In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
We researched more than 45 products before selecting the 19 top contenders for comprehensive testing with varying-sized parents and babies over several months. We looked at several factors that contribute to a product's overall performance, such as baby's comfort, parent's comfort, ease of use, and ease of cleaning. We also took note of specific product details and used the carriers in real-world applications, such as around the home or on excursions with little ones.
When it comes to our favorite baby carriers, the BabyBjorn One and Tule Free-to-Grow are top contenders. Unlike many other options, both of these carriers strike a nice balance of comfort and functionality, offering versatility and ease on the go.
If you're working with a tighter budget, the Momcozy Baby Carrier or Baby K'tan Original are solid alternatives. The Momcozy is a straightforward structured carrier that works for everyday use. The Baby K'tan Original is a soft, easy-to-use wrap that is snug and convenient. Both options offer value without stretching your budget.
In addition to baby carriers, we've tested a variety of baby gear and other babywearing options, including baby backpack carriers. Not a fan of carrying? We've also rounded up the best strollers to make outings easier.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on February 21, 2025, with new products added to the review.
When you're not using your wrap, you can store it in the built-in pocket. The wrinkles will stretch out next time you tie it on.
None
Storage pouch
Storage pouch below headrest,
Zippered pouch on the waist belt
None
None
Velcro pouch on waist belt
None
Stash n' Go Pouch that's separate from carrier.
Storage pouch below headrest, Lumbar pad, Mesh back panel
Pocket on waist belt
Hood pocket, Pockets on waist strap
None
Other Features & Notable
None
Available in two different lengths, standard and long
Adjustable Seat Width,
Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1
Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1
Azo Dye-free
Made in USA of imported sustainable + biodegradable yarn.
Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1
Standard or Plus sizes. Chest strap for back carry
None
None
None
Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1
None
Adjustable waist belt: 54 inches maximum length
None
None
None
Bib
Included Accessories
None
None
None
None
None
None
None
Storage Sack
None
None
Stuff sack
None
Bandana bib
Stash n' Go Pouch
None
None
Toddler Seat Extenders
None
Care Instructions
Machine wash cold, hang dry
Machine wash cold, hang dry
Machine wash warm, hang dry
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Do not bleach. Tumble dry low.
Machine wash warm separately, mild detergent, gentle cycle, and drip dry (no dryer). Do not use chlorine bleach or fabric softener. Iron only at low temperature and never iron trim.
Recommend spot cleaning carrier as needed with a soft cloth and cool water. If needed, you can machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water. unbuckle the carrier before washing, and place in wash bag. Lay flat to dry. Linen naturally wrinkles when washed and dried. The carrier may be ironed if desired. When not in use, store your carrier away from direct sunlight.
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Normal process. Do not bleach. Tumble drying possible, drying at lower temperature.
Facing In (0 - 36 mo./33 lbs)
Facing Out (5 - 15 mo./26 lbs)
Back Carry (12 - 36 mo./33 lbs)
Min/Max Weight
8 - 33 lbs
Fabric
Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam
Hood
No
Storage Options
None
The BabyBjorn One is a soft structured option with three carrying positions for little ones between 8-33 lbs. This product is a quality contender with multiple adjustment points, providing parents and babies with a custom fit for comfort and security. This BabyBjorn has safety buckles that work well and has forward pull adjustment straps for quick on-the-go alterations, and the seat width is adjustable depending on the baby's age or size. Our tester reports, “I think the One is easy to put on since most of it can be done before you pick up your baby.” You can attach it before you pick up your baby, making it significantly more straightforward (and potentially safer) than the wrap carriers we tested, which can require a secondary helper. From our testing experience, we appreciated how easy it was to get this carrier on solo, especially when dealing with a fussy baby who's ready to be held.
The BabyBjorn One is one of the most expensive in the review, which might put it lower on the list for parents with smaller budgets. However, its price point is average for a structured carrier compared to the competition. For those seeking long-term use, the Tula Free-to-Grow stands out as an appealing alternative, offering extended longevity compared to the Bjorn, making the investment feel more worthwhile. The One is also drip dry only, meaning it can take a while to fully dry after washing, depending on your climate (humidity is not your friend). This results in some downtime, which we think could be tricky for parents, as babies are often messy, and cleaning might be frequent. As one tester noted, “I was waiting for the carrier to dry after a wash, and it felt like it took forever. I can see this being a problem if you're juggling a fussy baby, and the carrier is your go-to tool to help keep them calm and close.” Aside from the less-than-ideal washing instructions, we think most parents will find that the One has the potential to be the “one” for them.
