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10 Best Baby Carriers Reviews and Buying Guide

Mary Brice

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I’ve commonly heard parents say they wish they had 3 or 4 arms.

It can be hard to care for little ones while also having to do other important adult things. It is hard to do get anything done when you have a baby that doesn’t want to be put down. Our babies need us though and it is important to respond to their needs.

The solution? Finding the best baby carrier for you and your baby. Baby carriers are an incredible resource and have a very long history of parenting. Some forms of babywearing have been around for many thousands of years. Nowadays, there are endless ways and options of how to wear babies and baby carrier options are abundant.

To help you make your own decision of how to wear your baby, we have put together this list of the top ten baby carriers with baby carrier reviews and a baby carrier buying guide. We hope that by creating this babywearing resource for you that you will be able to easily find the best babywearing option for your family!

Babywearing has so many benefits and even though it has been around forever, it is seeing a resurgence in popularity and more modern parents are jumping on the bandwagon and enjoying the many benefits of babywearing!

When you wear your baby, you are able to keep them close without using too much strength or giving up the use of their hands. It sounds almost too good to be true to be able to keep your baby close and feeling comfortable and safe while also being able to clean, work, or do whatever else you need your hands for… but thanks to baby carriers, it is completely possible!

Detailed Baby Carrier Reviews

With the way babywearing is gaining popularity with modern parents, the market for baby carriers has grown incredibly over the last few decades. While it is awesome to have so many choices, it can be confusing and overwhelming to choose the perfect baby carrier for your family.

Few things in parenthood are easy, so we decided to take one thing off your plate and create this baby carrier buying guide with included baby carrier reviews of the top ten baby carriers to choose from!

From Soft Structured Baby Carriers to Baby Backpack Carriers, find the BEST Baby Carrier to fit your lifestyle

1

Ergobaby 360 Ergonomic Baby Carrier – Best Ergonomic Baby Carrier

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It is not surprising that the best ergonomic baby carrier comes from Ergo Baby – the baby carrier brand that is named for their ergonomic carrier designs. That is far from the only noteworthy thing about this baby carrier brand though. Ergo Baby is an extremely popular baby carrier brand that has been around for many years and won many awards. This particular carrier even won Baby Center’s Mom’s Picks Best of 2017 award!

This Ergo baby carrier can be worn without an infant insert from 12 to 33 pounds. However, if you do choose to purchase and use the Ergo infant insert, you can actually wear this baby carrier starting at 7 pounds. Then you just discontinue use of the Ergo infant insert once your baby has hit the 12-pound mark.

This is great because most babies are born at 7 pounds or greater, so it will be a great ergonomic newborn baby carrier option. Plus, thanks to the adjustability of the best ergonomic baby carrier, it can be used all the way up to 3 years or older for most children making it a great ergonomic toddler carrier as well.

While there are a lot of benefits to this carrier having the wide wraparound waist band, there is one considerable drawback to it as well. Most other soft structured baby carriers have waist bands that are super easy to adjust – even while you are wearing them. However, due to the Velcro on the Ergo Baby waist band, it is not possible to adjust it while the baby carrier is in use.

There is so much to love about the best ergonomic baby carrier from the super popular baby carrier brand Ergo Baby! This incredibly versatile baby carrier is a top-rated baby carrier. It has a cool wraparound waist band, works in all positions and works for babies and toddlers!

2

Boba Wrap Soft Baby Wrap – Best Overall Baby Carrier

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Our best overall pick goes to this amazing stretchy baby wrap from Boba! This is actually the original stretchy wrap. It is a truly amazing and versatile wrap and it earned one of the top spots on our guide with ease.

There is a little bit of a learning curve to the Boba wrap, but it isn’t too difficult. Basically, if you just practice a couple of times, you shouldn’t be having much trouble with it. You just have to take the time to learn how to wrap your baby properly in the Boba wrap. Other than that, the only drawback of the Boba wrap is that it does not make a good carrier for toddlers. Even though it is rated up to 35 pounds, it won’t be as comfortable or practical for toddlers due to the stretchy material.

If you are after a great overall baby carrier, you should really think about buying the awesome Boba wrap. This baby carrier wrap is full of amazing features and versatility. It works really well as a newborn baby carrier and has a nice, customized fit every time you use it – even as your baby grows. Of course, if you are looking for a great carrier for your toddler, this might not be your best bet. Other than that, this can be an amazing baby carrier for anyone!

