Best Baby Carriers and Slings

How to wear a baby in a baby carrier or sling

One of the great things about babywearing is that you can use different positions to distribute your baby’s weight and give him a change of view from time to time. Note that some positions are only safe for certain baby ages and weights. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician to see if your baby is old enough to change positions.

Here are the most common ways you can carry your baby using a baby carrier or sling:

• On your chest, facing-in: This position is great for all ages from newborns to preschoolers. Some carriers require an infant insert (a wedge of firm fabric- covered foam) to safely accommodate newborns in this position. Note that a newborn baby carrier should only be worn in this position. Newborns and babies who cannot hold their heads on their own should only sit in a front baby carrier or sling in this position. You can breastfeed your infant in this position.
• On your chest, facing-out: This position is ideal for curious babies who want to explore the world. You can’t safely carry a newborn in this position; you’ll have to wait until they’re about five months old and have excellent head and trunk control. You also have to stop using this carrying position when the baby’s weight exceeds 26 pounds because it can throw off your center of balance and cause you to fall.
• On your hip: This position is a compromise between your baby facing in and facing out on the chest. The baby can still look around easily, but this position may be more comfortable for some babywearers than facing out because it keeps the weight distributed more evenly.
• On your back: Curious babies often love to be carried on your back, and it frees you up to use your hands easily. This position can be a bit more difficult for beginning babywearers, so it might be a good idea to have a second adult help you.
• Cradle hold: In a cradle hold your baby lays in a sling or a wrap as if you were cradling them in your arms. According to Hoff, you can use this position to breastfeed your baby. This position is best for newborns and small babies; bigger babies will wiggle and try to sit up to look around, which could cause them to fall. You can do a cradle carry with a ring sling, a wrap or a pouch sling. As with any baby carrying position, it's important to make sure your baby's face isn't covered and that she can breathe normally when in the cradle hold position.

Are baby carriers safe?

Baby carriers are safe if they’re used correctly. Newborns should only be positioned in a forward carry position with the baby facing in towards you until they can hold their head up on their own, which usually happens around four or five months. (Every baby is different, so it’s always a good idea to ask your pediatrician when it’s safe to turn your baby around to a facing out position.) Keep your baby’s hips flexed at an angle instead of hanging straight down to prevent hip dysplasia.

Here are some other babywearing safety tips.

• Position your baby correctly: Some parents have concerns that using a baby carrier could cause their child to develop infant hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is most likely to occur during the first six months and is caused when the ball and socket of the hips aren’t aligned. This can happen when a baby’s hips are forced to stretch unnaturally. Hip dysplasia prevention starts with understanding how to correctly position your child in the carrier or sling so his hips are flexed at an angle around your torso instead of hanging straight down. Most baby carriers are designed to keep babies' hips flexed as long as the caregiver wears the carrier correctly.
• Prevent falls: The added weight of a baby on your front or back can cause imbalance and put you at an increased risk of falling, which can injure you and your baby. Postpartum bodies often need recovery time in terms of pelvic floor stability and balance/core strength, so take advantage of railings when on stairs for extra stability. Bend from your knees instead of your waist when wearing a baby carrier, and be extra mindful of your surroundings so you can see things like curbs ice, stairs and items on the floor. When your child gets too big to see your surroundings in a front carry, switch to a back or hip carry since you’ll be more stable with weight on your back than with weight on your front.
• Keep airways open: Suffocation is another concern for babywearing parents. Keep your baby’s airways open by keeping her upright at all times, except for when you’re nursing, and making sure her chin isn’t resting on her chest. Wear your baby high on your body so you can monitor her breathing. Keeping your baby close enough to kiss will ensure that your baby isn’t too far down on your body to have open airways.
• Buy your carrier new from a reputable manufacturer: You can buy a lot of baby and toddler items second-hand, but when it comes to safety items like baby carriers, you should stick to new models from a reputable manufacturer. This will ensure that the carrier has been inspected and meets all safety guidelines. Buying it new also ensures that there aren’t any weak spots or loose stitching. Rest assured that all the brands listed on this guide are reputable brands.

Baby carrier age and weight limits

The average baby carrier age range is from newborn to toddlers, and the average maximum baby carrier weight limit is between 30 to 60 pounds. Different types of carriers work best at different stages.

• Infant stage: Use a baby carrier or sling that supports your baby’s head until he is able to hold it up on his own. For safe hip placement, only hold your baby in a horizontal position while nursing; keep your baby upright the rest of the time. Position your baby’s hips around your torso when he’s in a facing-in position instead of letting them dangle.
• Older babies and toddlers: Some bigger babies and small children love to be carried, but your arms will quickly get tired of supporting their weight. You can use most soft-structured carriers until your baby weighs 45 pounds. Special toddler soft-structured carriers usually accommodate 20- to 60-pound kids, and structured hiking carriers generally hold kids who weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Grow-with-me carrier: Some carriers, like woven wraps and soft-structured carriers, can be used from birth to when the child weighs 45 pounds (around 3 years old) or more. If you’re buying just one carrier, you might feel comfortable investing more money in it so you can use it for several years. Try on multiple styles before deciding which is right for you, since you’ll be using it for such a long time.

How to use a baby carrier

There can be a learning curve to using some carriers and slings correctly. Others are simple to put on and keep your baby safe without much effort. Whichever type you choose, always double-check your fasteners to make sure the baby is safe and secure.