Facing In (7 - 45 lbs)
Back Carry (Head/Neck/Torso Control - 45 lbs)
Min/Max Weight
7 - 45 lbs
Fabric
100% Cotton
Hood
Yes
Storage Options
Velcro pouch on waist belt
The Tula Free-to-Grow is a soft, structured carrier with various possible adjustments so that it can grow with your baby, fitting babies from 7 to 45 lbs. This versatility means it should work for the lifetime of your babywearing years, potentially translating to a “one and done” choice, saving you money and hassle. Comfortable for parents to wear even on long outings, the Tula's strap style allows you to make minor adjustments on the fly for both comfort and fit. One mom tester said, “I really like the way the straps adjust because I could do them easily with my baby in the carrier.” The structured design gives babies a little more space to wiggle and breathe compared to wrap or sling carriers. We love how the Tula's flexibility takes the stress out of having to buy a new carrier as your baby gets bigger.
The Tula may not be the best choice for those looking to save money or those who want a variety of carrying styles. As one tester shared, “I feel the Tula is comfortable and well-made, but it offers only two carry positions (front facing-in and back carry). This might be too limiting for some users' needs.” Coupled with its higher price tag, some parents might be left wondering if it's really worth the investment. For parents after a more affordable and versatile alternative, the Nalakai Ring Sling is a strong contender. In our tests, we found that it's more affordable and still performs well. Depending on what you need, this high-quality sling could be a good alternative. That said, Tula might have fewer carry options, but its premium comfort and wide usage range set it apart. It's one of our favorite carriers, and it has the potential to last for the long haul.
Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Min/Max Weight
8 - 35 lbs
Fabric
100% Cotton
Hood
No
Storage Options
Pouch on the belt
The Baby K'tan Original is a wrap “-ish” carrier without the convoluted wrap features that make them harder to master without assistance. This “special” wrap is two loops of fabric linked together, making it easier to put on without holding your baby and easy to put the baby in once the carrier is in place. We love this unique design, the soft, somewhat stretchy fabric, and the use of 100% cotton for little ones from 8 to 35 lbs. The K'tan's price is reasonable and ideal for tighter budgets, and the easy-to-use design makes the minimal price bump over ordinary wraps worth it. As one tester mentioned, “I was surprised at how simple it was to put on, especially compared to other wraps. It's great for when you need something quick and easy, but still comfy for baby.”
During our testing, we noticed that while the K'tan's design is convenient, it may not be the best option for parents who need a more customizable carrier for comfort and fit. Since it lacks adjustable straps or features, you can't modify the fit, leading one tester to say, “I can see how this option might not be the best fit for all body types.” Traditional wraps like the Boba Wrap offer more versatility for size and positioning. However, if you and your partner have similar shapes or don't plan to share, then the K'tan is an easy-to-use “wrap” we think you'll love.
The Momcozy Baby Carrier may not claim a top spot in our review, but it stands out as a reliable, no-fuss soft structured carrier that's budget-friendly. During testing, we noticed it required less fiddling around compared to other structured carriers, making it ideal for parents who want to minimize the complicated adjustments and extra straps. It has padded shoulder straps that crisscross to ease the pressure, a supportive waistband to help distribute the load, and an adjustable seat that grows with your baby from 7 to 44 lbs. The 100% cotton fabric softens with each wash, so comfort improves over time. We believe the Momcozy provides great value for the cost. As one tester noted, "This carrier surprised me. It's not too fancy, but it's simple, comfy, and does what you need without any hassle.
That said, Momcozy comes with a few trade-offs. It lacks the plush padding and extra features that some higher-end carriers provide, and while the cotton softens over time, it starts out a bit stiff. One tester remarked, “I didn't love the fabric until I'd washed it a few times, and it softened up.” There's also some confusion around carrying positions; since the instructions only show the front inward-facing position and don't mention others, we're calling it a one-position carrier. If you're willing to spend more for versatility and ease of use, the BabyBjorn One might be a better fit as it offers multiple carrying positions and an easier adjustment system. But, if you seek a reliable carrier that doesn't dent your wallet, the Momcozy might be the carrier for you.
