The Best Carriers And Slings in 2019

Baby carriers are one of 2019’s must-have baby items. They have gone from niche item to mainstream necessity in just a few short years, and it’s not hard to see why. A baby carrier, wrap or sling lets you keep your arms free to get on with other things. Whether that’s holding hands with your older child, tidying the house, or eating biscuits – you’ll have your hands free while still keeping your baby close.

Baby slings and wraps may seem like a relatively recent trend, but they have been used by countless generations of parents looking for safe and convenient ways to transport their babies. From the Rebozos used to carry babies in Mexico to the Kangas or Kitenges used by parents in Africa, baby wraps are popular around the world.

Do I need baby carriers and slings?

Yes, you need a baby carrier. Some parents get more use out of them than others, but it’s definitely worth having one. You might use it at home with a fussy baby so that you can get on with work or sorting laundry. You might find it particularly useful when your baby is clingy or under the weather when they don’t want to be put down but you have things to do. You might use it for countryside walks on terrain your stroller would struggle with. Or, perhaps, you’ll use it for every outing until your baby is too heavy for you to carry anymore.

A baby wrap or carrier isn’t just great for convenience, it can also help you to bond with your baby. When your little one is nuzzled safely in the baby sling, they’re getting a hands-free hug from you. They can hear your heart beating in your chest, feel the warmth of your skin, and smell your reassuring scent. And you benefit from being able to keep a close eye on your baby even while you’re out and about. And, of course, all the gorgeous newborn head sniffs you desire!

What type of baby carriers and sling, wraps is right for me?

You’re probably wondering what is the best sling? The best sling for you will depend on lots of different factors including your budget, how long you want to use it for, and what type of sling you feel most comfortable using. You’re probably keen to know what is the most comfortable baby carrier? The most comfortable baby carrier will depend upon your body shape, how long you wear it and what you use it for. There are a few different styles of baby carriers, wraps and slings to choose from, including:

• • Soft structured carriers or Mei Tais – A soft structured carrier has a waistband and shoulder straps with buckles to take the stress out of babywearing. They are designed to distribute your baby’s weight evenly and allow you to carry your baby comfortably. A Mei Tai is similar in design but the straps are usually knotted together rather than buckled when in use.
  • Wraps – Wraps consist of a single length of fabric. These can be made from stretchy fabrics (stretchy wraps) or fabrics with less give (woven wraps). There are different ties and carries to learn, so the wraps can be used in different ways as your baby grows. Some beginners find wraps intimidating, but there are plenty of YouTube tutorials showing how to perfect each carrying position.
• • Ring Slings – A ring sling is similar to a wrap, but it has two small rings attached at one end. This allows the wrap to be easily adjusted. A ring sling can be used to hold a baby on your front, hip and back. Many parents choose a ring sling as a gentle introduction to babywearing.
• • Backpack Carriers – Backpack Carriers have metal frames and are worn like a backpack (duh). The baby sits high up on the parent’s back. These carriers are usually worn by parents during hikes and long walks. They are only suitable for babies who can sit unaided
• • Bag Slings – Bag Slings are no longer recommended for safety reasons. As you may have guessed from the name, they look similar to handbags. They usually consist of a cross-body strap which fits over one shoulder and a ‘bag’ or ‘pouch’. These slings are considered dangerous because of the unsafe positions babies end up in.

The Best Baby Carriers and Slings in 2019

What are the best baby carriers? The results are in, we can reveal the best baby carriers of 2019. Here are our top picks for baby slings, wraps and carriers:

Baby Carriers and Slings #1: Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier

If you’re feeling intimidated by the huge lengths of fabric involved in some wraps, then the Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier might be for you. Though it works in a similar way to a stretchy wrap, it consists of just two loops of fabric joined together for ease of use. It can be used in a variety of ways, allowing you to find a position that’s comfortable for you and your baby.

The Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier fits tightly around you and your baby to ensure your baby is safely held close to your body. Though it has the name carrier in the title, it looks more like a wrap. To make things easier, however, it doesn’t necessitate any actual wrapping! The Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier looks and acts like a wrap, but you don’t have to worry about doing the fiddly wrapping.

This carrier can be used in five different positions including the Kangaroo Hold, the Hug Hold, the Explorer Hold, the Adventure Hold and the Hip Hold. The Baby K’Tan Baby Carrier is suitable for babies from eight to 35 lbs.

Cons:

It’s important to be aware that carrying your baby in an outward facing position can lead to overstimulation so this is only recommended for short periods. Some parents have found the snug fit of this wrap to be uncomfortable, so you may want to try it on for size before you buy. The wrap comes in clothes sizes, so if you are a different size to your partner, you’ll need to have two separate wraps if you both want to use it.

