When I was a new mom, babywearing seemed like a strange and new idea. Now that I have three kids (including twins) it seems like the baby wearing options have grown exponentially! It can be really hard to decide which is the best baby carrier. Today I am sharing with you what I consider to be the best baby carriers on the market. Hopefully this guide will help you choose a baby carrier (or 2 or 3) that is just right for you and your baby!
Disclaimer – some of the links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link and end up making a purchase, I will receive a small commission. This is at no cost to you! It is simply a way for me to continue to run this blog. I only link to products that I would recommend to my friends and family!
Different Types of Baby Carriers
Before we delve into the best baby carriers, let’s talk a bit about the different types of baby carriers to choose from.
Wrap Style Carriers – Woven and Stretchy
These baby carriers are made of one long piece of fabric that you tie in order to wear your baby. While they may seem complicated at first glance, with a bit of practice they become very easy and fun to use!
Pros of Wrap Style Carriers
- One size fits most
- Can be used from newborn to toddler stage
- Can be worn in multiple positions
- Available in different fabrics
Cons of Wrap Style Carriers
- Can be difficult to learn how to wrap
- Can get hot with all that fabric
- Most (stretchy) do not recommend for use with your child on the back
Ring Sling Carriers
These baby carriers use rings to fasten the fabric so your baby can be worn in a sling across the front of your body.
Pros of Ring Slings
- One size fits most
- Simple to use
- Can be used from newborn to toddlerhood
Cons of Ring Slings
- Only one or two positions to wear your baby
- Can be uncomfortable to wear bigger babies
- Can feel less secure than other types of baby carriers
Soft Structured Carriers
These carriers are the type that fasten with buckles and come with adjustable straps. Most of these can be worn with your baby on the front or back. They are a great option for older babies who want to be able to look around and have their legs and arms free.
Pros of Soft Structured Baby Carriers
- Usually less complicated than tying a wrap
- Feels very secure
- Most can be worn with baby in the front or back
Cons of Soft Structured Baby Carriers
- Many aren’t the best for newborns (or require a separate newborn insert)
- Sometimes they can be complicated with all the buckles and snaps
- Not always the best choice for tiny parents
Mei Tais
This is almost like a combination of a wrap and soft structured carrier. It has a panel of fabric that makes up the bulk of the carrier, with various pieces of fabric that you tie around yourself rather than buckles and clips.
Pros of Mei Tai Baby Carriers
- Can be used from newborn to toddlerhood
- Several carrying positions
- Can be adjusted for the perfect fit
Cons of Mei Tai Baby Carriers
- Can be tricky to get the hang of tying it
- May not be the best option for tiny newborns
- Most do not have a front facing option
Baby Wearing Clothes
Especially good for newborns, there are baby carriers that you put on like a regular shirt, with a pocket for your baby to fit inside.
Pros of Baby Wearing Clothes
- Simple to use
- Great for newborns
- Many can be used for skin to skin (kangaroo care)
Cons of Baby Wearing Clothes
- Most must be ordered in a certain size so they can’t be shared with different sized partners
- Don’t provide the support needed for older children
- You probably won’t get as much use out of it as other carriers
Backpack Carriers
As the name suggests, these baby carriers are designed to be worn on the back. These are great for hiking and other adventures with older babies.
Pros of Backpack Carriers
- Sturdy design
- Great for long walks or hikes
- No complicated tying or wrapping
Cons of Backpack Carriers
- Not for use with newborns or small infants
- Many are large and bulky
- Can only be used in the back carry position
Best Baby Carriers for Newborns
Now that we have gone over the different types of baby carriers available, let’s dive in and talk about what the best carriers are.
Best Baby Shirt for Newborns
Vija Design Skin To Skin Kangaroo T-Shirt & Nursing Top
This is such a great option for newborns. Not only can you do skin to skin (kangaroo care) with this baby carrier, but you can nurse easily in it too! Made of two pieces, a top and a separate bandeau – you simply wear the top like a shirt, put your baby inside, and pull the bandeau over for added support and security!
Key features:
- Available in XS – 2XL
- For newborns up to 15lbs (7kg)
- Nothing to tie or clip
- Nursing with this is a breeze!
They also make a similar t-shirt for men!
Best Wrap Style Carriers for Newborns
You really can’t go wrong with this wrap style carrier that you don’t actually have to wrap! It’s already tied for you, just slip it on and you’re ready to go! Made of a material similar to that of a stretchy wrap carrier, the Baby K’Tan is my favorite choice for newborns.
Key features:
- Available in XXS – XL
- For babies from 8 to 35 lbs
- 5 carrying positions
- Nothing to tie or fasten
Check out my YouTube video demonstrating it:
Check out some other baby essentials for newborns that you might have missed!
This is such a cute and affordable wrap for newborns and smaller babies. It comes in some adorable colors and patterns too! Easy to wrap and one size fits most!
Key features:
- For newborns and infants from 8 to 25 lbs
- Designed to fit most from petite to plus size
- Breathable lightweight fabric
Best Baby Carriers for Infants
Best Wrap Style Carrier
This is a very good quality and surprisingly inexpensive baby wrap! The soft stratchy material can be wrapped in several different ways to make carrying your newborn or older baby a breeze! It’s especially nice for infants to be worn facing inward when you’re out and about or getting some things done around the house.
Key features:
- For babies from birth to 35 lbs
- One size fits all
- Four way stretch fabric
- Baby can be worn in several positions
Best Soft Structured Baby Carriers
Once your baby is a little bigger, your back will thank you for investing in a soft structured carrier like this one from Ergo Baby.
Some of the features include:
- For babies from 7 to 45 lbs
- 4 different carry postions
- One size fits all
- Great support for baby and parent
Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier
Baby Tula is another really great company for all kinds of baby carriers. The 6 in 1 Tula explore will last you from the newborn to toddler stage!
Key features:
- 6 different carry positions
- Available in many different colors and patterns
- Can be used for babies from 7 to 45 lbs
- Adjustable for all sizes
Best Ring Sling Baby Carrier
If you have heard of the Moby you might think they only make the Moby wrap. While this is still a wonderful wrap (I used it with my babies) they also make a really great (and affordable) ring sling.
Key features:
- One size fits all
- For use with babies from 8 to 33 lbs
- 2 carry positions – front and hip
- Great for nursing!
Best Baby Carriers for Toddlers
Best Soft Structured Carrier
This is a great baby carrier for babies and toddlers. It tops my list of toddler carriers because it can be used for toddlers up to 45lbs! It’s hard to find a baby carrier that can provide enough support to allow you to comfortably carry a toddler!
Key features:
- For toddlers from 25 to 60 lbs
- Front and back carry positions
- Adjustable to a custom fit
- Available in a variety of fun colors and patterns
Best Backpack Carrier
If you are looking for a backpack carrier to carry your toddler on long walks and hikes, you can’t go wrong with Chicco. Safe, lightweight and durable, this is a great pick. Plus, it’s more affordable than many other backpack carriers! Key features: Hopefully this guide will help you find the right baby carrier for you and your baby!
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