How to Choose a Baby Carrier or Sling

A baby carrier or sling can be wonderfully practical, but choosing one for the first time can be confusing. Wraps, ring slings and structured carriers all work differently, and the best choice depends on your baby’s needs, your body and how you expect to use it.

The most important things to look for are a carrier that is suitable for your baby’s size and stage, keeps them in a safe position, feels secure and comfortable on your body, and is straightforward enough that you can use it correctly every time.

There is no single carrier that suits every parent or every baby. If possible, trying a few styles before buying can tell you far more than comparing them online.

What types of baby carriers and slings are available?

The terminology can make shopping harder than it needs to be. Most options fall into a few broad categories.

Stretchy wraps

A stretchy wrap is a long piece of soft fabric that wraps around your body and holds your baby close.

They can feel cosy and adaptable, particularly for smaller babies, but there is a learning curve. Correct tying and positioning matter, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Woven wraps

Woven wraps are made from non-stretch fabric and can be tied in different ways.

They can be very versatile, but the number of possible carries and tying techniques may feel daunting if you want something quick to put on.

Ring slings

A ring sling is a length of fabric secured using two rings and usually worn over one shoulder.

It can be relatively quick to put on once you are familiar with it, although the baby’s weight is distributed differently from a carrier with two shoulder straps.

Soft structured carriers

These have a shaped body panel, shoulder straps and usually a waistband, with buckles or other fastenings.

Many parents find them straightforward because there is less fabric to tie. Models vary significantly in size, adjustability and suitability for babies at different stages.

Hybrid carriers

Some carriers combine features of wraps and structured carriers. You might see fabric panels with a buckled waistband, for example.

The category matters less than whether the particular carrier fits both you and your baby correctly.

Start with your baby’s size and stage

Do not assume that every carrier is suitable from birth simply because a newborn appears in promotional photographs.

Check the manufacturer’s stated minimum and maximum size requirements. Some carriers are designed for newborns, while others require a separate insert or are intended for larger babies.

Look for clear instructions explaining:

The minimum and maximum baby weight
Any height guidance
Which carrying positions are approved
Whether a newborn insert is required
How your baby’s head and neck should be supported
When different settings or configurations should be used

If the instructions are vague or you cannot establish whether the carrier is suitable for your baby, choose another product or ask the manufacturer for clarification.

Learn the TICKS safety guidance

Whichever style you choose, safe positioning is essential.

The NHS, RoSPA and The Lullaby Trust all recommend following the TICKS guidance for using baby slings and carriers:

Tight: the carrier should hold your baby close to your body.
In view at all times: you should always be able to see your baby’s face.
Close enough to kiss: your baby should be positioned high enough that you can kiss their head.
Keep chin off the chest: your baby’s chin should not be forced down onto their chest.
Supported back: your baby’s back should be supported in a comfortably upright position.

The purpose is to help keep your baby’s airway clear.

A carrier should not allow your baby to slump into a curled position where their chin drops onto their chest. Their nose and mouth should also remain clear of fabric, your body and clothing.

This is something to check every time you put your baby into a carrier, not only when you first learn how to use it.

Check that you can see your baby’s face

A baby’s face should remain visible while they are in a sling or carrier.

The NHS advises that sling material should not cover a baby’s head. The Lullaby Trust also stresses that parents and carers should be able to see the baby’s face and make sure they can breathe easily.

This is particularly important with very young babies, who do not have the strength and head control to reposition themselves easily if their airway becomes restricted.

When trying a carrier, look down and check whether you can clearly see your baby’s face without moving fabric out of the way.

If you cannot, the position or carrier needs adjusting.

Choose something that fits your body too

A carrier needs to fit the person wearing it as well as the baby.

Two people of the same height can have very different preferences because body shape, shoulder width and torso length affect how straps and waistbands sit.

If possible, try the carrier with weight in it rather than judging an empty display model.

