Baby slings allow you to wear your newborn comfortably. They’re more basic than the baby-wrap style design, in that they’re made for you to use in one way, wrapping over your shoulders and across your torso.
These handy products come in different designs, from ring slings to wrap slings and a pouch style. If you have a small baby that needs constant attention, the best baby slings can offer comfort and convenience.
We review the top five baby slings available in the UK. Find the right fit for you.
What Are the Best Baby Slings in the UK for 2024?
In a rush? The best baby slings on the market right now are:
- Koala Babycare Baby Sling—Best baby sling overall
- Maya Wrap Ring Sling—Best baby sling for ease of use
- Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier—Best baby sling for dads
- Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier—Best baby sling for beginners
- Nalakai Baby Sling Carrier—Best budget-friendly baby sling
The Top 5 Baby Slings
Now that you know what our top picks are, let’s see what each one has to offer.
1. Koala Babycare Baby Sling—Best Baby Sling Overall
Key Features
- Age range: Newborn
- Material: Spandex, polyester and cotton
- Weight allowance: Up to 10 kilograms
- Orientation: Front and back
- Sling weight: 980 grams
- Machine washable: Yes
What We Like
This baby sling is simple to wear, thanks to its two adjustable bands. It’s suitable for both beginner parents and those who are more familiar with a babywearing practice.
The ergonomic backrest guarantees solidity to the design and helps provide even weight distribution. This feature makes carrying your baby around much easier and also offers your little one a balanced comfort.
2. Maya Wrap Ring Sling—Best Baby Sling for Ease of Use
Key Features
- Age range: Newborn
- Material: Cotton
- Weight allowance: Up to 15 kilograms
- Orientation: Front and hip
- Sling weight: 463 grams
- Machine washable: Yes, on a gentle, cold wash
What We Like
The compact, simple design of this sling allows you to fold it up and keep it in your diaper bag or purse pocket with ease. There’s padding in the shoulder to offer additional comfort for mommies. It’s easy to put on and take off and is highly adjustable, so many users can share this one.
3. Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier—Best Baby Sling for Dads
Key Features
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Material: Cotton and polyester
- Weight allowance: 3.6 kilograms to 14.5 kilograms
- Orientation: Front and back
- Sling weight: 600 grams
- Machine washable: Cold, gentle cycle only
What We Like
This baby sling is perfect for active parents who like to be outdoors or have an on-the-go lifestyle. It’s unisex, with an adjustable size system for women and men, so dads aren’t left out here. The supportive design features padding around the shoulders and waist area.
It comes with a bibbed area in the front to save you, and the carrier, from excess drool or other liquids.
4. Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier—Best Baby Sling for Beginners
Key Features
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Material: 100 percent cotton
- Weight allowance: Up to 15.88 kilograms
- Orientation: Back and hip
- Sling weight: 454 grams
- Machine washable: Yes
What We Like
This baby sling is beginner-friendly due to its easy-to-wear design. While it’s labeled as a “sling”, there are no rings, belts or buckles involved. You simply slip it over your head, almost like a T-shirt. Since there are no adjustments, it comes in different sizes. You’ll also receive a carry bag for the sling.
5. Nalakai Baby Sling Carrier—Best Budget-Friendly Baby Sling
Key Features
- Age range: Newborn to toddler
- Material: Bamboo and linen
- Weight allowance: 3.6 kilograms to 15.8 kilograms
- Orientation: Front and hip
- Sling weight: 499 grams
- Machine washable: Yes, on a gentle, cold wash
What We Like
We appreciate the eco-friendly nature of this baby sling, it’s made from a soft bamboo and linen material. It should feel nice on the skin and be suitable for summer use, too. This baby sling also doubles as a nursing cover, so you can have some privacy while breastfeeding in public. It comes in an array of attractive colors.
Four Things To Look for When Buying a Baby Sling
Still undecided? Here are some features to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a baby sling to fit you and your little one:
1. Ease of Use
You don’t want a baby sling that tangles up fast or is difficult to adjust. The world knows you have enough on your hands as a new mom (or dad). This is why it’s imperative to choose a baby sling that feels good on your body, is quickly adjustable and easy to take on/off.
Many prefer the ring-style slings for this reason. To top it off, they fit an array of body types and sizes.
2. Weight
The best baby slings weigh around 400 grams at minimum, up to double that, depending on the design. Structured slings that are bulkier will be heavier, where the more basic ones are lightweight.
If you plan to wear the sling for long periods of time, we recommend that you choose a lighter option.
3. Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor, for both you and your baby. This will differ from person to person. But generally, you’ll want enough padding around the shoulder, hip and waist area, to avoid unnecessary pain for you. For the baby, make sure their weight feels well-distributed and supported, and the fit is snug overall.
4. Easy Cleaning
Babies are messy, so it’s expected that the sling will eventually see some drool or vomit. If you’re an on-the-go parent, your equipment could also take a beating from the outdoors.
Some of the best baby slings are machine washable, adding to the convenience of the device. Make sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions, though, so your sling lasts long and holds up well.
Our Favorite Baby Sling in Conclusion
The best baby sling in the UK for 2024 is the Koala Babycare Baby Sling. It’s easy to use, adjustable and ergonomically designed to help you avoid back and shoulder pain.
We also like that it allows for different carrying positions, depending on your needs and the age of your little one.