To find this year's best baby carriers, we took 19 popular models and put them to the test. We evaluated each carrier for ease of use, safety, comfort, versatility, breathability, durability, and long-term reliability. In the end, we found several high-end (our first list) and relatively inexpensive (our second list) baby carriers that are part of our essential baby gear list and also make great mother's day and baby registry gifts.
{wbamp-form start}
- Table of Contents [show/hide]
- Top 5 Baby Carriers Table
- 1. Best Overall: LILLEBaby Complete
- 2. ErgoBaby 360 All-Position Carrier
- 3. Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier
- 4. Boba Baby 4G Baby Carrier
- 5. Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier
- 6. Boppy ComfyChic Baby Carrier
- 7. Contours Journey Carrier
- 8. Onya Pure Baby Carrier
- 9. Baby Tula Standard Carrier
- 10. BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier
- 11. Onya Outback Baby Carrier
- Top 5 Budget Baby Carriers Table
- 1. Bebamour Baby Carrier
- 2. Infantino Flip Baby Carrier
- 3. Sunveno Hip Seat Baby Carrier
- 4. NimNik Sling Hipseat Carrier
- 5. Infantino Cuddle Up Carrier
- 6. Evenflo Soft Infant Carrier
- 7. You + Me Baby Carrier
- Factors to Consider
- Ergonomics
- Versatility
- Safety & Reliability
- Ease of Use
- Comfort & Breathability
- Cost
#1. LILLEBaby Complete
#2. ErgoBaby 360 All-Position
#3. Baby Tula Explore
#4. Boba Baby 4G
#5. Baby Tula Free to Grow
There are over 200 different baby carriers currently on the US market, with over 50 of them showing up in the last couple years alone! Some of them are made by flagship companies like Ergobaby, LILLE Baby, Boba, and BabyBjorn, but many of them are knock-offs with poor quality control and sometimes even dangerous designs or features. Baby-wearing is becoming increasingly popular, but given how many different baby carriers are on the market it has gotten really difficult to figure out which ones are best for you and your baby. To find you the best baby carrier of the year, we had seven moms and dads of different shapes and sizes try out the carriers with 9 different babies ranging in age from 1 month to 2.5 years. Be sure to also check out our reviews of the best baby wraps and slings.
Here are the Best Baby Carriers of 2020!
1. LILLEBaby Complete All Seasons Baby Carrier.
This is a truly excellent carrier, and this is the second year the LILLEBaby carrier was tested for inclusion in our list, and it made it right into the first place position again! The LILLE Baby series is relatively new to the baby carrier market, using beautiful and highly functional Scandinavian styling, and including some very comprehensive features. They make three categories of carriers: the LilleBaby's COMPLETE series, CARRY-ON series, and ESSENTIALS series. As the name would suggest, the COMPLETE series is the most versatile, with six carry positions, a wide weight range that includes infants down to 7 pounds, and big kids up to 45 pounds. Within the COMPLETE series, they have the All Seasons, the Airflow, the Original, and the Embossed Luxe version. Unless you live in (and never travel outside of) Arizona, southern California, or Florida, which might lead you to purchase the Airflow version, we highly recommend the All Seasons. The All Seasons version uses a cotton exterior fabric, a highly breathable 3D cool air mesh lining, and has an awesome zip-down front section for warmer conditions. This was an awesome touch because many of our moms reported that there are very few single carriers that are versatile enough to adapt to different weather conditions. Often, you will begin a walk in the morning when the weather is a bit cool and then carry again around lunchtime when the weather was warmer. This carrier allows you to effectively reduce the insulation and allow more airflow to the baby's back, sides, and/or torso. There were several other features we loved about this carrier. First, unlike the ERGO, there is no awkward infant insert to deal with: the carrier is already shaped to support infants as small as 7 pounds without any insert. Second, the carrier configures into 6 different carry positions, which are all really awesome. The first uses the fetal tuck, the second is a tuck with legs out, third and fourth are front- and rear-facing toddler, the fifth is a trendy hip sling style, and sixth is a back carrier for the bigger kiddos (all the way up to 45 pounds!). We found that all 6 positions were highly supportive, well constructed, and very comfortable for both mom (or dad) and baby. A third thing we loved is that it has an adorable sleeping hood, which also is great to protect baby's head a bit from the sun and elements. Fourth, we loved that mom and dad's comfort were taken into consideration throughout: nice wide waist belt, an unparalleled large lower back/lumbar support pad, super comfortable shoulder straps, all while staying quite lightweight. That lumbar pad is super important and really sets this carrier apart from the rest in terms of comfort during long-term use. Fifth, it has some additional little features that are worth mentioning: it comes in a ton of truly stylish and adorable styles, colors, and patterns, it has a convenient zippered pocket on the front for storing little things (phone, credit card, keys), and the carrier itself is adjustable in several ways to both the wearer and baby. In our testing, we also found that it was rather easy to put on and take off (after reading the manual and practicing for about 10 minutes), put a baby in and out, and that it was well-built and reliable. LILLEBaby has made some recent modifications to fix a strap issue, and the resulting carrier is very reliable. Downfalls? Well, not much, but if we are being picky: the storage pocket is on the outside of the zipper-down flap, so it's hard to access when the flap is unzipped. Could have been nice to put the storage pockets on the waistband! Overall, a truly excellent carrier highly deserving of this spot on our list. Usually about $130, which is an excellent price for this quality, features, and versatility. It's available in a ton of colors and patterns, like 20 of them or something! Interested? You can check out the LILLEBaby Carriers here!
2. Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier.
