The best baby carriers for all budgets
10 of the best baby carriers in 2024
Here is a quick run-down on our top 10 baby carriers…
- Infantino Baby Carrier – Shop now
- BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier – Shop now
- Ergobaby Baby Carrier – Shop now
- Kinderkraft Baby Carrier – Shop now
- Infantino Upscale Carrier – Shop now
- Ergobaby Embrace Carrier – Shop now
- Nuby Newborn Baby Carrier – Shop now
- Red Kite Ara Baby Carrier – Shop now
- Chicco Hip Seat Carrier – Shop now
- LittleLife Cross Country S4 Child Carrier – Shop now
You’ll find lots more information below too…
Your buying guide for baby carriers
It might sound easy but one of the main challenges for any parent is simply getting your baby from one place to another. Prams, strollers and travel systems all have their place but sometimes you might want to keep your baby a bit closer. Baby carriers allow you to keep your baby close to your body, which can be both practical and comforting. You don’t even have to be going far – a baby carrier can keep your baby out of mischief and feeling secure while you take care of other tasks or deal with other children.
As with most baby products though, there are thousands of baby carrier options available and lots of things to consider. Here we’ll go through everything you need to know to make the right choice for you and your baby when you’re looking to buy a baby carrier.
What is a baby carrier?
A baby carrier is simply a wearable item that allows you to carry your baby close to your body. Simple fabric slings have been used by parents across many different cultures for thousands of years. Modern baby carriers can take the form of specially designed wraps, soft structures like wearable pouches and even baby carrier backpacks that are great for a family hike or dog walk. All our baby carriers are made with comfort and practicality in mind and will also have undergone rigorous safety tests, meaning you can carry your baby with confidence.
What are the benefits of a baby carrier?
There are a number of benefits to using a baby carrier, including:
- It can be easier and more convenient than using a pram, especially on public transport and in crowded areas
- It’s easier to go ‘off-road’ on a family walk
- It keeps you hands-free to get on with other things
- Carrying your baby can improve your own health and fitness
- You get more close bonding time with your baby
- It’s great for mums and dads alike – many dads love the close contact it gives them
- It can be good for breastfeeding, although you should check manufacturer’s instructions as some carriers may not be suitable for nursing.
In addition, carrying your baby close to your body can be soothing for you both. Research suggests that carrying your baby more can reduce infant crying by as much as 45% overall and 51% in those precious evening hours when you need to grab as much of your own sleep as you can!
When should I use a baby carrier?
You can use a baby carrier from birth but you should ensure that you are using a suitable type and model – a newborn baby carrier will have different requirements compared to a baby carrier backpack for older children, for example. It’s very important that you get one that is suitable for your baby’s size and age.
The Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini Cotton is a perfect first baby carrier while the Phil & Teds Parade Baby Carrier should only be used from 6 months up. This rugged design comes with a canopy and hood that makes it perfect for outdoor adventures with a maximum load of 40lb. That’s about the weight of an average 4-year-old. We’re not sure everyone wants to be lugging their school-age little ones on their backs on a regular basis, but it can certainly be useful if they get tired while out on a family adventure. You can also carry other gear like food and clothes in a baby carrier backpack.
Some models, like the Ergobaby Adapt range are fully adjustable, meaning you can use them from newborn to toddler stages (7lb-45lb). If your baby is premature or has a low birth weight, you should speak to your doctor or midwife before using a baby carrier.
What are the different types of baby carrier?
There are a number of different kinds of carrier, from slings to wraps, to soft structure baby front carriers and baby carrier backpacks. Here are some of the most common:
Wraps and slings
Baby slings and wraps are long pieces are fabric, which wrap around you and your baby. These wraps can be spread comfortably across you and worn in a number of different positions, including front, hip and back carries. Learning to get a good fit can be tricky at first but they can be ideal for newborns.
Ring slings and pouches
These are worn over one shoulder and consist of two pieces of cloth with two rings sown at one end. The free end is looped through the rings, forming a pouch for the baby. These can be worn on your front, hip or back. Unless they are adjustable, these will need to be exactly the right size for you and cannot be shared.
Mei Tai
These Asian-style baby carriers are made from a square or rectangle of attractive fabric with four wide straps. One set of straps fits around the wearer’s waist, whilst the others go around their neck. These allow your baby to be worn on your hips, front or back. Your child’s weight can be evenly spread, making it a good option for older babies and toddlers, although they can be used safely for newborns.
Soft-structured baby carrier
These are like back packs with thick straps that go over the wearer’s shoulders and a padded waistband, so your baby can be inward or outward-facing and in some cases, on your hip. They offer a mixture of ease, comfort and convenience and can be used on much older children. Some may be unsuitable for babies below a certain weight without the use of an additional infant insert.
