Best baby carriers
Medically reviewed by Sarah Gard Lazarus, D.O., pediatric emergency medicine physician | Nov 4, 2022
- Best affordable baby carrier:
- Best comfortable baby carrier:
- Best baby wrap carrier :
- Best baby carrier for newborns:
- Best baby carrier for hiking:
- Best baby carrier for plus-size parents:
- Best lightweight baby carrier:
- Best multi-position baby carrier:
- Best baby carrier for twins:
- Baby carrier safety notes
Many parents say that a baby carrier is a lifesaver when their child is small. For one thing, newborn babies are often lulled to sleep in them. Cradled against your chest and taking in your warmth, familiar smell, and heartbeat, newborns may stop fussing and fall asleep instead. (Though, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations, move your baby to sleep on their back on a firm sleep surface if they fall asleep in a baby carrier.)
Later on, baby carriers prop curious infants up safely so they can get a view of their surroundings and interact with caregivers and others at eye-level, while parents enjoy comfortable closeness. Not to mention, it can give parents arms a much-needed break and free up their hands for other tasks.
Although some babies may fuss when first put in the carrier, Jay McMillin, a certified lactation educator and baby carrying educator for Modern Babywearing, says that may be a result of user error rather than a sign baby doesn't like it.
“Babies like being carried if the carrier is comfortable and used right,” says McMillin. “They feel secure and like being near their caregiver.”
Do I need a baby carrier?
You may find that your fussy baby is only calm when held against your chest. Unfortunately, you probably have a laundry list of things to get done. But when done safely and correctly, baby wearing can allow you to comfort your baby while freeing up your hands to fold laundry, wash dishes, or even read a book. Of course, some parents aren’t physically able to wear carriers or prefer to carry their child around a different way. Similarly, not every baby likes being carried.
That said, many parents love wearing their children for at least some amount of time, particularly if it impacts their baby’s mood for the better. Even parents who don’t wear their babies habitually may appreciate having a carrier on hand since they’re lightweight and easy to bring along, unlike a stroller or wagon.
And even better: Baby carriers don’t take up much space. They can be stored in your trunk, tucked into your stroller basket, hung in the closet, or folded away in a drawer. That’s a lot of payoff for a piece of baby gear that can be bought inexpensively and used for multiple children.
Types of baby carriers
There are two main types of baby carriers: a wrap, which is one large piece of fabric that you wrap and tie around you; and a structured carrier that has straps, buckles, and/or clips to keep your child secured. There are also hybrid versions of these carriers, with parts that strap and parts that wrap.
Not every carrier is suitable for every baby or parent, but there are so many different kinds that it’s likely you can find just the right one to make your life easier. Here’s more information on each kind.
- Wrap: This is the most traditional style of baby carrier; a long piece of fabric that you use to bind your baby to your body. Wraps can be tricky for beginners to master, but they’re also versatile, fit most bodies, and can be wrapped in many different ways to keep your baby snug and secure as they grow. Wraps are also beautiful: they can be found in an endless variety of colors and patterns, as well as in stretchy knits or sturdy woven fabrics in cotton, linen, silk, wool, and beyond. McMillin says that when they teach baby wearing classes, students tend to gravitate to woven wraps: “They appear intimidating but when you put them on, the way they shape around your body and baby feels natural.”
- Ring sling: Similar to a wrap, the ring sling is a long piece of fabric that has two rings secured to one end. The rings sit on one shoulder, and you thread the free end of the fabric through them in order to create a pouch for your baby to sit in. Learning how to properly thread the rings and get a good fit can be tricky at first, but ring slings have many of the same advantages of wraps with a slightly gentler learning curve. Ring slings are generally made from a woven (non-stretchy) material like cotton or linen. Some experts warn that ring slings carry the risk of suffocation if not used properly, particularly for babies under 4 months. (See the end of this article for more on baby carrier safety.)
- Soft structured carrier: These carriers come with padded shoulder straps, a thick waistband, and a fabric pouch that your baby sits in. Many parents love how easy structured carriers are to use: you just strap them on, much like you’d put on a backpack, adjust for comfort and fit if necessary, then fasten your child inside. Most soft-structured carriers also allow parents to carry children in various ways (parent-facing, front-facing, on their back, etc.). These carriers, however, are bulkier and heavier than wraps, may not fit all bodies, and may not be suitable for newborns. Check your carrier’s manual to see if yours is, with or without a newborn insert (which may be sold separately).
