A good baby carrier is one of those essentials a new parent should invest in. From the time of their birth to their toddler years, babies benefit from contraptions that help to keep them close to their parents. Similarly, for the new mom or dad, babywearing helps make parenting much easier since it lets you bond with your baby with ease and comfort while keeping your hands free for other tasks.
If you're not sure which kind of baby carrier to get, you've come to the right place. In this article, we've prepared a list of our 10 recommended baby carriers and a buying guide reviewed by pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo. Let's begin!
Quick List - Top Baby Carriers
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are 3 types of baby carriers. Each has its advantages based on the age of your little one, ease of use, and portability.
Wraps are long pieces of fabric that you fold around yourself to create the shape of a carrier. Its design is similar to a swaddle but bigger. This is to accommodate both you and your baby. It mimics the feel of the womb, so it’s the most suitable for babywearing a newborn.
It has no buckles or other accessories – hence it is the most portable and travel-friendly among all types of carriers. You can easily fit it inside the diaper bag. Most wrap carriers also come in one-size-fits-all, so it is compatible with different body types.
Learning how to properly fold a wrap carrier takes time and a lot of practice. Achieving the correct wrap is important to make sure the baby is always secured and stays comfortable while inside. Once perfected, a wrap carrier will serve as a cozy little pocket for your baby.
Some wrap and sling carriers may curl your baby's body into a C-shape, which greatly increases the risk of breathing problems. If you use a wrap or sling, it's important to always ensure that your baby's head is up and above the fabric, their face is visible, and their nose and mouth are free of obstructions.
Ring slings are also made of a strip of fabric but are worn over your shoulder and across the torso creating a pouchーalmost like a swing. It is secured by looping the fabric through two rings just below the shoulder.
The fit of this carrier is less restricting, which is perfect for our humid weather. Your little one will sit snugly inside the pouch but will have enough space for small movements and airflow.
On the other hand, ring slings will put most of the pressure and weight on the shoulder. This can be painful during long-term use. Though also portable, some ring slings are only hand-washed to prevent the fabric from shrinking.
When using these fabric carriers, always check that your baby's face is free from extra cloth/fabric, which can pose a suffocation risk. Make sure that they are snugly and comfortably positioned inside the sling, to avoid them falling out or wriggling out. Do also check the fabric regularly for wear and tear, especially as your baby becomes heavier.
These are soft padded carriers that you can wear on your front – just like a reverse backpack. Other soft structured carriers allow you to carry the baby on your hip. They have adjustable straps and clasps, which make them easier and faster to put on. It is the most recommended carrier for older babies and toddlers because it has enough room for stretching their legs.
To make babywearing more comfortable, choose soft structured carriers with broad shoulder and waist straps so the baby’s weight will be distributed evenly, taking away some of the pressure off your shoulders.
When your baby is 4-6 months old and can support his or her head, you can start carrying the baby in a front-facing position. This allows your little one to watch other people and see the surroundings from your point of view. Note that your baby must not fall asleep while sitting in a forward-facing position because it might restrict the airways.
Do take your baby with you when you shop for your carrier so you can match it to their size. Make sure the carrier supports their back, and the leg holes are small enough that your baby can't possibly slip through. Always check for the sturdiness of the material, the manufacturer's weight and size recommendations, and the care instructions.
Because you will be carrying the baby close to the skin, make sure that the fabric or material of the carrier is lightweight and breathable. Some baby carriers have heavy knits and padding, which are only useable during cooler weather and in airconditioned rooms.
Most soft structured carriers are made of 100% cotton, which is the most comfortable fabric for babies. Some are made with polyester, which is best for outdoor use. On the other hand, wrap and ring sling carriers also come in cotton, blended with bamboo viscose, linen, and silk.
Also, select a baby carrier that is durable and easy to maintain. Remember that spit-ups and drool will be all over the fabric once you start using it regularly. Check for care and washing instructions and the weight limit as well.
No matter the type of carrier you use, make it a habit to regularly check the material for wear and tear. A good fraction of baby carrier-related accidents is from babies falling out of carriers. If your carrier has seams and fasteners, do check the integrity of all attachments and components before placing your baby in the carrier.
