What is the Best Travel Baby Carrier? The ultimate guide for 2024

Baby strollers are great… if you only ever travel with your infant through places with wide roads and a distinct lack of people.

In today’s society, we know that’s hardly possible. Lucky for you, there’s a whole range of baby carriers to choose from. If you haven’t tried one yet, I’m telling you, it’s a game-changer! In fact, we consider it our most indispensable travel item when traveling with babies, toddlers, and even preschoolers!

In this article, we will be reviewing some of the best travel baby carriers you can find in the market, the different types of carriers, and some important factors you need to consider before deciding on your purchase.

In a lot of countries, a stroller, even if it’s an all-terrain one, will be more of a complication than a help, while a travel baby carrier gives you all the freedom you need. You get to use your two hands to look at all those lovely souvenirs! And for those sneaky touchy little fingers: it is a lot more difficult to grab something if your little one is high up!

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The best baby carrier for traveling: Top Picks

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Best for newborns: Ergobaby Adapt / Tula Free to Grow
Best front-facing: Ergobaby Omni 360
Best budget-friendly: Boba 4G
Best for hot weather: Beco Gemini Cool
Best for water use: Integra Solar (Use the coupon code MOFF to get a $20 discount)
Best lightweight: Integra (Use the coupon code MOFF to get a $20 discount)
Best for toddlers: Tula Toddler / Kinderpack ($10 discount through our link!)
Best for hiking: Lillebaby Pursuit All Seasons / Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

10x the best travel baby carriers: reviews

We’ve put together a list of what we consider to be the best baby carrier for travel with a summary of their pros and cons. We hope you’ll find the baby carrier that’s best for you!

Ergobaby Adapt

As the name suggests, the Ergobaby Adapt (#AffiliateLink) is highly flexible as you can easily adjust it using the attached velcro fasteners. This eliminates the need for any inserts to properly carry an infant, making it perfect for newborns! The seating can be adjusted in 3 positions while the back panel can be made smaller several times. On top of that, extra neck support for infants is available with the foldable miniature pillow that comes with it.

An expansion of the Ergo Original, the triple-position Ergo Adapt carrier gives you the freedom to carry your baby in front, on the hip, or on the back (all inward-facing). It is ergonomic in all 3 positions, and it also reduces unnecessary strain on your shoulders and neck as you can cross the shoulder straps—allowing the weight to be evenly distributed across your torso. As a versatile option, the Ergo Adapt may also be considered the best baby carrier backpack for travel.

A few features not present in the Ergo Adapt that users might look for may be a storage pocket like the one on the Ergobaby Original. That said, the Ergo Adapt is pretty popular for being well-made and sturdy, and most users find the comfort and weight support it provides to be remarkable.

The Ergo Adapt is the baby carrier for travel of our choice as you can read in our extensive review of the Ergo Adapt (Cool Air Mesh).

Ergobaby 360

The Ergobaby 360 All Positions (#AffiliateLink) is the best ergonomic front-facing alternative. It essentially has all the features of the Ergo Original including the big zipper pocket (a feature that the Ergo Adapt does not include) and the thick waistbelt. If you want to put your bundle of joy on display or simply have them be able to look around, then the Ergobaby 360 may just be what you want. However, make sure you only buy this if your little one is 4m+.

The Ergobaby Omni 360, (#AffiliateLink) on the other hand, combines the features of the Ergobaby 360 All Positions, the Ergobaby Adapt, and the Ergobaby Original. This means more even weight distribution together with a front-facing alternative, a storage pocket, and adjustable velcro straps (no need for infant inserts either)! For a slightly higher price, the Ergo Omni 360 is a good option should you prefer to carry your little one from birth and you want them to be able to sit face-forward at times.

The only tradeoff for some is that the fabric is less soft than other brands because of its durable material. In addition, the pocket in the Ergo Original is permanently attached to the fabric, while the pocket in the Ergo 360 is detachable.

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Tula Free-to-Grow

Great for newborns, the handmade Tula Free to Grow (#AffiliateLink) has all the benefits of the Standard Tula and more.

