When I was looking for the best baby carriers for my first baby, I was very overwhelmed with all the options. So much so, that I didn’t even buy one. Then, my baby was born (the week the world shut down for the pandemic) and I found myself teaching from home with a newborn. I realized that wearing him in a wrap would be very practical, but I had no idea which would be best. My friend dropped off a few different types for me to try and let me just say that trying to figure them out was SO difficult. I’m not sure why, but all the twists and turns of the wrap really just felt complicated. I figured out how to use it for my second and third babies and they were absolute lifesavers! I still wear my daughter, who is currently 14 months old, from time to time. When we moved to Columbus, I joined a kangatraining class (basically a babywearing exercise class) taught by owner of MomBod Fitness, Elise Hall. Not only is she one of the most delightful people, but I was amazed that she has a business devoted to helping moms successfully babywear. I wish I knew something like that existed 4 years ago! She generously wrote this post to give you helpful advice for how to find the best baby carrier for you (you might be surprised by what she suggests!). Her expertise will surely be invaluable to you as you begin your search! Thoughtfully including recommendations for every body and price point, make sure you bookmark this page as you finalize your registry picks for best baby carriers for you!

What is the Best Baby Carrier?

When I work with families in a babywearing consultation or workshop, without fail I get some version of this question, every time: “Which baby carrier is the best one?”

Man, I wish it was that simple!

Like with so many things, as amazing as it would be to be able to point to one baby carrier and say, “that one’s the best, go get it!” – in real life, it’s just not that simple. 

Of course, every baby carrier manufacturer out there wants you to think that there is one best baby carrier out there – and that it’s theirs, of course. They spend a lot of money to communicate to you that theirs is the easiest, the highest quality, the most features, etc etc. 

But just like there isn’t just one best pair of shoes for every human, there isn’t one “best baby carrier.”

But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a best baby carrier out there for you and your family. 

It just means that figuring out which one that is is going to take a little introspection on your part – but that’s where the fun comes in!

So before you get totally overwhelmed by all the carrier styles, brands, and colors out there (ok, maybe it’s a little too late for that), let’s dive into the different styles that are out there and how you can determine which one is the best baby carrier for you and your new baby. 

Before you take a look at the categories below, take a minute to picture your life with your baby. What do you do everyday? What hobbies do you have that you’d like to include your child in? What climate do you live in, and what season will your baby be born in? All of these things will help you decide which carrier is right for you – because they really aren’t one-size-fits-all! 

Once you have a solid idea of what you’d like to use your carrier for, read away!

Stretch Wraps

In the U.S., these are one of the most common choices for newborns, and it’s easy to see why: they’re relatively affordable, can be easily worn by people of all different body types, and are oh-so-cozy for those precious newborn snuggles. But like most things, using one is a skill that has to be learned! Taking the time to learn how to properly wrap, tighten, and adjust these puppies makes all the difference in whether or not you & your baby will be comfortable. The other thing to consider is climate – since they’re made with polyester, and require 3 layers of fabric over you and baby, they can get quite warm! 

Some of my favorite stretchy wraps are hope&plum, Beluga Baby, and the Boba Serenity. 

What to watch out for: 

• These wraps can loose elasticity over time, so double check any you get secondhand
• Many find them less practical/comfortable as baby gets older, so this may not be the only carrier you ever want
• Different brands have different levels of thickness and stretch – if you’re able to get your hands on a few before deciding which to buy, definitely do it!

Buckle Carriers

This is by far the most common carrier style – usually when someone says “baby carrier,” this is what they’re thinking of. These are an excellent option for those who prefer not to deal with all the wrapping and tying, or who prefer more structure to distribute baby’s weight while being active. Most can also accommodate carrying baby on your back, which is a total game-changer for babies that are getting heavy & curious but still want to hitch a ride!

Some of my favorite options are the Tula Free to Grow, Kinderpack Infant Size, and Boba X.

What to watch out for:

• More features doesn’t always mean a better carrier
• Beware of cheap carriers sold online – check to make sure it’s not a knock off or counterfeit carrier (as they have not been safety tested)
• There is so much variety in how these fit and feel – it’s really important to give them a try before purchasing (contact your local babywearing group or babywearing consultant for this!)

Ring Slings

Beautiful, simple, practical, and versatile…what’s not to love about a ring sling? While these are not as common as they used to be, they have a loyal following of parents for a reason. Ring slings require a bit of learning up-front (like all carriers), but are one of the simplest carriers to adjust no matter the size of your body or your baby. They are snuggle and supportive for newborns, easy on your pelvic floor, can accommodate hip carries for young babies (awesome for those nosy babies), and can be used well into toddlerhood. And with a variety of fabrics and patterns to choose from, they can be a fashion accessory too!
My favorite ring slings are hope&plum, hands down.

What to watch out for:

• Make sure any sling you buy uses SlingRings – these are the only rings that are fashioned in such a way that it’s impossible for them to break under pressure/weight. If they don’t say, they’re probably not SlingRings, but you can always check with the company or your local babywearing consultant. 
• Fabric makes a difference! Beginners often find that 100% cotton or cotton/hemp blends are the lightest and easiest to work with when starting out. 
• Take the time to learn it right! Not everyone finds ring slings intuitive at first, but a few well-demonstrated tricks should get you from “what the heck?? Why is she lopsided??” to ring sling heaven in no time. 

Still Need More Support?

Yes, there are other styles of carriers out there you can consider – woven wraps that are ultra customizable, onbuhimos with no waistband, meh dais that bring the comfort of wrapping without all the fabric, and more. But honestly, the world of babywearing is overwhelming as it is! So while I think these are incredible options for many families, I also know that for today, you just need the quick and dirty – where to start, what to look for, and how to start thinking about what are the best baby carriers for you. 

If you’re still having trouble deciding, then it’s even more important for you to get some hands-on time with different carriers! While not all baby stores allow you to open up the boxes and give them a whirl, some do. If not, check around for local babywearing groups and consultants. The Center for Babywearing Studies has an easy to use database. Consultants will often have extensive libraries of carriers for you to try and practice with. And if all else fails, you can always participate in this amazing Try Before You Buy program or rent a carrier to see what suits you best!

And remember – just like every new thing you’ve ever done, babywearing is a skill. Your wrap won’t magically fly out of the box and swirl around you and your baby effortlessly – you have to practice, troubleshoot, and problem solve until you figure out what works for you! This is why working with a babywearing consultant can be so helpful – unlike online tutorials that often leave steps out, they can walk you through it step by step and answer your questions to make sure you feel confident and comfortable. So don’t wait til you’ve got a crying newborn to try out that new carrier – open that puppy up right away and get practicing!

Elise Hall is a certified babywearing consultant, pelvic floor fitness specialist, yoga teacher, and passionate advocate for moms everywhere. She founded MomBod Fitness in 2023 to help provide support, community, and movement education to women in all phases of motherhood so they can access their true potential and ditch the loneliness, frustration, and self-doubt that modern motherhood can bring. To learn more or connect with Elise for virutal consultations, visit www.mombodfitness.org.