Best Baby Carrier of All Time? What Would You Recommend?

[Melanie Mayo]

Hey everyone!

We're pulling together a guide on the best baby carrier choices to help mamas who are new to babywearing and we would love your feedback!

Can you tell us what your favorite baby carrier/sling of all time is in any/all of these three categories?

Infant to 3 Months

3 to 12 Months

12 Months and Older

Also, if you have a specific review of a baby carrier you would like to share we would really like to include it in the guide to help other mamas. Reviews can be left in our reviews section and I will check there as well as this thread for your feedback. 

Thanks so much for your help!

[ESPMadre]

For special occasions: Zolowear silk brocade

I had a wedding to go to and was able to bring my infant.  I found a gorgeous sling from Zolowear that went with my dress and was so beautiful. I got lots of compliments on it and people wanting to know where I got it.

That was 6 years ago. I loved it so much that I never got rid of it, now I have it for this baby!  Just hope I have something dressy to wear it to. If not, I will use it anyway!

[granolamommie]

Ergo. Loved it! It's comfy and I can still carry my 4yo in if

[katelove]

Beco Gemini for all age groups. I've been using it for my second baby since she was a few days old and just today I carried my 2.75yo in it as well.

[mamatoabirdie]

through three months, definitely the moby.

beyond, the ergo.  hands down the best carrier on the market.  I have found that there is a pretty overwhelming number of bw-ers that are ssc fans and there seems to be a divide between the ergo and beco.  I have both and the ergo is just way more comfortable and convenient.

[katelove]

Originally Posted by mamatoabirdie 

through three months, definitely the moby.

beyond, the ergo.  hands down the best carrier on the market.  I have found that there is a pretty overwhelming number of bw-ers that are ssc fans and there seems to be a divide between the ergo and beco.  I have both and the ergo is just way more comfortable and convenient.

I think it must be to do with body shape or something because I also had both and really, really disliked everything about the Ergo (except the little storage pocket). I recently sold my Ergo and bought a second Beco.

I would encourage anyone who had the opportunity to try both and see which one suits them better.

[mamatoabirdie]

Originally Posted by katelove 


I think it must be to do with body shape or something because I also had both and really, really disliked everything about the Ergo (except the little storage pocket). I recently sold my Ergo and bought a second Beco.

I would encourage anyone who had the opportunity to try both and see which one suits them better.

I totally agree with you!  it really seems to be either/or with everyone I talk to.  I wonder if it has something to do with shoulder proportion?  

[Grateful0326]

Has anyone used a mei tai?  I have been looking at an Ergo, mainly b/c it is something that can grow with baby, and I have heard such good things.  However, I am concerned about using it with a newborn.  A friend recommended a mei tai over a moby, and continues to use this with her 2 year old.  Any thoughts?  Thanks all!
 

[ESPMadre]

I am 16/17 weeks pregnant with a 6 year old special needs son (relevant because he could not walk until a year ago and is only now independently walking.)  I actually have a question at the end of the post between the Boba 3G and the ERGO

From 0 to 3 months:  Over the Shoulder Baby Holder Ring Sling:  When ESP was newborn/infant, he was a winter baby.  We loved the OTSBH, the extra padding all around the edge was more comfortable for both of us. Nursing was a bit tricky because I have very large breasts.  I actually got  a wedge meant to go under the breast to give it some support for feeding! At first we had an Infantino sling, but E got over heated in it - later it was recalled for just that reason.  I learned not to buy slings from companies that were just jumping on the babywearing bandwagon, but stick to companies that had been doing them long term.

From 3 to 12 months:  We used the HotSlings SolarVeil material sling.  The material has a texture but is not scratchy.  It is very breathable and we could use it comfortably even in the summer.  Took summer trips easily with this sling.  I actually still have this one! and am excited to get to use it again.  The new baby is due in Feb, 2013.

Ergo with the Infant insert (the 2007 design which is different from the 2013 design).  Both of us LOVED this carrier.  Too hot during the summer but awesome once the weather cooled.

