You’ve mastered diapering, got the hang of swaddling, now it’s time to tackle what others make look so easy – the art of “baby wearing.” Most of the carriers listed below can be used with newborns so you have plenty of time to get used to them. Pediatricians and experts alike recommend baby carriers for a variety of reasons: baby is up close and personal with both mom and dad, when worn face-to-face baby can feel your heartbeat and breathing, and most importantly baby-carrying mimics a “womb-like” environment perfectly. That’s right, nice and cozy!
For the parents, baby carrying also means hands-free comfort so you can go about your daily life, even nursing, all while bonding with baby. Baby carriers are also easy and convenient during those times when adding a stroller to the mix would be too cumbersome like climbing stairs, grocery shopping, or walking through crowded streets.
The carriers we mention here should not be confused with slings, another choice when it comes to baby wearing. Slings are made of fabric, have no “hardware” and are typically worn over one shoulder, but we’ll get to them in another article! The carriers here are structurally “built”, have some sort of lumbar support as well as shoulder straps, belts, clips, buttons and/or fasteners - all of which adjust as baby grows and give you and baby the support you both need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable.
Babybjörn - Synergy
We love the Babybjörn company and their 30 year commitment to safety, quality, and design. Like the Björn Original, the Synergy was developed in close cooperation with pediatricians and families with young children. The mesh material is what it makes it different from the Original and more comfortable for babies who overheat. The practical sliding buckle makes it easy to adjust to your growing child as well.
babybjorn synergy
Ergo Baby Carrier
The Ergo Baby Carrier's ergonomic design supports a correct sitting position for the baby's hip, pelvis and spine. It also disperses most of the baby's weight between your hips and shoulders instead of your back. While the Ergo may not look like its more sleek and compact counterparts, it more than makes up for it in comfort.
Ergo Baby Carrier
Babybjörn – Original
This Babybjörn is called “Original”, but we wouldn’t mind adding “classic” to its name. It has a simple design and is comfortable and easy to use during everyday activities, both indoors and out. The Original also provides excellent support for your baby’s back and head and guarantees that his/her legs and arms are in a physiologically correct position. If you want to step it up, be sure to check out the new Babybjörn Baby Carrier Original “Star”. It’s made of shiny black satin with a soft cotton lining, perfect for an evening out with baby!
babybjorn
Maclaren - Kate Spade Carrier
Kate Spade may have designed this classic and elegant carrier, but it is Maclaren’s philosophy of safety and comfort that is evident with this unique, one-piece design. Extra thick padding is provided for baby's comfort, as is the removable shade blanket/bib – gotta love it!
maclaren kate spade
Gucci Baby Carrier
For those parents who want their baby to ride in style, look no further than Gucci. Sure, your baby is adorable, but it’s this carrier people will notice. It may be pricey, but no other carrier will give you quite the same kind of fashionista cred as this.
Gucci Baby Carrier
Baby K'tan Baby Carrier
We couldn’t resist including the Baby K'tan on this list as it truly is a cross between a sling and the more structured carriers we mention here. It provides the many positions and benefits of both. As if that’s not enough, the carrier can also be monogrammed. The Baby K’tan is comfortable, safe, hip, and no other carrier compares, making it one of our all-time faves!
Baby K'tan Baby Carrier
Lascal M1 Carrier
The Lascal comes in five cheery colors, is easy to use and comfortable to wear.
But it’s their environmental philosophy that really impresses us. Lascal develops and manufactures high quality products and they use renewable materials to minimize adverse impact on the environment. You can wear this carrier and feel good in and about it!
Lascal M1 Carrier
The Red Castle Baby Carrier
The Red Castle is Europe's best-selling baby carrier for lots of reasons but personally, we like its innovative, multi-position design. Thanks to the versatile sliding pouch, you can move baby from front to back to hip without ever having to take her out. Fabulous!
The Red Castle Baby Carrier
Belle Baby Carrier
Ever since Julia Roberts was photographed wearing the Belle, this Colorado-based company can’t make these fast enough. We like that the company co-founder has a background in mechanical engineering and has designed climbing gear. This expertise has been applied with great success to this innovative carrier. Belle also offers beautiful colors and styles to compliment an active lifestyle.
Belle Baby Carrier
BabyHawk Baby Carrier
BabyHawk carriers are fabulous for creative, style-conscious parents who are drawn to this Asian-inspired look. Based on the Chinese “mei tai” carriers, the Babyhawk uses a waist strap, shoulder straps and a panel of fabric to hold your baby securely in place. Whether you choose a bright color, a fun fabric, or decide to keep it plain, this carrier is anything but!
BabyHawk Baby Carrier
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What about the Moby wrap?