Best Baby Carriers of 2021
No matter how cozy a swing or bouncy seat is, babies like being cradled in your arms best. But toting your little one around all day isn’t really feasible unless you have arms of steel and an army of helpers to do your daily tasks. That’s where a baby carrier comes in handy.
In this article:
- Babylist’s Best Carrier Picks
- Do You Need a Carrier?
- What are the Types of Carriers?
- Carriers for Newborns vs. Carriers for Toddlers
Do You Need a Carrier?
Getting a carrier isn’t a necessity—you could use a stroller when you’re out and about and a bouncy seat or swing at home. But a carrier is the only gadget that lets you do your own thing, hands-free, while your little one relaxes against you.
Many parents say it’s their favorite baby product, no matter the type or brand. It gives your arms a break and can easily sub in for a stroller, especially if your child gets upset when they can’t see you, or you need to navigate crowded spaces like airports and stadiums. It’s also great to use if you like hiking and want to bring your child along.
Some parents only use a baby carrier when their child is small—newborn through six months or so. Other parents continue to use a carrier well into the toddler stage. You’ll get the most out of it before your little one learns to walk and wants to roam free.
What are the Types of Carriers?
Most parents swear that baby carriers are a lifesaver, so you really can’t go wrong adding one to your registry. Baby carriers come in three styles:
Wraps: A super-long piece of stretchy fabric you configure and tie around your body, usually over your shoulders and around your mid-section, to create a carrier.
Slings: A wide piece of fabric that goes over one shoulder and across your torso.
Structured Carriers: More like a backpack with straps over the shoulder and a padded carrying “pack” that can be placed on your chest or back. Also called Soft Structured Carriers, or SSCs.
Choosing one depends on what you think will work best for your family. To start, take a look at these carriers that got the highest props from Babylist parents.
Carriers for Newborns vs. Carriers for Toddlers
Newborns: These carriers are ready for your little one as soon as they are born, without the use of an extra infant insert. However, your baby will most likely outgrow these picks sometime between 12 and 15 months old, so think about how long you plan on carrying baby when deciding on these.
Toddlers: Others carriers will work with your child from birth through the toddler stage. These often allow you to carry baby in many versatile positions. To be used with newborns, however, these carriers usually require an infant insert.
Choosing one depends on what you think will work best for your family. To start, take a look at these carriers that got the highest props from Babylist parents.
Do you think this content is helpful? Let our editors know!
Wraps and Ring Slings
Frequent Favorite
The Scoop
- Perennial parent favorite
- Lightweight, super soft sustainable fabric
- Universal fit that’s comfy for you and your baby
What Our Experts Think
Over and over again we hear parents swooning over their Solly wrap—and we couldn’t agree more. The Solly is a wrap you’ll reach for again and again thanks to its super soft, lightweight fabric, ease of use and comfort factor. It’s made in the USA from sustainably sourced material from Austrian Beechwood trees and uses environmentally friendly dyes for its (many) beautiful colors and patterns. It’s easy to fold up compactly in its self-encolosing pocket to store in your stroller or diaper bag.
What’s Worth Considering
The Solly only offers one carry position—front-inward. And although it works with babies up to 25 pounds, many parents like to use it while their baby is still young and then move onto a carrier with more positioning options as their little one grows.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Lightweight, washable, easy to learn, cute, packable…everything about this is great! I bought a second one even. It’s really not complicated, don’t be intimidated!” -Diana
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward |
Heirloom Quality
The Scoop
- Simple and stylish
- Hand-sewn from heirloom-quality linen fabric
- Fully adjustable
What Our Experts Think
Ring slings are a popular choice for many babywearing parents because they’re adjustable, fit most body types are pretty easy to get the hang of and wear comfortably. Wildbird slings are some of the most beautiful around. They’re made from premium Belgian linen that gets softer and softer after each wash and are made using low-impact, all-natural environmentally friendly dyes. This exclusive Babylixt x Wildbird collab sling can be worn four ways and comes in two lengths: standard (74 inches) and long (90 inches) for plus-size wearers or parents over 6’ tall.
What’s Worth Considering
There is a bit of a learning curve with ring slings. Wildbird has a great collection of video tutorials that will help you get the hang of wearing your baby in no time.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It is beautiful, my baby loves it. Easy to care for and clean. The community built around it is also amazing and supportive.” -Bethany
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front, hip or back |
Stretchy and Snug
The Scoop
- Good price point
- Snug fit helps baby feel secure
- Heavy fabric, takes some practice
What Our Experts Think
The Boba wrap is made from one large piece of fabric. It can be used in one position—front-inward—and, because it’s made from 5% spandex, does a great job of helping babies feel snug and secure. (This is especially great for newborns who love skin-to-skin.) We love that it fits parents of all sizes and can grow with your little one up to about 35 pounds.