This is another all-around awesome baby carrier that has been at this #2 spot for 2 years now. The Ergobaby 360 all-position carrier is the newest addition to the already great Ergobaby carrier line up; a few years ago, their Ergo Original 3-position carrier was rated #1 on our list, so they have a great history of making excellent carriers. The Ergobaby 4-position carrier is definitely the most comfortable carrier on our list. In our testing, we found it to be super lightweight, comfortable, soft, and easily adjusted to nicely fit nearly any body shape. We wore it for several hours around town and along some trails, and our backs and shoulders felt completely fine. Definitely more comfortable than the LILLEBaby, and we also thought it was a bit easier to breastfeed while wearing the Ergobaby versus the LILLEBaby. We also found it easy to put on, take off, and adjust, even when carrying the baby. However, the shoulder strap adjustment needed to be done by someone else while carrying a baby. It also has a small hood to protect baby from the elements, or give a little shading for a nap. However, it just isn't as versatile as the LILLEBaby. The weight range doesn't go up nearly as high (7-33 pounds), and it requires an infant insert that you have to purchase separately (if your baby is under 12 pounds), and it doesn't have the "bucket" adjustments to accommodate both infants and toddlers thighs. So you end up with the four positions and need to purchase the infant insert to make that 5. We also thought it needed a small storage pouch to carry a paci, keys, phone, etc, and that the Velcro around the waist was great but also quite loud to use. So those are the reasons we chose the LILLEBaby as #1, though honestly, it was a close call. The Ergobaby is just so comfortable for parents and babies, and it is less bulky and can adjust down to suit relatively petite parents, so it was a difficult decision. A truly excellent baby carrier with just some small shortcomings. Usually about $150 and available in a ton of colors and patterns. Note also that the new and pricier Ergobaby Omni 360 is now available and is more similar to the LILLEBaby in versatility, supporting babies and toddlers from 7 to 45 pounds, and offering 6 different carry positions. Some benefits of the Ergobaby Omni are that you do not need a separate infant insert, they got rid of the noisy velcro waist (replacing it with buckles), and has a small storage pocket. But it's also about $180, making it tied with the Baby Tula Explore as the most expensive baby carrier we've tested, and we didn't find the shoulder straps to be as comfortable as some of the other options. Once we finish a long-term review of the Omni 360, we'll let you know our complete thoughts. Interested in the Ergo 360? You can check out the ErgoBaby 360 carrier here.
3. Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier.
The Tula Explore is a completely new design by Baby Tula, with superior versatility and comfort. We first got our hands on the Explore for testing last year and we were super impressed with it; in fact, after a long-term reliability test it might start to creep up this list! Out of the box, it is stylish, has super soft and durable fabric, and feels very well-constructed yet lightweight and flexible enough to stuff into a big diaper bag. We tried it out in all of its 5 positions: rear-facing front-carry for infant, baby, and toddler, forward-facing front-carry for toddler, and back-carry for baby and toddler. Adjusting between the three rear-facing front-carry options was easy, simply reconfiguring the upper and lower parts of the "Explore panel". The lower panel is in the seating area and adjusts using snaps - infants begin with the narrowest panel setting, and you make it wider as your baby gets bigger. The upper panel adjusts between short and tall positions depending on your baby's height and head/neck control. The Explore instruction manual is here, and of course also included with the carrier and we strongly encourage you to read when you receive it. All of this adjustment is necessary to make it possible to support babies as small as 7 pounds and up to 45 pounds (the same range as the LilleBaby and Ergobaby 360). We found that putting on the carrier was pretty simple, basically the same as most others on this list. It was a bit less bulky than the LilleBaby, with a slightly smaller torso pad on the bottom front, and no lumbar pad. Comfort was pretty great, though the LilleBaby certainly wins the comfort contest for longer carrying durations (it just has all the right padding in the right places!). In our testing, we thought it was most comfortable on moms and dads taller than about 5'3" and heavier than about 120 pounds; in other words, it was a bit bulky and the shoulder straps were a bit too long for relatively petite parents (especially skinny ones), which is a similar situation to the LilleBaby (we find the Ergobaby 360 to be best for more petite parents). Some specifics that we really liked about the Tule Explore: it has a nice waistband pocket for storage, a removable hood for naps and shade, a really nice ergonomic panel design that supports hip development, and it's also a good baby carrier for plus-size parents given its extended waist and shoulder adjustment range. We were really impressed with this baby carrier's versatility, comfort, ease of use, and style. The price is pretty high coming in at about $180, but if you can stomach the price tag we think it's worth every penny. Some things to consider: the pocket is in a bit of an awkward position to easily access, it cannot be used as a hip seat (unlike the LilleBaby), and it could use a bit more padding around the waist and lumbar area to support longer-term use (like over 2-3 hours at a time). Other than that, we're really happy to have tested this new model and think it's an awesome new addition to our list! Note that for parents and babies who travel in very warm areas or who tend to sweat a bit more, they should check out the Tula Coast Explore which is basically the same but uses a more breathable mesh front like the LilleBaby. Interested? You can check out the Tula Explore carrier here.
4. BOBA 4G Baby Carrier.
The BOBA carrier has been near the top of our best baby carrier list for 3 years now, and for some great reasons. It is comfortable, stylish, durable, and very well-made and reliable. The thick waistband tends to support a lot of the baby's weight so your shoulders don't get too sore, with a nice even distribution around the body. We also liked that the waistband has two adjustment points, which helps quite a bit to even out the cinching around the waist. It also has the adjustments for the shoulder straps right under the armpits, helping you customize the fit even when wearing your baby. Some advantages of the BOBA over the Ergo is that it includes an infant insert, supports from 7 pounds all the way up to 45 pounds (like the LILLEBaby), and it has a small zippered pocket along the waist. Though working with an infant insert is a bit awkward relative to having it built in to the system. It also includes little foot straps (stirrups) to support tired hanging legs. Also, we found the range of strap adjustment is very wide, fitting a wider range of body shapes and sizes. So this carrier does, in fact, have a couple advantages over the Ergo. So why isn't higher on the list? Well, in our testing, the majority of moms agreed that the Ergo was simply more comfortable for mom, and seemed a bit more supportive for baby. That's not to say that this isn't a comfortable carrier, because it definitely is. Just not quite as comfy as the Ergo or Tula, in our opinion. It also doesn't support a baby facing outward, making it a bit less versatile than the LILLE Baby or Ergo. In terms of overall quality, the Boba 4G carrier is on par with the top-rated baby carriers, they both have high-quality seams and stitching, reliable straps and buckles, and good shoulder padding. We haven't had any issues with rips or tears from any of our top carriers. Like the others, it comes in a ton of cute colors and patterns, and we tend to see it for around $125 online. Interested? You can check out the Boba Carrier here.
