- Reviews
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content.
Hold Your Baby Hands-Free With the Best Baby Carriers
Transitioning into parenthood means carrying your baby along wherever you go. Unfortunately, getting tasks done while keeping your baby close can be challenging. Being on a time crunch strikes strollers and buggies out of the question too. But, what if we told you there’s a way to keep your baby close without holding them? Such baby gear does exist in the form of baby carriers!
Baby carriers are a convenient kind of baby gear that allows hands-free carrying while keeping your baby snug and close to your heart. From wraps to slings and structured carriers, with so many types of carriers available, making a final decision can be challenging. Our buying guide will cover the most important things you should look out for when going baby carrier shopping, like the ease of use, versatility, materials, and much more. Let’s start with a list of the most demanded baby carriers of 2023!
Buying Guide: Baby Carriers
Things to Consider Before Buying a Baby Carrier
Fit and adjustment
The baby carrier’s design is an essential consideration factor in ensuring it comfortably fits the user. First of all, the weight must be equally balanced for ergonomic comfort for both parent and baby. We recommend buying a baby carrier after birth to ensure it is best suited to your baby’s weight. Further, the carrier must adjust along the baby’s curves and have fine-tuning straps and buckles that feel secure on closure.
Age and weight
The weight and age of the baby are the next most important selection criteria. Baby carriers in the form of slings are designed for newborns, while other structured ones are more suitable for active babies that are a bit older. All baby carriers have minimum and maximum weight limits, too, so make sure to select accordingly.
Material
Ensure that your baby’s carrier is made of high-quality, durable material. Some low-quality baby carriers, such as newborn wraps, can become unbreathable and hot for your baby. Make sure to choose a lightweight, breathable material that allows ample airflow. Generally, a polyester-cotton blend is a good choice for baby carriers.
Ease of use
Baby carriers must be easy enough to be safely put on by the wearer themself. Some models are easier than others, so practice makes perfect! Also, they ideally must be easy to wash, so baby carriers that are machine washable are best in this regard.
Comfort
The ideal baby carriers are one-size-fits-all and accommodate users of all sizes and body types. Even more, they provide ample support for the baby’s neck and head. For structured carriers, ensure your baby has enough leg room to move but not so much that they slide through.
Versatility
Most baby carriers promise to grow with your baby and accommodate them for up to 4 years. Yet many others, such as baby wraps, accommodate babies for a few months only but compensate by offering discrete nursing and postpartum recovery support.
Benefits of Baby Carriers
Mobility
Whether you’re making your way through a busy crowd or walking for leisure, baby carriers offer greater convenience without the bulky weight of strollers.
Hands-free
Running errands while keeping your baby close is possible with baby carriers. Baby carriers allow a hands-free experience so you can complete tasks easier.
Breastfeeding
Some baby carriers offer the flexibility of discrete nursing while holding the baby. They are also versatile enough to act as postpartum recovery belts and pregnancy support.
What Is/Are the Leading Baby Carriers of 2023?
Ergobaby Baby Carrier – Best Overall
1
Maximize airflow as you carry your baby hands-free with the most breathable Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier. Designed with SoftFlex Mesh, this carrier guarantees a cool and dry use for all-day wear. It also boasts the capacity to accommodate your growing baby from newborn up to 4 years.
Featuring padded shoulder straps and lumbar support, this carrier will provide the user with optimal ergonomic comfort too. It offers two-way use with its regular way and cross-shoulder straps, while its one-handed slider adjustment gives the ultimate position-changing ease. Moreover, it features all four carrying positions, inward, front-outward, and hip and back carry. Its breathability, comfort, and ergonomic support make this product the best overall baby carrier on our list.
Pros
- Accommodates all four carrying positions
- Easy slider adjustment
- Available in four colors
- Defective carriers or parts replaced for free
Cons
- A bit pricey for some
Boba Baby Carrier – Most Stretchable
2
Keep your baby close with this one-sized, no-brainer infant sling from Boba. Boba Wrap’s baby carrier will keep your baby warm and comfy in a stretchy, soft, machine-washable fabric for an easier three months of new parenthood. The sling carrier creates a custom seat for the baby while ensuring weight is equally distributed, creating ergonomic comfort for both baby and parent.
