mother looking at the water with her child in her best water baby carrier

The Best Water Baby Carrier for Pool, Beach, & Shower (2024)

Looking for the best water baby carrier for your little one’s next water adventure or everyday use?

Ah, vacation time! When you’re thinking about your precious little getaway, all you see is tropical waters and palm trees (for example on one of Mexico’s wonderful beaches!).

Since you’re a parent now, the time of reading in sunchairs and drinking cocktails all day long is over. You may, however, spend quite a bit of the day in the water with your little munchkins.

Something we consider indispensable here at Mums on FlipFlops is a waterproof baby carrier. Especially when you have older kids, you’ll want your hands free to play in the water with them.

As mums who love travelling and taking our kids to the beach, Kath and I find these very useful. Aside from making us feel safer, these water baby carriers make playtime in the water with our kids more comfortable, too!

Below we’ve listed the best water baby carriers in a comparison chart for an easy and quick overview.

When you read on, you’ll find an information guide that will help you decide which infant water carrier would fit your family.

Furthermore, we’ve reviewed 3 outstanding carriers for babywearing in water for each baby carrier type (wraps, ring slings & buckle carriers).

There’s a good chance this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase anything through one of our links, we’ll receive a small fee (it won’t cost you anything, promise!). As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you would like to learn more about our affiliate partners, click here for our disclaimer.

The Best Water Baby Carrier: Top Picks

The Best Water Baby Carriers Comparison Chart

IMAGE PRODUCT SIZE
A woman holding a baby on her front with the help of a baby wrap Beachfront Baby Wrap
  • A wrap carrier with a mesh water sling for baby made with stretchable and lightweight materials.
front carry 8-30 lbs CHECK PRICE
Breezy Wrap
  • A mesh baby carrier for shower and other activities. The wrap machine-washable water carrier baby product does not get heavy when wet and dries quickly.
front carry | 8-35 lbs CHECK PRICE
Beachfront Everyday Wrap
  • The wrap baby shower carrier is waterproof and made with UPF15 and recycled fabric.
front carry | 7-25lbs CHECK PRICE
A woman holding a female child on her front with the help of a red ring sling Beachfront Baby Ring Sling
  • A ringsling water carrier for baby made for hot weather and water use. It is lightweight and comes with aluminum safety rings.
front & hip carry | 8-30lbs CHECK PRICE
Beachfront Baby Ring Sling LUX
  • A machine-washable and ringsling baby carrier with safety aluminum rings, UPF20 fabric, and a moisture-wicking feature for fast drying.
front & hip carry | 8-35lbs CHECK PRICE
A woman holding a baby on her front with the help of a blue ring sling Vlokup Ring Sling
  • An affordable ringsling swimming baby wrap that comes with a pouch. Available in multiple colors!
front & hip carry | 8-30 lbs CHECK PRICE
Integra Solar
  • A buckle carrier shower sling for baby, toddler, and preschooler made with sun-protecting materials.
front & back carry CHECK PRICE
A woman holding a child on her back with the help of a black carrier Boba Air
  • A buckle baby carrier made with lightweight materials. Suitable for front and back carrying
front & back carry | 15-45 lbs CHECK PRICE
Beachfront Baby Meh Dai
  • A versatile buckle 4-strap baby carrier that is lightweight and fast-drying.
front & back carry | 8-35lbs CHECK PRICE

Water Baby Carrier: Reviews

👶🏽 Best Water Baby Wrap

One of the ways to wear your little one when doing water-related activities is by using water baby-wearing wraps.

Often made of mesh or other quick-drying fabrics, they are lightweight and barely get heavy when wet!

The best thing about these is that they are very easy to put on and take off!

Here are our water wrap baby carrier reviews.

1. BEACHFRONT BABY WRAP

A woman holding a baby on her front with the help of a baby wrap

The Beachfront baby wrap was designed by work-at-home moms and features a mesh fabric that’s capable of keeping you and your baby cool in the heat.

Good news if you are looking for a swimming baby carrier because The Beachfront Baby Wrap can be used both in and out of the water.

Bonus points for the mesh fabric make it a lightweight baby wrap for summer, which makes it a great baby wrap for water, aka a great travel companion.

It is a stretchy water wrap baby carrier that can hold children from 8-30 lbs (3.5-13.5 kg). However, since it’s stretched, you might not be comfortable wearing bigger kids.

