13 of the best baby slings and wraps to carry babies from newborn to toddler age in comfort

We've spoken to sling and carrier expert Hannah Wallace, the owner of Wear My Baby, one of the UK’s leading baby carrier shops and advice service. She's outlined everything you need to know before choosing your sling or wrap, as well as how to choose the best one for you and how to use one safely.

Best baby slings and wraps at a glance

• Best budget wrap: Juicy Bumbles Baby Sling, from £18.99
• Best wrap for making a statement: Joy & Joe Rainbow Stretchy Wrap, from £26
• Best wrap for multiple children: Lifft Stretchy Wrap, £39.99
• Best sling with supportive shoulder straps: AmaWrap Baby Sling, from £49.99
• Best wrap for comfort for wearer and baby: Izmi Baby Wrap, £55
• Best eco-friendly sling: Freerider Co. Eucalyptus Baby Sling, £68
• Best wrap for hot weather: Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap, £49.90
• Best wrap for durability: Tag Togs Sa-Be Stretchy Wrap, from £34
• Best lightweight wrap: We Made Me Flow, from £49.48
• Best wrap for upright breastfeeding: Boba Serenity Bamboo, £47.99
• Best ready-to-wear wrap: K'Tan Breeze Baby Carrier, £59.99
• Best easy-to-adjust wrap: Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier, £45
• Best size-inclusive wrap: Gaia Stretchy Baby Wrap in Organic Cotton, £39.99

Why should I use a baby wrap?

Hannah describes the reasons why baby wraps and slings are a great choice.

“They’re incredibly practical – you have your hands free and a baby sling takes up far less room than a stroller. Plus, there's no upper limit to how many hours a day you can carry your baby, so long as they’re safely fitted in the carrier and their airways are protected (see the TICKS guidelines, below).

They can be comfier than baby carriers – though you can wear them for trips outside, the soft, stretchy fabric is ultra-comfy and there are no buckles or clips to dig in, so they are comfortable case for wearing them around the house.

A well-fitted baby wrap can help postnatal recovery – wearing your baby helps with bonding, as it promotes the flow Oxytocin (the ‘love hormone’) and can help alleviate the symptoms of postnatal depression. They can also gradually increase your strength and fitness after the birth, as you carry your growing baby.

Babies feel happy and settled in baby wraps and slings – your newborn will feel calmed and comforted by your body’s movements and the sound of your heartbeat. It’s good for their physical, cognitive and emotional development too, as they’re able to engage with you and with the world around them. Being held upright is also great for their digestion, helps avoid colic and wind and has many of the same benefits as tummy time.

They're designed to be accommodating for different sizes – There's a common misconception that wraps are better suited to women but I’ve fitted them to thousands of men who love them and find them super comfy. You can even use them with twins!”

What to remember when using a baby wrap or sling

Hannah says:

“Baby wraps and slings can be used from day one – your baby can literally go from womb to wrap. Have a practice tying it (with a doll or teddy) before your baby arrives, then pop it into your hospital bag. Though they may look tricky to begin with, it’s easy once you’ve had a few practise tries.

Stretchy wraps can be pre-tied – tie one on at the start of the day and leave it on, like a piece of clothing. Then just pop your baby in and out as needed. Easy!

Baby wraps and slings are ideal for the first few months – though they are often safety tested to be able to carry a toddler, realistically once you baby gets heavier, parents tend to move on to a baby carrier that offers multiple carrying positions (parent facing, outwards facing, back and hip carrying).

You may need more than one carrier – a soft wrap for the early months, especially around the house, then a more long-lasting, multi-position carrier to last up to toddler years.

How to wear a baby wrap safely?

Babies should always be carried upright – so that their airways are open and clear. Babies should never be carried in a lying down, ‘cradle’ position.

Make sure it is well tightened – This is so that your baby cannot slump inside it. If your baby carrier is too big or too loose, your baby’s chin can drop down onto their chest, which could compromise their airways.

