The best baby carriers that are practical and stylish, all road-tested by GLAMOUR mums
Finding the best baby carriers can be a game-changer for parents because they allow you to actually live your life (hands-free!), whilst keeping your precious cargo close by.
After you've shopped for the best changing bag, best maternity leggings and the best breast pads, choosing the perfect baby carrier for you and your child is any parents' next port of call.
Baby carriers are the go-to for fussy newborns who won't be put down, active parents who don't want to lug the buggy around, and those with a brood of children who need their hands at all times. They're also ideal for wearing when you have household chores to complete, meals to cook and, in my experience, trips to the toilet to contend with. Once the little one is strapped (or wrapped) in, some of that precious parental equilibrium is restored. Apart from hands-free mobility, wearing a baby carrier is a great way to revisit that sweet skin-to-skin contact from early-infancy days and studies have in fact shown that babywearing promotes deeper attachment and caretaker responsiveness.
As Rachel FitzD, a specialist infant feeding midwife, baby and parenting expert and writer, who speaks at The Baby Show, explains: 'The transition from 'womb life' to 'room life' is gentler for babies and parents if babies are kept in arms for most of the fourth trimester and a good sling can provide the safest and easiest way to achieve this. Slings and carriers can be used from birth up until your child becomes simply too big to carry. Being carried in arms for the first three months of life has been shown to build greater long-term confidence, sociability and independence in babies."
Luckily, we've been through the process ourselves and have compiled a concise and shoppable hospital bag checklist for you.
There's a plethora of styles on the market that allow you to carry your baby on your front, side or back. There's also some designed for newborns and others made for toddlers so whilst most parents only use a baby carrier for the first 18 months of their child's life, some people carry their kids in them up to the age of three or four, making a baby carrier a pretty sound investment.
But finding the best baby carrier can be among the toughest of baby gear purchases (or newborn baby gifts) because there are just so many - and they're all geared for different lifestyles and baby carrying preferences. Luckily baby carriers are becoming more and more stylish and some (hey, Artipoppe) are basically an extension of your outfit. It can be a minefield tracking down the best baby carrier that ticks all the boxes, so we've enlisted the help of an expert for tips on how to find the right one for you and your mini-me.
Please remember that whichever baby carrier you choose is really up to you, your preferences, and your budget. If you're looking for a good place to start, Karen Reardanz, baby products and registry expert at Babylist, says Babybjörn and Ergobaby offer the most popular structured carriers, while Boba and the Solly Baby x Babylist are the most popular wraps.
At what age should a baby be carried in a baby carrier? | What to look for in a good baby carrier | How we tested the best baby carriers | Our full reviews
Best baby carriers 2023 at a glance:
- Best baby carrier overall: BabyBjörn Baby Harmony Carrier, £209, Mamas & Papas
- Best value baby carrier: Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier with Bib, £30, Amazon
- Best baby carrier for style credentials: Artipoppe Zeitgeist Leopard Classic cotton baby carrier, £310, Selfridges
- Best baby carrier for active parents: LittleLife Adventurer S2 Child Carrier, £125.99, Amazon
- Best baby carrier for parents of different sizes: Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier, £148.41, John Lewis
At what age should a baby be carried in a baby carrier?
Roamy Hunt, a Babywearing Consultant who offers expert help and advice on all aspects of babywearing from her shop - Bambino Baby - as well as via video calls and her popular YouTube channel, said: “There are babywearing options suitable for all ages of baby - from tiny prem babies (including twins) right up to 6+ years. Some people carry their babies in a baby carrier or sling from day one. Others purchase their very first carrier when their little one is 2+ years old. It’s totally up to the individual. There’s no right or wrong!
“The key is choosing the correct carrier for you and your little one. The choices out there - and the options available - can often feel overwhelming. Visiting your local sling library or babywearing consultant is generally the best way to find out what the best options for you are. They will help you narrow down your choices; listening to what you’re wanting from your carrier as well as looking at things like your build and what movements you find easiest, plus baby’s age and size.”
We've tried them all so you don't have to.
What to look for in a good baby carrier
Nicole Ratcliffe, Parenting Expert at The Baby Show in Manchester, and founder of Baby2Sleep, says the most important thing is to have a baby carrier that fits your body shape and is comfortable for both you and baby. “There are lots of different types; fabric slings are fantastic from birth and can cocoon them comfortably. And as the baby gets older, you’ve got your baby carriers with the straps that are more frequently used out of the house.”