5. Baby Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier.
This Baby Tula FreeToGrow Carrier is basically tied for this position with the BOBA 4G (below). It's a really fantastic baby carrier that has recently taken the baby carrier market by storm. And for some great reasons! First, let's talk about specifications. It supports babies as small as 7 pounds without the need for an infant insert, and up to 45 pounds, which will bring you well into toddler-hood; so this carrier is great at accommodating different sizes as your baby grows. And it has a lot of adjustments to help make sure that different shapes and abilities (e.g., different head and neck support) are well supported. In addition to your baby's shape, this is also a great baby carrier for plus-sized parents, with a waist band that adjusts up to 57". The final specification worth mentioning is that it allows for carrying your baby on front (rear-facing) or on your back (facing your back); so there is no forward-facing capability here (check out the Explore for that). Second, let's talk about convenience features and comfort. The front pocket is perfect for keys or a couple pacifiers, and were able to fit an iPhone in there without any issues. The fabric is like a canvas material (it's 100% cotton) and we found that it's not super padded or thick, making it breathable suitable for use in warmer weather. There is also a great hood that actually matches the pattern of the carrier, which is a nice touch. Some of the other carriers have a hood that's a solid color rather than matching. In terms of comfort, this was about the same as the Tula Explore - super comfortable with nice thick straps and buckles. The waist strap is super comfy, and we never ran into issues with a sore back or shoulders. It has a nice ergonomic design that fits quite nicely. It's also comfortable and ergonomic for a little baby, with some super thick leg padding that helps keep the legs (and hips) at a good position for longer walks (and reducing the risk of hip dysplasia). The front panel can be adjusted from about 11" tall to about 17" tall, which gives you good versatility for a growing baby. Third, let's talk about some of our impressions. Overall, we really loved it! It's comfortable, high quality, and super adorable. The available patterns are really cute and range from a simple solid color to some really nice patterns that aren't too gaudy or bright. Putting it on was easy enough, though the rear buckle height adjustment wasn't as easy to do while wearing as some other carriers on this list. Other cons? Well, with smaller babies between 7-12 pounds or so, we thought that a little better and more adjustable head and neck support would be appropriate (especially for skinnier babies). The Tula Explore has a bit more padding and support, so consider that if you think this might be an issue with your little one. It also would be nice to have forward-facing capability with a carrier that costs around $100. Overall, it's a fantastic addition to our best baby carrier list, with only a few minor drawbacks. Interested? You can check out the Tula Baby Carriers here!
6. Boppy ComfyChic Baby Carrier.
We are always thrilled to get our hands on new baby carriers, especially when they are making awesome changes to the style and functionality of the typical baby carrier. Enter the Boppy ComfyChic, with its awesome hybrid design that includes elements of a soft-structured baby carrier and the stretchy and versatile fabric of a baby wrap. And it's not just for style, the wrap actually needs to be configured and tied, and adds a super comfortable element for your baby, allowing you to customize the support in various areas (mostly the bum!). Out of the box, we were immediately overwhelmed by the carrier and how exactly we were supposed to use it. If you feel the same way, we suggest going over the the videos on Amazon and clicking the "how to" videos, which are super helpful. If you watch them carefully, you'll learn a couple tricks to make things more convenient. Once we watched the videos, we tried on me (size 2), my husband (size 36 waist), and my neighbor (size 12). In all cases, it was able to adjust to the body type, and the long straps make it a great baby carrier for plus-sized moms and dads. The ComfyChic has four carrying styles: front facing-in, front facing-out, and hip carry. The fourth carry position is simply the newborn front facing-in, which just means the upper head support is not folded down (note there is no infant insert needed). For reference, minimum weight is 8 pounds, with a maximum of 35 pounds. We tested it with a 10-pound 2-month old, a 22-pound 11-month old, and a 28-pound two-year old. For the baby and toddler, everything worked really well, and we liked how easy the waist belt, shoulder straps, and seat width adjustments were. In our experience, the 28-pound toddler was definitely up against the maximum practical weight limit of the carrier. The straps are really quite long and can be a little overwhelming the first few times you put the carrier on, so you might want to recruit some help the first few times. By the way, if you're looking for an awesome hip-carry baby carrier, this is a great option - the hip carry configuration was comfortable and supportive, and didn't leave us with a sore neck and shoulder (which is rare!). All of the fabric is comfortable and soft, there are no uncomfortable seams or straps on the inside that will contact the baby, and the fabric wrap portion helps you get things nice and cozy. Speaking of the wrap, it was really our biggest challenge with this carrier. With the 10-pound baby, we didn't have any issues with stretching or sagging with the fabric during wearing, but we did notice that happening quite a bit with the 22-pound baby, and of course the 28-pound toddler. There is some compromise between the comfortable stretchiness of the fabric, and the annoying sagging that you get when it's under a heavy load for a few hours. If you're planning on using this until your child is about 1 year old, this won't be an issue, and it also won't be an issue if you don't anticipate wearing it for longer than 45-minutes to an hour. Some little things we liked were the zippered storage pocket on the waistband, which isn't large enough to fit any modern smart phones, but definitely big enough for other little things like keys, pacifiers, or some cash. It also comes with a little storage pouch that we appreciated, otherwise all the straps and fabric make it a little more complicated to pack and travel with. Another little note is that it's a bit heavy and thick for hot climates. It does have a breathable back, but the combination of the carrier and wrap make it a little hotter for both mom and baby. Overall, we love the concept here, and think it's an awesome carrier with only a few small limitations; in the future, we hope that Boppy decreases the stretch of the wrap fabric a bit, which will help with our primary gripe. Interested? You can check out the Boppy ComfyChic Carriers here!
