Tired of lugging your baby around in a bulky stroller? If you live somewhere with stairs or that isn't easily accessible, it can be very painful.
A baby carrier is the perfect solution – it’s lightweight and easy to carry, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
As a huge fan of baby carriers myself, I've compared a selection of carriers that includes something for everyone, whether you prefer a stylish baby carriers or a functional one, so you can find the perfect one to fit your needs.
Read on to see my picks for the best baby carriers.
Eleanor Meireles
What is the difference between a sling/wrap and a carrier?
A baby sling is a piece of fabric designed to hold a baby close to the parent's body. A baby carrier is a piece of fabric or apparatus designed to carry a baby on the parent's front or back.
Baby slings are usually made of cloth and may be adjustable in size. They are typically worn by wrapping the sling around the parent's body and placing the baby in the pouch formed by the fabric.
Baby carriers can be made of cloth, metal, or plastic. They may have straps that go over the parent's shoulders, around their waist, or even between their legs. Some carriers also include a built-in seat for babies to sit in while still keeping baby close.
If you are interested in purchasing a baby sling, wrap or ring slings as opposed to a structured carrier then you can check out my blog on the Best Baby Slings here.
The most important things to consider when shopping for a baby carrier.
Comfort - it's important to find a carrier that is comfortable for both you and your baby. The carrier should distribute the weight of your baby evenly, and it should be adjustable so that it can grow with your child.
Safety - It's important to find a carrier that is safe for both you and your child. The carrier should have straps that distribute the weight of your baby evenly, and it should be tightly secured around your waist and shoulders. Additionally, the fabric of the carrier should be flame retardant in case of an emergency.
Closure - it's a good idea to find a carrier that you find easy to put on and take off, preferably without any help.
Carry position - Carriers come in several orientations. Baby can be in front of you facing forwards, in front of you facing backwards, on your back or on your hip/side.
Weight restrictions - all carriers have a maximum weight that it is safe to carry as well as a minimum. Some carriers have inserts that are sold separately for newborns that'll allow you to carry lighter babies.
Cleaning - check if the carrier you purchase is machine washable.
Fasten Type - some carriers are a lot easier to put on than others so check what type of fasten it has as well as how accessible it is.
How to wear a baby carrier safely
If you are wearing baby then always use the TICKS acronym to ensure baby is safe:
T – Tight – the carrier should be fitted tightly to you
I – In view at all times – you should always be able to see baby’s face
C – Close enough to Kiss – you shod be able to easily kiss the top of baby’s head
K – Keep chin off chest – ensure baby has enough space to keep their chin off their chest
S – Supported back – ensure their back doesn’t slump down
In order to ensure baby's legs are positioned correctly, you can refer to this guide from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, detailing how baby's legs should be in the 'M' position:
How I Choose – Best baby carrier
As an avid baby carrier-user myself, I’ve tried and tested several of the products listed below personally. To complete the list, I have spent hours researching other parents’ reviews and recommendations along with speaking to plenty of baby-wearing Parents to come up with the top carriers for any situation.
So, lets look at what baby carrier is best in the UK
Ergobaby Baby Carrier Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
Best carrier for newborn to toddler
Ergobaby Baby Carrier Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh
Why Parents Love It
This is the carrier I used for my first child and I absolutely loved it. I cold walk around with her in it for hours and she’d be happy as Larry. I was living in Australia at the time so the mesh worked really well in the hot weather as it allowed the air to circulate.
Other parents agree their kids seem super comfy in the Ergobaby Baby Carrier Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh and don’t mind being in it for long stretches.
Other things to note are that the padded shoulder straps are very comfortable although they can seem a little bulky under coats (so better to wear over the top) and it comes with a storage pocket just the right size for your phone to make it easily accessible as wearing a carrier and using a handbag can get tricky with shoulder space!!
What You Need to Know
Made from 100% Polyester
Suitable for 5.5 - 20kg (from 3.2kg with a newborn insert - sold separately)
Orientation: Front, Back, Hip, Front outward facing
Washing machine friendly
Acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Adjustable bucket seat supports baby in an ergonomic natural "M" position in all carry positions
BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Move
Why Parents Love It
The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Move was the carrier I used with my second child and again, I really enjoyed using it. I found it comfortable to wear and easy to adjust.
My second child didn’t love being in a carrier as much as my first (plus he's REALLY heavy) so I used it mainly for short periods but he was always happy to be in it and loved facing forward to see the world.
Other parents say it’s a great carrier that is easy to put on and take off and doesn’t hurt their backs at all and that their babies would often fall asleep in it. BABYBJÖRN is known for their carriers, which are of excellent quality.
What You Need to Know
Made from 100% Polyester, Mesh fabric made of 100% polyester
Suitable for 3.2 - 12kg (newborn to around 15 months)
Orientation: Front, Back
Closure type: buckle
Bellababy Multifunction Baby Carrier Hip Seat
Why Parents Love It
Hip carriers are a great alternative to traditional carriers as the weight sits on your hips instead of the shoulders, allowing baby to use them for much longer into their toddler years.
Parents rave about how comfortable this makes the Bellababy Multifunction Baby Carrier Hip Seat to wear although some parents commented that it can be a little tricky to put on. The International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) acknowledges this baby carriers as a “hip-healthy” product
What You Need to Know
Made from Polyester, cotton
Suitable for 3.1 - 18kg (newborn to around 3 years)
Orientation: Front, Hip, Front outward facing
Closure type: buckle
Ergobaby Embrace Baby Carrier
What You Need to Know
This carrier is especially great for newborns, premature babies and smaller babies and has extra support for their heads that other carriers don’t have. Parents of smaller babies said it worked well for them and that their babies often did still love it as they got bigger.