Always make sure you can see your baby’s face – Never cover your baby’s face with any fabric. Babies should be positioned high up on your chest and be close enough for you to easily kiss the top of their head without craning your neck.

Be sure not to overheat your baby – As a rough rule of thumb when carrying, your body counts as one layer of clothing, the baby wrap is at least one more and if you’re in a warm place that’s a third – so make sure they’re not overdressed.

Remember the T.I.C.K.S guidelines – This is a handy reminder of what to check for when using a baby carrier (Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off the chest, Supported back).

Here's is our pick of the best slings and wraps to buy in 2024

1. Juicy Bumbles Baby Sling, from £16.99

– Best budget sling

Suitable from: Birth to 3 years (15kg) | Carrying positions: 3, 2 front parent-facing and 1 world | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Award: Silver – Best Baby Sling/Wrap, MadeForMum Awards 2023

For those interested in trying out baby wearing, without having to spend too much money first, the Juicy Bumbles Baby Sling is a great choice. Coming in at under £20, the sling is made from 95% cotton with a blend of spandex for added stretch, and impressed our testers with the value it offered. MFM parent tester, Shakira, pictures above, who used the Juicy Bumbles sling with her 4-week-old newborn said: “I thought this would cost a lot more! It provides comfort, an easier lifestyle for mums on the move and is overall a great quality buy.”

Our testers found the traditional wrap-around design took a little getting used to and the instructions could have been a bit clearer, but even those who hadn’t previously used a sling before were able to get to grips with the fitting after a few tries.

Parent tester Shakira felt the sling provided a “comfortable” and “secure” carry for her premature newborn.

At 490cm in length, our parent tester Danielle found the sling to be “flexible and stretchy” and commented that “it doesn’t dig in or leave any nasty marks on your shoulders or back.”

Pros: Good value, stretchy material, comfortable to wear, multiple carry positions
Cons: Basic design, better suited to smaller/younger babies

Available from: Amazon and Juicy Bumbles

2. Joy & Joe Rainbow Stretchy Wrap Bamboo, from £26

– Best for making a statement

Suitable from: Birth to 3 years (16kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% organic cotton or bamboo and cotton

This brightly coloured rainbow stretch wrap is a real eye-catcher and it comes with an adorable matching hat, plus storage bag, too. It’s ideal for newborns and is very soft, with a choice of either organic cotton or a bamboo/cotton mix fabrics. Sling expert Katy Blundell loved the bright, vibrant colours, saying: “It felt well-made with good quality stitching and a lovely amount of stretch.” The material is machine washable and feels durable. As it is a wrap rather than a structured sling it will take a bit of practice to get it right, although it does come with video instructions to help. It's great choice for experienced baby wearers who want something that will really make a statement. Parent tester Kayleigh, pictured above, who tested this with her 2 month old said: “So easy to wash, no bobbling or shrinkage and air dries very quickly on a clothes horse! It’s lovely material and looks gorgeous."

MadeForMums’ consumer editor Gemma Cartwright says “A very adorable take on the classic sling wrap. Having been shown how to fit it by our expert judge it seemed secure, comfortable and relatively easy to fit. I love the bright rainbow print and the matching bag and hat are adorable too. Bamboo and cotton fabric should keep a baby nice and cool and it definitely works for bonding and early days skin to skin. Although any sling is a learning curve in terms of fit, once mastered this is a real winner."

Pros: Colourful design, choice of fabrics, washes well, includes matching bag and hat
Cons: Takes time to master how to fit, bright design might not be to everyone's taste

Read our full MadeForMums review of Joy & Joe Rainbow Stretchy Wrap Bamboo here

Available from: Joy & Joe

3. Lifft Stretchy Wrap, £39.99

– Best for multiple children

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (2.5kg to 15kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 94% cotton, 6% elastane | Award: Gold – Best Baby Sling/Wrap, MadeForMum Awards 2023

The Lifft Stretchy Wrap is called stretchy for a reason – the cotton material has a 2-way stretch, which helps make it supportive and snug. There’s a lot of fabric, which means it can be used with babies, twins and toddlers up to around 3 years old. “I love that I’m able to fit my newborn twins in this sling, as well as my chunky toddler,” says home tester Amy, mum of 3 (although, not all 3 at the same time!).

