By Graham FisherRing slings are a lightweight, adjustable babywearing option that many parents appreciate for quick trips and bonding. They are one of several baby carrier types, and like all carriers, they come with important safety rules. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have each published guidance on using slings safely, and a federal standard now sets minimum requirements for all infant slings sold in the United States.
Suffocation risks and higher-risk infants
According to the CPSC, two main scenarios have led to infant suffocation deaths in sling-style carriers. The first occurs when a baby is contained entirely within the pouch of a sling with their face, including nose and mouth, pressed against the adult’s body, blocking breathing. The second happens when the sling keeps an infant in a curled, chin-to-chest position, which can interfere with breathing. The CPSC notes that suffocation can occur within minutes.
The CPSC has identified that infants younger than four months, premature babies, low-birthweight babies, and babies with colds or respiratory problems are at higher risk. Parents of these infants should take extra care and consult their pediatrician. The AAP adds that infants born prematurely or with respiratory problems should not be placed in backpacks or other upright positioning devices, as the positioning may make it harder for them to breathe. If your baby was born early or has breathing problems, speak with your pediatrician before using any carrier. For a deeper look, DIY No Sew Ring Sling Baby Carrier: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026) covers this in detail.
Federal safety standard for infant slings
A mandatory federal standard for infant sling carriers took effect for products manufactured or imported after January 30, 2018. The CPSC states that all slings must now have permanently attached warning labels and come with instructions, including illustrated diagrams showing proper positioning. The warning labels must address suffocation hazards and prevention measures, the hazards of children falling out of slings, and a reminder to check buckles, snaps, rings and other hardware for broken parts.
The standard also requires that sling carriers be able to carry up to three times the manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight, be more durable to avoid seam separations, fabric tears and breakage, and be able to keep the child from falling out during normal use. These requirements help ensure that a sling will hold up under typical conditions and that caregivers have clear safety information at hand.
Safe positioning in a ring sling
The CPSC recommends that you make sure you can see your baby’s face or eyes in the sling and that your baby can see you. Place the baby’s face at or above the rim of the sling or wrap so that their face is visible. After nursing your baby, change the baby’s position so that the face is at or above the rim and clear of fabric and your body. You should be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling.
The AAP emphasizes that some sling carriers may curl a baby’s body into a C-shape, which greatly increases the risk of breathing problems. If you use a sling, your baby’s neck should be straight and their chin not pressed into their chest. Make sure you can always see their face. In any type of carrier, check on your baby frequently to ensure that their mouth and nose are not blocked by fabric or your body and that airflow is not restricted.
For broader safety guidance that applies to all baby products, see our baby safety section.
Quick-check table: what to look for every time
| Check | What it means |
|---|---|
| Face visible at all times | Ensures the baby’s nose and mouth are not blocked by fabric or your body, reducing suffocation risk (CPSC, AAP). |
| Chin off chest | Prevents airway compression; a curled chin-to-chest position can interfere with breathing (CPSC, AAP). |
| Baby’s head above the fabric | Keeps the face clear of the sling’s fabric and the wearer’s body (CPSC). |
| Check hardware (buckles, snaps, rings) | Required by federal standard; broken parts can lead to falls (CPSC 2018). |
| Carrier supports baby’s back; leg holes small enough | Prevents baby from slipping through (AAP). |
| Sturdy material, no rips or tears | Durability requirement; seam separations or fabric tears can cause failure (CPSC 2018, AAP). |
| Weight capacity | Slings must carry up to three times the manufacturer’s maximum recommended weight (CPSC 2018). |
Choosing and using a ring sling
The AAP advises taking your baby with you when you shop for a carrier so you can match it to their size, and looking for sturdy material. It also says to check carriers periodically for rips and tears in the seams and fasteners, and to bend at the knees, not the waist, if you need to pick something up while wearing your baby; otherwise the baby may tip out and you may hurt your back.
The warning label required by the federal sling standard reminds caregivers to check buckles, snaps, rings and other hardware for broken parts. The standard’s durability rules address seam separations, fabric tears and breakage, but they do not replace your own check before each use. For more on how a soft structured carrier should fit, see our soft structured carrier fit guide. If you plan to babywear in warm weather, our babywearing in hot weather article covers heat and sun precautions.
Frequently asked questions
Are ring slings safe for newborns?
The CPSC advises that parents with infants younger than four months, premature babies, low-birthweight babies, and babies with colds or respiratory problems should take extra care and consult their pediatrician. The AAP notes that infants born prematurely or with respiratory problems should not be placed in backpacks or other upright positioning devices. Discuss your baby’s situation with your pediatrician and follow the positioning rules every time: face visible, chin off chest, and frequent checks.
How do I know if my baby is positioned correctly?
You should be able to see your baby’s face or eyes, and your baby should be able to see you. The baby’s face should be at or above the rim of the sling, clear of fabric and your body. The neck should be straight and the chin not pressed into the chest. The CPSC and AAP both stress that you should check frequently that nothing is blocking the baby’s nose and mouth.
What should I do after nursing in a sling?
After nursing, change the baby’s position so that the baby’s face is at or above the rim of the sling, visible, and clear of fabric and your body. The CPSC specifically warns that you should be vigilant about frequently checking the baby in a sling after feeding.
For more guidance on all types of baby carriers, visit our baby carriers category page.
Sources
- CPSC Educates New Parents on Safe Babywearing; Infant suffocation deaths in slings prompt renewed effort to warn moms and dads
- New Federal Standard to Improve Safety of Infant Slings Takes Effect
- Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs & Slings (HealthyChildren.org, AAP)
About Graham Fisher
Graham Fisher is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our baby gear guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
