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Keeping your baby close to you throughout the day doesn’t have to be a challenge, even if you have shopping, cleaning, yard work, or other activities to keep you busy. Using a baby carrier leaves your hands free while keeping your baby close to you, safe and cozy. Modern carriers offer a variety of features to keep you and your baby comfortable no matter what you plan to do while you wear them. Choosing the right baby carrier is incredibly important since you’ll most likely be using it daily or almost daily for your child’s first few years.
Not all baby carriers are created equal. Some are better for support, some are more comfortable, and they all have different weight and age recommendations. If you need help searching for the right baby carrier, you’ve come to the right place.
We spent 21 hours becoming experts on baby carriers, researching and analyzing 28 products while considering 962 consumer reviews to find a variety of great choices.
We evaluated all products based on value, quality, comfort, support, durability, and adjustability to bring you a reliable list of the best baby carriers in Canada.
Following our last update, we recommend the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier for its comfort, versatility, adjustability, and overall quality.
In a rush? Buy it Now on Amazon!
Baby Carrier Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
|
|
9.3/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOP WRAP PICK
|
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
|
|
9.3/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
|
|
9.6/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier
|
|
9.1/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Baby Carrier
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier Review
The Best Overall
Infantino
If you’re looking for a high-quality, value-packed baby carrier to use to free up your hands, keep your baby close to your body, and last through those first couple of years, the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 convertible carrier is our top recommendation.
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier Video Review
What We Think of The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
The Infantino Flip convertible carrier is one of the best choices for your baby. It is made of a soft and comfortable polyester fabric with padding in all the right places at the shoulder, waist, seat, and back for total comfort for both parent and child. The entire carrier is machine washable as well for added convenience.
This carrier can support between 8 and 32 lbs which gives parents more than 2 years of use as their child grows. Your newborn baby will be appropriately supported at the head and neck with a tall neck support with thick cushioning for comfort. The shoulder and waist straps are adjustable for the wearer while the seat and leg holes are adjustable for your child.
This carrier is great for short periods. I use it in restaurants to keep my baby calm while we eat, and it works like a charm. I actually bought a second one for my husband to use so I don’t always have to readjust mine, and it works for both of us (I’m 5’2” and he’s 5’10”). It is fully adjustable, has more airflow than all others I’ve tried, and is easy to put on by yourself once you pass the learning curve.
jamie t.
There are four carry options with the Infantino Flip carrier: front facing in with a narrow seat, front facing in with a wide seat, front facing out, and back carry. Unfortunately, this carrier doesn’t support the proper “M” leg and hip positioning in the narrow seat or face out position, and there isn’t a ton of support in the face out position, so some babies may develop a lack of circulation if in the carrier for too long. For this reason, this carrier is best for shorter-term sessions rather than long walks or naps.
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Black or Grey
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 8 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 32 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Polyester
- Carry Options: 4
- Closure Type: Buckle
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 4 carry options including back carry
- Machine washable in case of spills
- Fully adjustable for parent and child comfort
- Narrow seat with head control for youngest newborns
Cons
- Ergonomics could be better for circulation – no “M” sitting position, legs just dangle
Our Final Opinion about the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this is one of the best carriers out there if you’re looking for a combination of usability and affordability. Though not ideal for longer periods of time due to the poor seat ergonomics, this carrier will tick all other boxes for versatility, comfort, and durability.
Our Wrap Pick for The Best Baby Carrier
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier Review
The Best Wrap Choice
Boba
Sometimes a standard baby carrier just doesn’t seem personal enough. If your focus is on as much skin to skin contact with your baby as possible, a wrap barrier is the right choice. We recommend the Boba wrap baby carrier for its convenience, custom fit, and durability.
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier Video Review
What We Think of The Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
The Boba wrap carrier is one of the most flexible, convenient options on the market. It is the most portable style of baby carrier since it can be folded or rolled up to fit in a diaper bag without taking up room with bulky padding and buckles. It is also easy to maintain with a simple cycle through the washing machine with other clothes and fabrics.
This wrap is incredibly easy to use, though there will be a slight learning curve as you learn how to tie it properly. There are 12 colours to choose from of this cotton/spandex wrap. This style of wrap only offers a front style carry, and most parents choose not to do an outward facing carry since there isn’t enough support.
