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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Other Notable Baby Carriers
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.
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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.