Best Baby Carriers: Which Ones Are Easiest To Put On & Safest For Babies?
Author: Francesca, Founder and CEO, EasyTot
When selecting a baby carrier, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and comfort, guided by the standards set by authoritative institutions. A key consideration is ensuring that the carrier is certified as “hip healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI). This is the list of baby carriers certified "hip-healthy". This certification indicates that the carrier promotes proper hip development, which is essential given the significant amount of time a baby might spend in it daily.
Equally important is verifying that the carrier complies with CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. These certifications ensure that the carrier meets rigorous safety requirements. While it may be tempting to opt for more affordable alternatives found online, often referred to as “dupes,” it is vital to approach such options with caution. Reports of poor-quality duplicates, including issues like ripped seams or broken buckles, highlight the risks involved in compromising on quality when it comes to your baby’s safety.
In addition to these certifications, proper usage of carriers and wraps is paramount. The TICKS rule—Tight, In View, Close Enough to Kiss, Keep Chin Off Chest, and Supported Back—offers a simple yet effective guideline for ensuring that your baby is securely and safely positioned.
The main categories of carriers are baby wraps and structured carriers. Wraps, often made from softer, stretchier fabric, are particularly comforting during the newborn months, mimicking a warm embrace. On the other hand, structured carriers, with adjustable straps and buckles, provide robust support, especially as your baby grows. Both options have their merits, and the best choice depends on the specific stage of your baby’s development and your comfort.
All The Top Baby Wrap Brands
Ideal for newborns up to around 6-9 months, baby wraps provide an intimate, womb-like environment for newborns, promoting bonding and soothing. They offer versatility in carrying positions and are adjustable to fit caregivers of all sizes. Here we list all the top "hip-healthy" baby wraps ranked by price point and highlight what's unique about each brand:
- The Moby Wrap ($) is made in 100% stretchy cotton and can be used from the newborn stage till toddlerhood for both the front and hip carrying option. This is one of the most budget-friendly baby wraps owing to its simplicity as it doesn't come with clips or arm straps and requires you to create a final knot to hold the baby.
- If you are intimidated by the difficulty that comes with the basic Moby Wrap, but like the simplicity of no buckles or rings, you may want to consider the Baby K'Tan ($$) which comes with a patented double-loop design that easily slips on like a t-shirt without any hassle of wrapping or buckling. Plus, the Baby K'Tan is constructed of jersey knit cotton on one side and a perforated mesh-knit cotton on the other for added breathability.
Baby K'tanBaby K’tan Active Yoga Baby CarrierSale price$69.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K'tan Organic Baby CarrierSale price$69.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K'tan Original Baby CarrierSale price$59.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K'tan Original Baby CarrierSale price$59.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K'tan Original Baby CarrierSale price$59.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K’tan Active Oasis Baby CarrierSale price$74.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K’tan Print Baby CarrierSale price$59.95 
Baby K'tanBaby K’tan Print Baby CarrierSale price$59.95
- If you are looking for a more stylish baby wrap that includes a buckle to give you extra peace of mind that your baby is securely held, you should look at Lalabu Simple Wrap ($$$) which, in our opinion offers the most elegant cut along with buttery soft material and easiest wrapping.
LalabuSimple Wrap AshSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap FlaxSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap BrookSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap FogSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap NaturalSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap FernSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap DriftwoodSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap ClaySale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00 
LalabuSimple Wrap BlackSale price$69.30 Regular price$99.00
- For an even easier wrapping technique, we think that Mama Hangs ($$$$) tops the list with their tank top baby carrier. Designed in France and manufactured in Portugal, Mama Hangs is truly the Rolls Royce of baby carriers!
Mama hangs by luvaikaCarry & Pack - Palm TreeSale price$83.00 Regular price$127.00 
Mama HangsCarry & Pack | Tank Top Baby CarrierSale price$138.00
Hybrid Carriers
Hybrid carriers combine the ease of use of structured carriers with the flexibility of wraps, offering multiple carrying positions and ergonomic support.
- Lillebaby's hybrid carriers can be used from birth to toddlerhood in 6 different positions and accommodate many different wearing positions.
LÍLLÉbabyBaby Carrier Newborn To Toddler Complete Luxe In StarfallSale price$129.99 
LÍLLÉbabyBaby Carrier Newborn To Toddler Complete Original In BlackSale price$119.99 
LÍLLÉbabyBaby Carrier Newborn To Toddler Complete Original In StoneSale price$119.99 
LÍLLÉbabyBaby Carrier Newborn To Toddler Complete Luxe In Desert LeopardSale price$129.99 
- The Artipoppe is a well known luxury baby carrier that retails for $390 and up. We love the style but not the price tag! Artipoppe has been able to command this premium price point largely because it was first to come on the market with a carrier that is not only functional but also stylish. Since then, similarly constructed and quality carriers have emerged that are certified hip healthy like the Artipoppe and maintain the same level of quality. Our two favorites are Mama Hangs and BUMPSUIT
BUMPSUITThe Armadillo Baby Carrier - BlackSale price$275.00 
BUMPSUITThe Armadillo Baby Carrier - CloudSale price$275.00 
BUMPSUITThe Armadillo Baby Carrier - Desert RoseSale price$275.00
Ring Slings
Ring slings provide a cozy, womb-like environment while keeping the baby close to the caregiver's body. As lightweight as the most basic baby wraps, they are perfect for moms who like a boho vibe.
Baby Carriers For Dads
Dad shirts offer a unique bonding experience for dads, allowing skin-to-skin contact and promoting closeness from birth, all backed by randomized studies. They provide hands-free carrying without the need for complex wrapping or adjusting. Lalabu's dad shirts offer the most elegant cut and the softest material over any other similar product we have seen and can be used to hold newborns up to 15 lbs which is approximately a 4 month old baby. Love this simple solution? You can also get the version for moms!
Hip Carriers
In 2018, entrepreneur Tammy Rant introduced the world to TushBaby, a game-changing hip baby carrier she had invented. A hip carrier provides quick and easy access to the baby. It distributes weight evenly, reducing strain on the caregiver's back and shoulders. Following a triumphant Kickstarter campaign, TushBaby's trajectory skyrocketed. Today, five years later, the TushBaby stands as an award-winning carrier loved by celebrities and millions of moms.
While other brands have followed in the Tushbaby's footsteps and developed their own version of the hip carrier, Tushbaby remains the leader in this category and offers its hip carrier in the largest variety of prints and materials.
Want to turn the Tushbaby into a regular carrier? Just add the snug attachment to securely hold your baby with straps.
Water Carriers
If you plan to spend time by the pool with your baby, you should consider the Aquaroo baby carrier, the very first waterproof carrier made out of wetsuit material that is comfortable for water wear.
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