Guide for Buying Baby Carriers and Slings

When it comes to baby carriers, there is no shortage of choices, and it can be a little overwhelming to determine which type is best for you.

First, consider how you might use the carrier. Some moms like slings and wraps for carrying their babies around their houses, but a mei tai or backpack are probably better options if you plan to tote your baby on long walks. Another consideration is if you’ll be sharing the carrier with your partner, as a sling isn’t adjustable. And then there’s the comfort factor: an uncomfortable baby carrier is not going to work for anyone. There are other things to think about when buying a baby carrier, including ease of use, preferred baby positioning, infant/toddler capacity, and whether you want something you can use for breastfeeding.

Given the high price of baby carriers, it is definitely worth visiting a baby store in your area where you can try on different types of carriers and see what feels best for you. Here are some top-rated baby slings, wraps, mei tais, and backpacks.

Categories

1. Slings
2. Wraps
3. Mei Tais
4. Hard and Soft Backpacks

1. Slings

Nesting Days Newborn Carrier

Nesting Days Newborn Carrier

$89

Carry babies up to 18 pounds
Lightweight, stretchy, washable material with reinforced seams
Designed by a postpartum doula
Available in multiple sizes and colors/designs

Adjustable Sling by Balboa Baby and Dr. Sears

$60

Contoured padded strap distributes baby’s weight
One size adjustable sling grows as your baby grows, up to 25 pounds
Covered elastic bottom and deep sling pocket keeps baby secure
Multiple options for positioning baby

Moby Ring Sling Baby Carrier

$45

Adjusts to carry infants, babies, and toddlers up to 45 pounds
Front and hip carrying options
Lightweight rings and soft, breathable, woven fabric
One size fits all

LILLEBaby Eternal Love Ring Sling

$97

Made from premium lightweight linen
Engraved zinc alloy rings with optional padding
Removable zippered storage pouch
Carry babies between seven and 33 pounds

Baby K’Tan Original

$50

100% cotton machine washable wrap slips on like a T-shirt, no wrapping required
Distributes weight between back and shoulders
Five wearing positions
Available in six sizes to fit parents; for use with babies up to 35 pounds

2. Wraps

Qaqadu Sling Baby Wrap

$30

Machine washable, stretchy, soft material made of 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Gender neutral color
Satisfaction guaranteed
Includes carrying case and two rings to secure sling

Boba Organic Baby Wrap

Boba Organic Baby Wrap

$51

95% organic cotton, 5% spandex
Conventional, non organic wraps also available, in a variety of colors and patterns
Carry babies up to 35 pounds
24 inches long

Solly Baby Wrap

$65

100% Lenzing Modal fibers, a lightweight, eco-friendly material
Available in standard and long sizes, and a variety of colors and patterns
For babies up to 25 pounds (one position only)
Includes hidden pocket for pacifier storage

Hip Baby Wrap Woven Wrap Baby Carrier

$40

Fair trade material individually handwoven with eco friendly non toxic dyes
Position baby on front, hip, or back
Carry babies between eight and 35 pounds
Wrap is 28 inches in length

XOXO Buckle Wrap Baby Carrier, Repreve Collection

$120

Cotton-blend Repreve Collection wrap is made from 15 recycled water bottles
Soft, strong, and stretchy
One size for all body types, use buckle to easily secure
Wear baby four ways, up to 35 pounds

3. Mei Tais

Mei Tai Catbird Baby Carrier

$75

Five carrying positions
Long, lightly padded (with cotton batting) shoulder straps
Two layers of fabric plus design panel for full support
Fully adjustable to grow with your baby

Infantino Sash Mei Tai

$35

Three position ergonomic wrap-and-tie baby carrier
Detachable hood for sun protection and naptime
Carry children between eight and 36 pounds
Versatile use carrier is one size fits all

BabyHawk by Moby

$75

Carry babies between eight and 40 pounds
100% cotton fabric panel with two long shoulder straps and two shorter waist straps
One size fits all
Reversible and machine washable

CuddleBug 3-in-1 Mei Tai Carrier

$20

Lifetime replacement guarantee
Lightly padded straps and 100% cotton material
Sun and sleep hood
Fully adjustable, one size fits all

Palm and Pond Mei Tai Carrier

$28

Soft cotton
Reversible
For babies up to 33 pounds
Ships from the UK in seven to 10 days for $10

4. Hard and Soft Backpack Carriers

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier

$80

Carry babies from eight to 25 pounds, no infant insert required
Adjustable straps for secure, comfortable fit; can be easily secured without help
Excellent support for baby’s head and neck
Fold down neck rest to carry older babies facing outwards

Onya Baby Outback Baby Carrier

$139

Soft sided ergonomically structured carrier made of nylon and mesh
Carry infants (with booster, sold separately), babies, and toddlers (up to 45 pounds) three ways: back, front, and side
Special feature: attaches to adult-sized chair to become a secure toddler seat
Tuckaway sun and rain hood

Ergobaby OMNI 360 Baby Carrier All-in-One

$180

Carry baby (from seven pounds) to toddler (up to 33 pounds)
Four positions: facing in and out (at six months), back, side
No separate infant insert necessary
Superior lumbar support with padded waist and shoulder straps

Luvdbaby Premium Backpack Carrier

$170

Designed by a parent who loves to hike
Parent comfort features: Adjustable height, heavily padded shoulder straps, load bearing belt
Child comfort features: Padded interior, stirrups, removable sun canopy
Generous storage options including insulated baby bottle pocket

Clevr Baby Back Pack Cross Country Carrier

$110

Weighs just five pounds thanks to lightweight aluminum frame
Retractable sun and rain canopy for baby
Padded shoulder straps and hip belt with energy absorbing lumbar padding
Two water bottle pockets plus extra large storage pocket for diapers, etc.

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