Soft fabric baby wrap
Perfect for newborns and infants, this versatile wrap promotes bonding and keeps baby close in a cozy embrace.
Kids & Baby
Baby carriers
8 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Carriers tend to be bought for expecting parents, often as a shower or first-Christmas gift. The ones that get used are the ones that fit the parent's body and daily routine. A stretchy baby carrier wrap suits the newborn months at home. A ring sling is handy for quick trips in and out of the car. Buckle carriers and hip seats come into their own once a baby is heavier and wants to look around. Before you choose, find out who will do most of the carrying, how tall they are, and whether they already have a carrier. Many parents end up with two: a soft one for early weeks and a structured one for later.
Kind 1 of 8
Soft wraps for the newborn months
A wrap is a long length of fabric tied around the parent's body to hold a baby snug against the chest. Stretchy wraps feel cosy and suit very young babies. Woven wraps take more practice but work for longer. Hybrids that mix ties or buckles with wrap-style fabric are quicker to put on. Wraps suit parents who plan to wear a baby at home and don't mind learning a few ties. Before buying, check the fabric length for the wearer's size, whether it can go in the washer, and the weight range the maker lists.
Buckle-tie hybrid wrap
Offering the snugness of a wrap with the convenience of buckles, this carrier provides a secure and comfortable fit for various activities.
Tie-on hybrid baby carrier
Combining the comfort of a wrap with the structure of a soft carrier, this style offers custom fit through tying straps.
Kind 2 of 8
Simple slings for quick carries
A baby sling is a one-shoulder carrier, often a simple fabric pouch, that slips on over the head. There's little to adjust, so it's quick for short carries around the house or into a shop. Slings suit parents who want something light to keep in a diaper bag. Pouch slings come in fixed sizes, so you'll need the wearer's measurements or size before you buy. Also look at how wide the shoulder is and what the fabric is made of.
Simple fabric pouch carrier
An uncomplicated and compact option for quick carries, this carrier slips on easily for short trips and errands.
Kind 3 of 8
Ring slings that adjust in seconds
A ring sling is a length of fabric threaded through two rings at the shoulder. You tighten or loosen it by pulling the fabric's tail. It's quick to put on and take off, folds small, and different adults can share it without changing the size. It suits parents who carry for short stretches or have more than one child to chase. Check the ring material, the fabric weight, and whether the shoulder is gathered or pleated, since that changes how it sits.
Quick adjust ring sling
This single-shoulder carrier allows for fast adjustments and easy in-and-out, great for quick ups and downs with an older infant.
Kind 4 of 8
Hip seat carriers for growing babies
An ergonomic hip seat carrier has a firm seat on a padded waistband, often with a soft panel and shoulder straps you can clip on. The baby sits on the seat, which takes weight off the parent's arms. It suits parents of older babies who go up and down a lot during outings. Check the weight range, the waistband sizing, whether the panel comes off, and whether the seat can be used alone.
Ergonomic hip seat carrier
Designed to reduce strain on the wearer's back and shoulders, this carrier provides a sturdy seat for the child.
Kind 5 of 8
Carrying a baby on your side
A hip carrier holds a baby on the parent's side rather than front or back. This can be a sling, a hip seat, or a carrier with a hip position built in. It suits curious babies who want to see everything and parents who carry for short, frequent stretches. Before buying, find out whether the parent already carries on one hip by habit. Check that the carrier adjusts to either side and fits the wearer's waist.
Kind 6 of 8
Choosing between sling styles
People searching for sling carriers usually mean either a ring sling or a pouch sling. Both sit over one shoulder and are fast to use. Ring slings adjust to fit different people. Pouch slings are sized, so they're simpler but less flexible. A sling suits a parent who wants something small for errands, alongside a bigger carrier for long walks. Ask which style they like, and check the fabric, the sizing, and how easy it is to wash.
Kind 7 of 8
Buckle carriers for longer outings
Backpack-style carriers use padded shoulder straps and buckles, and usually a waist belt too. Many carry on the front and the back, and some skip the waist strap for a lighter feel. They suit parents who walk a lot or want something they can set up without learning ties. Check the weight range, the torso and waist adjustment, and how the straps fit shorter or taller wearers. Also ask whether both parents will share it.
Ergonomic buckle baby carrier
This carrier offers comfortable support for both parent and child, ideal for hands-free adventures and daily tasks.
No-waist strap backpack carrier
Ideal for toddlers and pregnant wearers, this carrier allows for high back carries without a restrictive waist belt.
Kind 8 of 8
Stand-alone hip seats
A hip seat is a padded waistband with a small shelf for a baby or toddler to sit on. There are no shoulder straps unless you add them. It suits families with a toddler who wants up, then down, then up again. It's less useful for newborns. Check the waist size range, how the buckle fastens, whether there's a pocket for storage, and whether shoulder straps can be added later.
How to choose baby carriers as a gift
- Find out who will do most of the carrying, along with their rough size, before choosing anything with fixed sizing.
- Match the carrier to the baby's age: soft wraps for the early months, buckles and hip seats for later.
- Look for fabric that goes in the washer, because carriers get messy quickly.
- Ask whether the parents already have a carrier so your gift fills a gap instead of doubling up.
- Choose neutral colours and patterns both parents would be happy to wear in public.
Usually safe to skip
- Carriers bought secondhand without labels or instructions, since the parents can't confirm the weight range or how to fit it.
- Sized pouch slings when you don't know the wearer's measurements, since the wrong size often ends up unused.
- Highly structured frame packs for new parents, which usually suit hiking families with older children rather than daily use.
Questions people ask about baby carriers
- What is the difference between a wrap and a ring sling?
- A wrap is a long piece of fabric tied around both shoulders and the torso. A ring sling goes over one shoulder and adjusts through two rings. Wraps spread weight across the body and suit longer carries. Ring slings are faster to put on and better for short trips.
- Is a baby carrier a good gift for a baby shower?
- It can be, especially if the parents haven't picked one yet or have asked for one on a registry. Check the registry first, since many parents have a style or brand in mind. A gift receipt helps if the fit doesn't suit them.
- Which type of carrier works for both parents?
- Ring slings and buckle carriers with wide strap and waist adjustment are the easiest to share between people of different sizes. Stretchy wraps also fit most bodies but take a moment to retie. Sized pouch slings usually fit only one wearer.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All baby carriers picks
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