Like many wraps, if you’ve not used one before it may take a little bit of practice to get the knack, although our home testers and Awards judge and sling expert Hannah Wallace praised its easy-to-follow picture instructions. "There were step-by-step photos to show you how to put the wrap around your body and then how to put your child in," said home tester Leanne, mum of 2.

Scoring well in the ‘comfort for baby’ section of the MFM Awards 2023, the Lifft Stretchy Wrap was praised for being easy to put on, well made and featuring strong, supportive but stretchy material. As MFM reviewer Georgia, pictured above, said "once baby was in, he seemed very comfortable and content, as well as secure. It's also comfortable to wear because it's so ergonomic." This wrap gets bonus points for being designed by a babywearing consultant and ethically manufactured in Yorkshire.

Pros: Stretchy, supportive for twins and toddlers, easy-to-follow instructions
Cons: Excess material

Read our full MadeForMums review of Lifft Stretchy Wrap here

Available from: Lifft and Amazon

4. AmaWrap Baby Sling, from £49.99

– Best for supportive shoulder straps

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (3.5kg to 15kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% cotton

Manufactured in the UK, AmaWrap slings are used in UK hospitals to help premature babies to receive ‘kangaroo care’. The brand offers 12 different colours and prints, giving parents a choice of great colour schemes and designs compared with the plain block colours from many other brands.

MFM reviewer, Zoe, mum of one (pictured above), was able to breastfeed while wearing the sling and liked that the: “Wide shoulder straps and head cover make it simple to do so discreetly.”

The one-way stretch can make it trickier to master at first but that means it’s less prone to sagging than the two-way Lifft Stretchy Wrap. There’s a matching bag for storage which is great, although unlike the Ergobaby Aura, it’s separate from the wrap so it doesn’t add bulk to the sling itself.

Zoe added: “I’d definitely recommend this product to those who have babies who don’t like to be put down, or who want a more flexible and comfortable way to carry their child.”

Pros: Separate carry case, good colour and pattern choice, wide shoulder straps, breastfeeding friendly
Cons: Not super stretchy, pricey

Read our full MadeForMums review of AmaWrap Baby Sling here

Available from: AmaWrap

5. Izmi Baby Wrap, £55

– Best for comfort for wearer and baby

Suitable from: Birth to around 6 months (2.3kg to 9kg) | Carrying positions: 2, front and hip | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 97% bamboo viscose, 3% elastane

Designed by British mum-of-2 and experienced sling librarian Emily Williamson, the Izmi Baby Wrap is made from a breathable, UV-protective bamboo material that offers a comfortable 2-way stretch. Our parent testers were really impressed with the comfort levels the Izmi baby Wrap offered, with MFM parent tester Tanya, commenting "I don't feel like I even had it on!"

What made this wrap stand out with our parent testers is the fact that it suits a variety of body shapes and sizes. They also liked the clear instructions, as highlighted by tester Sophie (pictured above), who said, “The instructions are detailed, even going as far as to offer fit checks which I think is wonderful as each person and baby are different. They also include details about how to tie the wrap for different sized people, which is very helpful.".”

It has 2 carrying positions, front and hip, and the bamboo material is super soft and breathable to wear. "My son is well supported in the Izmi Baby Wrap," said parent tester Sophie. "I'm able to move around and bend up and down without worrying for his safety and comfort. The quality of the material is lovely and soft, too."

