Best Baby Carriers 2021
Baby-wearing has recently become super-popular right now, but you might be surprised to learn it has a long history. Mums have been wearing various versions of the baby carrier since many centuries to keep babies close to them. Some of the early carriers were made from just a long piece of cloth wrapped tightly around the woman’s body to keep the baby close to them while they worked the fields or went about their day.
Modern day carriers have come a long way since then. They are designed keeping the baby and mother in mind – they provide support and allow the mom to go about her day and work hands-free, while allowing the baby to be cocooned and feel close to the mom.
What are the various types of baby carriers right now?
Baby carriers come in a wide variety and the one you choose will be the one that would suit your lifestyle. There are subtle differences between carriers but the main types of carriers are listed below:
- Baby carrier wraps: Baby carrier wraps are the oldest way of wrapping a baby. They are basically a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around your body and tied in place to hold your baby close.
- Soft-structured baby carriers/ buckle carriers: These are what you think of when you think of baby carriers. They are more defined, have structure to distribute baby’s weight to your hips while offering your baby plenty of support. They also have multiple straps creating a snug, comfortable fit for both of you. Most soft-structured baby carriers can be worn multiple ways making it perfect for a newborn to a toddler.
- Baby carrier backpacks: For parents who love the outdoors, these carriers are often the choice they go with. These heavier, backpack-style carriers offer additional padding and boning to keep your baby or toddler in place by offering higher structure and support. However, they are often, worn on the back so are more suited to slightly older babies than newborns.
Convinced about the benefits of baby-wearing? Below is a list of our favorite baby carriers that will help your baby feel secure, close and comfortable.
The Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier is an ergonomic, convertible, face-in and face-out front and back carrier for newborns and older babies between 8 and 32 lbs.
Why do we love it?
We love this carrier for its durability, material quality, versatility and support. It provides a super comfortable fit due to its adjustable ergonomic seat with adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt which shifts weight to the wearer’s hips for more comfort. You can experience hands-free convenience with opportunities for bonding and developmental benefits
Check out what its users say
‘My baby instantly falls asleep once he is in this carrier! He is 6 weeks old and a little over 10 lbs. and fits perfectly in the narrow seating position! I am 5’2″ with a short torso, and it is very comfortable. My husband is 6’1″ with a very long torso, and it fits him comfortably, too. It really doesn’t feel like he’s 10lbs when in this carrier! We love it and highly recommend it!’ – Arlene Dobbins
The Fruiteam “X”-Cross-Strap-Baby-Carrier is an Easy to Put on, Comfortable and Safe carrie
Why do we love it?
The Fruiteam Baby Carrier is designed to solve the problems of parents! It frees your hands and lets you take care of doing things and taking care of your children at the same time! The waistless stool design not only simplifies the steps of wearing, but is also easier to store. According to different stages of the baby, this baby carrier can provide different services and you can use baby carrier till your child is 36 months. It gives you the option of carrying your child in 4 different ways – facing-In, forward Facing, hip Carry and backpack exploring.
Check out what its users say
‘Hands down the best and comfiest thing in the whole world. Shoulder straps are super padded. The Thick waist strap helps A TON. Does not weigh down on your shoulders. The seat is probably the best thing about it honestly! My baby just sits and isn’t uncomfortable just dangling and I don’t have to worry about his legs hurting from the pressure from dangling for so long he’s just sitting there and he’s SOOO happy because he feels like a big boy! Also, the sun cover and pockets are such a great touch 👌🏻 I’m so happy I took the time to look for a good baby carrier and found this one.’ – Jaky
The Konny baby carrier is an ultra-lightweight, hassle-free baby wrap sling. It is ideal for newborns and infants to 44 lbs. toddlers. Its soft and breathable fabric makes it a sensible sleep solution.
Why do we love it?
It is hassle free and comfortable. It helps alleviate back and shoulder pain by evenly distributing the baby’s weight across the user’s upper body, minimizing pain in certain pressure points of the body such as the waist, shoulders and back. The elastic, resilient fabric firmly and stably supports the baby to stay relaxed without the need for rocking. It also allows the parent to look stylish with the smart and simple design in a wide variety of colors. It only weighs less than half a pound. Compact enough to slip in your purse. Easy to wash and dry.
Check out what its users say
‘This is my second Konny and I absolutely love them! It’s my favorite baby carrier. It’s so simple and easy to use! The wrapping is already done for you! It makes it so easy to use, especially out in public! I HIGHLY recommend this baby carrier! Especially if you want to baby wear and can’t figure out how to use those really long wraps, like me. It’s a wonderful design, great color options, and easy to clean! It also comes with a super cute carrying case to keep the wrap and the sash in one place!’ – Lindsay G
The CuddleBug Baby Wrap is a sling and Carrier for newborns & toddlers up to 36 lbs. It keeps your hands free and its gentle, stretch fabric and one size fits all makes it ideal for baby showers.
