Worried About Ring Sling Safety? Read This First
Ring slings are popular for newborns but are they safe? A babywearing educator shares how to use one safely & confidently.
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If you’re a new parent navigating all of the baby products—specifically baby carriers—you’ve likely come across ring slings in your research or while building your registry. They’re one of many options for babywearing, and when used correctly, they’re a safe and comfortable way to keep your baby close while allowing your arms to be free. They can be a bit intimidating when you first start using them, though, and there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.
I spoke to Karla Castro, a babywearing educator and the founder of The Babywearing Club to find out what parents need to know about safe ring sling use, how to use a ring sling and how to make sure your baby is comfortable and in the right position.
What is a ring sling?
First things first, a ring sling is much different than your regular, structured baby carrier. They’re made of a long piece of fabric—typically linen—with two rings sewn on one end. To use it, you thread the end of the fabric through the rings and essentially create a snug pocket-like hammock for baby to sit in while facing you. The material tucks underneath their knees and extends up their back right around their armpits or shoulders.
Wildbird Ring Sling
Ring slings are free of buckles, clips and padding which makes them super lightweight and comfortable to wear and easy to adjust. They're a popular pick for newborns (who love to be cuddled closely) and younger babies, though many can be used up for toddlers up to 45 pounds.
Are ring slings safe for babies?
When used properly, ring slings are safe for babies (tips for getting it right down below). But there are a few risks to be aware of before you start using one.
The two main concerns with ring slings (and really any baby carrier) are:
Positional asphyxiation. This happens when a baby’s airway becomes restricted due to poor positioning (especially when their chin is tucked into their chest). Since ring slings lack structure, they depend on the wearer to adjust the fabric properly to support the baby's back, head and neck.
Healthy hip development. Getting your baby in the proper position is especially important in the early months for hip health while their body is rapidly developing and growing. Improper positioning can lead to pressure on baby's joints.
The good news is that with practice, getting your baby properly positioned in their ring sling carrier will become second nature.
Ring slings have been used for generations around the world. Modern versions available in the US must adhere to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s safety guidelines. There are standards set for fabric strength and durability, ring integrity, structural safety and labeling requirements that cover safety warnings and proper positioning guidance. They also must pass third party testing.
A few red flags that are important to look out for when buying a baby carrier—but especially a ring sling carrier—are:
🚩 No safety labels or testing info. If there’s no mention of ASTM or Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliance, skip it.
🚩 Homemade or unbranded slings. While lovingly made, these likely haven’t been tested for strength or safety.
🚩 Old or recalled models. Avoid slings made before 2015 unless you can verify they meet current standards. You can check for recalls at CPSC.gov.
🚩 Damaged fabric or loose rings. Never use a sling with fraying, stretching or signs of wear and tear—it could compromise the integrity of the carrier.
How to Choose a Ring Sling
When shopping for a ring sling, make sure you’re buying one from a well-known brand. Some of our favorites are:
Whatever ring sling you choose, it should have a label or note in the product description that says the sling complies with ASTM F2907 and the CPSIA. And when in doubt, stick to well-known brands that clearly state their compliance with US safety standards and offer user instructions.
How to Use Ring Slings Safely
Even with a ring sling that meets all the safety standards, proper use comes down to the wearer.
There’s a handy acronym in the babywearing space called TICKS. It’s essentially a short checklist to ensure your baby is properly—and safely—situated in your carrier, no matter the type.
T is for Tight
The first thing is to make sure your ring sling is snug, but not too tight. “A loose sling can cause baby to slump, leading to airway compromise,” Castro says. How do you know you’ve gotten it right? “The sling should be snug like a gentle hug, but not so tight that it restricts movement or breathing, or feels uncomfortable,” she explains. Her tip for checking is to slightly lean forward and if your baby doesn’t move away from your body—and you’re comfortable—you’ve got it!
I is for In view at All Times
When your baby is in the carrier, Castro says the next thing is to make sure you have a clear view of your baby: “You should always be able to see baby’s face by simply glancing down, without needing to move fabric out of the way.”