The Beachfront baby carrier waterproof wrap is available in 3 sizes: a standard, a petite, and an XL (depending on your t-shirt size).

This comes in a whole bunch of different colours, too!

2. THE BREEZY WRAP

The Breezy wrap is a cotton-mesh waterproof baby wrap that was designed to be used in the heat.

It is lightweight (only 13.3 oz / 380 g) and comes with a carry bag, so you can toss it into your diaper bag and head out. 

Although it states that it has minimal stretch, it is wrapped the same way as a stretch wrap (where you put your baby in after wrapping in contrast to the way you wrap a woven wrap). 

For shorter periods (like water play), you’ll be fine wearing a child up to 35 lbs (16 kg), though we wouldn’t recommend that for a couple of hours. 

Thanks to the mesh fabric, it doesn’t get heavy when wet, and it dries very quickly.

This makes the waterproof baby carrier for the pool the perfect wrap for a day at the pool or beach! It’s a great mesh baby carrier for showers as well!

Furthermore, this baby shower sling is machine washable, so you can get rid of the salt from the ocean easily.

And in case you weren’t already convinced: 10% of the earnings go to charity for orphanages

3. Beachfront Everyday Wrap

The Beachfront everyday wrap is the perfect carrier if you’re looking for a wrap that combines everyday use and waterproofness!

The 100% recycled fabric wicks moisture away from you and your baby, ensuring you both stay cool while carrying.

Therefore, it’s also a great baby wrap for hot weather.

And thanks to the UPF15 factor, you don’t have to worry about your little one burning from the sun – even if they’re not wearing much while being carried.

As is customary for the brand, the wrap can be used in the water as well, so use it as a waterproof baby carrier shower instead of a baby travel bath or head straight for the pool!

Afterward, wash it on a delicate program and let it dry et voila: ready to be used again!

👶🏽 Best Water Ring Sling baby carrier 

You can also carry your baby in the water with the extra support brought about by water ring slings. These are made of polyester and/or mesh fabric, complemented by plastic or aluminium rings.

4. BEACHFRONT RING SLING

A woman holding a female child on her front with the help of a red ring sling

Like the Beachfront baby ring sling, the Beachfront Mesh Ring sling is specifically designed for hot weather and water use AND made in the USA!

The mesh fabric of the water sling for babies is lightweight, and the aluminium rings guarantee safe carrying.

And what is absolutely great about this is that it is made with 100% recycled polyester!

The Beachfront Baby sling reviews are almost all very positive, although some parents mention the fabric is a bit more slippery than regular baby-wearing fabric.

Also, if you’re new to carrying with a ring sling, keep in mind that you need to get the hang of it.

This baby water sling is your best choice as a great baby carrier made for water if you’re planning on bringing along a regular travel baby carrier as well.

The Beachfront waterproof baby carrier for pool can hold children from 8-30 lbs (3.5-13.5 kg) and is available in 3 sizes: a standard, a petite, and an XL (depending on your t-shirt size) and a whole bunch of different colours.  

5. Beachfront baby ring sling LUX

This new version of the beachfront ring sling makes taking your baby out into the water even easier!

All the best features are still there, such as the 100% polyester fabric, the safe aluminium rings, and the fact that it’s made in the USA.

They’ve now added a moister-wicking feature, making sure you and your baby stay cool while carrying AND the fabric has UPF20 sun protection!

You can also machine wash the Beachfront baby ring sling lux, although it’s advised to rinse it with tap water after every chlorinated or saltwater use.

The ring sling is available in one size and the XL model (so no petite for now, as is the case with the regular Beachfront Ringsling). It’s available in 4 gorgeous colours.

We consider this one of the best water baby carriers! and even as a regular lightweight baby carrier for summer, it’s a great choice.

6. VLOKUP BABY WATERPROOF RING SLING CARRIER

A woman holding a baby on her front with the help of a blue ring sling

This 100% polyester mesh baby carrier for water might be one of the cheapest on the market, but it still makes true to its promises. 

It is very similar to the Biubee, except that it has metal rings instead of plastic ones.

The former sounds sturdier, but we are unsure whether metal combined with water is such a great idea.

Like the Biubee, the Vlokup baby water ring sling comes with a built-in pouch.

