FOR AGES 0 MONTHS TO 9 MONTHS
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Baby slings are a lovely way to bond with your baby and they're practical, too.
Keeping your baby close doesn't just mean a lovely cuddle for both of you. There are proven benefits to this centuries-old practice, like helping to regulate the baby's heartbeat, and giving yourself a boost of oxytocin.
It's also a game changer when you really need to get things done around the house (or just want to make yourself a nice brew).
There are two main types of baby sling: a wrap, which is usually a simple, stretchy piece of material that is wrapped around your body, and a carrier which is more structured.
There are sling libraries around to help you choose but if you can't get to one of these or you're still unsure which one to go for, we've taken a look at the best slings for baby and listed our top picks here for you.
And don't forget to take a look at our tips on how to use slings safely for that extra peace of mind.
We love how this sling for babies combines the closeness of a wrap with the security of a baby carrier. It's easy to use, can be chucked in the washing machine and feels really comfortable. We particularly like how it uses material to go across the shoulders rather than a regular strap, helping to reduce discomfort on the back. It comes in a few different plain colours, so you should be able to find one to suit your wardrobe.
If you just want a basic wrap, then you don't need to splash out. We love the Sleep Wrap's stretchy material so your baby can feel nice and snug next to you. As with any regular wrap, the technique takes a bit of getting used to but once you've watched a few YouTube videos and had a practice, you'll discover the best way to wear it for you and your baby.
Baby carriers needn't cost the earth. This model from Chicco is fairly easy to use and adjusts as your child grows until they're about six months old. It claims to be suitable from birth, but we think the head can sit a little too low to begin with so you may have to wait a short white until you can use it. Nevertheless this is a great baby carrier for families who don't want to spend a fortune.
There are plenty of newborn slings and wraps on the market, but we think this one from Boba is perfect for those first few months. As well as being super comfortable to wear, we particularly love how it fits mums and dads of all shapes and sizes, as some plus-size adults struggle with wraps. The material is really soft and stretchy, so be warned your snug baby might not stay awake for long!
Carriers for babies come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but we think this is the best baby carrier for newborns because it is structured enough to feel secure yet feels close enough like a wrap. It's very easy to use; you just need to pull the rings to tighten, rather than faff around with knots, and the soft, wide straps distribute weight evenly so it's super comfortable. It's perfect for when you want to be hands free and keep your baby close at the same time.
Parents can often feel a little wary about wearing a wrap for older babies and even toddlers, but we think we've found the best sling on the market that goes up to an older age and is comfortable for you. It converts from wrap to carrier to hip seat as your baby grows, and we love how easy it is to put on. It takes a weight of up to 20kg, which is about three to four years old.
This is definitely one of the pricer baby carriers around, but given that it lasts until your child is 20kg (around three to four years old), we think it's a good investment. This one comes with an insert to keep newborns snug, while it's extremely easy to adjust so you can keep your child secure as they grow. We like the handy storage pockets for things like keys and dummies, too.
This Tula baby carrier is another one of the pricier slings on the market, but it does last until your child is 20kg, and it's amazingly comfortable for the wearer on either the front or back. The padded shoulder straps make it so easy to carry your child, and your baby should be comfy too with the adjustable neck support pillow. We also love the different designs available and the little hood that can be used for sun protection or privacy.
Some parents prefer the one-shoulder ring slings available, and we love this one from LILLEbaby. It comes with plenty of material, and easily fits plus-size parents better than many other wraps. The linen fabric is also light and breathable, so it's a great option for the summer months in particular.
Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our suggestions for baby slings, wraps and carriers then why not take a look at these baby nursing chairs and rockers, or for something different take a look at these kids' beach shoes.
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