Your Guide to Preloved Sling Safety: Carrying Safely, Sustainably & Confidently

If you’ve been gifted a sling, spotted a bargain on Vinted, or found a carrier tucked away in a friend’s cupboard, this read is for you.

Buying (or receiving) a preloved baby carrier can be a wonderful way to save money, reduce waste, and give a well-loved sling a new lease of life. But before you go popping baby in, it’s important to know if it’s safe, supportive, and suitable for your little one - see my guide for checks to do with each and every carry here.

So, Why Choose Preloved?

• There can be something lovely about using a carrier that’s already held another little one close. It’s soft, can be beautifully “broken in,” and if you're wallet is feeling a little stretched then of course it's going to appreciate a slightly more bargain spend.

• Sometimes a sling won't even be on your radar and your friend may end up offering you theirs, or you might see one going for free in a parent group - and have the urge to nab it before it goes – this can be a blessing, but, often you'll be inheriting this sling with no or very little instructon, and no idea whether it's developmentally suitable...

• For such bargains do consider why the sling is being sold, was it well loved, or in reality did the previous owner struggle with it? They and their baby may have been of rather different shape to you and your baby, so it might not be the best thing for you right now. If it's a stretchy - do you know if it's a one or two way stretch - as this can really help with how you learn!

So my advice is: Always seek advice from a professional if you're not sure.

A fitcheck / or sling walkthrough can be really affordable, and help you decide whether to stick or switch. If purchasing preloved, you may even still find the outlay an investment! Especially if you then end up buying twice! As a consultant if you come to me with a budget in mind I can certainly suggest brands /models within this range, that may be a good match for you, yet, I do always will suggest hiring / having a trying session before buying.

Read my guide to hiring here.

Step One: Check for Safety & Condition

Before using any preloved sling, check it over carefully, you’re placing your most precious cargo inside it, after all.

Here’s your quick preloved safety checklist:

✅ Check the fabric – Look for any thinning, fraying, fading, or holes, especially near seams, hems, or rings.

✅ Test buckles and webbing – Buckles should click firmly with no cracks or stiffness.

Webbing should move smoothly but feel strong, not slippy.

✅ Check labels and brand info – Make sure it’s a reputable, specialist babywearing brand.

✅ Look for repairs – Small, tidy repairs may be fine if done properly; loose stitching or glue, not so much.

✅ Smell test – Sounds silly, but check for mustiness, damp, mould or harsh detergents that could damage a carrier or be an issue for sensitive skin

✅ A note on preloved Ergobaby– Ensure you're buying from a verified retailer, or have proof of the seller's original purchase (via said type of retailer) Or best - skip buying this brand preloved at all (via certain online retailers), as there are a vast number of convincing counterfeits on the marketplace. A fake Ergobaby will be much lighter than a genuine one, but of course you can't pick this up on imagery!

If anything feels off, it’s always worth asking a babywearing consultant or sling library to look over the carrier with you in person.

Step Two: Is It the Right Fit for Baby’s Age & Stage?

Not every carrier fits every baby. Some styles that were perfect for a six-month-old might not support a newborn safely.

Check that your sling:

• Adjusts to the correct size for your baby (if the base widens and narrows can it support baby knee to knee, with the main panel no higher than the nape of the neck). Your carrier may require a newborn insert - these can be quite warm, and often there is an akward growth point between needing / not needing the insert any longer. They can be a bit faffy to set up - and position baby in.

• Tightens correctly

• Let's you keep baby’s airway clear and visible at all times.

Again if you are unsure seek 1-1 support.

Read here about what you can expect during a 1-1 consultation with me.

Step Three: Check the Age of the Carrier

Even the most loved slings have a lifespan.

Fabric naturally wears over time, and UV exposure can weaken fibres.

As a general rule, I recommend retiring carriers over 8 years old — especially if you don’t know it's full history. If you can’t find a date label, try searching for the brand and model online — many manufacturers list when they released certain designs or fabrics.

Step Four: Know Which Carriers to Avoid

Sadly, not all carriers — preloved or new — are created equal.

Here are some that are best avoided or only used with expert guidance:

❌ Bag-style or cradle carriers – These position baby horizontally, which can restrict their airway.

❌ Cheap imitation brands (often found on Amazon, eBay, or Shein) – Many don’t meet safety standards, or fit quite as well as the originals

❌ Old carriers with narrow bases – Carriers have become a lot more comfortable recently. The old preloved Bjorns can feel really rigid, with stiff webbing. This is the only narrow-based carrier that I'd actually consider purchasing, others don't fit very well from newborn at all.

If you’re ever unsure, a quick check with a trained consultant can tell you whether your carrier is safe to use — or best kept as a keepsake.

Step Five: Wash & Refresh Safely

Before your first use, why not give your preloved sling a gentle refresh. Use a mild, baby-safe detergent and follow any washing guidelines (many wraps and wovens prefer cool washes and line drying). Do avoid fabric softener or bleach — they can break down fibres and/or make fabric slippery.

Final Thoughts

Whether your sling is brand new or well-loved, what truly matters is that it keeps your baby safe, close, and comfortable — every single time.