Best Baby Carriers of 2025, According to Parents and Experts

The Ergobaby Omni Deluxe is a standout favorite among Babylist parents—and it’s a team favorite, too. In fact, 20% of respondents in our most loved products survey named it their top baby carrier. With high praise like, “we use it almost every day and it keeps baby cool,” and, “The design is simple and comfortable, and the closeness is so soothing for baby,” this multi-position structured carrier is a great fit for a wide range of families.

One of the first things we noticed about the Omni Deluxe is the incredibly soft, lightweight fabric. The mesh design is more breathable than other soft-structured carriers we’ve tested, making it especially comfortable for warmer days or longer outings.

Versatility is another big plus. The Omni supports front-inward, front-outward, back and hip carries, and it offers ergonomic support at every stage—from newborn through toddlerhood. It also adjusts easily to fit different caregivers, which makes it a great shared carrier for partners with different body types or heights.

Like most soft-structured carriers, there’s a learning curve when it comes to getting it on solo, especially in a back-carry position. But with a little practice, the setup becomes second nature. We also love the detachable storage pouch—it’s just the right size to stash the essentials, which means one less reason to haul a full diaper bag.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 7-45 lbs

• Available positions for baby: front-inward, front-outward, hip, back

The Ergobaby Embrace is a go-to recommendation for first-time parents or anyone easing into babywearing. It’s also the carrier we reach for when someone says, “I don’t think babywearing is for me—it feels too overwhelming.”

A bit of a hybrid, the Embrace combines the softness of a wrap with the support and ease of a structured carrier. Think of it as “structured carrier lite”—it slips on in under a minute, has no back strap to wrestle with, and is comfy for both baby and caregiver. It’s a gentle, intuitive way to keep baby close and soothed, especially in the early weeks. As one parent shared in our Most-Loved Baby Products survey, “Ergo baby embrace makes getting out for a coffee a breeze and baby still likes napping in it at six months. I can put it on without help and baby can face front or inward.”

Designed for use from birth (or seven pounds) up to 25 pounds, the Embrace really shines during the newborn phase when quick comfort is key. It’s also super adjustable, which is key if you’re sharing babywearing duty with your partner. “I am tiny, 5’ 100 lbs and it fits me as well as my husband, who is 6’ and 200 lbs,” one Babylist parent wrote in their review. It’s also compact enough to toss into a diaper bag or backpack and the whole thing is machine-washable.

The biggest downside to this carrier that parents mention is the lower weight limit. “It doesn’t support much weight," one Babylist parent said in their review. As your baby grows, you can switch to the outward-facing carry—but most families will eventually need a more robust carrier with a higher weight limit. Some parents also wish the Embrace included a storage pocket or hood, but for early-stage babywearing, it checks nearly every box.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 7-25 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Newborn, front-inward, front-outward

If you’re unsure how often you’ll babywear—or just don’t want to spend hundreds on a carrier—the Infantino Flip offers standout value. It’s one of the most affordable baby carriers on the market, and while it’s not as supportive or durable as higher-end options, it gets the job done surprisingly well.

The Flip adjusts easily to fit caregivers of different sizes, with multiple strap and buckle settings. The convertible seat can be narrowed for newborns or widened for older babies to help keep legs in a hip-healthy position. It’s also lightweight and breathable, making it a solid choice for warmer weather or quick errands.

One Babylist parent told us, “I received this off-registry and my baby and I LOVE it. We still use it frequently. It's a lifesaver to allow you to have your hands back while your baby relaxes.”