Pros: Multiple carry positions, comfortable to wear, soft bamboo fabric, clear instructions
Cons: Pricey, only suitable for use with babies under 6 months

Available from: Izmi

6. Freerider Co. Eucalyptus Baby Sling, £68

– Best eco-friendly sling

Suitable from: Birth to around 18 months (3.6kg to 13.6kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% Tencel

For parents wishing to shop sustainably, the Freerider Co. Eucalyptus Baby Sling is made from ethical, sustainable Tencel materials that are produced by extracting wood pulp from forests and eco-conscious tree farms. MFM parent tester Jen, mum of one, explained why she loved this sling: “It aligns with the values I hope to achieve as a new mum: fashionable, ethical, practical, beneficial for my baby and ergonomic.”

As with most stretchy slings, it is super-comfortable for newborns and our home testers liked how light and soft the Tencel material is. Parent tester Ella, mum of one, found the sling useful for wearing around the house. She said: “My baby feels well-supported, including his leg positioning and I find it very comfortable as long as you maintain good posture.”

The thin, breathable material absorbs 70% more moisture than cotton, according to Freerider Co. However, our awards judge and sling expert Hannah Wallace felt it overpromised on the maximum weight range of 13.6kg and suggested it'd be more comfortable for both mum and baby up to around 7kg.

Pros: Eco-friendly, super-soft material, lightweight, stylish
Cons: Pricey, better suited to lighter/younger babies than suggested age range

Available from: Freerider Co., Natural Baby Shower and Wear My Baby

7. Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap, £49

– Best for hot weather

Suitable from: Birth to 2 years (3.6kg to 11.3kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% natural viscose

This really lightweight viscose fabric made from eucalyptus and acacia makes the Aura a good choice for use in the summer, or for parents who get hot easily. It’s one of the few wraps to come with its own inbuilt storage bag, a real bonus for stashing under the pushchair when you’re out and about, or if your toddler needs a rest in the buggy and baby can go into the sling.

As with several of the baby wraps, the 5 metre long Aura can be worn by most body types. MFM parent tester, Meena, mum of 3, explained: “At just over 5ft tall, I end up with masses of extra fabric, which you just tie around your waist. It was also big enough and stylish enough for my husband to rock it for a trip to the park.”

The Aura comes with clear, illustrated instructions and links to online how-to videos. “I found watching the videos the best way to learn how to use this style of wrap,” said Meena. It also has a handy label and leading-edge stitching to help make tying a breeze.

“A wonderfully lightweight and stylish baby wrap that is easy to master. It supports both carrier and carried very well and is easy to clean,” added Meena.

Pros: Lightweight, suits all body types, integrated pocket, friendly material, very breathable
Cons: Pricey

Read our full MadeForMums review of Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap here

Available from: John Lewis and Ergobaby

8. Tag Togs Sa-Be Stretchy Wrap, from £34

– Best for durability

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (2.5kg to 15kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% cotton

The handmade Tag Togs Sa-Be Stretchy Wrap was popular with our testers due to its comfort for both parent and baby plus its stability; however, the thick, double-layered material could be hot to wear in warmer weather. “On the first use, my daughter fell pretty much straight to sleep, so I think that speaks for itself that it’s comfortable for her,” said parent tester Bethany, mum of one.

With more than 20 colours to choose from and the option of a single block colour or a 2-colour combination, there's sure to be a wrap to suit all tastes. Made from 100% jersey cotton, the sling is: “Really easy to wash,” and hasn’t “overstretched or sagged,” according to Bethany.

While parents need to read the instructions carefully to put on this wrap correctly, it is easy to use with practice according to our testers. As with most stretchy wraps, this is great for newborns but might not offer enough support and stability for toddlers. However, parent tester Matthew, dad of 2, commented: “Our baby is particularly large but the Sa-Be makes carrying him comfortable and relatively easy.”

