The Best Baby Carriers For 2024, According To A Mom Who Has Tested Dozens

For parents of newborns and toddlers, the best baby carrier make it feasible to accomplish everything that needs two hands—from grocery shopping to watching another child. In addition, they promote bonding, soothe unhappy babies, are far more portable than strollers, and provide a secure space for babies to snooze or even nurse while you’re out and about.

Your baby’s age and weight, your height and body type, and the activities you want to engage in while carrying them will all determine which baby carrier is ideal for you and your child. Minimal and gentle is the way to go if you are carrying your infant mostly around the house to complete household tasks. However, you will probably want a carrier with more structural support if you plan to use your baby carrier for longer periods of time, as a method of transportation to daycare, or when traveling. Because of this, several parents own multiple carriers, giving them flexibility in various circumstances. In addition, to avoid having to reposition the straps every time they use the baby carrier, many couples—especially those with different heights and weights—purchase a baby carrier for each parent.

I asked seasoned baby wearers about the carriers they had used and would suggest in order to assist you in finding the best options for your family. Some of their favorites were so cherished that they were passed down numerous times, bearing offspring for several years. what to look when choosing the best baby carrier

What we are trying to find:

• Kind of assistance
• Security
• Hold positions
• baby weight range
• variety of adult sizes
• Details of the materials and design

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission

Best baby carrier overall

Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier

View on Amazon $155.00

A flexible baby carrier that may be used to transport kids from infancy to toddlerhood is the Ergobaby Omni 360. It is simple to put on and adjust, even when carrying a fidgety infant, and it equally distributes my son’s weight so that my shoulders and lower back are not placed under pressure. The material, which is made entirely of cotton, feels cool and silky on my skin and launders incredibly nicely. If you want something that’s meant to keep you even cooler, there’s a mesh version as well.

Many of the infant carriers I tried were challenging to get precisely right, particularly in terms of the breadth of the cloth between the baby’s legs—which is frequently required to get the ideal M shape for health. However, this one was really simple to use; the waist belt’s Velcro swatches are on the inside and buttons are fastened on the outside. Thankfully, I never had to watch a YouTube video and hardly ever needed to read the instructions. I also adore how well-padded the shoulder straps are. My son enjoyed being carried in all of the other positions, especially on my back and on my chest with my face turned out, but I haven’t tried the Omni 360 in the hip-carry position. Additionally, the detachable storage pouch comes in handy while doing errands with a baby because it is rather uncomfortable to wear a cross-body bag on top of a baby carrier.

Additionally, the majority of the parents I spoke with suggested this carrier. My kid never slept in a carrier after the newborn stage since we are a stroller-nap family. However, almost everyone I spoke with regarding the Omni 360 gave it high marks for being able to lull their infants to sleep. Additionally, mother of two and strategist Christiana Essel claims that her smaller girl cherished dozing out in this carrier.

Because the Omni 360 is made to accommodate a variety of body shapes, Christiana, who is five feet two, loves that Ergobaby thoughtfully offers photographs that illustrate how different body types should use the carrier. She claims that it works for everyone in her family who is an adult, including her husband and his father, who are both taller than her, and her mother-in-law, who is smaller than she is. At five feet seven, I am an average height, so I had no trouble getting the carrier to fit me like a glove. Parents who are taller than six feet told me it’s pleasant to wear when it’s set correctly.

One disadvantage of this carrier is that, at first, our baby was just over four pounds at birth, and newborns must weigh at least seven pounds to use the Omni 360, so it wasn’t the best option for our family. Although we are exceptions in that regard, I do like that the carrier can accommodate toddlers weighing up to 45 pounds—a greater weight limit than the majority of the other carriers I examined. Furthermore, the Omni 360 is by no means a splurge, even if it is the second-most costly carrier on this list. The pricing is fairly affordable considering the comfort, adaptability, and longevity of the product (several people I spoke with mentioned they received theirs as a hand-me-down from a second or third generation).

