12 best baby carriers to buy in 2024 put to the test by mums

Trust us: you do a lot of baby-carrying in the first year, so finding the best baby carrier to suit you and them is crucial in those first few weeks.

As is the case with the best travel strollers or the best travel cots, baby carriers are an essential piece of newborn kit — especially if you're on the move with a newborn in tow. 

Helping you to free up your hands, and therefore help you accomplish all those daily tasks — such as sterilising their bottles and keeping up with the laundry — that come with being a new parent. However, as well as being purely functional, a good baby carrier can also help to promote mother-baby bonding, work to soothe your baby if they’re distressed, and help them see the world from a little higher up.

When it comes to choosing the best baby carrier for you, the choice can be a daunting one, with so many questions and decisions to make. Do you want an over-the-head carrier? Or a sling? Want something that will support your baby’s posture without hurting your back? Do you need a carrier that you can put on by yourself or do you want something you can take outside that protects your baby against the elements?

To find the best baby carriers currently on the market, we asked a panel of parent testers to put 12 of the leading styles to the test. Over several weeks, these testers and their babies, who ranged from two months up to the age of one, put these top baby carriers through their paces. The result was essential feedback about each design and advice on who these carriers would best suit. Read on to find the best baby carrier for you, your baby and your budget.

Best baby carrier 2024 at-a-glance

• Best baby carrier overall: Nuna Cudl Baby Carrier, £149.99 | Very
• Best baby carrier for longevity: Ergobaby Omni Dream, £184 | John Lewis
• Best breathable baby carrier: Ergobaby Aerloom, £199.95 | Kiddies Kingdom
• Best budget baby carrier: Chicco ComfyFit Baby Carrier, £34.95 | Amazon
• Best for easy wearing: Konny Baby Carrier, 39.99 | Amazon
• Best for newborns: Nuby Newborn Baby Carrier, £38.97 | Amazon
• Best for breastfeeding: Izmi Essential Baby Wrap, £39.99 | Amazon
• Best lightweight carrier: BabyBjörn Mini Carrier, £89.99 | Amazon
• Best buckle carrier: Tula Half Buckle Carrier, £66.25 | Babipur
• Best travel carrier: Badabulle Ergonomic Carrier, £26.95 | Amazon
• Best soft carrier: Dreamgenii® SnuggleRoo Baby Carrier, £41 | Amazon
• Best carrier for active parents: BabyBjorn Harmony, £208 | Amazon

Best baby carriers 2024 - tried and tested

Tried and tested by: Sarah McCarron with 13-month-old daughter, Caitlin

This is a comfortable and adjustable baby carrier, with four different carrying options. You can carry your child on your front (either facing outwards or facing you) until your little one is 18 months old. You can also use it as a back carrier for older babies and toddlers up to the age of 36 months.

Made from breathable, machine-washable fabric, this carrier has softly padded shoulder and waist straps and is designed to ensure that your baby is held in the safest ergonomic position, whichever way you use it.

Our parent tester, Sarah McCarron, put it to the test with her baby daughter, Caitlin, aged 13 months. She found it highly comfortable compared to other carriers – the most comfortable carrier she has tried. 'The first thing I noticed when trying it on was that it was incredibly soft, supportive, and comfortable to wear,' she says. 'The fabric is really breathable and I like the simple colour scheme. My one-year-old particularly seemed to enjoy being carried in the forward-facing position.'

Our favourite feature – the magnetic buckles – make this carrier really easy to put on. Yes, even if you're in a hurry and don't have another pair of hands to help. From the fabric quality to the fact that there are four carrying positions – not to mention how comfy it is to wear – this adaptable carrier easily earns our vote as the best baby carrier you can buy.

• Read our full Nuna Cudl Baby Carrier review

Tried and tested by: Mum and journalist Grace with her seven-week-old daughter

If your budget can stretch this far, the Ergobaby Omni Dream is one of the best baby carriers you can buy. Yes, it's expensive. But you can use it from birth right up until your little one is four years old, and each carrier comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Founded in 2003, Ergobaby is known for stylish but robust, ergonomic baby gear (including baby carriers, strollers, and nursing pillows) that encourages bonding between parent and child. Clothing designer Karin Frost launched the brand after struggling to find a baby carrier that she liked and her original design has influenced the safety standards by which all carriers are made.