Roamy Hunt agrees, and says while there are so many different things you could look for in a carrier - depending on what you’re wanting to use it for - here are some things to think about:
How long would you like it to last? Are you looking for something for the newborn days - potentially moving on to a different carrier as they get bigger - or are you wanting something that will last from birth to toddlerhood and beyond? Having a carrier that will grow in width and height as your baby grows - even if you’re not wanting it to last for years and years - is generally a good plan.
How do you envisage using it? Is it for the school run, mostly round the house, for long walks with the dog, quick up and downs or a combination of all the above? Thinking about how you’re likely to use your baby carrier will really help narrow down the options.
Who will be using it? Ideally all wearers will try out some options, to ensure they’re all happy with the choice and find it easy to use. Many baby carriers can be worn in a number of different ways - depending on personal preference. Others do up in just one way. It’s important to make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident using the baby carrier chosen.
Does the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ apply? Well - yes and no! It may be tempting to look at a carrier that is super-cheap (after all what if your baby doesn’t like it? What if you don’t really use it?) but be aware the very cheap options can often be horribly uncomfortable and may well not support your baby safely. It may not be the carrier design itself - it may be it just doesn’t fit your body shape properly or is too big for your baby. They often have very short life-spans (largely due to the fact they’re not hugely comfy). Look out for anything being sold pre-loved as ‘barely used’ or ‘as new’ at a super-cheap price. The chances are they didn’t find it very comfy so didn’t use it(!)
Another thing to be aware of is safety testing With good reason, all reputable baby carriers and slings will go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for the purpose they’re designed for. Safety testing costs. Anything super-cheap is unlikely to have been tested to the recommended standard: EN 13209-2. You also want to ensure any dyes used on the fabric are safe when baby sucks on it (and they will… trust me!).
How we tested the best baby carriers
Our Website Director tested our a range of baby carriers throughout the first 18 years of her daughter's life to assess which was the most comfortable, practical, easy to put on and, of course, stylish. We also grilled all our mum mates, trawled Amazon's reviews section and consulted babywearing experts and midwives for their advice on the best baby carriers for every type of parent.
Our full edit of best baby carriers to add to your checkout:
The BabyBjörn Harmony has been our Website Director's go-to carrier since her baby transitioned out of the mini version (although this one can support babies from birth to three-years-old) and now it's available in a gorgeous green hue. Created in response to the post-pandemic world, which has seen an increased focus on health and wellness, nature was the inspo here as parents increasingly turn to the outdoors for an active baby life and choose products with designs that are inspired by the beauty of our planet. As someone who suffered with severe back pain due to breastfeeding, our Website Director loved the soft-structured and ergonomic design, complete with a chunky, pressure-relieving waist belt and padded back support and shoulder straps. It is also one of the more breathable and cool carriers on the market thanks to the mesh material, making it ideal for hot climates, summer holidays or parents who love to get sweaty on long hikes.
Carry positions: 4 different positions - front newborn position, front facing parent, front facing out, back
Weight recommendations: Birth to 3 years (3.2kg to 15kg)
Carrier weight: 0.89kg
Pros: Super comfy and ergonomic for parent and baby, and very breathable.
Cons: Some people say their taller children grew out of the carrier quite quickly.
Customers are saying: A great carrier the instructions could be clearer as it's fiddly to get on alone the first time.
The Baby Tula is the classic and trusted carrier from the American brand that specialises in ergonomic baby carriers. It’s designed with longevity in mind and will support your child from newborn to toddlerhood with front carry facing in, front carry facing out and a back carry. Finding a baby carrier that’s aesthetically-pleasing and practical is no mean feat (especially if you’re sharing it with your husband). Whilst our Website Director's partner refuses to wear her leopard-print Artipoppe, they both agree that the Tula Carrier is ideal for both mum and dad. It also comes with a large front pocket in the waistbelt which is a game-changer and it has thick, padded straps, making it one of the comfiest on the market.
Carry positions: The carrier is dubbed a ‘6-in-1’ carrier, with the brand saying it offers every carry position your baby will need for each milestone, including facing out, facing in, and back carry for baby and toddler.