7. Contours Journey 5-in-1 Baby Carrier.
The new Contours series of baby carriers is winning over hearts and minds, ranging from the simple Cocoon carrier, to the Love 3-in-1 carrier, and then the flagship Journey 5-in-1 carrier. The Journey comes in two varieties, the regular Journey, and then the Journey GO which adds 3D mesh breathable fabric to keep things cool during the summer months. We've reviewed all four of these carriers, and were most impressed by the Journey models. We're going to focus on the regular Journey, but keep in mind that everything we say can apply to the Journey GO, which is more suitable for babies who tend to run hot or parents who like to go on longer treks during the hot summer months; in those cases, the Journey GO is likely the better (and slightly more expensive) option. We first got our hands on the Journey series for testing in early 2020, and were able to put it through testing while at the grocery store (before the pandemic struck!), hiking in the woods, and strolling around town. Out of the box, the carrier looks and feels high quality and lightweight. The fabrics are durable and wipeable while maintaining softness, the buckles, snaps, and adjustments are high quality, and overall things seem stitched and attached very well. Putting it on, the adjustments were suitable for both me, a relatively petite mom, and my husband at over 6 feet tall and 250 pounds. In other words, the carrier accommodates a broad range of body sizes and shapes without any difficulty. The overall fit is most similar to the LILLEBaby carrier in terms of adjustments and comfort level. The carrier supports 5 different positions: newborn fetal tuck (starting at 8 pounds), inward-facing infant with legs out, front-facing toddler, inward-facing hip sling-style carry, and a backpack-style carrier. The maximum weight is 45 pounds overall, and at the lower end there is no infant insert required, making one less piece to misplace or worry about. The seat of the carrier has a wide range of adjustment, promoting a nice hip-friendly positioning for newborns, up to a narrower and more toddler-appropriate seat. It also has adjustable head support via two small zippers that help expand the width as necessary, shoulder straps that allow for either criss-cross or backpack-style carrying, and a huge detachable hood (sunshade) that very highly adjustable. We were really impressed with the three huge zippered pockets. There is an upper pocket in the center, and then another zippered pocket on the waistband, both of which are big enough to carry a decently large cell phone (our Galaxy S9 and iPhone X fit without issue). There is also a huge main zippered pocket that is basically the entire center front of the carrier; this is also where the sunshade is stored, but there is plenty of room for additional items. Just be careful what you put in the giant pocket, such as keys or anything else with sharp edges, since they will be up against your baby's back with a relatively thin fabric protecting your baby's back. It's perfect for an extra diaper or little pack of baby wipes, if you don't want to carry a diaper bag. We found the shoulder straps to be very comfortable, the waistband to be supportive, and our test babies (one 5 months, one 2 years) both really enjoyed their time in the carrier. Overall, we really liked it and thought it's a great new addition to our best baby carrier list! Cons? We wish the waistband was a bit wider (in height) like the LILLEBaby, and the Journey did get a little hot in the summer, with the 5-month old getting a very sweaty back during our walk. Just FYI the Journey GO model, with its cool mesh fabric, never had that issue. The shoulder straps did loosen a bit during carrying (with the heavier 2 year old child), but they were easy to adjust on the fly. Finally, this carrier isn't as thickly padded as some other options, but that can be better for weight and heat. Interested? You can check out the Contours Journey Carriers here!
8. Onya Pure Baby Carrier.
This Onya Pure carrier is the newest addition to Onya's lineup of excellent and versatile baby carriers that are great for longer treks through the great outdoors. Just as the Onya Outback is being phased out, Onya released this awesome Pure model that has similar versatility but with higher breathability and a simpler overall setup. The Onya pure supports newborns as small as 7 pounds and toddlers and bigger kiddos all the way up to 45 pounds. While we don't suggest trying to lug around a 45-pound kid in a carrier during lengthy hikes, it can make a good back-up when their little legs get tired and they need a little boost. The Pure offers three carry positions: front inward-facing, rear inward-facing, and also hip carrying. In our testing, we found all of the positions pretty comfortable. The carrier offers versatility for strap configuration - you can configure it as an H, or as an X that crosses the straps across the back or chest. We definitely suggest the X cross-strap configuration for higher comfort over longer carries, and it's a better option for parents who get uncomfortable with the straps rubbing under the arms. The Pure is designed to have high breathability so it makes for a great spring and summer carrier, offering a front panel that can be unzipped and rolled up to reveal a highly breathable mesh that helps keep your baby's back nice and cool. In our testing, it also helped keep us cool in the 100+ degree weather (with 75% humidity) we had this summer! The panel tucks away really nicely without any issues with it being bulky or accidentally falling down. The straps and waist are super thick and comfortable, and we loved the adjustable webbing on the waist and the new buckle. The buckle requires a two-step process to open, but we thought it was super easy to open with one hand and prevented the possibility that a curious older sibling could reach up and unbuckle the strap, or that it could accidentally unbuckle (partially or fully) when bending down. We were worried about the two-step buckle but were pleasantly surprised with its ease of use. This is a simple carrier that is lightweight and highly breathable, it's a great option for summer hikes and journeys, and for easily packing/stuffing away into a suitacase or backpack. Downfalls? Nothing too serious. Because it's a relatively basic carrier, there is no pocket for storing keys, a pacifier, or anything else. There is also no hood for blocking the sun or promoting naps. We also think it would be great to have a front carry and outward-facing position like some of the more expensive carriers, especially with bigger kiddos who get easily bored with inward-facing. Overall, we think this is a great lightweight and highly breathable option that is worth checking out, especially given its reasonable price point, high reliability and durability, and Onya's great reputation for quality and service. Usually can be found for under $140, and it comes in several simple color options. Interested? You can check out the Onya Pure Baby Carriers here!