Baby Carriers and Slings #2: Solly Baby Wrap

Solly Baby Wraps have what can only be described as a cult following in the US. People who have these wraps, love them. The Solly Baby Wrap is a lightweight wrap made from a sustainable fabric which is soft to the touch. This wrap comes in a variety of colors and patterns, so you will be able to find one that feels like you. The lightweight fabric means it’s easy to keep this wrap in your diaper bag for if and when you need it. The wrap has a pocket sewn into one end so you can fold the wrap up inside itself for easy transportation.

The soft fabric makes the wrap feel luxurious, and the gorgeous designs make it feel like part of your outfit rather than a baby product. The breathable fabric helps to keep you cool while you’re carrying your baby. The Solly Baby Wrap is machine washable which means it’s not too much of a hassle to clean after the inevitable spills, leaks and more. You can even stick them in the dryer on a low heat. The Solly Baby Wrap is suitable from birth right up to 25 lbs.

Cons:

The Solly Wrap is a single length of fabric that you wrap around yourself. If that sounds overwhelming, you might be better with a buckled carrier so you don’t need to wrap or tie it yourself. The Solly Baby Wrap is only suitable for babies up to 25 lbs, so it won’t last your baby as long as some of the other wraps on the market.

Baby Carriers and Slings #3: Moby Classic Wrap

The Moby Classic Wrap is probably one of the best-known slings on the market. It consists of one long length of stretchy fabric which you tie around yourself to create a safe space for your baby. Though it looks complicated to use, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to teach you how to wrap your baby safely with the Moby Classic Wrap.

The Moby Classic Wrap is suitable for babies from eight to 35 lbs. This wrap comes in a variety of colors so you should be able to find one you love. The Classic Wrap is made from a thick, soft fabric that will keep you and your baby warm on colder days.

The Moby Classic Wrap is perfect for wrapping up your newborn baby and enjoying that fourth trimester with your baby held close to your chest. The wrap holds your baby securely in place so you can have your hands free for other things. This wrap is great for skin-to-skin time. You can wrap your diapered baby against your bare skin and then move around your home or enjoy a snuggle on the sofa.

Cons:

Though it is easy once you get the hang of it, this style of baby wrap may be intimidating if you’re new to wrapping. It is one strip of fabric that you tie around yourself, there aren’t any buckles or straps. If the idea of buckles and straps is reassuring to you, then you may not be well suited to a wrap such as this one.

The length of the fabric means that the ends may touch the floor while you’re putting the wrap on. This may not be a problem at home, but it’s not great on a city sidewalk. Some parents find this wrap is too warm, but you can counter this by reducing the layers you wear underneath.

Baby Carriers and Slings #4: BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier

The BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier is a structured carrier that gets praised by parents for its user-friendly design. It consists of two separate pieces that clip together to create a baby carrier. If the idea of a big length of fabric you wrap around yourself is terrifying to you, then you might prefer a carrier like the BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier. Your baby will feel safe and secure inside this easy-to-use carrier.

The BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier is made from 100% cotton and is machine-washable, so it’s easy to keep it looking its best. It can be used with babies from eight to 25 lbs. This carrier can be used as it is for newborn babies who weigh at least eight lbs, so you won’t need to faff around with a newborn insert.

Cons:

The weight limit for this carrier is 25 lbs, so it won’t last as long as some of the other carriers on the market. The BabyBjorn Original Baby Carrier does not have a waistband, it has two straps that cross over your back. This means the weight isn’t as well distributed as it could be, and some parents complain that it’s uncomfortable to use for long periods.

Baby Carriers and Slings #5: Lillebaby Complete All Seasons 6-in-1 Baby Carrier

The Lillebaby Complete All Seasons 6-in-1 Baby Carrier is a bit of a mouthful, but it’s also a hell of a carrier. This carrier can be used in, you guessed it, six different ways. You don’t need a newborn insert for this carrier which is always a bonus because they are surprisingly easy to misplace between babies. This carrier is suitable from seven to 45 lbs so it has a pretty long lifespan! This carrier will be with you from the newborn days right up until you can’t/don’t want to carry your child anymore.

The Lillebaby Complete All Seasons 6-in-1 Baby Carrier has a narrow setting for smaller babies and a wide setting for older babies and toddlers. This simple hack is what makes it last and separates this carrier from the other carriers on the market. It’s the details that make this carrier stand out from the crowd. For example, the temperature control center panel can be zipped up for extra warmth on cold days and opened up to reveal a cool mesh that’s perfect for the summer months.

There are six different carries you can try out. This carrier can go on your front, hip and back. The carrier is comfortable to wear and features lumbar support to ensure you are comfortable while wearing your baby.

Cons:

Some parents complain that the lumbar support prevents them from tightening the waistband to get a snug fit. While they can remove the lumbar support to fix this, they then miss out on the benefits on the lumbar support. For this reason, it’s wise to try this carrier on before buying so you can make sure the waistband fits around your waist comfortably.

