There are lots of styles of baby carriers on the market, like wraps or backpack carriers. Consider how long you plan on using your carrier as the weight limits and specifications are an essential part of purchasing the right one. We carefully reviewed age, height, and weight recommendations, along with design, material, ease of cleaning, and value when reviewing products. Here are the best baby carriers for you and your little one. Made to work for all body types, the adjustable straps work for petite, plus size, and tall parents. Thoughtfully designed, there’s a storage pouch for all your on-the-go needs and a tuck-away UPF 50+ hood for sun/wind protection or discreet breastfeeding. Weight limit: 7 to 45 pounds | Style: Structured | Positions: Four | Price at time of publication: $124 Some reviewers say this carrier has less padding than others, but it’s a great choice to test out baby carrier life or use occasionally. Weight limit: 8 to 32 pounds | Style: Structured | Positions: Four | Price at time of publication: $38 Quite versatile, there are six ways to carry your baby and this choice is appropriate for babies from 7 to 45 pounds. There’s no insert required for infants and parents on the go will appreciate the front pocket that’s big enough to hold a phone, keys, and other small items. Weight limit: 7 to 45 pounds | Style: Soft Structured | Positions: Six | Price at time of publication: $125 Safe for 8 to 35-pound babes, this can be used forward-facing or outward-facing. Parent reviewers love how easy it is to put on, appreciate the small zippered pocket, and note how it doesn’t sag or unwrap like some more complicated wrap carriers. Weight limit: 8 to 35 pounds | Style: Hybrid | Positions: Three | Price at time of publication: $50 Since it’s likely your little one will be snoozing in the carrier, new parents will appreciate that it’s easy to unfasten the entire front section of the carrier and lift your sleeping newborn out. Weight limit: 7 to 24 pounds | Style: Soft Structured | Positions: Two | Price at time of publication: $100 With padded straps and a hip belt, there’s also specially crafted lumbar padding to keep hikers cool and well-supported. Parents appreciate that this carrier folds flat for easy storage. While it’s an investment, the hiking backpack will leave you free to roam with your little one. Weight limit: Up to 33 pounds | Style: Backpack | Positions: One | Price at time of publication: $167 Safe for kids from 6 months to 5 years, the small but mighty carrier weighs just 3.3 pounds and folds flat to the size of a laptop bag. Weight limit: 6 months to 5 years (up to 48 pounds) | Style: Shoulder | Positions: One | Price at time of publication: $189 The mesh dries quickly and is machine washable. Parents appreciate that it fits into the matching drawstring bag, so it’s easy to keep this wrap in a pool or beach bag. Weight limit: Up to 35 pounds | Style: Wrap | Positions: Two | Price at time of publication: $22 Sling or Wraps: These are usually unstructured fabric carriers that create a pouch to hold your baby. Some have rings, some are padded, and some have neither. Soft Structured Carriers: This is a secure carrier that often can be worn a few ways, so you can hold the baby facing front, backward, sideways, or more. The structured carrier is easy to put on and can be adjusted. Backpack Carriers: The heaviest and most structure of the options. These are worn on the back and hold the baby high up on the adult’s back.
Weight Requirements
Depending on how long you plan on using your carrier, the weight limits and specifications are an essential part of purchasing the right one. A snug carrier that brings your baby close to you, therefore making skin-to-skin contact and discreet nursing easier, might be better for a smaller baby.
How to Use the Carrier
Depending on your lifestyle and goals, there are several ways that you can use a baby carrier. If you plan to use a carrier from newborn through toddler, you can choose an option that can accommodate extended weight limits and use in lieu of a stroller. If using a carrier for discreet breastfeeding is your goal, you may opt for a sling or wrap and pack it in your diaper bag for outings For families that love to spend time outdoors, investing in a hiking carrier is could be useful.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Maya loved using baby carriers for all three kids. She remembers the first time she used a baby carrier with her newborn son and feeling the joy of having two hands free!