Facing In (8 - 35 lbs)
Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control)
Min/Max Weight
8 - 35 lbs
Fabric
58% Bamboo
42% Linen
Hood
No
Storage Options
Pocket on the tail
The Nalakai Ring Sling is a straightforward, comfortable sling that is easy to use and super cozy for little ones. It is a soft bamboo and linen blend that stretches slightly for comfort and has quick-drying properties for faster cleaning. In our testing, we noticed that adjusting the fit with the baby in the sling was a breeze, and it was easy to achieve a comfortable fit. You can even pull the fabric up for head support or tighten the sling to bring your baby closer to you for snuggling. This ability can make a huge difference when offering comfort to your baby by increasing close physical contact. One father teater said, “I like that my baby is so close, it feels like we are really bonding.” We love almost everything about this sling, including its budget-friendly price.
The Nalakai requires line drying, and while the fabric has quick-drying properties, it may still take a bit longer to be ready for use compared to carriers that can go in the dryer. Of course, climate plays a role, too, as humidity can slow things down even more. As one of our testers noted, “The line drying was a bit of a hassle at times, but it dried faster than I expected. So, this carrier is a good option if you're okay with a little extra drying time.” If you're looking for an easier-to-clean alternative, the Boba Wrap is worth considering. It's machine-washable and dryable, making it super convenient if you need a quick turnaround between uses. Overall, the Nalakai is reasonably priced, easy to use, and comfortable for most users. It's one of our favorite options for those who prefer a sling-style carrier.
The Boba Wrap uses a broad, stretchy material to wrap and carry your baby in different positions, depending on their age, size, and needs. This adaptable carrier grows with your baby, making it suitable for little ones 7-35 lbs. The fabric is super soft and stretchy, cradling your baby close while still allowing you the freedom to move comfortably. It strikes the perfect balance between snugness and flexibility. What we love about the Boba Wrap is its budget-friendly price, versatility, and how it shines during the newborn stage. It's also machine-washable and dryable, cutting down on cleaning time - no need to wait for air-drying like some other contenders. The fabric is long enough to fit parents of different sizes, and the adjustable design allows for on-the-go customizations, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
In our testing, we discovered that wraps can be somewhat challenging due to the learning curve involved in getting the wrapping technique down. As one tester put it, “I had to keep a cheat sheet card nearby for the first few weeks because it took a bit to remember the process.” Also, as your little one grows and becomes heavier, the stretchy fabric may not provide enough support, and some parents might feel the weight more during longer adventures. During testing, we found it helpful to tighten the carrier after loading the baby, or once you've been wearing it for a while to maintain a more supportive fit. If you love the idea of a wrap but don't want to mess with all the fabric wrapping, the Baby K'tan Original is a great alternative. It gives you the wrap-like comfort but with far less effort (no complicated tying involved). However, if budget is a concern or you want a soft, low-maintenance carrier, the Boba Wrap is still a good choice. Just keep in mind that it may not be ideal for carrying bigger, heavier babies.
We have tested a variety of styles and options of baby carriers, including the most popular brands and types.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Test Baby Carriers
BabyGearLab has tested more than 36 baby carriers since 2012, including various styles and types in the competition. Our testing protocol for baby carriers is extensive, and our tests show that baby carriers differ in performance and best application. We purchased each product ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to guarantee complete independence and unbiased deliberations. Next, we perform a series of tests to examine several factors.
Our testing of baby carries is divided into four rating metrics:
Child Comfort (25% of overall score weighting)
Parent Comfort (35% of weighting)
Ease of Use (30% of weighting)
Ease of Cleaning (10% of weighting)
Each metric's contribution to the overall score is based on what we believe influences most families' baby carrier decision.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is a versatile carrier that offers four different carrying positions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why Trust GearLab
Founder and board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Juliet Spurrier uses her background as a mother of two and a pediatric doctor to help her during product selection and test development, such as selecting products that are safe for developing hips and convenient for parents.
Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz began her carrier love after having her first child over ten years ago. With a closet containing more than ten carriers, she's tried every style and brand with her children and almost every carrier at BabyGearLab. The team also includes Senior Analyst Bob Wofford, father of 7, for the male perspective on child wearing. Bob has been professionally testing baby gear since 2014 and has a vast knowledge of baby carriers and their recent rise in popularity. Senior Review Editor, Abriah Wofford, a BabyGearLab contributor since 2015, rounds out the team.
The Free-to-Grow comes with a handy attached hood, giving your little one extra head support and protection from the elements.
The You+Me folds into a compact, portable shape, allowing it to easily fit into a diaper bag or carry pouch without taking up much room.
The Tula Explore has a Velcro pouch on the waistband. It's a handy feature to keep small items close by.
Analysis and Test Results
Babywearing has been around for centuries (as long as babies), and with today's technology and design improvements, there are safer and more comfortable options than ever before. Baby carriers continue to evolve in their designs to meet the needs of modern parents. Our testing considered baby comfort, parent comfort, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and more.
