Best baby carriers

Baby carriers let you 'wear' your baby close to you. They come in different forms, from baby wraps and slings to buckles and ties. After months of research and testing, we think that the Boba X is the Best Baby Carrier 2019. Here's why.

Best Overall Baby Carrier 2019

Boba X

Baby carriers are ideal alternatives to buggies or pushchairs, particularly for younger babies.

But, when it comes to babywearing, the choices are endless. Your perfect fit will depend on a number of things, such as the age of your child, your lifestyle and, of course, your purse strings.

But which baby carrier is best?

Here are 18 of the best baby carriers for newborns and toddlers

Boba X baby carrier (£100 from Amazon)
Ergobaby All Position 360 (£94.99 from Amazon)
Connecta carrier (£79.95 from Koala Slings)
TwinGo Air twin baby carrier (£189.95 from Koala Slings)
Boba Wrap (£32 from Amazon)
Ergobaby Adapt (£119.90 from Amazon)
Hana Stretchy Wrap (£29.99 from Amazon)
Baby Tula Ring Sling (£101.95 from Babipur)
Close Caboo Lite (£54.99 from Mothercare)
Baby Tula Free-to-Grow (£139.90 from Amazon)
Lillebaby Complete (£94.69 from Amazon)
Beco Gemini (£99.50 from Babipur)
Boba 4G (£75 from Amazon)
Baby Tula Standard Baby Carrier (£109.96 from Babipur)
Je Porte Mon Bébé JPMBB (£40.49 from Amazon)
Wrapsody Stretch-Hybrid (£63.95 from Slings and Things)
Baby Björn Carrier One (£135 from Mothercare)
Weego Twin (£125 from Twins UK)

How real-life comparative testing makes Mumsnet Reviews unique

In our mission to find the best baby carriers out there, we spoke to real-life parents and babywearing experts, and looked for recommendations on the Mumsnet forums and beyond.

From a longlist of 38, we chose 18 carriers to put to the test, which included soft-structured carriers, stretchy and hybrid wraps and twin baby carriers.

At Mumsnet, we believe that consistent scoring and like-for-like comparisons are crucial.

Our single carrier testers, Becky and Claire, wore each product for a minimum of 20 minutes each day for a week, but often exceeded this time frame. Sam, our twin carrier tester, did the same.

They carried their children – three newborns and an 11-month-old – in a variety of conditions and scenarios to find the products that stood up to the challenges of everyday family life.

Following 50+ hours of testing, five baby carriers were awarded a Mumsnet Best badge, an accolade given to the products we think are the best on the market.

Why is the Boba X Best Baby Carrier 2019?

Verdict in 10 seconds

Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
Quick to learn with little room for error
Adjustable and will grow with your baby
Highly supportive for baby and parent – offers reassurance while you get on with your daily routine

The Boba X is an easy-to-use soft-structured carrier with the softness of a baby wrap.

It offers great value for money as it is comfortable for newborns and toddlers and can be shared between wearers of different builds.

This could well be the only carrier you'll need if you're carrying your little one into toddlerhood.

Pros

Seat and body panel micro-adjust to fit your baby perfectly
Has dual pull shoulder straps
The structured padded waistband and wide straps distribute baby's weight well
Can be personalised to fit a wide range of body types
Breastfeeding-friendly
Contains three pockets under the main seat
Good value for money as it lasts into the preschool years – can be swapped between newborn and toddler settings if you're using it with more than one child
Suitable from 7 lbs – and no newborn insert needed either
Simple design will compliment any wardrobe

Cons

Thick material can make this baby carrier warm to use
Cannot be washed at high temperatures – spot cleaning and cold washing recommended
No outward-facing option

What Mumsnetters say

“Just got a Boba X from the local sling library and really like it.”

“I have a Boba and I love it!”

How we tested these baby carriers

With fewer variables in the testing process than other sites, we are absolutely confident in our recommendations.

Each product was put through a series of specific tests to help us find the five carriers most likely to suit parents new to ‘wearing’ their little ones.

Safety and stability

We asked each tester to comment on how secure she felt while wearing the carrier
Was it easy to follow safety guidelines? Did the baby feel well supported and comfortable?
We also noted how our testers felt during and after use – did they experience any aches or pains?

Assembly

We checked that instructions were clear and detailed enough so that there was little room for error and checked to see whether video demonstrations were available
We looked at how easy each baby carrier was to use for the first time and how quickly a parent could use it without looking at the instructions
And how easy was each carrier to put on and take off without help?

Day-to-day usage

Was the carrier easy to use while doing other tasks and did it allow for breastfeeding on the go?
We looked for convenient features like pockets, head covers and supports
Our testers put each carrier to the test in a range of locations and situations – could they be truly hands-free or did they feel the need to support their babies with one hand for peace of mind?

Cleanliness

Could each carrier be machine washed?
Was the baby carrier prone to showing up dirt?
Did it trail the ground when being put on or taken off?

Aesthetics

We asked our testers how they felt the products fit with their wardrobes – did they match or clash with most outfits? Were they minimalist or a feature in their own right? Would you need more than one baby carrier for variety?