- Hybrid carriers: Some carriers mix elements of structured and wrap carriers. Often they fasten on like a structured carrier, but have a long piece of fabric that wraps around your baby and ties at the waist. Depending on the carrier, they have the advantages and disadvantages of both styles, and may be best for a parent who likes the look and function of a wrap but is intimidated by the DIY aspect.
- Backpack carrier: These carriers are like a cross between a hiking backpack and a structured carrier, with an internal structure to make them rigid and fabric parts for your baby to sit in. Intended for hikes and long walks, these carriers are suitable for babies who can sit unassisted and have good neck control (your manual will spell out exactly when your baby can be safely carried), and provide stellar weight distribution, but they’re expensive, bulky, and heavy to travel with and store. The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) also notes that aluminum backpack carrier frames should be padded for safety, and models that come with a sunshade are best for outdoor safety.
Many parents start out using a stretchy wrap for newborns, then move to a woven wrap or structured carrier when their baby is older. But McMillin says that newborns don’t seem to have much of a preference and can be carried comfortably in any carrier rated for a newborn. Feel free to choose the carrier you like as long as it’s safe for a baby your baby’s age, height, weight, and development.
Whatever type you choose, you’ll want to make sure your baby’s airflow is not restricted. (See the end of this article for more on ensuring your baby is safe in the carrier.)
Jay McMillin also says that parents should be able to put on their baby carrier with no help. “If you can’t put it on by yourself and don’t have mobility challenges, you should find another carrier,” McMillin says.
What to look for in a baby carrier
You’ll want to keep these things in mind when looking for your baby carrier.
- Ease of use: Are you okay with a carrier that may take some trial and error before you feel comfortable?
- Longevity: Pay attention to height/weight ranges. Some carriers have a limited window, like those intended specifically for newborns, while others can be used as your child grows.
- Material: Some carriers are made from lighter and more breathable fabric or have special features for warm-weather baby-wearing; others are made of material that’s thicker and warmer. Most carriers are machine-washable, some are dryer-safe; if either aspect is important to you, buy with that in mind.
- Carrying style: Consider how you want to wear your baby: front, back, hip, facing you, or facing out? Or perhaps all of the above? Some carriers offer a variety of ways to wear, while others are limited to one or two options.
- Bonus features: Does your carrier have pockets? Sun protection? Extended sizes? Although these aren’t necessities, they might be nice to have depending on your intended use.
Are baby carriers safe?
Leah Alexander, MD, pediatrician and consultant for pregnancy and parenting site Mom Loves Best, notes that there are two safety concerns linked with wearable baby carriers: What the parent or caregiver is doing while carrying their baby, and how carriers are manufactured. For the first matter, Dr. Alexander says that some activities should be avoided altogether when carrying their baby.
“These carriers should not be worn while cooking or holding hot beverages to prevent burn injuries,” says Dr. Alexander. “Because many wearable carrier injuries occur when the parent or caregiver falls, navigating stairs, icy sidewalks, and uneven surfaces with a baby is risky. Although limb fractures are possible, head injuries are more common.”
For the second concern, McMillin and Dr. Alexander say carriers should comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which requires that children’s products for sale in the United States meet standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM’s standards for soft infant and toddler carriers and for sling carriers say that fabric, straps, and fasteners must be sturdy enough to carry weight safely, ensure that lead and phthalate content is within limits, and so on.
Figuring out if a particular wrap meets these standards is not as easy as it sounds, however. Though the CPSC does require labels with particular information on children’s products, there’s no requirement to list ASTM testing. So there’s no particular label, seal, product packaging note, or other standard notice to indicate the carrier passes ASTM standards. According to representatives from the CPSC, consumers should contact manufacturers to make sure that carriers meet standards.
That’s one heck of a burden for consumers, so we ensured each of the carriers on this list meet the relevant ASTM standards (ASTM F2236 for soft structured carriers and ASTM F2907 for slings). Some manufacturers made it easy (see the five-star info about TwinGo’s testing process), others disclosed information in unexpected places (there’s info about the Infantino Flip’s ASTM compliance in its manual), and others had to be contacted by phone or over email.