Pros: Lots of colour choices, durable material, easy to wash
Cons: Bulky and thick material, less supportive for toddlers, can be hot to wear in summer

Read our full MadeForMums review of Tag Togs Sa-Be Stretchy Wrap here

Available from: Tag Togs

9. We Made Me Flow, from £47.99

– Best lightweight wrap

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (3.6kg to 15.9kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: Nylon and spandex

We Made Me Flow lasts up until your baby is around 15kg (as with the AmaWrap and the Lifft). There’s just one carrying position but at 580g, compared with an average weight of 800g, the Flow is lighter than many others, making it good to stash under a pushchair or in your changing bag. The mesh fabric is ultra-stretchy and promises to be breathable, although the innovative fabric takes some getting used to. There are clear online video tutorials to help get the best fit.

Comfortable for daily use, the Flow wrap feels durable and should last for more than one child. MFM reviewer Ruth, mum of 2, liked how cool the wrap was to wear: “The lightweight mesh fabric means you’re unlikely to get too hot – and the material is capable of self-regulating its temperature, according to We Made Me, to keep your baby cool too.”

The Flow wrap comes in 4 colours: midnight black, charcoal grey, lavender, and pebble. Ruth added: “Super soft, stretchy and lightweight, this wrap is a great way to carry your baby around and keep your hands free for cooking, running after a toddler or while out for a long walk.”

Pros: Lightweight, breathable, choice of colours, durable
Cons: Man-made fabric, pricey, takes time to master how to fit

Read our full MadeForMums review of We Made Me Flow here

Available from: Amazon

10. Boba Serenity Bamboo, from £47.99

– Best for upright breastfeeding

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (3kg to 16kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 68% viscose from bamboo, 25% cotton, 7% spandex

The Serenity Wrap comes in 8 plain colours and 2 patterned designs. MFM parent reviewer Alex, mum of 2, liked the gender-neutral colour choices and said: “The fabric felt incredibly soft, luxurious and breathable thanks to the moisture-wicking bamboo material. I also liked the colour – Rainforest, a darkish green... this one is particularly versatile and unisex.”

One slight issue our tester found was getting the tension of the material right, so you may need some practice to get used to it. “The fabric is surprisingly stretchy, so even though it would feel tight when I put it on, once we started walking, I often felt my son sliding down too low. And the nature of the wrap meant it was impossible to readjust it without having to take him out,” explained Alex.

The ergonomic design and upright positioning follow the TICKS guidelines and is recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a ‘hip-healthy’ product. The wrap is also ideal for breastfeeding mums who want to discreetly feed on the go. “This was a revelation for me, especially as a second-time mum,” said Alex, who added that it was: "Extremely easy, discreet and convenient." However, she also said: “The wrap is designed for breastfeeding in an upright hold only and it’s best done standing up. This may not suit everyone as the latch is different to the standard cradle hold.”

Pros: Breathable fabric, allows for upright breastfeeding, wide choice of colours and patterns, breathable
Cons: Difficult to adjust whilst in use, very stretchy fabric takes getting used to, pricey

Read our full MadeForMums review of Boba Serenity Bamboo here

Available from: Amazon and Boba

11. K’Tan Breeze Baby Carrier, £59.99

– Best ready-to-wear wrap

Suitable from: Birth to 2-3 years (3kg to 14.2kg) | Carrying positions: 5, 2 front parent-facing, 2 world-facing and hip | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% cotton

If the thought of learning how to tie a long fabric wrap fills you with dread, the K’Tan Breeze Baby Carrier might be just what you are looking for. This hybrid sling promises no wrapping or excess fabric – a great feature if you lack the confidence or time to master baby wearing. The double loops of fabric hold baby securely without the need for buckles or ring fasteners, and it’s available in a variety of block colours and patterned designs.

MFM parent reviewer Hayley, mum of one, said: “It’s really simple to put on, as it goes on like a t-shirt. Then all you need to do is position your baby inside one of the loops and secure your baby by following the instructions for each of the six positions.”