The baby carrier’s seat must be amenable to the “M position.” Also known as the frog-leg position, your little one’s legs should straddle your body, not hanging straight from the holes. The baby’s thighs must be supported, and the hips should be bent.
This is the most comfortable position, especially for soft structured carriers. This healthy hip position also encourages normal hip development in babies and reduces the risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip or congenital hip dislocation.
Studies have found that carrying babies in the “M” shape is associated with low rates of hip dysplasia, while positioning your babies with their legs tightly swaddled together or in a cradleboard, has higher rates of hip dysplasia.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bebear AX Foldable Aluminum Hip Seat Carrier | ![]() | A Durable Hip Carrier With a Foldable Memory Foam Seat | |
2 | Infantino Flip™ 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier | ![]() | A Budget-Friendly Yet Versatile Baby Carrier | |
3 | Dapanda Cotton Wrap Sling Carrier | ![]() | A Ready-to-Wear and Multi-Purpose Wrap Carrier | |
4 | Sunveno Breathable Baby Wrap Carrier | ![]() | An Ideal Choice for Keeping Newborns Calm | |
5 | Mini Monkey Mini Sling Baby Carrier | ![]() | A Waterproof Carrier You Can Take to Beach and Pool Outings | |
6 | BabeLovey Baby Carrier | ![]() | A Convertible Hip Seat Carrier at an Affordable Price | |
7 | Chicco Ultra Soft Carrier | ![]() | An Ergonomically Designed Carrier From a Trusted Brand | |
8 | QB Handwoven Ring Sling | ![]() | Add Some Style to Your Outfit With This Patterned Ring Sling | |
9 | Bebeta Baby Carrier Plus Hip Seat | ![]() | Keep Body Aches Away With This Lightweight and Cushioned Carrier | |
10 | Little Totts Baby Wrap | ![]() | A Hands-Free Option That Lets You Maintain Close Contact With Your Baby |
This hip carrier gives you the ultimate durability with its foldable aluminum seat, which provides the highest strength among all commercially available aluminum types. This means that your baby's hip seat is sturdy and can support up to 20 kg. It can also be folded 90 degrees to save space when not in use.
The hip seat uses memory foam with a honeycomb silicone anti-slip material, a feature that gives this carrier an edge when it comes to comfort. Mommies or daddies will also love the padded straps and the spacious front pocket for storing other baby items or mobile phones.
Lastly, this product prioritizes safety with features like reflective stripes for visibility in dark areas and a unique double safety technology in its buckle and zipper locks. Meanwhile, a detachable hood provides adequate support for your baby's neck, as well as protection from the elements. For a carrier that covers all the bases, you can't go wrong with this one!
This baby carrier is popular for its durability, material quality, versatility, and support, yet it stays within a reasonable price. It has an adjustable seat, leg openings, straps, and waist belt, so parents can use this carrier from their baby's infancy up to the toddler years.
It offers 4 ways of carrying the baby: facing-in with a narrow seat for newborns, facing-in with a wide seat for older babies, facing-out with a narrow seat for babies with head control, and backpack style for toddlers. With such varied options, this carrier can take you and your baby on so many adventures!
It also comes with a Wonder Cover™ 2-in-1 bib to protect the carrier and your baby's clothes from stains. You can also take advantage of its clever ergonomic features such as the adjustable head support, the shoulder straps with extra padding, and the supportive waist belt that moves the weight to the wearer's hips for more even load distribution.
Taking your baby out for a walk around town is hassle-free with this simple wrap carrier. Unlike other wraps that can be confusing to figure out, this one is designed in such a way that all you need to do is to sling it on your shoulder, and you're good to go!
While it may look basic and simple, this sling carrier actually keeps your baby's spine in the C-shape position for a natural and proper bending position. Aside from the cradle carry, you can also hold your baby in a front facing-in position that supports their legs the correct way.
It's made of 100% cotton that's breathable and skin-friendly. The shoulder strap is also adjustable and padded, so you'll go on feeling comfortable even after hours of carrying your baby. Another plus is that it's multi-purpose; you can quickly turn this into a nursing cover if you have to breastfeed.