What’s Worth Considering
One-piece wraps can get hot, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on wearing one in a warmer climate. And like lots of other wraps, this one takes a little getting used to; this video tutorial can help.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This wrap is great! Our baby loves it and settles down to people-watch while being held against me. She gets the safety of me being nearby and the tightness of a warm swaddle. Watch a video and read the instructions on how to tie it before tying it. There’s a bit of a learning curve but it’s a great product once you’ve figured it out.” -Lyssa
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward |
Ready-to-Wear
The Scoop
- Easy to get on and off
- Soft, stretchy fabric
- Sized for wearer
What Our Experts Think
Rounding out the best-of list in the wraps and slings category is the Baby K’tan. We love it because it has all the benefits of a wrap without requiring you to actually do any of the wrapping. (Win!) Made of a 100% natural cotton with a bit of stretch, the double-loop design evenly distributes weight across your shoulders and back in any of the carrying positions. Better yet, there isn’t an overwhelming amount of fabric to figure out—it goes on like a T-shirt in three easy steps. The included sash adds extra support and does double duty as a carrier storage bag.
What’s Worth Considering
The K’tan comes in sizes ranging from 0-24, so you can find a good fit for your body. But the downside is that you can’t share it with a caregiver that isn’t your size. Some parents say the fabric gets a little too stretchy (but goes back to normal after it’s washed), so you may want to go down a size to ensure a snug fit.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Baby K’tan is super easy to use and the baby feels snug and comfortable. It’s convenient to use even with a newborn with the ‘Kangaroo’ position. Even now that my daughter is getting heavier I feel that the support is great and there is minimal strain on my back.” -Mirena
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, hip carry |
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Soft Structured Carriers
Starter Carrier
The Scoop
- Quick and foolproof
- Geared toward needs of newborns and their parents
- Inward and outward carry positions
What Our Experts Think
Ease is the name of the game here as the last thing you need to deal with when your newborn is screaming is to fumble around with a complicated carrier. The BabyBjorn Mini is simple, straightforward and brilliant and perfect for parents who want a quick, secure way to carry their baby during the early months. All it takes is a few buckles and you’re on your way. (It’s even simple to get your baby in and out if they’re asleep.) It’s light enough to toss in your diaper bag or store in your stroller basket.
What’s Worth Considering
Larger babies may outgrow the Mini sooner than you’d like. There’s no waistband, which some say leads to back and shoulder strain when wearing it for too long. (Check out the BabyBjorn One for a carrier with a waistband that offers moree carry positions.)
What Babylist Parents Say
“So easy to use. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s easy for first-time parents to figure out.” -Mel
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 12 months and 24 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward |
Lightweight + Eco-Friendly
The Scoop
- 30-50% lighter than most SSC on the market
- Eco-friendly linen
- Gorgeous patterns and colors
What Our Experts Think
Just as stylish as they are useful, Happy! carriers are emerging as one of the favorite new(ish) brands in the SSC universe. This carrier’s best feature is its weight—or lack thereof. It’s made from linen and is about 30-50% lighter than other similarly-styled carriers on the market, which makes a big difference if you live in a warmer climate or are someone who easily overheats when you’re babywearing. Other features we love include the easy-to-adjust fit, comfort factor and that they’re handmade in the USA.
What’s Worth Considering
Less bulk and padding is what makes this carrier great, but also what some parents complain about—it can be a little less comfortable for longer babywearing sessions or with heavier babies.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This carrier is so supportive, my hands are free to take care of my other children, and it fits easily inside my diaper bag.” -Kim
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 45 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, back |
So Many Ways to Carry
The Scoop
- Four carry positions
- Works from newborn to toddlerhood
- Lots of support
What Our Experts Think
And speaking of heavier carriers… the Ergo 360 is a bit bulkier than some of its lighter counterparts but well-loved for its versatility and comfort factor. The main selling point of the Omni 360 is how much use you’ll get out of it. It works from day one (no infant insert needed) right through until your little one reaches the toddler years, making it a great investment. It features lots of padding and available adjustments, so it’s easy to get a good fit, and it enables you to carry your little one four different ways.