How we chose the best baby carriers
The best baby carrier is the one that's comfortable for you and for your baby, easy to put on, easy to adjust when necessary, and distributes weight effectively. Learning what carrier works for you is a bit of a trial-and-error process. Ideally you’d test the baby carrier in person before purchasing. But given time and location constraints, word-of-mouth guidance from other parents who've worn the carriers is crucial.
Here's how BabyCenter determined the baby carriers that should appear this list:
- Guidance from Dr. Alexander and McMillin on what to look for when deciding which baby carrier to buy
- A poll of 1,137 parents in the BabyCenter Community
- Reviews and recommendations from the more than four million members of BabyCenter Community
Best affordable baby carrier
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
How did this super-affordable soft-structured baby carrier best better-known competitors three times the Flip’s price? By providing many of the bells and whistles of more expensive carriers. Chief amongst its many features are the adjustment options, especially the pair of flaps that you can fold in to make a more narrow seat for an infant, then fasten out to widen for an older baby. McMillin is a fan of these types of adjustment options because, “they can help parents comfortably carry their babies for a longer period of time by giving babies more support as they get heavier.”
There are adjustment options for parents: the padded backpack-style straps can be lengthened or shortened for different bodies, while the waistband can be cinched or let out to fit waists from 24 to 49 inches. The Flip allows four carrying styles and can be used for newborns starting at 8 pounds — no insert needed. And get this: When it gets dirty, you can throw the whole carrier in the washing machine.
The Flip is also a Best of BabyCenter Award winner, earning 26 percent of 725 parent votes for Best baby carrier. “It is wonderful! It calms my baby and puts him to sleep!” says one voter, while another says “It’s easy to use and…my son loves being in there no matter what we’re doing.”
Heads up
Although the Flip is a great option for the price, many parents report that it isn't comfortable when worn for extended periods of time. If you plan on using a baby carrier for more than short bursts of time (say, if you're planning on doing some serious walking or traveling), it may be worth purchasing a more supportive carrier.
Parents say
“I have the Infantino and a Moby Wrap! I love both and am glad I opted for the $40 Infantino over the pricier carrier I originally wanted. It's super lightweight and my fiance and I both wear it comfortably.”
"If I'm in it long enough my shoulders hurt, but it isn't so bad. I like how it fits my baby – and she loves it."
"I'm happy with it. And my baby is happy with it. I got the Moby first and returned it."
“That’s the only carrier my daughter likes! She falls asleep immediately in it. We also have a Moby Wrap and Ergo and she screams the moment I put her in the other carriers. I’m starting to find my back hurting after long periods of time now but it’s her preference."
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 4, front facing-in with narrow seat, front facing-in with wide seat, front facing-out, and back carry
- Fabric: Cotton, polyester
- Weight range: 8-32 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns and up
Best comfortable baby carrier
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is the gold standard when it comes to supportive baby carriers. It’s unlikely to cause back strain, given its padded lumbar back support and cushioned shoulder straps that can be worn straight up and down or crossed, which McMillin says is more ergonomic and comfortable. Not to mention it can make it easier to put the carrier on, too.
Additionally, the Omni 360 works from seven pounds — no newborn insert needed — and allows you to carry your child four different ways.
The Omni’s waistband extends to 55 inches, and the carrier comes with a large storage pouch and UPF 50+ baby hood for sun protection or privacy. It’s even machine-washable. Parents voted it their second-favorite structured baby carrier in the Best of BabyCenter Awards and called it “easy to use,” “ergonomic and safe,” and “much more versatile than other carriers.”
Our editors love the Omni too. Christine Mattheis, Editorial Director for BabyCenter’s sister site What to Expect, says it was the go-to for her and her husband from the time her daughter, Rose, was born, until she was a toddler. “The buckle-and-strap system is very easy to adjust on your own, no help from a partner required,” she says. “The carrier fit both of us very well, even though he's much taller than I am (I'm about 5'7" and he's 6'3"). I also liked that the Ergobaby has a waist strap, which helped relieve some pressure from my achy lower back.”
Olivia DeLong, BabyCenter’s Senior Health Editor, also used the Omni 360 to carry her daughter. “We loved it and actually used it into toddlerhood,” she says, calling it super supportive, and noting that it made travel and outings easier because there was no bulky stroller to push. “Just a great way to bond and be near her but not have to lug something extra around,” she says.
Heads up
The carrier comes in an all-cotton version and a polyester mesh for cooler ventilation. The 360 is machine-washable, but can only go in the dryer until damp, then it must be hung.