C is for Close Enough to Kiss
If you can’t tilt your head down and give your baby a kiss on the top of their sweet head, they’re too low.
Close enough to kiss (image credit: Karla Castro)
K is for Keep Chin Off Chest
This is an important positioning step to pay attention to. One of the main risks of babies being improperly positioned or not well supported in their carrier is positional asphyxiation, especially for younger babies who lack head control. “[Their] head should be in a natural, upright position with at least two fingers of space under their chin to ensure open airways,” says Castro.
S is for Supported Back
Lastly, you want to make sure your baby’s back is well supported. “The sling should be snug enough that [the] baby's back is supported from their bottom to the nape of their neck [to prevent] slumping,” Castro explains. This is also necessary for ensuring a healthy “M” hip position for their legs and hips.
Baby has a deep seat for a hip-healthy "M" position. (image attribution: @hellomilitellos)
Overall, Castro says a ring sling that’s adjusted correctly should keep your baby high, close and supported to ensure a secure and comfortable carry. If you need help figuring it out—you’re not alone.
Out of all of the baby carrier options, ring slings and wraps are the trickiest to figure out in the beginning. Many brands will have their own helpful tutorials (like this one from Wildbird) to guide you through the steps. Some even have some ways to troubleshoot the fit if you’re struggling.
There are also a few differences to keep in mind when using a ring sling for newborns versus older babies. For newborns (babies zero to three months), Castro says you want to use a high chest to chest carry. Once your baby’s at least three months old, you still want to make sure they’re close enough to kiss, but you can try “an off-center or a hip carry once they have good head and torso control,” Castro explains. After six months, and once your baby is secure in their torso, head and neck control, you can also try back carrying.
You also want to regularly check your ring sling for rips, runs or tears in the fabric before each use and stop using it if you see any.
“Ring slings are one of my [favorite] carriers. They are a beautiful, versatile way to keep baby close while maintaining freedom of movement,” Castro says. “With the right fit and mindful adjustments, they provide comfort, security and connection for both baby and caregiver.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Slings
How can wearers ensure even weight distribution to prevent back or shoulder strain?
If you’re prone to a sore back and shoulder strain, baby carriers can sometimes exacerbate the problem. Proper positioning is important for baby’s safety and your comfort. Castro says there are a few things you can do to help ease the strain on your body. Making sure your baby’s weight is evenly distributed is step one. This means the fabric needs to be spread evenly along your back and shoulder. Checking off the T in T.I.C.K.S. also helps lessen the strain—if baby isn’t snug enough and leaning away from your body it can cause discomfort. It’s important to pay attention to your posture, too: “Engage your core, keep your knees soft and stand tall to prevent back pain,” Castro says.
Can ring slings be used safely while breastfeeding? What adjustments need to be made?
One thing that’ll make you feel like a pro at this whole parenting thing is feeding your baby while they’re in a carrier, specifically breastfeeding. You can do this while using a ring sling, but with a few key adjustments.
First, “Lower baby slightly to breast height. They can stay upright or you can shift them into a semi-reclined position, keeping their airway clear; this means no fabric covering their head,” says Castro. Keep one hand on baby’s head and back for support and make sure to raise them back to their regular position once they’ve fed.
What activities should parents avoid while babywearing in a ring sling?
The benefit of baby carriers is allowing your baby to be in their favorite spot without holding your hands and arms hostage. That said, there are some things you shouldn’t do while babywearing. The main thing to avoid is cooking with baby on your front, “even foods and liquids heated in a microwave can cause serious burns,” Castro says. It’s also not safe to use a ring sling while doing any exercise (besides walking), sleeping and “activity that requires special equipment like helmets, safety vests or harnesses.” Castro also cautions that when you’re wearing your baby, never bend over at the waist since the baby could potentially fall out. Instead, she says to squat with your knees if you need to.
Expert Sources
Babylist content uses high-quality subject matter experts to provide accurate and reliable information to our users. Sources for this story include:
Karla Castro, a babywearing educator and the founder of The Babywearing Club where she supports parents in learning how to babywear safely.
