The popularity of 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 sling types to sleek designed versions that offer multiple positioning to suit the needs of your growing child.
A 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.
(Image: Press Association)
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.
1. BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Original, £44.99
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.
The original model has fully adjustable neck and head support and the option of placing your baby forward-facing once they hit five months.
2. Ergobaby Aura Baby Carrier Wrap, £49
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.
3. Close Caboo + Organic Baby Carrier, Pewter, £69.99
The Close Caboo carrier is award-winning for good reason. This model is ideal to use from birth and the ergonomical design gives support to you and baby so you can wear it for long stretches if needed.
The shape gives full support to your baby’s head and spine and can be easily adjusted if you need to discreetly breastfeed whilst wearing the carrier.
4. The Baby Brand Baby Sling Carrier Wrap, £19.99
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.
5. Chicco Easyfit Carrier, £30
The easyfit 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.
6. BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air, £159
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.
7. Ergobaby 360 baby carrier cool air mesh, £124
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.
8. Viedouce Baby Carrier Ergonomic, £38.99
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.
9. Infantino Flip Ergo 4 in 1 Baby Carrier, £34.99
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.
10. Stokke MyCarrier Front Carrier, £99
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.
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