Weight recommendations: The carrier has been designed to grow with your baby from infancy (0 months) to toddlerhood (age 4) and has specific width and height settings based on the age or weight of your child (rather than leaving parents to adjust it themselves based on guesswork). It also has ‘infant positioning’ instructions specific to babies 0-2 months.
Carrier weight: 0.8 kg/1.7 lb
Pros: Durable, comfortable, practical, lots of pattern options
Cons: Bulky to wear, tricky to buckle up alone (after two weeks’ use, our Website Director still hasn’t mastered the neck clip without getting flustered)
Customers are saying: That it's one of the comfiest carriers they've used that's ideal for long walks thanks to its back support.
Whilst this carrier isn't ideal for day-to-day use, it's perfect for active parents who love long walks, hiking and travel. Designed for ages six months to three years, it comes in one piece (but only weighs 1.9kg) and is collapsible. Our parent friends love taking it on trips to the countryside or walking holidays so that their child can enjoy the scenery just as much as the rest of the family. It may look lofty but it's padded and very comfortable, and comes with a kick-out leg to offer stability when you pop it on the ground to stop for a picnic.
Carry positions: Up and out!
Weight recommendation: Max load is 20kg (44lbs)
Carrier weight: 1.9kg
Pros: Allows your child to enjoy the great outdoors, comfortable for active parents, collapsable for travel.
Cons: Isn't ideal for day-to-day use, meaning you'd need to buy this as a luxury add-on to your regular carrier.
Customers are saying: It's great for long walks when the pram won't work but parents wish it came with the additional rain and sun covers as part of the price.
Want your (or their!) kid to be seated in the lap of luxury? Look no further. Artipoppe is a favourite among celebrities—the brand's How They Wear It section is filled with A-listers—thanks to its unique designs and high-quality fabrics, from cashmere to silk to hemp.
Carry positions: Front-inward, front-outward back
Weight recommendation: 7–45 lbs
Carrier weight: 1.8 lbs
Pros: Most stylish carriers around; luxe materials make for longer babywearing; streamlined design for easy on and off, crossable shoulder straps, adjustable seat for hip healthy wearing; rolls small for travel; comes with an insert for outward-facing; machine-washable and okay to tumble-dry.
Cons: Very expensive; limited carrying option for price.
Customers are saying: That it's basically an extension of their outfit and they're showered with compliments every time they wear it - but it's an investment.
For parents who want a wraplike feel but an easier on-and-off experience, Stokke's Limas may be just the thing. It's a completely unique hybrid carrier that's made of soft cotton and sits the baby higher up on the body for a wrap vibe, but with a buckle and adjustable straps to give the product more mileage and carrying versatility.
Carry positions: Front-inward, back, hip
Weight recommendation: 7–33 lbs.
Carrier weight: 1.8 lbs.
Pros: One-buckle system; wrap experience with no learning curve; option to add shoulder pads; adjustable wide seat for infants; soft OEKO-TEX cotton; unique colours and designs; machine-washable, okay to tumble-dry low.
Cons: Expensive with less longevity than a regular carrier
Customers are saying: The carrier is quite fresh to market so there haven't been a tonne of reviews yet but so far, so good, with people saying their baby seems super comfortable in it.
If you can't tell by the name, you can use the Líllébaby Complete all year long. The carrier has all sorts of features, like a detachable sun hood, a zippered temperature-control panel, and airy mesh lining that makes it particularly appealing for parents who live in warm climates, or who get hot toting around a 25-pound weight for long periods of time (relatable).
Carry positions: Fetal, front-inward, front-outward, hip, back, with adjustable seat for hip healthy wearing.
Weight recommendation: 7–45 lbs.
Carrier weight: 1.3 lbs.
Pros: No infant insert necessary; crisscross or parallel shoulder straps, one more carry position (fetal) than the Omni, adjustable seat for hip healthy wearing; comfortable year-round, machine-washable.
Cons: Shoulder straps can be stiff; the body of the carrier may be more suitable for taller people; abundance of features may be overwhelming.
Customers are saying: That it's ideal for taking on holiday to warmer climes; very comfortable in the heat but some of the positions take a while to figure out.
