The Best Baby Carriers

A baby rests inside the Boba Bliss Baby Carrier — Parents

Baby carriers are what we reach for when our babies never want to stop snuggling or we’re heading out sans stroller. They can be lifesavers for travel, around the house, or anytime we need two free hands. Baby carriers also help with bonding by enabling us to hold our babies close to our bodies.

Carriers come in a wide range of styles, including wraps, slings, backpacks, convertibles, and hybrids. Pediatrician Meghan Schlitt, M.D., FAAP, says caregivers should shop with both comfort and safety in mind when choosing a baby carrier. Pediatrician Tomomi Hayashi, M.D., says to consider your intended length of use, ease of solo use, breathability, and ease of cleaning. The child’s age and weight and your preferred carry style and budget should also be taken into account.

To find the best baby carriers, we tested over 30 popular options in the real world with real babies. We wore them everywhere, from around the house to intense hikes and everything in between. We used each carrier for about two months. This helped us assess whether the carriers could grow with our child and how they handled different-sized babies. We evaluated each carrier’s ease of use, comfort, materials, and ease of care. The picks included in this article all passed our test.

Types of Baby Carriers

Many types of carriers are available, and you may find you want more than one for your varying needs or as your child grows, such as a wrap for the newborn phase and a back carrier for toddlerhood. Or you may want a streamlined carrier to keep in your stroller or car trunk as well as a more structured carrier for use at home and around the neighborhood. Before making your purchase, familiarize yourself with what’s out there.

Wrap or Sling: Made with little or no structure, wraps are usually a piece of fabric that wraps around you and your baby and then tied or pulled through a loop.
Front carrier: These can only be used in a front carry, typically with the baby facing inward or outward.
Convertible: Structured carriers that can move from front to back and sometimes also hip carry positions.
Frame or Backpack: Made for hiking, these can only be used on the back and are often heavy.
Hybrid: Baby carriers that combine the features of more than one type of carrier.

Our Favorite Baby Carriers

Best Overall: Boba Classic Carrier
Best for Newborns: BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini
Best for Warm Weather (Toddlers): Lillebaby CarryOn AirFlow
Best for Warm Weather (Newborns): Ergobaby Embrace Mesh Newborn Carrier
Best for Cool Weather: Ergobaby Omni Dream
Best Wrap: Moby Wrap Baby Carrier
Best Sling: Wildbird Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Best Support: Colugo The Baby Carrier
Best Material: BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Harmony
Best for All-Day Use: BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

How to Use Baby Carriers Safely

When it comes to baby carriers, safety should always be a top concern. Follow these tips and guidelines:

Breathing: Always ensure your baby’s head and neck are positioned safely, especially in sling-style carriers. “The baby should be positioned upright and their mouth and nose should not be blocked by fabric,” says Dr. Schlitt. She notes that baby carriers should not be used with infants who were born prematurely or have respiratory problems because “they are at higher risk for being positioned improperly and at risk for suffocation.”
Body and Hip Position: To promote proper hip development and prevent hip dysplasia, the baby’s legs should be positioned in an “M” shape with their knees bent and higher than their hips, especially before 6 months of age. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has diagrams of hip-healthy holds. According to Dr. Schlitt, carriers should support the baby’s back, and any leg holes should be small enough that the baby can’t slip through.
Secure Hold: Find a carrier that feels secure, with sturdy material that doesn’t loosen or lose its shape while you’re wearing it. This prevents slumping and unsafe positioning of your baby.

Best Overall

Boba Classic Carrier

PHOTO: Amazon

$90 at Amazon View on Babylist.com

Why We Like It

From its minimalist 100% cotton canvas design to its smooth, structured waistband and soft yet sturdy shoulder straps, we found a lot to love about this baby carrier. The pleated fabric held baby's bottom high up and in an “M”-shape with very little adjustment required. We appreciated that there were very few things to adjust (and therefore fewer ways to get it wrong).

We loved that the waist buckle clicks solidly into place and the tails of the straps can be tidied away in the built-in elastic loops. The detachable hood, snap-in-and-out infant insert cushion, zipper pouches, phone pocket, and purse strap demonstrate the level of detail that elevated this carrier above the rest.

What Parents Say

“The Boba Classic has become the house favorite in our collection of full-coverage fabric carriers. Both my partner and I favor its minimalist fabric design—it looks more like fashion than athletic gear.” –Emily, mother of an 8-month-old

But Take Note

The densely woven cotton canvas is not super breathable, so this carrier may not be ideal at the height of summer or in hot climates.

