What Is the Best Baby Carrier

by Donna

I now know what is the best baby carrier after making lots of mistakes buying my first one. Here's what to look for BEFORE you every try on the first baby carrier.




  1. Wide, padded shoulder straps and a wide padded waistband or strap that are adjustable according to size
  2. A carrier that holds baby in a reclined position until the newborn has good head and neck control.
  3. One that is easy to take on and off. If you need help to load and unload the baby with a particular brand; keep shopping.
  4. A brand that is comfortable to wear for an extended period of time.
  5. One that is lightweight can be folded to fit in my diaper bag.
  6. A carrier that fits your lifestyle; are you a hiker or a slave to fashion that has to have her pretty fabric.


I had to read many baby carrier reviews, make a list and visit lots of baby stores to try on carriers and borrow carriers from my friends to know
what is the best baby carrier for me!

After you know which features and characteristics to look for you can save time and avoid the bad decisions that I made in the past. I wasted money that I could have spent on other gear if I had only done my homework.



Comments for What Is the Best Baby Carrier

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baby and Toddler Carriers
by: Anonymous

I've found that the best baby and toddler carriers can be expensive! You're lucky to find a baby carrier for less than $100 unless you luck up on a good used baby carrier but since you can use them a long time, you get your money's worth.

Plus, it means less stuff for me to have to keep up with and store between uses.

Do yourself a favor and buy carriers that will safely carry both a baby and a toddler! There are some baby and toddler carriers on the market that have gotten very high ratings for comfort.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Carrier for Dads
by: Anonymous

All the other posters are saying that the best carrier for dads is one made from solid, dark colored fabric. The problem that I have with this is that this kind of fabric shows every little spot of milk.

The dark color fabric might not show stains, but if you don't think that every tiny drop of milk is going to stand out like crazy then you are very wrong.

That's why I like a carrier with a busy print or an antique white background. Stains would be camouflaged by the graphics and milk spots would blend right into the background.

Of course, the fabric should also be sturdy enough to support the child.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Safest Baby Carriers
by: Anonymous

Is there a list of the safest baby carriers somewhere that we can refer to because safety is the most important feature in a baby carrier, followed closely by comfort and then style.

Along with being rated high for being safe, I believe the carrier should be comfortable for both mommy and baby. I have tried to use many different carriers and I find many to be either uncomfortable or too confusing to learn how to use.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Easy to Use Baby Carrier
by: Nicole

I want an easy to use baby carrier that's not going to be hard to learn how to use!

It would be just too tempting if I was in a hurry to get somewhere or if my baby was crying and fussy to just hold the baby in my arms rather than to take the time to put her in the carrier if it was hard to manage.

Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Multi-Position Baby Carrier
by: Anonymous

I prefer a multi-position baby carrier because my back and shoulders hurt like crazy when I carried my last baby in the same position several days in a row.

Versatility is a very important characteristic because I believe that being able to carry a baby in different ways and not just restricted to one is a way to prevent back and shoulder strain.

Switching from front to back carry is a good way to keep mommy and daddy from wearing out and giving baby a different view of the world!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baby Carrier Safety
by: Anonymous

Baby carrier safety is my primary concern. I want to be sure that my baby carrier will be completely safe. If a product looks reliable and functional then and ONLY then do I check it out to see how comfortable it is and try it on for a good fit.


I am not a large lady, but I am pretty chesty and need a carrier that will fit well and not squash my little one. Lastly, once it passes all my own personal baby carrier safety tests, I see if there is a fabric that will fit my style.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Back Carry Baby Carriers
by: Anonymous

Which is the best baby carrier for carrying my son on my back? I'm shopping for back carry baby carriers that have high ratings for support and ease of use. I am looking for a comfortable, and attractive carrier that will carry BOTH my son that is now 2 years old and my newborn baby daughter.

I have heard that backpack baby carriers are much easier on a mom's shoulders and lower back. No matter how closely I carry a newborn to my chest during the breastfeeding phase, I can tell that the weight takes a toll on the muscles in my back.