Value for money

We asked our testers to rate how satisfied they were with each product overall
A standardised scoring system was used to help us determine whether performance (including longevity) justified the price tag

Having scored each product on the above criteria, we then added into the equation the resale value to work out which carrier was the best of the best and which deserved honourable mentions.

All prices correct at time of publication

Read full review » Best price £100 on Amazon

Best Multi-Position Baby Carrier 2019

Ergobaby All Position 360

Verdict in 10 seconds

A true all-rounder
Offers four carrying positions, but is particularly great for back carrying
Fits a wide range of body sizes

The Ergobaby All Position 360 (£94.99 on Amazon) is an ergonomic baby carrier, perfect for long periods of use.

The lower half of the back panel can be made smaller to allow babies to face outward while still sitting in a supportive position – a real selling point for parents who want to use a front-facing baby carrier.

Pros

Grows with your child – extends vertically and across to give a better fit
Uncomplicated design and easy to operate
Extremely supportive thanks to the waistband and shoulder straps
Ergonomic front outward-facing carry
Long front panel gives your baby excellent coverage
Breastfeeding-friendly
Lots of accessories available
Easily shared between wearers and can be used with children of different ages
A wide array of compatible accessories available

Cons

Relatively warm carrier and should be treated as a layer of clothing
Straps could be loose if you're petite
Newborn insert needed up to four months old

Overall, the Ergobaby 360 is a versatile all-day carrier that will offer a huge amount of comfort, especially on days out, for both you and your baby.

Buy now from Amazon

Best Budget Baby Carrier 2019

Connecta

Verdict in 10 seconds

Simple to use with minimal fuss
Lighter and more flexible than most soft-structured baby carriers
Some may prefer a carrier with a bit more padding

The Connecta (£79.95 from Koala Slings) performs really well as a day-to-day carrier, while delivering great bang for your buck.

Although it lacks the bells and whistles that other soft-structured carriers boast, it adapts well to both baby and parent's size and can be worn from the newborn stage into toddlerhood.

Pros

Lightweight cotton makes it an ideal summer sling
Straightforward design
Close fit offers exceptional support
Single-pull shoulder straps
Breastfeeding-friendly
Affordable
Can be used from birth and no newborn insert is needed
Unique panel options available such as woven wrap fabric

Cons

May trail the floor when putting on and taking off
Minimal padding makes getting an ideal fit vital – it could also make long carries less comfortable
Limited to two carries (front inward and back)
No pockets when sleep hood is in use

While some wearers will prefer a carrier with a bit more structure and padding, the Connecta is a great option if you're in search of a product with a budget-friendly price tag.

Buy now from Koala Slings

Best Twin Baby Carrier 2019

TwinGo Air

Verdict in 10 seconds

Allows you to carry both of your babies at once
Straightforward and comfortable to use
Versatile and adaptable – detaches as two single carriers, so can be used by two wearers at the same time

The TwinGo Air (£189.95 from Koala Slings) is a straightforward carrying solution for parents with twins, and a great alternative to a double buggy.

It's not only very supportive, which is essential when you have two babies in tow, but it can also be worn comfortably for extended periods of time.

Pros

Weight is evenly distributed between front and back
Cheaper than buying two separate single carriers – and less bulky too
Lightweight and breathable – ideal for summertime
Can be used to carry two children of different ages and as two single carriers
Secured waist, with a safety belt between wearer and babies, and padded shoulder straps

Cons

Takes some time to learn how to easily put two babies into the carrier
Written instructions can be tricky to follow, but video instructions are available
Only suitable as a double carrier from four months or older (but can be used as two single carriers from two months old)

As twin baby carriers go, the TwinGo Air really comes up trumps. While it may be a pricey option compared to other models on the market, it still costs less than two single carriers combined.

Buy now from Koala Slings

Best Baby Carrier for Newborns 2019

Boba Wrap

Verdict in 10 seconds

One size fits all
The easiest baby carrier to use with newborns
Supremely comfortable, even when carrying tiny babies

The Boba Wrap (£32 from Amazon) is the best baby wrap for your little one's earliest months.

Suitable for all shapes and sizes, while allowing you to create a custom fit, it is extremely versatile but comfortable at the same time.

Pros

Four-way stretch with a custom fit every time you wrap
Machine washable
Less fabric to deal with than other wraps on the market
Extra elasticity for more stretch
Clear instructions
No accessories needed (eg newborn insert)
Breastfeeding-friendly
Lower price tag than most soft-structured carriers
Softest baby carrier option for newborns and relatively cool to wear too
Available in 14+ colours and patterns

Cons

Can be tricky to tie (especially if you're a first-timer)
May trail the floor when putting on and taking off
Has no special features, such as pockets
Limited to two front carrying positions
You'll likely need to buy a second carrier after six months

While the Boba Wrap may be limited in terms of longevity, the lower price tag makes it an attractive option for parents with newborns.

Buy now from Amazon

How we test

After lots of research, we put the UK's best baby carriers to the test with real parents. Here's how we tested them.

Baby carriers

Buyer's guide

Are you looking for a hands-free option when out and about with your little one? Here's what you need to know when buying a baby carrier, wrap or sling, including advice from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.