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Baby carriers are a hands-free way of keeping baby safe, close to you.
We’ve done the legwork to find you the 9 best baby carriers for all mamas and babies.
Many mamas choose to use different types of baby carriers as a hands-free way of holding baby.
So if baby’s in the “crying when put down” phase, using a baby carrier can mean you can get on with other things you need to do.
So we checked in with our Peanut mamas to see which baby carriers they’re rated top of the tots!
In this article: 📝
- Do I need a baby carrier?
- When can you start using a baby carrier?
- What are the best baby carriers?
- How to choose a baby carrier
- How long should you carry a baby in a baby carrier?
- What do I need to know about baby carriers?
Do I need a baby carrier?
While baby carriers aren’t technically baby ‘essentials’, many mamas consider them one of the best pieces of baby kit you can get.
Why do our Peanut mamas love their baby carriers so much? Well…
- Hands-free baby holding: Have a drink, take a stroll, do laundry, prep meals (although cooking with a baby carrier on isn’t recommended), or just save your aching arms! Baby carriers are very practical.
- Soothes baby: Some babies with separation anxiety are calmer when they’re being held ‒ being that close to mama (or papa) and hearing your heartbeat can really soothe baby.
- You’ll know baby’s safe: If you’re a first-time mom or you’re experiencing any anxiety as a mama, knowing exactly where baby is, and that they’re safe, can be just as calming for you as for baby.
- Great for postpartum recovery: Yeah, there’s going to be some healing needed, whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a c-section, and using a baby carrier can build those core muscles to help you recover.
- Go for walks with baby: Seeing new sights is great for baby’s development and excellent exercise for you!
- Fewer people will touch baby without your consent: It can be the bane of mamas around the world ‒ random people touching baby (after they’ve spent months touching your baby bump). But if baby’s close to your chest or out of reach, people will be less inclined to touch them.
When can you start using a baby carrier?
Right, now you know just how amazing baby carriers can be, you’re probably asking, When can I carry my baby in a carrier?
Well, some baby carriers can be used from birth right up until well into toddlerhood.
Can newborns be in baby carriers?
Yes, you certainly can, but not all baby carriers are suitable for newborns.
This is because some baby carriers require baby to be able to sit up or hold their head up by themselves, and others have a set weight minimum that may not suit newborns.
It’s worth always checking the manufacturer’s guidance before you get a baby carrier for your newborn.
Some people also make a distinction between baby carriers and baby slings ‒ generally speaking, most baby slings are suitable for newborns, but not all baby carriers are.
Can a 1-month-old use a carrier?
Some baby carriers are suitable for 1-month-old babies, but not all of them.
This is because, at 1 month old, baby can’t yet hold their head up, so some can cause neck damage.
What are the best baby carriers?
We asked our mamas of Peanut to share their favorite baby carriers, along with why they love using them.
So let’s get into the very best baby carriers:
1. MiniMeis shoulder baby carrier
That’s right: a shoulder baby carrier.
If your little one is 6 months or older, this could be the best baby carrier for you.
According to MiniMeis reviews, this shoulder baby carrier is easy to use, easy to transport, and babies love it!
Perfect for when you’re on the go, the MiniMeis G4 carrier was developed by parents for parents.
And the best part? It was chosen as a TIME Magazine Best Invention in 2019.
Excellent for strengthening baby’s core while keeping them safe and secure, without extra pressure on your back.
In fact, many mamas say that the MiniMeis G4 baby carrier is one of the most comfortable forward-facing baby carriers on the market.
Rated as:
- Best shoulder carrier
- Best front-facing baby carrier
- Best baby carrier for hiking
- Best baby carrier for dad
- Best toddler carrier
Suitable for: 6 months to 4 years old (up to 40lbs)
Size: 5 x 5 inches
Weight: 3.3lbs
Price: £169.00 / £149.99 / €169,00
Plus-size friendly: Yes, there are extension straps available to increase the chest width to 63”
Colors: Navy, burgundy, camo, gray and orange, and dark gray
2. WildBird Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Sling carriers, like the WildBird Sling Ring Carrier, are great for newborn babies or babies that can’t get sit upright or hold their head up
Made of super-soft linen with a secure ring to keep baby safe, this baby wrap carrier is ideal for soothing, nursing, or just carrying small babies comfortably.