9. Baby Tula Standard Ergonomic Baby Carrier.
This is one of two Baby Tula baby carriers on our list, and for some great reasons: they make some of the most adorable, stylish, and trendy baby carriers on the market. While the Tula Explore is the relatively premium version with the most versatility, this option offers some excellent bang for the buck! It is not only more reasonably priced, it is also quite comfortable, has a simple design, and is lightweight. We liked the front Velcro pocket, though it was a bit difficult to access for moms with shorter arms or larger babies. It can be used from 15 to 45 pounds, giving it a decent upper range but a very restrictive lower range. Basically, you're not going to be able to use this carrier until your infant is a few months old, unless you purchase the separate infant insert. But once you use it, you and your baby will definitely love it! The shoulder straps are highly padded and comfortable, the baby thigh/leg supports are softly padded, the hood is well-sized and removable, and its simplicity makes it quite easy to get on and off. However, while the baby thigh/leg padding is a nice touch, note that that area is not adjustable like it is in our better options, so there will be a sweet spot when your infant fits perfectly, but before then it will be too wide and maybe a bit uncomfortable for baby. After about an hour, several of our test moms did complain of some back pain and wanted to get back into the LILLEBaby with its cross-straps and lumbar support, and outward-facing versatility, or even back to the Ergo. They also noted that it doesn't have very good circulation, and thought it could benefit from some 3D cool air mesh for better airflow. Also, like the BOBA 4G, it does not support an outward-facing position for your baby, only face-to-face carrying. Overall, the TULA ergonomic carriers are great but have some basic limitations. For the price, we were expecting it to be a real winner, and walked away thinking it's great, but not quite as great as the others above it. It is available in a ton of truly beautiful colors and patterns, putting many of the other carriers to shame! Tends to sell for under $100 online, making it one of the best deals on a premium baby carrier. Interested? You can check out the TULA Baby Carrier here.
10. BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier.
The Original BabyBjorn carrier is a classic and really started the style revolution for soft carriers. Suddenly it was stylish to wear a baby carrier, and it was no longer giant, bulky, and utilitarian like the baby carriers your mom might have stuffed you into back in the 80's. The BabyBjorn carrier still remains a staple in the soft baby carrier market, and the price of the Original version has fallen considerably since its introduction. The BabyBjorn Original model is very basic - shoulder straps only, not much adjusting, and no-frills (no newborn insert, no waist strap, no pocket, no hood, etc). It's a good carrier but will make for sore shoulders and neck after about an hour of use. Because of these complaints, and because the market was getting taken over by more versatile and comfortable carriers, Baby Bjorn decided to come out with their own version of a larger, more padded, and more versatile carrier. The One carrier is just like the Comfort model from earlier years and has a lot of the basic capabilities of our top rated carriers: front-facing option, waist strap to relieve shoulder pain, multiple adjustments, soft padding, etc. But there is no newborn insert (8 pounds minimum baby weight), no storage pocket, no sleeping/sun hood, and is much bulkier and harder to store relative to the Boba and Ergo. Also, in our trials, we found that the BabyBjorn One doesn't quite take the weight off the shoulders like the Boba or Ergo. In contrast, this Baby Bjorn carrier has a couple decades of great refinement and innovation behind it, including great ratings of comfort and safety, so keep that in mind. So if you're looking for a relatively simple, stylish, well-built and reliable baby carrier for under $50 or so, the BabyBjorn Original baby carriers are probably a great option for you! Interested? You can check out the BabyBjorn Carrier Original version here!
11. Onya Outback Baby Carrier.
This is a relatively new addition to our list, and we are happy to have tried it out. It's a relatively new baby carrier to the market, and we were really impressed by its quality, comfort, convenience, and versatility. We tried it out with the separate newborn baby booster insert, which is sold separately for about $30. With the insert, it supports babies as little as 7 pounds and up to 15 pounds; when you remove the booster, it can go from 15 pounds all the way up to 45 pounds, which is awesome for backpack-style carrying. Speaking of a backpack, this baby carrier can be used as an inward-facing front carrier, an inward-facing rear "backpack" carrier, or outward-facing "backpack" carrier. There are a few things that make this baby carrier unique relative to its competition. First, it has a good-sized pocket on the front that can fit a small wallet, keys, or even a diaper and a couple wipes. It also has a key loop on the bottom, and some toy loops up on the shoulders - these loops were awesome for attaching a pacifier tether or hanging a fun little toy. Second, the belt and straps are very durable, high quality, and comfortable. They reminded us of the LILLE Baby straps in our testing, they were just that good. All those wide straps make for comfortable carrying that is adjustable and supportive, including the option to wear the shoulder straps in an X-cross design on your back, which helps a ton for heavier babies and longer journeys; crossable straps can really be a life-saver on long treks! Third, this baby carrier can transition to a portable seat for any chair with a back (like at a restaurant or Starbucks), you place baby in, buckle the shoulder straps to the back of the chair, and there is an awesome built-in lower harness. This feature is amazing for toddlers who can sit-up independently and is unique to the Onya carrier. When we tested it out, we also found the seating position to be very comfortable for not just the parents, but also the baby - the thighs were nicely supported and the angle of the legs was comfy. It also has an SPF-protective hood that tucks away out of view when not in use, which is great when it's too sunny or it starts sprinkling outside. Downfalls? Nothing major here. We wish it had an outward-facing front seating position like the Ergo and LILLE Baby, but it only does inward-facing. Outward facing can be done, but only in backpack mode. Also, for shorter babies they tend to sit pretty deep in the seat until they are about a year old, making it hard for them to look around while being carried since the side of the carrier comes up really high. Once they are taller, like 12-15 months, they can start to look around from side to side and see over the carrier fabric. So overall, just some minor issues, overall we think this is an excellent carrier, and worth a shot. It's only down here on our list because we think it's being phased out by Onya, in favor of the new Onya Pure (which we review above and is an outstanding carrier). The Onya Outback can usually be found for under $150, and there are a ton of cute color options! Interested? You can check out the Onya Outback Baby Carriers here!
