Best Baby Carriers of 2020
Best Baby Carriers of 2020
Carriers are by far the baby product Babylist parents say they love the most.
No matter how cozy a swing or bouncy seat is, babies like being cradled in your arms best. But toting your love around all day isn’t really feasible unless you have arms of steel and a bunch of minions 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.
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!
Carriers for Newborns
The Ready-to-Wear Wrap
Why We Love It
The Baby K’tan has the benefits of a wrap, without you having to actually do any wrapping. Made of a 100-percent natural cotton (with a bit of stretch!), this soft carrier keeps little ones close and cozy. 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.
Keep in Mind
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 limits | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, sling style and on hip |
The Soft & Sustainable Wrap
Why We Love It
“Wrap naps”—they’re a thing. And when your baby is snug as a bug in a Solly Baby, be prepared for some awesome on-the-go ZZZs. Not only are the patterns absolutely beautiful, but the soft, lightweight modal fabric is sustainably sourced from Austrian Beechwood trees. Made in the USA with environmentally friendly dyes, you can rest assured your little one is cozying up with safe materials. When not in use, it folds up compactly in a self-enclosing pocket for easy diaper bag storage.
Keep in Mind
Many parents consider the Solly a lifesaver during the newborn phase, but then move on to carriers with more positioning options as kids grow. And while the lightweight fabric is perfect for warm temps and indoor use, you may want something a bit thicker for winter weather.
Babylist and Solly Baby collaborated on this limited-edition black-and-natural stripe wrap. It’s available exclusively at Babylist.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I love the Solly Baby for the infant phase. Long-term comfort, and you can actually get something done!” -Jaclyn
“The Solly Wrap is amazing. Easy to use, my son loves it and stylish patterns make this an absolute must.” -Ashley
Additional Specs
| Weight limits | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward |
The Snuggly Cocoon Wrap
Why We Love It
Even though your newborn wants to snuggle in your arms all day, your hands need a break once in awhile to do other things. Meet your new BFF: the Moby Wrap. It keeps your baby snuggled up close while you get tasks done around the house or play with their big siblings. Many parents use this wrap well beyond the newborn phase since it safely holds toddlers up to 35 pounds. The soft, sturdy fabric is machine washable, so you can swiftly tackle any spit-up or diaper situation that comes your way.
Keep in Mind
Turning a super-long piece of fabric into a secure baby carrier can be daunting at first. Be sure to watch a tutorial video for step-by-step instructions. Practice makes perfect! Once you master the Moby, you’ll be glad you did. This customizable, one-size-fits-all carrier ensures you always have the perfect fit.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Our Moby wrap was a lifesaver and the best carrier for newborn days. It was cozy and pretty easy to wrap once we got a little bit of hands on instruction (essential for babywearing!).” -Lora
“Best money I spent!! I could do everything with baby in the wrap. Washes up nice.” -Becca
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front- and hip-carrying positions |
The Starter Carrier
Why We Love It
The BabyBjorn is perfect for parents who want a quick, secure way to carry their little one during the early months (all it takes is just a couple of buckles compared to more intricate wraps). It’s simple to get babies in and out—even when they’ve fallen asleep on-the-go. Plus, it’s light enough to toss in your diaper bag or store in the stroller basket.
Keep in Mind
This carrier is designed for newborns up to babies around 12 months. So larger babies may outgrow it sooner than you’d like. There’s no waist belt, which some say leads to back and shoulder strain when wearing it for too long. On the other hand, many moms and dads actually like the simplicity of only having shoulder straps. (FYI: the BabyBjorn Miracle has a waist strap, which is more supportive for longer excursions.) It allows babies to face in or out in a front-carry position. So if you want back-carrying options, the BabyBjorn One is your best bet.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I like the Bjorn the best. It’s fast to put on and way less bulky than my other carriers.” -Mel
“So easy to use. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it’s easy for first-time parents to figure out.”
Additional Specs
| Weight limits | Newborn-12 mos |
| Available positions for baby | Front inward, front outward (the minimum age for the outward-facing position is 5 months) |
Ready to Add a Carrier to Your Registry?
With Babylist, you can add any item from any store onto ONE registry. Start your registry today and get a Hello Baby Box full of free (amazing!) goodies.
Carriers for Older Babies
The Any-Weather Carrier
Why We Love It
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.
Keep in Mind
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 for petite grownups.
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
“So obsessed with my Lille! As is my husband!” -Courtney
Additional Specs
| Weight limits | 7-45 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front inward (fetal, infant or toddler settings), front outward, hip or back carry |
The Super Affordable Carrier
Why We Love It
Surprise: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a solid carrier. The Infantino is fantastic at fitting kids and parents of all sizes since there are numerous points where you can adjust straps and buckles to get a personalized fit. 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.
Keep in Mind
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 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 limits | 8-32 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward and back carry |
The Support System Carrier
Why We Love It
From baby to toddler, the hip-healthy design of this carrier keeps your kiddo seated in a natural “M” position whichever way you choose to carry them. Parents credit the padded shoulder straps and wide waistband with providing unrivaled lower back support and preventing pain (which is extra important post delivery or c-section). Another perk: this versatile carrier easily adjusts to share with a partner.
Keep in Mind
The 360 is designed for babies 12-33 pounds. So you’ll need to purchase the infant insert separately in order to carry your newborn. The insert can make babies a bit hot in warmer weather, so be sure to go light on the layers. (FYI: Ergobaby’s Omni 360 can be used starting at seven pounds, without an insert. And if you’re looking for a carrier with more breathable, lightweight fabric, try the 360 Cool Air Mesh.) And while some parents say it’s a breeze to buckle, others think it’s a two-person job.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Love it and so does our baby! The infant insert is comfortable for both parent and baby, while providing good back support, even to a postpartum mom.” -Kaitlyn
Additional Specs
| Weight limits | 12-45 lbs |
| Available positions for baby | Front-inward, front-outward, hip and back |
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!
Choosing the Right Carrier for You
When choosing a baby carrier, consider a few factors. First is comfort. Will it be comfortable not only for your child, but also for you? You might be using it for several hours a day. Also, will multiple caregivers be using it? If yes, make sure the carrier you choose adjusts to different sizes. Lastly, do you want a carrier particularly suited for the baby stage or one that will work for toddlers as well? For toddlers, you’ll need a higher weight limit and more back support. Once you find the perfect match for you and your family, you’ll have the best of both worlds: cuddle time and the freedom to do what you want!
About Babylist
Looking for the best items for your growing family? Add all your favorite baby products to ONE registry with Babylist. You deserve to get exactly what you want.
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