This is a great wrap. It is nice and stretchy even after months of use, and is comfy for both of us. I don’t recommend it for longer walks because after about 20 minutes, it starts coming loose and my daughter starts to sink down so I have to keep shuffling her closer to my chin. There’s also no neck support unless she is under the fabric, but then I worry about suffocation. Not great for peace of mind and hands-free activities, but comfy and easy to use.
michelle c.
The reason many people enjoy the Boba wrap carrier is that it flawlessly adjusts to both the baby and the wearer for a very comfortable, flexible fit. Unfortunately, there is no support in this type of carrier for a forward-facing carry, and a back carry is also impossible. It is also less stable than other carriers, so you may need to adjust things every short while. However, this wrap can support up to 35 lbs and offers a very close contact position with your baby.
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier Specifications
- Colour: 12 options
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 7 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 35 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Cotton and spandex
- Carry Options: 1
- Closure Type: Tie
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Fully customizable for baby and parent
- Machine washable and machine dry
- Very simple to use and remove
- Breastfeeding compatible
Cons
- Not enough support for back or forward-facing carry
Our Final Opinion about the Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Boba wrap isn’t the most effective or supportive choice, but it is the best wrap pick available in Canada for a variety of reasons. This wrap carrier offers a much different carrying experience, and your baby will appreciate the added closeness.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Baby Carrier
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier Review
The High Performance Pick
Ergobaby
Some baby equipment is more important than others, and as one of the most used tools in your arsenal, you and your baby deserve the best baby carrier on the market. If you’re wiling to splurge a little for the best money can buy, we recommend the Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier Video Review
What We Think of The Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
The Ergobaby Omni 360 carrier is one of the best options on the market. It is one of the few carriers that offers a true “M” hip position in a forward-facing position thanks to added support in the seat and leg holes, so your baby will be most comfortable in this carrier. Every inch of the carrier is thickly padded, including the waist belt, shoulder straps, and leg holes so that your baby doesn’t develop lines in their thighs from the pressure.
This carrier has a pretty unique feature that makes it super simple for parents: a one-handed slider adjustment allows users to quickly switch between facing in or out in the front carry. You can also wear your child at the hip or on your back. Parents can choose to wear the straps vertically or crossed depending on their preference for back support as well.
This is just amazing. It is so light and easy to use, plus super quick to transition between forward facing and inward facing. It is great to travel with. I find it extremely comfortable, and my baby boy is super comfy in it too. The Velcro adjustment by height is so useful without that annoying insert. I would certainly buy it again. I use it for long hikes and short walks with no discomfort. It’s great in summer, fall, and winter.
marianne l.
This carrier is conveniently machine washable. It has a higher weight capacity of 45 lbs, which is roughly 10 lbs higher than most other carriers, so you’ll get extra use out of this carrier to add more value to its more expensive price. A few additional features that make this one of the most effective baby carriers include a protective sun hood for sun protection and breastfeeding privacy as well as a large storage pouch to keep your hands free.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Khaki green, midnight blue, onyx black, oxford blue, and pearl grey
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 7 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 45 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Polyester
- Carry Options: 4
- Closure Type: Buckle
Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Higher than average weight capacity for extended use
- Very secure in any position
- Lots of padding for greater comfort with longer use
- Has baby hood for sun protection and breastfeeding privacy
Cons
Cons
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 2.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Ergobaby Omni 360 baby carrier truly offers the best features, comfort, and durability on the market. Though quite expensive compared to most of the competition, parents and babies both will greatly benefit from its quality and user-focused design.
Our Budget Pick for a Baby Carrier
You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier Review
The Budget Pick
You+Me
If you’re shopping for a baby carrier on a budget, it can be a struggle to find a balance of affordability and usability. If you want to take advantage of a great deal on an affordable baby carrier that will keep your baby close and comfortable, choose the You+Me 4-in-1 convertible baby carrier.
You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier Video Review
What We Think of the You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier
This You+Me convertible baby carrier offers excellent versatility for a really great price. It has four carry options including back carry with or without a wide seat, front carry facing in with or without a wide seat, and front carry facing out. The carrier doesn’t have as much padding at the shoulders and waist as many other options, but the seat is adequately padded for baby’s comfort.
The carrier is machine washable and easy to set up with simple buckles for fastening and a simple button loop for adjusting the seat fit for newborns vs. toddlers. This carrier comes with an additional bandana style bib that can be used with or without the carrier.The straps are adjustable enough for petite and plus-size wearers of various heights as well.