The Details:

Type: Convertible
Weight range: 7–45 pounds
Positions: Newborn, front and back inward carry
Material: 100% cotton
Care: Machine washable

PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents

Best Value

Momcozy Baby Carrier

PHOTO: Momcozy

$70 $60 at Amazon View on Momcozy.com

Why We Like It

Super intuitive to set up and adjust to a personalized fit, this carrier made solo outings a breeze. The simple three-strap system allowed for easy adjustment on the fly. The built-in EVA waist panel delivered excellent lumbar support—minimizing strain on our backs. The thickly padded waist and shoulder straps provided extra comfort, so we could wear this carrier for longer excursions. To get all this at well below the median price makes it an exceptional value.

We loved that the padded leg openings and foldable neck support kept babies comfy and supported while sleeping or just enjoying being out in the world. The lightweight 100% cotton fabric is packable and breathable, plus it’s machine washable and easy to spot clean. With several patterns and colors to choose from, this carrier also checks the style box.

What Parents Say

“I was looking for a new carrier for my ever-growing child that wouldn't break the bank, looked stylish, and provide comfort for myself and my child. This carrier does it all.” –Laura, mother of a 7-month-old

But Take Note

With very few bells or whistles, this is a budget carrier, which is reflected in the price. We found it very hard to fault during testing, however.

The Details:

Type: Convertible
Weight range: 7–44 pounds
Positions: Not listed
Material: 100% cotton
Care: Machine washable

PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents

Best for Newborns

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini

PHOTO: Target

$110 at Amazon $110 at Target $100 at Walmart

Why We Like It

While wearing this BabyBjorn carrier around the house and on walks to the park, we found it easy to nestle baby into a snug position with plenty of support for their hips. Even after wearing the product for five-plus hours, we experienced no soreness or strain on our backs. The lightweight jersey fabric felt soft against our skin, and never too hot for bubs. And the padded straps were easy to adjust for the right fit.

Following a simple setup, we could confidently secure our baby into the carrier safely without assistance. We love that it’s machine washable and we don’t have to worry about getting it wet on outdoor adventures. All in all, we found this carrier a simple, supportive option for smaller infants.

What Parents Say

“My infant absolutely LOVED the carrier. She loved to be close to her mama! The product had enough support and had support for her hips.” –Jaclyn, mother for a 6-week-old

But Take Note

This carrier only accommodates infants up to 24 pounds, or 21–30 inches. So while it’s perfect for newborns, you’ll need a different carrier for larger babies and toddlers.

The Details:

Type: Infants only
Weight range: 7–24 pounds
Positions: Front inward and outward-facing
Material: Polyester/cotton blend
Care: Machine washable

PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents

Best for Toddlers

Lillebaby CarryOn Airflow

PHOTO: Target

$120 $84 at Amazon $110 at Target View on Lillebaby.com

Why We Like It

With the initial setup completed in under a minute, the Lillebaby Carryon Airflow is so intuitively adjustable we could successfully transfer a napping baby into a crib without waking them. While carrying a larger baby (30 pounds) for extended periods of wear, this carrier kept them comfortable and secure, and our bodies felt fine, with no pressure points or soreness.

The soft, lightweight fabric didn’t trap heat, even on long walks during hot days. We loved that we could loosen the shoulder straps for nursing or to give baby a little more wiggle room. The mesh hood is a useful addition for reducing stimulation. The generously sized pocket is a nice touch, allowing us to go bag-free on short outings. It’s rated for toddlers up to 60 pounds and has three carry modes, so it will remain useful for a long time.

What Parents Say

“I look for longevity in regards to size (my son is quite large for his age) and flexibility in different wearable modes. This product met all those needs.” –Phoebe, mother of a 6-month-old

But Take Note

This toddler carrier is recommended for children between 25 and 60 pounds, so it’s not a carrier for newborns or smaller infants.

The Details:

Type: Convertible
Weight range: 25–60 pounds
Positions: Front inward facing, back and hip carry
Material: Polyester/cotton blend
Care: Machine washable

Best Wrap

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

PHOTO: Amazon

$40 $32 at Amazon $32 at Target View on Boba.com

Why We Like It

For an unstructured carrier, this wrap made it surprisingly simple to get baby’s hips in the “M” position, and gently secure their heads to our chests. We loved how the soft, stretchy fabric contoured to our bodies for comfort. As long as we ensured the wrap was tied tightly, we didn’t experience any soreness after use.

If you’re new to wraps, the step-by-step instructions take a few minutes to figure out, but we found it gets easier over time. Though we’re not sure how this inward-facing wrap will perform once our baby becomes more alert, we loved this wrap’s cradling comfort for contact naps around the house and short walks outdoors.