Not only is it easy to tie, but this baby carrier also provides ample concealment for breastfeeding. Made with 95% cotton and 5% spandex, this wrap allows excellent airflow and will bounce back into shape as you nurse or re-adjust the baby’s position. Lastly, five yards of French Terry will carry a baby up to 35 pounds and ensure enough space for a sweet ride close to mommy or daddy.
Pros
- Easy to tie
- Customizable one-sized seat
- Posture promotes healthy hip development
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- For babies up to 3 months only
Infantino Baby Carrier – Budget-Friendly
3
Cuddle your baby face-in and face-out with this flip 4-in-1 baby carrier from Infantino. The adjustable two-position seat comes with shoulder straps and a waist belt to allow comfortable wearing and weight balance. Meanwhile, this carrier’s face-in position features narrow and wide seat options, and it also lets you choose from face-out and back-pack seating options.
Made from high-quality material that offers maximum durability, this is the product of choice for many parents who want a versatile baby carrier. The full buckle closure gives ample safety for hands-free bonding on the go and you can easily adjust its leg openings to provide sufficient leg room for your child. Best of all, it can carry a baby from 8 to 32 pounds to accommodate both newborns and older babies.
Pros
- Features an adjustable two-position seat
- Waist belt allows a comfortable fit
- Convertible 4-in-1 design
Cons
- Less padding than other carriers
KeaBabies Baby Carrier – Best for Newborns
4
Keep your baby warm and cozy with this all-in-one stretchy baby wrap carrier from KeaBabies. This carrier’s proprietary cotton fabric tech is soft, flexible, and breathable, allowing close fitting and easy adjustment. Mimicking the womb, the sling is lightweight for easy carrying yet durable enough to provide security. Further, its ergonomic design allows even weight distribution at the back and shoulders for easy carrying.
The carrier is even medically certified by International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), meaning it’s medically certified to be hip-healthy Most of all, this carrier stands out from others because it’s flexible enough to be converted into a postpartum recovery wrap, pregnancy support band, and even a nursing cover. It even grows along with your baby, too!
Pros
- Proprietary cotton woven-tech fabric material
- Certified hip-healthy product
- Flexible fabric accommodates growth
Cons
- Slightly difficult to tie
Acrabros Baby Carrier – Gender-Neutral Option
5
Run errands with your baby in this premium baby wrap carrier from Acrabros. This baby carrier offers 10 different color options while striking the perfect balance between style, comfort, and support. The blend of rayon and polyester provides its users easy airflow, a softer feel, and breathability. Furthermore, it features easy wrapping around the back, ensuring comfortable inward-facing baby wear.
The sling also features double knitting for added strength and supplementary posture stability for the baby. Meanwhile, the stretchy fabric makes it the perfect one-size-fits-all tool for babies of varying sizes. This baby carrier can also be adjusted to reduce postpartum belly and is versatile enough to be used as a nursing cover as well.
Pros
- Supports safe hip development
- Gender-neutral design
- Customized fit through simple tying
Cons
- Inward-facing wear only
People Also Asked
Q: Which is the better baby carrier: wraps or carriers?
A: Baby carriers are chosen according to personal preference, comfort level, and the age and size of the baby. Wraps are trickier to put on but offer a snug, close hold that is ideal for newborns. Carriers are sturdier in build but are better for active and older babies.
Q: How long can I carry my baby in a baby carrier?
A: On average, a standard baby carrier can last you up to two years. Many other models offer support for the first few months, yet larger ones can carry a baby of up to 4 years old.
Q: Are there any disadvantages of baby carriers?
A: Baby carriers aren’t dangerous in themselves, but carrying babies for longer intervals can be uncomfortable. They may also strain the back of the parents carrying them.
Q: Will my baby’s legs hurt in a baby carrier?
A: Baby carriers may cause hip dislocation and even hip dysplasia if the baby is positioned incorrectly.
