What Are the Best Baby Carriers?

• This carrier offers you the luxury of 6 (six) positions– front toddler outward, front fetal inward, front infant inward, front toddler inward, hip carry or back carry.
• With the convenience of not having to use an infant insert, you can still use this carrier for infants and children from 7 pounds to 45 pounds. Because it can withstand up to 45 pounds, you can use this for many years as the average 4-year old is less than 45 pounds.
• This carrier offers you lumbar support and has a headrest that keeps their body inline. There are dual adjustments and more than adequate padding to allow for a comfortable ride. There is adjustable neck and torso straps (the dual adjustment) that gives your baby much needed added support.
• The lumbar support prevents the waist of the carrier sliding on the person wearing the carrier so it won’t cut into the body. For those with neck and back problems and issues, this carrier is great because it offers other ways of wearing it while offering the necessary lumbar support that is needed to support carrying around a child for extends periods of time.
• Easy to put on and take off by yourself.
• There is a hood to protect your child from the elements that can be detached or rolled down when not in use. The hood also will help when the little one is asleep and you wish to keep the sun or other noises out as much as possible by offering them a little privacy.
• There is also a zippered pouch to put things you may need such as an extra pacifier, car keys, credit card, cash or other small items.
• If you live in a warmer climate, this carrier will be perfect. The carrier is made of a breathable micro cloth and is lined with a suede cloth; making this carrier wonderfully machine washable. The breathable fabric makes it cooler against the body for you and for your baby; just unzip it to reveal the mesh material. If you live in a cooler climate or have a cooler day, simply zip it up.
• You can wear the shoulder straps crossed behind your in a front carry or wear them straight like a backpack.
• There is an included lumbar support pad.
• The neck support makes carrying on the back higher for a more comfortable ride for both wearer and baby.
• All buckles have tabs under them to protect the baby from being scratched or pinched.
• Straps are long enough for wearers from 5’ to 6’6”.
• This carrier comes in an array of colors and is perfectly versatile for a man or a woman of any stature.

The cons of this carrier are fewer than the positives:

• The top of the list being that this as this is the Cadillac, you will find that you will pay for that luxury.
• It may also be a little cumbersome and not as easy to release or get on/off as some of the other models. (But still easy.)
• There are a lot of buckles and straps.
• No quick release button but it does come off fast.

• This carrier is a 5 in 1 carrier. This means that you can use it in many different positions; find the one that best suits you and your child. These positions include: front facing inward, front facing outward, back carry facing inward, hip carry and back pack carry facing outward.
• This versatile carrier is good for children from 6 months of age to 36 months or 13 pounds to 44 pounds.
• This carrier has a detachable hip seat. You can use this seat separate from the carrier.
• The carrier offers back and lumbar support to help reduce stress to the shoulders, neck, back, and hips.
• There is a soft-padded waist support for the wearer’s comfort.
• This carrier is machine washable and 100% cotton.
• This carrier has a detachable sleeping hood with a spacious hood storage pouch.
• A storage pouch offers a place to put small items such as keys, money, pacifiers or other things.
• This carrier comes with a 100% Money Back Guarantee.
• The waistband of the carrier is up to 59”.

There are also a number of cons associated with this carrier as well:

• May not be suited for plus size wearers.
• Leg holes for baby are not made for babies with chunky legs.
• While the cotton material will allow some air flow, it will not be as cool as some of the mesh material carriers that are available.
• As this carrier is only suited for children 6 months to 36 months or 13 pounds to 44 pounds, it does not have the life span that other carriers have. An infant carrier may be needed before using this carrier.
• The head support is not ideal in this carrier and the baby should be able to hold up its head and support its head by itself.