What's the Best Value?
One of the nice things about carriers is the variety of prices, which means most families can find a suitable option within their budget. Alternatively, should the carrier of your dreams be outside your budget, you might consider putting it on your registry or skipping a stroller until your baby is older to postpone some of the gear spending. After thoroughly testing the competition, the Boba Wrap emerged as a straightforward, affordable option, while the Baby K'tan Original impressed with its higher score and simpler use. The Nalakai Ring Sling also stands out for its great value, delivering a solid performance without the hefty price tag seen in other carriers. In a nutshell, these carriers offer parents practical, comfortable options that don't break the bank, all while offering solid performance.
Want a structured carrier? High-quality soft structured carriers (SSCs) can last for years through multiple children, which we think justifies a more significant initial investment. Some parents even skip buying a stroller, opting for a baby carrier like the Tula Free-to-Grow. Though it has a higher list price, it's more affordable when compared to the cost of a quality stroller. Structured carriers often sport higher price tags, but their durability and longevity can make up for it. If you're working with a tighter budget, that's where the Momcozy steps in as an appealing alternative. It may not be the showstopper of the group, but it gets the job done, covering the essentials at a fraction of the cost.
The Nalakai offers a comfortable fit for little ones with a simple design that supports and conforms to their body and movement with little restraint.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Baby's Comfort
Wearing your baby isn't going to work for long if they're uncomfortable. That's why we focused on core comfort factors: seat width and adjustability, head and neck support, cushioning that enhances comfort, and material quality. We also gave higher scores to carriers with soft, breathable fabrics that elevate comfort, while those that felt too hot, caused chafing, or lacked sufficient or proper support scored lower. These elements can make a big difference in your child's comfort and impact how enjoyable the babywearing experience is for both of you.
Child Comfort Performance Ratings
Product
Fabric
Adjustment
General
Nalakai Ring Sling
9.0
10.0
8.0
Solly Wrap
9.0
7.0
8.0
Tula Free-to-Grow
10.0
7.0
6.0
Boba Wrap
9.0
7.0
7.0
Wildbird Aerial
7.0
7.0
7.0
Moby Wrap Classic
7.0
7.0
7.0
Maya Wrap ComfortFit
1.0
10.0
9.0
LILLEbaby All Seasons
7.0
6.0
6.0
Momcozy
6.0
6.0
6.0
Baby K\'tan
5.0
6.0
7.0
BabyBjorn One
6.0
4.0
7.0
Ergobaby Omni 360
5.0
6.0
6.0
Tula Explore
5.0
6.0
6.0
Beco Gemini
8.0
5.0
4.0
Boppy Comfyfit
4.0
6.0
6.0
Infantino Flip
5.0
6.0
4.0
Boba X
5.0
5.0
5.0
You+Me 4-in-1
4.0
3.0
6.0
BabyBjorn Mini
4.0
2.0
6.0
The Solly Baby Wrap fabric has some give and stretch that make it more comfortable for the wearer and provide some snug support for baby.
Credit: Molly Bradac
In our tests, little testers were happiest in options with the most adjustability and softer, somewhat stretchy fabrics that allowed natural body postures without compromising support.
The Tula Free-to-Grow offers a supportive seat that grows with your little one.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
For instance, the Boba Wrap and Solly Baby Wrap excel in this area, with their soft, flexible fabrics offering a gentle, cozy, and swaddle-like feel. We consider these carriers ideal for the newborn stage. We also appreciated the Nalakai Ring Sling and Maya Wrap ComfortFit Ring Sling for their comfort and adaptability to achieve natural positioning and a secure fit.
The LILLEbaby offers several carrying positions, including back carry.
The ComfortFit sling is so cozy that our tiny testers fell asleep during use.
While structured carriers tend to be more rigid and don't conform to a baby's body the same way wrap or sling carriers do, not all of them lack comfort. Based on our experience, the Wildbird Aerial and Tula Free-to-Grow were among the better options in this category, providing a comfortable seat, good adjustability, and soft fabrics that worked well for little ones.
The Infantino Flip isn't as comfortable for little ones compared to other options.
The Infantino Flip waistbelt has no padding or support on most of the strap, so it fails to support the baby's weight comfortably without digging into the wearer.
However, not all structured carriers scored as well. The Infantino Flip Advanced struggled to provide the same level of comfort. It lacks padding, and the fabric feels thin and flimsy, lacking the softness that others offer. Also, and it has limited adjustability in the seat.