That said, this carrier may not hold up as well for older or heavier babies, and some parents say it fits newborns better with a bit of DIY help—like a rolled-up towel or blanket at the base of the seat to boost baby up into a higher position.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 8-32 lbs

• Available positions for baby: front-inward (narrow or wide), front-outward, back

It’s not easy for a new baby carrier to break through in a crowded market, but the WildBird Aerial has quickly become a parent favorite. Babywearing can be intimidating for new parents, but there’s not much of a learning curve to this carrier. As one Babylist parent said, it’s “worth its weight in gold.” With its thoughtful design and beautiful aesthetic, this carrier strikes the ideal balance between form and function. Another Babylist parent said, “I ended up baby wearing a TON, especially as a work from home mom. It’s truly my favorite baby product ever. It’s so supportive that it keeps baby wearing comfy for so long. I even ordered a second one later as a back up cause I love it so much.”

Made from 100% natural linen, the Aerial feels soft against the skin and offers great breathability—ideal for warm climates or active days. It’s also easy to put on solo, which is a major win for caregivers flying solo with a clingy (a.k.a. Velcro) baby. As Babylist commerce editor and mom of two, Latifah, says: “One of the most important features of a baby carrier for me is being able to put it on without help. The straps have a simple criss-cross attachment and are super easy to put on and tighten.”

Parents love the padded straps and waistband, breathable mesh lining, and the fact that it works from the newborn stage through toddlerhood. The color options are another major draw—they’re just that good.

A few things to note: the Aerial comes in sizes, so it may not be shareable between caregivers unless you're similarly sized. Some parents say it runs a bit small (though we haven’t found that to be typical); WildBird recommends sizing up if you're between sizes. And while the Aerial covers a lot of bases, it’s limited to just two carry positions: front-inward and back.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 7-45 lbs

• Available positions for baby: front-inward, back

We get asked all the time: is the Artipoppe baby carrier really worth it? And the honest answer is—it depends! The Zeitgeist definitely stands out for its unique style, but it’s also a high-performing, well-designed carrier that checks a lot of boxes. If wearing it makes you feel more confident, more seen or just a little more “you,” that alone can make it worth the investment.

And Babylist parents agree. “I just felt so luxe wearing it,” “It makes you feel glamorous as a mom,” and “I would get loads of compliments every time I wore it out,” were just a few of the rave reviews from our favorite products survey. From denim to clouds to leopard print, this carrier delivers on aesthetics like no other.

But it’s not all about looks. The Zeitgeist is easy to put on—even for new parents—and works from seven pounds up to about two years old. It’s also just as comfortable as it is stylish—for both baby and parent, with one raving: “My baby LOVES it. It alleviates any fussy feelings, and makes my daily four mile walks a breeze.” It supports three carry positions (front-inward, front-outward and back) and features padded shoulder straps, a structured waistband and leg openings that help keep baby comfortable.

The one caveat? The price. “It is such a luxury purchase I wouldn’t have made for myself. I was so happy to get it as a gift and my baby and I love using it almost everyday,” one Babylist parent shared. This is a definite splurge, especially for premium fabrics or limited-edition prints. (Pro tip: this is the perfect thing to use the group gift feature on your registry!) Another parent acknowledged what a splurge it was, especially before realizing how much use they’d get out of it—so that’s something else to consider. Depending on the material, some styles can be tricky to clean, with one parent noting, “Although it is fun and fashionable, it is surprisingly hard to clean considering the price.” So it's worth factoring practicality into your decision, too.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 7-45 lbs

• Available positions for baby: front-inward, front-outward, back

Babywearing doesn’t have to end just because your little one is getting bigger—whether they want to stay close or you want to keep them close (and secure). “I have a two year old wild child. It got to a point that we could no longer take him to stores with us. This one product has completely changed our lives,” one parent shared in their review. 

The Tula Toddler Carrier is specially designed to keep the comfort going—with thicker shoulder straps, added lumbar support and a higher weight limit. It’s built for kids starting around age two and can be used until your child reaches 60 pounds (that’s elementary school age for many).

Made from textured linen and available in a range of fun prints and colors, this carrier is as stylish as it is sturdy. Most parents prefer the back-carry position for older toddlers—it’s more ergonomic and keeps little legs from getting in the way. Just note that back carries take some practice, and you’ll likely need a second set of hands when you’re first learning. Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s a game changer for transporting a stroller-resistant toddler who isn’t quite ready for long walks on their own. 

