Explore
Diapering
Related articles
Tools you might be interested in
- club tool
Baby Growth Chart
- quiz
What are Your Diaper Bag Essentials?
- tool
My Perfect Fit
- tool
Product Comparator
The Best Baby Carriers to Buy
Is there anything better than being able to keep your baby close as you go about your day—while having your hands free? That's what the best baby carriers provide, and why they're so popular with busy parents. We’ve compiled a list of the top 13 baby carriers (based on our survey of more than 13,000 Pampers Parents) to help you choose the best one for your family.
What to Consider When Choosing a Baby Carrier
These are some factors to consider when choosing a baby carrier:
Style
When you first think of a baby carrier, you might imagine a handheld carrier that doubles as a car seat. This article focuses on the kind of carriers you wear on your body to carry your baby on your front, back, or hip. These are the main styles of baby carriers:
Wrap Baby Carrier
A wrap baby carrier is a long piece of fabric that wraps around your torso. As you wrap the carrier, you create areas where you can tuck in your baby to hold them securely against your body. You then tie the loose ends.
The typical baby wrap carrier allows you to position your baby on your front, back, or hip. These kinds of carriers are quite simple to adjust for your body shape and your baby’s comfort since you control the way the material is wrapped.
Wrap baby carriers are the more traditional style of baby carrier, but they are not always the easiest to put on because of all the wrapping involved.
Some Pampers Parents said they had to watch instructional videos to get the hang of using a wrap baby carrier. Practice does make perfect, as the saying goes.
Soft-Structured Baby Carrier
A soft-structured baby carrier is just what it sounds. It can be worn on the front, or back, or sometimes both. When most parents think of wearable baby carriers, they envision this type.
These carriers feature padded shoulder straps, waistbands, buckles, and other solutions for carrying your baby securely and ergonomically. You can also adjust this style of baby carrier to suit your size and what feels comfortable.
With this type of baby carrier, when used on your front, you can have your baby face toward you or away from you.
Sling Baby Carrier
Sling baby carriers are typically made of a long length of fabric with two rings on one end. You have to feed the fabric through the rings to secure the sling.
A sling baby carrier can be worn on the front or on the hip. Unlike wraps, with slings you don’t have to tie off the loose ends, because the rings and the weight of your baby ensure the fabric doesn’t come loose.
Backpack Baby Carrier
Exactly as you would expect, a backpack carrier is meant to be worn with your baby on your back. This type of baby carrier is best for a toddler who doesn’t need too much support and has good neck control (read more on this in the support section below).
A backpack carrier typically has a padded aluminum frame in which your baby sits.
Backpack carriers are designed to be worn for extended periods with your baby, making them ideal for activities like hiking.
Safety
You might be excited to start using your baby carrier as soon as you can, but not every carrier is safe to use right out of the box or for every situation. For example, some baby carriers are only suitable to use once your baby reaches a certain weight or stage of development.
Some of the baby carriers on our list can be safely used for newborns just as they are, but others require an infant insert to be used. If you have any questions, check the manufacturer's guidelines and consult your healthcare provider.
Here are 6 things to keep in mind regarding baby carrier safety:
When not to use a baby carrier. If your baby was born prematurely or if your baby was born with respiratory problems, your healthcare provider may advise against using a carrier. This is because your baby’s position in the carrier may make breathing more difficult for your little one.
Pay attention to your baby’s position. No matter which style of baby carrier you use, always check that your baby’s mouth and nose are not covered or blocked by the material. A sling carrier can put your baby’s body into a C-shape, which puts her at risk of breathing problems. If you decide to use a sling carrier, make sure your baby’s neck is straight and that your little one’s chin is not pressed into their chest.
Choose a carrier with padding. If you’ve decided on a backpack-style carrier that has a metal frame, choose one that has padding so your baby won’t get hurt if they bump against, it especially if you’re using the baby carrier during a hiking trip, for example.
Use restraining straps when available. If your baby is over 5 months old, you might find that from time to time they become restless and try to squirm to get out of the carrier. If the type of carrier you choose has restraining straps, it’s a good idea to use them to ensure your baby is secured.
Bend at the knees if you need to. When wearing your baby carrier, if you need to bend over, make sure to bend at the knees instead of at the waist so that your baby doesn’t tip out. Squatting to pick something up also helps to protect your back.
Check the carrier periodically. It’s a good idea to carefully look over your baby’s carrier every now and then to check for any rips or tears, broken seams, or loosened fasteners.
