If you plan to carry your baby while grocery shopping, doing housework, and everything in between, a baby carrier or a baby wrap is your answer! But with so many on the market, how do you know which is the best baby carrier for your baby? Each brand has several options, and they are also dependent on your baby’s age. Keep your little one close with one of the products listed below.
What’s wonderful about baby carriers is that your baby will still be close to you, but both of your hands will be free to take care of whatever task is on your to-do list. They’re also great for taking baby on walks with you. That way, you get some exercise and don’t need a sitter to get some fresh air. Plus, a recent study shows that taking a five-minute walk can get a crying baby back to sleep. It’s a win, win!
It’s no secret that being a new parent is overwhelming. And with the endless list of supplies you have to choose from, it can feel like you don’t know which way to turn. In fact, research shows that new parents Google more than 2,000 baby-related questions in the infant’s first year. So, if that’s you, you are not alone and it’s normal.
Eliminate some of the stress of navigating parenthood by choosing from this list that ensures you’ll buy a great product. StudyFinds selected the top five best baby carriers to carry your little one in, safely and securely. If we missed a great option on our list, let us know in the comments below!
The List: Best Baby Carriers, According to Expert Reviews
1. Ergobaby Omni 360
What to Expect coined the Ergobaby Omni the “Best Baby Carrier Overall” on their list. “When it comes to a quality day-to-day carrier, the Ergobaby Omni 360 ticks all the boxes. A What to Expect Award winner, this baby carrier offers four carry positions (front-parent facing, front-forward facing, back and side holds) and is strong enough to hold your little one from 7 to 45 pounds. You simply can’t go wrong giving this baby carrier a try. Parents love that the Ergobaby Omni 360 was designed with the baby’s hip development in mind, keeping the baby in a comfortable, ergonomic position that protects her hips. The carrier is also adjustable — if you and your partner wear vastly different sizes, you can easily switch back and forth. Plus, it comes with a detachable accessory pouch that can be worn on the carrier.”
Trip Savvy elaborates on its convenient accessories. “It’s made from soft washable cotton and has some bonus features like a removable storage pouch and UPF babyhood, perfect for sun protection and privacy while breastfeeding. Kids grow quickly, so having one carrier that does it all is key.”
Parents.com shared some reviews, “‘I love the Ergo Omni 360 because of its comfort, ease of use, and versatility,’ mom Sara Elsasser told us. ‘I have used the Ergo during travel, hikes, and around the house, and it has worked well in all situations. I also love that my baby can grow with it.'” They also advise to take note, “Some parents find the shoulder strap padding bulky, especially if you’re wearing it under a coat or other layers.”
2. Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier
Very Well Family shares that even though some reviewers say this carrier has less padding than others, “It’s hard to believe this budget-friendly choice offers so much versatility at such an affordable price point. Safe for babies from 8 to 32 pounds, this carrier can be used in four ways: facing in with a narrow seat, facing in with a wide seat, facing out, and backpack.”
Another big fan of its affordability and reliability, Rachel’s Crafted Life adds, “The Infantino baby carrier is perfect for traveling because it is a lightweight baby carrier, machine washable and easily adjustable for anyone who needs to carry the baby. The Infantino 4-in-1 has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt making it comfortable to wear on the go. To make sure that your baby is comfortable there is an adjustable head support and adjustable leg holes.”
It comes with a small burp rag-like cover to protect the carrier from spit-up and drool, but if it gets dirty you can also easily throw it in the washer. The carrier is adjustable in multiple areas, like having adjustable shoulder straps, making it the perfect baby carrier for dads as well as moms because it fits multiple body shapes and sizes.”
Our research found that the Infantino baby carrier is easy on the caregiver’s body. “It has a good and supportive waist belt that helps to distribute your baby’s weight across your torso and pelvis and thus avoid back strain and there’s a bib to protect the fabric from drool and dribble and keep the carrier looking better for longer. Parent tester Ama, mum of two said: ‘I used the Infantino Flip 4 in 1 carrier for both my kids and it’s still going strong. It is good quality and is easy on the back too,'” says Made For Mums.
3. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Mini
It can be scary to think about putting your newborn in a carrier, but the Baby Bjorn Mini was voted the best carrier for newborns. There is a weight limit, so as your baby gets bigger, they will age out of it. Parents.com agrees, “Because it maxes out at 24 pounds, your baby may outgrow this carrier within months, but for newborns who love to be held and busy caregivers who appreciate having two free hands, this carrier can be crucial during that time.”
Women’s Health calls the Baby Bjorn Mini, “the perfect carrier for carting your little one around during the precious first year, it comes with padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh to keep your mini-me at the optimum temperature whatever the weather.” It’s also available in a range of colors to compliment your style, “including grey, dusty pink, and indigo.”
Rachel’s Crafted Life says that because this baby carrier has no waist belt to take the weight off your back, “it is not great for LONG periods of babywearing. However, this is the best carrier for heavyset and overweight parents because it doesn’t have a waist belt.”
4. Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
If you have always wanted to try a baby wrap, the Boba Wrap is one of the best. Ditch the pads for this, “soft-structured carrier with a sash and wrap design, the Boba baby wrap carrier is a super lightweight option that opts out of heavily padded carriers for a comfortable experience. It ties easily and fits conveniently. This stretchy wrap is made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex to move with your body for a breathable, contour-hugging fit for both the child and the parent,” says Mom Junction.
Baby Gear Lab points out that the Boba Wrap may not be for everybody. “Wraps can be somewhat challenging because there is a learning curve that often requires holding your baby as you maneuver the fabric ends around your body. Some even need to carry a cheat sheet card on wrapping for several weeks before committing the process to memory. The Boba could be trouble as your little one gets bigger and becomes more interested in the world around them. While it has positions where little ones can look at the world, it can be limiting because the fabric stretches and some babies won’t want to be pressed so tightly against their parents. However, if budget is a concern, or you want a comfy, easy-to-care-for wrap that may not last until 35 lbs, the Boba Wrap is a good choice that will fit most budgets.”
The Nursery Design Studio disagrees, “With over 24000 rave parent reviews on Amazon, the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier is simple to tie. There is just one way to tie your Boba Baby Wrap making this the no-guess choice for carrying your baby. The fabric is stretchy and soft, as well as machine washable.” With practice, you may be able to conquer this popular wrap.
5. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier One
Not to be confused with the Baby Bjorn Mini, its cousin Baby Bjorn One also makes the list of best baby carriers. The Nursery Design Studio describes that it, “has four front and back carrying options and an ergonomic wide seat for the baby. It is one of the simplest and most comfortable baby carriers. We particularly love that it has a built-in infant insert. You can safely put a newborn in the carrier itself!”
Baby Gear Lab agrees with One’s simplicity, “The One is easy to put on. You can attach it before you pick up your baby, making it significantly more straightforward (and potentially safer) than the wrap carriers we tested, which can require a secondary helper.” There’s one downfall, “This carrier is one of the most expensive in the review, which might put it lower on the list for parents with smaller budgets. However, the price is average for a structured carrier compared to the competition.”
Emma’s Diary is a big fan claiming, “Babybjorn is one of the first names many mums and dads look for and this Babybjorn baby carrier has all the quality you’d expect. It has a sturdy waist belt and padded shoulder straps that relieve pressure on an adult’s back and shoulders, allowing you to carry comfortably for longer. Your baby’s comfort is also paramount of course and this is a hip-friendly baby carrier with ergonomic leg positioning and adjustable head support.”
You might also be interested in the following:
Sources:
- What to Expect
- Trip Savvy
- Raising Children
- Parents.com
- Rachel’s Crafted Life
- Very Well Family
- Made For Mums.
- Women’s Health
- Nursery Design Studio
- Mom Junction.
- Baby Gear Lab
- Emma’s Diary
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.