Like the original, both the front and the back carry positions are possible. The fabric is breathable and lightweight, and the wide panel and padded waistband provide optimal weight support. The adjustable, padded shoulder straps and easy-to-adjust design ensure comfort for the wearer. On top of that, it all comes with a removable hood.

The Tula Free to Grow can most notably adapt to the physical development of your baby! With its inventive design, inserts are unnecessary from infancy to toddlerhood. The back panel is specifically adjustable in 3 width and 2 height settings which can best fit your child, and the carrier can be used for children weighing from 7 to 45 lbs.

Plus-size friendly with a variety of designs to choose from, you can be sure to find one that’ll appeal to your preferences and personal taste!

With these features, the Tula Free to Grow may just be the best newborn to toddler carrier for travel, and because of its adaptability, the best baby carrier for plane travel overall.

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Little Zen One is a Canadian webshop that has free worldwide shipping. If you order through our link, you get a $20 discount!

Beco Gemini Cool

If you live in an area with a warm climate or intend to have an extended stay at one, the Beco Gemini Cool (#AffiliateLink) is more than worthy of your attention.

Extra-breathable fabric allows better air circulation to give both the wearer and the baby some relief under the heat, making this option possibly the best baby carrier for summer vacations.

The 5-in-1 carrier is fully adjustable and can carry newborns from 7 up to 35 pounds. Available positions include the front carry (inward only), hip carry, and backpack style. The hip carry, in particular, is ergonomically configured for babywearers who prefer to have their kid on the hip as a more comfortable alternative.

Crossable shoulder straps enable even weight distribution over the babywearer’s back and shoulders to mitigate the chances of muscle strain. The wide, supportive waistbelt further reduces the stress on your back by displacing the weight to your hips and stronger leg muscles. The extra padding on the straps and leg holes provide further comfort as well.

The adjustable seat is a plus because it allows your baby to be just as comfortable once they grow bigger! This makes it fitting for infants to toddlers.

Other features include a large waist belt pocket, a built-in headrest, a safety catch, a sternum strap, and a breastfeeding release buckle. The lightweight carrier also works for plus-size parents and caregivers.

A possible con for some users is that it might not fit small infants that well and might need a few adjustments, but of course, such as a problem is resolved once the baby grows for a few months. Taking this into account, we wouldn’t recommend picking this carrier if you plan on babywearing the minute your baby is born.

Considering all it has to offer, I’m sure the Beco Gemini Cool is on a lot of people’s “best baby carrier for hot weather” lists.

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Integra Solar

example of a blue integra solar baby carrier waterproof

Whether it’s a day at the beach or just rainy weather, this waterproof carrier is a suitable option. The light fabric will not sog when wet or even if submerged in water, and the Integra Solar’s (#AffiliateLink) compact and lightweight structure makes it good for traveling.

Although it’s mainly viewed as a hot weather, waterproof carrier, you can of course use it in any season given its flexible build and accommodating fit.

The carrier works great for sunny days and hot and humid climates in that the comfortable, cotton-like material blocks 95 to 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays. In addition to some sunscreen, this will protect your baby’s sensitive skin from excessive exposure and prevent sunburns.

The carrier comes with a sizeable baby hood that can be easily set up using buckles and used whether your kiddo needs extra protection or is feeling a bit drowsy.

Available in 3 sizes, the Integra Solar is said to be the only waterproof carrier that is suitable even for toddlers and preschool-age children. Sizes 1, 2, and 3 are suitable for babies until 2 ½ years, toddlers until 3 ½ years, and bigger kids from 3 to 5 years, respectively.

There’s no competition; the Integra Solar is the best baby carrier for trips to the sea or pool.

#AffiliateLinks

Little Zen One is a Canadian webshop that has free worldwide shipping. If you order through our link, you get a $20 discount!

Tula Toddler

Example of the Tula Toddler, a backpack carrier for toddler

With a carrying capacity of 25 to 60 pounds, the Tula Toddler (#AffiliateLink) provides optimum safety and comfort for toddlers as a specialized version of the Tula Standard.

It features the tallest and widest panel across all Tula carriers (except for the Tula Preschool) and is designed to support the weight of larger children.

The Tula Toddler supports inward front and back carries. Of course, like the Tula Standard, you can’t go without its handmade, breathable material and the wide padded waistband that comes with a pocket for your essentials. It also comes with a removable hood for whenever your little one needs cover.