What Parents Say

“Jack loves being in the carrier! He's all about contact napping right now, so he loves being snuggled up against me and I love that I can walk about comfortably with my hands free.” –Victoria, mother of a 6-week-old

But Take Note

Because you need to wrap the fabric around your body multiple times, this wrap is not the best for extended use on warmer days. Also, the end of the wrap can flop onto the ground while you’re fitting it, which can be a problem outdoors.

The Details:

Type: Wrap
Weight range: 7–35 pounds
Positions: Front inward facing
Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Care: Machine washable

PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents

Best Hip Seat

Momcozy Hip Seat Baby Carrier

PHOTO: Amazon

$56 $50 at Amazon

Why We Like It

With thick padding for comfortable carrying, this hip seat proved an excellent option for a growing toddler who was sick of structured carriers. The Velcro strap and buckle were easy to fit and use (even above a baby bump!), and you can adjust it to different adult body shapes in a matter of seconds. It comes in two sizes (for 27–45 inch waists or 40–55 inch waists), so it’s a versatile option for people with larger frames.

To use the hip seat, you simply buckle it in place and lift your toddler onto it. While you must continue holding the child with your arm, the seat lightens the load of having a larger toddler cuddled close without being locked in place—a win-win for parent and child. The front zippered pocket is incredibly useful for diapers, wipes, and snacks, and the side pockets for your phone and keys. It even has a bottle holder.

What Parents Say

“It is really amazing how much lighter the load feels when she is in the hip carrier. I will definitely use it with my next baby a lot sooner.” –Nicole, mother of a 19-month-old

But Take Note

Though the manufacturer says this carrier is suitable for newborns, we wouldn’t feel confident using this with a child who can’t support their head. We also would not recommend this carrier for long periods of use.

The Details:

Type: Hip seat
Weight range: Newborn to 45 pounds
Positions: Front or side carry
Material: Polyester
Care: Machine washable

PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents
PHOTO: Parents

Other Top-Rated Baby Carriers

Colugo The Baby Carrier

$99 at Amazon $80 at Target View on Pottery Barn Kids

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Harmony

$236 at Amazon $180 at Target View on Babybjorn.com

Ergobaby Away Baby Carrier

View on Ergobaby.com

Tula Explore Baby Carrier

$199 at Amazon View on Babytula.com View on Babylist.com

Other Notable Baby Carriers

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One

$200 at Amazon $200 at Walmart View on Babybjorn.com

Ergobaby Omni Dream Carrier

$200 at Amazon $119 at Target View on Ergobaby.com

Stokke Limas Carrier

$159 at Amazon $169 at Nordstrom View on Stokke.com

Nuna Cudl Clik

$250 at Nordstrom View on Pottery Barn Kids View on Nunababy.com

Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier

$50 at Amazon View on Boppy.com View on Babylist.com

Lillebaby Elevate 6-in-1 Carrier

$170 at Amazon $170 at Target View on Lillebaby.com

Graco Cradle Me Lite 3-in-1 Baby Carrier

$120 at Amazon $120 at Kohls.com View on Babylist.com

Beco Gemini Baby Carrier

$80 at Amazon View on Becobabycarrier.com View on Albeebaby.com

Ergobaby Embrace Newborn Carrier

$99 $67 at Amazon $100 at Target View on Ergobaby.com

Graco Premier Cradle Me Air 4-in-1 Baby Carrier

$140 at Amazon $115 at Walmart View on Gracobaby.com

Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier

Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Coast Mesh Baby Carrier

$179 at Amazon View on Babytula.com

Beco Toddler Carrier

$100 at Amazon View on Becobabycarrier.com

Boba X Baby Carrier

$150 at Amazon $150 at Target View on Boba.com

Momcozy Baby Wrap Carrier

$37 at Amazon $34 at Target $33 at Walmart

WildBird Linen Baby Sling

$58 at Amazon $70 at Target View on Wildbird.co

Baby K'tan Original Baby Carrier

$60 at Amazon $60 at Walmart View on Babyktan.com

Boba Bliss Baby Carrier

$53 at Amazon $53 at Target View on Boba.com

Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap

$60 $43 at Amazon $50 $35 at Target View on Ergobaby.com

Our Testing Process

To determine the best baby carriers across a range of categories, we tested over 30 carriers in the real world with real babies for at least two months. Each parent was matched with a suitable carrier for their baby’s weight and age. We set up our test methodology under the guidance of Tomomi Hayashi, M.D., a pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children's Health. We then measured the performance of the carriers based on the following criteria:

Ease of Use: Following the manufacturer's instructions, our testers first tried their designated carrier sans child to get a feel for it. We then recorded how long it took to set up with our child, how easy it was to follow the instructions, whether we needed help getting the carrier on and off, how easy it was to adjust while carrying a baby, and whether our baby’s hips were in the recommended “M” position.
Comfort: Our testers took notes of the comfort levels of both parent and baby while wearing the carrier. For convertible carriers, we also measured the ease of switching to different carry positions, their comfort level in each position, and whether the child seemed happier or more comfortable in any specific position.
Durability and Care: Testers cleaned their designated carrier at least once and spot-cleaned as needed, recording the ease of cleaning. They also noted how frequently it needed to be cleaned, any signs of wear or tear, and whether it retained stains.

