Best Baby Carriers - do you agree?

[LauraEMumsnet]

Hi there!

We recently reviewed the best baby carriers on the market and would love to hear your feedback.

We put 18 top products to the test based on recommendations from the Talk boards and beyond and awarded the Boba X Best Baby Carrier 2019.

But do you agree? Would you find these reviews helpful? Is anything unclear? Is there something you think we've missed?

We'd love to hear your thoughts so that we can make our reviews as useful for parents as possible.

Thank you!
MNHQ

[Wellit]

My favourite is the Ergobaby Omni 360 but that's a respectable 2nd place so not too bad.

[breadwidow]

My favourite carrier, the connects, is actually no longer made. I am not sure of the details but the company which made them had to relaunch the sling under a different name - the Integra (integrababy.co.uk/) in 2018 (or it may have even been 2018). I have their preschool size 3 and it's basically exactly the same as the (smaller) connectas I had before but with some good add ons (extra bit of fabric at sleep hood, storage strap for the accessory strap and I think the should strap mechanism has been changed a bit so it's easier to adjust.

[JudgeRulesNutterButter]

No moby wrap? My DC2 absolutely lived in it. I used to put it on in the mornings like an extra top, on the basis that he was bound to end up in there at some point. Barely took the thing off to wash it.

[BunloafAndCrumpets]

I thought the article was useful and the quick summaries were great. I'd find proper photos of each carrier, where you can see the whole product and child in it, much more helpful than some you have used.

[Linzbe]

I love an Integra (they have taken over from Connectas) Connecta no longer exist. These and ring slings are the most popular at the sling library I volunteer at!
I also love my Nova but the company don't exist any more.

[ParadiseLaundry]

I also loved Nova, it's such a shame they are no longer around. They made me a custom Mei Tai with a buckle waist which DS was in for ages, they were much better made than Connectas/Integras imo and more generously sized so you didn't have to move to a toddler carrier as quickly.

[Teddyreddy]

I was surprised not to see the Manduca there. At 85 pounds (on amazon) it's better value than many. It's a very adjustable with straps you can cross and tighten from either direction, and has a built in newborn insert and then you can extend it so it does up to about age 2 (or longer if like DD you have a short child). I know was one of the most popular options at the sling library I used.

[Bigonesmallone3]

This is very helpful.. im struggling to pick one.. baby is due in June and with a two year old and a 9 year old I'm always running around..
I want something simplistic I'm currently leaning towards the BabyBjorn carrier one..

What do people think of that one?

[Linzbe]

@bigonesmallone do you have a sling library near you? Slings are very much like jeans, every carrier fits everyone differently. I would definitely recommend a stretchy wrap for a newborn!
Also, most carriers are only safe from 7lbs upwards (just something to bare in mine)

Definitely get to a sling library if you can then you can try a range of different types and save yourself money buying something that you might end up not liking!

[Bigonesmallone3]

@Linzbe

That is something I would like to do, I need to look into where there is one locally..

My last baby was 6lb 5 stopping to 6lb so that's something to bare in mind!

I'm not sure how I feel about wraps especially as it'll be summer 🤷‍♀️

I've still got a lot of research to do..

[Linzbe]

I was terrified of my wrap at first but with practice I fell in love with it.

There is a brand (mamaruga zensling) which do buckled stretchys now (a lot less scary and less layers for summer babies!) We've just had some added to our sling library and it's been a hot already!!

[PippilottaLongstocking]

I was also surprised that Manduca wasn’t included. Although you can’t beat a good woven wrap imo. Glad to see no ‘crotch danglers’ being promoted (from what I could see at least, didn’t click through all of them)

[CremeEgg2019]

No Tula carriers? They were incredible.
A good stretchy carrier is invaluable for a newborn
Later on a combination of woven wraps and semi structured carriers like Tula were perfect.

[HepzibahHumbug]

Baby bjorn awesome

[ChanklyBore]

There are two Tulas on the list?

The Omni 360 isn’t on the list either, someone said it was above?

Am I reading a different list?

[DameSylvieKrin]

We have a marsupi and a manduca — both great slings.

[Firewall]

I definitely agree with the ergobaby recommendations, I used many baby carriers before I found the 360 and they all gave me back ache after carrying even a 3-4 month old. I cannot recommend the connecta as this was one of the ones that gave me awful backache and I couldn’t carry my 4 month old for more than half an hour. It doesn’t have a proper waist support unlike the ergobaby so the weight of the baby strained my back. The large waistband that sits like the camping type backpacks is what I now know to look for. The ergobaby was great and I was able to carry my 18 month old baby even whilst pregnant and her weight was properly distributed and the carrier took much of her weight. I use the ergobaby regularly and it’s one I can carry my baby/toddler for a long time and it means I can carry him and it doesn’t strain me, the carrier takes his weight properly and so it feels lighter than if I was to carry him without one. The ergobaby is probably the best baby buy and something I would recommend as a must have.

[Grumpasaurus]

I was sad to see the close Caboo so far down. I loved mine and so did my NCT friends. Excellent combination of stretch and support and rings.

[jinglet]

I do not recommend the Ergo 360- I'm petite and the thing drowns me. And when I've worn it for 20-30 mins, my hips/waist feels numb! The Hana wrap on the other hand has been a lifesaver- I'd recommend that a million times over.

[RogersVideo]

The only one on the list I've used is #7 Hana wrap - it was 100% perfect for newborn to 6 months.

[icclemunchy]

The trouble with this list is the "best" carrier is the one that fits you, your baby and is fit for what you need it. No point buying a massive bells a whistles hiking style carrier if you want to use it on a plane!

If you're looking for a sling the best thing to do is yo pop along to your local sling library. They'll have the experience to help you choose and plenty for you to try. The option to hire and really get a feel for something before you invest is really handy.

If you don't have a local library South East Slings do Skype consults and try before you buy scheme and it's a sling thing do online hires

[LivLemler]

DD took all her naps in carriers until she was 7 months. Loved the caboo lite until about 5 or 6 months, then we switched to the ergo 360 which is fab. DH still uses it once a week with (big for her age) 11 month old DD. I haven't used it for ages but suspect I'd still get on well with it. I just prefer a buggy for being out and about.

[Ribeebie]

I love my baby Bjorn, used it since DS's birth. Comfy to wear and the little one settles easily in it. Means I can get out and walk the dog every day

[Celebelly]

I love our Close Caboo. Super easy to put on and get my month old DD in and out of.

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

Ergo all the way!