Pay attention to:

Whether the shoulder straps dig in
Where the waistband sits
Whether your baby’s weight feels evenly distributed
Whether you can tighten and loosen the carrier yourself
Whether buckles are easy to reach
Whether you can move comfortably
Whether the carrier feels secure without excessive pressure
Whether you can see your baby easily

RoSPA notes that a good-quality sling or carrier should distribute a child’s weight across the wearer’s shoulders, hips and back.

Comfort matters because an uncomfortable carrier is unlikely to become something you reach for regularly.

If two people will use it, test both

If you and a partner or another carer plan to share the carrier, check how easily it adjusts between you.

Some structured carriers can be altered quickly. Others require several straps to be readjusted each time. A wrap can accommodate different body shapes but needs to be tied again for each wearer.

If your bodies are very different, you may find one highly adjustable carrier works well for both of you. In some families, two different carriers are simply more convenient.

Neither approach is better. Think about how frequently you will swap and how much adjustment you are willing to do.

Think about where you will actually use it

The right carrier for a long countryside walk may not be the one you prefer for getting around the house.

Before buying, imagine your normal routine.

Will you mainly use it for:

Short walks
Public transport
School or nursery runs with an older child
Travelling
Longer outdoor walks
Moving around the house
Shopping
Places where a pushchair is awkward
Regular everyday use

If you want something for quick trips, speed and simplicity may matter most. If you expect to wear your baby for longer periods, weight distribution and adjustability may become bigger priorities.

You may eventually prefer more than one style, but you do not need to buy several before you know what works for you.

Consider how easy it is to put on

A carrier can feel perfectly comfortable once fitted but still be frustrating if you struggle to put it on independently.

Ask for a demonstration and then try it yourself.

Can you:

Put the carrier on without help?
Position your baby securely?
Fasten every buckle or tie correctly?
Adjust the fit while supporting your baby?
Check your baby’s face and position easily?
Take your baby out safely?
Remove the carrier without getting tangled?

If you are trying a wrap, practise tying it more than once.

Feeling clumsy at first does not necessarily mean the carrier is wrong for you. Many styles take practice. But if you strongly dislike the fastening system in a calm shop environment, it may not become more appealing when you are tired and trying to leave the house.

Check your baby’s position

RoSPA advises choosing a carrier that supports a baby’s spine, neck and hips appropriately.

The exact positioning can depend on your baby’s development and the carrier design, so follow the instructions supplied with your model.

Do not improvise positions that are not approved by the manufacturer.

If your baby has hip dysplasia, is being monitored for hip development or has another condition affecting positioning, ask an appropriate healthcare professional for individual advice before using a carrier.

Be cautious with forward-facing positions

Some structured carriers allow babies to face away from the person carrying them once they meet the manufacturer’s developmental and size requirements.

This is an optional feature rather than something every baby needs.

If forward-facing use matters to you, check:

Whether the carrier supports it
The manufacturer’s requirements for using that position
Any time or size limitations
How your baby’s body is supported
How easily you can monitor your baby

Never move a baby into a new carrying position simply because the carrier can physically be adjusted into it. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance about when each configuration becomes appropriate.

Never feed your baby in the sling

The NHS states that it is not safe to feed a baby while they are in a sling and advises taking them out to feed.

The Lullaby Trust also advises against hands-free breastfeeding or bottle feeding in a sling or carrier. Feeding can change a baby’s position and increase the risk that their airway becomes obstructed.

If your baby needs feeding, take them out of the carrier first. Once the feed has finished, you can reposition them in the carrier, carefully checking their airway and TICKS positioning again.

This applies even if a sling is marketed as convenient for feeding.

What if your baby falls asleep in the carrier?

Many babies do fall asleep while being carried.

The Lullaby Trust’s guidance stresses keeping a baby’s airway clear while they are in a sling or carrier and following TICKS positioning. Continue checking your baby’s face, breathing position and temperature rather than assuming that a sleeping baby is automatically positioned safely.

For routine sleep, The Lullaby Trust advises that the safest place for a baby is on their back on a firm, flat sleep surface in a clear sleep space.

