How to Make a Baby Sling

Co-authored by Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: January 11, 2023 References

It can be really hard to be productive when you're carrying around your baby all day. That's where a baby sling comes in! Wearing your baby can help free up your hands, allowing you to keep your baby close while still getting a few things done. There are plenty of commercial baby slings on the market, but making your own baby sling lets you save a little money and personalize your baby's carrier at the same time. We're here to answer your questions so you can make this project a reality!

Question 1 of 7:

What kind of fabric do you use to make a baby sling?

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Use fabrics like cotton or denim so the sling won't tear or stretch. It's important that the material you use is strong enough to support your baby's weight without tearing, and it needs to be breathable so your baby doesn't get too hot. Also, make sure whatever you use is super-soft so it doesn't irritate your baby's delicate skin. Linen, cotton, and soft denim are all excellent choices.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz
Clothing Designer
Expert Interview. 3 July 2019}
- Avoid using anything too stretchy, like jersey—it will lose its shape as you use it, so it might not hold your baby safely. Also, fabrics like flannel, muslin, and quilting fabrics will not be strong enough to support your baby.
- Try picking a fabric in a fun color that matches your personality. And if you're really crafty, you can even buy extra material to make matching clothes or cloth diapers for your baby!
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Gather at least 2 yd (1.8 m) of your chosen fabric. You'll need about 2–2.5 yd (1.8–2.3 m) of material that's at least 36 in (91 cm) wide.^{[2]
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Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz
Clothing Designer
Expert Interview. 3 July 2019} If you're plus-sized, add 18 in (46 cm) of material for every size above a US large to ensure you get a comfy fit.^{[3]
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- For instance, if you wear a 2x, you'd add 54 in (140 cm) to 2.5 yd (2.3 m) for a total of 4 yd (3.7 m).

Question 2 of 7:

How do you make a ring sling carrier for a baby?

1
Purchase 2 rings designed for a baby sling. Your best bet is to order rings online that are specifically meant for baby slings—these are strong enough to hold your baby's weight, and they're made of materials that are safe for a baby. Buy rings that are 2.5–3 in (6.4–7.6 cm) in diameter and .25–.5 in (0.64–1.27 cm) thick. If you're using a thicker fabric like twill, opt for the bigger 3 in (7.6 cm) rings.^{[4]
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- In a pinch, you can buy 3 in (7.6 cm) rings at a hardware store—just make sure there aren't any rough welded edges. Also, keep in mind that these may not be made of a baby-safe material, so don't let your baby put them in their mouth.
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Loop one end of the fabric through the rings and stitch it down. Lay your sling fabric out flat in front of you. Stack the 2 rings on top of each other, then slide one of the short ends of the fabric through both rings. Fold the fabric over about 4–8 in (10–20 cm) and pin both layers together, pleating or gathering it if you'd like.^{[5]
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Research source} Then, secure it with 3 rows of stitches, removing the pins as you sew.^{[6]
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- This hem supports your baby's weight, which is why you should use multiple rows of stitches.

Question 3 of 7:

How do you wear a ring sling?

1
Loop the free end of the sling through the rings. When you look at your sling, one end will have rings sewn onto it, and the other will not. Drape the ringed end of the sling over one shoulder, then bring the remaining fabric behind your back, under your opposite arm, and across your chest. Gather the fabric on the long end neatly, then pull it through both rings from the bottom. Then, separate the rings and pass the fabric over the bottom of the top ring and under the bottom of the second.^{[7]
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- Spread the fabric out as flat as you can as you're wrapping it—don't let it bunch up or twist.^{[8]
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- Adjust the fabric so the lower hem is snug against your chest and the top hem is loose.
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Put your baby high on your chest and lower them into the sling feet-first. Carefully lift your baby, then slide them into the pouch so the fabric stretches from knee to knee and rests securely under their bottom, and bring up the top all the way to their neck.^{[9]
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- Pull the slack fabric toward the ring, then tighten it until the sling is snug around your baby.
- To make sure your baby is secure and comfortable, double-check that their knees are higher than their bottom.

Question 4 of 7:

How do you make a no-sew ring sling?

