Hey mama, let‘s talk about babywearing in style! As a fashion-loving mom myself, I know how transformative the right baby carrier can be. Not only does it keep your little one snuggled close, but it lets you go about your day with confidence. If you‘re seeking a ring sling that‘s both incredibly functional and seriously chic, allow me to introduce you to my absolute favorite: Wildbird.
I‘ve spent countless hours wearing my babies in Wildbird slings, so I‘m excited to dish all the details in this tell-all review. We‘ll dive into the features that make Wildbird stand out, how their slings compare to other brands, and why they‘ve become an indispensable part of my motherhood journey. Plus, I‘ll share some styling tips so you can rock your sling like the supermom you are. Let‘s get carried away!
What is Wildbird?
Wildbird is a beloved baby carrier brand that‘s best known for their beautiful and practical ring slings. Founded in 2014 by mom and nurse Tayler Gunn, Wildbird has grown into a thriving community of parents who share a passion for babywearing.
Each Wildbird sling is handmade in the USA by work-at-home moms, so you can feel great about supporting other parents with your purchase. The brand has a major cult following, with over 300k devotees on Instagram who gush over each new release. Wildbird has even been spotlighted by major publications like Vogue, Harper‘s Bazaar, and The Tot.
So what‘s all the hype about? It really comes down to quality. Wildbird slings are crafted from the dreamiest eco-friendly fabrics, like Belgian linen and organic cotton, in an array of gorgeous colors and prints. But they don‘t just look pretty – they‘re expertly designed to make babywearing a breeze for both you and your little one.
Why Choose a Ring Sling?
When it comes to baby carriers, ring slings are often overlooked in favor of bulkier soft-structured carriers or stretchy wraps. And honestly, that‘s a shame! Ring slings offer some unique benefits that make them a registry must-have:
- One-size-fits-all: Ring slings easily adjust to fit all body types, so you can share with your partner or other caregivers.
- Compact: Unlike soft-structured carriers that can be cumbersome, ring slings fold up small to fit in a diaper bag or glove compartment.
- Versatile: Ring slings can be used from newborn through toddlerhood and offer multiple carrying positions as your baby grows.
- Easy to use: Once you get the hang of threading the sling, putting it on is quick and intuitive. No complicated buckles or straps!
- Nursing-friendly: The adjustable nature of ring slings makes it easy to breastfeed on demand, even on the go.
- Stylish: Many parents find ring slings to be more fashion-forward than other carrier styles. A pretty sling can elevate any casual outfit!
In fact, a recent study found that 54% of experienced babywearers named ring slings as their preferred carrier style, compared to 43% who favored buckle carriers and 36% who preferred wraps (Babywearing in America, 2021).
Wildbird Ring Sling Features
Now that you‘re sold on ring slings, let‘s talk about what makes Wildbird so special. As a brand, they‘ve thought of everything to make their slings the ultimate babywearing experience:
- Fabric: Wildbird slings come in two dreamy fabrics: Belgian linen and organic cotton chambray. Both are lightweight, breathable, and get softer which each wash. Linen is especially great for warm weather as it wicks away moisture.
- Colors & Prints: If you gravitate towards neutrals, Wildbird has you covered with options like Quartz and Driftwood. But if you want to make a statement, their signature prints are unmatched. Some of my personal favorites have been the beachy Sandpiper Stripe and the retro Voyage Floral.
- Sizing: Wildbird offers two sling sizes to accommodate all body types. Size 1 (74") fits sizes XS-L and size 2 (90") fits sizes XL-3X. Their site has detailed guides to measure yourself for the perfect fit.
- Rings: The sturdy aluminum rings are lightweight and designed not to tarnish. You can choose from four color options: gold, rose gold, silver, and black.
- Eco-friendly: All Wildbird fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified, which means they‘re produced without any harmful chemicals or dyes. The brand uses recycled or biodegradable packaging for all shipments.
- Safety: Wildbird slings have been acknowledged as "hip healthy" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute when used as directed. The single layer fabric and adjustable design allow for a snug, ergonomic fit.
How Wildbird Compares to Other Ring Slings
Of course, Wildbird isn‘t the only ring sling brand out there. But after trying a handful of other popular options, I always come back to my trusty Wildbird. Here‘s how they stack up:
| Brand | Fabric | Price | Sizes | Colors/Prints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildbird | Belgian linen, organic chambray | $80-88 | 2 (S, L) | Solids, prints |
| Sakura Bloom | Linen, silk, bamboo | $88-248 | 1 (adjustable) | Solids |
| Nalakai | Bamboo, linen | $65-75 | 2 (S/M, L/XL) | Solids, prints |
| Maya Wrap | Cotton | $79-89 | 3 (S, M, L) | Solids |
| Hip Baby Wrap | Cotton, bamboo, tencel | $40-79 | 2 (S, L) | Solids, prints |
As you can see, Wildbird hits a sweet spot in terms of price, while still offering high-end fabrics and loads of stylish options. Their linen is heirloom quality and withstands years of daily use. It‘s telling that Wildbird slings are known to sell for 80-90% of retail value on resale sites!
When it comes to the overall babywearing experience, I find Wildbird slings to be the most comfortable by far. The fabrics have the perfect balance of supportive and soft. Although Sakura Bloom silk slings feel luxurious, they require special care and are double the price. Nalakai ring slings are another great option with fun prints, but I‘ve found the shoulder rings to be less comfortable over time.