Stay close to your baby all day with the Sunveno baby wrap. This carrier offers a great balance between comfort and stability with its super light and soft cotton material and reinforced, double-sided stitching. It's also easy to use-since it's designed like a shirt, all you need to do is wear it like one and put your baby in the pocket, kangaroo-style.
It draws on the bionic concept of babywearing, which means that it simulates your baby's position in the womb and puts them as close to your heartbeat and voice as possible. This makes it an ideal choice especially for newborns who may need some extra cuddling and warmth in their transition to the outside world.
Don't worry about getting tired, though. This one has a sturdy structure at the back to keep your spine in a healthy position as you rock and carry your baby. It also comes in a one-size-fits-all design, so it's as inclusive as it can be!
The Mini Monkey Mini Sling might seem expensive for a sling wrap carrier, but it's easy to see why. It is an airy and compact carrier that weighs only as much as a mobile phone. With its adjustable straps, it is also versatile because its size fits all body types.
It is easy to use and has a single, wide shoulder strap for comfortable babywearing. It is also certified as a "Hip Healthy" product that can accommodate the suggested M-position of the baby. The safety loop also helps stop the fabric from sliding off your baby's bottom.
Because it's waterproof, this is the perfect carrier for family vacations. Moms or dads can bring their babies along while using the shower in a resort, swimming in the pool, or relaxing on the beach. It also comes with a carry bag for more portability.
This baby carrier enjoys loads of good ratings on e-commerce stores, and for a good reason. Not only is it easy on the pocket, but it's also packed with features that you'd normally only find in high-end brands. For one, it has an extra thick and wide design that adds to the feeling of stability and durability.
More importantly, it gives parents many options for carrying their baby, proving its versatility despite the low price tag. You can carry your baby with the transverse hold to provide adequate support for its soft spine. As the baby grows older, you can shift to using the front-carry and backpack-style hold.
Aside from that, this one has many pockets for storage of items you need easy access to while on the go. The detachable hip seat also allows you to carry or rock the baby to sleep without the hassle of strapping the entire carrier on your shoulders. An overlapping Velcro belt helps with adjustability, and the soft padding distributes the weight of the baby around your waist efficiently.
Chicco is a trusted brand when it comes to baby products and carriers. Their Ultra Soft Carrier is designed to keep both baby and parents comfortable as they explore the world together. With features like a soft mini-vented lining and adjustable side and shoulder straps, you and your baby are in for a fuss-free ride!
It offers two ergonomic positions in carrying the baby-facing in for newborns and smaller babies, and facing out for older babies. Both of these options promote the recommended M-position of the baby's legs. You'll also love its special cuddle pocket that promotes a sense of closeness between you and your baby.
If you like tribal-inspired prints, this ring carrier from QB might suit your taste best. It's printed with a lovely Kantarines pattern in pink and blue stripes, a traditional weave pattern often found in tapis or skirts. With the use of fun colors and innovation in the design, this pattern lives on as an exciting and contemporary ring sling, adding an interesting touch to any plain outfit.
This lightweight carrier is made from a cotton-poly blend fabric suitable for both our hot and cold weather. The fabric is threaded through a pair of non-welded aluminum rings, and you can adjust the fit and wearing position through these rings.
Another plus for ring sling carriers like this is that they also serve as a handy nursing cover for breastfeeding moms while keeping both hands free. Just make sure that the baby's face is always visible and that he or she has room enough to breathe.
If you're looking for a hip seat carrier that's simple and easy to use, look no further than the Bebeta carrier. This one is designed with comfort in mind. With its lightweight material and a built-in cushioned platform seat for your little one, you won't be feeling tired after a day out in the town.
One of its biggest advantages is the extra-strength buckle and inner support that adds to stability and ease of use. The padding on the straps and the seat helps to distribute the baby's weight evenly across your shoulders and back, eliminating back and shoulder strain. It also has a removable head support that you can attach whenever your baby needs it.
For moms and dads who prefer wrap carriers done the old-school way, this one from Little Totts might be a better option for you. It's a long piece of soft and thick fabric that you wrap and tie around yourself as you see fit. You can choose to carry your baby on your chest, back, or hip, whichever works for you.
