What is a Ring Sling?

A “ring sling” refers to a baby carrier that is a piece of woven fabric threaded through two rings that are sewn at the shoulder. It is weight-tested to carry your wearee safely; typically up to 35 pounds. The fabric can be cotton, linen, silk, wool, blends, etc. Some companies produce them in multiple lengths so you can find your best fit. Your “best fit” can be dependent on your body type as well as the size of your baby. Newborns are worn more centered, high on one’s chest while older babies and toddlers may prefer being more on the hip (though they can be worn centered as well). The “shoulder” of a ring sling can vary based on how it’s sewn and some people find one variation more comfortable for their body than another – try out different ones at a free meeting and get help from a volunteer educator!

How to Wear a Ring Sling

A baby can be worn facing in towards the caregiver on the front, facing towards the caregiver on the hip, facing out (with good head control), or on the back (more advanced carry). Check out these videos and photo tutorials!

Front/Hip Carry in a Ring Sling

[56 second video with text on the video and audio in real-time demonstrating how to prep a ring sling]
[4 minute 33 second no voice audio real-time video tutorial with written instructions on ring sling basics]
[5 minute 34 second video with voice audio and closed captioning, in real-time, demonstrating how to use a ring sling with a newborn, including chestfeeding in a ring sling with a newborn]
[2 minute 3 second no voice audio real-time video tutorial, no captions, on how to wear a ring sling in a front/hip carry]

Photo Tutorial: https://brittbrownmarsh.com/2017/01/29/tutorial-ring-sling-fronthip-carry/

[1 minute 22 second no voice audio real-time video demonstrating a baby facing outward in a ring sling carry]

Back Carry in a Ring Sling

[5 minute 55 second no voice audio real-time video demonstrating a ring sling back carry]
[2 minute 10 second no voice audio real-time video demonstrating a ring sling torso carry]

Tandem Babywearing Using Ring Slings

[3 minute 55 second no voice audio, real-time video demonstrating tandem babywearing using two ring slings]

Troubleshooting Ring Sling Threading and Adjustments

[6 minute 2 second real-time video with closed captioning, on troubleshooting ring sling threading and adjusting]
[8 second silent video demonstrating a ring sling shoulder fold]

Wearing a Ring Sling Out and About

[2 minute 33 second silent video with description in text box of “car carriers: ring sling front carry”]

Chestfeeding in a Ring Sling

[2 minute 31 second real-time video with voice audio and closed captioning demonstrating chestfeeding in a ring sling in both upright and cradle positions]
[5 minute 19 second real-time video with voice audio and closed captioning demonstrating chestfeeding in a ring sling in both upright and cradle positions]
[3 minute 1 second no voice audio real-time video demonstrating chestfeeding a toddler in a ring sling]

Additional Resources

“The Amazing Versatility of a Ring Sling”: https://babywearingtwincities.org/blog/the-amazing-versatility-of-a-ring-sling/

Making your own ring sling: http://www.sleepingbaby.net/jan/Baby/sling.html

Where to buy rings: http://www.slingrings.com/

Tandem Trouble Ring Sling Video Playlist: https://youtu.be/WKt8fB2nO60


If you have any questions about babywearing, we encourage you to contact us and/or come learn in person at one of our meetings! Check out our Instagram @Babywearing.Twin.Cities and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BabywearingTwinCities/).

Published by Babywearing Twin Cities

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