Support
Whichever carrier you choose, make sure your baby is seated properly. Support is key for an infant whose head, neck, and hips are still developing. Ideally your baby’s knees should be held higher than their bottom with their legs in a spread squat position, also called a frog position or “M” position. This promotes natural hip development.
If you have questions or need more advice on how to position your baby correctly in your carrier, don’t be afraid to turn to your baby’s healthcare provider.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort, both for yourself and your baby, is something that you should keep in mind. Most of the wrap- and sling-style baby carriers are one size fits all. However, some Pampers Parents found that these styles didn’t fit their specific body type well. Plus, not every carrier works if, for example, you and your partner are different builds or heights.
The front pack and backpack styles of baby carrier usually offer adjustable straps, just as typical backpacks do, so they can adjust to fit many sizes and body shapes. Adjusting the straps will also help make carrying the weight of the carrier and your baby more comfortable for you.
Some baby carrier models offer different wearing options, such as allowing you to choose whether your baby will face inward or outward, and whether you want to wear the baby carrier on your front, back, or hip. You might need to play around to find out which is most comfortable for you, and which position your baby prefers.
Material
You may think that the material your baby carrier is made out of is the least of your worries, but in fact it can make all the difference. Pampers Parents noted that some of the wrap-style baby carrier fabrics made them feel hot.
Even a natural fabric like cotton, if it’s thick or of a certain weave, can be too warm, which is especially likely if the carrier is worn during the warmer months of the year.
Some baby carriers are made out of breathable semi-synthetic or synthetic materials; one example from our list is the Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Baby Carrier. These types of fabric can help keep you and your baby cool.
Some baby carriers can be laundered, whereas others can only be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Carrier Weight
Given that you will be carrying the weight of your baby, a baby carrier that is in itself light will often be more comfortable than one that is heavy.
Of course, with certain models, like the backpack baby carrier, some extra weight is unavoidable as an aluminum frame is what gives the carrier its rigidity.
Baby Weight
Carriers come with a range of weight limits. Some carriers can hold babies who weigh up to 45 pounds, but others have a maximum weight limit of 25 pounds. This means you may need to buy a new carrier as your baby grows. Check the manufacturer’s minimum and maximum weight limit before making your final decision.
Remember that some baby carriers are designed for use as is when your baby is a newborn, whereas others require the purchase of a separate infant insert for safe use when your baby is still very young.
Price
As with other baby gear purchases, cost is a factor to consider. Our list includes some more affordable carrier styles, such as the Moby Classic, along with other, pricier options, like the Osprey Packs backpack baby carrier.
Top 6 Soft-Structured Baby Carriers
Some of these soft-structured baby carriers offer multiple wearing options, such as wearing on your front, on your back, or on your hip. See which ones Pampers Parents chose as their favorites:
1. Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier
Why pick this one? The Infantino Flip Advanced features four different ways to wear your baby:
On your front with your baby facing you in a narrow seat
On your front with your baby facing you in a wide seat
On your front with your baby facing outward
On your back like a backpack.
The baby carrier features an ergonomic seat, adjustable shoulder straps, and waist belt so that you can make wearing your baby more comfortable.
A head support can be turned up when you have your baby facing you. Otherwise, if your baby faces out, the head support can be turned down easily.
Highlights: The baby carrier is machine washable in cold water. Make sure to wash it separately on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent, and then line dry. In between launderings, wipe down the baby carrier with a damp cloth or sponge.
Details:
Price*: about $24.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
2. Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions
Why pick this one? The Ergobaby 360 is made from mesh polyester fabric for improved airflow, which may help make your baby feel more comfortable during the warmer months.
With the infant insert, purchased separately, the baby carrier is suitable for newborns and young babies who weigh 7 to 12 pounds; without the insert, it handles babies and toddlers who weigh up to 33 pounds.
The carrier also includes a baby hood for sun and wind protection or privacy if you breastfeed your little one.
The bucket seat ensures your baby sits in the correct “M” position in the carrier. The extended back panel can be folded down if you choose to have your baby face outward.
Highlights: The waistband and shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit both petite wearers and larger bodies. This way both you and your partner might be able to share the use of the carrier, and you won't have to buy two.
Details:
Price*: about $97.91 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
3. BABYBJORN Baby Carrier Original
Why pick this one? For babies who weigh at least 8 pounds and not more than 25 pounds, the Babybjorn baby carrier may be suitable from the newborn stage up until they’re about 12 months old. With this carrier there’s no need for an additional infant insert.