Another plus with the Ergobaby Embrace Baby Carrier is that it is easy to put on and take off alone and folds up small so it can easily be taken away for travel.
What You Need to Know
Made from super soft jersey fabric, Oeko-Tex 100 certified with less material against the child and open-sided to allow good air circulation
Suitable for 3.2 – 11.3kg
Orientation: Front, Front outward facing
Machine washable
Eleanor Meireles
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FAQs
Baby carriers can be a lifesaver if you have a baby that doesn’t like to be away from its parents and said parents need to get a certain amount of stuff done! Some babies struggle being in a pram, so a carrier can be a great alternative, but it can be hard to choose which is best as there are a lot of options available and sometimes parents have safety concerns so I have compiled some of the top questions around baby carries here for you to review.
Which is better baby carrier or sling?
It depends on what you're looking for.
If you want a carrier that will help you distribute the baby's weight evenly, is easy to use, and can be used for multiple carrying positions, then a structured baby carrier is probably the better option. If you're looking for soft structured baby carriers that are easy to take with you and doesn't require much setup, or if you want a sling that can be used for nursing, then a sling might be better suited for your needs.
Is it OK to put a newborn in a carrier?
It is generally safe to put a newborn in a carrier. That said, it's always best to check with your pediatrician first.
There are a few things to keep in mind when putting a newborn in a carrier. First, make sure the carrier is comfortable for both you and your baby. Second, always use the recommended weight limit for the carrier, if necessary, use a newborn insert. And third, be sure to keep an eye on your baby at all times while he or she is in the carrier. If you have any questions or concerns, consult your pediatrician.
Is it OK for baby to be in carrier all day?
As long as baby is happy and content, there's no reason why she can't stay in the carrier all day. In fact, many babies enjoy being carried in a sling or carrier and will fall asleep quite easily.
The most important thing is to make sure that you're not carrying your baby for too long at a time. It's generally recommended that you carry your baby for no more than two hours at a time to avoid any potential health risks. And if your baby starts to look uncomfortable or is fussy, it's probably time to take a break.
What are the disadvantages of baby carrier?
Carriers can be helpful for carrying your baby, but they can also have a few disadvantages.
For starters, carriers can be heavy and bulky. They can require a lot of practice to use correctly, which can lead to mistakes that could harm your baby. In addition, wearing a carrier can cause back and shoulder pain. Finally, carriers may not be appropriate for all babies – premature infants or those with medical conditions should not be carried in a carrier.
What age should a baby not be in a carrier?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on each baby's individual development and comfort level. That said, the general consensus is that babies should not be carried in a carrier after they reach around 2 years of age, as they may no longer feel comfortable or safe in the carrier and may begin to squirm and fuss.
It's important to always consult with your pediatrician to get their expert opinion on when it's appropriate to stop carrying your baby in a carrier. As your baby begins to grow and develop, their doctor will be able to provide specific guidelines on what's best for them.
How long can babies be carried in a carrier?
It is not recommended to carry a baby in a carrier for more than 2 hours at a time.
Are baby carriers better than wraps?
There are pros and cons to both baby carriers and wraps. Baby carriers are easier to use – you just put the baby in and go. But wraps offer more support for the baby's back and can distribute the baby's weight more evenly.
The bottom line is that it depends on what you're looking for in a carrier or baby wraps. If you want something that's easy to use, go with a carrier. If you want something that offers more support, go with wrap carriers.
When should I buy a baby carrier?
It's advisable to buy a baby carrier once you've settled into your parenting routine and have an idea of what works well for you and your child, this will also allow you to judge which carrier suits your baby's size and weight.
Some things to keep in mind when purchasing a baby carrier include the weight and age of your child, as well as your own physical abilities. It's also important to choose a carrier that is comfortable for both you and your child.
Can baby carriers cause hip dysplasia?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that baby carriers can cause hip dysplasia. However, if a baby carrier is not used properly, it can place unnecessary strain on a baby's hips and spine.
To avoid any potential risks, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using a baby carrier, ensure you can see baby's face and that baby's weight evenly distributed. It is also important to make sure that the carrier fits your child properly and use an infant insert if necessary so that he or she is comfortable in it. If you are unsure about how to use a baby carrier safely, consult with your healthcare provider.
Can baby carriers cause bow legs?
There is no scientific evidence that baby carriers cause bow legs. However, there are a few potential reasons why baby carriers might seem to cause bow legs. For example, if a baby carrier is used incorrectly, it can place excessive strain on a child's hips and knees, which can lead to the development of bowed legs. Additionally, if a child spends a lot of time in soft structured carriers, it can restrict their natural range of motion and lead to muscle weakness in the hips and knees, which can also lead to bowed legs.
So, which baby carrier is best for baby?
The best baby carrier for a baby is the one that provides the most comfort to both the baby and the parent.
Ultimately, it is important for both the baby and the parent to be comfortable in whatever carrier is chosen, so it is best to try out a few different types before making a final decision.
You are now armed with the knowledge of what the best baby carriers are for your specific needs are so that you can make an informed decision.
All of the baby carriers above are available on Amazon so click ‘Check price on Amazon’ to see which baby carriers work best for you and baby so you can shop today!
Thanks for reading!