• Find a fit that’s comfortable for both baby and caregiver: Try on several types of carriers and slings before you buy one to see what’s the most comfortable. Adjust the straps until you find the right fit. Your baby will grow fast, so you’ll have to make adjustments frequently.
• Practice makes perfect: Practice putting your wrap, sling or baby carrier on when you’re seated on a bed or another soft surface, in case you don’t get it right the first few times.
• Always keep one hand on the baby: Keep one hand on the baby’s back while you’re putting on or removing your baby carrier to ensure his safety.

How much is a baby carrier?

Baby carriers and slings are available at many price points, from about $30 to several hundred dollars. Some brands have developed cult followings, and limited-edition prints and designs sell for thousands.

• Cheap baby carrier options: Cheap baby carriers cost $40 to $50 from a big box store. These carriers might be made from materials that are lower quality than more expensive carriers, but they can fulfill the purpose of safe babywearing without breaking the bank. Most basic carriers come in black, navy, gray or tan.
• Average baby carrier cost: The average carrier or wrap costs $100 to $150, depending on the brand and complexity of the carrier. Many brands in this price range sell baby carriers in fashion prints like chevron, floral or polka dot and trendy colors like teal, periwinkle, fuchsia and salmon.
• High-end expensive baby carriers and wraps: Many caregivers like to invest in a high-quality carrier or wrap. Like gorgeous shoes or a luxury purse, a pricey carrier in a beautiful textile is a fun accessory for you, in addition to being practical baby gear. High-end carriers range in price from $200 to $1,000 or more. Many high-end baby carrier brands, like Tula, have gained cult followings, and some special editions sell out in a matter of minutes. You can get a unique limited-run fabric this way, but you’ll pay much more than you would for a standard off-the-shelf carrier.

Baby wrap

Woven baby wraps consist of a long piece of stretchy gauze or woven fabric. When they’re worn correctly, they’re a safe and comfortable way to carry an infant or baby. Because they don’t have any particular structure to them, you’ll need to take time to learn how to wrap them correctly so your baby will be safe and not too tightly or loosely wrapped.

Companies that sell baby wraps include LÍILLÉbaby, Boba, Tula, MO+M and MOBY.

Meh dais

Meh dais (formerly referred to as mei tais) are traditional Chinese baby carriers. Instead of a length of fabric with no specific parts, this structured wrap has a rectangular, reinforced cloth area in which the baby sits and long cloth straps coming from each corner of the rectangle. These straps tie around the wearer’s waist and neck or arms to secure the baby in place. There is less room for error than with soft wraps, but meh dais tend to come in fewer colors and fabrics.

Companies that sell meh dais include MOBY.

Baby sling

A ring sling is a woven wrap that wraps around you and your baby then fastens with two metal rings. The rings sit just below your shoulder and can be easily adjusted for a tighter or looser fit. When wrapped correctly, ring slings can be used for cradle holds for infants or upright holds for bigger babies.

Pouch slings are worn like a cross-body purse to hold infants in a cradle position at your chest. They usually come in set sizes and are not adjustable, which takes the guesswork out of using them as long as you get the right size for your height and weight. Some pouch slings are made of a single wide loop of stretchy fabric, like an infinity scarf; they are worn with the seam at the shoulder. Others have a pouch sewn into the front to cradle the baby.

Companies that sell baby slings include LÍILLÉbaby, Tula, Beco, MO+M and MOBY.

Soft-structured carrier

Soft-structured baby carriers, often called buckle carriers, are comfortable and grow with your baby; many can be used into toddlerhood. These have straps and buckles to secure around your shoulders like a backpack and around your waist; the baby sits in a pouch on your chest, hip or back.

Companies that sell soft-structured carriers include LÍILLÉbaby, Ergobaby, Boba, Tula, BabyBjörn, Beco and MO+M.

Baby backpack

Baby backpacks can be either soft-structured or hard-structured. Some heavy-duty baby back carriers are structured with metal frames to hold more weight. These are designed specifically for hiking and other excursions. Baby backpacks are most often used for toddlers and preschoolers.

Companies that sell baby backpacks include LÍILLÉbaby, Beco and Osprey.

Toddler carrier

Toddlers are notorious for wanting to get on their feet and explore everything. But they need breaks too. A toddler carrier can sit on either your front or back and can accommodate kids up to 60 pounds. Some carriers grow with your child, from infant to toddler, while others are specifically made for older kids, usually starting around 18 months old.

Companies that sell toddler carriers include LÍILLÉbaby, Beco and Osprey.

Improve baby’s health

Babywearing can boost your baby’s health in several positive ways. Keeping your baby upright when she’s awake instead of laying down in a pack-and-play or a bouncy seat can prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly). Babywearing can also help with preemie development. Research indicates that staying close to a caregiver can improve a premature baby’s development by keeping them calm so they can use their energy for growing instead of crying. Babies who are near their mom are also likely to nurse more frequently, which can help premature babies grow faster.

Improve baby’s social engagement

Babywearing allows your baby to be part of the conversation, no matter where you are. Research suggests that being socially engaged with the people around him can help your baby talk and improve his language skills.

Improve parents’ health

Staying close to your baby can help you bond, whether you’re a mom or a dad. Babywearing can make it easier to breastfeed since breastfeeding baby carriers can ease your arm muscles and provide some privacy when you’re out in public. Babywearing can also help moms as a holistic postpartum depression treatment. It allows you to bond with your baby while having the freedom to move your arms and hands and do other activities. This can be especially beneficial if you have older children.