Your baby can be placed facing inward or outward. However, if you decide to have your baby facing outward, be sure to fold down the back support; otherwise, it can obstruct your baby’s breathing. This baby carrier can only be worn on your front, unlike some of the others in this category.
Highlights: The Babybjorn features color-coded buckles with clicking sounds to reassure you that you’ve safely secured your baby.
Details:
Price*: about $79.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
4. Ergobaby Original Ergonomic Multi-Position Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support
Why pick this one? The Ergobaby Original baby carrier offers three positioning options for carrying your baby: front, back, or hip. The baby carrier includes a padded waistband and shoulder straps for your own comfort, and a proper seat for your baby so that they’re seated in the correct position.
If you'd like to nurse while your baby is in the carrier, you can use an attached baby hood for extra sun protection and privacy.
Pampers Parents commented that the baby carrier itself works best for an older baby, but if you purchase the infant insert, the carrier can be used with a newborn, too. Some Pampers Parents also said they needed help to place their baby in the carrier.
Some Pampers Parents were disappointed that you can’t have your baby facing outward in the carrier, which may be a deal breaker for you. Also, the baby carrier can only be worn on your front, which may be another downside to consider.
Highlights: The Ergobaby Original baby carrier includes a large, zippered pocket for storing essentials when you’re on the go.
Details:
Price*: about $109.95 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
5. LÍLLÉbaby The Complete Original Six-Position 360° Ergonomic Baby and Child Carrier
Why pick this one? The LÍLLÉbaby carrier offers generous padding, adjustable straps, and a waist belt to fit different sized parents securely.
The baby carrier features adjustable seat and leg openings so that your baby has proper hip support. The adjustable back panel helps support your little one’s head and neck. It also doubles as a shield against the sun.
The carrier can handle babies from 7 pounds to 45 pounds and does not require the use of an infant insert like some of the other carriers on the market.
Highlights: The LÍLLÉbaby carrier offers six different ways to carry your baby: fetal position, infant inward, ergonomic outward, hip, toddler inward, and on your back.
Details:
Price*: about $99.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
6. Infantino Carry On Carrier
Why pick this one? Much like the other Infantino baby carrier in this category, this model features four ways to wear your baby: facing in (narrow seat), facing in (wide seat), facing out, and backpack-style.
There’s an ergonomic seat, adjustable shoulder straps, and a waist belt so that you can wear the baby carrier comfortably. The baby carrier works well for a wide range of body types and in many situations, whether you’re running errands or going to the park.
Highlights: The baby carrier features six pockets to keep essentials like pacifiers, diapers, spare clothes, wipes, or your keys and phone.
Details:
Price*: about $33.83 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Top 4 Wrap Baby Carriers
Pampers Parents chose the following wrap baby carriers as their favorites:
1. Moby Classic Baby Wrap Carrier
Why pick this one? Fashion-forward parents will appreciate that the Moby wrap comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It’s made of thick 100 percent cotton, making it a great choice for those who prefer natural materials. Some Pampers Parents said that the fabric made them feel too hot.
Although the manufacturer claims that the wrap grows with your little one, accommodating babies weighing between 8 and 33 pounds, some Pampers Parents found the Moby Classic difficult to use with bigger babies.
Highlights: The Moby wrap baby carrier allows you to hold your baby in different positions so you can find the one that is most comfortable.
Details:
Price*: about $49.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
2. Boba Baby Wrap Carrier
Why pick this one? The Boba wrap can be used as a carrier and as a privacy shield for comfortably nursing your baby. It’s available in many colors and prints, so that all moms and dads can find a design they like.
The baby carrier is “one size fits all” and works for most body types. The French terry cloth fabric is 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex, so the Boba can stretch to your baby’s shape without losing its shape. Keep in mind that some Pampers Parents found the fabric made them feel hot.
Highlights: There’s only one way to wrap the Boba, which might make it less confusing to use than other similar wraps.
Details:
Price*: about $39.95 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
3. Baby K'tan Baby Carrier
Why pick this one? With the Baby K’tan you can enjoy all the benefits of a wrap without any complicated wrapping—this carrier is ready to wear as is. To put it on, you simply slip it on like a T-shirt.
It’s made of 100 percent double-loop cotton with one-way stretch.
It can be worn five different ways, so you can find the carrying position that suits you and your baby.
