The 7 Best Baby Carriers, Tested and Approved by Parents

Before their arrival, you couldn’t wait to hold your baby in your arms… until that became the only place they wanted to be all the damn time. Baby carriers are a lifesaver for parents and caregivers, allowing you to be hands-free while keeping baby close. Need to fold laundry or go to the grocery store? Want to get out of the house without bringing your bulky stroller with you? Got a fussy kid who’s refusing nap time in the bassinet? Put ‘em in the carrier and live your life.

But with so many different types on the market (wraps, slings, structured carriers, hybrids), it can be hard to know which carrier will work best for your family. That’s why I went straight to the experts (parents!) for their pick of the best baby carriers, as well as asked a certified babywearing consultant for her advice. The end result is a roundup of baby carriers that are safe, comfortable, adjustable and—importantly—not a hassle to put on.

Laura Brown is a certified babywearing consultant, mom-of-four and the founder of BabywearingLA, one of the largest babywearing community organizations in the United States. She has over 10 years of experience in the baby education space and is also a postpartum doula. In 2014, she won the Doula Association of Southern California Educator of the Year.

When choosing the best baby carriers, I relied on my own experience as a mom-of-three as well as crowd-sourced a wide range of parents who had worn their carriers for many months (and sometimes even for years if they had multiple children). I also got recommendations from a certified babywearing consultant. Finally, I took budgets, both big and small, into account, as well as changing needs since “you may need a few styles to choose from during different stages of development, and depending on how or where you're using it,” says Brown.

• Structured Carrier: Sometimes called soft structured carriers or SSCs, a structured carrier is the most common type of carrier with straps for the shoulder and buckles that attach around the parent’s waist and back to secure the baby in place. This type of carrier offers comfort and support, in addition to multiple carry options. A structured carrier can usually be worn with newborns (although some may require an infant insert—check the features before purchasing) and well into toddlerhood.
• Hybrid: Hybrid carriers are essentially a wrap and a soft structured carrier in one. Hybrids can be a great option because they provide the flexibility of a wrap with the comfort and support of a structured carrier. They typically offer multiple carrying positions although they can be a little tricky to put on initially.
• Wrap: A wrap is a long piece of stretchy fabric you tie around your body (usually the shoulders and midsection) to hold your baby. Wraps are especially snuggly for newborns as they mimic the feel of being in the womb. Wraps come in different materials and sizes and most of them can be adjusted to fit different body types, although they can take some time to get the hang of.
• Sling: A baby sling is a long piece of fabric that is secured over your shoulder and worn across your front in various positions to carry baby in a pouch. Slings are also especially loved by newborns, although the uneven weight distribution can make them not as comfortable for parents as some of the other carrier options.  

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