Our Experts

Before and during testing, we called on the expertise of the following professionals to learn more about what to look for when shopping for baby carriers and how to use carriers safely:

Meghan Schlitt, M.D., FAAP, pediatrician at Nuheights Pediatrics in New Jersey
Tomomi Hayashi, M.D., pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children's Health in California

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Baby Carriers

There’s a wide range of carriers available for babies, and you may even find you want more than one for your varying needs as your child grows. Before making your purchase, be sure to consider the following factors:

Age and Weight Limits: Manufacturers’ age and weight limits are important for ensuring safety and comfort. “Always follow the directions and adhere to the weight specifications of the carrier model,” Dr. Schlitt says. Weight limits are more precise than age limits. If you have any questions about carrier safety, ask your healthcare provider. Bringing your carrier to an appointment is a smart way to get a quick safety evaluation.
Material and Care: A carrier will inevitably end up with various bodily fluids on it, so you may want to choose a carrier that can easily be machine-washed.
Comfort: Dr. Schlitt’s favorite baby carrier is “any carrier that supports the baby properly and is comfortable for the wearer.” The only way to tell which carrier is the most comfortable is to try it on with your baby, so look for retailers with a good return policy. You may have to try a few different carriers to find the one that’s best for you and your baby.

Are Baby Carriers Safe?

When used correctly while adhering to age and weight guidelines, carriers are safe. Dr. Schlitt cautions against “swaddle-type carriers" that constrict the infant’s legs too tightly, because those are thought to increase the risk of hip dysplasia. When using a sling carrier, ensure your baby’s chin is away from its chest so their airway doesn’t become obstructed.

The BabyBjorn One carrier on an orange couch — Parents

When Can a Baby Face Outward in a Carrier?

“A baby can outward face in a carrier once they’re able to support their own head and have demonstrated that they have good muscle control of their trunk,” Dr. Schlitt says. “Make sure the baby’s hips are placed in the ‘M’ hip-healthy position. The baby can enjoy all the sights around them.” When outward-facing, Dr. Schlitt cautions that babies should not sleep since “their head will droop, and the chin may be positioned too close to the chest.”

Which Baby Carrier Is Safest for My Back?

Safety is a concern for caregivers, too. “The baby should be positioned as high as possible to reduce the strain on the lower back. Make sure any straps are adequately tightened,” says Dr. Schlitt. “When using a baby carrier, the wearer should bend at the knees instead of the waist if picking something up.” This will lessen the risk of injury to your back and reduce the chance of your baby falling out.

Who We Are

Samson McDougall is a writer for Parents. He's also a journalist, copywriter, editor, biology graduate, and father of two. His work encompasses everything from web copy for science museums to sexual health articles for universities, info sheets for first-in-category pharmaceuticals to brand messaging for wearable touch therapy by neuroscientists. He misses his baby-carrier beach-walk days.

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Sources

Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs, and Slings. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2021.

In This Article

Best Overall

Boba Classic Carrier

Best Value

Momcozy Baby Carrier

Best for Newborns

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini

Best for Toddlers

Lillebaby CarryOn Airflow

Best Wrap

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Best Hip Seat

Momcozy Hip Seat Baby Carrier

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The Best Baby Carriers We Tested for Cuddling Up While Keeping Our Hands Free

In This Article

Types of Baby Carriers

Our Favorite Baby Carriers

How to Use Baby Carriers Safely

Best Overall

Boba Classic Carrier

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Best Value

Momcozy Baby Carrier

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Best for Newborns

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Best for Toddlers

Lillebaby CarryOn Airflow

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Best Wrap

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Best Hip Seat

Momcozy Hip Seat Baby Carrier

Why We Like It

What Parents Say

But Take Note

Other Top-Rated Baby Carriers

Other Notable Baby Carriers

Our Testing Process

Our Experts

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Baby Carriers

Are Baby Carriers Safe?

When Can a Baby Face Outward in a Carrier?

Which Baby Carrier Is Safest for My Back?

Who We Are

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