Rated as:
- Best ring sling baby carrier
- Best baby carrier wrap
Suitable for: Newborn to toddlerhood (up to 35lbs)
Size: 74 inches
Weight: 3.3lbs
Price: $69.95
Plus-size friendly: Yes
Colors: Rosy, chickadee, warbler, owl, raven, and sparrow
3. Tushbaby Hip Seat Baby Carrier
The Tushbaby carrier is an ideal choice for mamas of babies who can sit up by themselves and want to save their hips from aching.
Winner of a Mom’s Choice Award and with pockets, the Tushbaby multi-functional baby hipseat carrier doubles as a diaper bag with storage for wipes, pacifiers, and even snacks.
Rated as:
- Best breathable baby hipseat carrier
Suitable for: Newborn to toddlerhood (up to 45lbs)
Size: 11 x 6 x 10 inches
Weight: 1lbs
Price: $99.99
Plus-size friendly: Yes, you can buy an additional Waistband Extender to increase the length by 24 inches
Colors: Gray, black and gold, camo, and leopard
4. TwinGo Carrier
Mama of multiples?
Good news: there is a twin baby carrier for you!
With one baby on your front and the other on your back, both babies will be safe and secure with the TwinGo baby carrier.
Rated as:
- Best twin baby carrier
Suitable for: Babies weighing 10-45lbs
Size: 15 x 13 x 6 inches
Weight: 4lbs
Price: $229.99
Plus-size friendly: Yes
Colors: Cool gray and modern teal
5. LÍLLÉbaby carrier
How about a baby carrier that does it all?
The LÍLLÉbaby carrier is a 6-in-1 solution suitable for newborns, forward-facing, toddlers, as a backpack, and as a hip baby carrier.
Rated as:
- Best tactical baby carrier
Suitable for: Newborn to toddlers (7-45lbs)
Size: 14 x 4 x 11 inches
Weight: 1.1lbs
Price: $99.99
Plus-size friendly: Yes, with waist extenders sold separately
Colors: Stone, black, chambray, charcoal/feathers, charcoal/silver, star in our eyes, Breton stripes, charcoal/berry, cool Caribbean, cool coral, salt and pepper, succulent, and twilight leopard
Other top baby carriers
While these baby carriers didn’t quite make our cut for the best of the best, they are still worth a shout-out:
6. Infantino Baby Carrier
Suitable for: Newborn to toddlers (8-32lbs)
Size: 10.2 x 10.2 x 4.3 inches
Weight: 1.2lbs
Price: $36.99
Plus-size friendly: Yes
Colors: Gray, black, and light gray
7. Ergobaby 360 Baby Carrier
Suitable for: 4 months to toddlers (12-32lbs)
Size: 10.5 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
Weight: 1.5lbs
Price: $118.00
Plus-size friendly: Yes, up to 55 inches
Colors: Carbon gray, onyx black, batix blue, elephant dance, pearl gray, pure black, sea mist, star dust
8. Osprey Baby Carrier
Suitable for: Babies weighing 16-48.5lbs
Size: 33 x 14 x 10 inches
Weight: 8lbs
Price: $340.00
Plus-size friendly: Yes
Colors: Starry black and blue sky
9. Tula Explore Baby Carrier
Suitable for: Newborn to toddler (7-45lbs)
Size: 11.3 x 11.2 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 2.6lbs
Price: $179.00
Plus-size friendly: Yes, up to 57 inch waist
Colors: Coast indigo, coast beyond, coast graphite, coast infinite, costa Sophia, land before Tula, urbanista
How to choose a baby carrier
How do you know which baby carrier is right for you?
Well, there are some key things to consider:
- Baby’s weight: All baby carriers have minimum and maximum recommended baby weight, so you should know baby’s weight before you start shopping for your baby carrier.
- How long you want to use your baby carrier: Do you want a baby carrier just for baby’s first months, or are you after something for an older baby into toddlerhood?
- Fit of baby carrier: If you’re the one who’s going to be wearing the baby carrier, you want it to fit securely and comfortably.
- Set-up: Is the baby carrier easy for you to use? Or is it too fiddly?
