Top 5 Baby Carriers for Newborns

Choosing a baby carrier for your newborn can feel surprisingly overwhelming. There are wraps, slings, buckles, clips, panels and so on ....

The good news? There isn’t one perfect carrier, but there are some excellent options that work particularly well for newborns, and preference of what to opt for will be down to what you’re after.

Here are my top five baby carrier styles for newborns, and why they’re so often a great place to start.

What makes a carrier suitable for a newborn?

Before we dive in, it’s worth knowing what newborns need from a carrier:

• Soft fabric - our babies are sensitive, we want to remind them of being back in the womb

• A safe fit (it really should be quite adjustable so tied to fit or have features and settings to mould it perfectly to a small baby).

• Support from knee to knee and across the back up to the nape of the neck (no higher)

• Hold baby in apright position that supports the airways well.

• Something that works for your body too

Comfort, safety, and ease are key — especially in those early weeks.

1. Stretchy Wraps

Stretchy wraps can be a great first go to — and for good reason.

Why they’re great for newborns:

• Soft, cosy, and womb-like

• Affordable - and fairly good longevity 0-6m maybe more depending on size of baby and how it's tied (if you love would then suggest moving onto a woven / half buckle at this stage).

• Leave them on all day - the carry is pre-tied – just check your tightness is right each time then pop baby in and out as you please.

• Excellent for skin-to-skin, you can be quite naked under a stretchy wrap and nobody would know

• Feel lovely on a postpartum body

• Great for naps with that swaddle-like feeling

  
  

They can feel fiddly at first, but once you’ve got the steps down and understand how the tightness needs to be to suppport baby safely and well (we can cover this in a 1-1 session pre/and/or postnatal - many parents love how secure and snuggly they feel.

Good to know:

Stretchy wraps work best in the early months. Slight learning curve - very easy once mastered

As babies grow heavier, they can start to feel less supportive.

2. Ring Slings

Ring slings are a brilliant option for newborns especially if your planning on breastfeeding due to how simple it is to get nose to nipple then readjust afterwards. They have good longevity too - most feel good up til the year mark – at least!

Why they’re great for newborns:

• Fast to put on once you’re confident (I really do recommend booking in for a session as there is a bit of a knack to them, positioning the rings, threading the fabric correctly, adjusting your pocuh)

• Learning with stripes can be helpful to track the way the fabric moves

• They are easy to adjust and get comfortable once you understand how the ring system works

• Excellent for feeding on the go

• Compact and easy to carry around

• Good once babies get nosier - as you can wear them more off-centre

• Unlike facing baby-outwards a hip carry is a safe position for baby to sleep in

• You can even learn to back carry in these!

• Beautiful prints and patterns

They’re particularly popular with parents who want something they can pop on and off easily throughout the day.

Good to know: Because the weight is on one shoulder, these aren't for everyone, especially those who suffer with bad back pain - you can of course switch between shoulders to help balance things out! You might want to consider complimenting with a sling that goes over both shoulders for longer outings.

3. Woven Wraps

Woven wraps are incredibly versatile and can be used from birth right through toddlerhood - different weaves and fabric blends can feel more suppprtive as baby grows too.

Why they’re great for newborns:

• Customisable fit for baby and wearer

• Beautiful prints and patterns

• Excellent support

• Long-term option (no need to upgrade quickly)

• Ideal for babies who want lots of closeness -

• Midweight wraps might be better for learning with, learning with stripes is helpful too

• Really master the art of babywearing

In terms of a tying sling wovens or ring slings probably have the steepest learning curve, but like anything once learnt become muscle memory - I find wrapping very therapeutic! They’re a favourite for parents who enjoy mastering a skill, carry frequently, want a carrier that looks aesthetically beautiful as well as being functional, and will really last!

4. Newborn-Friendly Soft Structured Carriers - stretchy style hybrids.

Some styles of Soft Strucured Buckle Carriers fit sooner than most, they are soft and lightweight or function like a stretchy wrap but due to how they tie or clip can feel less daunting for many to use. I class these as stretchy hybrids and within this category my favourite ones are - Izmi Breeze, Mamaruga Zensling, Dracomom Hatchling, a Boba Bliss an Ergo embrace, Mini Monkey Mini Sling and Close Caboo. With any of these I'd highly recommend booking a session to fit / hire to ensure you are using the carrier safely and you truly like it before investing!

Why they’re great for newborns:

• Buckles / rings / Partially pre-tied but still adjustable to fit most smaller babies.

• Supportive and soft

• Great for parents who want something quick and simple

Important note:Not all buckle carriers are newborn-ready out of the box, even if marketed as so. Fit, adjustability, and panel width really matter here.

CLIPPY BUCKLE SLINGS

If you don't mind waiting til baby is 4-12 weeks you will likely have more options in terms of more rucksack-like buckle carriers that will fit. Rather than opting for amazon cheapies or googling what is the best sling and only those with top marketing budgets coming up I'd suggest you book in with a sling library or babywearing consultant to talk about lovely options that are within budget - we have tried lots of carriers and seen them on lots of different body types - so can make suggestions that are more likely to work well for you and baby :)

5. Meh Dai / Half Buckle Carriers

Meh Dais (and half buckles) combine the softness of a wrap with the ease of buckles or ties.

Why they’re great for newborns:

• Soft, mouldable fabric

• Excellent support

• A meh dai will be most newborn adjustable because of how you can synch the little to no waistband - you have 4 tying straps

• A half buckle has a waistband more like a regular buckle carrier, you have 2 tying straps (shoulders) but the panel may not synch enough for true newborn

• You can back carry early with these

• Very adjustable for different body shapes, perfect for two wearers as you don't have to change strap settings - you tie to fit

• Less fabric than a full wrap

They’re a lovely middle ground if you want flexibility without committing to a full woven wrap.

A note on safety

No matter which carrier you choose, safety always comes first — especially with newborns.

Remember the ABC check every time:

• A – Airways: Face and airways completely visible, chin off chest

• B – Body positioning - baby should be well positioned so they can't slump down into the carrier

• C – Close & Comfortable: Snug and secure

If you need a refresher, you can read more here:👉 Sling Safety: Remember ABC

Not sure which one is right for you?

The “best” newborn carrier is the one that:

• Fits your body

• Supports your baby

• Feels comfortable and manageable in your day-to-day life

In a 1:1 babywearing consultation, we can look at your baby’s age and size, your body, your preferences, and any discomfort you’re experiencing, and find something that truly works for you.

If you’re feeling unsure, that’s completely normal. You don’t need to figure it all out alone 🤍 You can learn about my prices and session types here.

Lots of love,

Emma x