This is our favorite travel carrier for toddlers!

#AffiliateLinks

Little Zen One is a Canadian webshop that has free worldwide shipping. If you order through our link, you get a $20 discount!

Kinderpack

The kinderpack preschool, an big kid carrier

Also suitable for larger children, the Kinderpack carrier (#AffiliateLink) comes in 4 sizes—Infant, Standard, Toddler, and Preschooler—along with 2 strap length sizes to make sure your baby is secured.

It features a 3-panel ergonomic design and provides both comfort and stability through its padded straps and firm waistband. In addition, the 3-panel design allows your kid to comfortably sink into the carrier and stay cozy all the way to your destination.

We really like this carrier brand, but we especially love that they have suitable carriers for bigger children!

The Preschooler size variant best fits 3 to 5-year-old children, but this is just a general rule as kids need to have reached a certain height to securely fit in the carrier. It can carry kids from about 35 to 55 pounds. It is actually able to support much more weight, but the upper limit is established for your child’s comfort while being worn.

The Kinderpack also has 2 size variants for the babywearer. You can choose from standard (sizes 0 to 22) or plus-size (sizes 18 and above).

In addition, the carrier is reviewed to be comfortable for the wearer despite a long duration of carrying, and the product includes a hood that can support your baby’s head when they fall asleep.

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LILLÉbaby Pursuit All Seasons

The name doesn’t lie! The 6-position LILLEbaby Pursuit All Season is a versatile carrier that can be used in any climate or weather.

With its breathable all-weather fabric, extra padding, and water-resistant shell (exclusive for this variant), your bundle of joy is sure to be both well-protected and well-served in terms of comfort and safety.

The six carrying positions are ergonomically made possible with its two-way adjustable straps, extendable back panel, and adaptable seat.

The various carrying alternatives are the front fetal, the infant inward, the ergonomic outward, the toddler inward, the hip carry, and the back carry. Take note that all of these are ergonomic, meaning they’re perfectly safe for your baby’s physical growth and won’t cause issues in their comfort and well-being.


Not to mention, the Lillebaby Pursuit All Seasons also includes adjustable side panels, lumbar support, 7 pockets, and a zip-down panel for ventilation. As to carrying capacity, it can comfortably hold children up to 45 pounds.

With all of these features, it’s pretty easy to call this the best ergonomic baby carrier for hiking, you’re sure to enjoy it very much on all your family’s adventures!

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Boba 4G

If you’re looking for a well-made and comfortable baby carrier for travel without all the bling-bling, the Boba 4G is going to be your new best friend.

With an affordable price range, the Boba 4G is a budget-friendly option that still offers the essential features and ergonomics of a great carrier.

It is ideal for infants or children from 7 to 45 pounds, and its user-friendly features give not only practicality to the wearer, but also comfort for your baby.

The material is 100% durable cotton and is machine washable. With a little strap adjustment, the Boba 4G can also be the best baby carrier for nursing moms. 

The Boba 4G offers both a front and back carry option and features a detachable integrated infant insert, removable foot straps (for when those legs start growing!), a sleeping hood, adjustable straps, and pockets among others.

Free extenders for the waist and chest straps make this one a viable option for plus-size adults as well.

The product does not offer a front-facing position, and some wearers have difficulty in finding a good fit. That said, the Boba 4G also boasts a variety of colors and designs to choose from that’ll make your tot stand out!

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Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is one of the best alternatives specifically for hiking thanks to its nylon material and optimal durability and ventilation.

Its overall adjustability (made on either or both of the back length and hip belt) enables the wearer to configure the carrier to personalize it entirely and find the most suitable fit.

To ensure that the weight on the wearer’s body is evenly distributed and that your baby is secure in the carrier, the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro has a durable frame with breakproof steel, pull-forward hip fins, a padded hip belt, load adjustment straps, and adjustable sternum belt.

The carrier also has additional features and items such as a soft nap pillow, a removable daypack, an easy-to-set-up sun roof, a slot for a hydration bladder, and a mirror

With the multitude of features the product offers, you might need a bit of effort in reading the instructions and using the clips, buckles, and cords properly!