3

Beco Gemini Organic Baby Carrier – Best Organic Baby Carrier

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The best organic baby carrier is a very nice, top rated baby carrier. It is a really cool and very comfortable baby carrier that tends to be well-loved by almost all those that try it. The fact that this is an organic baby carrier is really just a bonus because there is so much more than the organic cotton material to love about this Beco baby carrier.

This is the best organic baby carrier because of how incredible it is in general in addition to the fact that it is one of the few really good baby carriers that they make an organic version of. The Beco baby carrier comes in an organic option that is straight black. This simple color will go with anything. However, some people may prefer a more fun or flashy baby carrier that is organic. That is the downside to this carrier as it does come in lots of fun colors and patterns, but black is the only color the organic version comes in.

There is also a special headrest that it is built into the design of the best organic baby carrier. It is usually snapped down to stay out of the way, but when you need to use it, you just unsnap it from the panel of the organic baby carrier and then use the small straps that are folded underneath to attach it to the buckles on the shoulder straps. The use of this is to help give your baby better head support when they are sleeping. It is especially beneficial if your baby is sleeping on your back. Additionally, it can make a good nursing cover.

Organic products – especially organic baby products – are quickly gaining popularity and increasing in availability. If you are a very health conscious parent that wants to go above and beyond to reduce your baby’s exposure to potentially dangerous substances, the best organic baby carrier may be a perfect fit for you! Not only is this an organic baby carrier, but it also has many other amazing features like criss-cross straps, included pocket, and built-in head rest!

4

Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Baby Carrier – Best Newborn Carrier

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This extremely unique and easy-to-use baby carrier has earned the title of best newborn carrier! It is a really nice baby carrier and really does make a perfect newborn carrier. If you are looking for something simple and trying to figure out how to wear a newborn baby, this is the best baby carrier for you!

This baby carrier wrap from K’tan can be used in an impressive 5 different positions. The included instructions will teach you how to do the kangaroo position in the K’tan carrier, how to do the hug position in the K’tan carrier, how to do the explore position in the K’tan carrier, how to do the adventure position in the K’tan carrier, and how to do the hip carry in the K’tan carrier. It is great to have these different positions to choose from, but unfortunately due to the nature of this carrier, there are no back-carry options.

Since this carrier is designed to be super easy to use, it is actually not adjustable. While it is nice that it is so simple to use, this does mean that it is a sized baby carrier. Baby K’tan has a size chart that will help you easily find out your size. The bad part about this being a sized baby carrier is that multiple people may not be able to use the same Baby K’tan carrier. For example, if you and your partner wear a different size Baby K’tan carrier, you won’t both be able to use the same one to wear your baby.

The best newborn carrier is definitely the amazing K’tan baby carrier wrap. It has a lot of benefits like its soft, snugly design. It feels and looks just like wrapping your baby but doesn’t require you to learn any complicated or difficult wrapping techniques like some baby wraps. It is even one of the most affordable baby carrier options of those we reviewed!

5

Tula Ergonomic Toddler Carrier – Best Toddler Baby Carrier

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The best toddler baby carrier title goes to Tula hands down. This incredible brand of baby carrier has taken over the market with its amazingly cute and popular designs in addition to its well-designed, easy-to-use baby carriers. Tula makes suitable infant baby carriers and newborn baby carriers, but we are focusing on the Toddler Tula because it really is the best toddler baby carrier on the market.

The best toddler baby carrier has plenty of padding to make sure that everyone is nice and comfy. This comfortable baby carrier has padding placed specifically on the shoulder straps for the comfort of the parent or other caregiver that is wearing a toddler. It also has extra padding where the toddler’s legs come out of the toddler carrier to ensure comfort for the child as well. These special comforting features make it easier to babywear comfortably for longer periods of time.

Of course, the major downfall here – if you could call it that – is that this is a carrier that will ONLY work as a toddler baby carrier. You won’t be able to use this as a newborn baby carrier or an infant baby carrier. It can only be used once your child is at least 32 inches tall. It is also, understandably, a pretty expensive baby carrier option.

The many benefits of babywearing continue well past the actual baby stage and into the toddler and preschool years. With the best toddler baby carrier, there is no need to stop wearing your little one when they outgrow your favorite baby carrier. It may cost a little more than most baby carrier options, but it is durable and has a wide range of usability that gives it a wonderful value and makes it well-worth the purchase.

