Boba Buddy vs. Boba Ring Sling for Quick Ups: Which Side Carry Is Faster?

Quick answer

For the fastest quick ups, the Boba Buddy Toddler Side Sling wins. Its simple slip-on design lets you pop your toddler on your hip in seconds, while the Boba Ring Sling takes a bit more time to thread and tighten. If you need the absolute quickest option, choose the Buddy; if you want adjustability and a fabric that works from newborn to toddler, the Ring Sling is worth the extra seconds.

When your toddler wants up and down constantly, speed matters. A side carry that takes minutes to put on can turn a quick trip into a wrestling match. The Boba Buddy Toddler Side Sling and the Boba Ring Sling both promise easy side carries, but they approach speed differently.

This comparison looks at how each carrier handles the up-and-down rhythm of a busy day, based on their design and materials. We'll break down what makes each one fast or slow, so you can pick the one that matches your toddler's pace.

Speed of putting on: Buddy vs. Ring Sling

The Boba Buddy is a side sling designed for quick on-and-off. It slips over your head and shoulder, and you position your toddler on your hip. There are no rings to thread, no fabric to tighten, and no learning curve. If you've used a sling before, the Buddy feels almost instant. This makes it ideal for quick ups in parking lots, stores, or at home when your toddler wants to be picked up and put down repeatedly.

The Boba Ring Sling, on the other hand, requires a bit more technique. You need to thread the fabric through the rings, position it on your shoulder, place your toddler, and then tighten the fabric. For a new user, this can take a few tries to get right. Even for experienced users, the ring sling adds a few extra seconds compared to the Buddy. However, that extra time buys you adjustability—you can fine-tune the fit for different activities or for different caregivers.

• For the absolute fastest quick ups, the Buddy is the winner.
• The Ring Sling rewards practice with a more customizable fit.

Comfort during repeated ups and downs

The Boba Buddy distributes weight evenly across your shoulder and back, which helps when you're carrying a heavier toddler. Its soft yet durable fabric keeps your little one close and calm. Because it's a side sling, it's easy to slide your toddler in and out without disturbing their nap or your own balance. For quick ups, this even weight distribution means less strain on your shoulder over a long day of carrying.

The Boba Ring Sling, made from a linen bamboo viscose blend, is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable for all seasons. The fabric also allows for a 360-degree view, so your toddler can see the world while you carry them. The ring sling's adjustability lets you shift the fabric to find the most comfortable position for both you and your child. However, because it's a one-shoulder carry, some parents find that the ring sling puts more pressure on one shoulder than the Buddy's even distribution.

• The Buddy's even weight distribution is great for heavier toddlers.
• The Ring Sling's breathable fabric is nice for warm weather, but it's a one-shoulder carry.

Adjustability and learning curve

The Boba Buddy has a simple, fixed design. There's no real adjustment needed—you just put it on and go. This is perfect for parents who want a no-fuss carrier that works the same way every time. The downside is that you can't customize the fit much, so it may not suit every body type or every carrying situation.

The Boba Ring Sling offers more adjustability. You can tighten or loosen the fabric to change the carry position, which is useful if you want to switch from a hip carry to a front carry or if different caregivers will be using it. The learning curve is steeper, but once you master the ring sling, it becomes a versatile tool. For quick ups, the time spent adjusting might be a drawback, but the ability to fine-tune the fit can make the carry more comfortable for longer periods.

• The Buddy is ready to go with zero adjustments.
• The Ring Sling takes practice but offers a customizable fit.

The trade-off: speed vs. adjustability

• Boba Buddy for speed: The Buddy is the fastest option for quick ups. Its slip-on design takes seconds, and the even weight distribution makes it comfortable for carrying heavier toddlers. If your toddler wants up and down constantly, the Buddy minimizes fuss. Choose the Buddy when speed is your top priority.
• Boba Ring Sling for adjustability: The Ring Sling takes longer to put on because you need to thread and tighten the fabric. However, it offers more adjustability, so you can customize the fit for different caregivers or carrying positions. The breathable fabric is great for warmer weather. Choose the Ring Sling if you value a customizable fit and all-season breathability.
• Consider your toddler's weight: The Buddy's even weight distribution makes it easier to carry heavier toddlers, while the Ring Sling's one-shoulder design may put more strain on one side. If your toddler is on the heavier side, the Buddy might be more comfortable for longer carries. For heavier toddlers, the Buddy may be the better choice.

Product facts at a glance

• Boba Buddy Toddler Side Sling in Black: Our Boba Buddy is a comfortable, ergonomic baby carrier designed to support toddlers on the hip or on the side. Made from soft yet durable fabric, it allows parents to keep their little one close, calm, and secure when on the go. The side-sling design evenly distributes weight across the shoulder and back, making it easy to carry heavier toddlers while promoting natural bonding and quick up-and-down carrying. The even weight distribution and simple design make it ideal for quick ups, especially with heavier toddlers. You can slip it on in seconds and carry comfortably for short bursts.
• Boba Linen Ring Sling in Rye Brown: Crafted from a unique linen bamboo viscose fabric blend that’s perfect for all seasons. Lightweight, breathable, stores compact (if you even want to take it off) From newborn snuggles to toddler ups and downs (8 - 35 lbs) 360° view the world All Natural Bamboo-Linen Blend Lightweight. The breathable, all-season fabric is comfortable for warm weather, and the 360-degree view keeps curious toddlers happy. The ring sling is adjustable, so you can fine-tune the fit, but it takes a bit more time to put on than the Buddy.

Which side carry fits your routine?

Best for

• Parents who need the fastest quick ups with minimal fuss
• Toddlers who are heavier and need even weight distribution

Not for

• Parents who want a carrier that can adjust for multiple caregivers or carry positions
• Those who prefer a breathable, all-season fabric and are willing to practice the ring sling technique

Both the Boba Buddy and the Boba Ring Sling are excellent side-carry options for toddlers. The Buddy is the clear winner for speed and simplicity, making it perfect for quick ups on the go. The Ring Sling offers more adjustability and breathability, but it takes a bit more time to master. Consider your toddler's weight and your need for adjustability to make the right choice.