The biggest downside of this hiking backpack carrier is that it’s not entirely ergonomic for your child. In contrast, this will probably be the most comfortable carrier for parents as it’s so similar to a travel backpack. For extensive hiking, where you also need to bring lots of stuff, we would still recommend the Deuter Kid Comfort Pro as a great travel hiking carrier.

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THE BEST BABY WRAP FOR TRAVEL

It is so very hard to determine what the best baby wrap carrier is for you and your family. Woven wraps are a lot less distinct from one another, compared to buckle baby carriers. As we have stated before in the Buying Guide, the main decision-makers will be the blend, the weight, the size, and the color/pattern.

Storchenwiege baby wrap

The Storchenwiege woven wraps are a true sight for the eye! They are made in Germany under the strictest regulations and all the cotton comes from controlled biological cotton farms.

Due to a special way of weaving, the wraps are more durable and the tied knot holds better. All the Storchenwiege wraps have tapered ends for easy tying. At only 2 pounds, this baby carrier is a perfect travel mate!

The Storchenwiege wrap can be used for newborns as well as toddlers. The gorgeous fabrics are available in 5 sizes (size 3-7) and 20 amazing colors.

INFORMATION GUIDE

What is a baby carrier?

A baby carrier is a hands-free alternative to the baby stroller or pram. While there are numerous subtypes, all baby carriers offer babywearing on the front (face inward) and on the back. Some carriers can also be used to carry your baby face forward or on the hip.

You can divide baby carriers into five subtypes:

1. Soft structured carrier (SSC):

This type of baby carrier is similar to a baby carrier backpack. Pretty much all of the contact points are padded e.g. waist belt, shoulder straps, etc to maximize comfort for you and your child. It’s easy to pick up and use because you don’t need to learn knots or anything like that. 

It also provides the benefit of skin-to-skin contact with your baby, which has been proven to calm and relax both parent and child.

Kath with Little Elf in Ergobaby Original
Our 9-month old chilling in the Ergobaby Marine at the ancient citadel walls of Montmédy, France

One of the biggest issues with this carrier type, however, is that it doesn’t adapt to your baby’s growth. We all know that babies grow at a crazy rate, so you really don’t have much of a choice but to purchase a newborn-to-toddler carrier and to add a toddler carrier to your collection if you want to keep on babywearing when your baby passed their first birthday.

Nonetheless, the soft structured carrier is a good option for those who aren’t too confident about their wrapping skills yet.

2. Wrap

If soft structured carriers are for beginners, the babywearing wrap is something a bit more advanced for those with more experience. A wrap is typically a fabric 10 to 20 feet (3-6 meters) long that you use to knot around yourself and your baby to keep them secure. The two types of babywearing wraps are stretch, and woven wraps.

Stretch wraps are considered the standard newborn baby wrap. It is designed to hold your baby in front of you, with their head resting against your chest. This is the safest way to carry your baby with a wrap, so I would advise you against using it as a front-facing baby carrier, or a back carrier.

Take note that wraps have 3 layers of fabric, which means your baby can get uncomfortably warm if they’re wearing too many thick fabrics to begin with. There are stretch wraps designed to provide better airflow and cooler carrying which you can check out here.

A lot of love in a Babylonia Tricot-Slen stretch wrap

Woven wraps are more versatile compared to stretch wraps. They are great for front, back, and even hip carrying. They also come in a variety of color combinations and patterns so they can be pretty fun to shop for.

Carrying our baby in a Babylonia Red Chili woven wrap

My favorite thing about a baby carrier wrap is its adaptability to your baby’s body. Unlike soft structured carriers, you can weave and shape wraps based on you and your baby’s needs. My least favorite thing about the wrap is that it’s not beginner-friendly. You need to learn all the different knots to make sure the fabric fits comfortably around you and your baby! Also, a 15-foot fabric takes up a lot of baggage space so you have to consider that as well.

You can get baby wraps in different sizes. The best one for you and your child will depend on your own size, and your preferred carry. A size 6 works for most people, but you can get more information about wrap sizes here.