Baby backpack carriers
These are similar to camping backpacks but are specially designed for your very precious cargo. They come with a seat for your baby that attaches to your back with a frame, and straps that go over your shoulders. These are generally only suitable for older infants and toddlers who can support their own necks.
Baby carrier safety
Making sure your baby has proper support
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The carrier or sling should be able to support your baby and be comfortable to wear for you and anyone else who is using it. Even if it states that it is suitable for newborns upwards, make sure your baby meets the minimum weight requirement. Your baby should be able sit upright, with their air passages clear. A newborn baby carrier is designed to support their head, back and developing hips and spine because their joints are soft and flexible.
The baby carrier must hold their legs in the recommended ‘frog leg’ position, with their knees level with or higher than their hips, and the thigh supported to the knee joint. This ensures their hips are not over stretched, and the balls of their hips to sit adequately in their sockets. Slings should support your baby’s back in its natural curved ‘C- shape and the fabric should be snug enough to support your baby.
Keeping baby safe in a sling
The UK Sling Consortium recommends that baby sling wearers follow the T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe use:
- Tight for adequate support
- In view at all times (this means your baby’s face)
- Close enough to kiss (your baby’s forehead or head)
- Keep baby’s chin off their chest to ensure breathing isn’t restricted
- Supported back so the baby can’t slump and restrict their airway
Keeping baby safe in a baby carrier
Non-profit organisation Babywearing International also shared an ABC rule to remember for carrying your baby in a front or back baby carrier:
- Airways: Make sure your baby always has a clear and open airway by keeping their chin off their chest, and allowing space for air to circulate around their face. Keep your baby high enough on your chest so that you can kiss the top of their head, and so that you can monitor their breathing and keep them in an upright position.
- Body positioning: It's important that the baby's spine is supported adequately and that their legs aren't dangling: the baby's knees should be propped up higher than their bum and slightly bent (known as the 'M', 'squat' or 'frog' position).
- Comfort: It's important to look out for your baby's comfort as well as your own at all times. Practise all carrying positions – especially back carries – with someone else to help you until you're confident.
Using a forward-facing baby carrier
While ‘babywearing’ in general is becoming more and more common, there is still a lot of debate about using a forward-facing baby carrier. This is when your baby faces outwards in the direction you are walking or standing, with their back against you.
Many babies do enjoy seeing the world and their curiosity grows along with their motor control and ability to support their own neck and look around. Forward-facing baby carriers allow this but there are some legitimate concerns.
On her Carrying Matters opens in a new window website, GP Dr Rosie Knowles, author of the book ‘Why Babywearing Matters’, says it is important to remember that young babies are not yet ready for prolonged and intense interaction with a very sensory-overloading environment. She adds that in this position, parents are unable to see their baby’s face to pick up early cues of tiredness or distress or breathing difficulties.
It's important not to use forward-facing positions before a baby’s neck muscles are strong enough to support her head (typically between 4-6 months old) and to remember that babies should never sleep or be allowed to nod when facing outwards in a baby carrier or sling. Dr Knowles says: “A heavy head that is unsupported by a parent’s chest will droop forwards, putting baby’s chest under slight compression and pressing the chin downwards, potentially compromising the airway.”
10 tips for buying a baby carrier – questions to ask yourself
- Is the carrier right for your baby’s age and stage? It’s vital to make sure the type of carrier you buy is suitable for your baby (see ‘Age by age guide to choosing the right baby carrier’ below)
- Do you have twins? Many mamas and papas with double bundles of joy are put off by the thought of carrying both but you can get a specially designed twin baby carrier that will help spread the weight and keep all three of you comfortable.
- What is your budget? Baby carriers can vary widely in price depending on their type, build and other considerations. Slings and wraps tend to be cheaper than more structured carriers.
- What type of carrier do you want? There are various types of carrier available, from simple slings and stretchy wraps to soft structure baby carriers and baby carrier backpacks. These can all be suitable for different stages and situations and you might have your own preferences based on fit, comfort and style.
- How easy are they to use? In general, wraps will take a few steps to get on with baby in the right position while structured baby carrier options are more straightforward. That doesn’t mean that wraps are overly complicated though – it just takes a bit of practice until it becomes second nature.
- Do you want to take older babies and toddlers on hikes or family adventures? A rugged and durable baby carrier backpack might be your best choice if so.
- Will more than one of you be using it? Baby carriers are usually adjustable. You may or may not want a men’s baby carrier but Mum and Dad might have their own preferences and styles that fit more comfortably.
