Translation guide
A baby sling is a fabric carrier worn over one shoulder to hold a baby or toddler close to the body. In Japanese, the most common term is 抱っこ紐, but other words exist depending on style and context.
The most common, everyday term for a baby sling or soft baby carrier, especially the type that wraps around the body.
The standard, widely understood word for a baby sling or soft carrier. Literally 'hug string'. Used for various styles including ring slings and wraps.
抱っこ紐で赤ちゃんを抱っこする。
I carry the baby in a sling.
この抱っこ紐は肩が楽だ。
This baby sling is easy on the shoulders.
Loanword from English 'sling'. Often refers specifically to ring slings or pouch-style carriers, but can be used generically.
スリングを使うと両手が空く。
Using a sling frees up both hands.
Loanword 'baby carrier'. More common for structured carriers, but sometimes used for slings. Slightly more formal or product-oriented.
ベビーキャリアの種類が多くて迷う。
There are so many types of baby carriers, I can't decide.
A specific type of Japanese baby carrier worn like a backpack, without a waist belt, often used for older babies.
Traditional Japanese carrier for carrying a baby on the back. Literally 'piggyback string'. Different from front-carry slings.
おんぶ紐で赤ちゃんをおんぶする。
I carry the baby on my back using an onbuhimo.
A long piece of fabric wrapped around the body to carry a baby, often called a 'wrap' in English.
Loanword from English 'wrap'. Refers specifically to stretchy or woven wraps.
ラップは巻き方に慣れが必要だ。
Wraps take some practice to tie correctly.
More explicit term for baby wrap. Less common than ラップ alone.
ベビーラップは密着感があって安心する。
Baby wraps feel snug and secure.
抱っこ紐 (dakko himo) is for carrying a baby on the front (or hip), while おんぶ紐 (onbu himo) is specifically for carrying on the back. Use 抱っこ紐 for general slings unless you specifically mean a back carrier.
抱っこ紐は前で、おんぶ紐は後ろで使う。
Dakko himo is used in front, onbu himo is used on the back.
You can say 抱っこ紐で抱っこする (carry in a sling) or simply 抱っこする (carry/hug). The word 抱っこ itself is a noun meaning 'carry in arms', often used with する.
ちょっと抱っこしてあげて。
Hold the baby for a bit.
新しい抱っこ紐を買った。
I bought a new baby sling.
彼女はいつも抱っこ紐で赤ちゃんを抱っこしている。
She always carries her baby in a sling.