Baby carriers come in handy especially when you are out and about. It provides a secure place for your baby and frees your hand for other tasks. Furthermore, using a baby carrier allows you to carry your baby for longer periods of time without straining your arms.
Other than that, research shows that skin to skin or babywearing improves attachment and bonding between parent and baby. For children with autism spectrum disorders, the deep pressure aspect of babywearing could calm children and reduce stimming behaviors. [1]
Babywearing also increases the level of face to face interactions between baby and parent. In fact, evidence of babywearing has shown the ability to physiologically calm a baby. [2]
In this article, we will discuss the different types of carriers as well as explore the most popular baby carriers in the market today.
Choosing the best baby carriers ensures your little ones experience the comfort and security every parent desires. You can also read here to learn about other baby travel essentials that simplify your family travels.
Read here for more information on the best travel diaper bag that is stylish, function and suitable for both mom and dad.
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Table of Contents
What Age is Appropriate for Baby Carrier?
Baby carriers are one of those essentials for your vacation. Ensure you follow safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission whenever using infant baby carriers.
Newborn - 4 months
Theoretically, you can start carrying your baby from the moment they are born. However, you will have to keep one thing in mind: newborns must be at least 4 months old before they will start developing strong enough neck muscles to support their head when placed in a baby carrier.
Wraps and slings can be an option for babywearing in the early months to properly support their head and upper back.
4 - 7 months
Between 4-7 months, your little one has the ability to support their own head which gives you more options for using a baby carrier.
For younger babies, the ideal position will be facing in position. As your baby develops more head and neck control, you can have them facing out.
7 months+
From 7 months and above, your baby will likely have strong reflexes and control of their head and neck. This is a great time to introduce various carrying positions in order for them to enjoy the surroundings.
They can either be facing out which allows them to enjoy their surroundings or secured on your back in a back carrier.
This is a great time for your little ones to learn and interact while having a walk or going on a hike.
What Kind of Carrier is Best for Baby?
Baby Wraps
This type of baby carrier is made of a long piece of fabric that requires you to tie around your body in order to be able to hold your baby close to your chest.
You may opt for a stretchy wrap that is easier for moms and parents who are still not used to a baby wrap or choose a woven wrap that has the ability to hold your precious one from newborn up to the weight limit indicated by the manufacturer.
Your choices are limitless when you have a baby wrap to accompany you in your child's journey.
Slings
A sling baby carrier comes with a pouch or strip of fabric and two rings that you wrap around your shoulder and wear across your body. The fabric is threaded through the rings to create a buckle effect.
You can carry your little one in various positions when you use a sling baby carrier.
This type of sling can easily be adjusted to different body sizes too.
Structured Baby Carrier
This kind of baby carrier has a pre-built panel with a defined, buckle waistband and arm straps just like a normal backpack that you use. Some brands offer a chest clip that provides additional safety measures to keep your baby carrier properly strapped around your back.
A baby backpack does not require you to tighten fabric from time to time whenever you are using it. All you need to do is buckle up and you are ready to go.
Onbuhimo Carriers
Originating from Japan, Onbuhimo carriers have no waistband, which makes them excellent for quick back carries. They’re best suited for babies who can sit unassisted (around 6 months and up) and are perfect for parents who prefer minimal bulk around the waist, especially during pregnancy.
Meh Dais
Meh Dais (or Mei Tais) are traditional Asian-style carriers that combine the softness of a wrap with the support of a structured carrier. They feature a rectangular body panel with long straps that tie around your waist and shoulders. They’re comfortable, adaptable, and distribute your baby’s weight evenly.
Hybrid
This type of baby carrier offers the comfort of being close to your baby, just like a wrap, but with the ease of using a structured carrier.
Simply put it on like wearing your day-to-day shirt and use the easy-adjust buckles to fasten it properly and adjust it to your comfort.
Can a 1 Year Old Go in a Baby Carrier?
Yes, you can place your one-year-old baby in a baby carrier as long as they are comfortable in the carrier. At this age, your child can be carried in various positions. In fact, many parents choose soft structured baby carriers with padded shoulder straps that can be interchanged between adults.
It is also an age where you can introduce a hip seat for your toddler. A hip seat carrier can be used up to 45 lbs/20.4 kgs or until your child outgrows it.
Which is Better Baby Wrap or Carrier?
This will depend on the age of your baby. Having structured baby carriers with padded straps and waistbands provides more support for parents who are carrying their children. This is especially helpful for older children as they get heavier.
Structured baby carriers can hold more weight than wraps.
On the other hand, if you have a newborn, you may opt for a wrap which provides more sense of security. Their neck muscles and spine are still developing and they require extra support.
What Is the Rule for Baby Carrier?
The “T.I.C.K.S.” babywearing safety rule is a simple guideline to ensure safe and comfortable use:
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Tight: The carrier should hold your baby snugly against you.
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In view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby’s face without moving the fabric.
