If you are looking for a baby carrier or sling you’ve probably noticed just how many baby products are available.
It can be confusing and overwhelming to make sense of the options and to find one that will be comfortable for you and your family.
Don’t worry, the best baby carriers are out there and the following reviews and buyer’s guide will help you find the best option for you and your baby.
1. Beco Gemini Baby Carrier (Top Pick)
Our top pick of baby carriers is the Beco Gemini as it is safe, comfortable and versatile. It has dual adjustable straps as well as 1-handed buckles on the shoulder and waist for easy alteration.
The black colour is classic and stylish so anyone in the family can wear it and look great.
The buckles are designed with second-level protection to ensure the baby is safe and secure at all times.
The carrier can hold a newborn up to a toddler in any carry position (front, hip or back) without needing any additional accessories.
The soft material feels nice, is breathable and is easy to wash too. This model is not only designed to make sure you are comfortable, but it also has padding and a wide seat to ensure the baby is supported and protected too.
Another plus is that the adjustable straps make it possible to breastfeed too.
What We Like:
- Comfortable for wearer and baby
- Versatile
- Suitable for newborns up to toddlers
What We Don’t Like:
- No sun hood or protection for baby
2. Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Ergonomic Baby Carrier
If you are looking for baby carriers that can be used in all carry positions, this is a great option. It is suited to babies from 0-48 months and adapts to the size of your baby.
The padded lumbar support waistbelt provides essential lower back support and comfort. The shoulder straps can be worn crossed or like a backpack and the one-handed slider adjustment allows you to switch carrying positions easily.
The cool air mesh promotes breathability and airflow to keep you and your baby comfortable.
The adjustable buckle seat is designed to support an ergonomic natural position for your baby in all carry methods. This baby carrier is safe, durable and long-lasting.
What We Like:
- Offers versatility
- Durable and high-quality
- Provides lower back support
What We Don’t Like:
- High price tag
3. Manduca Baby Carrier
The Manduca Baby Carrier is long-lasting and suitable for newborns (3.5kg) up to around 5 years old (20kg).
It is designed with high-quality hemp and cotton materials to make sure it lasts and is often a product that is used for years or passed on to new parents as a “hand me down”.
The carrier is easy to do up yourself and it fits parents of all shapes and sizes comfortably. This makes the Manduca one of the best options if you are struggling to find a baby carrier that works for all family members.
The carrier is structured while remaining soft, it looks stylish too with its navy blue panelling.
It has a helpful hood that can be tucked away when not in use and there are small elastics that hold onto the excess straps so there are no annoying dangly bits.
What We Like:
- Uses high-quality materials
- Durable and long-lasting
- Very comfortable
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for baby to be front facing outwards
4. BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air
This Baby Carrier from BabyBjorn is great for keeping you and your little one cool. It is designed with lightweight fabric and 3D mesh for comfort and to prevent you both from getting hot.
The carrier is suitable for 4 front and back carrying positions. It has padded shoulder straps, an in-built infant insert and adjustable head support. It is ergonomic and keeps your baby comfortable and safe while you’re on the move.
You can adjust the height of the seat and the waist belt helps to keep you comfortable even when carrying your baby for a long period of time.
This is an easy-to-use carrier that is comfortable and easily adjusted.
What We Like:
- Helps keep you and the baby cool
- Well made
- Comfortable waist belt
What We Don’t Like:
- Some users have found the clips are quite tough to use at first
5. Hug-a-Bub Organic Pocket Wrap Carrier
The Hug-a-Bub organic pocket wrap carrier is a comfortable option that takes the pressure off your shoulders and allows you to hug your baby even when you’re busy with other things.
This baby wrap is made from 100% organic cotton and is designed to be soft and supportive as it cradles your baby close to you.
The wrapping method helps to promote orthopedically correct positioning and ensures your baby’s weight distribution is inward across your torso rather than pulling down on your shoulders.
This style and design are best suited to busy parents who want to be able to cuddle and support their baby even while they are doing other things.
What We Like:
- Comfortable and easy on the shoulders
- 100% organic
- Cradles your baby in an orthopedically correct position
What We Don’t Like:
- Fiddly to tie
6. Ergobaby Performance Bundle Of Joy Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Performance is flexible, supportive and allows your baby to sit in a natural way. This is a great option for active parents.
The sling can be used in 3 carry positions and it is suitable for newborns to toddlers (3.2kg – 20kg).
If you are using this for a newborn you will need to use the infant insert. These carriers are machine washable and the mesh lining offers breathability to help keep you both cool.
The Ergobaby baby carriers have an adjustable chest strap, adjustable shoulder straps and a customizable infant neck support.
There is also an adjustable hood to protect your baby from the sun and offer privacy when breastfeeding.
Another very useful feature is the large zipped storage pouch on the front of the carrier.
What We Like:
- Breathable material
- Useful pocket
- Allows baby to sit in a natural way
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as compact as other options
7. LILLEbaby Essential All Seasons Baby Carrier
The Lillebaby Essential All Seasons baby carrier is made to be sturdy and secure while also flexible.
This carrier can be used in 3 positions and has a zippable temperature control panel for extra breathability when needed.
A great option for then you’re on the go, these baby carriers can handle all errands and adventures. The fabric is 100% cotton so is soft, comfortable and durable.
Parents can use this carrier for baby’s from 4 months old up to 20kgs. The shoulder straps are adjustable so you can find the perfect fit in no time and the attached cotton sleeping hood is perfect for when the little one is napping.
It is also machine washable which is a very welcome convenience.
What We Like:
- Sturdy
- Classic and stylish
- Temperature control panel for extra airflow
What We Don’t Like:
- Not suited for front-facing outwards position
Baby Carrier Buyer’s Guide
The best baby carrier or baby sling is one that is comfortable, convenient and provides both stability and flexibility.
As there are a lot of options to consider, this buyer’s guide should help you make sense of what’s available.
Position
- Front carrier – a front carrier is the most popular option, it can be used from birth until 3 or 4 years old. The front position is great because it means your baby is facing your direction so you can continue to bond while you are also free to do other things. You can also breastfeed with relative ease but you may find older babies grow out of being carried on your front or they become too heavy to comfortably carry in this way.
- Back carrier – a back carrier is a great option if you will be carrying your baby for a long period of time. It is also a great option for toddlers and bigger babies who can sit upright and support themselves. A back carrier tends to be more structured and might have a metal frame meaning it is bulkier and heavier than front options.
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5 Key Factors
- Comfort – baby slings or carriers need to be comfortable for you and the baby. The best carriers allow you to carry your baby for longer without back or shoulder pain. Look for padded straps, leg padding and back support for your baby, sturdy but breathable material and easy adjustment options.
- Ease of use – will you be putting the carrier on by yourself? Make sure the option you choose is easy to use and adjust. Some options are fiddly and take a bit of practice getting used to while others are more simplistic and straightforward. Take a look at the product’s instructions to see how easy the baby carriers are to use and try a few options out before buying.
- Weight – some options weigh just a few hundred grams and can be easily folded away when not in use while others are considerably bigger and bulkier. Look at the weight of the carrier you are considering and also take a look at the weight it is able to support.
- Ease of cleaning – the carriers are going to need to be washed so check if the baby carriers you are considering are machine washable.
- Length of use – how long do you hope to use the carrier for? Some carriers can last years so check the minimum and maximum age and weight limit guidance to get an idea of how long the carrier can be used for.
