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Whether you want to lull your little one to sleep, log some steps, or travel with your baby, a good baby carrier is a must. “I have always been a big advocate of baby-wearing, encouraging young infants to be carried as much as possible,” says board-certified pediatrician Dr. David Berger, founder of health education company Dr. David, MD and family practice Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care. “Being close to a parent’s chest provides both warmth and the familiarity of a heartbeat, which was the rhythm the baby heard prior to being born. It also allows the person wearing the baby to be hands-free, allowing other tasks to be performed.” There’s a lot to consider when shopping for a baby carrier. Here, I consulted the experts to develop this list of the best ones.
Director of Operations of Fourth Trimester Postnatal Retreat Katie Billingsley recommends this carrier for those looking for a well-priced option. Affordable and adorable, this carrier is ideal for those on a budget. It offers four ways to carry, including facing-in (folded), facing-in (extended), facing out, and backpack, and can be used until your child is three and a half years old. You can use the folded seat position and padded head support to ergonomically hold small infants from knee to knee. Then, switch to the extended position to continue to provide a wide, ergonomic seat as your child grows. This carrier includes the handy Wonder Cover bib to protect your clothing and carrier. I’ve personally tested this carrier out and was impressed by its level of comfort despite its wallet-friendly price.
Ideal for trips long and short, this cute carrier comes in a variety of adorable prints; I’m especially enamored with the star-spangled one. Billingsley likes that the Baby Tula Lite Compact Carrier even includes a waistband hip pouch for on-the-go convenience. It’s about efficiency, including only the features you need for a comfortable, ergonomic carrier.
Parents in warmer climates who need a breathable carrier, and families who travel frequently and want an easy-to-pack option will love this simpler, lightweight carrier.
Being a parent doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite activities. This backpack, while expensive, lets you explore together with your little one. It’s a comfy and versatile carrier made to withstand even the most intense hikes. Embrace adventures big and small, carrying your little one (aged six months to two years) close while keeping your hands free to explore the world together.
If you’re toting twins around, your carrier needs to be extra supportive, sturdy, and durable. This one from TwinGo is an Overall Best Pick for Amazon and boasts 4.5 stars. It’s adjustable and versatile, just like parents of twins need to be at any moment. One adult can wear two babies in the tandem position or divide the TwinGo into two individual carriers for two adults to wear one baby each (front or back positions). It works for twins and children of different sizes.
Material: Breathable mesh and 100% cotton fabric
Carry modes:
As one carrier:
Separates into two individual carriers:
Waistband range: 26 inches to 100 inches
Carrier weight: 3.76 pounds
Child age: N/A
Child weight: 10 - 45 pounds
Available positions for babies: As listed above under Carry modes
Color: Cool Gray, Black/Orange/Blue, Modern Teal
FAA certified: No
Price on publish: $229.99
Finding the best baby carrier for petite moms involves prioritizing comfort and adjustability. This one from Happy Baby was highly recommended by moms 5 foot 2 inches and under, thanks to its adjustable waistband.
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete All-Seasons is renowned for its padded lumbar support, adjustable straps, and breathable mesh for hot climates. The design allows you to comfortably carry a child up to 45 pounds, and it also earned the approval from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a hip-healthy carrier. The color options are also a little more stylish than the usual black or gray options.
I personally tested the Tula Explore Mesh Baby Carrier and was impressed by its stylish profile and comfort. It’s versatile enough to adapt to a growing child and provides three carrying positions (front-facing in, front-facing out, and back carry) for a range of ages and development.
“While some of their structured carriers are certainly not wallet friendly, Tula and Ergobaby are both well-known and well-loved brands with a variety of options,” Billingsley says. These are very commonly found for low prices on reseller marketplaces, she notes. I tested this one out on my newborn and found it to be comfortable and breathable while still being super snuggly for my little one.
For babies who are calmed by long walks, this carrier is ideal. The mesh fabric keeps them cool no matter the climate where you live, plus it’s a comfortable and ergonomic carrier for the parent when they’re logging lots of steps. And if you’re getting back to running, take a look at our guide on jogger strollers.