The ComfortFit features a design with gathered fabric that helps distribute the baby's weight, making it more comfortable for parents to carry their little one.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Parent's Comfort
To get the most from babywearing and bonding time, comfort for parent is important, too. However, knowing that comfort can vary depending on the wearer's body shape and personal preferences, we approached this test metric with aspects of comfort in mind that we believe impact overall enjoyment and long-term comfort.
The Boppy has armloops that are positioned awkwardly beneath the armpits, and there’s no way to adjust them. Honestly, we’re not a fan of this design choice as it makes the fit feel more restrictive.
Credit: Molly Bradac
We evaluated the competition for design, looking at components like adjustability for a custom fit, padding for enhanced comfort, and weight distribution to minimize strain. Things that make a difference for us are padding (especially in the shoulders), strap width, lumbar support, and waist strap adjustability. Offering more than one carrying position can be helpful, too, so you can switch things up. Lastly, we looked at the fabric, prioritizing those with soft and breathable materials, as opposed to stiff or uncomfortable fabrics, which could lead to unnecessary discomfort.
The BabyBjorn One is so comfortable to wear that no trip is too long.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
After comparing options, we think the BabyBjorn One is one of the most comfortable carriers for parents, earning a top score in this metric. It offers nicely padded shoulder straps and a supportive waistband that helps distribute your baby's weight evenly for a comfortable fit. The Maya Wrap ComfortFit Sling, Nalakai Ring Sling, and the Tula Free-to-Grow come close to the BabyBjorn One. Whether you prefer a soft structured carrier or a shoulder sling, there is a carrier that works for your needs.
The WildBird has thick straps that offer support and protection from the weight of the baby, creating points where the straps dig in.
Credit: Molly Bradac
The Infantino Flip Advanced falls short when it comes to comfort. It has minimal padding in the shoulders and a waistband that lacks support. While you can wear this product for short durations, it won't work for long adventures or frequent use. Similarly, the Boppy Comfyfit Hybrid Wrap falls short in this department as well. It has armholes that sit awkwardly under your armpits, and there's no way to adjust them.
Wraps like the Solly can take a bit of time to learn how to tie properly.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Ease of Use
The level of effort a baby carrier requires can make or break whether you use it daily or let it collect dust. We evaluated several elements to capture a product's complete ease of use experience.
Ease of Use Performance Ratings
Product
Usability
Put On
Put Baby In
Maya Wrap ComfortFit
9.0
9.0
10.0
Nalakai Ring Sling
9.0
9.0
10.0
BabyBjorn Mini
8.0
9.0
10.0
BabyBjorn One
5.0
7.0
8.0
Ergobaby Omni 360
6.0
7.0
7.0
Momcozy
7.0
7.0
5.0
Boppy Comfyfit
5.0
7.0
7.0
You+Me 4-in-1
5.0
7.0
6.0
Baby K\'tan
6.0
6.0
6.0
Wildbird Aerial
5.0
7.0
6.0
Infantino Flip
6.0
5.0
5.0
Boba X
6.0
5.0
5.0
Beco Gemini
6.0
5.0
5.0
LILLEbaby All Seasons
5.0
5.0
5.0
Tula Explore
4.0
5.0
5.0
Tula Free-to-Grow
7.0
5.0
2.0
Solly Wrap
3.0
3.0
4.0
Moby Wrap Classic
3.0
2.0
3.0
Boba Wrap
3.0
2.0
3.0
Wraps and slings like the Solly are easy to fold up and tuck away, perfect for parents who need something that won’t take up too much space in the diaper bag or car.
Credit: Molly Bradac
We started by unboxing each carrier before assessing and comparing how easy it is to grab and go without needing assistance. We asked ourselves: Does it fit inside a top-ranked diaper bag? How quickly can you get it on? Is it easy to adjust? We also considered each product's manual. We prefer those with clear illustrations and directions.
The slings have only one ring adjustment point and one end to pull or loosen, making them the easiest to put on, use, and fit. The Nalakai Ring Sling and the Maya Wrap ComfortFit Sling (above) earn impressive results in this metric.
The BabyBjorn Mini has color-coded slots that make the design easier to use.
Credit: BabyGearLab Staff
Most of the soft structured carriers vary for ease of use, and the number of straps and adjustments correlate to how hard they were to use with the baby on board. The BabyBjorn Mini is a soft structured carrier and an exception. This contender is intuitive, quick to set up, and adjusts easily. It has nearly no learning curve, which is why it scored slightly higher than the other structured carriers.