Why do we love it?
You can carry your baby hands free and get things done while bonding. It helps develop strong emotional bonds and constant stimulation with the flexibility and freedom to go where you want and get things done. It is as gentle as wearing a T-shirt but strong enough to support your baby’s head. You’ll be on the move in no time with the easy-to-follow instructions for any carry. From car-seat to Cuddle Wrapped in as little as 1 minute. This socially conscious brand gives back a portion of your purchase to support the Guatemalan charity “Long Way Home” which provides self-sufficient schools for communities in need.
Check out what its users say
‘I bought this wrap because I have a very fussy baby who always wants to be held and figured this would help. Each time I searched for help with my baby’s behavior, I would find several suggestions pointing to wearing your baby. It’s super comfortable! I love that it’s stretchy and cotton. My baby loves it too. When I wear it, I can actually get some things done! He is pretty content in it but enjoys when I’m moving around in it as opposed to standing still. He falls asleep in it easily, especially if I’m vacuuming lol. There are some days where I feel like it’s impossible to make him content but then I pull out this wrap and it really works like a charm. Also I thought it would be difficult or annoying to put on because it seemed complicated at first. However, you get the hang of it pretty quickly and it’s so easy to do, I can put it on it under a minute now but the first time I had to watch the video over and over again Haha. There is a YouTube video that demonstrates how to put it on! The wrap comes in a cute matching bag.’ – Shoppy
The boba wrap baby carrier is grey in color. It is the original stretchy infant sling, perfect for newborn babies and children up to 35 lbs.
Why do we love it?
It is a simple to use wrap with easy tying instructions. It was the first of its kind and the simplicity of the idea has kept moms and babies together for 10 years. The fabric is stretchy, soft and machine washable that will keep your baby close. It is much easier to clean than a stroller or car seat. You can machine wash and dry this wrap, making life just a little easier for new moms. It is an ergonomic seat for the baby, ergonomic weight distribution for mom and dad! Each time you tie the wrap, you create a custom seat for your baby providing knee to knee support. It is easy to breastfeed in and even acts as a privacy shield for nursing moms because you can nurse while wearing it, without taking your baby out of the wrap.
Check out what its users say
‘I am not at all the type of mom who knows about specific wraps or is super into “baby wearing”, I was simply a first time mom who thought the baby born looked a little uncomfortable. So, I bought this, watched a YouTube tutorial about how to wrap it (VERY helpful!) and my baby girl loved it! Once in a while she would cry for no reason and once I put her in here she would fall right asleep. My daughter is 6.5 months old now and does not enjoy it even with her legs free (there is a different way to place older babies) and I really miss the days of her snuggled tight to me! Very easy and very useful. I machine washed and dried it several times with no issue! Also, I am plus sized.’ – Francesca
This Red Clevr Child backpack carrier is made of strong but lightweight metal frame and 600d oxford cloth, it can withstand the elements and daily use.
Why do we love it?
This backpack is lightweight and comfortable yet sturdy enough to be comfortable for both baby and adult for hours. The straps and hip belt are comfortably padded and the carrier features energy-absorbing lumbar padding that keeps you cool and secure. It has large storage areas to accommodate your baby along with changing pad, bottles, diapers, sweaters, phone, and keys. The included sun canopy and rain cover help keep your baby protected, cool, and dry during all weather conditions.
Check out what its users say
‘I took this to Iceland to carry my 1.5-year-old in and it made my life so much easier! He was happy, shielded from rain and wind, and neither my husband or I had to carry bags because there’s enough room for storage in the bottom of the bag. We stored it in the stroller bag and gate checked it without a problem. This carrier is very lightweight and durable, and my son loves that it sits higher so he can see every step of the journey ahead.’ – Sara McElhaney
The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is ideal for newborns to toddlers with lumbar support.
Why do we love it?
The padded lumbar back support and extra padded shoulder straps provide comfort. They can be used in two ways as regular or crossed shoulder straps. It has been acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. It is designed to fit multiple wearers from petite to larger body types. They promise to replace your carrier at no charge if you find a manufacturing or material defect. It provides tailored support for baby’s head while sleeping, privacy, and sun protection and you can adjust shoulder straps for easy nursing on the go
Check out what its users say
‘My son and I love this carrier. We have tried a baby bjorn, baby ktan, lilliebaby, and the original ergobaby carrier and this carrier is our favorite. It has all the features I wanted all in one carrier. It has a storage pouch and it is a nice size. It has a hood to block the sun and to cover him when he sleeps. I can carry him front facing in this carrier, which he absolutely loves. This carrier is perfect for me because I am slender at 5″4′ and 125 lbs., and I can adjust it tightly around my small waist. It is perfect and worth every penny!’ – BabyJay528