Quite a few parents also mention the inclusive sizing: “As a plus size mom I was very happy that I did not need an extender belt. The fabric was also very breathable.”

The biggest gripe is getting the back carry right. It can be tricky to figure out how to get your toddler in there when you’re first starting out. One parent shared, “The strap behind your upper back is so hard to do when your kid is squirming. I really wish it was criss crossed instead. If I’m not alone it’s easier to put on but I bought it to wear it alone, hence needing a carrier.”

Looking for something more casual for quick pick-ups and drop-offs? The Tushbaby is another parent-loved option. It’s a hip seat carrier—not hands-free, but perfect for those in-and-out moments and frequent up-and-downs. (And if you’re looking for a carrier for your older baby or toddler, check out our toddler carrier guide!)

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 25-60 lbs, 2-6 yrs old

• Available positions for baby: front-inward, front-outward, back

Over and over again we hear parents swooning over their Solly wrap. “So soft and easy to use,” “crucial in those first few weeks home with a newborn,” and “just makes life so much easier” are just a few of the I-can’t-live-without-it comments we heard from parents when we asked them about the Solly in our favorite products survey. “It’s one [of] the most useful things I registered for with my first and [I] will use the same one with my third,” another mom told us. “Most other things have changed but this has stayed a constant.” It’s also my number one recommendation for my first-time parent friends for the newborn period.

It’s easy to see why the Solly is a go-to choice for new parents. The wrap is made from ultra-soft, lightweight fabric that’s breathable and comfortable for both baby and caregiver—especially during the newborn months. Babies love feeling snug and secure, and parents love that they can keep baby close while staying hands-free. It's also made in the USA from sustainably sourced materials and folds compactly into its self-enclosing pocket, making it easy to stash in a diaper bag or stroller. Bonus: it’s machine washable and dryer friendly (just stick to the lowest heat setting), and it holds up well through repeated washes. It's also size-inclusive, a feature we love. (For more size-inclusive options, check out our Best Baby Carriers for Plus Size Parents.)

The biggest tradeoff? Like all wraps, the Solly comes with a bit of a learning curve. It takes some practice to get the hang of tying and adjusting it properly. How-to videos are a must—and many parents say it helps to put the wrap on at home before heading out, so you can pop baby in and make any final tweaks on the go.

The Solly supports only one carry position: front-inward. It can be used up to 25 pounds, but most parents find it especially useful during the early months before transitioning to a more structured carrier with additional carry options.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: Newborn to 25 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Front-inward

If you’re interested in babywearing with a wrap but want a budget-friendly option, the Boba Wrap is a solid pick. Like the Solly, it’s made from one long piece of fabric and supports a single front-inward carry position. It’s designed to fit parents of all sizes and grows with your baby up to 35 pounds—10 pounds more than the Solly's limit.

Thanks to a small amount of spandex in the fabric blend, the Boba offers a secure, stretchy fit that helps babies feel snug and soothed. It’s especially great for newborns and skin-to-skin contact. One parent told us, “We would not have survived the first two to three months without it. It was often the only way to calm [my baby] down and allow me to do anything.”

Made from thick cotton, the classic Boba wrap tends to hold its shape well and stays tight around baby longer than some lighter wraps. But that same sturdy material can also feel heavy—better suited for cooler temps. As one Babylist parent noted, “The material is thick, making it quite heavy. Definitely not good for summer, but I may pull this back out during winter/cooler months.”

If you live in a warmer climate or tend to run hot, the Boba Serenity Baby Wrap Carrier may be a better fit. Made from a soft, breathable bamboo blend, it's a lighter, more temperature-friendly version of the original. Just keep in mind that some parents say the softer fabric may require more frequent adjustments to maintain a snug hold around your baby.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: Newborn to 35 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Front-inward

WildBird makes some of the most beloved—and beautiful—ring slings on the market. Made from premium Belgian linen, these slings get softer with every wash and are dyed using low-impact, all-natural, environmentally friendly dyes. They’re also available in two lengths: standard (74 inches) and long (90 inches), the latter being ideal for plus-size wearers or parents over six feet tall.