• This ergonomic carrier allows you to use it in 4 positions such as front facing inward, front facing outward, hip seat and back carry.
• Safe to use for children 8 pounds to 44 pounds. Recommended 3 months to 36 months.
• The baby is offered extra back support and has a head support that is foldable to ensure smooth breathing.
• The carrier is made of a soft breathable cotton and polyester material that is suitable for almost any season. There is a removable wind resistant hood. The 3D mesh in the front zipper pocket allows the baby to stay cooler in the warm weather.
• The hip seat takes pressure off of the wearer’s shoulders, back, and hips.
• There is a zipper at the top of the hip seat; you can wear just the hip seat and not wear the top part of the carrier if you don’t need to support an older child as much on a walk or at a parade or something like that.
• There is an easy quick-tie buckle that is easy to use and makes placing the baby in and out of the carrier with ease safe and without strain or stress.
• The H shaped straps reduce the chance of strap slippage.
• All of the buckles and zippers are reinforced.
• Buckles can be used in different positions, such as backpack style, crossed in back or just use on around the neck
• The joint buckles of the carrier are covered to hide the zipper heads to avoid scratching the baby.
• This carrier has a Risk Free Warranty.
• There is a waist pocket for small items such as keys, money, credit cards, small toys, pacifiers, and such as well as a larger pocket that can be removed to reveal the 3D mesh. The larger pocket is big enough for wipes, a smart phone or more.
• This carrier is affordably priced.
• This lightweight carrier is 2.3 pounds.

Some of the cons are:

• The carrier material may not breathe as well as the mesh material.
• Waist strap for the wearer is only 48.8”; not suitable for plus size wearers.

• There are multiple uses for this baby wrap. You can use as a wrap, sling, nursing cover or postpartum belt.
• Made of French Terry Cotton and Spandex material. (95% and 5%)
• Wearing as a wrap allows you to free up your hands to do other things such as housework, play with other children, computer work, read a book and much more.
• A wrap a sling brings the baby in close contact with the wearer’s body allowing for a close connection.
• The material is heat regulating, allowing to insulate the child in the cooler months and cool the child in the warmer months.
• The wrap and sling make it easier to breastfeed hands-free.
• There are 5 yards (16 feet) of material.
• The wrap is recommended for children from newborn to 35 pounds.
• As it is not structured, it can be placed in a diaper bag.

Some of the cons are:

• The wrap does not offer any type of ergonomic support to the baby.
• The wrap does not offer any type of ergonomic support to the wearer.
• Wearing this wrap as a postpartum belt may not be advisable for petite women as there may be too much material.
• This wrap is geared more toward women than men although men can use it.
• It takes some time, and probably watching YouTube, to learn how to properly wear the CuddleBug.

• Made of cotton material that is machine washable.
• Lightweight at only 1.2 pounds.
• Can easily be folded and placed in a diaper bag.
• Can be used 2 ways, front facing inward or front facing outward.
• Recommended for newborns or 8 pounds to 25 pounds.
• No insert is needed.
• The BabyBjorn has an adjustable head support for proper support of the baby’s head and neck.
• The carrier ensures that the legs and hips of the child are positioned correctly.
• The carrier allows the child to freely move their arms and legs.
• The compact size of the carrier makes it easy to use.
• All of the buckles are color coded for safety.
• Affordable compared to other models.

Some of the cons are:

• Cannot be used after 25 pounds.
• Start to feel pressure in shoulders when wearing a child in the upper range of the weight limit.
• Can only use the carrier in two positions.
• Older baby’s legs dangle in a way that may not be ergonomic to their body.
• Better suited for newborns and babies under 15 pounds.
• Not as versatile as some other models.
• No padding in the shoulder straps.

• This ring sling is fully adjustable from newborn to babies to small toddlers up to 30 pounds.
• The sling is made of a blend of cotton and spandex for comfort, shock absorption, and elasticity.
• This sling allows you to carry your infant in the position that you supposedly do when the child is in the womb.
• Easily adjust with the steel ring.
• The sides are lightly padded so you can wear the sling on your shoulder. This allows for hands free breast feeding.
• This sling comes with a Money Back Guarantee.
• Can be placed in a diaper bag for later use.
• The single layer of material helps keep wearer and baby from getting too hot in the warmer climate and from each other’s body heat.
• The sling is shaped to help support the baby’s spine.
• There are 5 carrying positions with adjustable straps and a ring with this sling.
• This sling is good for petite wearers as you can thread the sling past the belt section.

Some of the cons are:

• Only comes in one color.
• Not as structured as some other carriers.
• Cannot be worn on the back.
• Limits the weight of the child sooner than some other models.
• Offers limited head and neck support.

