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Jan 20, 2024

Best Baby Carriers of 2023

by Baby Chick Editors Babywearing is a game changer in the marathon of

by Baby Chick Editors

Babywearing is a game changer in the marathon of raising tiny humans. You need an excellent baby carrier. Or a wearable carrying device that allows you to keep your baby close and your hands free. But the number of carriers on the market might be overwhelming. We’ve rounded up our top picks so you (and your back) can find comfort.

Babywearing can be done from when your baby is born through their toddler years. There are many benefits to babywearing, including the following:

Many great baby carrier options exist, but no two are exactly alike. They tend to vary quite a bit. Here's what you’ll want to consider when searching for your perfect fit.

After comparing parent reviews, doing thorough research, and testing dozens of baby carriers, we’ve compiled our favorites that made our Chick Picks below.

Best Overall (Tie): Lillebaby Complete 6-in-1 Baby Carrier

This structured carrier supports babies from 7-45 lbs. and features dense, plush shoulder and waist belt padding, a wide waist belt and solid lumbar support for superior comfort, and adjustable straps worn straight or crossed on the back. It's easy to wear and adjust and has an optional front panel revealing a mesh opening for convenient temperature regulation. The Lillebaby Complete is a parent favorite, offering excellent support, superior comfort, and unique versatility for you and your baby.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: The Lillebaby Complete is the only baby carrier you’ll ever need (although Lillebaby's impressive selection of colors, designs, and models will tempt you to purchase a second . . . or third). It provides excellent comfort, versatility, and support and is built to meet you and your baby at whatever stage you’re in.

Best Overall (Tie): ErgoBaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

Another structured carrier suitable for all seasons and babies 7-45 lbs., the Omni 360 supports an array of carry positions and is made to fit all caregivers comfortably. ErgoBaby Omni 360 is ergonomic in every position and features crossable straps, breathable mesh, and a detachable storage pouch.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: The ErgoBaby Omni 360 makes babywearing simple and enjoyable with its straightforward yet customizable design; it's perfect for "anytime" babywearing and spans the test of time as the baby grows.

Best For Structured Carrier for Newborns: BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini

BabyBjorn's Carrier Mini — available in 3D mesh, 3D jersey, and satin-woven cotton— is the perfect first baby carrier for newborns. Its flexible, easy-to-adjust design makes babywearing a breeze for new parents of babies 7-24 lbs.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Moms and dads have come to love BabyBjorn as a go-to for quality baby gear, making it no surprise that the Baby Carrier Mini is well-loved. Parents appreciate how straightforward this pick is to use and the comfortable support and classic style it offers.

Best Baby Wrap: Moby Classic Wrap Baby Carrier

The Moby Classic Wrap boasts superior softness and a cozy, slightly stretchy fit that is easy to customize to ensure the perfect support and comfort as the baby grows. Intended for babies 8 to 33 lbs., the Moby Classic Wrap can be used for front and hip carrying.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: The Moby Classic Baby Wrap is soft, stretchy, and cozy for both mom and baby. It is available in various colors and styles and seamlessly fits wearers of all sizes. The Moby Classic Baby Wrap is a perfect option for anyone wanting to try out the closeness and coziness unique to wrap wearing!

Runner-Up, Best Baby Wrap (Tie): Solly Baby Wrap

This buttery-soft, lightweight baby wrap is made from 100% certified TENCEL Modal and keeps babies 8-25 lbs. snug, safe, and cozy. Solly Baby Wrap comes in an array of heirloom-quality colors and prints, yielding a product that's both functional and beautiful.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: The Solly Baby Wrap looks and feels like luxury (or a big hug for Mama and her baby). While wearing a wrap can be intimidating, Solly's video tutorials and customer service make mastering the learning curve simple.

Runner-Up, Best Baby Wrap (Tie): Boba Baby Classic Wrap

This one-size-fits-all baby wrap is made from a cozy 95% French terry cotton blend and supports babies 7 lbs. and up with its inward-facing carry. Boba's Classic Wrap provides comfort and peace of mind, offering an ergonomic design that guarantees proper weight distribution.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Parents love the comfort and stretch of the Boba Wrap, claiming it grows and adjusts with the baby (and caregiver) seamlessly. Parents especially love this wrap for newborn days, frequently referencing its role in promoting everyday bonding.