Best (less expensive) baby carrier overall

LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier

View on Amazon $119.99

• Support type: Adjustable, with a detachable lumbar support pad;
• carry positions: 6, but really just 4;
• baby weight range: 7 to 45 pounds;
• adult size range: 52 inches, with an additional 9.5 inches available for purchase; materials and design details: blend of cotton and polyester with an inner mesh panel; straps can be worn straight or crossed; detachable sun shade; 15 colors and patterns

The Líllébaby All Seasons Carrier is available in five times more colors and designs and offers virtually all of the same functions as the Ergobaby Omni 360 for roughly $50 less. For older-than-newborn kids, it is my second-favorite baby carrier because it evenly distributes weight so I hardly feel like I’m carrying the 25 additional pounds, even up stairs. I like that the center panel can be unzipped and tucked aside to expose breathable mesh, or left in place to expose a warmer, wind-resistant cotton-poly mix within the carrier’s body. The material is elegant-looking, machine washable, and long-lasting.

Having said that, the Ergobaby Omni 360, my best choice, has a 100% cotton fabric that feels softer and more opulent. Furthermore, the Líllébaby’s leg holes lack the padding seen on the Omni 360. My baby appears to be more comfortable in the Omni 360 for longer periods of time, and he likes to be carried out facing out. Unlike the Omni 360, the Líllébaby lacks a storage bag or pocket for keys, a wallet, or a phone. (In a pinch, I’ve managed to get by by hiding my phone inside the front panel that zips up.)

It is equally simple to put on and adjust as the Omni 360. Facing in on your front, facing out on your front, facing in on your back, and facing in on either hip are the four basic carry postures. Although Líllébaby markets the carrier as having six positions, it actually counts each hip separately and counts the fetal position as an additional option that requires an infant pillow that is sold separately.) I have only recently begun carrying my son on my back, but I really appreciate that the lumbar support pad on this carrier is removable, which makes it less bulky on my belly when I have him sitting piggyback style.

Christiana Essel, a strategist and senior editor, has used the Complete Airflow, a very similar Líllébaby carrier, with her two girls and said it is the most all-around and adaptable baby carrier she has ever used. Despite the fact that she is five feet two and her spouse is five feet eleven, they were both able to use it comfortably. The Airflow version is also pleasant to wear and simple to clean because it is made completely of mesh. Christiana purchased hers in 2015, used it very regularly for two children over the course of five years, and it is still in good condition. Christiana’s sister is currently using it with her 18-month-old niece.

Best newborn baby carrier

Newborn Carrier, Baby Carrier, Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier

View on Amazon $32.29

• Soft-structured support type; two carry positions;
• baby weight range: 7 to 25 pounds;
• adult size range: adjustable; waist belt measures 22 to 54 inches;
• materials and design details: performance knit or cooling mesh; straps always worn crossed; nine colors

I started using this baby carrier without a wrap as soon as my kid hit the seven-pound weight threshold. My spouse and I tried a hand-me-down Baby K’tan wrap before purchasing this carrier. Although it is advertised as a hybrid, simpler-to-use wrap, we found it to be less adaptable and more difficult to use than the most basic tie-on fabric wraps. Our son was sitting too low or would fall out, so we always fretted that the K’tan wasn’t tight enough. The hybrid design of the Ergobaby Embrace provides a solution to such issue. It is easy to put on since there is no need for tying or wrapping due of the flexible and adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt. The fabric is soft and stretchy, similar to a wrap.

Because it’s more basic than the Líllébaby, the Ergobaby Embrace was my favorite throughout the newborn stage and continues to be my husband’s all-time favorite baby carrier. He will thus continue to use this one till our youngster weighs more than the 25-pound limit. Seven other parents have also told me that the Embrace is the finest baby carrier for infants. It feels safe without being overly large or difficult to operate. It is lightweight and dries quickly, which is useful in the summer when our baby drools all over the place like a leaking faucet. We own it in oxford blue, but I was really considering getting another one in black after seeing five or six stylish friends and friends of friends wearing the all-black version in Brooklyn and on Instagram. This carrier’s understated style makes the all-black variant seem elegant without being either ostentatious or current.