After my baby boy was old enough to make the switch from front to back carry, things got a lot better and I immediately saw improvements in problem areas. Both my upper and lower back ached less after extended periods of baby wearing and my shoulders seemed to feel less strain.

You can't beat carrying your newborn in a sling or wrap in front for nursing, but when those babies start to get really heavy it's time to switch to back carry baby carriers (in my opinion) especially if you have back trouble!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Most Comfortable Baby Carrier
by: Anonymous

I want the most comfortable baby carrier that I can find. It's got to have a comfortable fit for me as well as the baby and be designed not to put too much strain on my back and shoulders.

I want one that will allow me to switch easily from front to back carry to avoid muscle strain. If get over tired in one position, then I can switch and carry in the other for awhile. Another characteristic of the most comfortable baby carrier would be one with wide straps and waist band.

From the Webmaster:

Most moms say that switching from front to back or vice versa is a great way to extend the amount of time they can carry a heavy baby without getting too tired. I would love to hear from an expert which muscle groups are used for each position and hear an explanation as to why this works so well.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baby Carrier Weight Limit
by: Anonymous

My baby carrier's weight limit is the first thing I checked. I made certain that I will be able to safely use the product for a reasonable amount of time.

Safety and durability is important but the weight limitations are a good indication of how much use you will get out of it for the money spent. After that comfort is the key issue!

After I'm satisfied with the baby carrier weight limit, product durability and a test run for comfort, the LAST thing I take into consideration is the looks of the carrier.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Baby Carrier for Men
by: Jeanette

The best baby carrier for men is one that they are willing to actually use more than once! That's why I bought a brown carrier because dad and I agreed that it was a good neutral color. This is very important because he will be using it hopefully as much as I will!


But looks aren't the only determining factor. I needed one that will reduce the strain on my back and shoulders and one that would easily adjust to fit my husband when it was his turn.

I took my daughter Trick-or-Treating in the mall and after awhile she started to get heavy and my muscles started hurting. That is why it's important to get one that men will wear, too.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A Carrier That's Easy to Take On and Off
by: Anonymous

What I look for is an easy off and easy on baby carrier. It's a must that a baby sling or carrier be easy to put on and to take off because I'm a busy mom who doesn't have time to wrestle with complicated baby gear.

I live in a very warm climate so airflow through the fabric is important and I must be able to wipe the carrier clean or even better it should be machine washable and stain resistant.

Another characteristic that I look for in an easy on baby carrier is that once I have it on and baby is inside that it is easy on my shoulders and back.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Best Baby Carrier for Back Pain
by: Anonymous

Can someone provide recommendations for the best baby carrier for back pain sufferers, please? I need a carrier that will support my back and shoulders. I have been suffering from back and shoulder pain ever since an accident that I was in before I got pregnant.

Since my baby boy was born it has been very difficult to carry him due to the pain in my back. My doctors are uncomfortable with me lifting any more than 15 pounds and my baby weighs between 12 and 13 pounds right now! So, I need to find the best baby carrier for back pain and support fast!

But I also want a carrier that will hold up and be easy to clean. I don't want the fabric to be ruined the first time my baby spits up. Since I live in Florida and have to deal with the heat I need for it to have breathable material so my child doesn't get too hot. Any recommendations?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baby Carriers with the Best Back Support
by: Anonymous

If you're smart you will spend your money on baby carriers with the best back support. They are a mother's (and a dad's, if she's lucky) best friend! What good are padded straps and waistbands if the design causes your back to start hurting within minutes?

Like so many parents, my husband and I are on a tight budget and made the mistake of shopping for a cheap baby carrier that looked sturdy enough very early in my pregnancy while we were still very excited about being prepared and BEFORE we actually had a baby to put in it or had read reviews to get names of back carriers with back support because we didn't know how important that a product with lumbar support would be.

Let me tell you that babies get heavy very quickly and even big, strong men can feel the strain. Now when looking at carriers, I look for the ones with good back support I don't care if they are cute or if they are called "hiking" carriers.

Baby carriers with back support are very important and I could care less if mine is ugly so long as it's comfortable.

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