Baby Carriers and Slings #6: Ergobaby New 360 Baby Carrier

Ergobaby is a well-respected baby carrier brand, and you’ve probably already been recommended them at least a few times since announcing your pregnancy! Parents rave about this brand, and it’s not hard to see why. You probably want to know what Ergobaby carrier is best? The Ergobaby New 360 Baby Carrier is our favourite Ergobaby carrier, we think it’s the best. This carrier was designed with comfort in mind. This soft structured carrier is suitable for babies from seven to 33 lbs.

The Ergobaby New 360 Baby Carrier can be used in a forward-facing position which appeals to many parents who want their babies to face outwards in the carrier. The carrier can be used on your front, back and hip. The Ergobaby New 360 Carrier is really comfortable to wear. The padded shoulder straps mean it feels comfortable even for longer periods. The waistband provides extra support which is why so many parents recommend these carriers.

Cons:

If you want to use the Ergobaby New 360 Baby Carrier you will need a newborn insert. These aren’t sold as standard so you’ll need to either buy a bundle or buy one separately. The waistband fixes closed with the help of velcro which some parents have found frustratingly noisy when sleeping babies are involved. This is a bulky carrier which means it’s not ideal to carry in your diaper bag just in case.

FAQ Section

What is the easiest baby wrap?

Most baby wraps are of a similar design. They tend to be a single length of fabric with a placeholder tag in the middle so you can get the positioning right when you put the wrap on. With this in mind, they are all pretty easy to put on. You’ll probably need to watch some YouTube tutorials to get an idea of what you’re doing. And you may want to try putting it on in front of a mirror the first few times so you can see whether it looks right.

Stretchy wraps are ideal beginner wraps because they are relatively easy to put on and are the perfect wraps for newborn snuggles. Woven wraps are a little trickier to put on at first, but there are plenty of YouTube tutorials showing you how to do it correctly.

Which baby carrier is easiest to put on?

If you’re about to buy your first baby carrier, you’re probably wondering which baby carrier is easiest to put on. You will be pleased to hear that none of the baby carriers on the market require a rocket science degree in order to use them. While it’s true that some may seem easier to use than others, they are all actually pretty straight forward.

If you are looking for an easy baby carrier, wrap or sling you can put on in seconds, a buckled carrier may be the best option for you. A buckled carrier is exactly what it sounds like, it has buckles that make it easy to secure quickly. Baby wraps may look complicated to use, but they are easy as soon as you get the hang of them – it just takes a little practice. Try out a few different styles of baby carrier, sling or wrap before you buy one, this will help you to find the right style for you.

How long can you carry a baby in a carrier?

How long you can carry a baby in a carrier depends on the carrier you choose. Some carriers, slings and wraps are more comfortable than others. Some are better suited to certain body types. Others are perfect with newborns but uncomfortable with older babies. If you find that you are unable to use your baby carrier for long periods, you should try out a different style of carrier and see if that is any better. Just because your baby has outgrown one carrier it doesn’t mean your babywearing days are over.

Can you put a newborn in a baby wrap?

You will need to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see whether your wrap or carrier is suitable from birth. Some carriers have a minimum weight allowance of seven or eight lbs. Most wraps, however, are suitable from birth. They are even used to provide kangaroo care to premature babies in hospitals.

Can I try out different baby carriers before I buy?

Yes, you absolutely can (and should) try out different baby carriers before you buy. The best way to do this is by going along to your local sling library meetup. Local sling libraries hold a collection of slings, wraps and carriers so that people can try them out and see which style they like best. You may even be able to rent a carrier for a couple of weeks so that you can see how you get on with it.

If your local area doesn’t have a sling library, you could try asking friends if they would let you try out their slings. Having somebody show you how to use a carrier or sling will help to build your confidence when it comes to wearing your baby.

Are slings bad for babies hips?

You won’t want to use a sling, wrap or carrier that could be bad for your baby’s hips. This is why it’s important to know aboutproper positioning. With a newborn baby, their legs will likely be tucked up in the sling with them. As your baby grows, however, you will want to ensure that their legs do not dangle from a narrow harness that may put stress on their crotch (these types of carriers are sometimes referred to as ‘crotch danglers’. Your baby’s legs should sit in the ‘m’ position, with the carrier supporting them from knee to knee.

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute states:

“Some types of baby carriers and other equipment may interfere with healthy hip positioning. Such devices include but are not limited to baby carriers, slings and wraps. These devices could inadvertently place hips in an unhealthy position, especially when used for extended periods of time. Any device that restrains a baby’s legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development.”

To find out more about carriers and slings, you can read BellyBelly’s article:

Choosing a Baby Carrier Or Sling