Nkeiruka Orajiaka, MD, board-certified pediatrician, public health physician in Columbus, Ohio, and member of Buybuy Baby’s Parenting Pros, tells Verywell Family that in addition to soothing a crying infant, baby-wearing keeps your little one safe from unwanted visitors. “People love kids, but while [you’re] wearing your baby, they are less likely to come close enough to touch your little one,” she explains. “But be sure you are wearing them the right way and for the right chores to ensure safety.” The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends safe baby wearing for soothing, bonding, and nurturing baby’s development. We kept Dr. Orajiaka’s advice in mind while looking at the design, fit, and materials of the baby wraps and slings on the market to make this list. Based on our research, here are the best baby wraps and slings. To use this one-size-fits-most wrap, all you have to do is tie it around your body (using instructions provided) and you’re ready to go. The wrap is machine washable and is also great for nursing. Price at time of publication: $45 Price at time of publication: $50 Price at time of publication: $33
Price at time of publication: $59 Price at time of publication: $70 Price at time of publication: $60 Price at time of publication: $69 Price at time of publication: $27 Made with cotton and mesh, this wrap will keep baby and you cool while out and about. It’s designed with parents and caregivers in mind thanks to its adjustable band. Price at time of publication: $70 It even features a small pocket for the much-needed pacifier or small burp cloth. And when it needs a wash, you can simply toss it into the washer and allow it to air-dry. Price at time of publication: $70
What to Look for in Baby Wraps and Slings
Breathability
Holding your little one close to you for an extended period of time can really crank up the body heat. Opting for a wrap or sling that allows for air to flow easily will help keep you and your baby cool and comfortable while you’re using the sling or wrap. Lightweight materials like 100% cotton or airy linen can keep you cooler while baby-wearing. Before you decide to get close, however, talk with your baby’s pediatrician to ensure baby-wearing is safe for your child, recommends Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. “Some premature babies do not have enough muscle strength to keep their airway open in an unsupported position, so be cautious,” she warns.
Fit
Just like when you purchase clothes, it’s important to find a wrap or sling that fits your body comfortably. Along with keeping your own sizing in mind, you also want to be mindful of how well your little one fits into the wrap or sling; most have weight limits. Dr. Orajiaka recommends doing a try-on in-store if possible to find that proper fit. “If possible, it’s best to take your baby with you while shopping for the carrier to make sure it’s their size, and the leg holes are not too small for them to fall out,” she says, adding to also “check for any recalls before purchase.” Dr. Orajiaka explains that when worn properly, wraps and slings can “actually help with development and decrease hip dysplasia” and “does not negatively affect hip development.” “The natural clinging position for infants is the M-position, and this is the recommended position to wear a baby. M-position means, thighs spread over parent’s body, hips bent a little so the knees are slightly higher than the buttocks with thighs supported,” Dr. Orajiaka explains. “Legs should never be dangling on the sides.”
Ease of Use
At first glance, wraps and slings can be slightly intimidating, especially when compared to more structured baby carriers or backpacks. Slings and wraps fall on a wide spectrum of difficulty, with some being far easier to use than others. Opting for a version that fits your skill level will help you feel more confident about wearing your little one in a wrap or sling. Using a baby wrap or sling shouldn’t feel like an Olympic sport, so you’ll want to find a wrap or sling that’s easy to use and comfortable. “Maintain the recommended position when placing your baby. That way, you can protect yourself while you also protect your baby,” says Dr. Orajiaka. “Parents should bend at the knees when using baby carriers and not at the waist. This will not only protect your baby from falling out but also protects your back.”
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 2-year-old and 5-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. “Wraps are more comfortable during the early weeks or months of your baby’s life. As they get heavier, wraps may not provide as much support, “ she explains. “Wraps are great if you master how to use them accurately to keep your baby protected.” Slings typically fit on one shoulder, but can cause problems if the fit isn’t proper by digging into your shoulder, Dr. Orajiaka says. When compared to a wrap, baby slings “offer an easier transition for breastfeeding parents to feed when compared with the other two.” If baby wraps or slings aren’t your thing, you can opt for a baby carrier instead. “Another option is the infant carriers, which seem to be sturdier and take on more weight, hence may be used for longer days,” Dr. Orajiaka tells Verywell Family. “But your baby needs to be up to a certain weight to use a carrier. Also, carriers are a little heavier compared to sling and wraps.” In order to determine the best fit for your family, “decide how long you intend to wear your baby, and what position” while also considering your budget, Dr. Orajiaka suggests.
Stretchy wraps don’t offer as much support as woven wraps, but that makes them more suitable for newborns, as well as easier to use and more comfortable. Woven wraps are sturdier and ideal for front or back carrying. They can be worn in a variety of ways as your child ages.
