Baby Carriers: Product Guide & Review of Styles, Features, & Safety
Infant carriers allow you to wear your baby on your body for hands-free comfort... and for bonding with baby. There are numerous options, so you can find what fits and feels best for both you and your little one.
Also, see our article: Baby Carriers: An Overview (with downloadable comparison chart)
STYLES
FEATURES
SAFETY
CRADLE FAVORITES
PLACES TO BUY
STYLES
| | | Slings • Hold your baby “hammock style." Some are already fastened and sized, others have rings so you can adjust the fit, and some are made of a double loop.
Front-Pack Carriers • Wear baby on your front with baby facing in or out.
Wraps • One long piece of fabric that you tie around your body and your baby.
Asian-style Carriers • A rectangle of fabric with long straps that you tie around your waist and shoulders.
Backpacks • Wear baby on your back (ideal for more rigorous activities).
Eco-Friendly • Made with organic fabrics.
Hip Carrier • Wear baby on your hip. |
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FEATURES
| | | Slings - Basic single shoulder – easy to use; can be converted for use with baby on your hip.
- Ring sling – a long piece of fabric with rings at the shoulder for adjustments; can be worn on front, back, or hip.
- Padded or unpadded.
- Most are designed for newborns and babies up to 40 pounds.
- Some have pockets to hold keys or a phone.
Wraps - Easy to fold and store.
- Allows you to wear baby in many different ways (front, hip, back, hammock-style).
- Designed for newborns and babies up to 4 years.
Front-Pack Carrier - Two shoulder style.
- Baby facing in or out.
- Straps allow for adjustment (depending on who is wearing the baby).
- Padded straps.
- Designed for newborns and babies up to 25 pounds (baby must have good neck control to face out – some require a special newborn insert).
Backpacks - Some are soft and padded; some provide structured support with metal frames.
- Designed for babies who can sit up unassisted.
- Some can be worn either back or front.
- Pockets and organizers to hold keys, phone, bottles, and more.
Asian-Style Carriers - Less structure than a backpack carrier.
- Can be worn on front, back, or hip.
- Padded or unpadded.
Eco-Friendly - Certain styles offer organic options.
Hip Carrier - Allows you to carry baby on your hip, leaving one arm completely free.
- Ideal for older babies and toddlers.
- Some have pockets to hold keys, a phone, or a bottle.
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SAFETY
| | | Always check the manufacturer’s guide for weight and age limits.
Make sure the fabric is durable.
Baby’s head should be supported with his or her weight evenly distributed in the carrier.
Never use a carrier when transporting baby in a car or on a bicycle.
Periodically check the carrier for ripped seams, sharp edges, and missing or loose snaps or buttons.
Check for Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. Products with JPMA certification are notated below. Currently JPMA certification is voluntary, although certain safety standards will be mandatory within the next 2 years. If you have any questions about a product's safety, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly. For more information: JPMA |
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CRADLE FAVORITES
| | | Hammock Slings
Ring Slings
Wraps
Front Pack
| |  | Active
Has extra back support | | | |  | Organic options available •
Can be worn on back as well | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | Multiple seating positions | | | |
Backpack Carrier
Asian Style
Eco-Friendly
| |  | | Organic Cotton Baby Carrier | | | |  | Sojourn Sling
Reversible Organic Knit Cotton | | | | | | | | | | | |  | 100% organic hemp canvas,
lined with soft and cozy
organic fleece | | | |
Hip Carrier
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PLACES TO BUY
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