Choosing the right baby carrier can be overwhelming with so many different styles, sizes, and features available. However, it’s worth taking the time to find the perfect one that suits your needs and preferences. Baby carriers are an excellent way to keep your baby close and secure while you’re on the go or doing chores around the house. They allow you to have your hands free while still being able to attend to your baby’s needs.
From traditional papooses to modern wraps and structured carriers, there are many types of baby carriers to choose from. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice for you will depend on factors like your baby’s age and weight, your body type, and your lifestyle. With our guide, you can learn about the different types of baby carriers and find the one that fits your family’s needs.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Baby Carrier: Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position
- Best Structured Baby Carrier: Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1
- Best Baby Wrap Carrier: Moby Fit
- Best Baby Hip Carrier: BABYMUST Baby Hip Carrier
- Best Lightweight Baby Carrier: Solly Baby Wrap
- Best Baby Carrier for Newborn: Ergobaby Embracer
- Best Baby Carrier for Toddlers: LÍLLÉbaby 3-in-1 Ergonomic
- Best Baby Carrier for Dads: TBG – Mens Tactical Baby Carrier
- Best Baby Carrier for Hiking: Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack
- Best Baby Carrier For Back Support: LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Baby Carriers Picks
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position – Best Overall Baby Carrier
- Hip and leg support with soft mesh around baby’s contact points
- Padded and breathable shoulder straps
- Pockets for sun visor
- Very comfortable
- Pricier compared to other similar carriers
This all-in-one carrier has multiple carry positions and is suitable for babies from newborn to toddlerhood.
One of the key features of the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh is its innovative ergonomic seat, which ensures that your baby is always seated in an ergonomically correct position, whether you’re carrying them in front-inward, front-outward, hip, or back carry. This position helps keep your child’s spine and hips in proper alignment, promoting healthy development.
To keep you comfortable, the carrier also includes a lumbar support waist belt with multiple adjusters to ensure a perfect fit and prevent lower back strain. The padded shoulder straps are also adjustable and can be configured in a crisscross pattern for added support and a snug fit, or buckled on the front for simplicity.
This carrier is designed to fit all body sizes, from small to larger, making it adaptable for all parents. Its excellent ventilation system with breathable mesh fabric helps keep you and your baby cool and comfortable even on the hottest days.
- Item Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Weight limit: 7-45 lbs
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 – Best Structured Baby Carrier
This carrier is designed to evenly distribute weight across the hips of the wearer, ensuring maximum comfort for both baby and parent.
This versatile carrier can be used in four different positions, allowing you to carry your little one facing in or out as they grow. Plus, the adjustable 2-position seat, cushioned shoulder straps, and supportive waist belt provide the perfect fit for both newborns and older infants. You can even adjust the leg holes to ensure a snug and comfortable fit for your little one.
- Item Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Weight limit: 8-32 lbs
Moby Fit – Best Baby Wrap Carrier
Combining the benefits of a baby carrier with the snugness of a wrap, the Moby Fit promotes bonding and reduces stress for both parent and baby. With its stretchy and sturdy material, this carrier distributes your baby’s weight evenly across your back, shoulders, and hips, making it comfortable for extended use.
Whether you’re running errands or going for a walk, the Moby Fit offers hands-free convenience, allowing you to keep your baby close and safe while keeping your hands free. Plus, as your baby grows and develops, the carrier can easily adapt to accommodate their changing needs. And with its high-quality fabric, the Moby Fit can be easily machine washed, making it a practical choice for any parent.
- Item Weight: 1.32 lbs
- Weight limit: 8-33 lbs
BABYMUST Baby Hip Carrier – Best Baby Hip Carrier
The carrier features a Squishy Memory Foam Non-slip Hip Seat that is designed to support your baby’s natural “M” posture, which is essential for proper development. Additionally, the carrier comes equipped with multiple storage compartments and a convenient loop to keep all of your essentials within easy reach.