Parents say
“Love my Ergobaby Omni 360. I have an Ergo wrap style carrier as well and I just feel like it is too difficult to get on and my baby into whereas the Omni 360 is so easy I can do it myself and my baby loves it.”
“We have the Ergobaby Omni 360 and love it. No infant insert needed and grows with your baby. We used a wrap when she was a peanut but now prefer the Omni.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 4, front facing-out and parent-facing, back, and hip
- Fabric: Choose from cotton or polyester mesh
- Weight range: 7-45 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns to 48 months
Best baby wrap carrier
Solly Baby Wrap
The Solly Baby Wrap gets our nod for best baby wrap for a few reasons. First, it’s super soft, making it an ideal addition to your postpartum wardrobe and a cozy place for your baby to snuggle. It’s a one-size-fits-most carrier that works for petite to plus-size parents. The wrap is made of tencel modal (i.e. beechwood fibers), so it’s extremely soft and stretchy, yet firm and supportive enough to keep your baby’s weight more comfortably distributed. Parents say that it’s lighter weight than other baby wraps, and won’t make you as sweaty.
Heads up
This carrier is designed to be used for the first year of life, so if you love baby wearing you’ll likely need a second carrier more appropriate for the toddler years.
Parents say
“I love the Solly way more than the Moby wrap. Not as thick and bulky and way less fabric to have to manage!”
“I used a Solly with my first and I will with my second! I am around a size 16 and I feel like there was plenty of extra material to tie up.”
“I tried the K'tan first and hated it! I switched to the Solly, and even though it took a little more effort getting it on, I felt like it was easier to use. ETA: Solly fabric is absolutely softer, and not as hot, and I even had the ‘breathable’ K'tan and felt like it was still too hot.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Wrap carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 1, front parent-facing
- Fabric: tencel modal
- Weight range: Up to 25 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns and up
Best baby carrier for newborns
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
Made of 95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex, the Boba has just enough stretch to securely hold your baby close while being comfortable and light for you. It's endlessly adjustable and fits babies and parents of all sizes. We love Boba’s library of videos and step-by-step tutorials; we also like that the Boba is available in a rainbow of colors and patterns, all machine-washable and dryer-safe.
Heads up
Although the Boba can hold babies up to 35 pounds, it’s only lightly supportive (think “bralette” instead of “underwire bra”). Many parents find it more practical to use this wrap during the early months, when their little ones are lighter.
Parents say
"I've used a Boba wrap for all five of my children. I absolutely love it and can't imagine how I would have survived without one. My Boba has been with me through family vacations, train travel, and just making dinners in my kitchen. It's super simple to use, and after watching one video I was wrapping like a pro."
"It's great for long periods of time and feels very secure. The only drawback is the fabric is so long it drags on the ground while I'm wrapping myself up."
"I love it. We go for walks, do short workouts, and I can actually do the dishes with him in the Boba. He loves it too: He faces out sometimes when we go for walks, but most of the time he just naps. My only issue is that I use it from wake-up to bedtime, so I have a hard time finding a time to wash it. I'm planning to get a second Boba so we can rotate."
Specs
- Carrier type: Wrap carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 1, front parent-facing
- Fabric: Cotton/spandex blend
- Weight range: 7-35 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns and up
Best baby carrier for hiking
Deuter Kid Comfort Child Carrier
Attention all adventurous families: The Deuter Kid Comfort Carrier is the backpack carrier to rule them all. Made with a sturdy metal frame that helps to evenly distribute your child’s weight onto the ergonomically designed hip straps, it’s comfortable for you and comfortable for your child. With multiple adjustment options, it’s designed to be size-inclusive and easy to swap between different sized parents. As a bonus, you can carry additional gear on your back in the big storage pockets, and it comes with a removable chin pad and detachable sun and rain roof for your child.
Heads up
This carrier is by far the most expensive option on the list. It’s made to last not only the test of time, but also the elements and be comfortable for long hikes and wilderness adventures. Parents who purchased this carrier say it’s worth every penny.
Parents say
“I love mine. Super adjustable, fits me and DH, optional sun/rain shield, comfy, can actually BACKPACK with it!”
