What’s the Best Baby Carrier? learn How to Choose Safely and what to look avoid

Choosing “the best” baby carrier can feel like such an overwhelming task. There's so much out there, lots of opinions, and, every brand claims theirs is the one. The truth is, there isn’t one perfect carrier for every parent or baby. There are however, slings that can work well in certain scenarios, and some work better on certain body types than others, plus sling libraries exist to really help you try things before you commit and buy. Getting a nice safe fit, is key too.

Here is a reminder of the ABC safety checks you can do each time you carry.

Find out 1:1 babywearing consultation can save you time, money and remove some of the stresses, you might otherwise face along the way.

There’s No One “Best” Carrier

Carriers fit people differently. Shoulder strap shapes, buckle placements, fabric styles etc, will all change how a carrier feels on your body (and your baby’s). What feels dreamy for one parent might seem like a right faff for another.

That’s why I never shout about a single “must-have.” Instead, I help parents discover what truly suits them, safely, comfortably, and with confidence.

Beyond the Big Brands

You’ve probably heard of the big names (just a quick Google will reveal them if not) but there’s a whole world of beautiful, ethical, and adjustable carriers that often fly under the radar. Smaller, independent brands often design carriers that genuinely grow with your child. Styles like Half Buckles, Ring Slings, and Wovens are definitely worth exploring in a sling library or consultation setting, as they do come with more of a learning curve, but they offer a personalised fit and can last from newborn to toddlerhood.

Why Try Before You Buy: How Sling Hire Can Save You Money

Is My Carrier “Good Enough”?

If you already have a carrier that feels comfy and keeps your baby safe, fantastic! This post really isn’t about shaming brands or styles, but about understanding from a consultant's perspective what truly makes a carrier work well.

When I look at a carrier, I think about:

• Overall quality and ethics of the brand

• Longevity and adjustability vs the price-point (how long it fits safely)

• Comfort for both you and baby

• Ease of use because babywearing should feel intuitive

  
  

If you’re not sure where yours stands, book a quick fit check or 1:1 consultation, and we’ll make sure your setup ticks all the safety and comfort boxes, and can always compare other carriers at the same time too - if that's what you're after :)

What to Expect at a 1:1 Babywearing Consultation

The True Cost of Buying “Wrong”

It’s easy to grab a bargain online, but sometimes, those “good deals” really can end up costing more in the long run. Buy wrong, and you might buy twice (or three times), or if the sling is something you just can't get on with, people give up on carrying altogether. I’ve seen it too often, and it saddens me because babywearing done safely and comfortably offers incredible benefits beyond convenience, in terms of bonding, comfort, and growth.

Gifted, Preloved, or Bargain Finds

If you’ve been gifted a sling or spotted a carrier on Vinted or in a charity shop that's brill!

But before you pop baby in, check:

1. Age and condition – Carriers older than 8 years may have weakened fabric or buckles, I'd suggest retiring at this point.

2. Fit and safety – Is it developmentally appropriate for your little one?

3. Wear and tear – Look for frayed webbing, holes, or stiff straps - again, I'd probably not use, if structurally things aren't intact.

If you’re unsure, do reach out to your local sling library or consultant for a safety check — or book a 1:1 to learn how to use it safely.

My Guide to Preloved Sling Safety

Carriers to Be Cautious About

There are a few styles that raise red flags:

• Pre-tied stretchy wraps (like Baby K’tan) – which can be fine for assisted carrying, but can’t be fully tightened

• Bag-style or cradle carriers – these really are unsafe the positioning of baby will restrict airways.

• Any “off-brand” Amazon or Shein carriers – poor-quality materials and very questionable safety standards.

  
  

On a Budget? You Still Have Options

Good news! You don’t need to spend a fortune.

If buying for a newborn do consider tying-style preloved slings as these can be far more affordable:

• 2-way stretchy wraps (Lifft, Izmi Breeze, Hana Baby, Close Caboo, Koala Care)

• Preloved wovens or ring slings — great value and sustainable

• Local sling hire — from just £10/week via myself, no appointment needed!

Affordable Carriers for New Parents

When Shopping New

Remember: the top Google results are often the best-marketed, not necessarily the best-fitting for a newborn. Brands like Momcozy or Infantino Flip can be tempting due to their price, but they’re very limited in fit and longevity. as they simply aren't all that adjustable.

Depending on the brand shop with consultant-trusted retailers - such as Motherrucker, Bambino Baby, Slingspot, and Bundle of Love as you’ll get real advice and long-lasting quality.

Outward Facing Carriers & 'Hip Healthy' Labels

Facing out isn’t a must-do milestone. Many babies are happiest (and safest) facing inwards, close and secure. Outward carries can be less comfortable and make airway monitoring harder, plus baby should never sleep in such a position - due to chin falling onto the chest and restricting airflow. If you do outward-face, short bursts can be less overstimulating, and mean you can watch out for drowsiness. Do ensure you're carrier is ergonomically suited, so as not to over-extend legs and instead baby’s hips and legs are well supported - following carrier set-up guidance as you go.

And what about those “hip-healthy” stickers? Brands can actually buy that label. No carrier will cause hip issues, it's just if issues are missed that dangling legs over a period of time may potentially exaccerbate things. And sometimes medically keeping baby's legs closer together is better advised, for example in very hypermobile babies, if unsure or there are medical issues at play do seek support.)

Understanding Hip Health & Safe Babywearing Positions

Carriers I Love and Trust

Here are just a few brands I regularly recommend and stock in my sling library (as the slings easy to get hold of carriers): Baby Bjorn (mini/harmony models) Beco, Boba, Close Caboo, Ergobaby (only when purchases are retailer verified), Firespiral, Hana Baby, Integra, Isara, Izmi (wraps and carriers), Joy & Joe (2 way stretchies), Kahubaby, Lenny Lamb, Little Frog, Liift, Mamaruga, Manduca, Marsupi, Mini Monkey, Neko, Oscha, Tula, Yume

Each offers something different — and how they fit will depend on you and your baby. That’s where a fit check or consultation makes all the difference.

The Bottom Line: Try Before You Buy

Babywearing should feel comfortable, supportive, and safe for both of you. Whether you’re using a sling, wrap, or buckle carrier, the most important thing is that it fits you. If you can, hire before you buy, or book a 1:1 babywearing consultation to try multiple items.