Best Budget Baby Carriers of 2020
A $100-200 baby carrier not fitting your baby-wearing budget? We have been testing baby carriers for many years and have seen some great options under $50. Not great enough to get into our annual top 5 list, but definitely worth considering if you're looking to save some cash! Start with the Baby Bjorn, listed above, for about $50. But if you want something a bit more versatile and like the more comprehensive carriers, the below options might work well for you. Note that while none is as versatile as the Lillebaby's Complete carrier, many of them do include some nice features like cool air mesh, baby backpack wearing, a high weight limit, and are decent ergonomic carriers. These are important when wearing your baby, and you don't need to upgrade to a more expensive baby product just to get some of these basic features. In fact, many of the budget carriers below make a great baby registry gift without breaking the bank. Note that if you're looking to save money and want versatility, also check out our wrap and sling baby carriers if you might be interested in using a baby wrap (like the Moby Wrap and the Boba Wrap). Anyway, here are the best budget carriers of 2020:
1. Bebamour Baby Carrier.
This is an awesome hip-seat option, one of three hip-seat carriers on our list (one up above, and one below). This one is super versatile, with 6 different carrying positions. It can be used on your chest, for inward or forward facing (3-36 months), on your back forward facing ("backpack position"), and as a versatile hip or front seat. So without the hip-seat it's a pretty typical carrier: you can use it as early as 3 months, and it supports babies up to 44 pounds. It has tons of awesome little pockets for cell phones, pacifiers, and keys, and a ton of adjustments to make it fit virtually any mom shape and size. We loved the number and range of all the adjustment straps! It also has a nice breathable hood that attaches using little loops, so there is no loud snap or clip that might disturb your sleeping baby. They also did a nice job with the softness of the fabrics, nice wide and padded shoulder straps and hip belt, and overall decent fit and finish. It is a big carrier, and we thought that it would be most appropriate for babies over about 4-5 months, unless you have a larger baby. Otherwise, it's a bit roomy. The hip-seat aspect is nice. When worn like a typical carrier, it does a nice job putting most of the baby's weight on your waist rather than back and shoulders. It can also be worn independently of the rest of the carrier. This is great for very little babies, for resting their bum or side on the hip seat, for instance, while nursing, or rocking to sleep. It's also great when they get a bit bigger and can hop onto the hip seat and use their arms to hold on - this is great for toddler and older. Overall, we really liked this carrier. The only drawback is really the large carrier size that doesn't accommodate smaller babies. There's also the fact that it's a Chinese company and made in China, which makes the descriptions and instructions a bit difficult to digest. Overall, this is a great carrier, especially for the price. Usually around $75
2. Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Baby Carrier.
Style, versatility, quality, and a fantastic price? Get us two of them! The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 baby carrier is a fantastic inexpensive baby carrier with some great features and simple but trendy styling. Supporting babies from 8 up to 32 pounds, this baby carrier can be worn in 4 ways: facing-in for infants with the seat flaps buttoned back to support a narrow baby, facing-in with a wider seat for older babies (using the seat flaps), facing-out for babies with head/neck control, and back-carry for older babies. So technically it supports facing-in and facing-out as a front carrier and can be used as a backpack baby carrier. For under about $30 that's excellent versatility. It achieves the wider baby weight range by having an adjustable seat width by opening or closing two thigh flaps on each side of the bum and having adjustable leg and chest openings. For the parents, it also includes adjustable shoulder straps and waist belt, keeping things more comfortable and supportive for various body types (speaking of which, the waist belt adjusts from 24-47"). So it can fit skinnier moms, and also plus-sized moms up to about 250 pounds. In our testing, we found the carrier to be very lightweight, breathable, and generally reliable with moderate quality buckles and adjustments. We also loved that you can throw the entire thing into the washing machine, and it didn't shrink at all on us. The shoulder straps were OK - not anywhere as nice or comfortable as the top baby carriers on this list, but reasonably padded. Carrying a baby over 15 pounds for a couple hours and you will probably find yourself in some back and shoulder pain, unlike with the LILLEBaby or Ergo carriers. The Infantino Flip Advanced baby carrier does include a drool pad with a velcro attachment, which we found of limited value: it works best for facing-out, but also tends to fall off and can be easily removed by a baby. It's a decent idea but poorly executed. So overall, just a few limitations: comfort, support, versatility for little babies (under 8 pounds), no hood/cover, and the silly drool pad. But did we mention how cheap this baby carrier is!? Under 30 bucks! That's cheap, and this Infantino Flip 4in1 Convertible Carrier is surprisingly great for that price!
3. Sunveno Hip Seat Baby Carrier.
This is a new release this year, and we were excited to get our hands on yet another cheap baby carrier that offers some great versatility with the added bonus of a convenient and comfortable hip seat. The hip seat is primarily used early on in your baby's life, from newborn to about 6 months of age when parents will benefit from getting a little bit of their weight off while being held in a cradle hold or inward-facing against the chest. The hip seat is great for this, and can be used with or without the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps help a ton with hip seat sagging under baby weight, and we are happy to report that the straps are actually pretty comfortable and can be used in the typical H configuration or an X cross-strap configuration. But the Sunveno is way more than just a hip seat! It offers support for newborns up to about 36 months of age (or about 35 pounds), and can be used as an inward-facing or outward-facing front carrier. And it has an impressive set of features for this price point under 50 bucks! These include a hood to block the sun or wind, a front zippered storage pocket, side zippered storage pocket, and a little bottle pocket (not insulated) on the other side. The front area has a panel that can be unzipped to reveal some mesh for higher breathability. There are also some convenient Velcro-attached drool shields or bibs that can be attached to the upper edge (for when outward-facing) or the shoulder straps (for when inward-facing). In our testing, we were impressed with the feature set. Under 50 bucks and has a hip seat, can be used inward- or outward-facing, has several pockets, and has comfortable waist harness and shoulder straps? That's impressive! This makes the Sunveno a reasonable competitor to the much more expensive MiaMily Hipster carrier, which offers similar features for about $130. Cons? It cannot be used as a backpack carrier, unlike the MiaMily, taller babies will quickly out-grow its relatively limited height and relative lack of head/neck support, and its relatively narrow waist strap is not a great option as a baby carrier for plus-sized parents. Overall, this is a great option that is worth checking out if you're looking for a versatile hip seat that won't break the bank! Tends to go for about $50 online. Interested? You can check out the Sunveno hip seat baby carrier here.