Ring slings are a popular choice for many babywearing parents because they’re adjustable, fit most body types and are pretty easy to get the hang of and wear comfortably. They also offer three carry positions: front, hip or back. “The wrap can be very easily adjusted via the ring loop, so I can loosen if I need to breastfeed without completely unwrapping and removing my youngest. The excess hanging material can also be used as sun/breastfeeding cover when on the go,” one Babylist parent raved in our Most Loved Products survey.

Like with all wrap-style carriers, they do take some practice. “I suggest watching their “how-to” video to get a better idea on how to use, as I was clueless and felt it wasn’t supportive at first. Baby took some time to get used to being carried this way,” one Babylist parent recommended. Wildbird has a great collection of video tutorials that will help you get the hang of wearing your baby in a ring sling. And because the sling only distributes weight to one side of your body, they may not be comfortable for parents wanting something for extended wear. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to whether you’re choosing a single or double layer sling. The latter tends to take a bit longer to get that soft, worn-in feel, and some parents said the material felt itchy at first.

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: Newborn to 35 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Front, hip or back

Looking for the softness of a wrap but with a little more structure? The WildBird Buckle Wrap Carrier blends the best of both worlds. One Babylist parent raved, “I love that this carrier has the feel of a wrap carrier but the stability of buckles!” This hybrid design gives you the cozy, snuggly feel of a traditional wrap with the added ease and security of buckle fasteners—making it a great option for new parents who want less fuss but don’t love the bulk of a fully structured carrier. 

It’s made from an ultra-soft, breathable fabric reminiscent of a buttery wrap material but secures with a simple waist buckle. Many parents find it’s easier to navigate on their own than a regular wrap. 

While the stretchy fabric works well for fresh babies, some parents note it’s not as supportive as they grow. We’d agree that this carrier is best for the newborn stage through the first six to nine months, depending on your baby’s size and weight. 

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 7-15 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Front-inward only

The Boppy ComfyFit Adjust is another great hybrid carrier option for parents who like the idea of a baby wrap but want something easier to manage. This hybrid-style carrier blends the softness of a wrap with the support and structure of a buckle carrier, offering closeness and comfort with added convenience—making it a go-to pick for the newborn stage.

“It feels very similar to carrying my baby in her wrap but it has the benefit of being much easier and quicker to get on and off. This is a huge plus when in a rush with a fussy baby!” one Babylist parent told us. Another added, “I loved the idea of a wrap but I don't have the patience for that. I also wanted something more structured. This is the perfect mix!”

The ComfyFit Adjust supports three carry positions and is made from soft, breathable, yoga-inspired fabric with built-in UPF 50+. It features a padded waist belt and wide shoulder straps to help distribute weight—offering more support than a traditional wrap or ring sling. A zippered pocket gives you just enough room for your phone, keys and a card or two.

The “Adjust” upgrade refers to its more size-inclusive design, with an adjustable waistband and arm straps to better fit a wider range of caregivers. It’s a welcome improvement over the original ComfyFit, especially for those who found the previous version too limited in sizing.

That said, the carrier isn’t perfect for every body or every baby. While it goes on in three steps, some parents say it takes a little effort to figure out at first. And because of its stretchy fabric, it may not offer enough support for bigger babies. “I used this carrier on my 18-month-old baby that weighs about 20 pounds and this carrier did not provide any kind of support,” one parent noted. Others flagged that the fit may feel tight on broader frames: “If you’re a bigger chested woman or even a father this won’t fit you,” and “it's just too tight on the shoulder/arm straps.”

Additional Specs

• Weight limit: 8-35 lbs

• Available positions for baby: Front-inward, front-outward