With more than 57,000 ratings on Amazon (79% of them five-star), this is the most reviewed carrier on the list. The main draw for the product is its affordability - but that's not all. The Infantino is surprisingly comfortable and durable, and checks off the main “must-have” carrying positions of front-inward, front-outward, and back-carrying. It's also adjustable to fit different body shapes wearing it and has a nice supportive wasitbelt. Our favourite part is the additional bib to protect the fabric from drool and dribble.
Carry positions: Front-inward, front-outward, back
Weight recommendation: 8–32 lbs
Carrier weight: 1.3 lbs
Pros: Adjustable seat; affordable, machine-washable
Cons: All those straps can get in the way of baby's arms; not as soft as other options; 8-pound minimum does not make it suitable for all infants
Customers are saying: That it's a great purse-friendly option (some customers even doubled up to save adjusting their carrier for their partners) but it can be fiddly to wear.
Courtesy of brandYour midwife might encourage you to ‘wrap’ your newborn in a wrap or sling for the first few weeks of their life, before moving them into a more structured baby carrier. If you're looking for the perfect baby wrap, the Solly Wrap is the best place to start. The buttery soft wrap offers a secure environment that’s reminiscent of the womb. The sling baby carrier, which distribytes weight evenly over your upper body, can accommodate even the smallest of babies and is designed for the first year of baby’s life or up to 25 pounds. It doesn't hurt that the wraps are made from 100% certified TENCEL (TM) Moda (super sustainable) and come in unique colours that you don't often see on baby gear.
Carry positions: Front-inward
Weight recommendation: 8–25 lbs
Carrier weight: 1.1 lbs
Pros: Unique colours; breathable during warm months; sustainably sourced Tencel modal fabric, machine-washable, fine to tumble-dry.
Cons: Expensive; 8-pound minimum does not make it suitable for all infants.
Customers are saying: How ideal it is for hot weather but be sure to watch YouTube tutorials as some struggled to master the art of putting it on without help.
Best baby carrier for tech-savvy parents: Carifit Carifit+ Carrier with 12 month subscription to the Carifit Fitness App, Grey
The Carifit Carrier is a specially designed lightweight carrier designed to move with your body, fully adaptive sizing for all body shapes, made from recycled materials, fully breathable stretch 3D knit made with recycled bottles converted yarn and has been specifically designed to help support the body post-partum. And it comes with a digital first parenting support delivered via a new Carifit app - a 12-month subscription app activated via a QR code in your box that is a lifestyle, wellness, fitness, parenting and nutritional support from health, fitness and wellbeing experts. It has an in-app carrier Posture+ fitting advice that scans each body shape for trusted support.
Carry positions: Front carry, parent or world facing
Weight recommendation: 7lbs to 45lbs 3.2kg to 20kg
Carrier weight: 750grams
Pros: It's posture friendly, high-tech and has on-demand workouts to use while wearing your carrier for all fitness levels and lifestyles
Cons: Could be overly complex for some people just looking for a throw-on-and go carrier.
Customers are saying: How much lighter the carrier makes their baby feel thanks to good fitting - but it's pretty new so there isn't much customer feedback yet.
It's hard getting a toddler into a coat, let alone a baby carrier but the Beco Gemini makes it that bit easier. It's a lot like the Tula Explore and Ergobaby Omni, but it's especially great for toddlers who may start getting extra squirmy in carriers. The reason is that the Gemini is made with crossable back straps that stay put. It also means that they accommodate wearers with narrow or broad shoulders to keep the most cunning of Houdinis from escaping.
Carry positions: Front-inward, front-outward, hip, back
Weight recommendation: 7–35 lbs
Carrier weight: 1.35 lbs
Pros: Comfortable back straps for longer wearing periods, large pocket for phone or wallet, adjustable seat for hip healthy wearing; suitable for newborns, more affordable than similar options, machine washable.
Cons: Lower weight limit; buckling assistance likely needed when straps are crisscrossed.
Customers are saying: How great it is for parents who've struggled to get other carriers on ('this is simple, effective and comfy', says one).
Ergobaby is a very popular and trusted name in the world of carriers, but it's the Omni 360 model that's probably best known among parents. It has all the versatility of other structured carriers but with a more streamlined design. Note: While the brand's regular Ergobaby 360 model is also top-rated (with more than 3,700 five-star ratings on Amazon), the Omni model does not require an infant insert. Trust us, the parents will love not having one more thing on their to-do list. The design also makes it ideal for adjusting for parents and carers of different sizes.