“Since it was invented, I have been a big fan of the Baby K’tan due to its versatile comfort in wearing, and that there are organic cotton options,” Dr. Berger says. “The inventor created this because she had a baby with Down Syndrome and she could not find a baby carrier that offered her baby enough back and neck support.” Most babies with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone. “So she and her partner set off to invent a carrier that would work!” This one is ideal if you want a wrap-style baby carrier without having to do the whole wrap thing.
I’d seen this super chic baby carrier all over my Instagram feed and it took a little digging, but I figured out that it’s from Bumpsuit. And then I saw it costs $275 and wondered how this carrier could be so wildly popular at that price. Well, then I tried it. It’s gorgeous, comfortable, comes in a variety of sleek muted tones, and adds to any ensemble, instead of, well, looking serviceable, like many carriers. I was extremely impressed with this carrier which is comfortable enough to tote my 13-pound son in for hours on end while I work from home.
I personally tested out many of the items on this list with my six-week-old baby son to see how each held up in terms of comfort, durability, and ease of use. I also considered the features parents value most, in addition to reading reviews and interviewing a pediatrician and baby expert about their input and recommendations.
Baby carriers are an excellent alternative to travel strollers, however, they won’t replace a baby or toddler car seat. Choosing the right baby carrier requires a few considerations to ensure it's safe, comfortable, and fits your lifestyle. Here's a breakdown of key areas to consider.
Dr. Berger says that when shopping for baby carriers, one of the most important things to consider is safety of the infant. Ensure that your baby fits well into the carrier of your choice, that nothing pinches them, and that the baby’s weight is properly supported. You want to make sure that all buckles and fasteners are in good condition and that you put the carrier on correctly. This can be surprisingly complicated when you first set it up, so consult the manufacturer's directions as needed.
Comfort for the person carrying the baby is also a key factor, Dr. Berger says. Make sure you find a carrier that doesn’t dig into your shoulders or midsection when you’re carrying your little one. Look for padded shoulder straps, a supportive waist belt, and breathable fabrics for both you and your baby. Ensure the carrier fits properly.
Comfort for your baby is also important. Opt for ergonomic designs that support your baby's hips and spine in a healthy position, particularly for newborns.
Front-facing in: Great for bonding with your baby and allowing them to observe their surroundings.
Front-facing out: Offers babies a different point of view, but not all experts recommend this for long periods due to hip position concerns.
Back carrying: Ideal for heavier babies when front carrying becomes tiring.
Hip carrying: Perfect for quick in-and-out carrying with toddlers.
Choose comfortable and breathable fabrics like cotton or mesh, especially for hot climates.
Look for a machine-washable carrier for easy cleaning.
Ensure any carrier you consider has appropriate safety certifications and adheres to safe carrying practices. If possible, always try on a carrier before purchasing to ensure a proper fit and adjustability for both you and your baby.
To maintain and clean your baby carrier, always check the care tag for specific instructions. For general cleaning, spot clean minor messes with a damp cloth and mild soap. If machine washable, use cold water, mild detergent, and a mesh bag. Air dry the carrier flat to avoid damage. Regularly clean accessories, address spills promptly, and avoid harsh chemicals. Remember, the manufacturer's instructions are key, and specific cleaning methods may vary based on the materials used.
There isn't one single "best" baby carrier for pregnancy. The ideal carrier depends on your individual needs, stage of pregnancy, and what you prioritize in terms of comfort and support.
Yes! For most parents, a baby carrier is a worthwhile investment. It promotes bonding, soothes fussiness, frees up your hands (a huge plus), offers more convenience for walks and errands than a stroller, and provides ergonomic support for your baby.
Dr. Berger says to check on the individual product, but most baby carriers can be used for seven pounds and above. “If using one in which the baby lays down as opposed to being upright, make sure the baby’s back does not curl in a C-shape position,” he explains.
“Carriers that are safest allow the baby’s neck to be straight and the head above the fabric, not buried inside,” Dr. Berger says. “It is important to make sure that the carrier is the right size for the baby and that it supports the baby’s back.”
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