Unlike the more traditional wraps that are only available in one size, the baby K’tan is available in sizes XXS to XL. Keep in mind that some Pampers Parents found choosing the right size difficult; you might want to consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart.
Highlights: The carrier comes with a matching carrying bag that can convert into a sash, which can provide extra support when carrying your baby in certain positions.
Details:
Price*: about $49.95 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
4. Ergobaby Aura Wrap
Why pick this one? The Ergobaby Aura Wrap is easier to wrap than some other wrap baby carriers on the market as it comes with a guiding edge. This is especially handy for those new to baby-carrying.
The fabric is a durable and breathable 100 percent viscose, which is made from a combination of eucalyptus wood and acacia wood. Some Pampers Parents commented on the fact that the fabric kept them feeling cool.
Highlights: The Ergobaby Aura Wrap features a built-in carrying pouch that can fold into an integrated pocket for storage, perfect for when you’re on the go with your baby.
Details:
Price*: about $37.99 to $49.99 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Top Sling Baby Carrier
This is the sling baby carrier Pampers Parents preferred:
Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling
Why pick this one? The Hip baby wrap sling carrier is made of hand-woven eco-friendly cotton that’s lightweight and easy to wrap with its aluminum rings. The design allows for even weight distribution whether your baby is positioned in the carrier on your front or on your hip.
Highlights: The Hip baby wrap sling carrier can be convenient for nursing on the go, as it can provide privacy as a nursing cover.
Details:
Price*: about $39.95 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Top Backpack Baby Carrier
Pampers Parents voted this backpack baby carrier as their favorite:
Osprey Packs Poco AG Plus Child Carrier
Why pick this one? The advantage of this backpack carrier by Osprey Packs is that its lightweight aluminum frame not only supports the load of your baby, but it also makes it possible to set the carrier down with your baby in it. The frame is completely padded for safety and features a double harnessed compartment to hold your baby as well as safety leg loops.
This carrier comes with a built-in sunshade that can be removed from a dedicated zippered pocket. There are also lots of extra zippered storage compartments for gear, toys, or snacks.
The backpack baby carrier features contoured mesh from the shoulder to the lumbar region to help with balance and stability. The waist adjustment allows for five inches of wiggle room to ensure a better fit. The padded and fully adjustable shoulder straps feature a sliding sternum strap so that you feel more comfortable while carrying your little one.
Highlights: The manufacturer will repair or replace any backpack baby carrier for any reason, damage, or defect free of charge.
Details:
Price*: about $289.95 on Amazon.com
Pampers Parents pros and cons:
Top Men’s Baby Carrier
Dads! If you didn’t like any of the carriers mentioned above, you might want to check out a carrier that’s been designed specifically with you in mind. Although many brands offer baby carriers in unisex colors and patterns, like the Boba or the BABYBJORN, those designed especially for men often feature an army tactical bag look or use a camouflage color palette.
Mission Critical Men's Baby Carrier
Why pick this one? This men’s baby carrier by Mission Critical is made of military-grade nylon, which means you might find it’s more durable but still lightweight. It’s designed to be very breathable, and the mesh back padding will help keep you cool.
The carrier can hold your baby facing forward or facing back. It’s easy to put on and it’s easy to figure out how to secure your little one.
The snap-in baby liner is removable and machine washable, so any mess can easily be cleaned. There’s also a sun shield for your baby.
Highlights: The MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing on the back panel of the carrier allows for the attachment of accessories such as a daypack. This helps evenly distribute the weight of your baby.
Details:
Price*: about $170.00 on Amazon.com
The Bottom Line
Baby carrying can be a great way to spend time with your baby and bond with him. It’s worth taking a look at some of the different types of baby carriers before deciding which style is best for you. You may even decide to purchase more than one style, depending on your needs.
Recall Notice
Before buying a product, always check that it’s approved and hasn’t been recalled on sites like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
*Prices are subject to change.
How We Got These Results
We surveyed thousands of parents in the Pampers Community and asked them to choose the products they love the most, and to share their views on specific products and product categories. Based on the survey responses, we have taken the top product picks and added our own research to create this article. The aim is to help you choose the right product for you and your family. We might receive commissions on purchases made from the links in this article, but the products featured are the Pampers Community’s top choices.
Read more about Best Baby Products
Join a World of Support
through Pregnancy and Parenthood.
TRACK WITH TOOLS
LEARN WITH EXPERTS
GET REWARDED
Where You Already Belong