- Is it machine washable? Baby carriers can get a little messy, especially when it comes to spit and drool, so it might be worth checking how easy it is to clean.
- How long will it last? If you want a carrier to last from newborn to toddler, you might want to go for an adjustable model that can adapt to your baby’s size as they grow. Some models also have removable inserts and cushions that can support your baby as they grow.
- What about the weather? Some baby carriers may come with hoods and covers, especially baby backpacks for older infants. Others have accessories like this Ergobaby baby carrier rain cover and fleece covers that can help keep your little one snug and dry. In summer months you might be more concerned about keeping them cool. Baby wraps tend to be made of lightweight materials like cotton mesh and bamboo while structured baby carriers will often have a breathable mesh construction.
Things to avoid when buying a baby carrier
While the right baby carrier will vary depending on the needs of both you and your baby, there are some things to look out for, mostly to do with safety.
You should avoid:
- Carriers that allow Baby to slump forwards, tip backwards or sideways
- Carriers which allow a baby’s airway to be compromised or their face to be covered
- Carriers that are very cheaply made to poor standards of quality and safety
- Carriers that hold baby’s weight in an unnatural or dangerous position, or away from parent’s centre of gravity
- Carriers that do not hold your child in the ‘frog’s leg’ position
- Carriers that you find overly complicated to use or uncomfortable to wear
You should also make sure that any sling or baby carrier you buy is the genuine article (see ‘Can I get a second-hand baby carrier?’ below).
Can I get a second-hand baby carrier?
Baby carriers are generally safe to use second-hand as long as they are in good condition and not showing excessive wear and tear. A word of caution though: a Which? survey of more than 2,000 parents who had bought a baby sling or carrier found that nearly a third (31%) had accidentally bought a fake from an online marketplace.
The watchdog gives some tips to avoid being scammed, including asking yourself if the price seems too good to be true, comparing items to pictures of the genuine product and looking out for fake reviews. Ultimately though, Which? concluded that, if you want to be certain you’re getting a genuine product, buying direct from an authorised retailer is the safest choice. If you’re looking for a superb Baby Bjorn carrier, a stylish Ergobaby carrier or other great brands, our baby marketplace has all the baby carrier options you need.
Age by age guide to choosing the right baby carrier
It’s important to make sure you have the right baby carrier for your baby’s age, weight and stage of development. You should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and check that the carrier is suitable for your baby.
In general, many slings and baby wraps are suitable from birth, as are some more structured baby carriers – although some of these may require a newborn cushion insert. Many soft-structured baby carriers are fully adjustable, making them suitable for babies of different ages and sizes. Babies should only be placed in a forward-facing baby carrier or baby backpack when they are bigger, with more motor control and are able to support their own necks.
Suitable baby carriers by age
0+ months
- Many slings and most wraps
- Inward-facing structured baby carriers
4-6+ months
- Forward (outward)-facing baby carriers
6+ months
- Baby backpack carrier
The above is a general guide only and you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Baby carrier accessories
Baby carriers come with everything you need to carry your baby safely and comfortably but there might be some optional extras that will come in handy. The Ergobaby Easy Snug Infant Insert is an insert cushion that is compatible with many Ergobaby carriers to provide extra support for growing babies. Babybjorn has a stylish baby carrier cover with a removable hood that fits all BabyBjorn carriers and can also be used with car seats and prams or as a snug extra blanket. The Babybjorn teething bib can help if your little one likes to chew on the straps of your carrier while Mountain Buggy has a gel cooler pack to help you and Baby stay cool in your carrier in warmer weather.
20 of the best baby carriers for you and your baby
1. BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini
The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini is suitable for babies weighing from 7lbs – 24lbs, making it ideal for your baby’s first year.
This baby carrier for newborns is really easy to put on and take off. Plus, its small size makes it ideal to pop into your bag to use when you are out and about.
You can choose to carry your baby either facing towards your stomach or facing outwards with this handy, high-quality baby carrier.
2. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Advanced Carrier
The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Advanced Carrier is hugely popular with parents, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best baby carriers around.
This Infantino baby carrier is a great price and looks good too. The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Advanced Carrier is comfortable to wear, and the seat, waist belt, and shoulder straps can all be adjusted.
The Infantino baby carrier is suitable for babies weighing from 8lbs to 32lbs and can be used as both a front-facing and parent-facing baby carrier.
3. Ergobaby Baby Carrier
This Ergobaby Baby Carrier can be worn in four different ways. Take your pick from carrying your baby facing you, on your back, on your hip, or front-facing.
