Ring Sling Troubleshooting: Common Issues & How to Fix Them

Using a ring sling is a beautiful way to keep your baby close, but like any baby carrier, it can take some practice to get the perfect fit. Whether you’re struggling with slipping rings, discomfort, or positioning issues, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common ring sling problems and simple solutions to help you and your baby feel comfortable, secure, and supported. Let’s troubleshoot together!

Here are the Top 10 Ring Sling Troubleshooting Tips from a Babywearing Consultant:

1. Baby Feels Too Low or Loose

• Ensure the fabric is spread evenly across your back and over your shoulder.
• Tighten the sling strand by strand, focusing on the top rail to support the baby’s neck and the bottom rail for a secure seat.

2. Baby’s Chin is on Their Chest (Airway Risk!)

• Always make sure there’s at least two fingers of space under baby’s chin.
• Tilt their pelvis forward slightly so they are sitting upright with their back naturally curved.

3. Shoulder Discomfort or Sling Digging In

• Spread the fabric wide over your shoulder rather than letting it bunch up on your neck.
• Adjust the fabric so it distributes weight evenly across your back.

4. Rings Keep Slipping Down

• Start with the rings higher on your shoulder (around your collarbone) before tightening.
• Make sure the fabric is lying flat and untwisted through the rings for a more secure hold.

5. Baby’s Legs Are Not in an M-Shape Position

• Ensure the fabric goes knee to knee and the baby’s bum is sitting lower than their knees.
• Adjust the bottom rail so the baby is properly seated in a deep M-position.

6. Fabric is Difficult to Tighten or Feels Stuck

• Check that the fabric isn’t twisted through the rings.
• Work strand by strand, starting with the top rail and working down to distribute tension evenly.

7. Baby Leans Too Far Away from Your Body

• Ensure baby’s chest is snug against yours by tightening the sling gradually.
• Use your free hand to gently bring baby closer as you adjust the fabric.

8. Neck or Upper Back Pain While Wearing

• Make sure baby is high and tight, with their head close enough to kiss.
• Shift the rings slightly toward the side of your shoulder to balance the weight.

9. Baby Seems Uncomfortable or Cranky in the Sling

• Check if baby is too hot or cold—100% linen slings regulate temperature but layering is key.
• Make sure their legs and arms are positioned naturally without pressure points.

10. Sling Feels Like It’s Slipping Over Time

• After tightening, give the fabric a slight tug in the rings to lock it in place.
• Make small adjustments as needed while wearing to maintain a secure fit.

Bonus Tip: Practice makes perfect! It takes a few tries to get the perfect fit, so don’t hesitate to adjust, re-tighten, and experiment with different positions until you and your baby feel comfortable.

Do you struggle with another issue? Here are some additional Troubleshooting Tips:

11. Fabric Feels Too Slippery or Doesn’t Hold Tight

• If using a new sling, wash and soften the fabric by braiding it or sitting on it (with other words, using it).
  

12. Rings Feel Uncomfortable on Shoulder

• Adjust rings slightly to the hollow of your shoulder, rather than directly on top.

13. Rings Keep Tilting Forward or Twisting

• Make sure fabric is lying flat through the rings and tighten evenly.

14. Baby is Too High and Pressing Against Your Neck

• Loosen slightly and lower the baby so their head rests comfortably near your chest.

15. Baby’s Arms Keep Getting Stuck Inside the Sling

• Let the baby's arms rest naturally—inside for newborns, outside for older babies.

16. Sling Feels Too Tight and Uncomfortable

• Loosen the fabric just enough to allow movement while keeping the baby snug.

17. Fabric Digs Into Baby’s Legs, leaving red marks

• Ensure fabric is spread wide under the baby's thighs to avoid pressure points.

18.Hip Carry Feels Unstable

• Position rings slightly behind your shoulder and tighten the sling well.

19. Back Carry Feels Unsafe

• Ensure baby is old enough (at least sitting unassisted) and that the sling is tight and secure: The baby sits in a good M-position and bring the fabric up to the nape of their neck. 

20. Baby Falls Asleep in the Sling—Is That Safe?

• Yes! Just check airway positioning, make sure they’re upright, and adjust as needed.

Bonus Tip: If you’re struggling, try adjusting in front of a mirror or ask a babywearing consultant for personalized guidance. 

Still feel like something is off? Generally, our guideline is that if something doesn't feel right, something isn't right. The good news, there's always a solution and something you can adjust to make it more comfortable and safe to use a Moon Sling. 

Let us know what you’re struggling with in the comments below or send us a message, preferably with pictures or video, so we can see what's going on and help you out. We’ll update the troubleshooting tips as we go.

About Moon Sling

At Moon, we believe there’s no better way to hold your little one than heart to heart. That’s why we love ring slings—the unsung heroes of babywearing. Simple, versatile, and perfect for any adventure, the Moon Sling grows with your little one from birth to 15kg. Whether front, side, back, or hip carry, it adapts with your child’s needs. Made from 100% linen that softens with each wash and featuring a strong, SGS-tested aluminium ring, it’s built for comfort, durability, and sustainability. Available in a range of beautiful colors, the Moon Sling is your go-to carrier—easy to use, store, and love. Discover the freedom of hands-free parenting today.