Adjusting a baby carrier from one position to another can be a faff but that’s not a problem with the Ergobaby Omni Dream baby carrier. It’s easy to adjust to suit different-sized wearers. It's also a doddle to switch your baby from inward to outward facing and back again. 

The carrier has a deep ‘bucket’ seat plus a head and neck pillow to support your baby. Reflective stripes offer extra safety for night-time babywearing, and there are side pockets and a removable pouch for storing essentials like your phone and keys. A tuck-away hood offers protection from the elements and also gives breastfeeding parents privacy if required.

Our parent reviewer, Grace, put it to the test with her seven-week-old daughter. 'Naturally, the carrier isn’t an item you can set up once and then never have to adjust again,' she says. 'However, it’s as easy to adjust as it could possibly be, and I’m not concerned that pieces are going to snap off or fray when I do so.'

If you're looking for a baby carrier that will stand the test of time throughout years of use, look no further. And if baby carrier safety is a concern for you and you want something that will support your baby's posture without putting strain on your back, we think this is one of the best baby carriers you could choose.

Read our full Ergobaby Omni Dream baby carrier review

Tried and tested by: Emily-Ann Elliott with her eight-month-old son Ted

This hybrid carrier combines the key elements of a structured carrier and a wrap-style sling. The design ensures the baby's legs are in the hip-healthy 'M' position and its spine is in the 'C' curve. It can be used from 0+ months in the inward-facing position or from 6+ months in the forward-facing position. It is easy to put on and has an adjustable waist belt with a useful storage pocket. The carrier folds into a handy storage pouch and is machine washable.

Our parent reviewer Emily-Ann Elliott tested this carrier with her son Ted, aged eight months. 'This baby carrier is really easy to use, thanks to the three-step 'Click, Strap, Tie' technique,' she says. 'You just click on the belt, put a strap over each shoulder, and cross them at the back, before tying the material at your side. Both straps have labels telling you which shoulder they go on, which makes it impossible to muddle up putting it on. It's actually one of the easiest slings I've used.'

Because of its structured style, Emily-Ann felt her baby was especially secure in this carrier. The soft fabric made for a cosy experience, too. 'The design is inspired by yoga apparel, which means the fabric is lightweight and it feels very flexible, she adds. 'It's a stylish carrier that felt comfortable to wear. And I really like that it's machine washable, so it's easy to clean after inevitable little accidents.'

Baby carriers can be bulky to lug around but another standout feature of this one is the fact that you can pack it away neatly into its storage pouch. That's a helpful feature for busy parents, whether you're adding the carrier to your holiday packing or thinking about carrying this around with you day-to-day.

'I'd recommend this to a friend who likes the idea of a stretchy sling, but isn't confident in tying one themselves,' concludes Emily-Ann. 'The fact that it cannot be used to carry the baby on your back is a downside for me, but overall I think it's easy to use, comfortable, and good value for money.'

Tried and tested by: Hannah Hughes with her daughter Maggie, aged 18 weeks 

The Konny baby carrier is a simply-designed baby carrier that comes in a variety of colours and prints. The lightweight fabric makes it less bulky than other similar carriers, and it packs neatly into its own storage bag.

Hannah Hughes put this carrier to the test with her daughter Maggie, aged 18 weeks. 'Lots of carriers feel quite complicated to wear and you need lots of practice putting them on, but I found the Konny very simple and easy from the start,' she says. 'I loved the selection of prints and colors, and chose the beige gingham which complimented all my outfits.'

Working out how to put on a baby carrier can be a mission, but Hannah found this very straightforward. 'It's always a worry to know if you are babywearing correctly but I found the instruction manual easy to follow,' she says. 'The picture of the baby's legs in an 'M' shape is an easy way to make sure the leg and hip position is correct, and the wide shoulders of the carrier help to take the strain off your back.'

Overall, Hannah would recommend this sling to anyone looking for a stylish carrier that's simple to use and not too bulky. 'The Konny is simply yet beautifully designed – it's made from quality fabric and the prints are cool and modern,' she says. 'It's a fantastic lightweight option – one you can easily pop in your bag or under the pram without any extra bulk. It's easy to wear, the colour choices and prints feel really modern and fashionable, and it's a good price point. Most importantly, my baby falls asleep quickly in this compared to other carriers I've tried.'