This baby carrier is suitable from newborn right up to the toddler years, as it’s suitable from 7lbs up to 45lbs. The carrier supports the hip-healthy ‘m’ position for babies and has a lumbar support waist belt for parents.
The Ergobaby Baby Carrier is made from 3D mesh material, making it breathable and helping to maintain the optimal temperature for your baby. This baby carrier also comes with a tuck-away baby hood with UPF 50+ sun protection.
4. Kinderkraft Nino Baby Carrier
This KinderKraft Baby Carrier can be worn in two parent-facing positions – either on your front or on your back.
You can use this Kinderkraft carrier for your little from three months up until they reach 20kg. This baby carrier can be adjusted to achieve the best fit for you and your baby and to ensure you’re both comfortable.
The Nino baby carrier also has a handy pocket for you to store your essentials while you’re out and about.
5. Infantino Upscale Carrier
This Infantino baby carrier is a deluxe choice with a stylish finish. Your little one can travel in complete comfort thanks to the ergonomic, adjustable seat and head support for your growing baby.
For parents, the Infantino Upscale Carrier is designed for comfort and the best fit for all body shapes. This is achieved through the adjustable, padded shoulder straps and supportive waist belt.
The carrier is suitable for babies weighing from 8lbs up to 40lbs. You can wear the carrier with your baby either facing you or facing outwards.
6. Ergobaby Embrace Soft Air Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Embrace Soft Air Mesh baby carrier is designed to provide maximum air circulation, which keeps both you and your baby cool.
This baby carrier can be used from birth with your baby facing towards you. As your little one grows, they can continue facing you or switch to face outwards.
You will be pleased to know that this Ergobaby carrier is designed with your comfort in mind. The crossover shoulder straps are padded and there’s also a waist belt to ensure optimal weight distribution. An adjustable bar and padded leg openings will help to support your baby in the natural ‘m’ position squat spread posture.
7. Nuby Newborn Baby Carrier
The Nuby Newborn Baby Carrier can be used for babies aged from 3.5kg up to 14kg. This ergonomically designed baby carrier is designed to keep your baby perfectly positioned.
This baby carrier has a sturdy waist belt and adjustable padded straps to avoid any discomfort on your shoulders and back.
A removable padded head support is included along with a detachable dribble bib to protect your clothes while you carry your baby.
8. Red Kite Ara Baby Carrier
The Red Kite Ara Baby Carrier can be used in front, back, and parent-facing mode, so you can choose to wear the carrier in three different ways.
This great value baby carrier is designed to support the ‘m’ shape position for your baby’s comfort. This Red Kite baby carrier features a handy front pocket and can be hand-washed, making it really easy to keep it clean.
9. Infantino Zip Ergonomic Travel Carrier
The Infantino Zip baby carrier is ergonomically designed and boasts a wide range of features. The carrier is suitable for babies weighing from 12lbs to 40lbs and can be worn either on your front or your back.
This baby carrier has been deemed Hip-Healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) and has an adjustable two-position seat.
When you’re not using the baby carrier you can store in conveniently in the zippered pocket on the waist belt.
10. Chicco Hip Seat Carrier
The Chicco Hip Seat Carrier is an ergonomic baby carrier that’s suitable for little ones from birth up to 15kg. This Chicco carrier consists of the carrier itself and a hip seat base that can be used either separately or together. You can use this Chicco Hip Seat Carrier as a traditional carrier when the hip base is removed.
The carrier has been designed to ensure your baby’s hips, legs, and back are in the correct position.
11. Ergobaby Away Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Away Baby Carrier is suitable for babies and toddlers aged up to three years old.
You can use this Ergobaby baby carrier as a front carrier or wear it on your back. Whichever way you wear the carrier, your baby will be in an ergonomic and comfortable position.
This baby carrier also comes with a stowable hood which offers protection from the sun or for added privacy whenever you need it.
A colour-coordinated storage bag is included with the baby carrier. This allows you to pop in your bag or under the pushchair to be used whenever you need it.
12. LittleLife Cross Country S4 Child Carrier
This LittleLife Cross Country baby carrier will make it much easier to enjoy adventures with your little one. This infant carrier is suitable for babies weighing from 2kg right up to 20kg.
This LittleLife carrier has an anatomically shaped child seating area and an X-buckle harness.
Helpful features on this LittleLife carrier include a side grab handles, a bottle pocket, and a large base pocket. This carrier also comes with a sunshade, foot stirrups, and a mirror.
This baby carrier complies with BS EN 13209:2004 and BS EN 71-3:1994 safety standards.