The wraps are more complicated, with a giant swath of fabric that requires wrapping skills while holding your baby as you put it on. The learning curve is high, including remembering how to perform the wraps and holding the baby while you do it. For instance, the Solly Wrap, Moby Wrap Classic, and the Boba Wrap function similarly with the same challenges.
Remember, not all baby carriers have the same cleaning instructions, so always check the care label before washing. For example, the Boppy carrier is machine washable and dryable for easy cleaning.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Ease of Cleaning
Carriers go through a lot. They are often grabbed, stuffed, dragged, chewed on, drooled on, covered in spit-up, or victims of accidental blow-outs. So, ease of cleaning is a big deal. A carrier that holds up well to frequent washing and wear makes life a lot easier.
When scoring this metric, we considered cleaning instructions, fabric content, and whether or not it has padding since this detail can impact dry time and potentially distort from laundering, no longer feeling the same as when it first came out of the box.
The K'tan is machine washable and dryer-friendly for a quick turnaround so you can get back out and on with life.
The Boba is machine washable and dryer-safe, making cleanup a breeze.
Carriers that can be machine-washed in cold water and tumble-dried are top contenders for ease of cleaning. This includes slings and wraps like the Baby K'tan Original, Boba Wrap, Solly, and Moby Wrap Classic. Next up are carriers that can go in the wash but require air drying, such as the Nalakai Ring Sling and Maya Wrap ComfortFit Sling. While air drying can prevent potential shrinking and damage, it does mean more downtime between uses. Also, humidity and padding can impact dry time, which can be a hassle if you need your carrier ASAP.
Drying instructions can vary for baby carriers; some, like the Wildbird, require laying flat to air dry.
Credit: Molly Bradac
The LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons has very thick padding compared to the group, which means it takes longer to dry. Also, from our testing experience, frequent washing of the Ergobaby Omni 360 can lead to the padding losing its original feel over time. This doesn't make the product ineffective, but it's something to note. We think this is a risk you run with any padded carrier you regularly launder. In general, we recommend spot-cleaning whenever possible to extend the life of your carrier. If a full wash is necessary, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but try not to overdo it. This helps preserve the product's integrity.
Determining the best carrier for your needs will depend on your goals and carrier use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How to Pick the Best Baby Carrier
Choosing the right baby carrier will play a large role in whether or not it gets used and becomes a loved piece of gear or a forgotten waste of money. There a a few questions to ask yourself before making a choice that can help you ensure you find the right option for your goals.
How Often Will You Use It?
If you plan to use your carrier daily or for long stretches of time, then a high-quality carrier is important. You want one that will stand the test of time for multiple years and perhaps through multiple children. Having a hands-free carrier can also be helpful since you can get more done while wearing it. Many parents feel a structured carrier is the most versatile with front and back wearing options and a truly hands-free design, as opposed to a sling that requires some adjusting and holding or a wrap that can get in the way while doing chores or running errands.
Consider Comfort
Comfort is job one when carrying a baby who will only get heavier as they grow and continue to be carried. While a wrap might be an excellent choice for newborns and infants, it will stretch over time and be less supportive for parents and toddlers over time. True comfort will be a personal choice, and some parents like the one-side shoulder of a sling, while others prefer padded shoulder straps like a backpack. We recommend you consider your body and any limitations you might already have before purchasing. In our experience, two shoulder straps with padding and a clip between them to keep them positioned were the most comfortable when doing other things or wearing the carrier for long periods.
How Much Effort Does it Take?
While you might be willing to mess with a long fabric wrap to snuggle your infant, we think complicated products become less appealing over time. As your baby becomes acclimated to a carrier it can be useful to have one that is quick to put on, take off, and get baby situated. Fastening a couple of clips is more straightforward than wrapping fabric around your body using an instruction card.
Travel Gear for Baby
Many parents appreciate a baby carrier for stroller-free travel around town or when getting on and off an airplane during air travel. Our lineup of baby travel gear can make traveling with your little one smoother.
The benefits of babywearing are expansive, especially for your baby's overall well-being. Plus, hands-free carrying allows you to keep up with life. Our review can help you find the right carrier for your needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
After hours of research and hands-on testing, we've made your search for the best baby carrier easier. With so many options on the market, we've done the heavy lifting, so you don't have to. Regardless of your babywearing needs or budget, our lineup, including top-rated carriers, has something to match your goals. Our experience and testing ensure you're making an informed choice for both you and your baby.