It is available in 14 bright colours, so you will definitely find one to your liking (although, apparently, the grey one is a no-no). 

👶🏾 Best Water Buckle Baby Carrier

Another convenient way to carry your baby in the water is with the help of a water buckle baby carrier. Elevating your experience, these often come with extra elements such as sleeping hoods and zipper pockets.

7. INTEGRA SOLAR

The Integra Solar is the perfect water-safe baby carrier for pool fun or a day at the beach!

Its cotton-like feel fabric blocks 95-99% of the UVA and UVB sun rays, making it very sun-protective.

Further protection is offered by a large sun/sleeping hood, which you can snap onto the shoulder traps with small buckles.

The Integra Solar is perfect as a hot weather baby carrier and to use in the water (ocean, pool, light rain, or shower).

But it is so versatile and comfortable that you can actually use it in all seasons.

Typical for the Integra baby carrier is its unstructured waist belt, which makes it a great travel carrier as it is compact and lightweight (and it is still just as comfortable and supportive!).

The baby carrier comes in 3 sizes, making it the only waterproof toddler carrier, and it goes even up to preschool years!

Size 1 is suitable for babies from birth until about 2.5 years. Size 2 will suit toddlers from 18 months up until 3.5 years. While size 3 is for the bigger kids from 3 to 5 years.

We are completely in love with the Integra Solar. It is definitely the best waterproof soft structured carrier on the market. As opposed to the other baby carriers for water use, you can use it as your daily (travel) carrier as well.

8. BOBA AIR

A woman holding a child on her back with the help of a black carrier

If you are looking for the ultimate lightweight baby carrier for swimming, look no further.

The Boba Air weighs only 0.7 lbs (300 g), and you can store it in its own zipper pocket (although the new version is a little more difficult to fold than the old one)!

Although the brand doesn’t market it, you can use this for some baby carrier water fun while carrying your child on the front and on the back.

The 2017 new edition Boba Air baby carrier has mesh shoulder straps and padded leg openings for your little one.

As it is made of 100% nylon, it can be used both inside and outside the water.

Reviews of the newer edition mention that the shoulder straps tend to be geared toward taller shoulder frames.

Furthermore, they tend to bow inside, making them a little uncomfortable.

We wouldn’t recommend bringing the Boba Air lightweight baby carrier as your only baby-wearing item if you’re a frequent carrier.

It’s great for short amounts of time – especially as a baby beach carrier – but not so much for longer periods.

Apart from using this baby carrier for beach fun on vacation, it’s a great one to have at home as a backup in the car or your purse.

The Boba Air can be used from 15-45 lbs (7-20 kg) – but you’ll probably be able to use it comfortably until about 18 months. This swim baby carrier is available in black.

9. BEACHFRONT BABY MEH DAI

The new Beachfront Baby line also includes a buckle Meh Dai that will allow you to carry your baby around all day in a comfortable way.

But on top of that, it’s also a baby carrier for the pool, which makes it very versatile and one of the best baby carrier for water!

Traditionally, a Meh Dai combines a back panel with 4 straps in wrap fabric. However, as this is a buckle Mei Dai, the waist straps have been replaced by webbing and a buckle. For many people, that click system will feel reassuring.

The fabric used for this beach baby carrier is 100% recycled, and all Beachfront products are made in the USA.

It will allow children up to 35 lbs to be carried, although the back panel will become too small to support older toddlers (but that is the case for all the baby carriers that aren’t designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers).

Thanks to it being lightweight and fast-drying, we consider the Beachfront Mei Dah the best baby carrier for beach use. We also love how great it is to use out of the water.


Information Guide

🌊 Do I need a water baby carrier?  

Sure, you can choose to bring your normal baby carrier, but it won’t dry quickly, and walking around with a wet carrier all day, isn’t our idea of fun.

Furthermore, holding your baby while in the water is not an easy task. There are, however, baby carriers specifically designed for water use and/or hot weather. 

TIP: if you are looking for a baby carrier suitable for hot weather rather than a waterproof one, check out this post.

When you’re travelling with a small child, using a waterproof baby carrier for showers is a great idea too. That way, you don’t have to drag a portable baby bath, and you don’t have to be afraid of slippery accidents.

A baby carrier that is suitable for the water reduces the risks when it comes to swimming or bathing your baby while travelling (or at home!). It is an indispensable item in your suitcase!