The K’Tan comes in different sizes – XS, S, M, L and XL – to ensure the best comfort fit for the adult wearer. But this means different-sized adults can’t share the same wrap, so parents are unlikely to be able to swap. And if your body shape and size changes significantly post-partum, you might not get long-lasting use from it.

Pros: No wrapping or excess fabric, easy to wear, range of sizes, multiple carry positions
Cons: May not be able to share 1 wrap between different sizes, pricey

Available from: JoJo Maman Bebe

12. Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier, £45

– Best easy-to-adjust wrap

Suitable from: Birth to around 12 months (15kg) | Carrying positions: 3, front parent-facing, front world-facing and hip | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% cotton | Award: Bronze – Best Baby Sling/Wrap, MadeForMum Awards 2023

If you feel daunted by a long fabric wrap, then the Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier might fit the bill. It's easy to slip on over your head, before you place your baby inside and pull the 2 adjustable straps to get the desired fit. An additional support band adds another level of comfort and support for the baby – and reassurance for the wearer. Designed to "recreate the movement and tight embrace of the womb" the Dreamgenii Snuggleroo is suitable for use from birth to 12 months, in a choice of 3 carry positions.

It's a great option for those who want a stretchy wrap, but need more structure and support in the design. Our parent testers praised the ease of adjustment, with MFM parent tester Kayleigh, who tested this with her 4 month old, saying, "It was very quick and easy to put on with no adjustment needed after the first wear."

Parent tester Sephira, who tested the carrier with her 5 month old (pictured above), also rated the clear instructions, which she said "described the process, step-by-step and provided links to videos for more support." She added, "I thought I wouldn't be able to fit my child in comfortably, but I felt so confident with the instructions given."

The Snuggleroo is made from 100% cotton, exclusive of the straps and buckles, so it's easy to clean (just pop in a laundry bag on a cold cycle in your machine), and is soft and comfortable against the skin.

Pros: Clear instructions, soft cotton material, very easy to adjust, multiple carry positions
Cons: Pricey, needs to be washed in a laundry bag due to buckles

Available from: Argos and Baby Central

13. Gaia Stretchy Baby Wrap in Organic Cotton, £39.99

– Best size-inclusive wrap

Suitable from: Birth to around 3 years (3.6kg to 15kg) | Carrying positions: 1, front parent-facing | Machine washable: Yes | Material: 100% organic cotton

Made from soft 100% certified organic cotton, the Gaia Stretchy Baby Wrap is a stylish and sustainable choice for eco-conscious families. Naturally anti-bacterial, biodegradable and free from chemical dyes, its planet-friendly credentials really impressed our parent testers, with our MFM parent tester Eleanor commenting that "the high quality cotton, good ethics in production and values around sustainability would influence my decision to choose this."

With easy to follow instructions – which one parent tester was very pleased to spot were also sewn into the baby wrap for how-to help on the go – and a lightweight feel, the Gaia is a good option for those new to babywearing.

Our testers pointed out how comfortable the wrap was to wear, with one MFM parent tester, Samantha, who tried out the Gaia wrap with her 13-week-old baby, commenting "It's extremely comfortable. I put it on in the morning and usually do not take it off until evening time when my child is ready for bed. I highly rate this in regards to comfort." While the manufacturers claim it offers 3 carry positions, these are all variations on a front parent-facing position, which you can move through from newborn to baby to toddler.

At 5m in length, the wrap claims to be size-inclusive, which it certainly is in comparison with some of the others in our round-up. MFM parent tester Eleanor, pictured above, who tested the wrap with her 4-month-old daughter, said "I am a size 20/22 and was pleased to find that it fit me perfectly and comfortably. My husband is a size XL and also had no problems fitting the sling around his body."

Pros: Comfortable, sustainable, clear instructions, fits a wide range of sizes of wearer, organic cotton
Cons: Material not as stretchy as some other wraps, limited colour choice

Available from: Gaia, Amazon and John Lewis