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One of the funniest expressions your child can say is, “look ma — no hands!” But now, you can be the one to shout it from the rooftops — so long as a quality baby carrier is involved.
These convenient and comfortable baby slings and carriers allow a parent or caregiver to safely carry their baby. They especially come in handy while taking a walk in the park (especially if you want to also carry a reusable water bottle or travel diaper bag) or grocery shopping, among other on-the-go uses.
“A baby carrier is a soft structured fabric tool that allows you to hold your baby while hands free. It’s an essential item to get things done!” Emily Forrest, registry expert and director of communications at Zola Baby, told the New York Post. “It is by far one of the most popular baby registry items that we sell on Zola Baby, and that I would recommend as a mom of two little ones.”
Ahead, we interviewed a team of baby experts, of which hand-picked the best baby carriers worth your time and money. Plus, check out our in-depth FAQ section to read up on the essential before making your purchase.
While you’re shopping, be sure to check out our expert-backed guides to the best baby cribs, baby formulas, baby swings and everyday high chairs.
“The Baby Carrier Mini is made specifically for newborns and makes those first few months of parenthood extra cozy,” Forrest told The Post, recommending this style.It has nearly 5,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone, and its adjustable seat and head support is a feature that’s adored by shoppers.
More, there are other colors and patterns to choose from, and we love its soft, lightweight and machine-washable fabrics.
Beverly Mills, divisional merchandising manager, kids, at Nordstrom, told The Post that the Solly Baby Tencel Modal Baby Wrap is one of the best — and less than $75, at that. With plenty of dreamy colors to choose from, it’s one that any parent or caregiver will love to sport when they’re on the go.
Woven from sustainable Tencel modal, the wrap can be knotted and tucked around you and your baby from newborn age up to nine-months-old. Impressively, the fabric is custom made using the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees (aka, how it’s so soft).
“This carrier offers the support and safety of any BabyBjörn carrier, but with a mesh-fabric that makes warm weather a breeze,” Forrest says, recommending this particular style that’s surely worth the splurge.
With an airy & breathable mesh makeup (that dries quickly, BTW), you’ll want to pick up this baby carrier that’s fully adjustable to make it comfy for baby.
Mills over at Nordstrom recommends the Nuna CUDL Clik Baby Carrier. Hailing from one of the best consumer baby brands in the industry (after much retail), we also recommend the baby carrier for its four magnetic locking buckles, adjustable shoulder straps, an attached hood for shade and a detachable pouch to stash your essentials.
Additionally, this style includes removable head and neck support to accommodate your growing baby.
“The Flip 4-in-1 convertible carrier is made to last and change with you from infancy to toddlerhood,” Forrest said, recommending best-selling brand, Infantino.
For less than $50, the model upholds a whopping 64,000 rave reviews on Amazon alone — and counting — along with an adjustable waist belt and plush straps.
Mills over at Nordstrom recommends the Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier — a fairly priced, hip-secure option that will ensure both you and your baby are comfortable.
Specifically, this style helps “reduces muscular strain on the spine while holding baby, without the use of confusing straps,” per the brand’s description, and it’s found at a variety of online retailers, too.
“The Baby K’tan Pre-Wrapped Ready to Wear Baby Carrier delivers a wrap-style baby carrier without a parent having to do the wrapping,” Forrest notes, recommending this soft and comfortable sling. This this cotton jersey carrier lets you and your baby bond closely, too.
According to the product’s description, order one size down if you’re between sizes or unsure of sizing.
The ERGObaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is one Mills over at Nordstrom swears by, especially for its breathable mesh design and bounty of match-all colors — ideal for both men and women.
Specifically, it features cushioned shoulder straps and padded lumbar support for ergonomic comfort. You’ll also appreciate its adjustable shoulder, waist and chest straps, along with side pockets and a storage pouch. It’s the quintessential options for errands, and its reflective detailing is also on the carrier’s exterior for extra safety.
