How to choose the best baby carrier
The world of baby wearing is vast and decision fatigue is real. Do I need a baby carrier? Wrap, ring sling, structured, soft structured, hip seat? How do I safely place my baby in the carrier? How many carry positions can I use? After only a few hundred reviews, videos, mum forums and some trial and error, I am happy to share with you my recommendations in a short blog that will take the decision weight off your shoulders.
For the newborn: a wrap carrier
Hands down, a wrap carrier is my favorite way to wear/carry a newborn baby. The Boba wrap baby carrier was our bestie in those early days. It felt like wrapping my tiny newborn in a warm blanket and giving her a big all around hug. This stretchy wrap felt soft, comfortable and secure, and my baby was always relaxed in it. There are no straps or buckles involved, so it is size friendly. It is suitable from newborn to 35 lbs (15.8kg) (per manufacturer website), but I found that it felt much less supportive when my baby was over 16lbs (7.2kg)
It looks like one long piece of material with no form, which can be a bit intimidating when you don’t know where to start.
But I promise you, this stretchy material quickly and easily takes form around you, and will keep baby snuggled up next to you, their favorite place.
However, the material is very long, so I only ever tied the wrap over a clean floor so that it didn’t get dirty. And speaking of tying it, these YouTube tutorials were helpful to get the hang of tying the wrap and safely getting the baby in it. It took me two tries to feel comfortable with the process and that baby was safely in. I bet I could do it in my sleep now!
Pros: Wide baby weight range, cuddly, easily fits all sizes of parent, no buckles, & no straps digging into your back.
Cons: The material is quite long, and there is a bit of a learning curve.
Ring Sling baby carrier
Ring sling carriers are also very popular for their wide weight range, newborn friendliness, being lightweight and easy adaptability without buckles or straps.
I got the Moby ring sling that came with good reviews. I thought it would answer the (very few) cons with the Boba wrap by offering a quicker on and off, and shorter length. But I had issues where adjusting or tightening the carrier made the ring move lower onto my chest, not where I wanted it, and this was not comfortable for me.
However, when my baby was a bit bigger and could support her head and trunk herself, the ring sling suddenly worked! Because it is a less stretchy material, it feels supportive even as baby’s weight goes up. I learned to get the ring sling pretty close to the tightness I would need it to be at with the baby in, then only needed small adjustments when baby was in, and this did the trick. I often use it for side carry and sometimes front carry positions.
I love that the Moby ring sling comes with the carry position and safety information attached to the actual carrier, as I occasionally need a refresher and definitely do not have the box anymore.
Given their popularity, it could be worth a shot for you even at the newborn stage.
Pros: Quick on and off, fits a wide range of body sizes, front or side carry, supportive even at higher baby weight.
For the bigger baby: Soft structured carrier
It’s no secret on this blog that I am a huge fan of my Ergobaby Omni Breeze baby carrier. And for good reason. It is the literal MVP of our international long haul travels, as well as our daily carrier for errands, long and short. I carried my baby across many large airports, and she was enjoying the view and has even slept in there countless times.
The Ergobaby Omni line of baby carriers are popular, but the Omni Breeze (Buy from Ergobaby)has mesh panels for breathability, which is especially important during warm seasons. Sometimes the Amazon price is higher than the manufacturer one, over the times I have looked at this baby carrier. So I provided both links so you can easily compare.
The breathability is important where we live and the places we often travel to as they can get quite warm.
Another reason we chose this carrier is that it is suitable for babies up to 45lb, and supports all carry positions (inward facing, outward facing, side/hip carry, and back carry).
The very detailed user manual with pictorial depictions of how to put on the carrier for each of the positions, and the weight and age ranges for each really sped up the learning curve.
As far as price goes, there are cheaper options and there are more expensive options. I tried a cheaper option (about $30) and returned it the next day as the comfort level, material quality and ease of use were nowhere close. I thought it would be nice to add to my collection a baby carrier that I could leave in the car to make sure I was never without one if I forgot my fave at home. If baby wearing is going to be a big part of your baby’s first year(s), it makes sense to spend some money on a good and comfortable carrier.
Pros: Many carry positions, secure, comfortable, high weight capacity, easily adjustable.
Cons: The bag it comes with, and the pockets, are small and hardly hold anything. Bulky.
For Dad
If dad is a different size/build, he may have different preferences in a baby carrier than mum does. Or you may want to not make adjustments between users and have a separate carrier for each parent.
My husband chose the Ergobaby Alta hip seat carrier and he loves it! By the way, it does not have to be used only on the hip, we often use it in front with baby facing in or out. Dad 10/10 recommends it. It makes it easy to carry the baby facing outward and watching everything going on, which babies love. This keeps baby entertained as they walk around the house or store, narrating whatever they can see. Baby’s happy, daddy’s happy!
This carrier has weight and age limitations and should not be used before 4 months. Check your user manual if you buy this or a similar baby carrier.
Surprise entry: buckled sling carrier
The Shiaon sling baby carrier has surprisingly become a daily carrier around the house when the baby is able to sit on their own.
It did not work for us when baby was little, but surprisingly works great as a hip carrier for a bigger baby. Super quick to put on and take off as it is just one buckle and one adjustment point, which once set, I have not had to adjust.
This is not a hands free option, but works great to quickly go out and pick up the mail or yet another package. Or to just carry a bigger baby around when they want to be close to you.
I hope this helps give you the direction you need to choose a baby carrier. Or have multiple carriers like we do! 💛