4. NimNik Sling Carrier Hipseat.
This is one of the more unique carriers on this list, and we think it's great for older toddlers and bigger kids (up to 45 pounds). What's really unique is that this carrier can be used as a forward-facing carrier, a rear-facing carrier, and also as a super cool hip-seat for older babies. What is a hip-seat? Well, it's not a baby carrier at all, but rather a little seat you have around your waist to help support your baby's weight. It's a great concept to reduce those sore arms from carrying your baby around in the natural position. And the carrier is quite good as well. It uses lightweight highly breathable fabric and design. It's basically the hip-seat with an added back support to turn it into a very simplistic carrier. It does have some nice features, however, especially for the price point. It has three small mesh pockets (non-closing) that can fit a phone, keys, pacifier, etc. It also has a nice wide waistband which helps with comfort and stability, especially when using the hip-seat. It uses Velcro and a buckle to hold on the waist, which makes it feel quite secure. But there's no infant insert and can only be used for babies over 12 pounds. No closing pockets, nowhere near as padded, soft, or luxurious as our top options, and definitely not as comfortable to wear. But if you're looking for an inexpensive hip-seat that doubles as a basic carrier, then this could be the option for you! Usually about $50 online.
5. Infantino Cuddle Up Hoodie Carrier.
Infantino makes a wide range of baby products and several varieties of baby carriers. They have over a dozen options, some of which are difficult to tell apart from others, and some are not really worth considering. We will say that we're impressed by the pricing and features of the Infantino line, with an overall reliable and secure set of carriers at great prices. As with all the others on this list under $50, it has limited weight range, versatility, and comfort. The Cuddle Up is included in this list for a few reasons. First of all, it is adorable, with a cute bear hood cover that goes on like a soft hoodie cap and has cute little ears. When it's off, it has a cute colored chevron pattern on the fuzzy inside. It's the only carrier on this list that has a hood that can actually keep your baby's head a little warm in the fall. Second and continuing the hoodie theme, it also includes a front pocket just like your favorite hoodie, though we point out that things can fall out of it at times, particularly when taking the baby in/out or taking the carrier off. Third, we found the pads to be reasonably supportive and the adjustments were sufficient. Not too much back or shoulder pain. Note that like the Mother Nest and Mo+m carriers, it only supports two carry positions, both are facing mom or dad: front carry and back carry. It also only supports from 12 to 40 pounds, which is par for course on this inexpensive carrier list. Usually about $40 online.
6. Evenflo Infant Soft Carrier Baby Carrier.
One of the least expensive baby carriers on the market, this breathable Evenflo carrier packs some great bang for the (very little) buck! Coming in less than $20, this baby carrier is available in the gray chevron pattern (pictured to the right), a gray and neon yellow pattern, and a black and neon pink color. We only tested the gray chevron version, and we were impressed by the simplicity, fabric quality, versatility, and comfort. Out of the box, the fabric feels reasonably soft but also durable, and the buckles and adjustments feel like decent quality. The entire thing is very lightweight, and the shoulder strap padding is surprisingly thick and soft. It includes a removable drool bib, and a little instruction manual to help you figure out fit and configurations. Speaking of configurations, it can be used inward-facing and outward-facing, and with or without the fold-down neck support pad (depending on baby's age and configuration). It supports babies as small as 7 pounds and as large as 26 pounds. Your baby's back or tummy is up against mesh fabric that provides a bit of breathability for warmer months. Putting the carrier on was simple, and we appreciated the cross-strap configuration of the shoulder straps, which tends to be much more comfortable than vertical straps. The cross-straps use a clever set of slits that allow it to adjust automatically to you when you tighten or loosen the bottom strap adjustments. It's overall pretty comfortable and we tested it with an 8-week old baby facing in and a 6-month old baby facing out. It's surprisingly large and is a good baby carrier for plus-size moms or dads given its range of adjustments. Everything worked perfectly well, but it's overall pretty minimalistic. It's missing many of the features of the pricier carriers, such as a more ergonomic position for your baby's legs and hips, a zip-down panel for airflow and temperature control, a hood, storage pockets, adjustable bottom width to accommodate a growing baby, or a back-carry option. But for less than 20 bucks, you're getting a reliable, reasonably comfortable, and decently versatile (in terms of weight range and carry positions) baby carrier. Interested? You can check out the Evenflo Breathable Soft Baby Carriers here!
7. You+Me 4-in-1 Ergonomic Baby Carrier.
This is a great back-to-basics soft-structured carrier with some great versatility, especially given the price point of only about $30. There are 4 carry options: front-carry facing in (regular newborn and wide-seat for toddlers), front-carry facing out (6+ months), and back carry (regular newborn and wide-seat for toddlers). It's a bit misleading to suggest that this carrier is as versatile as many of the others on thist list, since they include the two seat width options as additional carry positions. In any event, this is one of the best baby carriers on the market for parents looking for something a bit cheaper without compromising a ton on versatility. It supports babies from 8-32 pounds, has a breathable 3D cool mesh lining that helps with airflow (though it doesn't open on the back so it's not as effective with airflow as many other cool mesh carriers). The carrier is machine washable, and includes a bandana style bib that helps double as a drool guard for the front. In our testing we found it to be comfortable and versatile, the shoulder straps to be sufficiently padded, and the shoulder and waist straps to be sufficiently adjustable for plus-sized (or otherwise big or tall) parents. However, we also found it to be really pretty small overall, especially for taller babies who need more upper support - even with the upper headrest support in the up position, it was pretty limited. The overall security of the straps was a limited as well - especially with the forward-facing front position, we never felt completely secure and the straps weren't very comfortable for longer journeys. Finally, the buckles and adjustments didn't feel very high quality - nothing ever broke or malfunctioned for us, but it felt like a $30 carrier. So overall, this baby carrier offers a nice, versatile option for parents looking for somethign simpler and cheaper, but don't expect any superior levels of comfort, adjustment, or quality
Some details about the factors we consider when finding the best baby carriers of 2020:
For full details about how to choose a baby carrier, check out our new baby carrier buying guide! Babies love being held close to mom or dad, feeling the warm comfort of their chest and the gentle rhythm of their breathing and heartbeat. But unless you're Ronda Rousey or Mark Wahlberg, your arms and shoulders are going to get very tired from lugging around a growing baby all day. That's where baby wraps and slings (see our best wrap baby carriers and slings here), and soft-structured baby carriers come in! Each year, there are several new entrants into the baby carrier market, like the Baby Ktan and several random Chinese brands that saturate eBay and Amazon, making it harder to make an informed decision about which ones are best for you and your baby. Now that we've mentioned Baby Ktan, while we don't include their carrier in this list, you can find our review of the Baby Ktan Original and Breeze carriers in our baby wraps article.