• Without an insert, you can use this carrier for children from 4 months to 36 months or roughly 12 pounds to 33 pounds.
• With an insert, you can this carrier from birth to 4 months or 7 pounds to 12 pounds.
• This carrier can be worn in 3 positions: front carry, back carry or hip carry – choose the position that best suits your needs.
• There is extra padding on the shoulder straps and the waist belt. This will especially support your lower back.
• The extra padding allows you comfort to wear the carrier for longer periods of time.
• The chest strap is adjustable.
• The waist belt adjusts from 26” – 52” while the shoulder straps adjust from 28” to 46”. This allows multiple wearers, both larger and petite to be able to wear this carrier.
• The deep seat places the baby in the recommended “M” position when worn in all carry positions for an ergonomic natural position.
• The 100% quick dry polyester material is machine washable.
• The cool mesh collection allows for airflow and breathability so the baby so cooler when it is warm.
• There is a baby hood with 50+ UPF that offers protection from the wind and sun and can be tucked away when not in use.
• The carrier weighs just 2.2 pounds.

Some of the cons for this carrier:

• You must purchase the insert separately if you wish to use this carrier for 0 – 4 months.
• The polyester model may not be as breathable as some mesh models be so you and your baby may be warmer.
• Some of the designs are painted on and not actual fabrics.
• Higher priced than other lower or mid-priced models.
• There is no pocket in this model for your small essentials such as keys, pacifiers, smartphone, diapers and such.
• The waistband is 100% Velcro; so it may not be the most comfortable or convenient waist belt available.

• The All Seasons carrier is great for just that – All Seasons. There is an adjustable temperature regulation panel that allows the wearer to control the temperature inside the carrier. This allows you to keep the baby and the wearer cool or warm depending on the weather. The carrier can be zipped down to reveal cool, breathable 3D mesh in the warmer weather. The carrier can be zipped up for warmth in the cooler weather. With this All Season carrier, you only need one carrier for all seasons of the year.
• The All Season has a structured bucket seat to help keep your baby seat ergonomically correct in all stages from the beginning. This carrier can be worn in multiple positions including: front facing newborn, front facing infant, front facing out, and front facing toddler, hip carrying, and back carrying facing in. There is also no need for newborns to use an infant insert.
• Chest straps and 2-way adjustable to allow for breast feeding.
• This carrier has it all – an adjustable structured bucket seat, lumbar support, neck support, an adjustable sleeping hood that you can remove, six carry options and 2-way crossable shoulder straps.
• There is a zippered pouch to keep your extras such as keys, pacifiers, cash and other stuff in. The shoulder straps even have a purse strap so you can attach your purse to the carrier.
• This carrier has an extra safety harness to keep your child safe in the carrier.
• Great for infants and children from 0 – 48 months or 7 pounds to 45 pounds.
• The seat places the baby’s hip in the natural “M” position in all positions which is recommended.
• The dual chest straps allow for hands free breastfeeding.
• The shoulder straps are extra padded, while the waist belt is wide and sturdy. The lumbar support alleviates pressure in the wearers back and shoulder to evenly distribute the baby’s weight between the wearer’s shoulders and hips, allowing you to wear the carrier more comfortable and for longer periods of time. This will also help alleviate lower back strain.
• Comes with a warranty and a money back guarantee.
• Machine washable material.

Some of the drawbacks are:

• Carrier is on the bulky side.
• Not great to start your infants off in as it seems to swallow them.
• Mesh may leave an imprint on bear skin of child because it is not as smooth as other material such as cotton.
• Hard for petite wearers to get on and off by themselves.

• The ergonomic backpack style of the carrier has a simple design and is compact and lightweight.
• The carrier has a soft and breathable mesh material; made of a soft cotton blend.
• There are 5 carrying positions: Hip facing in, hip facing out, front facing in, front facing out, and back carrying facing in.
• This carrier is suitable for children 3 months to 48 months and 12 pounds to 45 pounds in size.
• The cross back design is made to relieve lower back pressure for ultra-comfort.
• The easy to use design makes it easy to use between different wearers with only a few adjustments.
• The structured hip seat relieves pressure off of the wearers back, shoulders and waist.
• The cushioned shoulder straps and lumbar support help ease the pressure on the wearers back, shoulders and hips as the baby grows.
• Belt has a side pocket that will store keys, phone, cash and other small items.

