Can we wear a baby sling during Umrah in Ihram with uncovered shoulders?

In the name of Allah the Creator of All things

Yes, you are allowed to wear a baby sling during the state of Ihram. The baby sling is not considered as an item of clothing which is stitched. It is the similar ruing to carrying a water bottle which is hanged around the neck or a belt which is used to carry money etc.

The sling is in the front (the baby is carried in a pouch which is in front of the chest) and it will normally cover the area which is covered by the upper ihram garment. One must still wear both garments for ihram.

It is forbidden to wear stitched materials during the state of ihram. By saying stitched materials is referring only to those garments that are made to fit the limbs and are usually worn by people in the normal state, such as shirts, trousers T-shirts etc. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with wearing a baby sling.
(Hidayaah, Shami, Kifayatul Mufti)

To uncover the right shoulder during Tawaaf is only to be done for the first three Tawaaf and the shoulder is to be covered during the remainder of the umrah. To do this is Sunnah and the purpose behind it is so one can ?ramal? (the action of walking with quick short steps while moving the shoulders)(Ibid). While one is holding a baby (with or with a sling) this is strongly not advised due to safety.

I understand that you are probably taking your child with you during the Tawaaf and Saee etc for safety reasons. But if it is possible for you to leave the child at the hotel with a relative or with a guardian who could look after him/her for that short duration it would be better. I say this because of the Arabian climate which could be harmful to the child. Further it may be easier for you to perform your Umrah with full tranquility Inshallah. Nevertheless the safety of the child is important and may Allah reward you for you intention, Ameen.

And Allah knows best
29 July 2005

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Mufti Abubakr Karolia
Batley, U.K
Founder of the “Islamic Foundation for Theology and Research” (I.F.T.A.R)