Although I like that the Omni 360 is made entirely of cotton, I find that the performance fabric combination of this carrier makes stains nearly tough to remove and spot cleaning simple. And even in the summer, when all he wore were onesies, I felt safe wearing the Embrace with a sensitive infant because the fabric is Oeko-Tex 100-certified, making it the only carrier on the list with the certification.

The drawbacks of this carrier are its inability to accommodate weights over 25 pounds and its inability to be used for back carrying. As your child grows, you will need to purchase an extra baby carrier. That has, however, lasted us well over a year, given that my son was born tiny. I still suggest it as a baby carrier to everyone of my expectant friends, particularly those who are intimidated by the thought of having to learn how to knot a sling or wrap.

Best (less expensive) newborn baby carrier

Boba Bliss Hybrid Baby Carrier Newborn to Toddler 

View on Amazon $69.99

• Design details: 95% French terry cotton and 5% spandex; straps are usually worn crossed; 9 colors;
• support type: soft;
• carry positions: 1;
• baby weight range: 7 to 35 pounds;
• adult size range: one size fits all

After the eleventh agonizing attempt at training my husband to use the Baby K’tan carrier, I decided to get the Boba baby wrap. The Boba is a traditional wrap, which consists of simply one very long piece of cloth that is wrapped around your waist, crossed across your shoulders, and tucked firmly under your baby’s butt before being knotted. It takes some getting used to putting it on and finding the ideal tension so that your baby sits upright; the heavier the infant, the tighter the fit has to be. But I enjoyed the intimacy it gave me and my newborn baby after I figured out how to do it.

I never had to worry about him falling out the top or slipping down when I bent over to pick something up since the fabric is elastic yet durable. Additionally, because he was born in December, I liked that it is warmer due to its thickness compared to other textiles used for baby wraps. Being carried in the Boba made him feel so safe and at ease that he generally went asleep straight away, giving me the much-needed sense of independence. Most mornings after I fed him, I would put him in the wrap so I could wash my face, brush my teeth, use the restroom, and walk the dog. I purchased it in navy blue, assuming it would prevent it from becoming soiled, not fully understanding that spit-up tends to show up more on darker hues. Still, I’ve cleaned mine several times without encountering any issues. The best part is that it can hold newborns up to 35 pounds, which is ten more than the Ergobaby Embrace, and it’s the least expensive carrier on this list. Nevertheless, because you have to wrap and knot it each time, it is the least structured carrier on this list and requires the most time to put on. You might need something more structured, supportive, and simpler to modify, like the Líllébaby or the Omni 360, as your baby becomes heavier.

Best baby carrier with mesh insert

Beco Baby Carrier 8 Hybrid Newborn to Toddler Carrier 

View on Amazon $99.99

• Support type: Lumbar support pad structure; 4 carry positions;
• Baby weight range: 7 to 45 pounds;
• Adult size range: Adjustable to fit sizes XS to XXL;
• Materials and design details: blend of cotton and polyester with an inner mesh panel; straps that can be worn straight or crossed; detachable sun shade; detachable infant insert

With her three children, strategist senior editor Ophelia Essel has experimented with a range of baby carriers, wraps, and slings, including as the Ergobaby Omni 360, the Boba wrap, and the Líllébaby, Baby Bjorn, and Tula baby carriers. Her favorite baby carrier is this Beco 8. She frequently takes her one-year-old son on lengthy walks, excursions, and errands and appreciates the comfort that the Beco’s thick waist belt and cushioned straps provide. Ophelia claims that the additional bulk makes this carrier a bit more difficult to pack for travel, but because she uses the carrier on road trips, in the airport, and on airplanes, it’s not really a problem.