“For hiking at an older age, we prefer our Deuter Kid Comfort Backpack. A front carrier would be too hot for a good hike in the summer with a backpack on as well. The Deuter has some storage space — probably not enough if you are carrying your own sleeping bag, pad, etc, but you could carry food, clothes, or other small items.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Backpack carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 1, back parent-facing
- Materials: Steel frame, nylon-coated 210 denier polyester fabric
- Weight range: Up to 18 kilograms (39.68 pounds)
- Age range: Recommended for children 9 months and up
Best baby carrier for plus-size parents
Tula Explore Baby Carrier
With a waistband that can extend from 27 inches to 57 inches and adjustable thickly-padded shoulder straps, the Tula Explore is a carrier that’s comfy and sturdy on all kinds of bodies. We love the innovative snap-and-loop system that changes the carrier’s seat from safely narrow to newborns, to wider for babies 3 to 9 months, then wider still at 9 months and up to support bigger baby hips and legs. And unlike flimsier wrap-style carriers, the stout Tula gives your body enough support to carry your baby for as long as you (and they) like, to toddler age and beyond. The Explore is also available in a variety of fabrics and patterns — 170 in all — so you can absolutely find a style that electrifies you.
Heads up
Jay McMillin warns that this carrier doesn’t allow the wearer to cross the straps, so if that option is important to you, you may want to choose a competitor like the Ergobaby Omni 360 or the Lillebaby Complete.
Parents say
“I wear a 20/22 when not pregnant. I found that Buy Buy Baby was a godsend because you can try on the various carriers. It was a little frustrating because the only one that really fit me was one of the most expensive options (the Baby Tula Explore) but since I have to walk my dog 4-5 times a day I figured I’d get a lot of use out of it wearing my daughter on our walks.”
“I have a tall baby (always have!) But can comfortably wear [the Explore] since these carriers are built to handle toddlers as well.”
“I have a Tula Explore and a Lillebaby and I think the Tula is more comfortable. The Lillebaby feels bulky to me.”
“My baby girl is in the 98th percentile for weight and 99th for height and I am still able to use it. It doesn’t cause strain on my back either. Not to mention the designs/patterns are so cute.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 6, front forward-facing, front parent-facing with narrow, medium, or wide seat, back carry with medium or wide seat
- Fabric: Choose from cotton, mesh (cotton with polyester mesh), linen, woven (material content varies), handwoven (material content varies), woven and mesh (cotton with polyester mesh), handwoven and mesh (cotton with polyester mesh), and hemp
- Weight range: 7-45 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns and up
Best lightweight baby carrier
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini
Ideal for those early months when you want your baby close but don’t have the mental energy to learn how to wrap. The BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini is easily fastened with clips, and it’s equally straightforward to unfasten and lift out a sleeping baby. The Mini comes in three different fabrics: polyester mesh for breathable comfort in warm conditions, knit jersey made from a polyester/cotton/elastane blend that’s super-soft, and light, soft satin-woven cotton.
Heads upThis carrier really is best for the newborn stage, and doesn’t have the back support needed to carry toddlers and up.
Parents say“I found most carriers to be really bulky; this is so much slimmer and comfier especially for around the house.”
“It’s a little easier to get on by yourself than a wrap if you are home alone. Also holds a newborn well and fits my husband with good straps and back support.”
“I have a wrap too but felt more secure in the BabyBjorn.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 2, front facing-out and parent-facing
- Fabric: Choose from mesh, jersey, or cotton
- Weight/height range: 7-24 pounds, 21-30 inches
- Age range: Recommended for newborns to 12 months
Best multi-position baby carrier
Lillebaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier
With its nicely padded shoulder straps and a thick waistband with a lumbar support panel, the Lillebaby resembles the Ergo, but at a lower price. One distinguishing feature is the zip-down front, which lets you fold down the thicker outer fabric to reveal a breathable mesh inner layer (This way your baby can stay snuggled against you even in warmer climates without overheating). We love the big storage pocket, removable sunshade, and the adjustable seat that changes from narrow to wide for growing babies. No infant insert is needed for newborns, either.
Heads up
Some parents say this carrier's inner mesh layer or the folds in the seat rubbed their baby the wrong way – literally – and chafed their baby's delicate skin.
Parents say
"I love my Lillebaby! Both my husband and I can use it. (I'm 5 foot 2 and 150 pounds, and my hubby is 6 feet and 220 pounds.) I can also quickly change it to fit either my 15-month-old or my 3-year-old."
