How to Choose a Baby Carrier – Find the Best Baby Carrier Today

If I had to pick just one product for my baby, it would be a baby carrier—even over a car seat! Living in the city, I quickly learned that a car wasn’t always necessary, but a carrier? Non-negotiable. It helped me not just survive but thrive, especially during the tough transition from one child to two.

Through my work, I’ve tested a wide selection of carriers—some purchased, some found on Facebook Marketplace, and a few gifted (though my honest opinions and critiques remain unbiased).  After becoming a certified babywearing consultant, I updated my blog post with fresh insights. My top favorite?

The Onbuhimo, which I now use exclusively while pregnant. But since every body is different, my recommendations may vary from yours. I hope this guides you in the right direction when making your decision!

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Baby Carrier

1. Stretchy Wraps (0-6 Months) – The Newborn Essential

Why I loved it: When my daughter was born tiny (under most carriers’ weight minimum), my Sollybaby wrap was a lifesaver. The stretchy fabric provided that perfect snuggly feeling newborns crave, molding to her body without feeling bulky or obtrusive.

Key Details:

Best for: The 4th trimester (0-4 months), petite babies, and parents who want continuous contact

Pros:

• Distributes weight evenly across shoulders and back
• Compact enough to stuff in a diaper bag
• Breathable for summer months (lighter weight than structured options)

Cons:

• Limited use window (most babies outgrow by 6 months)
• Can feel uncomfortable when baby starts back arching or moving more

Pro Tip: The double weave versions (like newer Sollybaby designs) offer more supportive comfort as baby grows

My Experience: I used wraps daily for 7 months with my small-framed baby, though most parents switch to structured carriers around 3ish months. The Hope and Plum wrap was genius for petite parents – their size options eliminated the extra fabric problem common with one-size wraps.

2. Ring Slings (0-12 Months) – The Quick-Up Solution

Why I changed my mind: After becoming a certified babywearing educator, I gave ring slings another try with my third baby. My first Wildbird sling failed me because its large ring didn’t suit my narrow shoulders, but the Hope and Plum ring sling changed everything with its adjustable size options.

Key Details:

Best for: Quick errands, nursing discreetly, and toddlers who want up/down frequently

Pros:

• Single-shoulder design allows fastest babywearing
• Compact enough to live in your purse
• Beautiful woven fabrics make it stylish

Cons:

• Uneven weight distribution can strain one shoulder
• Requires practice to get proper tension

Safety Note: Always keep baby “close enough to kiss” to maintain airway

My Experience: While not my everyday choice, I keep a ring sling in each car for those moments when my toddler suddenly refuses to walk. The learning curve was steep but worth it – now I can do a secure one-handed tie in seconds!

3. Soft-Structured Carriers (3 Months – Toddler) – The Everyday Workhorse

My journey: From the Ergobaby Omni 360 (with its adorable Harry Potter line) that never fit me right, to my beloved linen Baby Tula Free to Grow, I’ve learned fit is everything with SSC’s.

Key Features to Compare:

Body Type Compatibility:

• Narrow shoulders? Avoid Ergobaby (straps slip)
• Petite frame? Try apron-style Hope and Plum Lark
• Plus-size? Look for size-inclusive brands

Carry Positions:

• Front-facing: Great for curious babies (but limited use window)
• Back carry: Essential once baby hits 15+ lbs
• Hip carry: Some meh dai hybrids offer this

Specialty Options:

• Kovi: The designer corset of carriers, handcrafted in New York City
• Sakura Bloom Onbuhimo: No waistband = perfect for pregnant wearers
• Amphibaby: The only water carrier that’s truly washable

My Daily Driver: The Baby Tula Free to Grow checks all boxes – breathable linen, simple buckles, and a discreet pocket for my phone. I’ve logged hundreds of hours in this carrier through three kids!

4. Meh Dai Carriers (4 Months – Toddler) – The Perfect Middle Ground

Why I reached for it: When I wanted more structure than a wrap but less bulk than an SSC, the Hope and Plum meh dai became my secret weapon. The traditional Asian-style design with its tie system gave me customizable comfort no buckle carrier could match.

Key Advantages:

✅ Adjustability: Unlike fixed-buckle carriers, you can tighten each strap independently for perfect fit
✅ Breathability: Thin, woven wrap fabric keeps baby cool in summer
✅ Versatility: Works for front, hip, and back carries with practice
✅ Compact: Rolls up smaller than most SSCs for travel

Learning Curve:

The first few tries felt awkward, but within a week I could tie it almost as fast as buckling a structured carrier.

Pro tip: Practice with a doll before trying with wiggly baby!

Best Uses:

• Tandem wearing (I often carried newborn in meh dai while toddler rode in SSC)
• Hot climates (much cooler than padded SSCs)
• Parents who love wrap snuggles but need quicker options

My Aha Moment: When my 8-month-old fell asleep instantly in the meh dai after fighting naps in every other carrier. The slight bounce from the tied fabric mimicked my natural walking rhythm perfectly.

5. Structured Carriers (6 Months – 70 lbs) – For Adventurous Families

Hiking-Ready: Deuter Kid Comfort

After extensive research, we chose this for:

• Padded hip belt that transfers weight to hips (saving shoulders)
• Sunshade and storage for all-day adventures
• Adjustable suspension that grew with our toddler

Trail Tested: Carried my 30lb toddler comfortably on 5-mile hikes. The rigid frame keeps baby’s weight off your back, though it’s too bulky for everyday use.

Urban Explorer: Baby Tula Toddler Carrier

Survived our 2.5-month trip through Asia and Australia because:

• Linen material breathed in tropical humidity
• 70-pound limit meant my big 2.5-year-old still fit comfortably
• Sleek profile worked in crowded markets where strollers couldn’t go

Pro Tip: The preschool version has even higher weight limit for giant toddlers!

6. Hybrid & Specialty Carriers – Unique Solutions

Wildbird Aerial Buckle Wrap

• Soft-structured hybrid that’s easier than traditional wraps
• Worked well from newborn days to about 4 months old
• Pricey for such short use, but great for wrap-intimidated parents

Amphibaby Water Carrier

Our must-have for:

• Beach vacations (no worries about saltwater damage)
• Shower cuddles during solo parenting nights
• Swim lessons when baby needed comfort in new environment

Unexpected Perk: The multiple pockets held swim diapers, toys, and even a wet swimsuit after pool time!

7. Babywearing Outerwear – Weather Warriors

Seraphine Babywearing Coat

Worth every penny for:

• Removable inner layer (use from fall through winter)
• Extra panel that zips over carrier without bulk
• Tailored fit that doesn’t look like maternity wear

Latched Mama Babywearing Sweatshirt

My grab-and-go solution featuring:

• Dual zippers for easy nursing access
• Stretchy panel that accommodates any carrier type
• Machine-washable comfort (unlike fancy coats)

Winter Hack: Layer the sweatshirt under the coat for sub-zero babywearing!

Final Pro Tips From a Babywearing Consultant

• Try Before You Buy: Many cities have babywearing libraries or consultants who let you test carriers
• Check Secondhand: Facebook Marketplace often has barely-used carriers at half price
• Prioritize Comfort: If it hurts in the store, it’ll be unbearable after 2 hours of use
• Think Long-Term: Some carriers transition from newborn to toddler (better investment)
• Trust Your Instincts: What works for my small baby might not suit your 99th-percentile chunk!

Every family’s babywearing journey looks different – this guide should help you find your perfect match!