13. Infantino Swift Classic Carrier
This lightweight baby carrier is a great value choice if you’re looking for a cheaper baby carrier for your little one.
The Infantino Swift Classic Carrier can be used as either a baby facing inwards or outwards carrier. It is suitable for babies weighing from 8lbs/3.6kg right up to 25lbs/11.3kg.
The adjustable back and shoulder straps ensure that you can wear the carrier comfortably. The Wonder Cover 2-in1 Bib is supplied with this Infantino baby carrier. This clever addition will help to keep your clothes and the baby carrier clean while you wear it. There’s also a handy storage pocket for your essentials.
14. Ergobaby Baby Wrap
If you prefer a wrap style baby carrier, this Ergobaby Baby Wrap fits the bills perfectly. This wrap carrier can be used from birth up to 11.3 kg (25 lbs).
The breathable wrap fabric is 100% viscose, which is made from acacia and eucalyptus. The easy care fabric is suitable for machine washing at 30 degrees.
This Ergobaby baby carrier is really comfortable to wear and provides even weight distribution on you back and hips. This handy baby carrier is also suitable for breastfeeding while carrying your little one.
As well as this Navy Gingham Stripe fabric, there’s a whole host of different colour options to choose from.
15. Bebear Baby Carrier
The Bebear Baby Carrier from Bebamour offers six different carrying positions. You can use it as a front or parent-facing carrier, you can wear it on your back, your front, or use it as a hip seat. A waist extender comes with the pack, which you can use if needed to create a comfortable fit.
This Bebear Baby Carrier has a handy pocket for your essentials, and even comes with three dribble bibs to keep the carrier clean.
The Bebear carrier can be hand washed or machine washed, making it really easy to keep it clean.
16. BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Air
This BabyBjorn baby carrier offers ergonomic carrying with a wide leg position for your baby. You can adjust the carrier with two different height positions, which is ideal as your baby grows.
The built-in infant position enables you to use the carrier for your newborn. You can continue to use the carrier right up until your little one turns three.
Take your pick from four carrying positions with the option to have your baby positioned either facing forwards or facing you.
This BabyBjorn carrier is made from 3D mesh fabric and will keep your little one cool on warmer days.
17. Ergobaby Omni Dream Carrier Wrap
The Ergobaby Omni Dream Carrier in black leopard print is a great choice of baby carrier for style-conscious mums and dads. The brushed cotton fabric makes this baby carrier really soft and cosy against your baby’s skin.
This baby carrier has been acknowledged as a ‘hip healthy’ baby carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia International.
The Ergobaby Omni Dream Carrier Wrap will take your little one from baby to toddler as it’s suitable from 3.2kg up to 20.4kg.
18. Infantino Cuddle Up Carrier
The Infantino Cuddle Up Carrier has a removable canopy hood with a cute fox design. The Cuddle Up carrier can be worn either on your front or your back and is suitable for babies weighing from 12 – 40lbs.
This ergonomic baby carrier has a comfortable, hip-healthy seat for your baby. Wearing the carrier is also a comfortable experience, thanks to its padded shoulder straps, which are adjustable, and waist belt.
19. Nuna CUDL™ Baby Carrier
This Nuna baby carrier will provide you with years of use and will take your baby from newborn up to three years old.
Your baby will be ergonomically positioned when using the CUDL baby carrier for healthy hip and spine development.
This Nuna carrier features an integrated infant booster, which can be used until your baby reaches four months old. Two organic cotton bibs are also included with the carrier.
20. Babylo 3-in-1 Black Baby Carrier
As its name suggests, the Babylo 3-in-1 Black Baby Carrier can be worn in three ways. You can choose to wear it with your baby facing outwards, towards you, or on your back.
This great value baby carrier will take your baby from 3.6kg up to 9kg and can be used as an inward facing carrier for around the first four months.
The padded and adjustable straps allow you to wear the baby carrier comfortably. While the adjustable head support will keep your little one comfortable, too.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
*Prices may vary
Aolso Baby Pram Pushchair Toys, 3 Pack Hanging Rattle Toys, Black and White Toy Rattle Baby Hanging Toys, High Contrast Sensory Educational Toy, Newborn Car Seat Toys for Boys Girls
£11.19 Buy now(opens in a new window)Babymoov Lovenest Original Smokey Anatomical Head Support, Made in Europe from Organic Cotton
£19.95 Buy now(opens in a new window)36CM)
£7.30 Buy now(opens in a new window)Zacro Baby Car Mirror - 360° Fully Adjustable Shatter Proof Baby View Car Mirror Give Clear Views for Rear, Essentials for Newborn and Baby Safety
£11.99 Buy now(opens in a new window)