Best baby carriers: the safest slings and wraps for newborn babies and toddlers

Prices and availability checked and updated by MNHQ on 17 May, 2023.

Parents have been carrying babies in slings, wraps and soft carriers, in front, back and hip positions, across cultures and centuries. And parents continue to ‘wear’ babies for reasons including comfort and bonding. Babywearing also allows parents to keep their hands completely free with their baby close by. Baby carriers are ideal alternatives to buggies, pushchairs and travel systems, particularly for younger babies.

But when it comes to babywearing, the choices are endless. Your perfect fit will depend on a number of things like the age and weight of your child, your lifestyle and, of course, your purse strings. The best baby carriers generally fit each wearer differently. While a friend might gush about how simple their stretchy wrap is, you might find the same product hot, uncomfortable and difficult to use. Or you may want to consider a supportive baby carrier backpack for longer journeys in the great outdoors or for urban exploring. 

At the bottom of this page you'll find a handy buying guide packed full of information about safety features to look out for, guidance on carrying positions from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute and details about how we tested and reviewed the best baby carriers in our roundup. Or scroll on to find our pick of the best baby carriers to buy right now. 

We've also got guides to the best baby carrier backpacks, the best pushchairs, the best lightweight strollers, the best umbrella strollers, the best travel systems and the best double buggies. Or if you're heading out on two wheels, you might want to consider our roundup of the best bike seats for babies or the best bike trailers. 

Best baby carriers at a glance

• Best overall baby carrier: Boba X | £114
• Best baby carrier for newborns: Boba Wrap | £37.99
• Best multi-position baby carrier: Ergobaby All Position 360 | £129.90
• Best twin baby carrier: TwinGo Air | £199.95
• Best baby carrier for support: Stokke MyCarrier | £129

How we tested the best baby carriers

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

Safety and stability: We asked each tester to comment on how secure they 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 so that there was little room for error and checked to see whether video demonstrations were available. We looked at how easy each carrier was to use for the first time and how quickly a parent could use it without looking at the instructions. And we checked how easy each carrier was 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 through its paces 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 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 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.

How to buy the best baby carrier for you

Figuring out the best baby carrier to buy can be daunting, especially if more than one adult will be using it. There are a number of things to keep in mind when deciding between products.

Consider age range and weight

Each carrier, sling or wrap varies greatly when it comes to positioning and comfort, both for you and your baby.

Baby carriers can typically be used as soon as your child is born, but they must meet the minimum weight. Make sure you check the weight requirements on all products before purchasing as these can vary. Slings are typically more snug and comfortable for younger and smaller babies, while carriers with a back carrying option can accommodate more weight.

How often will you use it? 

The choice will depend on what you plan to use it for (typical scenarios include day trips, holidays, shopping in town and when moving around the house), how often you will use it, who will be using it, the age and size of your child and how long you’ll need it for.

What are the different types of baby carrier?

1. Stretchy wraps

Age: Best from newborn to around nine months, but can be used with toddlers | Weight: Up to around 35 lbs (11-15 kg)

2. Woven wraps

Age: Newborn to toddler (around three or four years of age) | Weight: Up to 22kg, although some parents can feel the strain at less than that

3. Soft-structured wraps

Age: Newborn (but you may need an insert to pad out the space depending on which carrier you use) to around four years old | Weight: Up to 24kg

4. Mei Tais

Age: Newborn (but best used from six months plus) to four years of age | Weight: Up to 20kg

5. Ring slings or sling pouches

Age range: Newborn to earlier toddlerhood (approximately three years old) | Weight: Up to 15kg

What are the best baby carriers to buy for twins and older children?

If you’re having twins, you'll have the choice between a wrap, soft-structured carrier and a ring sling.

You’ll of course want to consider how easy the product is to use – some parents might find that a ring sling is tricky when handling two babies, or that their chosen baby carrier just isn’t sturdy or secure enough.

You may prefer a structured tandem carrier, which will allow you to carry one baby at the front and one at the back when the twins are sitting up and therefore able to safely go into a back carry.

While there are suggested limits for different types of twin carriers, age and weight ranges will often depend on how much weight you feel you can easily carry.

Types of twin baby carriers

• Wraps
• Individual soft-structured carriers
• Ring slings
• Soft-structured tandem carriers

How much do baby carriers cost?

Stretchy wraps can be bagged for as little as £15 and some designer branded baby carriers can go for hundreds. How much you are willing to spend really does depend on how much you are going to use it, which type suits you best and what you are going to use it for.

Some parents opt for a baby carrier instead of a buggy or pushchair (at least for the first few months), bypassing the carrycot stage, and they are useful for holidays, days out and everyday home use.

