11 Best and Safest Baby Carriers – Complete Guide
During the early years of my son growing up, I used to carry him around in a baby carrier. I preferred to keep him close to me as much as possible. As he grew up I found baby prams and strollers to be more practical options than baby carriers. However, until he was about 18 months old, I wanted to make it easier for him to look around and observe things while I was strolling in the park or street. Baby carrier helped me do that perfectly.
With the first carrier I got, I needed my wife’s help to make sure my kid was strapped properly and safely. It made me realize that the process should have much simpler and safer than this. It didn’t seem very practical to use a baby carrier that required 2 people to strap the baby every time. Therefore it is with great care and research I have compiled a list of baby carriers to aid parents like yourself to decide on suitable carriers. We have handpicked some of the best baby carriers that are not only comfortable to use but also are safe and create the best environment for you to bond with your little one. You can also explore our post on newborn baby essentials – must haves.
Contents
Our Top Picks of Baby Carriers
- Best Rated: Ergobaby Carrier 360
“This carrier is a life saver. It is very comfortable in the lower back and is of great quality” - Best For Newborns: Baby Carrier Original
“This was so easy to put on and take off. I didn’t need help from anyone and never even watched a video.” - Best For Infants and Toddlers: Baby Carrier Hip Seat Ergonomic 6-in-1
” I love the seat which helps take a ton of pulling off of your shoulders which is what usually killed my back.” - Best Baby Carrier Wrap: Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
“I’ve been baby wearing my daughter in this thing since she was born. It’s so cozy and all the different wraps you can do make it extremely versatile too!” - Best Ring Sling Baby Carrier: Luxury Ring Sling Baby Carrier
“The bamboo blend of the fabric is noticeably softer and cooler than any other sling I’ve tried.” - Best Baby Wrap Sling and Carrier: 9-in-1 CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier
“It gives you free arms to get stuff done while making your baby feel comforted at the same time” - Best Baby Carrier With Hip-Seat: Bebamour New Style Designer Sling and Baby Carrier 2 in 1
“We really like the hip seat, especially since he’s an older boy. It helps take a lot of pressure off of our back and helps us get around with ease.” - Best For Summer or Hot Weather: Ergobaby Adapt Baby Carrier
“I like how easy it is to adjust from when your baby is a newborn to when they are larger.” - Best Baby Wrap Carrier Ring Sling For Summer or Hot Weather: Baby Wrap Carrier Ring Sling
“The material is soft, lightweight, neither baby or mom got hot or overheated while using it.” - Best For Hiking: ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Child Carrier
“The sun shade is easy to slide on or off, I like that it has protection from the elements. Also there is a nice big storage compartment attached to the back underneath the child.” - Best Budget: Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
“It feels very safe & secure. Once you get the hang of it, it’s so easy and fast.”
Best Rated Baby Carrier
- Supports Baby To Toddler: Ergobaby 360 baby carrier is comfortable and ergonomic as baby grows beginning around 4 months when baby starts exploring beyond her caregiver to see the world (12-45 lbs./ 5.5-20 kg)
- Carry In All Positions – This baby carrier lets parents carry baby on the front to face the world or face you, on the hip, or the back, beginning around 4 months into toddlerhood.
- Thoughtful Design – The lumbar support waistbelt and padded shoulder straps distributes baby’s weight properly, alleviating stress on shoulders and back. One easy-to-adjust carrier to fit multiple wearers from petite to larger body types. The carrier also includes UPF 50+ tuckaway baby hood for easy breastfeeding or to protect baby from sun & wind while napping.
- Easy To Use – The head & neck support pillow easily adjusts up and down to support baby’s head or back as they grow. Further, it is 100% machine washable.
Best Baby Carrier For Newborn Baby
- Developed With Pediatricians – This baby carrier has been developed with pediatricians to provide proper support for baby’s head, neck, spine and hips.
- Perfect For Newborns – Baby carrier original is designed to fit your baby right from birth – without an infant insert – the Baby Carrier Original has a firm, adjustable head support for secure and proper support of the baby’s head and neck. The legs and hips are positioned in an ergonomically correct position that is recommended by pediatricians. Legs and arms can move freely in the carrier, allowing your child to develop muscles, motor skills and balance.
- Safe & Easy To Use – The carrier fits perfectly and securely with only a few adjustments and requires no assistance. Further, it provides two two safe and ergonomic carrying positions: baby facing-in and baby facing-out
- Closeness – The Baby Carrier Original helps you stay in close contact with your infant and reinforce the parent-child bond from the very beginning. You carry your baby high up on your chest and facing you, close to your heart, for the first five months. The upright position keeps the airways free and allows you to supervise your small child’s breathing. The warmth from your body and the familiar sound of your heart and your voice will make your baby feel calm and secure, while you learn to interpret your baby’s needs.