6

Hip Baby Woven Baby Wrap – Best Woven Wrap  

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Woven wraps are easily the most versatile of all baby carrier options. This amazing woven wrap from Hip Baby has a surprisingly affordable price and amazing versatility.

There is only one real downside to this baby carrier choice. There is a learning curve to how to use a woven wrap. It isn’t as simple as the soft structured carriers or some of the other babywearing options out there. You will have to take the time to practice and learn how to use this wrap safely and properly. This can turn a lot of people off to wrapping, but it is completely worth it once you do learn how. In fact, most people that actually take the time to learn how to use a woven wrap, prefer it by far to any other types of baby carriers.

Woven wraps are not for everyone. There is a learning curve when it comes to figuring out how to use a woven wrap. However, it is widely agreed that it is worth it once you do learn how to use a woven wrap. This particular one, that has earned the title of best woven wrap. It is a really incredible and surprisingly affordable baby carrier option that is soft, beautiful, and convenient!

7

LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier – Most Comfortable Baby Carrier

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LILLEbaby is a BIG name in babywearing and our guide just would not be complete without a LILLEbaby carrier on it. The LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier is one of the most popular options from LILLEbaby and it has snagged the spot as the most comfortable baby carrier.

The reason that the most comfortable baby carrier is called the LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier is because of its innovative design that features a zip-down and roll-away panel. Basically, when this section of the panel is rolled up and zipped closed, this soft structured carrier will provide better insulation and therefore more warmth. However, when it is hot outside or you and your little one just need a little more breathability, you can zip the panel down. This reveals a mesh panel beneath that allows amazing breathability. This makes it a good baby carrier for summer.

There really isn’t much bad to say about this fantastic soft structured baby carrier. It even has special features like a built-in head support and the ability to make the seat of the baby carrier narrower or wider depending on if you are using it for a smaller or larger baby/toddler. Because of the narrow seat option, it is a great newborn baby carrier and thanks to the wide seat option, it can be a good carrier for a toddler, too.

The really neat thing is that it can accommodate babies from 7 pounds and up even with a baby carrier infant insert. If you had to say something bad about this carrier, it would be that it isn’t the cheapest baby carrier. However, it also isn’t the priciest option. With all the amazing features, the value is so incredible even at the somewhat higher price.

This LILLEbaby carrier is an amazing option for anyone out there. It can be an especially good baby carrier for people with back problems. This great soft structured carrier will take you from wearing your newborn all the way up into the toddler and even preschool years thanks to its impressive weight range of 7 to 45 pounds. It is highly adjustable and super comfortable. Even though it comes at a fairly high price, it is still affordable considering the versatility and value of it.

8

Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling – Best Baby Sling Carrier

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This is the second Hip Baby carrier on to earn a spot on our baby carrier guide. Hip Baby is a wonderful budget baby carrier brand. They make high-quality baby carriers, but all of their baby carriers are very affordable, too. This Hip Baby carrier is the best baby sling carrier. It is a ring sling baby carrier, which is another popular choice when it comes to the different types of baby carriers.

The best baby sling carrier feels and looks a lot like a baby carrier wrap but is much quicker to use and there are no complicated carries that you will need to know like when you learn how to use a woven wrap.

While there are a lot of great benefits to the best baby sling carrier, it does not have anywhere near the amount of support or comfort as the most comfortable baby carrier fromLILLEbaby. All of the weight will only be going on one shoulder when you use a sling carrier. This means that you probably won’t be able to use it for longer periods of time comfortably.

If you want a really easy baby carrier or a really pretty baby carrier, the best baby sling carrier is the way to go. It does only put the weight of your baby on one shoulder, but it is very affordable and looks great. It is an easy way to wear your baby and is a must-have item for sure!

9

Luvdbaby Premium Baby Backpack Carrier – Best Hiking Baby Carrier

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This super awesome baby backpack carrier is the best hiking baby carrier out there. This incredible baby backpack carrier has so many cool features and amazing benefits that all work together wonderfully to create the very best hiking baby carrier imaginable.

One really cool thing about the best hiking carrier is that it has an integrated sun shade. It is a large covering that goes over your baby’s head similar to a sun shade on a baby stroller. It really helps to reduce the sun and wind exposure to your baby without taking away from their ability to see clearly around them.