If you are only going to use it for the first few months of your child’s life then a stretchy wrap or sling will be sufficient – if you’re in Scotland, The Baby Box comes with a free baby wrap – but if you're planning on using it for a number of years, the sling or carrier you choose really is worth investing in.

The higher priced soft-structured carriers are a nifty piece of kit and are easy to adapt between wearers following a few tweaks to the straps.

Beware of knock-offs when buying baby carriers as they aren’t safety tested to industry standards and likely won’t hold their resale value. Some brands are sold with certificates to prove that they’re genuine.

You will, however, be able to buy them second-hand and they're safe to use even when pre-used if you want to save a bit of money. But do check straps, buckles and other features work as intended before use.

Correct baby carrier positioning and safety

Research tells us that the most important consideration in carrying babies in slings, wraps and carriers is the position of the legs, spine and head, especially if your baby is a newborn.

It’s vital that you know how to carry your baby comfortably and safely – always opt for the most sturdy, durable and adjustable model. Adjustability is key if there is more than one adult using the baby carrier so that it can be changed to suit the wearer’s size and height.

'M' position

The carrier must allow babies to assume a ‘frog leg’ or 'M' sitting position (straddled around your body) when being carried upright, and the spine to have a natural curve. These are paramount to avoiding hip dysplasia and to ensure proper back support. The crotch piece on carriers should be wide enough so that the baby’s legs are at a 90 degree angle.

Head support and temperature

The headrest will need to support your baby’s head on all three sides to stop it from falling backwards or sideways, especially if your child is a newborn or too young to support their own head, and you will also need to monitor the baby’s temperature when carrying them to make sure they don’t overheat. Adding more layers on top is safer than overdressing your child.

When it comes to material, make sure you choose a product with non-toxic dyes (babies like to chew!) and breathable fabrics that won’t encourage any sort of rash on the skin.

TICKS

The TICKS rule has been developed as a memorable checklist for safe babywearing:

• Tight – you baby should be fully secure in the carrier
• In view – their face should be visible
• Close enough to kiss – keep your baby high enough on your chest to be able to kiss the top of their head so that you can monitor their breathing and keep them upright
• Keep chin off the chest – so that the airways are clear and open
• Supported back – with a natural curve

Safety for the wearer

When it comes yourself, broad straps over each shoulder will offer shoulder and back support as they will help to evenly distribute the weight of your baby.

Carrying your child on your back, especially if they are older, may also be more comfortable if you are out and about for long periods of time.

If you do have back problems or your baby has hip, head or spine concerns, consult your doctor, but you might consider going for for a buggy or travel system instead.

Above all, try different baby carriers to see which one ticks all the safety boxes, get to know your carrier before you use it and practice different carrying positions with someone else if you’re lacking confidence.

Be sure to read the instructions and safety information supplied with your purchase. You could even practice with a teddy bear in front of a mirror before trying to carry your baby in it.

It is always advisable to check the latest safety research and positioning recommendations before purchasing. You can find out what’s safe for your child at the International Hip Dysplasia Institute website and Carrying Matters.

Are forward-facing baby carriers safe?

Many popular slings and carriers allow for a forward-facing, as well as inward-facing, position, but there is some controversy around whether or not the former is safe to use.

Front-facing baby carriers allow a baby to interact with their environment, which is good for development.

However, the forward-facing position forces a baby’s spine to lay flat and their legs to dangle, leaving them in a fixed position for a lengthy period of time, which can cause discomfort or distress. They may also tire quickly due to overstimulation.

If you decide to carry your baby facing outwards, it is only recommended you do so when they are at least six months old (when they can control their head and neck) and only for short periods of time – never while they are sleeping. Make sure that their spine, neck and hips are also properly supported and remember to follow the TICKS guidelines at all times.

To achieve the best of both worlds, opt for a hip carry, parent-facing position that will hold your baby off-centre and allow them to have a better vantage point.

Sling libraries and babywearing consultants

If you are new to baby carriers, it’s definitely worth heading to your local sling library to try a variety of slings, wraps and carriers. Most libraries allow you to borrow them for a week or two, so you can really get to know what you prefer.

Libraries are run by volunteers who are passionate about helping you carry your baby comfortably and safely whether with a new carrier or one you already own. You can also use Sling Pages to find your local library or a babywearing consultant. Some consultants make home visits for a fee.

Useful resources

• NCT sling libraries
• Baby Sling Safety
• Sling Smart
• RoSPA
• Sheffield Sling Surgery
• The Lullaby Trust
• Carrying Matters