The Best Baby Carriers

A baby carrier can be a lifesaver when you need to keep your baby close and still get things done. Check out some of our picks for the best baby carriers around, so you can keep your hands free and your baby happy.

Sometimes babies just need to be close to their parents — or even their sitter. If you’ve ever had to resort to carrying your baby around for hours, then you know how handy it would be to carry baby and keep your hands free. With the right baby holder, you can keep baby close while you cook, clean, read a book or brush your teeth. This guide covers our top picks for the best baby carriers on the market so you can find the right one for your needs and budget.

The Best Baby Carriers

Solly Baby Wrap – Best newborn baby carrier
LÍLLÉbaby Ring Sling – Best sling carrier
BABYBJÖRN Carrier – Best front-facing carrier
Deuter Kid Comfort – Best hiking carrier
Infantino Flip 4-In-1 – Best affordable carrier

The Most Important Features to Look for in a Carrier

Support
Your baby carrier should be strong enough to hold the baby and never break. It should also provide support to both you and baby and separate baby’s legs by the right amount to prevent hip dysplasia.
Comfort for Baby
Make sure there’s nothing poking the baby or any fabric or parts making it hard to breathe. You should also make sure your baby’s head is supported.
Comfort for You
Similarly, make sure the carrier won’t be poking you and there’s appropriate lumbar support for backpack and front-facing carriers. You should also make sure the carrier doesn’t squeeze you in awkward ways.
Washability
As any parent knows, babies are messy! Many carriers are machine washable, and some are not. Having a good plan for cleaning your carrier is best before you buy. If possible, look for a machine-washable carrier.
Durability
While your baby may not be a baby all that long, you still want to make sure your carrier lasts until they outgrow it. If you have more than one child, it may get called into service multiple times, so look for good durability.
Fit
It’s a good idea to know ahead of time if you plan to share the carrier. Some carriers are fitted perfectly to one user and aren’t so good for others, whereas others are adjustable and easily shared.
Ease of Use
Some carriers are harder to put on than others. While you may want a hiking carrier to keep your baby safe in a variety of situations, you may also want something that’s a little easier to handle when you’re in a hurry.

Solly Baby Wrap

Lightweight, soft and breathable, the Solly Baby Wrap is a great infant carrier that keeps newborns close — and it’s perfect for warm weather.

LÍLLÉbaby Ring Sling

Made of all natural 100% linen, the LÍLLÉbaby ring sling is super lightweight and easy to use, and it can be stuffed in a bag for easy transport.

BABYBJÖRN Carrier Free

BABYBJÖRN carriers can be used as front-facing carriers or backpack carriers, and they offer a variety of options, from newborn designs to ergonomic models you can wear for a long time.

Deuter Kid Comfort

The Deuter Kid Comfort backpack carrier is designed specifically for hiking with your baby or toddler. It’s light and ventilated, and the seating area is comfortable and easy to access.

Infantino Flip 4-In-1

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 comes in at around $30 and is built to see your baby through from infant to toddler. It features a convertible seat and wide weight-bearing ability (8 to 32 lbs).

Conclusion

You may need more than one carrier, depending on your situation, where you’re going, and who you’re sharing with. Consider all of these factors carefully before investing in a carrier.

Baby Carrier FAQs

Some studies show that babies who are carried at least three hours per day cry 43% less overall and 51% less at night. A carrier makes this task a lot easier and allows you to stay productive.
Make sure your baby carrier fits your needs: Do you want a front-facing carrier? Do you need it to be easy to put on by yourself? Are you interested in strapping your baby in for a hike? In addition, look for carriers you can easily clean that will last a long time.
Some carriers are appropriate for newborns, and some are not. Check out the Solly Baby Wrap or other wrap-style carriers for the best option for your newbie.
Newborn carriers should be switched for a more appropriate size once baby reaches the maximum weight for their carrier. Many toddlers benefit from the close contact provided by continued carrying, but once your older child begins to prefer more time on the ground, it may be time to retire the carrier altogether.
Wraps are generally safer for newborns, but beyond that, it all depends on your and baby’s preference. For older babies who have developed their own neck support, a non-wrap-style carrier may be preferred so they can interact with the environment more.

Aaron Trumm

Aaron J. Trumm is a writer, musician, and personal trainer. He writes in the home, health, and technology areas.

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