One of the standout features of the BABYMUST carrier is its versatility, with five different ways to use it, making it suitable for newborns to toddlers. The carrier’s wider and smoother hook and loop, longer waistline, and cushioned belly pad design ensure that your baby is secure and comfortable, while also allowing you to wear the carrier for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort or strain on their shoulders or back.
- Item Weight: 1.49 lbs
- Weight limit: 8-66 lbs
Solly Baby Wrap – Best Lightweight Baby Carrier
The Solly Baby Wrap is designed to create a safe, snug environment for your baby, similar to the womb. Suitable for babies up to 25 pounds or during their first year, this sling baby carrier is versatile enough to accommodate even the smallest newborns. The weight is evenly distributed across your upper body, with no pressure points on your shoulders or back.
Crafted from 100% certified TENCEL (TM) Modal, these baby wraps are both durable and comfortable. They can be conveniently machine-washed on a delicate cycle and tumble-dried on low heat without losing color. In addition, this newborn baby carrier has been certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to promote healthy hip growth.
- Item Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Weight limit: 8-25 lbs
Ergobaby Embracer – Best Baby Carrier for Newborn
This infant carrier is made of soft knit fabric that gently supports your baby and provides a secure fit from 7 to 25 pounds. No more complicated wrapping or tying – just simple buckling without the excess fabric.
To ensure your baby’s comfort, the carrier is designed with an adjustable waistbelt that grows with your baby, cushioned head and neck support, and stretchy cross-shoulder straps that create a snug fit for various body types. The supportive waist belt evenly distributes the weight of your baby.
You can carry your baby in three different positions, from newborn mode to baby facing in and baby facing out mode, as your baby grows. Plus, this carrier is slim and compact, easily folding up to fit in a diaper bag or under a stroller.
- Item Weight: 1 lbs
- Weight limit: 7-25 lbs
LÍLLÉbaby 3-in-1 Ergonomic – Best Baby Carrier for Toddlers
The LÍLLÉbaby 3-in-1 Ergonomic Toddler Carrier is the ideal carrier for growing toddlers, providing a spacious and ergonomic way to carry your child for years to come. It offers three different carrying options and includes features such as breathable 3D mesh, lumbar support, three-way adjustable straps, a hood, and two pockets.
This toddler carrier is designed to be one of the most versatile on the market, featuring a wider and taller torso than other carriers. It is perfect for older siblings or newborns who have outgrown the LÍLLÉbaby Complete carrier. When worn on the front, the CarryOn toddler straps can be crossed in the back.
- Item Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Weight limit: 25-60 lbs
TBG – Mens Tactical Baby Carrier – Best Baby Carrier for Dads
The lightweight and durable fabrics of this carrier provide long-lasting comfort even with repeated use. The broad base provides excellent hip support while the detachable, machine-washable cotton lining softly cushions the inside.
Moreover, the crisscrossed shoulder straps made of air mesh cushioning distribute weight evenly, keeping it off the shoulders, while the simple design helps prevent heat discomfort. When not in use, the carrier easily folds for storage in a backpack diaper bag or stroller compartment.
The carrier features MOLLE webbing and a zipper pocket on the front, providing quick access to everyday items without the need to remove a diaper bag or disturb a sleeping infant. It also has a shade for sun protection when the baby is facing you.
- Item Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Weight limit: 8-33 lbs
Osprey Poco Child Carrier Backpack – Best Baby Carrier for Hiking
The Poco child carrier is perfect for both big and small trips, as it promotes exploration while ensuring the safety, support, and comfort of your child. With this carrier, you can experience nature together while enjoying the freedom and mobility that comes with it. The kid-friendly features include a deployable parasol, a detachable and washable drool pad, and a comfortable harness with adjustable and removable foot stirrups.
Moreover, the carrier has an AirSpeed suspension system for breathability and ease of carrying, as well as a zipper slash pocket and a bottom zipped bag for storing snacks and extra clothing for the parents. The torso adjustment can be extended up to 6″, allowing each parent to take turns carrying the child up the hill.