This carrier would suit someone who loves simple stylish design and wants a choice of cool, modern prints. It's perfect for mums who want to use a combination of pram and carrier, as it's lightweight and not too bulky to carry around when it's not in use.

Tried and tested by:  Carly Hobbs with her two-month-old baby, Dex

The Nuby Newborn Baby Carrier is a lightweight baby carrier that's easy to put on. It can be worn three ways – on your front with baby facing either inwards or outwards, or on your back.

This carrier impressed our tester in terms of both price and practicality. Mum Carly Hobbs tried it out with her two-month-old baby, Dex. 'It's smaller and less bulky than my usual carrier, so it's much more practical to wear in the house while getting stuff done,' she says. 'I found it so easy to slip my baby in and out of – especially when he's fallen asleep on a walk and I can just slide him out without waking him – winning!'

The Nuby Newborn Carrier is also simple to put on and take off, and easy to adjust. 'I found it so simple to put on that I knew I could get the baby in with ease,' adds Carly. 'After a few attempts doing it in front of the mirror I could do it by touch without needing to see the actual buckles.'

Although it's suitable for use for up to 18 months, Carly feels her baby will have outgrown this carrier by then. She also found the waist belt to be on the small side. 'It's easy to adjust but I had the waist fastening on the biggest setting and it only just fitted,' she says. 'Two months post-birth I am probably about a size 16 so I'm not sure how suitable it would be for larger dress sizes.'

That said, she feels it's ideal for someone that loves stylish, neutral colours and doesn't want to spend a fortune on a carrier, especially if only using it once in a while. 'It's comfy and easy to wear, and my baby loved being so close to me,' she says. 'I loved putting Dex in it daily while pushing his older brother in his pushchair. It actually makes going out on walks a dream rather than a chore.'

Tried and tested by:  Carly Hobbs tested it with her two-month-old baby, Dex

Suitable from birth, the Izmi Essential Baby Wrap is a wrap-style sling made from supersoft, breathable fabric. The ergonomic design distributes your baby's weight evenly, thus reducing pressure on your back. It can be worn in two carrying positions – on your front or on your hip – and it's also possible to breastfeed your baby in this carrier.

Mum Carly Hobbs tested it with her two-month-old baby, Dex. She's not normally a fan of this type of carrier, preferring a more structured design for her 'very wriggly' baby, but she found it very comfortable to wear.

'It's a soft baby carrier that's designed for super close babywearing and although it's designed to be easy to use, this type of carrier isn't my usual choice,' she says. 'That said, I did like that it has wearing options for smaller and larger parents, making it accessible and very flexible. It's ideal if you have a big size difference between mum and dad or anyone else wanting to use the carrier. It's also very comfy to wear as it doesn't dig in anywhere.'

A standout feature for our tester is the fact that this is less bulky than other carriers. 'I loved that I could fit more of the carrier (and Dex) inside my coat when it got cold or windy – something that isn't possible with bulkier carriers.'

Overall, this is a cosy option that Carly would recommend to mums who know they like this style of carrier. She thinks it's especially suitable as a spare carrier for use around the house instead of sturdier, bulkier designs. 'It makes it possible to hold your baby super close, so long as they're not too big or wiggly,' she says. 'And I love that you can just throw it in the washing machine after a few spillages, and also that it comes with its own little tie bag for storage so you can pop it in your change bag or put it away easily in the house.'

Tried and tested by:  Hannah Hughes with her daughter, Maggie, aged 19 weeks

Created especially for newborn babies, Baby Carrier Mini is suitable until your child is one year old or until they weigh 11 kg (24 lbs) and/or reach a height of 75 cm ( 29.5 in). It can be worn in two positions – facing inwards or outwards on your front – and it's small enough to pack neatly in your changing bag. A feature we love is the fact that you can unfasten the entire front section to lift your baby out easily – brilliant for when your newborn has nodded off in the carrier and needs popping in the cot.

Mum Hannah Hughes tested this carrier with her daughter, Maggie, aged 19 weeks. She found the carrier 'incredibly simple' to wear and adjust. 'Maggie sat comfortably in the super soft jersey fabric and I had no worries about her hip position because the simple design means that it feels impossible to put a baby wrongly into the carrier,' she says. 'The carrier is lovely and light because it's just worn around the parent's back, and not around the waist. I love the muted grey colour, which looks really expensive, and the fact that it can easily be adjusted for both partners to wear.'