It does need some figuring out and practice for you to find the best fit for you and your child. Once you've gotten it down, though, this one offers you the ultimate parent-child contact while keeping your hands free to do other things. And since it's just a piece of fabric, it's extremely portable as well-easy to fold up and stash in your bag when not in use.
Aside from promoting a wonderful bond between parents and their little ones, baby carriers can assist new moms in adjusting to the “fourth trimester” – or the next few months after giving birth. Babywearing is also beneficial to the baby’s development and well-being.
A baby carrier allows you to do other activities while holding the baby. Your hands and arms are free, so chores are easily accomplished. Since babywearing produces oxytocin, there is a lesser risk of postpartum depression and anxiety. Every chance of keeping the baby close to you is like getting an extra dose of your happy pill. Also, it gives new moms a boost of confidence and it decreases the feeling of social isolation.
The benefits of the cuddle hormones are not limited to moms. Through baby carriers, dads and other close family members, such as the grandparents, can also enjoy the skin-to-skin connection with the baby. Plus, navigating with a baby carrier is easier compared to using a stroller.
Babywearing is a practice where a carrier, wrap, or sling is used to carry your baby close to your body, often for many hours every day. Although there has been a recent resurgence of its practice, it is actually a very old and common practice in many cultures. It's a great way to keep your baby close while also being able to go about your daily activities.
Using baby carriers is an effective method of soothing a baby. Moreover, they cry less, they’re not fuzzy at night, and they are mostly calmer.
Baby carriers give older babies the “best seat in the house.” When their head and neck control is strong enough, the face forward position gives them a nice view of the surroundings. Their carrier seat also puts them at a conversational height where they can observe how people talk, thus promoting their early language skills.
Babywearing decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS and flat-head syndrome while also promoting digestionーless likelihood of colic and refluxes. Babies who are carried also learn how to balance themselves.
Babywearing is not only a great way to soothe fussy babies but is also an effective method of preventing crying episodes and promoting parent-infant attachment. It can also be helpful in babies’ language development, due to their proximity to their caregivers and more constant exposure to language.
Whether you're a new parent or an experienced one, there will always be new things to learn. Below, Doc Joey answers some of the most asked questions online.
Carriers can be used for your newborns, but some precautions need to be noted. Newborns and young infants should always be placed facing inward toward you. Carrying your baby on your chest with their face toward you allows you to monitor them and make sure they're in the correct position at all times. They should be positioned on the front of your body, close enough for you to be able to kiss the top of their head.
Your baby's legs should be positioned in a frog shape, with their hips and knees bent and their hips wide apart. Your baby's stomach and chest should be nestled against your chest. It is also important to make sure that their head is well supported, especially if your baby still can't hold their head up. Their chin should not be tucked against their chest. Their head and face should be visible at all times and should not be covered with the carrier or any other fabric.
There is no hard and fast rule for the maximum time a baby may be kept in a carrier, and in fact, it will likely change as your baby grows and develops. As a general rule, a baby should not spend more than two hours in a carrier, but it will really depend more on the carrier used, your baby's age, your baby's weight, their developmental status, and your ability to sustain carrying your baby for long periods of time.
Remember to set your baby down if you are tired. Many accidents involving baby carriers are due to the caregiver falling with the baby on them. Be sure to also listen to your body when carrying the baby. When picking up objects from the ground, bend at the knees, not at the hips. Otherwise, your baby may tip or fall out of the carrier, and/or you may hurt your back.
Stop using carriers when your baby already feels too heavy for you, or it's already uncomfortable for the two of you to use carriers safely. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for the maximum weight your carrier can handle.
Most first-time parents get so excited shopping for their little one that sometimes they end up regretting some impulsive purchases. Click the article links below to see our recommended baby products that will make the most out of your budget.
Author: Ayeza E. Mangulabnan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Bebear|AX Foldable Aluminum Hip Seat Carrier
No. 2: Infantino|Flip™ 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
No. 3: Dapanda|Cotton Wrap Sling Carrier
No. 4: Sunveno|Breathable Baby Wrap Carrier
No. 5: Mini Monkey|Mini Sling Baby Carrier
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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