There's something incredibly special about holding a child close, whether it’s out and about, around the house, or just to help soothe them to sleep. However, holding them in your arms is not always a possibility, and baby carriers or slings can be an invaluable “hands-free” way to keep a child safe for any parent or carer when handling everyday tasks, for travel, or when out walking or hiking in hot weather.
From semi-structured with hoodies to stretchy wraps, we have a selection suitable for newborns, older babies, and toddlers alike, so we've put together a guide to help all you mums, dads, and caregivers choose a carrier. Browse through the 10 most suitable products from Amazon, Argos, and Boots. Offering good back support, especially for those who are breastfeeding, from popular brands such as Tula, BabyBjörn, Ergobaby and Infantino.
Quick List - Top Baby Carriers
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
Table of Contents
There are many types of carriers available and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to work out which one is which, and how to pick for your needs. We’ve put together a guide to demystify the world of slings, which should help out both first-time parents and larger families alike.
There are various types of baby carrier available, ranging from simple wraps to structured and framed designs. In this section, we’ll summarise the key types and how they work best, as well as advice on the different ways they can be worn. So, think about your needs in terms of adjustability, support, and where you'll be wearing them.
Structured or semi-structured carriers are designed with a sturdy frame to create a similar sensation to sitting in a chair. Usually, a semi-structured baby carrier has adjustable straps which allow you to stretch the carrier's size as the baby starts to grow.
The most structured carriers are only slightly adjustable and include metal-framed backpacks that are ideal for outdoor pursuits like hiking. As well as being known as the most convenient design, they are particularly useful if more than one carer intends to carry a child or for use with different children, as they can be altered to accommodate different sizes of both wearer and child.
Wraps are essentially long strips of fabric that are wrapped around both wearer and baby. They are known and praised for being a lovely, secure way to hold the baby close. There are many ways of wrapping them, so they're very versatile in the number of positions you can carry your baby in.
They are ideal for younger babies, as the fabric allows you to tie it on, then stretch the fabric to put the baby in the snug pocket you’ve created. They can be used from birth, even with small babies, and can be used for breastfeeding as well.
They are best used with younger babies of up to nine or so months, although they can be used up to around 12.5 kg, as the stretch in the fabric means that heavier babies can sag a bit.
Mei tais are a semi-structured baby carrier comprising a padded rectangle of fabric with long straps to tie around the wearer. This offers a similar versatility for adjusting to different-sized wearers and children to buckled carriers – in fact, some semi-structured buckle carriers are actually mei tais with buckles.
Mei tais can suit quite a wide age range, although they are generally not suitable for very small babies. Children can also be worn on the front or back which is convenient for outings with the whole family.
There are three different ways to secure your baby carrier into place; knotting it, looping it, or buckling it. Here, we'll show you just how each of those methods can save you time and stress when travelling with the youngsters.
Knots are a fantastic way to lock the carrier into a tight grip without ever becoming loosened throughout the day. You can be sure that thanks to your own knotting skills, you can throw the carrier around your back and it will fit like a glove every time.
That said, if you'd like a little more validation that the baby is safe, you can always use a ring to add an extra layer of protection. Trapping the fabric between two metal or plastic rings can not only ensure a tight hold but can also be used in many different styles from wraps to semi-structured carriers.
Buckle fasteners are most often seen on structured and semi-structured carriers, making them super easy to get on and off. Customising the fit is also a cinch as they have adjustable straps, too. If carrying your baby along with all of the baby bags and prams while you're on the go seems like an impossible task, you'll love the way that buckles clip together quickly and hassle-free.
The only thing to remember when shopping for a buckle-fasten carrier is that there's a slight risk of trapping skin in the buckle when babies are at the age of learning to reach and grab. As long as you feel confident and double-check before fastening, you shouldn't have any issues.
The most common material used in any baby carrier is cotton. It is a fool-proof, gentle, soft-to-touch fabric which is why it's such a reliable choice when shopping for the little ones. Polyester is another popular choice, although it isn't hypoallergenic and could cause irritation.
You'll likely find that cotton makes up the majority of the semi-structured carriers on our list, perhaps even a few wraps, too. Just be sure to bear in mind the material's stretchiness. Cotton isn't stretchy, unless mixed with an elastic, although it's super durable.
We think that it would be much more beneficial for the carrier when used for semi-structured, as opposed to a wrap carrier where stretchiness is crucial. If you're looking for a wrap with good flexibility, you should look for viscose in the specifications table.
Although many carriers are quite versatile and can be used from birth to toddlerhood (and even beyond!), hopefully you now know you'll need to think about the age and size of the child you intend to carry when deciding on a style.
While we have included general information on the suitability of each type of carrier for different age and weight categories, it is still best to check individual product measurements as they may vary – and every child is unique, after all!
We all know that children can be very messy, so it's important to know that their clothes and equipment are able to withstand trial by children! With this in mind, whilst most carriers are machine washable, it's still worth checking the specifications to be sure of easy care.