For the price, you get what you expect. My baby is comfortable in it and falls asleep really quickly, but I definitely do not have enough padding around the waist and shoulders for comfort. The head/neck support is basically non-existent, so wouldn’t use it for super young newborns. But my baby does love it, so that’s something.
anna m.
The carrier supports between 8 and 32 lbs safely, so newborns and toddlers can both fit in this carrier. The breathable mesh lining makes this a comfortable fit in warmer weather since the airflow keeps you and your baby cool. The only lacking feature on this is a lack of neck support for newborns, as well as an of-balanced weight distribution in a back carry as the baby will sit too far out from your body rather than tight in against your back.
You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Heather grey
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 8 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 32 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Polyester
- Carry Options: 4
- Closure Type: Buckle
You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Multiple carry options for newborns and bigger infants
- Comfortable for child
- Affordable
- Mesh keeps parent and child cooler
Cons
- Not as padded, less comfortable for parents
- Doesn’t have good head/neck support
Our Final Opinion About the You+Me 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Carrier
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The You+Me baby carrier is versatile, comfortable for your baby, and offers incredible value. Unfortunately, the focus on value results in a lack of comfort for wearers, as well as a lack of neck and head support that makes many parents shy away. For older infants that can support their heads on their own, this is a good choice.
Alternative Products to Consider
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier Review
The Supportive Wrap Pick
Ergobaby
This Ergobaby Embrace cozy newborn wrap baby carrier combines the best elements of buckle and wrap carriers by providing added support and structure paired with the softness and conforming soft fabric design of wraps for the best of both worlds.
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier Video Review
What We Think of the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Embrace baby carrier is one of the most comfortable for both you and your baby. It follows the wrap style without neglecting support. The shoulder straps are the widest available on a baby carrier to help distribute weight more evenly, making it more comfortable to carry 20+ lbs on your body. The waist belt is equally wide for better back support.
The flexibility of this Embrace carrier makes it suitable for body types of all shapes and sizes. It conforms easily to your baby’s unique measurements while providing a firm, supportive surface to keep legs and hips in the healthiest possible position. This carrier has a lower weight capacity of 7-25 lbs, so it can’t be used as long as many others, but the comfort is certainly worth this sacrifice.
Seriously the BEST carrier ever. We practically live in this carrier. Very soft but firm fabric, infinitely adjustable, with great neck support for my baby. The crossed soft straps and waist belt maintain great posture for me so I never get sore. It is also incredibly portable since it rolls up small, and breastfeeding in this thing is amazing. Highly recommend for ease of use and comfort.
lauren d.
There are three front carry options for newborns and toddlers, but no back carry is possible with this wrap-style carrier. The carrier is machine washable for simple maintenance as well. The neck support is cushioned and more effective than many other carriers since it is built into the main structure of the carrier to offer more support. This is also one of the most portable carriers since it can roll up to be placed in a stroller basket or diaper bag.
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Pink, cream, blue, black, and navy
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 7 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 25 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Polyester
- Carry Options: 3
- Closure Type: Buckle
Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Wrap style with more secure buckles for stability
- 3 front carry options
- Machine washable
- Certified hip healthy seat position for babies
Cons
- Very low weight limit – suitable only for newborns
- No back carry
- A little more expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Newborn Wrap Baby Carrier
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
We can’t say enough good things about this Ergobaby Embrace baby carrier. It combines the best elements of wraps and standard baby carriers to deliver excellent comfort, support, and ease of use for all body types. As long as you don’t find back carry necessary, this will be the perfect carrier for you.
BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier Review
The Newborn Pick
BabyBjorn
If you’re interested in a baby carrier specifically designed to cradle and support newborns, the BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey baby carrier is a great choice since it has above-average head and neck support to keep your baby seated ergonomically and incredibly comfortably.
BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier Video Review
What We Think of The BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier
The BabyBjorn Mini baby carrier is made of a super soft 3D Jersey fabric that is healthy for babies’ skin. It is quite expensive given that it can only carry newborns under 24 lbs, but the quality and comfort during that time is worth the limited usability window. The structure of the carrier is soft and flexible to conform to your baby’s body for a comfortable fit.
The head support goes up quite high, so your baby’s neck will be supported safely. The back cross straps are adjustable for comfort to help with your posture while carrying your child. The straps are not padded, so this isn’t the most comfortable carrier for mom and dad, but your baby will be softly cushioned and gently cradled by the extra-soft Jersey fabric.