What’s Worth Considering
SSC can be tricky to get on by yourself, and the Omni 360 is no exception. This carrier is also on the heavier side. For a lightweight version, check out the brand’s Cool Air Mesh version.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It was one of the few things that calmed my son the first few months. Now he looks out and can see the world. Top of my would-buy-again list.” -Marie
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, hip, back |
Super Affordable
The Scoop
- Incredibly well-priced
- Lightweight and breathable
- Adjustable
What Our Experts Think
You don’t always need to part with a ton of cash for a great baby product. At under $30, the Infantino Flip is a fantastic deal and a fantastic carrier for the price. It fits kids and parents of all sizes thanks to the numerous points where you can adjust straps and buckles. The convertible seat can be narrow for newborns or made wider for bigger kids to keep legs in a hip-healthy position. And, there’s no overheating in this carrier—it’s lightweight and breathable for both you and your little one.
What’s Worth Considering
The only way to get your child into the back-carry position is with someone’s help. Also, some parents find this carrier works better for newborns when you add a rolled up towel or blanket to the bottom of the seat to act as a booster.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Affordable, easy to put on, distributes baby’s weight pretty well, has a removable bib to catch spit up and drool.” -C.B.
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, back carry |
Hybrid Carrier
The Scoop
- Hybrid carrier that’s the best of both worlds: SSC + wrap
- Lots of padding
- Vegan leather trim
What Our Experts Think
This Boppy carrier is unlike any other on our list. It’s a hybrid—the straps and waist are built like a SSC, while the carrier portion is made from soft, stretchy fabric similar to a wrap. The result? A carrier that’s the best of both worlds. It offers the support of a SSC alongside the comfort of a wrap. It works for babies over eight pounds and features four different carry positions.
What’s Worth Considering
The ComfortChic is definitely on the bulkier side. Some parents also complain that the fabric straps stretch out easily and the wrap needs to be retied after extended wear.
What Babylist Parents Say
“This Boppy carrier is magic! My daughter falls asleep without a fight within minutes every time I put her in it. I was also able to nurse with her in it which can be hard for me when she is in a carrier. I am really loving this style of carrier.” -Carly
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | 8t-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward |
From Newborn to Toddler
The Scoop
- Can be used from day one through toddler years
- Three carry positions
- Fun prints and patterns
What Our Experts Think
Tula carriers come in some of the most fun, modern prints around. They’re versatile, long-lasting SSCs that are easy to use, comfortable for both you and your baby and have three different carry positions. The Explore is lightweight and can be adjusted in several different spots for a personalized fit. It’s made from 100% cotton and is machine washable so you can toss it right in the wash when it starts to get icky. And it’s got a high weight limit—45 pounds—so you’ll be able to babywear well into toddlerhood and beyond.
What’s Worth Considering
Some parents comment that the Explore is tough to get on solo, especially if you’re doing a back carry.
What Babylist Parents Say
“It’s easy to use and comfortable for long stretches. Also very easy to adjust, so my husband and I can swap back and forth with minimal hassle. I hesitated to spend this much on a carrier, but I haven’t been disappointed. Plus, it has a lot of versatility, so I’m hoping it’ll be the only one we ever need.” -Emily
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | 7-45 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, back |
Any Weather
The Scoop
- Six carry positions
- Mesh panel for temperature regulation
- Works from newborn to toddlerhood
What Our Experts Think
This all-seasons, six-position carrier has a unique feature to keep your baby comfortable, no matter the outside temperature. When the back panel is zipped up, the carrier creates a cozy cocoon. Getting hot outside? Unzip it and the inner mesh lining keeps your baby cool by increasing air flow. With a 45-pound weight limit and top-notch lumbar support, this carrier is a great investment that will last well into toddlerhood.
What’s Worth Considering
This carrier has a wider seat than most, which improves weight distribution and really comes in handy (for both of you!) as your kiddo grows. It also has a longer torso, which may not be the best fit if you’re petite.
What Babylist Parents Say
“The Lillebaby complete is amazing. I love the lumbar support, the head support for baby, the fact that you don’t need an infant insert and that it grows with your child. It’s easy to adjust between people wearing baby as well. Love it.” -Lauren
Additional Specs
| Weight limit | 7-45 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward (fetal, infant or toddler settings), front-outward, hip or back carry |
Baby Carriers We’re Keeping an Eye On…
We’re always searching for new products that we think parents will love and are worth a look!
- The CUDL is parent favorite brand Nuna’s first-ever baby carrier, and definitely worth checking out. Featuring three carry positions, magnetic locking buckles, an integrated infant booster and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt, this comfy carrier doesn’t come cheap but is already getting rave reviews from users.
Did you find this content helpful? Let our editors know!
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