After long periods of wearing this carrier, Hannah felt some strain on her back and shoulders – probably because of the lack of a waist strap. But if you plan to use a carrier for long periods of time, it's worth looking at the Baby Carrier One or Baby Carrier One Air as excellent alternatives.

Overall, Hannah wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone looking for a lightweight carrier for a new arrival. 'It's a great newborn carrier that's easy to use and can be worn by both parents. It's not too bulky and the soft jersey fabric means it's really comfortable for baby and parent to wear.'

Tried and tested by: Hannah Hughes with her daughter Maggie, aged 19 weeks

Suitable for babies weighing from 3.2 to 20.4 kg (7 - 45 pounds) with no infant insert required, this colourful carrier has a buckle waist and crossable tie straps. It's a hybrid carrier, meaning the design offers the comfort of a buckle waist but the customisable support of crossable tie straps.

Hannah Hughes put this carrier to the test with her daughter Maggie, aged 19 weeks. She found it tricky to put on but was impressed with how comfy it was to wear – and she got lots of compliments about this stylish carrier!

'It was difficult to hold Maggie whilst getting her positioned into the carrier and then having to cross over the straps and tie them around my waist,' she says. 'Once she was in I worried a little about hip position – because us mums worry about everything – but she seemed happy and comfortable and the sling really was super comfortable to wear. Of the four carriers I've tried, this one gave me the best back support.'

This type of carrier is bulkier than other styles because of the way it ties around your body, and Hannah wondered if a different Tula design might have been easier to get to grips with. 'It looks great and it was actually really comfortable to use, but as well as being difficult to pop baby in – especially solo – it was also quite bulky to wear or even carry because of the very long straps,' she says. 'That said, the range of beautiful prints and colours available is incredible – and it really does look beautiful on.'

Tried and tested by: Emily-Ann Elliott with her eight-month-old son, Ted.

The Ergobaby Aerloom carrier is made from innovative FormaKnit fabric, which is breathable and lightweight yet supportive – and includes approximately 26 recycled plastic water bottles, including lids! The carrier adapts to the contours of your body, and can be used three ways; from birth in the inward-facing position, in the forward-facing position for babies measuring at least 25in tall (around 5-6 months), and on the back for babies at least 26in tall (around six months). The carrier is machine washable and folds neatly for easy storage when it's not in use.

Our tester, Emily-Ann, liked the fabric but found this carrier more challenging than others to use, especially when wearing it on her front with her baby facing forward. She tested it with her eight-month-old son, Ted.

'I can see the breathable fabric being very useful in summer or while on holiday, to stop both baby and parent from overheating,' she says. 'But while the sling has obviously been designed for comfort, it's not the easiest to use. If you are not a regular sling wearer, it may take a while to get used to it, as there are quite a lot of adjustments to make to the straps in order to get the baby into the safest carrying position.'

While the wide strap offers good lumbar support (and includes a handy zip-up pouch), the top strap has to be clipped by reaching over your shoulders. 'That's quite tricky if you have short arms as I do,' says Emily-Ann. 'But once in the inward-facing position, my baby does feel well supported and comfortable.'

In addition, our tester liked the fact that this carrier can be worn on the back. 'Some of the carriers we tested can't be used for back carrying, but this one can,' adds Emily-Ann. 'That makes it a good option to use from birth right through to toddlerhood.'

If you like stylishly designed products and want a lightweight, travel-friendly carrier that can be used from birth right through until your child is walking, this is one of the best baby carriers you'll find.

Tried and tested by: Emily-Ann Elliott with her eight-month-old son, Ted.

There are two options for carrying your baby in the Badabulle Ergonomic Baby Carrier. It can be used in the front-facing position for babies from 3.5kg and in the back position from 8kg (from 9 months onwards). It's ultra-light and compact and made from breathable fabric. It has a wide belt and straps to evenly distribute weight, making it a comfortable design for both parents and babies.

This carrier is really simple to use, according to Emily-Ann Elliott. She put it to the test with her eight-month-old son, Ted. In particular, she found this carrier made it easy for her to position her baby in the hip-healthy 'M' position – the safest babywearing position for healthy development.