My husband like the Baby Bjorn but I always had to help him get into it.  Was not my favorite because the position of the baby's legs did not seem natural.  Also got hot as we moved into Spring and Summer

From 12 months and older:

ERGO:  This was a fantastic carrier. I had to stop using it when ESP got taller because he did not have neck/head control.  I was never able to wear him on my back which I think would have been a very freeing option for me.  

This time I may try a Boba 3G, I have heard it comes up higher on the baby's bac/neck than the ERGO. Does anyone have confirmation of that????  Hopefully, this new baby boy will not have special needs but if he does, I may need the highest back option.

[LalaithYamainu]

Infant to 3 months: The Portable Baby wrap.  It was a woven, so I could to just a simple cross carry, but had a slight stretch to hug my baby.  I adored how light and breezy it was (I'm in Texas) without making pressure points.  The middle marker is a nice touch.

At about 4 months, after a back injury, I switched to back carries in a Boba 3G, and I LOVE IT.  It took only a few days of practice to get him up on my back by myself without fear, and when I get the waist belt sitting right and the right tightness, all the weight is on my hips, not on my shoulders, which means I can carry him for up to an hour before I start to feel pain (unheard of, with my back issues).  The hood is easy to put on when he's sleeping, and the purse holder is a great way to keep the diaper bag from sliding off my shoulder.

 

[LalaithYamainu]

Originally Posted by Grateful0326 

Has anyone used a mei tai?  I have been looking at an Ergo, mainly b/c it is something that can grow with baby, and I have heard such good things.  However, I am concerned about using it with a newborn.  A friend recommended a mei tai over a moby, and continues to use this with her 2 year old.  Any thoughts?  Thanks all!
 

 

I have a Kozy carrier and used it for several months.  Personally, I prefer snapping buckles to tying, but I have to say that I went longer before re-adjusting with the mei tai.  I did use is successfully with both a newborn and a toddler.  Until my son was big enough for our Boba, the mei tai was the only carrier my husband would use.

 

[Littlebmama]

For all ages I love my Ellaroo woven wrap. It was especially great for the early stages. We kept our DS with his legs "in" the carriers until 4-6 months per our pediatrician. The ergo with the newborn insert was hot and he outgrew it before we were ready for legs out. I use the ergo a lot more now that his legs are out. It's quick easy and comfortable. It is especially great for putting him on my back and hiking or vacuuming. I used the sling for a bit but I never seemed to feel like I could be hands free with it and it was hard on my body having all the weight on one shoulder.
A woven and an ergo are the perfect combo for us.

[MamieCole]

For infant to 3 months: Ring slings, stretchy wraps (Moby, Hug-a-Bub, etc)

For 3 months-6 months: Ring slings, Mei Tais, Woven wraps

For 6 months and up: I usually switch to back carries by this age. Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) Ergos are fine, but there are many more SSCs on the market that fit better, especially if you and/or your baby aren't average sized. i.e. petite or plus sized. (Tula, Dream Carriers, Kinderpack, Bamberoo, Beco)

12 Months - 4 years: Kinderpack, hands down. It is the best carrier on the market for toddlers and preschoolers. 

[BelleMaman]

For Infant to 3 Months, my daughter and I LOOOOVED the Moby! It was supportive but giving at the same time. We used this through 6 mos. after much practice I could also breastfeed covered by the Moby (while sitting). I traveled with my daughter at 4 mos, and she stayed a sleep in it for the most of the 5 hr flight. Ergo has a separate infant insert which keeps newborns snug in it.

6 mos - 12 mos and older - ERGO!! We used it when we traveled, in the airport, when hiking, and I was able to switch off with my husband, who's got mild scoliosis.  Only thing in the summer time, it gets very hot in the ergo, so I wouldn't even put a shirt on my daughter (but for winter time it was great to have her warmed up on my back). 

