Minimonkey Mini Sling test & review

This post is also available in: Deutsch (German)

Tested item: Minimonkey Mini Sling
Colour: white with yellow buckles and a black backstrap
Material: mesh (polyester)
Weight/Age recommendation: 0-2 years (up to approx 15 kg)

About the brand: Minimonkey is a dutch brand based in Amsterdam, founded and run by a mother, Margot. Her aim was to invent innovative products for parents such as the Minichair, a really succesful product. Apart this, Minimonkey is producing slings and carriers.

My first impression: The Mini is a really small and light package. So it’s not only stuffed into a small bag, the “bag” is a part of the sling – very clever! Used to Ring Slings, the Mini was really new to me. No rings but buckles but still a “one size fits all“? I’ve been curious to test it. The material was nice, a really airy, breathable mesh that promised to be a good choice during our holidays. But will it also be comfy enough?

Minimonkey Mini Sling – spacesaving and waterproof

How to use it: Put the mini on like a “regular” Ring Sling. You can spread the shoulder part. Adjust the sling by pulling on the strap placed on the back. But be sure it’s neither loose nor too tight because the material isn’t stretchy. Put your baby in. There’s a loop on the bottom to put in one leg of the baby to secure it. I didn’t use it for my girl as she was safe enough. There’s a small buckle on the top to close and adjust the neck part of the sling to your baby if necessary. And once more you can pull on the black strap, if necessary.

To get your baby or toddler out, just loosen everything. I found it difficult to reach the buckle on the back myself to lift it and loosen the strap. I either had to ask my hubby or lift my girl or either place her on the ground and then tuck the fabric from under her bum. Either way works. 😉 I guess it’s easier when not carrying on your hips.

How does it fit: If adjusted correctly, the Mini was a supportive and quite comfy option for short walks in the hotel area, to the beach or supermarket… It’s quickly put on and in contrary to a regular Ring Sling made of woven fabric, nothing is in the way when you’re in front of the buffet getting your meals, no matter if you’re child is in or not. No, I wouldn’t use it for hours, especially not with a heavy toddler (maybe with a newborn…), but that’s not what it’s meant for anyway. 😉

Minimonkey Sling – perfect for holidays at the beach

Conclusion: With 35€ the Mini Sling is a bargain. I really recommend it for your holidays, no matter if you’re residing at the beach, sea or poolside. Because you don’t have to care if the sling will get wet (it dries in a glimpse) or catch some amount of sweat and sunblocker (it will but you can wash it when you’re back home. 😉 And you will really take it with you every time as it’s weightless and doesn’t cost any space in your bag. But after carrying around your baby on your arms for most of the time, even if it’s only some meters, your arms will feel a total relief when you use the sling!

Despite the holidays, the sling can be your everyday backup with a walking toddler whenever you’re on the road with no space for a baby carrier or wrap. I really grabbed for this one a lot and totally enjoyed walking through the sea with it because it’s safer than having a fussy toddler on your arms.

Tested in summer 2018 with my 18 months old girl – thanks to the sponsor for the opportunity! 

Babywearing in summer? Read our advice! 🙂