As much as you want to hold your baby close, carrying them constantly can leave your shoulders and back sore. That’s where a baby carrier comes in! Babywearing offers the perfect solution by promoting bonding while keeping you mobile and pain-free. With so many baby carrier options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. To make your decision easier, we’ve curated a list of the best baby carriers, tailored for different needs and preferences.
Different Types of Baby Carriers
The best baby carrier for everyone else isn’t necessarily going to be the best baby carrier for you. Here are the 4 main types of baby carriers to help you make your buying decision easier.
- Wraps:
These traditional carriers are long pieces of fabric that you wrap around your body and your baby. Available in various materials like cotton, wool, and gauze, wraps are often used for newborns and offer an adjustable, snug fit.
- Backpack:
Perfect for toddlers, backpack carriers are soft-structured with padded waistbands and adjustable straps. These carriers are versatile, offering front, back, and hip carrying options for parents on the go.
- Hybrids:
Also known as Meh Dai carriers, hybrids are a combination of a wrap and a soft structured carrier. If you’re a parent looking for carrier features like uncomplicated, highly adjustable, and versatility, hybrids are highly recommended among other types of baby carriers.
- Slings:
A long piece of fabric that can be tied around you with rings. This simple-to-use carrier creates a pouch for your baby that usually goes over the shoulder and across the torso. These are mainly preferable carriers for infants.
Top 10 Baby Carriers
All set to tick your baby registry checklist? Here’s a reliable guide to make your carrier buying process less chaotic.
- Best Overall Baby Carrier
It’s good for you and your baby that’s why we chose the Babybjörn Baby Carrier Harmony as the best overall. With a soft and flexible mesh structure, it’s adaptable with your baby from newborn to three years old. It also provides parents with a little extra help: from the waist belt to the padded shoulder straps, and back support. Even as your little one gets bigger, carrying them stays just as easy for you!
- Best Baby Carriers for Dads
If you’re looking for a baby carrier specifically for dads, look no further than this squishy, easy-to-carry Baby Tula. Made with ultra-soft and breathable cotton, the Tula carrier provides the ultimate comfort level to you and your baby.
It has an ergonomic seat that allows you to carry your baby in both front and back positions. Comfortable carrying is important to help your infant develop a healthy spine and hips. The Baby Tula – with a padded neck support pillow to prop up a newborn’s head and neck – will help ensure that.
Pros:
- Made of 100% cotton
- Effortless to maintain – machine washable
- Allows for a multitude of carry positions
Cons:
- Wide straps may not be relaxing for infants
- Not recommended for babies under 10 lbs.
- Best Baby Carrier for Newborns
The Babybjörn takes its spot on the best baby carriers list for being uniquely tailored with quality materials that are gentle on your baby. If you find unfastening tricky, the Baby Carrier Mini is a convenient solution. Not only is it small and easy to pack away, it makes putting on and taking off a trouble-free experience to save time and effort.
This baby carrier is available in three fabrics – 3D mesh, 3D jersey, and cotton. It also includes sturdy head and neck support that gives your baby a secure hold, and additional support to their back, hips, and legs.
Pros:
- Flexible head support
- Allows you to carry your baby in multiple positions
- Functional and adjustable
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Only fits newborns up to 1 year
- Best Premium Baby Carrier Wrap
Simple to put on, safe to carry your baby, and super soothing– the Moby wrap does it all. Made with soft, stretchy cotton and buckles on the side, this wrap is easy to tie and adjust around your waist. Due to its flexibility, this wrap is one of the best baby carriers for plus-size moms.
If you’re looking for a convenient carrying experience, this is a baby registry must-have. It allows for two carrying positions (inward-facing and forward-facing) for babies 1-5 months old and up to 35 lbs. Your baby will feel warm but never stuffy or tucked away in this soft and breathable fabric.
Pros:
- Padded back support
- Custom-fit buckles
- Casual and peaceful
- Lightweight
- Recognized by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as “hip-healthy” for babies
Cons:
- Difficult to breastfeed
- Best Carrier for Infants and Toddlers
Strap your baby in or get them out with ease with the Cotton Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier. Made with soft, breathable cotton, it keeps both you and your baby cool and comfortable throughout the day.
Pros:
- Made of 100% cotton
- Made for babies weighing between 7 – 45 lbs.
- Adaptable to your baby’s carrying needs as they grow
Cons:
- Initial adjustment can be tricky.
- Easy-to-use Baby Carrier
If you’re looking for all the benefits of a wrap without having to wrap, the Baby K’Tan Carrier is what you’ve been waiting for! This carrier – made with 100% cotton and lots of stretch – provides a pleasant and restful experience for you and your baby. It also allows for healthy hip and back development, as well as head support.
The Baby K’Tan carrier can be slipped on over the head like a t-shirt and doesn’t require you to attach buckles. The best feature? You get five front and back carry options that adapt to your baby’s transition from newborn to toddler, up to 35 lbs.
Pros:
- Comes with a small carrying pouch
- Various positions allow for ergonomic support
Cons:
- Little to no support for heavier babies
- Available in specific sizes – you can’t share with your partner
- Best Selling Baby Carrier Wrap
Boba Wrap is a bestseller for a reason. Made of a heavier-weight cotton and spandex knit, it keeps your baby close and warm while still providing a lightweight carrying experience. Due to the spandex, it is also perfect for any parent to wear and retains its shape and stretch over time, for babies up to 35 lbs.
Pros:
- Custom-fit for all sizes
- Machine washable
- Relaxed and warm – made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex
Cons:
- Can be a bit tricky to put on
- Best Hybrid Baby Carrier
With the ComfyFit Baby Carrier, get the comfort of a wrap and the convenience of a soft structured carrier – all at once. The feature that makes it one of the best baby carriers is its hybrid nature. Most parents prefer to buy this as it is an easy-to-wrap carrier made of cotton.
Pros:
- Padded waist belt
- Wide shoulder straps
- Small pockets to carry accessories
Cons:
- May not be the best option for larger babies
- Best Versatile Baby Carrier
With six carrying positions to grow with you through your baby’s first six months, the LILLEbaby All Seasons Carrier is the only carrier you need if versatility is your priority. The various buckles, belts, and straps also allow you to wear them in a backpack or crossed (X) style.
The carrier supports your baby’s hip and back well in all positions. The outer side is designed with a zip to create a cocoon for your baby. Mesh panels allow you to open up the carrier on warmer spring and summer days for fresh air or zip back up during fall and winter for a little extra insulation.
Pros:
- Consists of a padded, flexible head support
- Breastfeeding-friendly
- Has a waist belt and lumbar support – relieves back pain
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Not easy to transfer between positions
- Best Bang For Your Buck Baby Carrier
You don’t need to break the bank to get the best baby carrier for you and your newborn. The Infantino Flip Carrier is adaptable. It allows for four different carrying positions and features adjustable straps and a supportive waist belt to help transfer weight to your hips.
Made with an ergonomic seat, you can carry your child through their toddler years (up to 32 lbs.) in this carrier. The convertible seat feature allows you to set a narrow seat carrying position during a child’s infancy and a wide structured seat as time goes on.
Pros:
- Ergonomic sitting positions
- Sturdy & lasting materials
- Padded and flexible head support
Cons:
- It can be difficult to put the child in the back-carrying position
Final Thoughts
Babywearing isn’t just practical—it’s an amazing way to bond with your little one. But finding the right carrier that fits your lifestyle is essential. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, simplicity or versatility, this list has options for every parent. Consider the pros and cons of each and find the one that works best for you and your baby!
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