Note: There is no one universal “best,” especially when it comes to parenting. These are “The Best Ring Slings” based on Also Mom's strict criteria, detailed here.
Ring slings are so in right now. And deservingly so. Great for newborns all the way up through the toddler years, ring slings are versatile, compact, easy to wear, and majorly on trend. Short story: Our favorite ring sling brands are Wildbird ($65-$100) and Sakura Bloom ($98-$180).
Nerd Out on Fabric
Both Wildbird and Sakura Bloom differentiate their slings by fabric type, which is a bit confusing. Although prices and hand feel are different between the fabric types, there are only very subtle differences in functionality.
Single Layer Linen – Wildbird “Solid Linen – Single Layer” – $64.95 | Sakura Bloom “Basics – Single Layer” – $98
- The best all around entry-level sling, suitable for babies 8 – 35lbs
- Supportive with very little stretch
- Easy to adjust
- A cooler sling for warmer temperatures (but also cozy enough for cool temperatures)
- A bit stiff out of the box and needs to be worked and worn to soften up
Double Layer Linen – Wildbird “Solid Linen – Double Layer” – $99.95 | Sakura Bloom “Chambray” – $160
- The best sling for toddlers, but suitable for babies 8 – 35lbs
- Supportive with very little stretch
- More challenging to adjust
- A heavier sling considered a bit uncomfortable in warmer temperatures
- A bit stiff out of the box and needs to be worked and worn to soften up
Bamboo Blend – Wildbird “Bamboo” – $79.95 | Sakura Bloom “Theory” – $160
- The best sling for newborns, but suitable for babies 8 – 35lbs
- Excellent support with a little bit of stretch
- Easy to adjust
- Great for both warmer and cooler temperatures
- Silky soft out of the box
Single Layer Chambray Blend – Wildbird “Chambray Single Layer” – $89.95 | Sakura Bloom “Gradient” – $140
- Similar to the Single Layer Linen slings, but made with multiple thread colors instead of one, allowing for beautiful colors and organic fabric variations
- Supportive with very little stretch
- Easy to adjust
- A cooler sling for warmer temperatures (but also cozy enough for cool temperatures)
- A bit stiff out of the box and needs some washing, steaming, and wearing to soften up
Double Layer Chambray Blend – Wildbird “Chambray Double Layer” – $119.95 | Sakura Bloom “Chambray” – $160
- Similar to the Double Layer Linen slings, but made with multiple thread colors instead of one, allowing for beautiful colors and organic fabric variations
- The best sling for toddlers, but suitable for babies 8 – 35lbs
- Supportive with very little stretch
- More challenging to adjust
- A heavier sling considered a bit uncomfortable in warmer temperatures
- A bit stiff out of the box and needs to be worked and worn to soften up
Silk – Sakura Bloom “Maven” – $198 | Sakura Bloom “Covet” – $340
- The best sling for toddlers in warmer temperatures, but suitable for babies 8-35lbs in all temperatures
- Supportive with very little stretch
- Easy to adjust
- Super lightweight
- Machine washable and dries quickly
- Ready to go out of the box
A Little About Wildbird and Sakura Bloom
We love both of these brands. Their slings are beautiful, made in the USA, and worn by the hippest moms with the best taste. Because of this, they both have amazing, supportive, almost cult-like communities and followings. To us, this community quotient is the number one reason to buy a sling from one of these two brands. It’s an instant mama tribe!
How They Differ:
- Wildbird’s slings are less expensive than Sakura Bloom’s slings across all fabric categories– linen, chambray, and bamboo.
- Sakura Bloom sells silk slings, while Wildbird does not.
- Wildbird sells slings with gold, silver, rose gold, and black rings. Sakura Bloom only sells slings with gold or silver rings.
- Sakura Bloom has a humongous Facebook community with ~150,000 members. Wildbird also has a very active Facebook group with ~25,000 members.
The most important question is: Which fabric type do you want, and which brand has the sling you love most? Ultimately either brand is a great choice, and the number one determining factor for purchasing a Wildbird versus a Sakura Bloom is your personal taste.
A Note on Other Brands: Ring slings are pretty simple conceptually, and a lot of other brands make slings. That said, most of them are pretty unattractive, and tend to look a bit too “hippie” for our taste. Baby Tula, Maya Wrap, Beco, and dozens of tiny homemade brands on Etsy fall into that category for us.
How To Thread, Adjust, and Wear a Ring Sling
#wearallthebabies
Consistent babywearing of any variety reduces infant fussing and crying by a whopping 43%, but the ring sling is perhaps the simplest carrier out there. Unlike the baby wrap, there is no wrapping or tying, and unlike the soft-structured carrier, there are no buckles or bulk. The ring sling is one simple piece of fabric, secured with a pair of rings and slung over the shoulder, providing a deep, comfortable seat for baby.
For baby wrap recommendations, click here.
For soft structured carrier recommendations, click here.
