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The Best Newborn Carriers to Manage a Fussy Baby
We all know it: having a newborn is tiring. Watching them all day, you struggle to complete all your day-to-day tasks. And not to mention the back pain that comes with carrying a child all day. A newborn carrier can be a vital solution to save your schedule and your back. A simple carrier allows you to complete your chores or go through crowded grocery stores while your baby sleeps peacefully snuggled against your chest. But choosing the right newborn carrier for your baby can be daunting. I know I can get overwhelmed by a simple search. Luckily, we've done the research for you. We've listed the best newborn carriers in 2023 to help you out.
Buying Guide: Newborn Carriers
Before you buy an infant carrier, there are several factors you should take into account. So, to help you out, we have made a list of everything you need to know about newborn carriers to make an informed decision.
Factors To Consider in a Newborn Carrier
Ergonomic design
Since your baby will be spending a large chunk of its time in the carrier, I highly recommend looking for a carrier that supports the healthy growth of your child. An ergonomically-designed huggy should be your first consideration in a newborn carrier as it allows the healthy development of your baby’s hip bones and spine. It also helps keep your baby in an upright position, promoting an overall good posture.
Comfortability
I’m a strong believer that a newborn carrier should be comfortable for both you and your baby. Mama’s gotta be comfortable too, right? For your convenience, it should distribute your baby’s weight evenly so that your back, shoulders, and neck aren’t strained. The carrier should also fit well so you can carry the baby easily and safely.
As for your baby, the newborn carrier should support their head and neck, especially if they don’t have much strength to control their body. The carrier’s leg holes should also be loose enough to comfortably fit your baby’s thighs, but not loose enough to let them slide through.
Machine washable
Babies can get very messy. I know we’ve all been there. From vomiting to diaper leaking, a baby has unlimited ways of dirtying your carrier. So, you should always choose a machine-washable carrier. Check the tag or product description to find out if it’s safe for use in the machine. Usually, most cotton and spandex newborn carriers are machine-washable.
Versatility
Rather than buying a new carrier every month or so, find one that grows with your baby instead. An adjustable newborn carrier will quickly let you carry your child from when they are an infant and can’t support their head until they can sit upright. A suitable infant carrier will allow for different positions as well — you should always opt for a carrier that can cater to hip, back, front, and front-facing positions.
Safety Tips
We consulted with expert mommy blogger Samantha Russell on how to use a baby carrier safely. Here’s what she has to say:
Positioning
“Positioning your baby in an upright position with their face visible and close enough to kiss is crucial. Their chin should be off their chest to maintain an open airway. Avoid covering their face with fabric or clothing.”
Support
“Newborns have limited head and neck control, so it is essential to provide adequate support. Choose a carrier that offers proper head and neck support, such as those with adjustable headrests or integrated infant inserts. Ensure that the carrier holds your baby snugly against your chest, preventing excessive movement.”
Fit
“Before using a baby carrier, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust it to fit your body and your baby’s size. A carrier that is too loose may cause your baby’s head to slump forward, potentially obstructing their airway.”
Comparing Our Favorite Newborn Carriers for 2023
Ergobaby Newborn Carrier – Best Overall
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At the top of our list is the Ergobaby Embrace Newborn Carrier. From the start you’ll notice that it’s made of premium cotton, making it incredibly lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. The knit fabric is soft and cozy for the baby and keeps them close to the parent. I like that its simple design features adjustable shoulder and waist straps, making it quick to put on and easy to understand.
This newborn carrier also has a supportive waist belt, and the shoulder straps are spreadable cross straps that ensure the baby is safe and tucked in neatly. Meanwhile, the compact, foldable nature of the carrier allows you to easily store it, even in your child’s diaper bags. Plus, it’s machine washable, making it a breeze to clean if your baby dirties it up. Overall, the supportive waist belt, cross-shoulder straps, and premium cotton material make this product the best on our list.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Cross straps and waist belt ensures security
- Foldable, compact design for easy storage
Cons
- No head support for infants
Baby K’tan Newborn Carrier – Most Versatile
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If you’re looking for a carrier that suits infancy and beyond, then the Baby K’tan Baby Wrap Carrier should be your first choice. It can cater to five different positions, such as a sling wrap for an 8-pound newborn or a seat carrier for a 35-pound baby.
This newborn carrier hosts a simple design. You can wear it easily, just like a T-shirt. Plus, it is made of 100% cotton, which ensures it is comfortable for the baby and you, even if worn for long hours. I like that the design allows you to breastfeed your baby in the carrier, making it all the more practical. It also has a double loop design and only features a one-way stretch which keeps your baby in the correct position without wobbling their head and body. The wrap’s hip placement is even “Approved Hip Healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Pros
- Allows for breastfeeding
- Head support for infant
- Healthy for your hip
Cons
- Loop can get twisted
Boba Newborn Carrier – Best Quality
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The Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, giving it the best quality in terms of fabric on the list. The spandex easily stretches and wraps your baby in a cocoon, keeping them safe and sound. This newborn carrier retains its shape and does not sag, no matter how often you adjust your baby or take them out. Plus, the material is soft and makes the carrier breathable for both the parent and the baby. I particularly like the simplicity of this carrier; it gives it a chic look.
Even better, this newborn carrier is easy to clean because you can machine wash and dry it if your child dirties it. It also has an easy-to-wear design which allows you to tie your baby in quickly and safely and breastfeed them while they are in the carrier.
Not sure how to even begin wrapping a carrier like this? Check out this video from the manufacturer:
Pros
- Spandex prevents sagging
- Soft, comfortable fabric
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Thick wrap can make babies sweat
Sleepy Wrap Newborn Carrier – Most Affordable
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If you need an affordable newborn carrier with all the features of a high-end carrier minus the price, then the Sleepy Wrap Newborn Carrier is a perfect choice. The cotton and spandex blend of the carrier makes it stretchy and allows you to make multiple positions to tie your baby in. Meanwhile, this newborn carrier’s material and wrap design also distribute your baby’s weight evenly to prevent your back from straining after the day. It’s even been deemed “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
The design also allows it to easily fit in a diaper bag while leaving space for other items, too. You can even carry it around without a hassle as the cotton and spandex mix makes it quite lightweight. This newborn carrier even allows you to nurse your baby and comfort them while in the wrap!
Pros
- Good value for money
- Evenly distributes the baby’s weight
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
Cons
- Can sag with long-term use
Momcozy Newborn Carrier – Most Comfortable
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Next on our list is the Momcozy Baby Wrap Carrier, which features a sling design that allows the babies to be upright, aiding in their development of hip bones, spine, and posture. It is also comfortable for the parent, with the breathable back design uniformly distributing the baby’s weight, avoiding pressure build-up in the back, neck, or shoulders. With the amount of support this carrier provides, I could easily see myself doing more active chores like grocery shopping or unloading the dishwasher.
This newborn carrier is 90% cotton and 10% spandex, making it soft and stretchy, allowing it to align correctly according to your baby’s size. As such, you can use it for infants and older babies too. Its material is also skin-friendly and ensures the baby and parent can breathe without feeling congested. What I like most about this product is that it can adjust to fit sizes XXS through XXL, supporting any postpartum fluctuations you may have in your body.
Pros
- Supports healthy hip and spine development
- Uniformly distributes the baby’s weight
- Can be used for older babies
Cons
- Length might be short for some parents
People Also Asked
Q: Is a forward-facing out carrier safe for a newborn?
A: The forward-facing out position should only be used for a short amount of time as the baby’s head is unsupported in this position. Also, your baby might fuss if they cannot see your face.
Q: Can I wear a baby carrier while pregnant?
A: Yes, a newborn carrier is safe to wear while you are pregnant. All you need to do is keep your comfort in mind and find a size that fits you well.
Q: Are newborn carriers harmful to the baby’s hips?
A: No, an ergonomically designed newborn carrier can actually be beneficial for the growth of your baby’s hips and spine.
Q: When can you start using a baby carrier?
A: Once babies are able to hold their heads up around 4-7 months old, they should be good to sit in a carrier. However, if you find a carrier that supports their head, you can start earlier.
Q: How long can babies be in baby carriers?
A: As long as both you and your baby are comfortable, you can hold them in a carrier as long as you like!