[greenthumb3]

Kinderpack, hands down. It's like an ERGO married a Boba and they had a baby. Twice the better fit and comfort for child *and* wearer than either Boba or ERGO, IMO. I had the original ERGO, and every variation after that one, and wore four different children in them...and have used the Boba 2G (liked it, didn't love it), so take that as you will.

KP's come in sizes for carrying a child newborn-preschooler. You can get special straps that adjust for a petite wearer and also for a tall wearer, so one carrier really can be worn by more than one person. They are super well-made in the USA by the woman who invented them. Gotta love that there are so many different fabric combinations for these carriers, you can be as plain or as unique as you want with the kind of carrier.

The market is flooded with ERGOS, unless you are fortunate enough to have a print someone happens to want, randomly. That makes it hard to re-sell your ERGO when your baby outgrows it or the wearer outgrows it (KP is comfy for a larger range of sizers of wearer).

On the other hand, KP resale value, at this time, is better than for the ERGO which is good if you want to buy a certain size and then re-sell to buy another size. Although, many who buy their Kinderpacks love them so much, they hoard them and just add to their stashes and buy more.

You're welcome for all the tips, I should be getting paid for this recommendation! ;-)

[hitz333]

0-3 months: a good ring sling. I had a Maya wrap which was perfectly wonderful but have only tried a couple of others. I hear wrap conversion ring slings are the best. I had a stretchy wrap too but it just was not supportive - my baby would wiggle her head out and wiggle her body and next thing I knew the fabric was at the middle of her back - yes, as a newborn, and yes, I tied it very tightly. I preferred a non-stretch carrier. Also used the ring sling beyond this stage but after 6ish months the long-term comfort wasn't as much there, as this carrier sits on only one shoulder. However, it remains in my diaper bag to this day and my "baby" is 2 (granted, we rarely wear at all now). Actually, I am getting a wrap conversion from Comfy Joey so this will be lovingly handed down to my sister-in-law expecting her first baby. I hope the CJ is at least as comfy as the Maya!

3-12 months: wrap conversion mei tai. I have a Wrapstar and it is WONDERFUL. This is actually the carrier I would pick if I could only choose one carrier for all time, but this was when I used it most. I did a lot of long term wearing during this time period and my baby wasn't a lightweight anymore. I had plenty of support, plenty of comfort, and could do high back carries to let my little one see the world while I still got things done. Only drawback is the straps are very long and it isn't the most convenient public wear carrier, but you get used to making it work and get very very fast getting it on. After a little practice I would say all the carriers I've tried (from woven wraps to buckle carriers) took about the same amount of time to get on and adjusted.

12 months and older: an SSC and my favorite out of the few I've tried (others are Boba, Bjorn) is the Action Baby Carrier. Best feature is that the straps can cross in the back for front carries which make it SUPER comfy. Second best feature is that it is lightweight and folds up pretty flat for the diaper bag. This became my main carrier after a year because my daughter wasn't being worn for as long periods of time and this was sort of a quick and convenient thing to bring to the zoo where I might need it, might not, might need it for a long period of time (which is why I wouldn't rely on the ring sling), might not. I still prefer the less structured carriers overall but this is one is still never leaving my stash. =)

And just for anyone else who might benefit, most of the carriers I tried I got used through swap groups. It is a great resource! If something didn't work for us I could sell it for what I paid and only be out shipping. Actually, I bought the ABC new on clearance but it was my second one - I had already tried one by buying it on the swap but my friend liked it so much I sold it to her and bought another!

[hitz333]

Originally Posted by Grateful0326 

Has anyone used a mei tai?  I have been looking at an Ergo, mainly b/c it is something that can grow with baby, and I have heard such good things.  However, I am concerned about using it with a newborn.  A friend recommended a mei tai over a moby, and continues to use this with her 2 year old.  Any thoughts?  Thanks all!
 

Personally I hated the Moby (although I loved WOVEN, not stretchy, wraps) but I LOVE my mei tai. I have a wrap conversion mei tai (Wrapstar) I got from one of the swap groups so the straps are wider than some other mei tais but are unpadded. So they spread wide over your shoulder and back and are very, very comfy. Hands down my favorite carrier out of the many types that I have tried.