3. Ring sling

If baby wraps are a bit too complicated for you, you can have them in easy mode by getting a ring sling. This type of baby carrier has pretty much all the benefits of the baby wrap, except they come with a lot less fabric which makes them handier when you’re traveling!

The number one benefit to getting a ring sling is its grab-and-go utility. It’s a three-step process. You put them over your shoulder, put your baby in, then you tighten the slack and that’s it.

One thing to consider though is that the sling rests on just one arm. Now, this won’t be much of an issue if you’re just carrying a newborn. As your baby grows into a toddler, however, it’s going to be hard to ignore the strain.

With those factors in mind, a ring sling is great for shorter trips where you can afford to take frequent sitting breaks. It’s a great, hands-free way to travel with your baby with little effort. Most ring slings are also pretty breathable, so you can keep your baby cool along the way!

TIP: In this article, we’ll tell you more about the best baby carriers for hot weather.

4. Mei Tai (Meh Dai) & Half buckle carriers

The mei tai baby carrier looks and feels like a cross between the best parts of a soft structure carrier, and the woven baby wrap. It’s fairly breathable just like a baby wrap, and it’s pretty easy to use just like a soft structure carrier because the back panel is preformed.

The mei tai is very similar to the half buckle carrier, with the exception of a buckled waist belt. This type of baby carrier includes a preformed waist belt which you use to buckle up for security, in tandem with the pieces of fabric that you tie around your baby which double as shoulder straps.  

The half buckle baby carrier and the mei tai can both be used from birth without a special insert, and they also don’t take up much space. Mei tai carriers and half buckles present a near-perfect combination of the backpack style baby carriers and the comfort of the wrap carrier.

DIdymos Meh Dai DidyTai Lisca Smeraldo
As we don’t own a Mei Tai, this picture is with the courtesy of www.littlezenone.com and it features the beautiful Didymos DidyTai Lisca Smeraldo
Pictures of the Didymos DidyKlick Jade by www.littlezenone.com

5. Onbuhimo

The onbuhimo, as you may have guessed, is a type of baby carrier that originated in Japan. It’s a buckle carrier that has no waistbelt, which means your shoulders will be, well, shouldering the brunt of your baby’s weight!

Since this type of carrier doesn’t allow the distribution of baby weight between your shoulders and your waist, it can get pretty strenuous for you as your child grows.

In certain cases, such as when you have another bun in the oven or if you’re generally just not a fan of waistbelts, this is just the carrier for you. Since this carrier occupies only your shoulders, it’s also great for tandem babywearing (carrying two kids at once).

Take note that the onbuhimo is best used for back wearing. Ideally, your baby should be able to look over your shoulder. Doing this from the front is not only impractical and painful for your neck, it can be downright dangerous if your view is obstructed (even with a cute baby).

Since the onbuhimo has no waistbelt, it’s much smaller and easier to transport
compared to other baby carriers.

Lastly, note that the onbuhimo can only be used at the age when your child can sit independently. It’s even easier to put on if your child is big enough stand! This is a great option if your kid likes to switch between walking and being carried.

When you would like to carry 2 children together (tandemwearing), it is a great choice as well.



Baby in the best travel baby carrier behind mother
The Didymos DidyGo Onbuhimo Chili, photo credit: www.littlezenone.com

Why would you use a baby carrier?

The first thing that comes to mind is convenience. Baby carriers allow parents and caregivers to attend to their busy lives while holding their kiddos close, for we can only cradle them for so long without the use of carriers.

However, the most notable benefit is the constant care that you can give your babies. A clinical trial showed that frequent carrying reduces crying and fussing by 43% overall (Hunziker & Barr, 1986), and cognitive development may be improved in that they can learn more from our daily tasks, such as when we communicate with others.

Physical and emotional development are also positively affected. Constantly lying your baby flat on their back can stress the spine, so using a carrier is always a good move. Instead of leaving your little ones in strollers or cribs too often, giving them the intimacy and human contact they crave is one of the best things any parent can do.

Lastly, not only can you bond more with your baby, but moms will also have an easier time breastfeeding and detecting whenever their baby is hungry or distressed!

Why bring a baby carrier when traveling?

