The 5 Best Baby Child Carriers

Holding your baby close helps to strengthen your bond. It also helps your child physically and emotionally. But, packing around a growing baby or toddler can really take a toll on your arms. And sometimes you really need your hands free so you can do other tasks. Baby child carriers can help. They allow you to wear your baby and hold them close, while keeping your hands free. Being so close to you will help comfort your baby, which can really help if your little one is fussy. Carriers are typically easier to bring along than bulky strollers, so they're perfect for carrying your child on errands. Baby child carriers aren't just for little babies. You can use many styles with toddlers. Just make sure you check the weight limits to keep safety in mind. Safety first is a great mantra when it comes to baby wearing. To help you find the perfect baby child carrier for your needs, here are reviews of five of the best ones available.

Lillebaby The Complete Airflow 360° Ergonomic Six-Position Baby & Child Carrier

Really Comfortable Carrier that Grows with Your Baby

This baby child carrier has generous padding that really makes it comfortable to wear your baby or toddler.

Best Overall

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Looking for a carrier that you can use from birth to toddler-hood? You can use this carrier for little ones between 7-45 pounds. It has six different positions to keep your baby safe at all stages. It’ been evaluated by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to ensure it promotes healthy hip and leg development. The padding and lumbar support make this baby and child carrier so comfortable. You can select from a variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics. Some are made out of a lightweight cotton mesh, that promotes airflow. It’s very adjustable, so you can customize it for a perfect fit. There’s even a handy pocket to keep your phone or other essentials in.

Pros

Comfortable to wear
Versatile for babies and toddlers
Adjustable for a great fit

Cons

A higher price tag compared to the other carriers on this list

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Comfortably Wrap Your Baby Close

A wrap style baby child carrier that can support babies from birth to 35 pounds.

Best for Nursing Moms

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If you’re a nursing mom who wants a baby carrier you can use while breastfeeding, this is a great option. It’s a wrap style sling, which means it’s a long rectangle of fabric. You wrap it around yourself to get a perfect fit, and then place your baby inside and adjust the wrap. Once you get the hang of it, it’s simple to use. There are plenty of YouTube videos to help you get started, and demonstrate how to use it with breastfeeding. The cotton and spandex blend is comfortable, durable, and slightly stretchy to help it form to you and your baby. This fabric is machine washable, so it’s easy to clean if your baby spits up or the carrier gets dirty. It’s available in several different colors and patterns. You can safely use this carrier until your baby reaches 35 pounds.

Pros

One-size fits all
Great for nursing
Machine washable

Cons

Slight learning curve when you first start using it

Baby K’Tan Print Baby Wrap Carrier, Infant, Child Sling

Easy to Use Baby Child Carrier

This carrier is simple in design, and easy to use. You just slip it on like a t-shirt.

Simplest to Use

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The brain fog that comes with being a new mom means you sometimes prefer simple to use baby child carriers. If you don’t want to have to mess with belts, clips, or tying extra fabric, this simple carrier is a great choice. You slip it on over your head, and it’s ready to use. It comes with a carrying case that turns into a slash you can tie around the whole thing for certain carrying positions. Because of the design, you will need to pick the correct size when buying it. It’s available in sizes XXS-XL so you can get the one that fits best. There are several fun patterns available, and some solid colors. It has five positions so you it will grow with your child. You can use it from birth to 35 pounds. The seated position has been approved hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, to promote healthy development.

Pros

Easy to use
Use for babies from birth to 35 pounds
Breathable fabric

Cons

Need to select the right size when purchasing

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier

Protect Your Clothes with This Carrier's Built In Bib

Have a baby who spits up a lot? Help contain the mess with this carrier's patented Wonder Cover bib.

Best on a Budget

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If you’re looking for a baby child carrier on a budget, this is a great option. It has a convertible seat, so you can use it for babies from 8-32 pounds. When they’re smaller, use the narrow seat option. It also has a padded head support so your little baby will have the support it needs. Then as they grow, switch to the wide position. There are four different ways to carry your baby with this carrier. The straps are adjustable, so you can get a great fit no matter your body type. The Wonder Cover bib helps protect your clothes from spit-up while wearing your baby. The contrasting fabric also adds a little pop of color.

Pros

Convertible for babies 8-32 pounds
Adjustable straps
Wonder Cover bib to protect clothes

Cons

Limited color selection

Baby Hip Seat Carrier Waist Stool

Ergonomic Design Keeps It Comfortable for You and Baby

This hip seat baby child carrier reduces pressure on your waist and back, and helps keep baby in a hip healthy position.

Best Hip Seat Style

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This unique child baby carrier won’t free up both of your hands, but it will make holding your baby so much easier on your back. Put it on, and your baby will have a seat by your hip. Now you can preserve your posture while carrying your baby, and help keep your spine aligned properly. The extra-side waist belt helps prevent your lower back from hurting. To help alleviate shoulder pain, the strap is padded so it’s comfortable to wear. The ergonomic design is also great for baby. It helps keep them in a healthy hip position that’s recommended by pediatricians. The carrier is 100% cotton, and perfect for use during any season. It works well for babies from 7 to 50 pounds, so will last your child for a while. You can hold your baby in four different positions with this carrier.

Pros

Easy to use
Alleviates back and shoulder pain
Ergonomic design

Cons

Only frees up one hand while carrying your baby

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baby child carriers safe to use?

When used properly, baby child carriers are a safe way to carry your baby. But, they can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Babies have weak neck muscles, and aren’t able to control their heads. If your baby’s in the sling the wrong way, the extra fabric can block their airway. An incorrect position can also smash the baby’s face into your body, which also presents a suffocation risk. There is also a risk of falling, if the carrier is not secured properly. To keep your baby safe, always read the owner’s manual completely. Know how to place your baby in the carrier and how to secure all of the pieces. Look for wear and tear on the carrier and stop using it if it is broken. Also, keep weight limits in mind. Do not carry a child who is over the limit.

Will I spoil my baby using a baby child carrier?

No! You cannot spoil your baby by wearing them in a child carrier. Babies are learning about the world, and they need to know that they are loved and secure. Child carriers can help keep them snuggled up close to you, and provide comfort. It is a great way to promote your child’s development. For the past several centuries, mothers all around the globe wore their babies. You can join in on this historically normal experience.

What type of baby child carrier should I purchase?

When you’re ready to buy a baby child carrier, take time to get one that will work for your baby. You need to get one that fits your body, can safely carry your baby, and is comfortable to wear. To help you decide on a model, think about what you’ll be using the carrier for. Will you use it daily, around the house as you’re doing chores and moving about? Or will it just be for occasional use when you’re shopping and the stroller won’t work. Also think about where you will be using it at. If you’re planning on hiking with your toddler up a rugged mountainside, your carrier needs to be durable. This brainstorming session can help you select the best child carrier for your lifestyle.