[hitz333]

Originally Posted by ESPMadre 

I am 16/17 weeks pregnant with a 6 year old special needs son (relevant because he could not walk until a year ago and is only now independently walking.)  I actually have a question at the end of the post between the Boba 3G and the ERGO

From 0 to 3 months:  Over the Shoulder Baby Holder Ring Sling:  When ESP was newborn/infant, he was a winter baby.  We loved the OTSBH, the extra padding all around the edge was more comfortable for both of us. Nursing was a bit tricky because I have very large breasts.  I actually got  a wedge meant to go under the breast to give it some support for feeding! At first we had an Infantino sling, but E got over heated in it - later it was recalled for just that reason.  I learned not to buy slings from companies that were just jumping on the babywearing bandwagon, but stick to companies that had been doing them long term.

From 3 to 12 months:  We used the HotSlings SolarVeil material sling.  The material has a texture but is not scratchy.  It is very breathable and we could use it comfortably even in the summer.  Took summer trips easily with this sling.  I actually still have this one! and am excited to get to use it again.  The new baby is due in Feb, 2013.

Ergo with the Infant insert (the 2007 design which is different from the 2013 design).  Both of us LOVED this carrier.  Too hot during the summer but awesome once the weather cooled.

My husband like the Baby Bjorn but I always had to help him get into it.  Was not my favorite because the position of the baby's legs did not seem natural.  Also got hot as we moved into Spring and Summer

From 12 months and older:

ERGO:  This was a fantastic carrier. I had to stop using it when ESP got taller because he did not have neck/head control.  I was never able to wear him on my back which I think would have been a very freeing option for me.  

This time I may try a Boba 3G, I have heard it comes up higher on the baby's bac/neck than the ERGO. Does anyone have confirmation of that????  Hopefully, this new baby boy will not have special needs but if he does, I may need the highest back option.

For a baby that may need very long term wearing, I wouldn't even do the Boba. Yes, the Ergo has one of the shortest SSC backs on the market, and the Boba is better, but say in your oldest son's case he could STILL potentially be worn in certain carriers depending on his height and weight. Woven wraps are one option, but for buckle carriers I'd go with maybe the KinderPack or a Kanga. They both make different sizes of carriers - the preschool KinderPack claims ages 3-5 and the Kanga XTP claims ages 2-6, but I don't know exact measurements of either. There might be other preschooler-friendly carriers as well. For just taller toddlers, there are many companies besides the Boba that make toddler sized carriers. I have tried the Boba but I prefer the Action Baby Carrier and they now have a toddler sized option. My 2 year old still fits in standard but she isn't above average in height either and she has good head and torso control. The ABC is also a few dollars cheaper than the Boba. Hope that helps! I know either way you will be fine for the first several months or so with that you have, so I'm giving you some things to consider if you end up needing a taller carrier in the future!

[Angela Aloisi]

My personal favorite for at least up to a year is an Infantino 5 in 1 (I think it was called). It's best features are how sturdy it is, how adjustable it is, and how versatile it is. It can be worn on the back, front, put in a cart while shopping, kept on baby in the car seat, swing. . .I especially loved that with it's clips I was able to gently lower a sleeping baby down to bed or the car seat without usually waking them. It wasn't very good support around the waist though, and consequently was poor at keeping baby close to you when bending over. . .the plus being that you didn't risk having the baby fall out the top. (Which is pretty unlikely anyways as the carrier has a lot of padding and is a bit of a snug fit.

[mom of B]

We have friends who were missionaries in Africa, and gave me a kitenge.  It is basically a big piece of fabric.  I used it for front carry, back carry, hip carry, blanket, nursing cover, sunshade.  I wish I had more, I may see with this baby if I can find fabric that I like and trust to hold up and make a few.

I had a ring sling, regular sling, and ergo, and used all some of the time, but the kitenge was my favorite by far.  It isn't as intimidating as it seems to learn the ties, but I did have the advantage of having my friend to show me.