There are four different ways to carry a baby on the Beco: on your front with the infant facing in, out, on one hip, or on your back. Yang has generally carried her children on her back or on her front, facing in. She notes that although she has another person assist with fastening the cross strap while she is front-carrying, she can still accomplish it and get everything fixed on her own.

Similar to the Líllébaby, the Beco features an internal mesh panel that helps keep both parent and baby cool and comfortable on hot days. You receive greater ventilation since the Beco 8’s mesh panel is broader than the Líllébaby’s. (It does not provide any more airflow over the Omni 360’s all-mesh version, though.) The entire machine cleans easily and can air dry for an entire night. Although Yang claims that the waist belt’s zip pocket accommodates her phone, it is not as large as the Omni 360’s removable zipper bag. Overall, she claims that this baby carrier strikes a decent compromise between being sleek and comfortable, unlike several that are unnecessarily designed.

Best baby carrier for dad

BabyBjörn Baby Carrier One Air, 3D Mesh, Anthracite

View on Amazon $204.59

• Support type: Soft structured
• Carry positions: 3
• Baby weight range: 7 to 45 pounds
• Adult size range: Adjustable, but no measurements given
• Design details: 35 colors and designs; straps worn crossed; organic cotton, organic hemp, linen, cashmere, or silk

This elegant baby carrier has been seen on several celebrities, models, and stylish parents over the last five years, including Flea and Gigi Hadid. This is as a result of BabyBjörn tremendous marketing efforts and success in placing its items in the hands of well-known new parents. This probably explains why a lot of the everyday mothers I spoke with about this carrier began by stating that they were surprised by how wonderful it is in reality. When the company brought me a cotton one to try that was covered in swans, I was also dubious. However, putting its high cost aside, this lightweight baby carrier is rather good-looking and functional.

It’s not as flexible as the Ergobaby Embrace, but it’s just as easy to put on thanks to its broader, more structured waist belt. Its primary attribute is its utilitarian minimalism—this is true even if you get the version with two beautiful diagonal fringe strips. This is the carrier I grab for when the dog is yapping to go potty and I’m the only one at home with the infant. It fits a baby’s bottom form perfectly in the main compartment, making loading up with a baby wonderfully simple. They sort of just glide into it as a result, much like a magnetic block into a form sorter. Carrying may be done in three different ways: rear carry, front facing out, and front facing in. The BabyBjörn belt and shoulder straps are adjustable, and although the brand’s website doesn’t offer more precise size information, the length of the belt and straps is comparable to that of the Omni 360 and Líllébaby All Seasons.

I initially experienced the stiff shoulder straps that are a typical issue with the BabyBjörn. However, the more I use it, the more flexible it becomes, and I can tell my baby feels at ease because of the carefree way he swings one arm over the top, partially facing in and partially out. Numerous baby carrier brands are available with quirky motifs, intriguing materials, and eye-catching hues. However, the BabyBjörn textiles are of an entirely other caliber. Just be mindful of the washing instructions: although this cotton item may be washed in a machine, several of the brand’s more specialized textiles cannot. The intricately drawn woven swan design has the appearance and texture of an old tapestry.

The BabyBjörn can accommodate newborns up to 45 pounds, which in certain situations may be a kindergartener, which is impressive for such a soft carrier. Even though my kid is much smaller than that, at more than a year old, he fits well in this carrier. Ophelia Essel, a strategist and senior editor, has also used this carrier and continues to do so with ease for her 18-month-old daughter. The Beco 8, Líllébaby, and Omni 360 may also weigh up to 45 pounds, although they are significantly bulkier and more structured.