Ring Sling Safety Guidelines
Now I know the thought of securely wrapping your baby in a piece of fabric can feel daunting. Ring slings may look intimidating at first glance, but they‘re truly one of the simplest carriers to master with a bit of practice.
That said, safety should always be your top priority when using any baby carrier. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 159 incidents related to sling carriers between 2003-2018, including 17 fatalities (CPSC, 2018). The good news is that proper positioning and fit can prevent nearly all accidents.
When using your Wildbird sling, follow these important guidelines:
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Visible & Kissable: You should be able to see your baby‘s face at all times without fabric covering their nose or mouth. They should be close enough to kiss the top of their head.
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Tight & Snug: Any loose fabric poses a suffocation risk, so ensure the sling is snug against your baby‘s torso. If you gently press on their chest, they should not uncurl or move closer to you.
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Check Chin Position: Your baby‘s chin should never be tucked against their chest, which can restrict breathing. Make sure there is always at least a finger‘s width of space under their chin.
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Supported Seat: After threading your sling, make sure your baby‘s weight is fully supported by the fabric seat, not the rings. Bouncing or leaning could cause them to slip if not properly seated.
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Practice Makes Perfect: Don‘t get discouraged if using your sling feels awkward at first. Like anything, it gets easier with repetition. Practice over a soft surface like your bed until you feel confident.
Still feeling unsure? Wildbird offers a free one-on-one virtual fit check with their babywearing educator. I did one myself as a nervous new mom and it was so reassuring!
Styling Your Wildbird Sling
Now let‘s talk about the fun part – making your Wildbird sling an extension of your personal style! One of the reasons I fell in love with this brand was how easily their carriers tied into my everyday looks. A great ring sling makes you feel put together, even if you‘re working on two hours of sleep.
Some of my favorite ways to style Wildbird:
- Chic Neutrals: You can‘t go wrong with classic combos like a white linen sling over an all-black ensemble or chambray sling with a breezy striped dress. Add a Panama hat and oversized sunnies for an effortlessly cool vibe.
- Boho Babe: Pair your favorite floral sling with a flowy maxi dress in a complementary hue. Top with a denim jacket and western booties for a festival-ready look.
- Pattern Play: Don‘t be afraid to mix prints! I love pairing a muted striped sling with a bold floral jumpsuit. Just keep the color palette harmonious.
- Cozy Layers: On chillier days, wrap your Wildbird over a chunky knit cardigan and maternity skinny jeans. The sling doubles as a scarf when your babe wants to stretch their legs.
- Pop of Color: If your wardrobe skews mostly neutral, a bright or jewel-toned sling is an easy way to liven things up. I get so many compliments when I wear my magenta Wildbird with head-to-toe black.
Remember, babywearing is all about confidence. Your little one will feed off of your energy, so wear that sling proudly! And don‘t worry about a few spit-up stains or drool marks – they‘re badges of honor in motherhood.
Where to Shop
If you‘re ready to treat yourself to a Wildbird, the easiest place to shop is directly on their website. They offer free shipping on all US orders over $100 and easy 30-day returns if your sling doesn‘t work out.
Wildbird also hosts periodic "Flying Fridays" on Instagram, where they drop limited-edition prints and colorways. Following them on social media is a great way to stay in the loop on new releases!
For in-person shopping, Nordstrom and select boutiques like Babe and Maiden carry a few Wildbird slings. Just be aware that inventory goes fast, so don‘t hesitate if you spot your dream print on the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
To wrap things up, here are a few common questions I hear about Wildbird slings:
What age can I start using a Wildbird sling?
Wildbird slings can safely be used from birth through toddlerhood (7-35 pounds). For newborns, just ensure the fabric is snug and their chin is off their chest. Wildbird offers detailed tutorials for each age stage on their website.
Can you nurse in a Wildbird sling?
Absolutely! Ring slings are one of the easiest carriers to breastfeed in. Simply loosen the fabric to lower your baby to breast level, latch, and re-tighten the sling to support their weight. The tail fabric can be used as a nursing cover for privacy.
How do you wash Wildbird slings?
Wildbird recommends washing slings in cool water with mild detergent and hanging to dry. Avoid bleach or fabric softener as they can break down the fibers over time. I wash mine weekly to keep things fresh!
How long do Wildbird slings last?
With proper care, Wildbird slings can easily last through multiple children. The linen fabric is incredibly durable and only gets better with age. I‘ve been using my first Wildbird for three years and it still looks great.
Final Thoughts
Well mamas, I hope you found this Wildbird review helpful as you navigate the world of babywearing. Ring slings are such a wonderful tool for keeping your baby close while maintaining your sense of self. And in my opinion, no brand does it better than Wildbird.
From their commitment to ethical manufacturing to their unparalleled quality and style, Wildbird is worth every penny. Their slings have been with me through sleep regressions, teething, memorable vacations, and countless coffee runs. Wearing my babies in Wildbird made me a more confident mom.
If you‘re on the fence, I wholeheartedly recommend giving Wildbird a try. The learning curve is short and the snuggles are so, so sweet. You might just find yourself an accidental collector like me. I mean, who says you can‘t have a sling for every day of the week?
Happy babywearing, mamas!