Best Baby Carrier For Infants and Toddlers
- Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier With Hip Seat – BabySteps baby carrier allows you to carry your infant or toddler in any position that suits your needs: Front inward (at least 3 months), front outward (at least 6 months), single strap carrier(at least 3 months), hip seat (single use) and back carry (at least 6 months).
- Fits All Shapes And Sizes – The waistband is adjustable to a maximum of 51.18”/ 130cm. Suitable to be worn by all statures for carrying your infant baby or toddler from 3 months to 36 months, between 8 and 44lbs (3.6 – 19 kg).
- Safe & Easy To Use – Built in ergonomic designed hip seat allows baby to be in a natural sitting position and evenly distribute the weight between carrier’s hip and shoulders. Hip seat carrier is equipped with back support and foldable head support to ensure baby’s smooth breathing when facing outward. The easy quick-tie buckle is simple to operate and makes it easy to put the baby in or take the baby out of the carrier with ease and without stress.
- Max Air Flow and Breathability – The organic cotton and soft polyester fabric make this carrier breathable and suitable for any season. Soft material ensures no friction against baby’s legs. The removable wind resistant hood protects the baby from cold winds, while there is a 3D mesh in the front zipper pocket keeping your baby cool in hot seasons.
Best Baby Carrier wrap
- Strong Bonding – Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between parents and their baby, Boba Wraps hold your baby close to your heart
- Safe & Easy To Use – There is just one way to tie your Boba Baby Wrap making this the no-guess choice for carrying your baby. Each time you wrap your child, you’re creating the perfect Ergonomic Seat that will keep your baby in the correct posture for healthy hip development. Simple, no-guess tying instructions and just one size make this unisex wrap your go-to baby carrier for the first three months of parenthood.
- Features – It comfortably wraps babies from birth to 35 pounds and is made up of 95% cotton. This baby wrap carrier also provides hands-free comfort to explore the world together and has the perfect amount of give to provide stretch and flexibility. No pressure points, just sweet relief! Nursing your newborn in this baby wrap is comfortable and discreet
Best Ring Sling Baby Carrier
- Strong Bonding – Carrying your baby close to your chest will feel like being wrapped in a loving embrace, which helps your little love gain a sense of trust & belonging. It is the most natural, womb-like position & creates an intimate bond between you both. This sling baby carrier will soothe even a colicky baby and quickly get him to sleep as you carry him.
- Freedom To Get Things Done – As parents, we know life is challenging when you have a million things to do! Luxury Ring Sling Baby Carrier is designed to give you freedom and maintain balance in your day to day life.
- Eco-Friendly, Super Soft Bamboo & Linen – Pura Vida baby slings are made from an ultra strong, lush woven fabric that is very lightweight. You will love the combination of the warm beige fabric with our signature copper/rose gold rings! Unlike pure linen this will not scratch your baby’s skin and doesn’t need to be ‘broken in’. The custom woven fabric blend is soft right out of the box and slides easily through our un-welded aluminium rings.
- Safe Carrying Position for Hip Development – Many carriers interfere with healthy hip positioning as the baby is held incorrectly or facing outward & this can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Pura Vida slings harness your baby naturally in the M position so that hips can develop properly while keeping you and your baby comfortable. The front carry position massages your baby’s belly, improving digestion & preventing reflux & colic.
- Suitable For Hot and Cold Climate – Not all young babies can control their temperature well & can easily overheat in a wrap. This ring sling baby carrier will keep you & your precious baby comfortable yet cool & won’t wrinkle your clothes as much either! The tail fabric can double as a nursing cover, so you can breastfeed your baby privately while on the go.
Best Baby Wrap Sling and Carrier
- 9 Wraps In 1 – This baby wrap sling provides 9 different ways to comfortably carry your baby HANDS FREE! Newborn hold, breastfeed sling, front carry, side carry, back carry, cross carry, hip carry, kangaroo carry, side sling.
- Get Things Done While Bonding – 9-in-1 CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier helps you to develop strong emotional bonds and constant stimulation with the flexibility and freedom to go where you want and get things done.
- Comfortable And Secure – Support your baby in this MACHINE WASHABLE buckle-free, ring-free, Premium blend of 95% Cotton, 5% spandex. This baby carrier sling is as gentle as wearing a T-shirt but strong enough to support your baby’s head.
- Simple And Easy To Use – The baby wrap carrier comes with zero frustration instructions and has a quick learning curve. You’ll be on the move in no time with the easy-to-follow instructions for any carry. From car-seat to cuddle wrapped in as little as 1 minute. Even with a fussy baby.
