As a new parent, taking your baby out and about can be quite a task. Not only do you have to carry your baby, but also a diaper bag, your phone, and perhaps even a purse. It’s easy to feel like you need an extra set of hands to help you manage everything. This is where babywearing shirts come in handy.
Not only do babywearing shirts allow you to carry your baby safely and comfortably, but they also free up your hands so that you can easily carry all the other essentials you need. Additionally, babywearing shirts can help foster a stronger bond between you and your baby.
While the concept of wraps and carriers is not new, some options on the market can be quite complicated for new parents and newborns. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 8 best babywearing shirts to make your search easier. We’ll provide you with detailed information on each option, including their features, pros, and cons.
Our Top Picks
- Best For Moms: Moby Bump & Beyond T-Shirt Wrap
- Best For Dads: DadWare Bondaroo Kangaroo Care Bonding T-Shirt
- Runner Up For Dads: ThusFar Mens Baby Carrier Shirt
- V-Neck Shirt For Dads: amropi Men’s Baby Carrier Shirt
- Best For Preterm Babies: NuRoo Pocket Soft
- Most Discreet: VIJA Design Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care T-Shirt
- Best Sleeveless: Nesting Days Newborn Carrier
- Best Jacket: monochef Babywearing Carrier Hoodie
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Babywearing Shirts Picks
Moby Bump & Beyond T-Shirt Wrap – Best For Moms
- Can be worn as tees during pregnancy and can be made as a baby wrap at later stages
- Thick but breathable fabric
- Machine washable
- Clear detailed directions are provided everywhere. Directions are even printed on the fabric on the wrap ends
- It is a bit heavy
You’ll love the versatility of this shirt where your child can be accommodated from infancy up to 19.8 pounds. If you prefer skin-to-skin contact, you’ll be delighted to know that this room is adaptable and can be used for many months.
What’s even better is that you can wear it during pregnancy too! You’ll appreciate the added support for your growing belly, and it’s incredibly comfortable. The wrap at the back of the shirt supports your spine and improves posture, making it an excellent choice for those with back issues.
Made with breathable and machine-washable fabric, both you and your baby will feel at ease in it. The low-maintenance design makes it easy to clean; simply toss it in the washing machine with your other clothes if it gets dirty.
DadWare Bondaroo Kangaroo Care Bonding T-Shirt – Best For Dads
- The shirt collar fits high in the neck
- Pretty thick shirt
- Easy to use with baby
- Breathable
- This shirt might be a bit snug in the waist on a larger framed guy
Dads will love wearing this babywearing T-shirt, which is designed for cuddling up close to your little one. With its longer length, dads won’t have to worry about the shirt riding up while they’re on the go with their baby. It’s available in sizes from small to XX-large, so dads can find the perfect fit.
Made from high-quality, durable material, this T-shirt is built to last and won’t lose its shape over time. One of the best things about this shirt is that it blends in with a regular wardrobe and is so lightweight that dads can wear it all day without feeling weighed down. Plus, it can support newborns weighing between 7 and 18 pounds.
ThusFar Mens Baby Carrier Shirt – Runner Up For Dads
- Well designed
- A lot of colors are available
- Good quality
- Very practical
- You need to hold the baby
Dads can snuggle up with their baby while being hands-free, thanks to this amazing shirt. Whether they are lounging or running errands, this shirt allows them to move around freely with their baby sleeping soundly in the pouch.
Just slip your little one into the pouch, and you are good to go! It’s effortless as there are no ties or adjustments needed. This shirt can safely hold babies weighing up to 15 pounds and provide them with the utmost comfort.
This shirt is not only perfect for bonding but also for relaxing and getting a good night’s sleep. You can choose from four colors – royal blue, army green, dark grey, or black.
amropi Men’s Baby Carrier Shirt – V-Neck Shirt For Dads
- Snug fitting
- The material is very soft
- Thick
- The color is very nice
- Make sure to size up as they run a bit small
Is your dad looking to embark on an adventure with your little one? Look no further than this comfortable and stylish V-neck shirt with a sporty design. Its slim fit and short sleeves are perfect for warm weather.
Made of a soft blend of polyester and cotton, both dad and baby can wear it all day long in comfort. Simply insert your baby into the pouch and swaddle them for a snug fit. Although not hands-free, dads can still move around while holding their babies close.
NuRoo Pocket Soft – Best For Preterm Babies
- Great for preterm babies
- Fabric is soft and comfortable
- Not bad looking as a shirt on its own without the belt
- Very comfortable and simple to use
- Most suitable for wearing around the house
The NuRoo Pocket has a soft fabric that provides a comfortable and secure environment that simulates the mother’s womb. It helps regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
The “cross and embrace” fasteners are ideal for premature babies who require additional support and stability. It ensures that your baby’s head and neck are properly supported and reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, the NuRoo Pocket allows for convenient and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact.
