Top 5 Best Baby Carriers To Buy - Review with Pros & Cons

There are a number of factors that need to be kept in mind while choosing the best baby carrier for your baby.

Things to Look For When Choosing a Baby Carrier

Versatility/Multifunctionality

Most of the modern day baby carriers are a mix of two or more of the above carrying types; for instance, they may support both front and back carrying options. Slightly higher end ones also offer grow with the baby flexibility, allowing you to use the same carrier and vary its adjustments from your baby’s infancy to his or her toddler years. These are pretty cost-effective and useful.

Comfort is the key – Both for Baby & Wearer

More than anything else, the baby carrier you choose should be comfortable for both the baby as well as the wearer. Sturdy fabric to distribute baby’s weight evenly, adjustable and padded shoulder straps, a broad and comfortable waist strap for adequate lumbar support, padded head rest, arm holes and leg openings for your baby – these are just some of the features which you must look for while opting for a baby carrier. If there is unequal distribution of the baby’s weight, the wearer may experience prolonged stress in the lower back which can prove to be very painful in the long run.

Strong & Sturdy

Keeping your baby close and secure is very important in a baby carrier. The carrier should be sturdily built with strong straps and buckles to keep the baby in place. Ensure that the carrier supports your baby’s back well, keeping the baby’s chin off your chest but close enough to kiss your baby’s forehead. This is the optimum distance which the carrier should always be able to maintain.

Ease of Usage & Hassle-free Cleaning

It is always advisable to opt for a baby carrier which can be worn and taken off easily by the wearer without requiring help from another person. Preferably, all adjustments should be possible with just one hand. Also, it is recommended to opt for a machine washable baby carrier since these tend to become messy with regular use.

#1 Infantino 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier (Light Grey)

The 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier from Infantino, a brand well-known for baby products in various categories. Ideal for kids weighing upto about 20 kg, this unisex convertible seat baby carrier is machine washable.

This flip advanced carrier comes equipped with four different carrying options depending on the size of the baby – facing in narrow seat with head support up (for newborns), facing in wide seat with head support down (for slightly older babies), facing out narrow seat for babies who can control their head movements and facing in back carry wide seat for toddlers and older babies.

A major advantage is the grow-with-baby flexibility this baby carrier offers. Additional useful features include a waist belt for optimal support and comfortable padded straps that can be adjusted for longer durations of use.

This Infantino model comes with a Wonder Cover 2-in-1 bib to protect your clothes and the carrier from your baby’s drool. It is light in weight and easy to carry around while travelling.

Pros:

Unisex flip advanced convertible carrier with 4 carrying options
Grow-with-baby flexibility (infancy to toddler)
Can carry weight upto ~20 kg
Waist belt for additional support
Comfortable adjustable padded straps for longer use
Wonder Cover 2-in-1 bib included
Machine washable
Light in weight, easily portable

Cons:

No neck support for baby

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#2 R for Rabbit Upsy Daisy – Smart Hip Seat Baby Carrier

This model is available in two colours – brown cream and grey cream.

This new generation ergonomic baby carrier is perfect for babies between 3 to 24 months old. Its detachable hip seat provides a sturdy and comfortable seating position for your baby. This ensures the parent carrying the baby does not suffer from unwanted hip joint or lower back pressure that can be painful at times.

As the baby grows, this carrier is designed such that it spreads your baby’s weight evenly throughout to ease the stress from the wearer’s back. Its shoulder straps are easily adjustable with extra padding and are specially developed to provide good support to your baby’s neck, head, hips and spine.

A big plus in this baby carrier’s favour is the multi-positional versatility that it offers. This lets you carry your baby in many ways – face in or face out while front carrying. Made of 100 per cent breathable cotton fabric, this R for Rabbit baby carrier is comfortable as well as long-lasting.

Pros:

Sturdy & comfortable detachable hip seat
Multi-positional versatility: Front carry with face in & face out options
Ideal for 3-24 months old babies (upto 15 kg)
Eases hip joint or lower back pressure on person carrying
Spreads weight evenly as baby grows
Adjustable shoulder straps with extra padding
Made of 100% breathable cotton fabric
Available in 2 colours – brown cream & grey cream

Cons:

Not machine washable
Cannot be used for back carrying

#3 LuvLap Elegant Baby Carrier (Dark Blue)

This Elegant Baby Carrier belongs to the LuvLap brand, a popular name in outdoor, indoor and other baby care products. It is available in a variety of different colours – dark blue, light blue, black, green, purple and red.

This carrier has 4 carrying positions for your baby – facing parent, facing out, horizontal feeding position and piggy back position. It has 2 easily adjustable wide shoulder straps that are made up of a breathable fabric mesh. It can be used for a baby weighing upto 15 kg.

A belt at the waist provides sturdy lumbar support, easing back pressure. The hard board for your baby’s head and back support has air holes for good ventilation and can be adjusted as well as removed if required.

An additional safety feature is the adjustable buckle that opens on one side. Both the armholes and the leg openings have added cushioning for the baby’s comfort. The pocket positioned at the front of the carrier is very useful for carrying necessary items.

Pros:

4 different carrying positions, both front & back (for upto 15 kg)
2 adjustable & breathable wide shoulder straps
Belt for lumbar support at the waist
Ventilated hard board with good ventilation for baby’s back
Adjustable side-opening buckle for extra safety
Extra cushioning in arm holes & leg openings
Pocket at front for carrying necessary items
Available in 6 different colours

Cons:

No manual or instructions provided to assemble
Quality of stitching could have been better

#4 LuvLap Baby Carrier Galaxy (Blue)

The LuvLap Baby Carrier Galaxy model comes in five different colours – blue, black, brown, khaki and red. It is suitable for carrying babies that weigh upto approximately 12 kg.

This carrier can be used to carry your baby in 3 different positions – front facing in, front facing out as well as piggy back. The head support has extra cushioning for additional protection to the baby’s head and is detachable in nature.

An adjustable side opening buckle provides extra safety for your baby. The inner seat, armholes and leg openings are also comfortably cushioned with soft fabric. A detachable bib is useful in preventing and cleaning up a mess.

Strong padded shoulder and waist belts provide adequate lumbar support to the person who wears this carrier. This LuvLap baby carrier is certified under European Standards to make it safe for little ones.

Pros:

3 carrying options (face in/out & back) upto 12 kg
Detachable head support & extra cushioning
Adjustable side-opening buckle for extra safety
Comfortably cushioned inner seat, armholes & leg openings
Soft detachable bib
Sturdy padded shoulder & waist belts for lumbar support
Available in 5 colours

Cons:

Support material not adequately stiff
Distribution of weight not equal throughout

#5 Infantino Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier (Grey)

Another good quality product from Infantino, the Cuddle Up Ergonomic Hoodie Carrier has a wide and comfortable seat to support your baby’s hips in the natural ‘M’ position. It ensures a snug fit for the wearer as well.

A unique feature of this Cuddle Up model is an arched canopy hood at the top. This serves the purpose of keeping the baby warm and protected, without blocking any view. A naturally rounded back makes sure your baby is well supported from knee to knee.

A broad waist belt for lumbar support and extra cushioning in the adjustable shoulder straps transfers weight optimally to the wearer’s hips to ease stress. This machine washable baby carrier is best suited for infants weighing 5.4 to 18.1 kg.

It provides two carrying options – front and backpack. The cheerful removable teddy bear hood of this carrier makes it a good option for babies. The useful hoodie-inspired pocket is a good place to store your baby’s essentials.

Pros: