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Manage a Fussy Baby With the Best Newborn Carriers
Having a newborn is tiring. You have to carry them around all day, which hinders your ability to do day-to-day tasks. And not to mention the back pain that comes with carrying a child in your arms.
Therefore, for many parents, a newborn carrier is a vital solution to their baby-carrying problem. This simple carrier allows parents to not only have their baby sleeping right next to them as they do their chores, but also lets them easily carry the baby through crowded places.
A newborn carrier is sure to make life much easier for you and will give you a chance to give your hands a rest, too. But choosing the right newborn carrier for your baby can be daunting. So, we’ve listed the top newborn carriers in 2023 to help you in your parenting endeavors.
Buying Guide: Newborn Carriers
Buying a newborn carrier can be highly beneficial; it removes the burden of always having your hands occupied while keeping your baby close. But before you buy an infant carrier, there are several essential 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, it is essential to get a newborn carrier that supports the healthy growth of your baby. An ergonomically-designed huggy should be your first choice 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
A newborn carrier should be comfortable for both you and your baby. 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 you perfectly so you can carry the baby quickly and safely.
For your baby, the newborn carrier should support their head and neck, especially if they are an infant who doesn’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; from vomiting to diaper leaking, a baby has many ways to make their carrier dirty. Hence, you should always choose a machine washable newborn carrier for your baby. This feature will ensure you can quickly wash and dry the carrier and prepare it for use the next day. A tag on the newborn carrier will let you know if it’s safe for use in the machine. Usually, most cotton and spandex newborn carriers are machine washable.
Versatility
It is better to get a carrier that grows with your baby instead of buying a new carrier every time your baby outgrows the previous one. An adjustable newborn carrier will quickly let you carry your baby 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.
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. It features a simple design with an adjustable shoulder strap, which is quick to wear 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 are 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, from allowing you to use it as a sling wrap for an 8-pound newborn or turning it into a seat carrier for a 35-pound baby.
This newborn carrier hosts a simple design; you can wear it quickly, 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. The design also allows you to breastfeed your baby in the carrier, making it all the more practical. It 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.
Pros
- Caters to five different baby-carrying positions
- Allows for breastfeeding
- Double-loop design and one-way stretch ensure safety
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.
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.
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.
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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Last 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.
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.
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 terrible 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 get 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.