This is a baby carrier with a very specific purpose. You wouldn’t use this baby backpack carrier on a daily basis, around the house, or even just to go on a short walk in the neighborhood. Its lack of versatility can be considered a con, but if you love hiking or spend a lot of time outdoors, this may be a great baby carrier option since it is the best hiking baby carrier.

This won’t be the best baby carrier for everyone, but it is definitely the best hiking baby carrier. It is perfect if you like to go out into the great outdoors regularly and you are into hiking. It allows you to bring your little one along for a great adventure!

10

Infantino Sash Mei Tai Baby Carrier – Best Affordable Baby Carrierr

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For the best affordable baby carrier on the market, check out the awesome mei tai baby carrier from Infantino. This is their Sash Mei Tai Baby Carrier. You can think of a mei tai baby carrier as kind of a combination between a baby carrier wrap and a soft structured baby carrier.

Extra-wide padded straps and extra padding where your baby’s legs go help to ensure maximum comfort. Sash-style straps are super easy to use and give a really great, customized fit every time.

Since this is a primarily black carrier, some people find it not to be a good summer baby carrier. The color black tends to absorb heat, so it does get hot a little faster than most other baby carrier options.

Babywearing has some really amazing benefits, but baby carriers can be really expensive a lot of the time. Fortunately, thanks to wonderful options like the best affordable baby carrier, it is possible for anyone to wear their baby and reap the benefits of babywearing. This awesome mei tai carrier is the perfect way to round off the best baby carrier guide!

Best Baby Carrier Buying Guide

When deciding which baby carrier to buy, you don’t want to just jump on the first baby carrier you see. There are vastly different options when it comes to the many different types of baby carriers. You want to make sure that you are choosing a good carrier option for you and your baby. To make things a little easier on you, we have put together this baby carrier buying guide to help you choose your own perfect baby carrier.

Baby carriers go a long way in curtailing the young parents’ dilemma, especially the mother’s in such circumstances. With the baby carrier you can bundle the baby on to your back or on your side and get down to serious work while also attending to the baby simultaneously. There are many types of baby carriers available in the market and you can pick the best baby carrier suitable for you. To make your understanding of baby carriers clear, here’s information of few baby carriers.

1

Baby sling Carrier

First, there’s the traditional baby sling carriers that’s the most popular variety you will see lots of parents using. In it, the sling comprises a length of cloth whose ends are wound around rings and worn across the shoulders. The area of cloth in between the rings creates a kind of a pouch in which the baby can be carried on the front, hip or back.

The best thing about such baby sling carriers is that it can carry even a newborn in it. Only slight adjustment is required to get the baby in and out of it. It is also ideal for breastfeeding an infant.

2

Baby Wrap Carrier

Then there’s the baby wrap carrier. These are lengths of woven or stretch cloth, which envelope both the baby and its parent and then tie. Parents opine that baby wraps provide maximum comfort to the baby.

The fabric of those baby wrap is usually soft, lightweight and breathable cotton. The Wrap can easily be worn during summers also and can easily accommodate a diaper bag. This type of soft baby carrier often comes with a booklet providing wearing instructions.

3

The Mei Tai Baby Carrier

The Mei Tai Baby Carrier is an incredible soft carrier suited for both infants and toddlers. The design of this soft child carrier is inspired by the Asian mode of baby-carrying and offers great flexibility. It can be modified for carrying newborns as well as toddlers with equal ease. Learning to wear it may initially seem a little daunting to parents, but you will eventually discover once you begin using it that it’s really not all that tricky.

4

Soft Structured Carrier (SSC)

The design of Soft structured carrier is based on “Mei Tai”, and added thick waist and padded shoulder straps connected to the main body. The SSC is easy to fasten the buckle or straps and easily adjust waistband around your body until comfortable.

These carriers are usually designed as inward-facing, which offer the closest posture and more security. Most of Soft Structured Carriers offer a friends hood that usually made from cotton, provides protection from the bad weather for the baby, specifically when sleeping.

5

Baby Backpacks Carrier

Baby backpacks are the favorite baby carrier among many dads. Being sturdy and soft, such baby carriers can be used to carry toddlers also. These are generally fitted with more padding and snaps in comparison to other models. There are also external frame installed in some for easy carriage of the kid. With baby backpack carrier, you can opt to wear your baby both in front or on the back.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Baby Carrier

As with all purchasing decisions, there are things that must be considered before you make a decision on what baby carrier is best. Since there are so many differences between the different types of baby carriers, you will want to carefully consider a few specific things.

