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19 best baby carriers, wraps and slings for safe, snug and stylish baby-wearing
Keep your little one soothed and happy
In the early days you will no doubt want to keep your new baby close to you at all times. But, alongside juggling your baby changing bag and pram organiser, you're going to need to sip coffee/pee/take cute selfies at some point, so it's worth investing in a comfortable and safe baby carrier.
They aren't just handy for parents, though: studies have shown that baby-wearing has benefits for both caregivers and infants including reduced crying, temperature regulation, easy breastfeeding and even enhanced bonding.
To help you choose the best carrier for your family we've outlined the benefits of baby-wearing, with tips on how to use one safely, plus our pick of the best baby wraps, slings and carriers currently on the market.
Best baby carriers, wraps and slings
In a hurry? Check out the best baby carriers at a glance, or keep scrolling for the full list.
The benefits of baby-wearing
Baby-wearing comes with a number of proven benefits for the parents as well as the precious cargo. 'For babies, it gives them a safe, secure and comfortable way of staying close to their caregiver, especially in the early days,' says baby-wearing consultant Ruth Grint. 'It can help their digestion, regulates their heart rate and temperature, and can reduce crying. Carried babies are talked to more, and this is thought to improve communication.'
And the positive effects go both ways! 'For birthing parents, carrying their baby helps with bonding, reduces the chance of developing postnatal depression, and can help with breastfeeding,' adds Ruth. 'It also helps parents to pick up their baby's feeding and tiredness cues earlier. It's a great way to get out and about without a pram, and can help you to build your fitness gradually as you recover physically from birth. Plus you get your hands back to be able to do things, while still enjoying cuddles!'
For other adults involved in the baby's care, using a carrier also gives them a great opportunity to bond. 'It can reduce the chance of postnatal depression increasingly recognised in men and partners,' says Ruth. 'It also helps to share the load of parenting and to get out and about!'
Help choosing the right baby carrier
So how do you choose the best baby carrier? They are available from newborn up to about four years old, so learning what works for you also depends on the age and temperament of your child (some tots are wrigglier than others!) and what feels most comfortable for both of you.
Carriers usually come under the following categories: wraps, ring slings, soft structured carriers, Meh Dai carriers (a wrap and buckle carrier hybrid) and backpacks. Consider the following points before purchasing your first baby carrier:
Budget
Prices can vary so shop around and don't be afraid to ask your parent friends for advice or hand-me-downs. 'You don't necessarily need to go for the well known, celebrity endorsed brand to get a great sling!' says Ruth.
Longevity
Do you want a sling that will last for years, or something that works amazingly in the first six months before graduating to one better suited to older tots? 'Be aware that carrier manufacturers can be optimistic with how long their products will last — it's highly unlikely a sling suitable for a newborn will last until your child turns four.' says Ruth.
Co-parenting
Are you going to be sharing baby-wearing duties with a partner? Then look for something that works for both caregivers. A dinky little sling might be a tight fit for Dad and not all caregivers will be as passionate about leopard print and tassels as you are.
Style
That said, if you plan to carry your baby around a lot, invest in one you really like. 'You are so much more likely to use it, and be able enjoy all the benefits, if you love it!' says Ruth. 'There is no one best sling, but lots of different options that can work.'
Need a helping hand? Head over to your local sling library where you will be able to try out different carrier styles and get advice and support from baby-wearing specialists.
Baby carrier safety guidelines
According to Grint, the two most important things to consider when carrying your baby from newborn to toddler-hood and beyond include the following:
- Is my baby able to breathe? 'This means that you can see baby's face, their airways are clear of any obstructions, their chin is off their chest, and they are not slumped in the carrier,' says Grint.
- Is my baby secure? 'Are they at any risk of falling?' she adds. 'You can check that your baby is snug to your body if you gently lean forward, and they don't pull away. A top tip here — if you feel like you need to hold on to your little one, chances are they don't feel secure!'
These safety points apply to all types of slings, wraps and carriers. 'It's important to follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines and instructions, and to seek advice and support if you are at all unsure,' says Ruth. 'Your local sling library or Baby-wearing Consultant is a great point of contact for this.'
At what age should a baby be carried in a baby carrier?
You can start using a baby carrier from day one provided your little one weighs at least seven pounds. That said, babies neck muscles can take a few months to develop, so do make sure the carrier in question provides enough support for your precious newborn's head and neck.
As a general rule you should also always check the individual baby carrier manufacturer guidelines for age and weight recommendations before you proceed.
How many hours a day can a baby be in a carrier?
Baby-wearing is a great way to bond with your new arrival and keep your little one safe and snug, but if you plan to carry your tot for any length of time then it is worth considering both safety and developmental risks.
While being wrapped up tight on your chest is perfectly safe, for extended periods it can put baby at risk of suffocation, asphyxiation and hip dysplasia. So, monitor your little one closely at all times and aim to put them down or adjust their position at least every couple of hours.
19 best baby carriers, wraps and slings
From super-cool slings to pre-tied wraps, we've narrowed down the comfiest and most stylish baby carriers available to buy now.
Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over fifteen years’ online and print publishing experience.
Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness.
Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health.
Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene.
Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Jessica is a freelance shopping writer specialising in fashion, beauty, and interiors. Jessica was previously a shopping writer at BuzzFeed and has also had work published on Huffington Post, More!, and Reveal. Her most recent role was as a senior e-commerce writer for Women's Health UK covering everything baby and parenting. Jessica is also a fashion content creator under the name Lifebyjess_x.Jessica has an eye for trending products and scouring the internet for great deals, covering everything from practical home buys to the latest fashion finds. She loves checking out TikTok and Instagram for the latest must-haves, as well as cutting through the noise to share the best new launches and sale finds.When not working, Jessica is passionate about finding the best places for a Sunday roast and cuddling her rather spoilt miniature dachshund, Waffle!
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