Baby slings and carriers: a guide

What is a sling, wrap or carrier? 

A sling, wrap or carrier provides comfort and support for the baby and allows you to carry a child hands-free. It’s not a new idea and has been practised for centuries in different cultures. We’ll use the terms sling, wrap and carrier interchangeably in the rest of this article.  

There are lots of types of slings so it’s worth finding out about the different styles. You could even try a few before you choose one. NCT has sling libraries where you can do this, which you can find here or email enquiries@nct.org.uk.

Are there are any benefits to using a sling? 

Many carers say it’s practical, whatever your lifestyle.  

Slings help with transportation as they can provide greater accessibility than pushchairs. For example, lifts, steps, narrow doors and pavements are easier to navigate. They can be simpler to use on public transport or in the countryside. Some babies resist the pushchair but are calm in the sling (Whittle, 2019).

Parents or caregivers of more than one baby may find it easier if one baby is held in a sling. They can provide an accessible way for those with limited mobility to transport or care for their baby (Krassioucov et al, 2024). Co-parents and caregivers can use slings to share the parenting load while gaining closeness and nurturing the baby (Whittle, 2021).

Research shows that babywearing helps build attachment. It also makes the wearer more responsive to the baby’s needs (Williams & Turner, 2020). It promotes the baby’s sleep regulation, speech, social and emotional development (Norholt, 2020).  

For parents and caregivers, it can improve positive mental health. Research shows it can help reduce stress, fatigue and insomnia (Norholt, 2020; Havens et al, 2022; Whittle, 2021).  

Using a sling for at least an hour a day is linked to more frequent breastfeeding. It might also help to extend the breastfeeding relationship. This includes the use of expressed breastmilk in a bottle (Pisacane et al, 2012; Little et al, 2021). 

This might be because the wearer responds better to the baby’s cues or because close contact stimulates the hormones involved in breast or chest feeding (Pisacane et al, 2012).

How can I keep my baby safe in their sling, wrap or carrier? 

When it comes to using slings, it’s very important to follow a few simple guidelines. Check the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow their advice on whether the baby’s size, weight and age are right for the carrier.  

If you bought the sling secondhand and the instructions are missing, contact the manufacturer. You may be able to download a copy from their website. Many manufacturers have videos on their website on how to secure the sling safely. However, be aware that some sling demonstrations on social media are by untrained influencers and may not be safe.  

Before you use the sling or carrier, check for signs of wear and tear. Don't use it if you have any concerns.  

How should the baby be held?

The safest baby carrier holds the baby upright. It supports them well and keeps them close to the wearer's body. This way, the wearer can always see their face. The baby's weight should be distributed evenly across the wearer's shoulders, hips and back (ROSPA, no date). It should feel comfortable – if it feels loose or unbalanced, try again or get support.

When the baby is in the wrap, check them often, making sure their nose and mouth are clear so they can breathe easily. Keep their chin off their chest and make sure nothing is covering their face (RoSPA, no date; NHS, 2024). This is especially important when carrying young babies under four months old.  

The UK Sling Consortium’s TICKS checklist is used by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and gives the following guidance:

What are the risks of using slings? 

When using a sling, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to reduce any risks. Anyone carrying a baby in a sling should follow the T.I.C.K.S guidelines at all times.

Although rare, very sadly, some babies have been injured or died in baby slings and carriers. Young babies do not have strong neck control and cannot lift their head, so their airway can easily be blocked. A sling’s fabric or fabric from the parent or caregiver’s clothing could cause suffocation very quickly (Batra et al, 2015). If the sling or carrier is not correctly fitted and adjusted, babies can experience traumatic head injuries (Rowe et al, 2022).  

If the baby was born prematurely, with a low birth weight or has a medical condition, talk to a health professional before using a carrier or sling. They can help you understand how to safely use it.

For the wearer, using a sling can lead to back pain (Havens et al, 2022). Getting good one-to-one guidance on how to correctly use the sling might prevent this.

Baby positions for slings and carriers 

A recommended position is known as the spread squat, jockey position or M-position. The spread squat is where the baby is facing their adult and has their thighs spread around the wearer’s torso. The baby also has their hips bent so their knees are slightly higher than their bottom, or at bottom level with the thighs supported (International Hip Dysplasia Institute, No date).

This way of carrying the baby is best for at least the first 6 months of a baby’s life, so their hips develop correctly. It also encourages social development as they are facing their parent or caregiver. It is particularly important if a baby is being held in a sling for long periods of time (International Hip Dysplasia Institute, No date). Read more about hip dysplasia (hips growing abnormally) in our article.

You can find guidance on different slings and how to use them from local sling consultants and libraries. Do ask for evidence of training and insurance from the provider. They should always follow the TICKS or ABC safe carrying guidelines.

Can I feed my baby in a sling?