First off, you will want to choose a baby carrier that your baby will fit safely in. How to choose a baby carrier will have a lot to do with your baby’s size and age. Pay attention to the guidelines from the manufacturer of the baby carriers you are considering. Most carriers have weight guidelines such as 12-35 pounds.

Some baby carriers have baby carrier infant insert available for purchase. These allow you to wear a smaller baby by making your baby carrier a newborn baby carrier. Some baby carriers have other important guidelines to follow such as only allowing babies with good head control or that are of or above a certain height.

Different baby carriers can be worn in different ways. The most common type of baby carrier is a baby front carrier. This is a type of baby carrier that allows you to wear your baby on your chest. Some baby carries allow you to wear baby facing out, while some only allow for your baby to face you.

Some baby carriers are also (or only) baby back carriers meaning that you wear your baby on your back almost like a baby backpack. Rarely, you will find a carrier that only allows for back carries. Hip carries are another way that you may be able to wear your baby in certain carriers. Consider how important it is for you to wear your baby in certain ways to help you figure out how to choose a baby carrier.

Another thing that can vary a good bit with the different types of baby carriers is the comfort level. Different types of baby carriers have different comfort features. Different baby carriers also distribute your baby’s weight in different parts of your body and in different ways.

This is an important consideration as only you know your own body and how it reacts to things. Especially look into the comfort features of a baby carrier if you are planning to babywear for long stretches of time, on a daily basis, or if you have some type of back or other body problems.

This is a big one when it comes to how to choose a baby carrier. Some types of baby carriers are much more convenient than others. If you want a carrier that you can just instantly throw on, you won’t want a woven wrap or a stretchy wrap as these carriers will take a little longer to put on. Of course, there are other important aspects of wraps that make them worthwhile. That is why it is up to you to decide what the most important baby carrier features are for yourself and your family.

Baby Carrier FAQ

Absolutely! Most parents that have given babywearing a shot agree that it is extremely beneficial and well-worth it. Babywearing has been shown to have many different benefits to babies and those that wear them. It can make a huge difference in how much you are able to get around and do when you have a baby to care for.

Yes, baby carriers are definitely safe for babies as long as you use them as directed. Always follow safety instructions for your specific type of baby carrier. Some good rules of thumb to follow when wearing your baby in any type of baby carrier are to make sure their airway is clear, you aren’t cutting off circulation anywhere (such as to their legs or feet), and that they are snug against your body. As long as you follow the instructions properly for your baby carrier, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about regarding the safety of baby carriers.

It is common for people to worry about the safety of baby carriers for newborns specifically. Fortunately, there are many newborn baby carriers that are designed to be safe for newborn babies specifically. Just make sure that you know the weight recommendations as well as any other safety specifications for your specific carrier and always follow them.

There used to be a big concern about baby carriers negatively impacting a baby’s development and causing hip dysplasia. It is important to note that this has never been a concern with ergonomic baby carriers or ergonomic carries in baby carriers. The concern came from carriers that allow baby’s feet legs to dangle or hang down rather than being supported by a seat. Studies now reveal that even these types of carries and carriers do not increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Although, they may not be comfortable for baby when being worn for longer stretches of time.

Another common concern about the way baby carriers may impact development is that they could cause bow legs. This is a myth and there is no reason to worry about this when using a baby carrier. This is especially true if you are following guidelines of your baby carrier.

Technically, baby carriers are not necessary. You can definitely survive and care for your baby without one. However, baby carriers are so incredibly beneficial that most baby-wearers would disagree and insist that they are a must-have baby product. They have so many benefits for both you and your baby. Baby carriers allow you so much more freedom and reduced stress when caring for a baby. So, you don’t NEED a baby carrier, but you definitely are going to want one. They are one of the most worthwhile purchases you can make when it comes to baby products.

Final Words

All in all, babywearing and baby carriers are extremely beneficial. Wearing your baby can greatly reduce stress for both you and your baby. It can help you to be more productive and feel better and has even been shown to significantly reduce the amount of time that a baby spends crying.

With so many benefits, baby carriers are becoming a must-have item in the lives of modern parents. This means that it is definitely worthwhile to find the best baby carrier for you and your baby. We hope that our list of the top ten baby carriers with baby carrier reviews and our baby carrier buying guide have helped you figure out how to choose a baby carrier that will meet all of your needs and desires!