Plus, the breathable fabric, adjustable fit, and hands-free design make it comfortable and easy to use.
VIJA Design Skin-to-Skin Kangaroo Care T-Shirt – Most Discreet
- Snuggly fit
- It is a very flattering design
- Soft material
- Super discreet
- Make sure to size up
With a discreet nursing top, a skin-to-skin babywearing shirt for newborns up to 15lbs (around 4 months on average), and a post-partum belly supporter, this garment is perfect for providing hands-free Kangaroo Care at home or in a medical facility.
Plus, it’s extremely useful when you have older kids. The shirring on both sides is reassuring and encouraging for you while maintaining your baby in the proper posture. It’s also great for soothing a wailing infant. And with its stylish design, you can look great while still being practical!
Nesting Days Newborn Carrier – Best Sleeveless
- Simple to put on
- True to size
- Fits really comfortably
- Looks very stylish
- Expensive
This innovative carrier combines the comfort of wearing your favorite yoga outfit with the convenience of a baby carrier. Developed by a postpartum doula, it enables hands-free, skin-to-skin babywearing, ensuring maximum bonding between mother and baby.
The Nesting Days carrier features a proprietary tubular shape that covers your body 360 degrees. Made from lightweight, technological textiles, it evenly distributes your baby’s weight across your body, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. With its side tie, it’s easy to adjust the tension across your baby’s back, making it perfect for growing babies.
monochef Babywearing Carrier Hoodie – Best Jacket
- The fleece material is nice
- This is a great hoodie for both pregnancy and baby carrying
- The jacket is really warm
- The zippers are thick plastic
- There is no way to use the jacket without one of the inserts
This cozy sweatshirt is perfect for winter babywearing. It comes with two inserts: one for carrying your baby and one for use during pregnancy. You simply need to zip in the one you want to use.
Made from warm polar fleece, this sweatshirt is perfect for keeping you and your little one snug and cozy. It even comes with a little hood to protect against the cold. In addition to its functionality, this has a modern design that looks great. It’s gray with a bright turquoise hood, making it both practical and stylish.
How To Choose A Babywearing Shirt?
- Fabric: Make sure you look for a babywearing shirt made from soft, breathable, and stretchy fabric. Materials like cotton, bamboo, or a blend of these fibers are usually a good choice.
- Safety: Make sure that the baby carrier portion of the shirt is strong enough to support the weight of your baby. The shirt should be tested and approved to carry babies up to a certain weight limit. Additionally, to prevent suffocation, make sure to leave the baby’s nose and mouth uncovered (1).
- Comfort: A babywearing shirt should be comfortable for both you and your baby. Check if the shirt is adjustable so you can customize the fit and ensure proper support for your baby.
- Pouch: Baby carrier shirts come in two main types: those with an integrated pouch that supports your baby inside the garment, and those with an external pouch. The former provides the best opportunity for skin-to-skin bonding and other benefits, allowing you to feel closer to your baby (2). On the other hand, the latter doesn’t provide actual skin-to-skin contact, but it still allows for a certain level of intimacy with your child. If you’re going out with your baby, an external pouch might be more convenient since it offers quicker access.
What Is A Babywearing Shirt?
A babywearing shirt, also known as a baby carrier shirt, is a type of clothing designed to help parents carry their infants close to their bodies while keeping their hands free to do other tasks. A babywearing shirt typically comes in the form of a tank top, t-shirt, or sweatshirt with a built-in carrier or pouch. This design allows parents to carry their baby on their chest or back in a safe and secure manner. Some babywearing shirts also offer skin-to-skin contact, which has numerous benefits for both parents and infants (3).
When Should I Start Babywearing My Little One?
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least six weeks old and has good neck control before starting babywearing. This is because younger infants may not have the strength and coordination to hold their heads up and breathe properly while being worn. You can continue until they reach about 4 years.
Does Babywearing Build Muscle?
Babywearing can help build muscle, especially in the upper body, back, and core muscles. Carrying a baby close to your body requires your muscles to work harder to maintain balance and support the weight of the baby. Over time, this can lead to improved muscle strength and tone. However, it’s important to remember to practice good posture while babywearing and to take breaks as needed to avoid overuse or strain injuries.
Can I Nap While Babywearing?
No. Even though it may be tempting to doze off while wearing your baby, it can be unsafe for both you and your baby. If you fall asleep while wearing your baby, there is a risk of your baby’s airway being obstructed, which can lead to suffocation. Additionally, if you fall asleep, you may accidentally shift your baby into an unsafe position, causing potential harm or injury.