Best Baby Carrier With Hip-Seat
- Carrier or Hip-Seat – Parents can use the whole baby carrier or the single hip-seat. This baby carrier provides 6 ways to carry baby. You can choose according to your baby’s growth, details in paper instruction manual.
- Fits All Shapes and Sizes – The big waist band for a variety of body, humanized design of waistband, custom-made like senior clothing. Adjustable shoulder strap and waist strap have broad and wide cotton padding (waist-belt adjusts 65-118 cm / 25-46.5″)
- Features – There is a zipper pocket on the belt. It’s a very useful gear for a trip to the store or family outing. Also, the 2 baby bib are removable .Simply attach the bibs around the should straps of the carrier and you are all set to go. There is a piece of foam wedge pad inside the hip seat, which IS used to be a seat for your baby when using the baby carrier. If you want to wash the baby carrier, simply take off the foam pad, and hand wash.
Best Baby Carrier For Summer or Hot Weather
- Cool and Breathable – These Cool Air Mesh collection baby carriers are made with soft and durable mesh fabric that provides our renowned ergonomic support for baby while allowing for ultimate breathability and airflow. These features make the baby carrier perfect for summer or warm weather.
- Newborn To Toddler – Award Winning baby carrier adapts to your growing baby from ~0-48 months (7-45 lbs or 3-19 kg), no extra infant insert needed for your newborn.
- Multi-Position Baby Carrier – You can wear this baby carrier on the front, back or hip, as baby grows. Custom fit fits multiple wearers from petite to larger body types (waist belt adjusts 26-52″, shoulder straps 28-48″) and easy to reach buckles to make adjustments.
- Comfort – Ergobaby Adapt Baby Carrier provides exceptional lower back comfort with padded lumbar support waist belt & extra padded shoulder straps with the option to wear 2 ways: crossed or “backpack style”. Waist belt can be worn high or low to maximize comfort, especially post C-section.
Best Baby Wrap Carrier Ring Sling For Summer or Hot Weather
- Calm And Peaceful Bonding – In a sling, The baby is next to your chest all the time, snuggled in and secure. The physical contact with the infant causes mothers to release oxytocin and promotes bonding and breastfeeding. You can also breastfeed anywhere. The baby sleeps easily. Researchers found that baby-wearing for three hours a day reduced infant crying by 43 percent overall. Suitable for the newborn, toddler or your pets.
- 100% Turkish Cotton Muslin Prewashed – No chemical processes, just washed with water and dried after woven. Softening agents-free. Artificial fragrance-free. Vegan-Friendly. It becomes smoother and softer after every wash. Because of its double face; in summer it’s more breathable and cool for the baby and keeps your baby warm in the winter. Allows for airflow, reducing the risk of overheating. Finely-woven breathable and extremely soft fabric.
- Safety – Please keep in mind that conquering baby-wearing and finding the correct position for you and your baby – takes time and a bit practice. Practice when your baby is relaxed and in a good mood. Babies need time as well. Please remember your baby has to have a clear airway for breathing at all times to achieve that his head has to be high enough for you to see his face and kiss his forehead.
Best Baby Carrier For Hiking
- Lightweight And Comfortable – The lightweight frame only weighs 5.5 pounds yet is sturdy enough to be comfortable for both baby and adult for hours. The straps and hip belt are comfortably padded and the carrier features energy-absorbing lumbar padding that keeps you cool and secure. These features make this baby carrier perfect for hiking.
- Large Storage Areas – Storage compartments are large enough to hold the included baby changing pad, bottles, diapers, sweaters, phone, keys and the included baby changing pad. No need to carry extra bags along.
- Perfect For All Weather – The cross country baby carrier includes sun canopy and rain cover that help keep your baby protected, cool, and dry during all weather conditions. The safety belts and foot stirrups keep your baby in a secure position so comfortable they will fall asleep. The washable drool pad allows baby to rest their face on something soft and clean.
- Grows With The child – The adjustable seat customizes the baby carrier to fit your child’s height. The carrier is built for children between 9-48 months (max 33lbs) allowing you to use your carrier for years as your baby grows!
Best Budget Baby Carrier
- 4-Ways To Carry Baby – This affordable baby carrier provides 4 ways to carry baby-facing in narrow seat for newborns, facing in wide seat for older babies, facing out narrow seat for babies with head control and back carry wide seat for older babies and toddlers
- Affordable – The price tag of 40$ makes it one of the most affordable baby carrier ever.
- Accessories – It includes wonder cover 2-in 1 bib to protect your carrier and clothes and is also machine washable