The popularity of using baby slings and carriers is showing no signs of waning among new and expectant parents.
Not only are they a practical way of ferrying around your baby (and letting you go hands-free), they are also said to encourage greater bonding between child and parent too.
Nowadays conventional carriers come in all styles and designs – from lightweight slings to sleek designed harnesses that offer multiple positioning to suit the needs of your growing child – a far cry from the hippy, earth mother stereotypes of yesteryear.
A recent Which? survey on what kind of baby carriers families owned revealed most parents preferred a soft structured carrier (61%), while the least favourite was the backpack carrier model which was owned by only 4% of families polled.
While figuring out exactly what will work best for you and you baby means you might have to shop around, we have rounded up 10 of the best styles to help guide you below.
(Image: Press Association)
Best baby carriers
1. BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Mini 3D Jersey
The BabyBjorn carrier needs little introduction. The sturdy, compact and easy to use carrier boasts A-lister fans like Beyonce , Sarah Jessica Parker and even former PM David Cameron.
This model is suitable for babies from birth until they are around 11 kilograms, it comes with a sturdy head and neck support that must be used until they can support their own necks unaided.
Price: £65.99, Uber kids – buy here now
2. Ergobaby Aura Baby Carrier Wrap
If you’re leaning towards a wrap/sling type carrier, you may want to consider the Ergobaby Aura wrap.
The wrap is made from breathable viscose fabric and the contrast stitching on the inside of the wrap acts as a guide to tie it for newbies. The design is comfortable for baby too, ensuring that your little one is sitting on their natural c-spine position.
Price: £39.98, Amazon – buy here now
3. Close Caboo + Organic Baby Carrier
The Close Caboo carrier is award-winning for good reason. This model is ideal to use from birth and the ergonomically designed carrier supports both you and baby, enabling you to wear it for longer periods without discomfort.
The shape gives full support to your baby’s head and spine and can be easily adjusted if you need to discreetly breast feed whilst wearing the carrier.
Price: £59.49, John Lewis – buy here now
4. Baby Wrap Sling Organic Stretchy Carrier
The clip-free design of this sling carrier makes this super simple to put on and adjust, while the sturdy and breathable cotton and spandex fabric means parents can wear for long periods without feeling uncomfortable.
As well as he sling wrap in each box you’ll get a matching baby hat, matching bag and a user manual – not bad for under £20.
Price: £19.99, Amazon – buy here now
5. Chicco Easyfit Carrier
The easy fit carrier comes with an in-built ergonomically designed seat to keep your baby’s hips in the correct position and extra support for neck and head.
The carrier can be used from birth and can hold little ones up to 9kg.
Price: £19.99, Argos – buy here now
6. BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air
The second appearance of a BabyBjorn carrier on the list. This one is made from a mesh material to help keep you and your baby cool, especially if you plan to wear a carrier for long periods of time.
The sturdy waist belt and padded straps offers extra support for you, while the strong 3D mesh is a super soft material that will keep your baby snug and well supported.
Price: £122.57, Amazon – buy here now
7. Ergobaby 360 Baby Carrier Cool Air Mesh
This carrier can be used in four different positions and the extendable panel can be rolled up or down to support baby’s head – there is also an adjustable hood to keep the sun off your little one’s head too,
The bucket seat shape ensures baby is in the correct positioning for their delicate spine and hips, so they can sit in the position for extended periods of time without any discomfort.
Price: £115, Uber kids – buy here now
8. Viedouce Baby Carrier Ergonomic
Made from pure cotton, the Viedouce carrier allows you to carry baby in multiple positions including horizontal, face forward and on your back.
The thick, padded supportive straps and waistband are fully adjustable for parents, making it comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Price: £41.99, Amazon – buy here now
9. Infantino Flip Ergo 4 in 1 Baby Carrier
Ideal for use from birth, the Infantino offers parents four alternative positions to carry your baby.
The ‘M’ shape seat gives baby optimum support and comfort while the extra padded support protects their neck and spine.
Price: £24.99, Smyth toys – buy here now
10. Stokke MyCarrier Front Carrier
The Stokke offers inward or outward carrying positions and has also been acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and medical experts as good for baby’s hip health.
The fully padded body is made from a breathable cotton mesh to keep baby cool and comfortable, while the fully adjustable straps allow for easy wearing for long periods of time.
Price: £99.99, Stokke – buy here now
11. Baby K’Tan Carrier
This baby carrier from Jojo maman bebe offers multiple carrying positions and has no buttons, straps, flaps or anything else to make it difficult to navigate. Simply pop in baby and go.
It’s made entirely from breathable and kind to skin jersey cotton and is machine washable for quick and easy cleaning. It has double should weight distribution to prevent you from becoming uncomfortable throughout your experience.
Price: £50, Jojo maman bebe – buy here now