An FAQ on Baby Carrierrs
Ahead, our team of baby experts explain what to look for in a quality baby carrier before shopping for one (plus, other notes on these common registry items).
What is a baby carrier?
Though you can probably understand what a baby carrier is by now, we asked for a pinpoint-accurate definition to best explain its true purpose and age requirements.
“Baby carriers are used to hold babies from birth into their toddler years in a comfortable and wearable way,” Mills told The Post. “They usually feature adjustable straps that make it easy to lift out a sleeping newborn, with a size and head support that can be adjusted to a growing baby.”
Depending on a baby’s age, the wearer can choose whether to use the facing-in or facing-out position.
What are the benefits of using a baby carrier?
TLDR: baby carriers allow caregivers to be physically close with the baby while being hands free. “They’re a great way of keeping the baby comfortable and secure,” Mills adds.
More, Forrest said that she used her baby carrier so often while her children were little. “They are 2- and 4-years-old now, and I do miss that snuggle!” she said. “My favorite part about the baby carrier is that it allowed me to be hands free while on-the-go.”
Versatile and comfortable, baby carriers allow both parent and/or caregiver and baby to do things together. “I loved to take walks, and to be able to pop them into the carrier easily and go about my daily activities as much as I could,” Forrest adds.
What to look for when shopping for a baby carrier, per experts
Most importantly, every baby carrier on the market has to be in compliance with the mandatory safety guidelines. “Some other criteria to consider is its functionality, longevity and comfortability when considering which carrier is best for you and your baby,” Forrest notes.
You’ll also want to consider your lifestyle, budget and preferred look.
Ahead, the New York Post Shopping team compiled a list of our expert-recommended criteria for you to keep in mind:
- Longevity: If you want a carrier that lasts into the toddler years, you’ll need one that can accommodate a higher weight and has front-facing positions. Just want it for infancy? Consider one that creates a cozy environment for lots of cuddling.
- Comfort: This applies to both you and your baby. The seat of any carrier should allow your baby’s legs to be in the hip-healthy ‘M’ position. For you, think about how much back and shoulder support you’ll need. If you plan on wearing your baby for hours at a time, look for padded shoulder straps and lumbar support.
- Fit: Some carriers can easily adjust to different caregiver’s bodies while others need to be perfectly sized to one individual. This matters if you plan on sharing the carrier with another person.
- Ease of use: Getting a wrap on involves a multi-step process, while ring slings and soft structured carriers are easier to put on. Review the directions for a carrier before you make the purchase. Also, wraps and slings can typically be tucked into a diaper bag while soft-structured carriers are usually too bulky.
- Climate: Lightweight fabrics and breathable mesh are best for warmer weather while heavy knits and padding are perfect for colder temps.
- Care: Babies are messy (hello: spit-up and drool) but not all carriers are machine washable. Check labels for washing instructions.
The different types of baby carriers, explained by experts
Much like car seats, baby carriers come in a wealth of styles and options.
“Whether you’re looking for a soft structured carrier which is padded with buckles and straps or a wrap carrier, don’t shy away from adding multiple carriers to your registry,” Forrest advises. “I was lucky to be gifted both a wrap carrier, as well as a more structured carrier, and I used them both.”
She also preferred one carrier, while her husband preferred the other. “Many of my friends also used ring slings, which had less structure and a ring fixture to hold the baby in place, as well as more adventurous backpack carriers for adventures like hiking and taking longer walks,” she adds.
What materials are baby carriers typically made from?
According to Mills, baby carriers are typically made from PFC-free fabrics and recycled polyester, “but it all depends on the brand and carrier type.”
Carriers are often made out of cotton which is breathable and soft (and, most importantly, easy to clean).
“Carriers are also made of mesh which helps with ventilation, organic fabric that is eco-friendly and ergonomic padding that helps with comfortability for the adult and baby,” Forrest said.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
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