'The carrier has an adjustable waist fastening and shoulder straps, and another strap which fastens at the top of the back or across the chest, depending on which way you're wearing it,' she says. 'This means it's really easy to get your baby into the safest physiological position, with their knees tucked up higher than their hips.'

This is a great choice if you're looking for a travel-friendly baby carrier. 'With summer just around the corner, this feels like it will be a great sling to use on hot days as it's light and breathable,' says Emily-Ann. 'Also, it's incredibly compact when folded up, so it will be easy to pop in your changing bag or suitcase for holidays.'

Overall, this is a stylish, lightweight carrier that's really easy to use. It's less versatile than other carriers because it offers fewer carrying positions. However, it's excellent value for money.

'For me, the only downside is that your baby can't be carried forward-facing on the parent's front in this carrier,' says our tester Emily-Ann. 'But it's ideal for parents who travel frequently or who want a straightforward carrier that's easy to use and doesn't cost a lot.'

Tried and tested by: Mum Catherine Hudson and her daughter Iris, five months.

The Dreamgenii® SnuggleRoo Baby Carrier is a soft cotton baby carrier that's easy to put on and simple to adjust so you can find the perfect fit.

Suitable for use from birth until your baby is around a year old, it can be worn in four different ways and is available in three neutral colours; Light Grey, Charcoal Grey, and Black.

A particularly noteworthy feature of this baby carrier is the way it's designed to recreate the tight embrace of the womb, helping your baby to feel safe and secure whilst being carried. It's also a hip healthy carrier that helps to support your baby's hips in the correct position to prevent Hip Dysplasia and promote healthy hip development. 

The Dreamgenii® SnuggleRoo Baby Carrier is one of the best baby carriers to adjust so it's easy to get a really comfortable fit. Its design is more like a wrap-style sling that you use to wrap your baby onto your body so it's ideal if you like the idea of babywearing using a soft carrier but like the ease and security of easy-to-adjust straps.

This is also one seriously affordable baby carrier. It doesn't have all the features that you'd expect a more expensive carrier to have but if you're looking for a budget-friendly buy and want to try out a soft baby carrier without spending a lot, this is a good option for you. 

• Read our Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier Review

Tried and tested by: Yvette, who put the BabyBjorn Harmony through its paces for two weeks with her baby, Penelope.

With a £200-plus price tag, the BabyBjorn Harmony is the most expensive baby carrier in our guide but it's for good reason. The tried and tested brand is renowned for its carriers and its latest launch is no different. 

It's kitted out with a mesh lining to prevent overheating during long winter walks and balmy sunny days and thanks to its many (we're talking many!) numerous adjustable straps, you have all the power in your hands to alter the design as your baby gets bigger. This means you can carry your baby from the day they are born right up until they're 15 months old. And better yet, even as your baby puts on weight, they remain comfortable and supported and the same goes for your back. 

'It's a really comfortable design so you don't feel the full weight of your baby at all, so can carry them for long periods,' said our tester Yvette. 'The carrier is lightweight and, while an expensive model, I believe is really good value for money if used from newborn.'

Prefer to carry your baby on your back? No problem. Just a few clicks and this clever lightweight carrier enables you to securely position your baby front or forward-facing, as well as on your back. 

"The secure clips are brilliant,' Yvette told us. 'There's not a risk of nipping any fingers, like traditional clips, and, while they feel secure, they can be easily hooked off which is particularly ideal for transferring a sleeping baby out!'.