- Item Weight: 7.6 lbs
- Weight limit: 16-48.5 lbs
LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 – Best Baby Carrier For Back Support
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete baby carrier offers six ergonomic carry modes, including front, backpack, and hip, for 360-degree babywearing. On hot days, the front panel can be zipped down to reveal a breathable mesh for better ventilation.
The carrier seat can transform from a tiny setting for newborns and babies to a larger setting as your child grows. Plus, the carrier supports the child knee-to-knee, which is the most ergonomic position for their hips. This has also been certified as a Hip-Healthy product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
- Item Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Weight limit: 7-45 lbs
Do I Need a Baby Carrier?
There is no right answer to this question – it depends on your personal preferences and needs. Though most parents claim it is their favorite baby product, regardless of type or brand. It provides your arms a rest and may easily substitute for a stroller, especially if your child gets unhappy when they can’t see you or you need to navigate busy environments like malls. It is also useful if you enjoy hiking and wish to bring your toddler along.
Some parents only use a baby carrier when their child is small; from birth to six months or so. Other parents use a carrier far into the toddler years. You’ll get the most use out of it before your child learns to walk and wants to go free.
What are the Types of Baby Carriers?
The kind of carrier you use is determined by the baby’s age, the instructions included with the carrier, and the convenience of use and comfort for the parents. Regardless, you must take the time to properly position and support your baby in the carrier. Not only can an improperly supported baby suffer from falls or bumps, but it can also lead to potentially life-threatening situations such as suffocation (1).
- Wraps: A carrier is a super-long length of flexible material that you construct and wrap around your body, generally over your shoulders and around your belly. Wraps, which simulate the sensation of the womb, are especially popular with babies.
- Slings: A large piece of fabric that goes across your body and over one shoulder. Slings, which form a pouch for your baby to sit in, are typically easy to use. They’re also great for hotter regions because they’re often lightweight. However, because slings do not distribute weight evenly, they may not be pleasant for long-term use.
- Structured baby carriers: Designed to transfer the baby’s weight to your hips while providing enough support for your little one. This results in a snug, comfortable fit for both of you. Many soft-structured baby carriers include numerous carrying positions, allowing you to use them as your little baby develops into a bigger toddler.
- Backpacks: These bulkier, backpack-style carriers offer more padding to keep your baby in place while out on adventures for parents who want to introduce their baby to the great outdoors. They are also frequently exclusively designed for back-carrying, so you will have to wait until your kid is a bit older and able to sit up on her own.
When Can I Carry My Baby in a Carrier?
Wraps and slings are both appropriate for newborns (2). The cloth should firmly hug the infant and appropriately support his head. Some soft structured carriers may be used from birth, but others require an infant insert if the child is under a specific weight.
Newborns and infants up to 6 months of age require the most back support. Babies aged 6 to 9 months should be carried face forward. When the baby can sit unsupported and hold his head up, you can begin carrying him on your back.
When Can a Baby Face Out in a Carrier?
During the first six months of infancy, the International Hip Displaysia Institute recommends carrying your baby in an inward-facing position. This is because this is a period of fast hip growth, and facing your baby in their carrier toward you might support ideal hip development.
It is okay to turn your baby to face out in their carrier after the first six months; however, you may want to consider inward-facing during the first year since it is regarded as the most hip-healthy orientation.
How Long Should I Use a Baby Carrier?
That depends on both the child and the parent doing the carrying. Many families use baby carriers from birth to two years of age, however, some children may not appreciate being restrained once they are active. Other youngsters may be fine to remain in a structured carrier until the age of three.
Which Baby Carrier Is Safest?
The safest carriers provide for an equal distribution of the baby’s weight across the wearer’s body (3). However, all baby carriers are a tried and true way to keep your infant safe and supported. When carrying an infant, it is essential to read the directions and take all required measures. For example, while wearing a baby carrier with a newborn, their head and neck must be supported.