Some of the cons are:

• Waist strap length is only 45”; not suitable for plus size wearers.
• Belt sits higher than most.
• No hood to protect baby from elements.
• Not suitable for children under 12 pounds or 3 months.

• This soft structured ergonomic carrier allows for 3 carrying positions: front facing in, back facing in and hip carrying facing in.
• There is a breathable 3D Hex mesh that is revealed when the front panel is rolled down. The mesh lining and high-tech fabric body make this baby carrier perfect for all weather climates.
• Use from 15 pounds to 45 pounds without an insert or from 7 pounds to 14 pounds with the baby booster insert.
• You can cross the high density, low-profile foam shoulder straps that are adjustable. They adjust from 17” to 36”.
• Back carry is higher than similar soft structured carriers.
• Straps unbuckle and allow to be crossed in the back when the baby is being carried in the front. This allows you to not have to buckle in the back when you are by yourself but you can buckle on the sides.
• Straps and waist belt are adequately padded.
• Available with your choice of trim colors.
• The easy clean fabric dries fast after getting wet.
• Carrier only weighs a little more than 1 pound. This carrier is very lightweight.

Here are a few of the cons that I am not crazy about:

• You have to purchase the baby booster insert separately if you want to use starting at 7 pounds.
• You can only use this carrier in three positions.
• There is no hood to protect the baby from the elements. I find this strange since this model is marketed for hiking and such.
• Does not convert into a chair.
• While the shoulder and waist belt are adequately padded, they are very stiff – they may wear down with time – not sure.
• There are no pockets to place keys, phones or other small items.
• Difficult to put the carrier on and off by yourself.
• Higher priced model with not as many features as lower priced models.

• The Contour carrier is super easy to put on and take off. You simply snap the buckle around your waist and adjust it accordingly. Choose the position you will put your child in and place them in it, put the carrier over your head and snap the buckles on the side. No reaching over your head or trying to reach a buckle between your shoulder straps.
• This carrier offers 3 positions for your baby’s comfort. At 8 pounds, you can position your child in the “froggy” position with their legs inside the carrier. After your child straightens their legs, they can be placed in the front facing in seated position. At 6 months and up to 30 pounds, your child can be placed in the front facing out position.
• The Contours Love carrier offers head and lumbar support with adjustable head support with zippers that can be folded up or down. This all depends on your baby’s height, age, and mood. The structured 3D mesh offers comfort for long-wearing support.
• The carrier places the baby’s hips in a hip-healthy position that is recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute when used properly.
• The Contour Carrier has a padded mesh waist belt and shoulder straps for extra comfort for the wearer. The straps are extra-long for plus size wearers and are adjustable for petite wearers as well.
• The carrier has two zippered storage pockets in the front and on the waist belt so you can store baby needs such as pacifiers and toys as well as wearer needs such as keys, your phone, cash and more.
• No insert is needed.
• Nothing separates the wearer from the baby except clothing.
• So soft structured that it can be rolled up and placed into a diaper bag.
• Lightweight at only 2 pounds.

A few cons that I did not like as much:

• All of the extra length on the straps has to be bundled up and taken care of.
• Only three positions available.
• Cannot wear on the back.
• Cannot use as a seat.

• The wide lumbar waist belt and wide shoulder straps help to evenly distribute the baby’s weight and relieve back, shoulder and hip pressure.
• The carrier holds babies from 8 pounds to 25 pounds.
• You can carry your baby in 3 positions: forward facing in, backpack facing in and in a sling position.
• You can nurse hands free while using this carrier in the sling position.
• The carrier has a removable sleeping hood to protect your little one from the elements.
• There is a pocket to store things such as keys, phone, pacifier, cash, and other necessary items.
• To keep your baby cool, zip down the vented center mesh panel to increase ventilation.
• The carrier is made of a machine washable 100% cotton material.
• The ergonomic design ensures proper support of the baby’s neck, back, head and hips.
• This carrier is lightweight at only 1.8 pounds.

Some of the cons are:

• This carrier is only good for children up to only 25 pounds; so it is only good for a limited time.
• You can only use this baby carrier in three positions – none of them facing out.
• When using this carrier in the backpack position, you need help from someone else to secure it properly.