✅ What is the baby carrier for exploring water made of?

Baby carriers designed for water are typically made of waterproof and quick-drying materials such as mesh fabric or polyester. These provide comfort for both the baby and you while ensuring durability and water resistance.

🔍 What do I look for in a water baby carrier?

The most important component of a water-friendly baby carrier is its fabric. It should be made from a mesh fabric or polyester, as these dry quickly.

For that reason, waterproof buckle carriers don’t have padding, making them less comfortable for general use.

Especially the buckle carriers combine their waterproof-ness with a lightweight.

Furthermore, ring slings are made of a rather short piece of fabric and tend to be lightweight. So, there really is no reason not to put an additional water baby carrier in your luggage.

The next criterion is UV protection. If you’re going to use the carrier on the beach, you’ll spend a lot of time in the sun, which can be damaging to your baby’s skin. Make sure to pick a waterproof infant carrier that offers sufficient protection from UV rays. 

And last but definitely not least is the comfort. A baby carrier (regular or waterproof carrier) should always be ergonomic, both for the one carrying and for the child.

Popular water baby carriers such as the Jujuroo water baby carrier or the water tot baby carrier are not ergonomic! You can easily see that in the way the legs of the baby are hanging rather than in the frog (or M) position.

Another giveaway is the back, which should always be soft and follow the baby’s spine and not pre-formed.

👌 Which type of carrier do I choose?

If you have a preference for a wrap, ring sling, or buckle carrier, you should be able to find something you like, as all three types come in a waterproof version. 

Feeling a bit flabbergasted? Take a look at our extensive guide to the best baby carrier for travel. Here we explain a lot more about the different ways of babywearing and which one will suit your family best.

We would personally opt for a water baby sling for water use as it is so easy to put on and off. However, you’ll probably try to keep one hand on your baby’s back (as experience has taught us you often do with ring slings).

So, if you really need to use both of your hands, it might be smarter to opt for a wrap or a buckle carrier.


Best Water Baby Carrier: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you carry a baby in the pool?

To carry a baby in the pool, use a water-friendly baby carrier made of waterproof or quick-drying fabrics such as polyester or mesh.

Just make sure these carriers have secure closures, provide proper support, and always follow safety guidelines for water activities.

Why do I need a waterproof baby carrier?

There are times when carrying your child in your arms is not an option when you come into contact with water.

Using a polyester or mesh baby wrap carrier on the beach, in the sea, in the pool, or even in the shower will provide you with a safe option to keep your little one close.

Can you use a baby carrier in the pool?

Yes, you can use a water-friendly baby carrier. Not only are these made of waterproof or quick-drying materials, but also provide a safe and comfortable way to carry a baby in the pool.

Can I wear a ring sling in a pool?

Yes, you can wear a sling ring in a pool. One of its benefits is that it can be easily put on and off. However, you’ll want to keep one hand on your baby’s back for extra support.

Are water baby carriers better than regular baby carriers?

Water baby carriers are designed specifically for aquatic environments, as these feature waterproof materials and buoyancy for added safety. These make them preferable for water-related activities.

What types of water baby carriers exist?

There are waterproof versions of the (stretchy) wrap, ring sling, and soft structured carrier (SSC).

What is the best water-friendly baby carrier?

The best one is, without a doubt Integra Solar, as you can use it as your full-time carrier as well.

However, when you already have a great carrier at home and just need an extra one for the water, you might want to pick a cheaper one.

Can you wear a baby carrier in the water?

Wearing a regular baby carrier in the water is okay, but it’s not going to be comfortable for both you and the baby. That’s why a waterproof baby carrier is handy to have!

How do I protect my baby from rain in a carrier?

A waterproof layer will protect your baby from rain.

Aside from your usual extra layer of clothing during the damp, windy, and rainy season, you can wear one of the best waterproof baby carriers outside with a waterproof baby carrier cover.

Click here to read our review on baby carrier cover.


Final Thoughts on The Best Water Baby Carrier

We know that finding the best water baby carrier for your little one is never easy, but we hope this list helped you find the one that suits your and your little bub’s needs.

Investing in the best waterproof baby carrier ensures that water adventures are worry-free and become cherished moments of bonding between you two!


Mums on Flipflops is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de, amazon.fr, amazon.it and amazon.es. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.

Similar Posts