Soft structured carriers are the most popular and versatile baby carrier option and come in many different shapes, sizes, prices, and quality levels. Most can be strapped on your front or back to carry the baby forward- or backward-looking, and are well tested for safety and durability. Rather than a wrap (like the Solly Baby, Boba, or Moby), soft structured carriers have an intrinsic padded structure that gives the baby reliable support, minimizing the risk of your baby wiggling into odd positions like you sometimes see with a wrap or sling. Not quite as customizable as the wrap carriers, and not quite as convenient to pack away for travel, but definitely a more user-friendly option without the major learning curve of a wrap carrier that involves wrapping and tying. However, there are some very important things to look for in a baby carrier, including Ergonomics, Versatility, Safety, Reliability, Ease of Use, Comfort, Breathability, and Cost. Below are some details about how we evaluate each of these factors.
Ergonomics. To ensure proper hip and back development, the ergonomics of a baby carrier are very important. There are a few things to look for here. First, you want your newborn infant (first couple months) to adopt the C spinal alignment, which means there is a nice curvature to your baby's back, with legs tucked up. This is called the "fetal tuck" position, and it reduces pressure on the spine and hips, promoting calmness and easier digestion. Second, you want your infant (3+ months) baby's buttocks and hamstrings to be supported, putting the baby into a "frog leg" position. In other words, you never want the legs to be dangling down below the carrier (just from the calves down), and this is true for at least the first couple years of life. When testing out the carriers, we looked for the fetal tuck for newborns, and a maintained frog leg position for infants, toddlers, and bigger kids. Of course, we also need to think about ergonomics for mom and dad, not just for baby. As your baby gets heavier, you will realize that ergonomics will become increasingly important to maintain back, shoulder, neck, and hip comfort. The great carriers have criss-crossing shoulder straps that serve to more evenly distribute weight, and big wide waist belts to help take some weight off of your shoulders. The Lillebaby's Complete series is a great example of that. This is essential for wearing the baby on your front, or on the rear as a baby backpack. Note that one common issue is compatibility between diaper bags and baby carriers: when you're baby-wearing, it's cumbersome to also carry a diaper bag. Some of the best carriers have storage pockets that can fit some baby essentials, like a diaper and wipes, a pacifier, and maybe some other small baby gear items.
Versatility. Gone are the days when a baby carrier can only support a single carrying position. You no longer need separate infant, toddler, big kid, and hiking (back) carriers. Nowadays, if you invest in a carrier for newborns, it will be versatile enough to support multiple carrying positions as the baby grows into a toddler and beyond. At the low end, some carriers have 2 positions, usually forward-facing and backward-facing. At the high end, carriers have six positions, including backward-facing newborn (fetal tuck), backward-facing infant (legs out), forward-facing toddler, backward-facing toddler (without as much head support as the infant position), hip sling, and back carrier (like a hiking carrier). The best ones tend to be more versatile and last from newborn (about 7+ pounds) until about 4 years old (about 40 pounds), but they also tend to be the most expensive ones.
Safety & Reliability. There is no more important factor to consider than safety. There are a lot of factors to consider here. How is the stitching along the important seams, and where the buckles and zippers attach? What is the quality of the zippers? What is the quality of the clips, fasteners, adjustment slides and loops, and Velcro? How do these components stand the test of time, with repeated wearing and adjustment? Many carriers use lower quality connectors, fabrics, and stitching, and don't do well with repeated wearing. The last thing you want is a malfunction of a weight-bearing component. Safety also considers the baby position, the breathability of the fabric, and the appropriate head and neck support. Our testing considered short-term hands-on use, and reviews from long-term use, pulling together a wide range of data regarding these safety considerations. Note that we do not include any ring sling style carriers on our list, given the safety concerns with these carriers. Specifically, while ring slings can be very comfortable and safe baby carriers, there have been some cases of misuse and negligence. That doesn't mean that you can't use a ring sling, just that you need to be more careful. Here's a good article from Mayo Clinic summarizing that point.
Ease of Use. Some carriers look great, feel great, are super comfortable and reliable, but are a total pain in the butt to put on, take off, or adjust. Carriers have come a long way in terms of convenience and ease of use, but some are still quite poor in this regard. Our best carriers list carefully considers ease of donning, doffing, and adjusting the carrier.
Comfort & Breathability. After ergonomics are considered and you are certain the baby is in a proper position for safe carrying, comfort is a determining factor as to whether the baby will be happy and comfortable for an extended journey. The padding needs to be in the right places: along the back contour, where arms and legs meet open air, on the bum, and wherever a body part might come in contact with a fastening or adjustment component. Less padding around the head and face to ensure breathability and high airflow where it matters.
Cost. Carriers vary widely in pricing, from as low as about $25, to upwards of $200 for the higher quality and more versatile ones with all the bells and whistles. Because our list values versatility, reliability, comfort, safety, etc, it also tends to include some of the more expensive carriers, with a lower price range around $100, up to around $150. We do provide some very limited reviews of lower cost (and limited feature) options toward the end of this article. In that section, we consider the NimNik, Mo+m Classic, Bebamour, Infantino Cuddle Up, and Mother Nest carriers. Some of these less expensive options have some great features and can make a really great baby registry gift.
{wbamp-form end}
{wbamp-meta name="image" url="https://mommyhood101.com/images/Best-Baby-Carriers.jpg" width="1200" height="800"}
{wbamp-show start}
{headtag:customtag} {/headtag}
THE %(site_name)s COMMUNITY
-
umkhaloodie
3864140 pt -
Ch
3396455 pt -
jesusmsanchezl
2453003 pt -
weddingblog2011
2205852 pt