Carry positions: Front-inward, front-outward, hip, back, with adjustable seat for hip healthy wearing.
Weight recommendation: 7–45 lbs
Carrier weight: 1.7 lbs
Pros: Lumbar-support waist belt, a detachable storage pouch, crisscross or parallel shoulder straps; no infant insert necessary; machine-washable.
Cons: Lacks an extra pocket for wallet or keys; Velcro waist strap can be difficult to adjust without help; bulkier shoulder straps may require help to clip.
Customers are saying: How much use they've got out of this carrier (across several children) but some say there are so many straps and buckles that it's impossible to put on without the assistance of someone else.
Babies are fussy. End of. And that's why this carrier is ideal for babies (and parents) who like a bit of variety. With 4-in-1 carrying positions, this carrier offers your baby optimal support and a change of scenery all while keeping them close (it's been engineered to cradle your infant's naturally C-shaped spine, hugging them in their favourite fetal position). It's also very comfortable for parents thanks to padded straps, a lumbar spine cushion and magnetic shoulder buckles (genius!).
Carry positions: Four positions - newborn front facing parent, front facing parent, front facing out, on back facing parent
Weight recommendations: from birth to approximately 3 years (16kg)
Carrier weight: 0.97kg
Pros: Great support for parent and baby, easy to readjust, magnetic clips make life easier on the go
Cons: No complaints here
Customers are saying: Just how easy it is to use on your own and how comfortable it is for both parent and child thanks to upper and lower back support.
Complicated, bulky baby carriers can be a headache. So, Izmi designed a super easy, compact baby carrier that packs down tiny and fits in your bag - hallelujah!
Adjustable from 0-12 months, this soft little baby carrier is brilliant from day one - even with smaller newborns from as small as 2.3kg/5lbs. No faff, no bulky padding, it's perfect for wearing at home, as you can actually sit down comfortably in it.
The fact that it packs down really small is ideal (especially if you've got multiple kids) as you can chuck it in your bag or keep it under your buggy without taking up too much room. This ultra-breathable Breeze version is perfect for travelling and for all seasons. Both mums and dads love it, and it fits mums from a UK size 6 to 26. It ergonomically adjusts to grow with your baby and is breastfeeding-friendly. It’s also the perfect carrier to use after a c-section thanks to its unpadded waistband. So if you're looking for something between a soft wrap and a more structured carrier, this is the perfect in-between carrier.
Carry positions: Offers all 4 carrying positions, so you have all the options: facing in, facing out, hip carrying and back carrying.
Weight recommendations: The box says 3.2kg-16kg (7-33lbs), from 0-12 months. But it’s realistically great from as soon as 2.3kg/5lbs, as it adjusts down super small to safely support even very small newborns.
Carrier weight: A super-light 460g/ 1lb
Pros: Easy to use, light, compact, cool, breathable, simple design, all 4 carrying positions, great value. The Izmi team even offers a free video fitting service with every purchase.
Cons: Bigger babies may need to size up to the brand's Breeze Toddler Carrier by 9-12 months.
Customers are saying: It’s the easiest and handiest baby carrier they’ve ever used.
The BabyBjörn Mini is one of the most popular carriers out there; our Website Director couldn't live without hers in the first few months. If you want something soft, super easy to put on, and ultra-comfy for your newborn, this is the one. It's also really stylish (those neutral colours though) and not too bulky. The fact that it has only two carry positions is a plus for many (one fewer thing to fuss about), but it's part of why the carrier can be used for only a short window of time, meaning you'll need to invest in a new one later down the line.
Carry positions: Front-inward, front-outward
Weight recommendation: 0-1 years, min. 7lbs/1.2kg, max. 24lbs/4.5kg
Carrier weight: 0.2kg
Pros: Streamlined design, thinner straps and materials all around, softer than other structured carriers, mesh lining for breathability; baby sits higher up and wide seat is adjustable; small and travel-friendly, machine-washable.
Cons: Does not grow with baby; no pockets, no lumbar support; the beige leopard edition is almost always sold out.
Customers are saying: How ideal this is for putting on, especially when you're doing it on your own, but some felt it didn't offer their back adequate support.