You can’t go wrong with a baby carrier, and this is especially true when it comes to the airport, public transport, hitchhiking, or any other form of travel. Aside from outlining the reasons you should bring one on your family trips, our extensive list later on should help you decide on the best baby carrier for traveling.

Below you’ll find the key advantages of using a carrier on your holiday trips and tours:

Babywearing in Colombia on the hike between Barichara and Guane
Babywearing in Colombia on the hike between Barichara and Guane

Baby carrier or compact stroller?

An age-old parental dilemma: stroller vs baby carrier for travel? There are two things to consider here, and they are practicality and cost.

Imagine you’re at the Grand Canyon because you’re feeling a bit adventurous. What are you going go bring?

Certainly, strollers are a handy tool but they won’t work in all situations because many roads and pathways are riddled with bumps, cracks, or uneven terrain.

Crowded areas and narrow spaces are also instances in which a carrier would be best, and a lot of destinations with cliffs and stairs aren’t exactly suitable for wheeled transport, no matter how compact they are. 

Getting a carrier for travel would be more practical because it’s highly adaptable to the different (and sometimes unexpected) situations you’ll find yourself in while traveling. It’s also less costly than a durable and lightweight stroller. Finally, you’ll have less luggage taking a baby carrier for travel compared to carrying a stroller around.

Babywearing at the airport

Airport security can be quite a hassle. Luckily, carriers can give you some much-needed relief in getting all your stuff out in a jiffy by giving you complete freedom to use your hands.

Security might even allow you to just keep your tot in the carrier, and the only inconvenience that could happen to you would be having to take the carrier off for a moment.

Babywearing can also be useful when it comes to air travel itself. You never know when you’ll be the parent trying their best to keep their bawling baby from disturbing other fliers. If the little one has trouble sleeping, you can just walk for a bit at the back of the plane with them in the carrier until they calm down.

Babywearing during your trip

Ask anyone who’s ever used a carrier on a holiday trip, and they’ll most likely tell you that babies tend to magically fall asleep in carriers—a perfect advantage for avid explorers out there.

Planning is a cinch when you don’t have to spend so much time in soothing your child, and you’ll have more time to bask in the midday sun and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Furthermore, many attractions won’t be accessible with a stroller. Think for example about visiting Mexico’s ancient temples or walking along the cliffs of the Isle of Wight. You’ll be way better of if you take your baby carrier.

Other moments when you’ll be the biggest fan of babywearing on holiday are, when you want to use public transport or when you have to walk through a lot of people, for example on a busy (night/food) market.


But most importantly, babywearing guarantees that your precious ones are safe and sound no matter where you go because they’ll literally always be with you.

If you are convinced that a carrier is indeed a good idea to take along on your next trip, let’s take a look at the characteristics of such an item.

How to choose the best travel baby carrier for your family?

Do you want a carrier with a fabric that’s more suitable for warm weather? Or how about one that allows for multiple positions? Maybe you’re even looking for one that best fits either a male or female build.

Whether you’re seeking one specific feature or a combination of these, you can find the carrier that’s best for your family based on the following considerations.

Take note that it’s all a matter of preference, and it’s completely up to you to decide which of them holds the most value for you and your bundle of joy.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics—designing objects in a way that maximizes comfort and ease of use—is crucial for those who love to travel. An ergonomic carrier is one that is well-designed and hence is comfortable for both the wearer and the baby.

With all the hassle in traveling, you can’t expect your child to not make a fuss throughout the entire trip. This can only be managed by providing as much comfort as possible in the carrier. How can you do this? Make sure their position in the carrier resembles what’s called the M or frog-position.

The baby should normally be in a squatting position with their bottom lower than their knees, and their knees should be bent and resting at the sides of the babywearer’s torso. The M-shape can be visualized by tracing a line from one foot to the knee, then to the buttocks, and then repeating the same with the other side.

This is ideal because it means the carrier is supporting the baby’s weight primarily by their bottom and not solely by the hip joints, crotch, or spine. If your baby’s legs are dangling straight down, the carrier is non-ergonomic and your little one may be more prone to issues in spine and/or hip development.

It’s worth knowing that wraps and ring slings, when properly done, are always ergonomic because they take the form of whomever is carried.