I find this carrier well worth the price. I have narrow shoulders and a small upper back (only 5’1”) and this carrier fits much better than other carriers. It is very simple to use, though I wish I could adjust where it sits on my back. My baby is very comfortable in it and I don’t worry about my son’s head when I move or bend over since the support goes up so high.
laura l.
The carrier is machine washable for cleaning up any messes and keeping things fresh and healthy for your baby’s skin. There is no back carry option but you can carry your child on the front either facing in or facing out at 5-6 months of age. The head support is adjustable and folds down for an outward-facing carry, but is tall enough to cushion the entire back of the head of newborns for limited movement. Though it isn’t great for parents, this BabyBjorn carrier is comfy and incredibly supportive for your child.
BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Light grey, dark grey, anthracite, black, dusty pink, vintage indigo
- Weight: 0.5 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 7 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 24 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Jersey
- Carry Options: 2
- Closure Type: Buckle
BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Outstanding head and neck support
- Super soft 3D jersey fabric for baby comfort
- Supportive back cross for wearer posture and comfort
- Machine washable
Cons
- Straps aren’t padded
- Only large enough for newborns under one year
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the BabyBjorn Mini 3D Jersey Baby Carrier
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 3.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.0 out of 5.0 stars
Though more expensive than most of the options on our list, even the limited period of use can’t take away from this baby carrier’s value. Your newborn will be immensely supported even if you want to line dance, and you’ll be equally comfortable with supportive straps and an ultra soft fabric design.
SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier Review
The Travel Pick
SunVeno
Whether you’re an outdoorsman and want a supportive, comfortable baby carrier for hiking nature trails every weekend, or just need something better suited to the occasional trip to the zoo or museum, the SunVeno Baby Hipseat ergonomic baby carrier is the best choice for travel and outdoor activities.
SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier Video Review
What We Think of The SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier
The SunVeno baby hipseat carrier is our top recommendation for longer carrying sessions. It is one of the most versatile baby carriers with 6 carry positions available for every occasion. The carrier can be used for a front carry facing in, front carry facing out, hipseat with straps facing in or out, and hipseat without straps facing in or out.
The hipseat itself has a large storage pocket on the front as well as side as well as two side pockets and another medium-sized pocket on the back of the carrier, providing enough space for all of your essentials while hiking, exploring the zoo, or going for a walk around the block. A high weight capacity of 48 lbs means you can continue wearing your child even up to 3 years of age or so.
This is the only carrier that works with my lower back issues. I feel very supported by the cross straps on my upper back, and my baby is equally supported. The pockets are incredibly useful for extra mommy stuff like bug spray, phone, and water bottle when we go on hikes. I’ve been using it since my daughter was 3 months, she’s 6 months now and I can still carry her for longer periods of time without discomfort. Yay for perfect weight distribution closer against my body.
eva g.
The seat of the carrier is sloped by 30 degrees to provide a more natural, comfortable seat position while reinforcing the natural “M” leg and hip position recommended by experts. This carrier is machine washable and comes apart easily to act as an individual hipseat when needed. The carrier is deigned for use in all weather with openable mesh windows for extra airflow in hot weather. Though there is no back carry with this baby carrier, parents will appreciate the great versatility for front carrying.
SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier Specifications
- Colour: Grey
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Minimum Weight: 7 lbs
- Maximum Weight: 48 lbs
- Machine Washable: Yes
- Material: Polyester
- Carry Options: 6
- Closure Type: Buckle
SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Can be used as a hipseat with or without straps
- Seat is sloped 30 degrees for natural seat position
- Openable windows for breathability in hot weather
- High weight limit for longer use up to 3 years
Cons
Cons
- No back carry option
Our Final Opinion About the SunVeno Baby Hipseat Ergonomic Baby Carrier
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is one of the best baby carriers for travel and longer use sessions thanks to excellent support, an ergonomic seat, and weight distribution closer to your body that prevents strain when worn for minutes or hours. Though you can’t carry on your back, the 6 carry options still outperform most other carriers thanks to the hipseat addition.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Baby Carrier
What are the Benefits of Using a Baby Carrier?
There are numerous reasons why a baby carrier is a necessity for your child. Here are a few of the top benefits of wearing your baby in a carrier:
- Helps you bond with your child
- Helps your baby feel safe and cared for
- Keeps you hands free while shopping, cleaning, and other tasks
- Close contact with your baby promotes milk production in breastfeeding moms
- Babies develop better mentally and emotionally
- Using a baby carrier is much easier than a stroller for portability’s sake
- Stimulates physical, motor, and social development
- Reduces reflux, cramps, and crying
What Position is Best for My Baby?