Loop one end of the fabric through 2 rings for a no-sew ring sling. Lay out your fabric and stack 2 sling rings on top of each other. Slide one of the short ends of the fabric through the two rings. Place the rings in front of one of your shoulders, then bring the material around your back, under your arm on the opposite side, and across your chest. Feed the free end of the fabric into the rings from the bottom and secure it by wrapping it over the top ring and under the bottom ring.^{[10]
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- Make sure you use durable rings that are intended for a baby sling. These should be 2.5–3 in (6.4–7.6 cm) in diameter.^{[11]
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- Keep the short end of the fabric tucked under the rest of the sling as you wrap it.
- Feed enough of the short end through the rings that the weight of the fabric will hold the rings in place—at least 10–12 in (25–30 cm), depending on the material you're using. If you make it too short, it could slip free.
- For very thin fabrics, add extra security by wrapping the short end through the rings twice.

Question 5 of 7:

How do you make a no-sew ringless sling?

Secure the fabric with a knot instead of a ring. Place your fabric flat against your back and pull the shorter side over 1 of your shoulders. Gather that side evenly on top of your shoulder, then wrap the longer side under your other arm—gather it evenly as well. Pull the longer side up over your chest, then tie it with two overhand knots—the same as the first knot you make when you're tying your shoelaces, done twice. Loosen the fabric over your chest and place your baby high on your shoulder, then slide the fabric under their bottom and over their back. Once they're settled, tighten the knot so the fabric is snug around your baby.^{[12]
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- Make sure the sling is wrapped all the way under your baby's knees and all the way up to their neck so they'll be secure

Question 6 of 7:

How do you make a baby sling out of a shirt?

1
Create tubes out of 3 fitted T-shirts. Cut each shirt horizontally under the sleeves to create a tube out of the body. Put on 2 of the tubes almost like sashes, so they go from your shoulders to your sides. Wear 1 tube on each shoulder so they crisscross over your chest. Step into the other tube (or pull it over your head) so it's wrapped around your belly—you'll pull this up later.^{[13]
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- Make sure the T-shirts aren't stretched out or torn—they need to fit snugly on your body.
- You can also use tube tops if you have them.
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Slide the baby's legs into the criss-crossed tubes. Lift your baby up onto your chest and pull the 2 shirts away from your body. Slide your baby into the fabric, criss-crossing the sashes through their legs. The material should form an X under your baby's diaper and up their back, and your baby's legs should be dangling free in an M-shape.
- Once your baby is secure, pull the extra tube up from your waist so it stretches from underneath your baby's bottom and up over their back. This will provide extra support.^{[14]
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Question 7 of 7:

Is a baby sling safe?

Yes, as long as you wear it correctly. However, if your baby is not placed properly in the sling, it could pose a serious suffocation risk.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Keep the sling tight with your baby high on your chest—they should be close enough that you can kiss their head by just dropping your chin. As you're wearing the sling, make sure your baby is always upright and never curled in a C-shape. Their chin should not rest against their chest. Also, check often to make sure you can clearly see your baby's face and that their mouth and nose aren't covered by the fabric or your body. ^{[16]
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- Bend with your knees when you have to pick something up—not at your waist—and always support your baby with 1 hand when you're bending over.
- Always keep your baby's back supported with their tummy and chest against you.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are the best fabrics for a safe baby sling?

Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz
Clothing Designer
Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz is a professional pattern maker and clothing designer at DGpatterns in Vancouver, Canada. With over 5 years of experience, Daniela creates modern and unique silhouettes that are suitable for a busy everyday life. Her blog, On the Cutting Floor, contains sewing tips and PDF sewing patterns for a variety of projects and designs.

Daniela Gutierrez-Diaz

Clothing Designer

Expert Answer

Linen works great for this. Cotton is also a good fabric, especially if you can find one with bamboo viscose mixed in. Basically, you want a fabric that isn't too stretchy but is soft and comfortable, too. If you don't want to buy extra fabric, get creative with any strong fabric you already have at home, like a bedsheet, woven cotton scarf, or tablecloth.
Question

What fabric is safe for making a baby sling?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Thick, durable fabrics like cotton, linen, twill, and denim are best because they won't tear or stretch. Avoid knits and jersey material since those fabrics are too stretchy and won't provide enough support.
Question

Where can I buy the rings for baby slings?

Community Answer

You can buy from an online retailer like Amazon or at a craft store. You could also repurpose a ring from a belt, shirt or purse.