To make sure that your new baby carrier can be washed in the machine, check our specifications table below. Remember to check with the product label on purchase to see the washing instructions.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ergobaby Baby Wrap Carrier | ![]() | A Calming Body Wrap With a Hugging Fit | |
2 | Close Caboo | ![]() | The Award-Winning Budget-Friendly Baby Carrier | |
3 | Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier | ![]() | A Hip-Healthy, Adjustable Carrier With Back Support | |
4 | BabyBjörn Move | ![]() | Structured and Ergonomic Design Suitable From Birth | |
5 | Chicco Boppy Comfyfit Baby Carrier | ![]() | A Tight and Cosy Wrap With a Hidden Pouch | |
6 | Boba X Adjustable Carrier | ![]() | A Happy Combination of Cute Design and Functionality | |
7 | Hoppediz Ring Sling | ![]() | A Lightweight Sling You Can Fit In Your Bag | |
8 | Hanna Baby Stretchy Wrap | ![]() | The Ideal Supportive Sling for New Babies |
Stylish and subtle, this woven wrap will take the weight from your tired arms and hold the baby safely against your body. The Ergobaby Wrap Carrier is available to buy in a number of different colours and prints to suit your taste.
In addition, the product comes with a manual to guide you through the basics of your first few wraps. You can learn new techniques to find the most comfortable fit for both you and the little one. The flexibility of this baby carrier offers stretchy support that a structured holder would struggle to compete with.
The Close Caboo is a popular buckle-free structured carrier suitable from birth to toddlerhood. It is even suitable for premature babies, thanks to its easily adjusted straps that incorporate rings. Supporting the recommended frog-legged position for young babies, it holds the baby in an ergonomic wearing position and has won multiple awards.
Available in a number of fabrics including organic cotton and cotton blends, as well as several colour and limited edition print options, the Caboo is a good entry-level baby carrier that allows you to keep baby close and even breastfeed discreetly while leaving your hands free.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is built for comfort, offering four different carry positions and extra cushioning on the waistband and shoulder straps. Suitable from birth using the newborn insert, this carrier is made from 100% premium cotton and is machine washable, too.
It features a hood for privacy and head support while sleeping, and has also been acknowledged as 'hip healthy' by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as well as being approved by the “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (Campaign for Healthier Backs). This carrier is also great for adjustability and getting on and off quickly.
BabyBjörn is one of the most well-known baby carrier brands, and the Move is a great example of their product quality. This is a structured carrier with adjustable straps for fit customisation, as well as buckles for ease of use. It has been acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).
Machine washable and made of soft mesh, it is easy to clean, dries quickly, and is very breathable – great for longer walks. Better yet, it's an investment that'll last from newborn to toddler.
This wrap sling is incredibly versatile and available in three different colours. It's designed to be a one-sized perfect fit for most babies with soft padding and stretchy straps to provide support for both baby and wearer.
The Chic Boppy Carrier can reduce strain while keeping the baby comfortable and supported. There's even a useful zipper-close pocket tucked away on the waistbelt under the wraps so you can easily access important items like keys or wallets. It's easy to wear, lightweight, and stylish enough for any occasion.
The X is available in a number of gorgeous designs and offers the flexibility to adjust your carrier to ensure that it fits both wearer and child perfectly! With a newborn insert, this carrier is suitable from birth up to around four years, depending on size.
This carrier is certified hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and it supports babywearing in two positions, front and back. However, reviewers have said that they feel more comfortable using the front position as the buckles can often be tricky to fasten.
This sling is popular with seasoned baby wearers, and it's easy to see why. Suitable from birth until pre-school age, it can be used in a variety of methods and is even suitable for older children supported on one hip. Made from a 100% cotton broken twill weave, it's sturdy yet small, and much lighter than most.
This sling is available in a variety of attractive colours and prints and is a great budget option. However, while it is light and easy to store, it has also ranked lower on the list as the weight-bearing load is focused on one shoulder, so it's not ideal for longer periods.
Made with cotton and deliciously soft bamboo, this wrap helps regulate the baby’s temperature while providing a natural UV filter. It offers comfortable, supportive positioning for newborns and younger babies, and enables discreet breastfeeding, too.
Although it can carry up to 12.5 kg, the stretch in the fabric does mean it's less comfortable to use with heavier children. It will take time to learn the different wrapping techniques, but once you know a few it is very versatile. We've ranked this sling lower due to the higher learning curve and slightly limited lifespan.
If you're not familiar with carriers, you may wonder why you would need one. They're an invaluable aid, freeing up your hands for other tasks while also keeping your child secure and close. Children feel safer and more content when they're being snuggled, and carriers can give them that feeling of security while allowing you to get on with other things.
They can also be a quick and efficient means of transport while you’re out and about, and some of them are small and light enough to be stowed in your bag when not in use. Taking out your child can be a matter of strapping on your carrier and going, so you don’t need to look for wider spaces or ramps as you would if taking out a pushchair.
Author: Sonata Winchester
No. 1: Ergobaby|Baby Wrap Carrier
No. 2: Close|Caboo
No. 3: Ergobaby|Omni 360 Baby Carrier
No. 4: BabyBjörn|Move
No. 5: Chicco|Boppy Comfyfit Baby Carrier
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Automotive
Baby Products
Beauty
Books
Business, Industry & Science
Computers & Accessories
DIY, Garden & Tools
Electronics & Photo
Fashion
Grocery
Health & Personal Care
Home & Kitchen
Large Appliances
Musical Instruments & DJ
PC & Video Games
Pet Supplies
Sports & Outdoors
Stationery & Office Products
Toys & Games