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Close enough to kiss: Your baby’s head should be close enough for you to kiss easily.
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Keep chin off the chest: Make sure your baby’s airway remains clear.
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Supported back: Keep your baby’s back in a natural position with no slumping.
Following these rules ensures both comfort and safety, especially during long travel days.
Is a Baby Carrier Safe for Newborns?
Yes, baby carriers are safe for newborns when used correctly. For infants under 4 months, choose carriers that provide full neck and head support, such as wraps or slings, and make sure your baby’s airways remain unobstructed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s weight and age recommendations, and check for ergonomic positioning — your baby’s knees should be higher than their bottom in an “M” shape to protect healthy hip development.
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10 Baby Carriers to Choose From for Travel
Best Baby Carrier Overall: Ergobaby Omni Deluxe
Pros:
A very versatile all-in-one carrier that’s great from newborn to toddler without needing extra inserts, packs reasonably well, and is easy to put on and take off when you’re on the move. Breathable enough for most climates and includes useful built-in storage.
Cons:
Still bulkier than wraps or slings and sits in the mid to high price range, which may not suit minimalist or budget travellers.
Most Stylish Baby Carrier: Artipoppe Zeitgeist Carrier
Pros:
Combines a sleek, lightweight design with excellent weight distribution, making it one of the easiest structured carriers to pack for trips. It’s stylish, comfortable, and breathable for long days exploring.
Cons:
Falls into the premium price tier and lacks built-in storage, so you’ll need to plan your packing around that.
Best Newborn Carrier for Summer: Tula Free to Grow Linen
Pros:
Breathable linen makes it better in heat than many carriers, it doesn’t require an infant insert, and it’s quite comfortable for both short trips and all-day sightseeing.
Cons:
Linen fabric can feel a bit stiff until broken in and needs more careful washing, plus it isn’t the lightest option.
Best Lightweight Carrier: Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap
Pros:
Ultra-light and extremely packable, making it ideal for newborns, warm weather, and minimalist travel; doubles up as a cover or blanket.
Cons:
Only front wrap carry and not suitable for older babies or long walking days; also takes practice to tie correctly.
Best Baby Carrier for Twins: TwinGo Air Model Baby Carrier
Pros:
Extremely versatile. You can use it to carry both twins together or split it into two single carriers so both parents can wear one each.
Cons:
Pricier than single carriers, and the modular design has a learning curve if you’re new to tandem carriers.
Best Ring Sling: Wildbird Linen Ring Sling
Pros:
Packs down small, breathable linen/cotton blend, and easy to slip on and off for travel days.
Cons:
Like most slings, weight rests on one shoulder, which can feel heavy on longer outings.
Best Affordable: Infantino 4-in-1 Flip Convertible Carrier
Pros:
Very wallet-friendly and lightweight with four carry positions, making it a good starter or secondary travel carrier that’s easy to use on the go.
Cons:
Straps may need frequent adjustment and it’s not as supportive or breathable as higher-end carriers.
Best for Hiking: Deuter Kid Comfort Pro
Pros:
Fantastic for adventure travel with sturdy suspension, excellent airflow, and large storage space for gear, ideal for outdoor hikes or nature trips.
Cons:
Too bulky and heavy for city travel or flights, and the sunshade doesn’t fully wrap around the child.
Best Hip Carrier: Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier
Pros:
The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier reduces back, arm, and wrist strain. It offers lumbar and back support for your baby. It is easy to set up compared to other carriers because no infant insert is necessary.
Cons:
This product is not hands-free and too bulky for some parents.
Most Versatile Carrier: Líllébaby Complete 6-in-1 All Seasons
Pros:
As the name mentions, LÍLLÉbaby Complete 6 in 1 can be used in multiple positions. It provides good lumbar support, is easy to use and machine washable.
It also comes with a detachable sun hood for extra protection against sunlight.
Cons:
Some users mentioned that the material feels stiff compared to other baby carriers and can be uncomfortable for the baby if they are wearing shorts. This carrier is not as breathable as they seem.
Determine Which Baby Carrier is Right for You
Still unsure what type of carrier is most suitable for your baby? Think about when you would like to start using a carrier. For example, if you do not intend to use a baby carrier in the first 3 months of your baby being born, then a wrap may not be suitable for you.
On the other hand, if you live in a tropical country, a baby carrier that is breathable will be best for you and your baby's comfort. Whether it is a wrap, hybrid carrier, soft structured carrier, or sling, your options are endless, but it all comes down to your needs.
Bookmark this article so you can refer back to it at any time.
In the mean time, you can read our article on the best compact stroller that fits in overhead compartment of a plane.
You can also check this article on carry on size requirements for 86 airlines and this travel stroller that is designed to fit majority carry on size dimensions.
References:
[1] Robyn L. Reynolds-Miller. Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Babywearing. Sage Journals. (2016)
[2] Esposito G et al. Infant Calming Responses During Maternal Carrying in Humans and Mice. Current Biology. (2013)