The best infant carrier that packs up

Momcozy Baby Carrier Newborn to Toddler

View on Amazon $59.99

• Soft structured support type; 2 carry positions;
• Baby weight range: 7 to 45 pounds;
• Adult size range: adjustable; waistband extends to 54 inches; additional 18 inches can be added with an extender; linen materials; adjustable straps for straight or crossed wear; hidden baby sun hood; folds down compactly to fit in a diaper bag; 19 colors and patterns

thinks it looks better than the Omni 360, is easier to adjust, lighter, and rolls up into a fairly small package that is convenient to pack in a backpack. She has used 12 different baby carriers for her two kids—many of which were hand-me-downs or gifts—and has discovered that this one offers the ideal balance of style, comfort, and functionality. Ophelia has a collection of carriers, including a black velvet BabyBjörn Baby Carrier one that she adored but her kid promptly puked on. She informed me that the Happy Baby carrier is still quite adorable, $200 less costly, and simpler to wash. Its primary limitation is that it supports just two carry positions: rear and front inward facing. Thus, this is not the carrier for you if your child enjoys facing out but not piggybacking.

Ophelia also tried a previous model of the Ergobaby Omni 360, which is our top choice, but felt that it was too rigid and uncomfortable. “I didn’t want to feel like I was going hiking every time I needed my hands free, but there is a tradeoff when it comes to babywearing where bulkier/stiffer can be more supportive,” she explains.

Best Value Baby Carrier

LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow Deluxe Ergonomic

View on Amazon $94.99

With additional padding on the upper-back strap and a thick lower-back support pad that can be removed once you start wearing your child on your back, the Líllébaby Complete is the most padded carrier I’ve tried. My infant really cherished this choice since the headrest felt like a pillow-top mattress, and the shoulder straps are quite thick. She nibbled on the headrest gleefully when she faced forward. And she always slept off when she turned her face inward. In addition, the hip belt was the biggest of all the carriers I tried, making it both more stiff and supportive than the Omni Breeze. Furthermore, I was able to put the carrier on by myself, albeit I had some trouble tightening the straps because they seem to be made of less-quality material than the Omni Breeze and move less smoothly.

The materials indicate the cheaper cost of the Líllébaby Complete. Cotton isn’t a fantastic material for infant carriers since it dries slowly, even if it might not appear inferior; the carrier handled a machine wash just fine, but it took nearly two days to air-dry entirely. Because spills were more difficult to remove, the carrier became soiled faster. Furthermore, the material didn’t feel quite as luxurious as the Baby Tula and Ergobaby carriers, the other winners.

More Options to Carry Than Most

Of all the carriers I examined, the Líllébaby Complete provides the most carry options—six total—and a wide range of width adjustments, allowing you to adjust the carrier’s fit to your baby’s growing hips. Adjustments for infant seats are also possible with the Omni Breeze. There are several Líllébaby configurations available, such as a hip and back carry, a front newborn carry (with narrower hips), a front infant carry facing inward, a front-carry option that faces the baby outward, and a less common toddler carry option that faces your child inward and can hold up to 45 pounds. Being carried on the front did not sit well with our kid. (I also detested carrying him in that manner—35 pounds of child on your front does not equal ergonomic support!) He also liked the Omni Breeze for back and hip carries. Your youngster can wear the straps crossed or backpack style if they are on the front.

The inability to easily and intuitively modify the carrier’s hip breadth (you have to shift panels around to access the sticky Velcro-like panels) was a drawback of the Líllébaby Complete. However, after making all the necessary adjustments, this carrier fit every caregiver that tried it. Líllébaby also offers a 9.5-inch belt extender if you need more room at the waist. This carrier can fit hip widths up to 61.5 inches, which is one of the longest belts I’ve ever tried.

There is a little pouch on the hip belt and a zip pocket on the front of the Líllébaby carrier that accommodates a privacy hood. The hip belt pocket is too tiny to carry more than a key or credit card, and the zip pocket can accommodate a phone or keys, but it rubs up against the baby’s body, so you can’t put anything in there without it upsetting them.