You should also make sure that the baby carrier allows the natural C-shape of the spine—the curve that’s formed in a fetal position. That’s why carriers with a hard back panel are a no-go.

Look at that C-curve of the spine!
Look at that C-curve of the spine!

Front-facing baby carriers are generally not recommended as they are commonly non-ergonomic. Babybjorn or Chicco are well-known brands that feature outward-facing positions and hence may not be ideal for your baby’s development.

That said, the forward-facing brands featured in this article are, without a doubt, ergonomic. But again, to ensure that they can sit comfortably unassisted, wait until your baby has reached the age of 6 months or more before you try them out!

Adaptability

Adaptability can refer to two things: adaptability for the babywearer and adaptability for the baby.

If you share the carrier with your partner, caregiver, or any other person, you’d want to have a carrier that’s easily adjustable to the wearer’s physique or build. Carrier types that do not depend on the hip and shoulder size of the wearer such as wraps, ring slings, mei tais, and half-buckle carriers adapt to the shape of whoever uses it and are therefore easy to exchange with others.

As for your rapidly growing tot, it might be your priority to find a carrier that can adapt to their physical growth. Although soft structured carriers (SSC) are generally known to be non-adaptable in terms of infant growth, brands such as Tula, Ergobaby, Lillebaby and Boba have designed a SSC that can be adjusted to a child’s development.

We’re sure your little one will turn into a toddler before you know it, so you might want to think about investing in a carrier with this feature!

Support

When it comes to supporting your baby’s weight, SSCs and mei tai carriers seem more of an attractive alternative with their shoulder straps and waist belt. These parts help in evenly distributing the force of the baby’s weight across your body. In contrast, wraps tend to sag once the baby gets heavier, and your shoulders and neck would have to bear the brunt of it all.

Stretch wraps and woven wraps do not provide sufficient support for most users. The latter specifically gives more support, but many of those with bigger or toddler-age children find that it’s still too strenuous for long travel times. It also might be impractical to use should your kid be restless and want to frequently switch positions; in this case, you might prefer a mei tai or a partly buckled carrier.

For SSCs, don’t forget to consider the three S’s—the size, stiffness, and softness of the waistbelt. A stiff, thicker waistbelt will offer more support, and the softness of the padding will offer more comfort for the babywearer.

The Ergobaby Original Marine with a large stiff waistbelt that offers wonderful support!

Fabric

A common oversight: always check the weather of where you’re going to be using the carrier!

Lightweight and breathable fabric with a lot of open areas and ventilation is great for hot and humid weather. Cotton and linen are common choices, and additional UV protection (with the help of sunscreen) can be ideal if you’re planning on walking under the sun for a long span of time. Be mindful to avoid dark shades if you live in a warm and sunny climate.

For cold weather, thicker fabric with a soft lining (with the addition of a baby hood in case it snows or rains) is best to keep the tot warm and dry. Fabric strength is also a consideration, especially when it comes to wraps. Wrap fabric is usually made out of cotton as well or a blend with other types such as silk or wool.

Safety

No one wants an accident waiting to happen (particularly when it involves babies). Make it a task to check and test if the carrier is durable and without defects.

Also, take note that there’s usually a recommended size and age limit for every carrier.You neither want a carrier that’s too large or small for your baby because this can affect the support provided for the baby’s weight.

Finally, for any carrier, make sure that you can do and undo them correctly and with ease. Practice a hundred times if you have to!

Accessories

Believe it or not, there are a multitude of accessories to choose from as an add-on to your baby carrier. You can buy for utility, such as drool pads, weather covers or baby hoods, infant inserts, sleeping hats, pockets, and carrying bags, or you can buy for aesthetic, like those cute stickers and stuffed animals you find online.

The carrier itself is already enough, but you might care to add a bit more convenience or design to yours!

Final thoughts

Raising a child, no matter how many times you’ve done it, always comes with a fresh set of challenges. Not all babies are the same, and some will have more specific needs than others. Hopefully, with our extensive review of the different baby carriers available in the market, you can find the best one that suits you and your baby’s needs! You can also make hotel stays and other stayovers more convenient for your baby with the best travel bassinet.

Let us know what your favorite baby carrier to travel with is!

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