- Baby carrier care: Wipe down, machine washable, or fabric cleaners?
- What type of carrier you want: If you’re a keen hiker or walker, something like the MiniMeis shoulder baby carrier would be best for you. If you’re after something to hold baby close, opt for a LÍLLÉbaby carrier.
Is a sling or baby carrier better?
It depends on what you want out of your baby carrier.
For smaller babies, wraps or slings tend to be better, as they can’t yet support their own head, but for older babies who are sitting up, baby carriers are often the top contenders.
Which baby carrier is safest?
Pretty much all baby carriers are safe to use as long as you follow the instructions.
Skipping a step could make baby uncomfortable or even cause them some hip problems later on, depending on the type of baby carrier.
How much should you spend on a baby carrier?
Baby carriers can range from $60-$300, depending on the type of baby carrier you want.
There are budget-friendly options as well as higher-priced baby carriers, there’s even a Gucci baby carrier if you’re feeling fancy!
How long should you carry a baby in a baby carrier?
Babies can be worn in a suitable baby carrier right from birth, depending on the type of baby carrier.
And, if baby is comfortable and happy in their carrier, you can have them in there for as long as they want!
The key is to make sure baby is supervised at all times and that you’re using the baby carrier as per the manufacturer guidelines.
Is it OK to wear baby all day?
Yes, you can wear baby in a baby carrier all day, if you and they are comfy and happy.
Make sure baby’s airways are clear and that their limbs have enough circulation ‒ sometimes, it’s easy to have a baby carrier on too tight, but they can usually be adjusted.
Can baby be in carrier too long?
No, there’s no actual limit to how long you should have baby in their carrier.
Just check up on them regularly to make sure they’re safe and comfortable.
Is it okay for baby to sleep in carrier?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine for baby to sleep in their baby carrier, as long as they’re secure and their airways are clear.
What do I need to know about baby carriers?
Got any more questions about baby carriers? Let’s dive into more baby carrier FAQs.
Which baby carrier is best for baby hips?
There have been reports of some baby carriers putting pressure on baby’s hips, potentially causing hip displacement.
While most baby carriers are perfectly safe, when used according to their guidelines, there can sometimes be a risk in both backward- and forward-facing baby carriers.
If you’re worried about baby’s hips, try either shoulder baby carriers, like the MiniMeis, or baby carrier slings, or speak with your doctor.
Do baby carriers hurt baby hips?
Sometimes. According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, wearing some baby carriers incorrectly, or with baby in a ‘wrong’ position, can cause baby’s hips to hurt.
The best thing to do is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult your pediatrician.
How many baby carriers do I need?
Most mamas tend to have just one carrier that they use, but if you wanted to opt for a sling baby carrier, having a few could be a good idea, so you can wash them regularly.
Which baby carrier is best for newborn?
Generally, sling baby carriers or backward-facing baby carriers (ones where baby’s giving you a big hug) are considered some of the best for newborns.
When can baby face out in carrier?
By the time baby can hold their head up, they should be able to sit in a forward-facing baby carrier.
Usually, this is by around 4-6 months old.
How do I get my baby to like a carrier?
It’s true, some babies don’t like baby carriers.
But if you’re determined to have baby sitting in a carrier so you can go hands-free, here are a few tips from our mamas of Peanut:
- Have a boogie and dance with baby in the carrier.
- Play white noise to soothe baby.
- Sing or talk to baby so they can hear your voice.
- Give it some time ‒ some babies settle in their carriers in about 5 minutes.
- Make sure they’re in the right position, according to the baby carrier instructions, so their hips aren’t uncomfortable.
- If baby can hold their head up, try facing them outward ‒ they might just want to see the world.
Do baby carriers help with wind?
They can do ‒ having baby in an upright position in a carrier and, if you’re moving, getting them moving, too, can help ease their trapped wind.
What’s the correct baby carrier position?
It depends on the baby carrier, but, generally speaking, making sure their legs are wide-spread ‒ either around the baby carrier or around your body ‒ and their knees are above their butt is the correct position for a baby carrier.
But if you’re in doubt, check the baby carrier manufacturer’s guidelines.
There you have it! Our Peanut mamas’ favorite baby carriers along with everything you need to know about buying your first baby carrier.