Best Ring Sling: Wildbird Ring Sling

The Wildbird Ring Sling is available in both linen and modal, both of which come in standard length (74 inches) and long (90 inches) and various unique colors and prints. Furthermore, customers select between bronze, rose gold, and black rings. Wildbird Ring Slings are made for babies 8-35 lbs.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: The Wildbird Ring Sling is quick, easy to use, and secure – making it perfect for newborns and toddlers. Parents also love how stylish and customizable this carrier is.

Runner-Up, Best Ring Sling: Hope & Plum Ring Sling

This compact ring sling provides three carry positions and supports babies 8-35 lbs. Handmade by moms for moms with natural dyes and fibers, Hope & Plum's Ring Slings are size-inclusive carriers boasting four adjustable lengths. This particular carrier is available in both hemp and linen blends.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Parents appreciate Hope & Plum's dedication to babywearing size inclusivity, eco-friendliness, and gorgeous designs, as well as the simplicity of use this carrier provides.

Best Ready-to-Wear: Baby K'tan Baby Carrier

Baby K'tan is a pre-wrapped, ready-to-wear baby carrier that fits like a T-shirt and evenly distributes weight across the back and shoulders. This cotton wrap offers five carry positions and is individually sized from XXS to extra large for a precise, custom fit.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Baby K'tan is applauded for its individualized sizing approach and T-shirt-like comfort. Parents note the simplicity of the wrap, pointing out its readiness for wearing straight out of the box. Parents also appreciate how easy it is to wash this carrier.

Best Compact: Tula Lite Baby Carrier

The Tula Lite is truly one of a kind in that it can conveniently be packed into its own waistband when not in use, making it an obvious option for taking on the go. Tula Lite is made of quick-drying ripstop material, includes a detachable hood, and is safe for babies 12-30 lbs.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Parents love the ability to pack Tula Lite away quickly and easily, raving about its lightweight and portable design. In addition, parents appreciate the front-hip storage pouch and durable fabric – especially for outdoor use.

Best High-End: Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier

Artipoppe Zeitgeist is a luxury structured baby carrier made to be easily adjustable for newborn through toddler babywearing (7-45 lbs.). Artipoppe prides itself on its high-quality fabrics, including organic cotton, cashmere, velvet, and silk. Artipoppe offers four sizing positions, and three carry positions, and ergonomic support.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Artipoppe is renowned for being considered the carrier to wear if you want to make a statement (and enjoy your baby-wearing journey to the fullest). Parents choose Artipoppe for its step-above-the-rest luxury design and fall in love with it for its unparalleled comfort and ease of use.

Best Babywearing Shirt (Especially for Dads!): Lalabu Dad Shirt

The Lalabu Dad Shirt is the first (and arguably best) baby-wearing shirt out there. Available in sizes S-2XL, the Dad Shirt allows dads (or moms, if you’re lucky enough to grab it from your partner's closet before he makes it his everyday go-to) to tuck baby into an open front pouch and proceed as normal. Safe for 7-15 lbs.

Why We Love It:

Parent's Thoughts: Dads are big fans of this especially-for-them carrier, noting user-friendliness and simple, dad-approved style as favorite aspects of the shirt. Moms deem it a win for its gift-worthiness, seamless ability to promote daddy-baby (or mama-baby!) bonding in the newborn phase, and sturdy, high-quality fabric.

Regardless of your baby carrier of choice, it's essential to remember key safety guidelines for babywearing. For example:

With countless options for baby carriers on the market these days, you’re sure to find one that's just the right fit for you and your little bundle. While you should certainly take the time to select the carrier that makes the most sense for your personal preferences and needs, we hope these picks help you to find one you love. Happy babywearing!

This article contains affiliate links. These opinions are our own. However, if you buy something, we may earn a small commission, which helps us keep our content free to our readers. Check out our Chick Picks Shop to see more of our recommended products. It's our carefully curated shop of products we love and recommend! ❤️

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