Your baby should have an “M” or frog position in your carrier. This means the bum is lower than their knees with their hips spread over 90 degrees with support under the thighs and their knees flexed.
This is the natural position when against your body in an inward facing carry position. The baby’s bottom needs to be completely supported as their spine can stretch into a straight line against its natural shape without the proper support below 18 months of age.
What Age Can I Carry My Baby in a Carrier?
The specific age requirements vary from carrier to carrier, but there a few general rules to follow. In theory, you can carry a brand-new newborn in a carrier, but you must choose the right carrier so that they are properly positioned and supported. For a newborn, you may need the right insert depending on the carrier.
If you want to carry your child facing out from you, you should wait until around 5 months of age. Most carriers can support your child up to 35-45 lbs, which gives you 2-3 years of use before your child outgrows the carrier and/or becomes too heavy for your back.
How to Properly Choose Your Baby Carrier
- Price.
Baby carriers are available in a variety of price ranges to conform to every and any budget. Though you do get what you pay for, you can find excellent versatility and comfort in the cheapest options. If you’re looking for the latest features, extra support, or enhanced adjustability, you’ll need to focus your search at the higher end of the scale.
- Weight Range.
A baby carrier is only rated for safety within their weight ranges, so they are very important to pay attention to. Every carrier is different, but most require a minimum weight of 7-8 lbs to ensure your baby is big enough to be safe in the carrier.
The maximum weights vary more greatly between carriers, with most falling between 25 lbs and 45 lbs. Even a 5-10lb difference can offer several extra months of use, so keep the maximum weight in mind when assessing longevity and value as well.
- Extra Features.
Not all carriers have extra features, but they can be very useful in a variety of situations. A common feature on baby carriers is additional pockets for holding things like wallets, phones, baby snacks, and water bottles. A wonder cover, or bib, is also fairly common for breastfeeding while in the carrier to keep things private and respectful.
Some carriers include a hipseat for extra support when freely holding your child. Finally, many baby carriers will include a protective hood that protects your baby from the harsh sun to prevent overheating and burns.
- Carry Options.
There are a number of ways to carry your child in a carrier, but not every carrier offers all carry options. The most common carry options include a front forward facing carry, a front inward facing carrier, a newborn forward carry, and a back inward facing carry. Carriers that include a hipseat may offer up to 4 additional carry options with inward and outward facing options with or without shoulder straps. A variety of carry options come in handy to keep your child comfortable and supported while giving you more choice in how you carry in different situations to ease the strain on your body.
- Material.
Baby carriers are made of various materials, most commonly polyester, cotton, and spandex depending on the type of carrier you choose. Some carriers also come with mesh fabric for extra breathability, which can be a huge relief in the heat of summer so that you and your baby are more comfortable and don’t overheat. The carrier should have adequate padding from top to bottom to prevent discomfort for all involved, particularly on the shoulder straps, waist belt, and seat.
- Ease of Cleaning.
Most fabrics used on baby carriers can wipe clean fairly simply, but you’ll also want to deep clean the carrier regularly to keep it healthy and smelling clean and fresh. Most modern baby carriers can be machine washed, though not all can be tumble dried and may need to air dry instead. Wraps are usually the easiest baby carrier to wash since it can go in with the rest of your load, but any type of carrier can usually be machine washed for extra convenience in case of accidents.
- Adjustability.
A baby carrier should be widely adjustable both for the baby and for the person carrying the child. At the very least, the shoulder straps, waist belt, and seat should be adjustable. Many carriers include adjustable leg holes and height to grow with your baby appropriately. The more adjustable the carrier is, the more comfortable and supportive it will be.
- Support and Ergonomics.
Since your baby may be seated in a carrier for an extended length of time, such as when shopping, cleaning, or even just for a nap, they need to be adequately positioned and supported at all times. your baby’s legs should be positioned in the “M” shape that is recommended by experts, rather than dangling below them since this is best for their hips.
Particularly for newborns, additional head and neck support may be necessary to prevent injury or tiredness. Support for the wearer is as important, so we recommend looking at baby carriers with wider straps and thick belt waists to help with your posture. Plus, the closer your baby is held to your body, the less strain on your back.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of baby carriers allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