• Read our BabyBjorn Harmony review

How to choose the best baby carrier

• Consider your preferred position -  Most baby carriers can be worn in multiple different ways so it's important to think about how you want to carry your baby. The options include (a) on your chest with your baby facing towards you or (b) facing outwards, depending on their age and weight. Many baby carriers can also be worn (c) on your back, and some also offer (d) a hip-carry position, where your baby is cradled to one side of your body. 
• Think about weight distribution - All baby carriers have minimum and maximum weight recommendations which are applicable to each different carrying position, so check your baby's weight to make sure the carrier you are considering is suitable before you buy. And if you plan to use a baby carrier over the long term, make sure you choose a carrier that can be adjusted as your little one gets bigger - and heavier! And if your partner or your baby’s grandparents might use the carrier too, pick one that’s easy to adjust to fit people of different shapes and sizes.
• Consider comfort - 'If you don’t find your carrier easy to use, you won’t use it,' says founder of South London Slings library Emily Williamson, a professional carrying consultant, former midwife, and mum of two. 'A sling or carrier will only be comfortable if it fits your shape. Wraps or less padded/structured options which contour to your body can offer excellent weight distribution. Everyone finds different things easy so check you can get your carrier on safely and fitting comfortably by yourself.'
• How often are you likely to use the baby carrier? Do you plan to use it around the house or mainly when you're out and about? If you can imagine popping your baby in a carrier at home while you're making dinner, choose one that's not too bulky. If it's for outdoor use, factor in the fabric and choose one that will withstand the elements. 
• Budget - Value for money is very important when it comes to choosing the best baby carrier since you could be using it for years to come. Don't be put off by the more expensive carriers. Although the initial outlay might seem like a lot of money, this type of baby carrier can end up being excellent value if you use it frequently over several years or with more than one child. But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a carrier, this buying guide also includes some brilliant budget options. Many of these baby carriers have most of the same features as premium carriers but cost a fraction of the price.

How to use a baby carrier safely

It is extremely important to choose a baby carrier that supports your baby's thighs to the knee. It should also position the baby's legs in the hip-healthy ‘M’ shape and offer adequate support for your baby’s head, spine, and neck.

Equally, the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers and Retailers recommends that parents closely follow this ‘TICKS’ checklist for baby carrier safety.

• Tight - make sure the carrier is tight enough for you to hug your baby close. 
• In view at all times – you should be able to see your baby’s face at all times. 
• Close enough to kiss – your baby’s head should be within kissing distance. 
• Keep chin off chest – to ensure your baby’s breathing isn’t restricted. 
• Supported back – prevent your baby from slumping to keep airways clear.

Are baby carriers safe for newborns?

'Yes, baby carriers are safe for newborns,' adds babywearing expert, Emily. 'Research has proven that babies who are close to their parent’s chest cry less, especially during the evening hours, so don’t just use your carrier during the daytime - use it at home and when out and about.'

'The more you wear your baby, the happier your little one will be. They will also spend more time in a quiet, alert state, which is the state in which a baby learns the most. When babies spend less time crying, they spend more time learning and interacting with the environment around them.'

Babies who are worn in a baby carrier are also able to see everything their parents see, hear and say and become more involved in your everyday life, adds Emily. 'Having your baby close also allows you to respond to their cues quickly and easily. All of this can help to develop your baby's cognitive and social skills and improve their overall wellbeing.'

Forward-facing or inward-facing – which is baby carrier position is best?

'For the first several months, your baby will be more than content with being carried facing inward towards you.' explains Emily. 'From a developmental point of view, the baby’s primary tasks are related initially to adaptation to life outside the womb, so your baby does not need excessive stimulation of facing forwards.'

But at around two to three months, the baby’s main interest will be the human face. 'So the inward-facing position is ideal for this,' she adds. 'This is because they will have a clear view of the caregiver’s hopefully exciting and stimulating face. The baby can also observe the caregiver’s face when she/he is communicating with others, providing the baby with learning experiences.'

The age at which you can switch your baby to front-facing outwards is around six months old. 'This is roughly when they have good head and neck control,' explains Emily. 'However, some babies will clearly signal through protests earlier on that the front inward facing position is no longer suitable to provide adequate visual stimulation!'

Are baby slings or carriers better?

First of all, it's probably best to relay the differences between the two. 

Essentially, a baby carrier is a more sturdy and structured piece of kit, fastened to you with clips and buckles. While slings and wraps are often tied to you thanks to their super strong fabric designs. 

The latter are most commonly used for newborns. As opposed to baby carriers, which tend to suit toddlers and larger babies, offering you ergonomic support and your little traveller extra padding and comfort. 

Either way, there are plenty of baby carriers available so whether it's a sling or carrier, you are bound to find one to suit you and your latest addition. 

For another way to transport your baby around, check out our best travel strollers guide. If you’re after advice about other essential baby kits, read our best baby monitor guide and how to choose the best baby car seats for your kids. We've also got advice on choosing the best breastfeeding bras and the best bottle sterilizers.