Life has changed since you were blessed with your little bundle of joy. Simple tasks that you used to complete with ease can now take forever one-handed with junior in tow! So, how do you reclaim both your hands and keep your little one happy? Our answer: get a baby carrier and wear your baby with pride. From stretchy wraps to full-on hiking backpacks, here is your guide to the best baby carriers to transport your little one safely and in style.
Do I Need A Baby Carrier?
Babies are programmed to want to be close to their caregiver (and no, this doesn’t spoil them!). Babywearing gives your little one a safe, secure and comfortable way of staying close, particularly in the early days. Being close to your body can help their digestion, regulate their heart rate and temperature and reduce crying. This all helps with bonding as well as freeing you up – win-win!
What Types Of Baby Carriers Are Available?
There is no single best wrap or carrier, but there are many options. Consider when your baby is due, for example – if they’re coming in the spring or summer, you may want a wrap made with a lighter fabric. Tiny babies will prefer to face into your body whereas older babies will love facing outwards to see the world (bear in mind that some children may find this too stimulating, so monitor your child’s behavior).
Wrap
A baby wrap is snugglier, softer, more customizable and better for the changing body after childbirth. Baby wraps are typically a length of stretchy fabric designed to help you carry your child from infancy to preschool age with comfort and flexibility.
Wraps can be tied in multiple ways to suit the age of the child and the position you want them to be in (cradled, front-facing, piggyback style etc). Once you get the hang of tying wraps - it really doesn't take too long - they are incredibly versatile and long-lasting.
Soft-structured
Usually worn on the front, a structured carrier with adjustable straps and buckles will grow with your developing child. Soft-structured carriers are often the most popular style of baby carrier amongst parents.
The padded, ergonomic design of these carriers offers good support for a baby's head, back and bottom. And with a waistband and padded shoulder straps, the parent experiences both support and comfort too.
Frame backpack
You might want to share the great outdoors with your older child so a backpack-styler carrier will tick all the boxes. Frame backpacks are typically lightweight and designed to reduce the strain on a parent's back and shoulders.
Older children love being hoisted up high and given a more elevated perspective on the world!
Remember, with PishPosh Baby you can test out carriers and return them if they’re not right for you – just send them back within 30 days of purchase.
Best Baby Carrier
BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One Cotton Mix
A soft and ergonomic choice that makes it easy for you to give your baby the important closeness that strengthens your parent-child bond from day one. This great all-rounder is equipped with a sturdy waist belt and padded, form-fitting shoulder straps to make it comfortable for carrying a growing child from newborn up to the age of three years (8-33 lbs).
It looks stylish, too – opt for the beige leopard for maximum style points or choose from black, classic denim (midnight blue) or denim grey (dark grey).
Best Baby Carrier For Warmer Weather
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air
Worried that babywearing might make you and your baby too hot? This carrier uses airy 3D mesh fabric, which is soft, breathable, durable. It dries quickly after washing, making transporting your child much more comfortable in hot and humid conditions. As with all BabyBjorn carriers, it’s easy for you to switch between several front and back babywearing positions. Maintaining that closeness to your child while keeping your hands free has never been easier. Use from birth and up to around three years old.
‘Distributes weight well, very stylish, couldn’t be happier!’ said one of our customers. Available in a host of on-trend colors: choose from anthracite, black, navy blue, silver, slate blue, pearly pink and greige.
Best Baby Carrier For Newborns
Stokke Limas Carrier
The Stokke® Limas™ Carrier combines the advantages of a baby wrap with an ergonomic carrier and can be used from birth (3,2kg / 7lb). It's a half buckle carrier made from wrap fabrics and provides freedom of movement and safety every step of the way. Made with soft cotton, it expands as your baby grows to keep them comfy & close at all times. Perfect for newborns!
Best Baby Carrier For Hiking
Phil&Teds Escape Carrier
Share your love of the outdoors with your child! This heavy-duty carrier comes with a roomy day pack that can be zipped off to share the load, and large side pockets, bottle and key pockets to store everything you need for your adventure. Comfort is key: you get a dual-core waist belt and advanced lumbar support to distribute weight evenly.
Your child gets foot stirrups to maximize their circulation, a hood to protect them from the elements and a snug shoulder cradle and moldable headrest so they can snooze on the move. There’s even a change mat included! The Escape has been designed to freestand so you can safely load your baby in and secure them into their cradle harness before lifting onto your back or setting them down. This carrier is suitable for older babies and children up to 39.7 lbs and comes in neutral charcoal or vibrant red.
Best Baby Carrier for Dads
Diono Carus Complete 4-in-1 Carrying System with Detachable Backpack
This 4-in-1 carrying system is designed to carry children from birth up to 33 lbs (an infant insert is included for babies weighing 7-12 lbs). Engineered for urban adventures and the freedom to roam, the Carus has a detachable pod for your baby and a smart weatherproof backpack. Both of these can be positioned on the front or back of the harness.
Wear the Carus four ways: with a small baby carried parent-facing, a bigger baby world-facing, a small one on your back or walking hand in hand with the backpack filled with all your adventure essentials. Available in black, navy, red, sand, dark grey and light grey, with the Carus you’ll be ready for anything and everything!
Best Baby Carrier For Toddlers
Nuna CUDL Carrier
Get ready in a snap! The CUDL’s four magnetic buckles make securing a squirming toddler into this carrier quick and simple. It’s designed to be adjusted and put on alone, no helpers needed. Breathable mesh fabric and padded shoulder and waist straps means it’s comfortable and customizable.
CUDL’s four carry positions provide optimal support as your child grows to keep their spine and hip development healthy. It’s ideal for all ages. There’s an integrated infant booster for use with babies younger than 4 months. Children up to 18 months can be carried front facing parent or facing out, while toddlers up to 36 months can be popped on your back. Available in a range of trendy shades for the coolest kids in town. Choose from olive, slate, night, softened denim, softened shadow and softened thunder.
Best Baby Carrier Wrap
Boba Wrap
The Boba Wrap is the perfect wrap-style carrier – with its unique fabric blend and the no-guesswork tying, it’s a great choice whether you’re a newbie or experienced baby-wearer. The simple design, free of buckles, straps or buttons, means pure comfort for both you and your baby.
It evenly distributes the weight of your child, so you can wear your baby as long as you need it too, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be soothing them with your warmth, voice, movement and heartbeat. Great for breastfeeding, the Boba is ideal for newborns up to children weighing 35lbs. Available in grey.
How Can I Keep My Baby Safe In Their Carrier?
When it comes to using carriers, it’s very important to make sure you follow a few simple guidelines.
- Make sure they’re tight enough. Too loose and your baby could slump down, which can hinder their breathing and pull on your back.
- Can you see their face? Don’t let the fabric close around your baby, making it hard for them to breathe.
- Are they close enough to kiss? You should be able to kiss your baby on the head or forehead – this keeps your baby just where they'd be if you were carrying them in-arms, which allows you an easy view of your baby, tummy-to-tummy contact, and greater comfort for your back.
- Make sure there is always a space of at least a finger’s width under your baby’s chin. Their breathing can be restricted if their chin is forced onto their chest.
- Is their back supported? In an upright carrier, your sling should carry your baby comfortably close to you to support their back in its natural position.