A sling or carrier should not replace your baby’s normal safe sleep space.

Think about temperature and clothing

A carrier places your baby close to your body and may add layers of fabric around them.

The Lullaby Trust advises using TICKS guidance to help ensure babies can breathe easily and are not overheating.

Consider your own body warmth, the carrier fabric, your baby’s clothing and the weather rather than automatically dressing your baby as though they were sitting separately in a pushchair.

Keep checking your baby while you are carrying them.

Avoid covering their face or head with carrier fabric, blankets or clothing.

Look at the fabric and washing instructions

Practical details become more important once a carrier is being used regularly.

Check whether the fabric is:

Machine washable
Easy to spot-clean
Comfortable against your baby’s skin
Appropriate for the temperatures in which you expect to use it
Durable enough for regular use

Also look at the manufacturer’s drying instructions. A favourite carrier that takes a very long time to dry may be inconvenient if you only own one.

If buying a structured carrier, check whether buckles and straps can be washed and whether any parts need to be removed first.

Do you need a special newborn insert?

Some carriers need an additional insert or a specific newborn configuration. Others are designed to adjust down to smaller babies without extra pieces.

Do not assume an insert is optional if the manufacturer requires it.

Before buying, ask:

Is the carrier approved for my baby’s current size?
Is an insert required?
Is the insert included?
How is it fitted?
At what point does the manufacturer say it should no longer be used?

The instructions for the exact model should take priority over general advice online.

Should you buy a second-hand baby carrier?

A second-hand sling or carrier can be a sensible way to save money, particularly if you know its history.

Inspect it carefully before use.

Look for:

Frayed or weakened fabric
Damaged stitching
Broken or cracked buckles
Missing components
Stretched elastic
Damaged rings
Alterations or repairs
A readable product label
The correct instruction manual

Check the manufacturer’s website for current instructions and search for any product safety alerts or recalls affecting the model.

If you cannot identify the carrier, important components are missing or the structure appears damaged, do not use it.

A sling library can make choosing easier

If there is a reputable sling library or babywearing service near you, it may allow you to see and try several types before committing to one.

This can be particularly useful because carriers fit bodies differently. Something that receives excellent reviews may simply not sit comfortably on your shoulders or waist.

A knowledgeable fitting service can also show you how a particular carrier is designed to be adjusted and help you practise using it.

Treat fitting support as a way to understand the product, while continuing to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recognised safety guidance.

Baby carrier checklist before you buy

Before choosing a sling or carrier, check:

Is it suitable for my baby’s current size and stage?
Can I position my baby according to TICKS guidance?
Can I see my baby’s face clearly?
Does the carrier support my baby’s back as instructed?
Can I keep my baby’s chin away from their chest?
Is the carrier comfortable on my body?
Can I put it on and take it off safely by myself?
Can another regular carer adjust it to fit them?
Are the manufacturer’s instructions clear?
Are all the carrying positions I want to use approved for my baby?
Is it practical for the places where I expect to use it?
Can it be cleaned easily?
If it is second-hand, is it complete, undamaged and identifiable?
Have I checked for relevant product recalls or safety alerts?

The best carrier is not the one with the most carrying positions or the trendiest fabric. It is one that fits your baby, fits you and can be used safely and confidently.

When to get professional advice

RoSPA advises taking particular care with premature and low birth weight babies and seeking advice from a health professional such as a health visitor.

If your baby was born prematurely, has a low birth weight, has hip dysplasia or another medical or developmental condition, or needs additional head, neck or postural support, speak to your health visitor, GP, paediatrician or another appropriate healthcare professional before choosing or using a carrier.

If you are uncertain about positioning in a particular sling, seek help from a reputable babywearing professional and follow the manufacturer’s instructions alongside current NHS, RoSPA and The Lullaby Trust safety guidance.

If your baby appears to have difficulty breathing, becomes unresponsive or seems seriously unwell while being carried, remove them from the sling and seek urgent medical help.