"There are a ton of patterns and styles of this carrier, and I like that it has an extra back support piece to help with longer wear times."
"This carrier saved my life with my second, and I'll use it again this time around. It's the only one out of six different carriers I tried that didn't hurt my back and shoulders after 5 or 10 minutes. I highly recommend."
"I love my Lillebaby and its extra support pad. It's the best."
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 6, front legs-in (a.k.a. “front fetal”), front facing-in with narrow seat, front facing-in with wide seat, front facing-out, hip, and back carry
- Fabric: 53% cotton and 47% tencel
- Weight range: 7-45 pounds
- Age range: Recommended for newborns and up
Best baby carrier for twins
TwinGo Air Model
Twin parenting is a whole new level of juggling, and carrying two babies is possible with the Twingo. This ergonomic carrier evenly distributes the weight of two babies on the parents’ hips — not their shoulders — with their innovative waistband. If you have two caregivers and would prefer to each wear one baby, you can unclip the carrier’s front and back section, add the included shoulder strap on each side, and use each as a front carrier for a baby.
Heads up
It is a bit tricky at first to figure out how to get the both babies on safely. We suggest following their video instructions on their website and having a spotter the first few times you try it.
Parents say
“I use mine constantly. I prefer to only wear one, but frequently wear both. Sometimes it's the only way they will nap when out and about. I live in the city, without a car, so the pockets are a big deal to me. I use them as a diaper bag.”
Specs
- Carrier type: Soft structured carrier
- Number of carrying styles: 1 as a twin carrier: one baby front parent-facing, the other back parent-facing. 2 as a single carrier: front parent-facing and back parent-facing
- Fabric: Cotton
- Weight range: 10-45 pounds
- Age/development range: Dual carry recommended for babies 4 months and up (age must be corrected for prematurity) with good head/neck control awake and asleep, who are tall enough that their head is outside the carrier and legs are long enough to comfortably straddle carrier panel. Single carry parent-facing recommended for infants 10 pounds and up; single back carry recommended for babies that meet dual carry criteria.
Baby carrier safety notes
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers the following safety advice for parents who want to use a baby carrier.
- Don’t use backpack carriers or other "upright positioning devices" for babies who were born prematurely or have respiratory problems as these devices may make it harder to breathe.
- Beware of any carrier that curls your baby’s body into the shape of a C, as that increases the risk of breathing problems. Your baby’s neck should be straight and their chin should not be pressed into their chest (or yours) in a carrier. Make sure you can always see your baby’s face.
- Ring slings may pose a suffocation hazard to infants, particularly those younger than 4 months, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you use a ring sling, make sure your baby’s face is visible, up, above fabric, and that nothing covers their nose and mouth.
- Check your carrier regularly for signs of wear and tear in seams and fasteners.
- Choose your baby carrier with your baby in tow for the best fit. Check for back support, strong material, and leg holes that are too small for your baby to slip through.
- If you buy an aluminum-framed backpack carrier, look for padding to cushion your baby from any bumps, and a sunshade or hood for sun protection.
- Babies over 5 months may be more restless in the baby carrier. If they brace their feet against your body or carrier, their weight distribution may also change. Be sure that your child is safely seated before heading out in your carrier.
- If you need to pick something up while wearing your baby, bend your knees rather than bending at the waist, which can tip your baby out of the carrier (and injure your back).
And, again, if your child falls asleep while in the baby carrier, you should move them to a firm sleep surface and lie them on their back as soon as possible.
How long can you use a baby carrier?
Some carriers are designed for the early months and don't distribute heavier weights very well. Others are intended for toddlers (and even 3- and 4-year-olds) and can handle more, thanks to ergonomic pads and straps designed to shift the weight of your child onto your hips and off your shoulders and back. If you want a long-lasting carrier, choose one designed to grow with your little one.
That said, many children prefer a stroller or walking by age 2 or 3, so you may not need a carrier built for toddlers and up. But all other things being equal, if you have a carrier that can handle more weight, you have an alternative for a longer time if your child wants to be carried or you wish to carry them. Rest assured that if you’re comfortable doing it, you can carry your child until they reach maximum weight or height for your carrier, whichever comes first.
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[AAP] 2021. American Academy of Pediatrics. "Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs, and Slings." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Baby-Carriers.aspx [Accessed October 2022]
[AAP] 2022. American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained." https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx [Accessed October 2022]
