also comes with a long tail, which can be convenient for other purposes.
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8. Mamaway Ring Sling
This ring sling is made with soft and comfortable fabric.
This fabric allows you to carry your little one snugly, leaving your hands free. The Mamaway Ring Sling fits babies and toddlers of different sizes. All you have to do is adjust it as needed.
It comes with double rings which permit you to adjust the fabric easily. With this sling, you can also carry your baby in multiple positions.
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9. Inoo Tech Baby Sling
Best ring sling for newborn
The Innoo Tech Baby Sling Carrier is a superior product made with the right blend of different materials.
It’s made with a long fabric to ensure that your little one is well supported. With this low-maintenance sling, you will be able to carry your baby around comfortably. It’s a great sling for newborn since you can also use it while breastfeeding.
Although it looks simple, it’s highly functional and easy to use.
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10. Boba Wrap Carrier
The best ring sling for baby.
This ring sling comes from one of the most well-known and reliable brands of baby carriers.
It’s made with supple and flexible material to ensure your comfort and your baby’s as well.
The Boba Wrap is an imported product which is easy to tie and use. It’s made with safe materials and no trace of chemicals which might cause harm.
Conclusion
All these products are superior in the sense that they have some great features. With that in mind, we do believe that one of them stands out among the rest. This is the Vlokup Baby Ring Sling. The reason for this is that it’s a versatile carrier. It’s suitable for newborns to toddlers of different sizes.
Unlike the Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling which isn’t ideal for petite wearers, with the Vlokup, one size fits all. It’s also better than the Beco Baby Carrier – Ring – Sling Carrier in Ocean in terms of the design. It’s more colorful and fun. This sling is made with durable material which doesn’t easily snag on jewelry. It’s different from the Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling with regards to this and to the fact that it doesn’t have to be washed separately to avoid staining. And since it’s very affordable, it’s a lot more appealing than the Baby Tula Tencel Blend Ring Sling, which is one of the most expensive products on our list.
A lot of moms recommend this product, which says a lot about it. Going back to the factors to look for in a great ring sling, the Vlokup has it all! This ring sling is made with cotton, which is durable and comfortable. It also comes with a pocket for easy storage and portability. Finally, this machine washable sling is the most affordable product on the list. It has a lot of cool features and it is budget-friendly too!
Ring Sling FAQs
How do I use a ring sling?
Ring slings are easy to use, once you get the hang of using them. Here are some steps for you to follow:
Threading the fabric through the rings
– Hold the rings with one hand and the tail with the other hand. – – Make sure the fabric is straight and you can see the tag.
– Pass the tail through both of the rings. The tag should be – between the shoulder of the ring sling and the tail.
– Let the tail pass over the ring on top and right through the rings on the bottom, much like you would thread a belt.
– Make sure the fabric is spread evenly across the rings so you can adjust them.
Wearing the ring sling
– Wear the sling over your head, placing the rings on the shoulder you prefer. The tail should be in front of you.
– Then adjust the sling to your size and the size of your little one. The pouch of your sling should be around the level of your belly button.
What is the best material for a ring sling?
Ring slings are made with different materials. Some are thin while some are thick. Some are flexible while some cannot be stretched. Some are comfortable while some are not. So what’s the best material? Here are the most comfortable materials you can consider:
– Cotton
– Linen
– Silk
– Blended fabrics which contain one or more of these materials.
The best age to start using ring slings
The rings of the ring sling allow you to adjust it easily. This means that you can use the carrier and share it with other people too. It also means that it can be used even for infants and toddlers of different sizes. You can even use a ring sling to carry your newborn. Just make sure you know how to use the ring sling in carrying a baby who is really small.
Until what age can my baby use a ring sling?
Ring slings are most suitable for newborns, babies, and toddlers. As long as your toddler still fits comfortably, you can keep on using the ring sling. If your little one isn’t comfortable anymore, then it’s time to put the sling to rest. You can also stop using the ring sling if you find it difficult to support your child’s weight.
What is the maximum weight for ring slings?
Using ring slings is convenient and beneficial. But there comes a time when your little one should not be carried in such a carrier. That’s when he/she becomes too heavy. Ring slings have different weight limits. These limits depend on the size of the sling and the material it’s made of. Generally, though, toddlers who are heavier than 40 lbs aren’t advised to be carried in ring slings anymore.