Whether it’s for parents or caregivers, baby carriers are extremely useful infant gear. They allow parents and caregivers to carry their kids hands-free without taking on the bulk of strollers. What’s more, baby carriers are perfect for wearing even in the house, walking around, or even for travel. That’s because whether you use hip seat baby carriers or front-facing ones for men, babies love being held closely. Besides that, there are many styles of baby carriers on the market, such as backpack and wrap ones. Choosing baby carriers is as important and difficult as choosing the best infant car seats and strollers.
There are many factors you need to consider, including weight limits, length of usage, and other material and design specs. We’ve done that legwork for you too. So, what are you waiting for? Here are the 13 best baby carriers, including hip seat, front facing, and others for men and women.
Table of contents
- Vlokup Baby Wrap Sling Carrier
- ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Child Carrier
- BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini
- Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier
- LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow Six-Position Baby Carrier
- Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier
- Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
- Solly Baby Wrap Carrier
- Tula Explore Mesh Baby Carrier
- Baby K’tan Original Carrier
- Sakura Bloom Ring Sling
- Moby Fit Hybrid
- Babybjörn Baby Carrier Harmony
- How To Choose The Best Baby Carriers?
- Are baby carriers safe for my baby’s hips?
- Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a carrier?
- How long can a baby be in a carrier?
Vlokup Baby Wrap Sling Carrier
13
The Vlokup Baby Wrap Sling Carrier might not be a hip seat baby carrier, but it’s one of the best front-facing baby carriers for men. This wrap sling carrier is perfect for warm weather and days by the pool or the beach. What’s more, it helps parents hold their little one close even on a hot summer day, besides in any sort of water body. It’s made from airy and light mesh fabric, thus holding babies and newborns weighing up to 35 lbs. Moreover, the mesh is machine washable and dries up quickly too. Finally, parents like that it fits into the matching drawstring bag, making it easy to store and keep this wrap in a beach or a pool bag.
Pros
- Breathable.
- Ideal for the water.
- Perfect for both men and women.
Cons
- Difficult to adjust.
ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Child Carrier
12
The ClevrPlus Cross Country Baby Backpack Hiking Child Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for men. If you and your partner are outdoorsy kinds and love hiking, then this carrier is perfect for you. In fact, this carrier also happens to be one of the best baby carriers for hiking. This carrier weighs just 5.5 lbs and is both comfortable and lightweight, and can be worn for hours on end. What’s more, it’s quite versatile and can hold kids aged between 9 and 48 months and those weighing a maximum of 33 lbs. Furthermore, it has a hip belt and padded straps as well as specially crafted lumbar padding to keep hikers well-supported and cool. Finally, parents love that it folds flat for easy storage.
Pros
- Easy storage.
- High maximum weight limit.
- Lightweight frame.
Cons
- Less comfortable for long hikes.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini
11
The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini is one of the best hip seat baby carriers. This soft structured carrier is safe for babies weighing 7 and 24 lbs and is the perfect first carrier for newborns. What’s more, this soft carrier holds the infant up high on your chest, allowing you both to feel closeness during the special newborn phase. Since your little one will likely be snoozing in the carrier, new parents and caregivers will like that the entire front section is easy to unfasten. So, you can easily lift your sleeping newborn out.
Pros
- Ideal for newborns.
- Easy to wear.
- The entire frontal section can be easily unfastened.
Cons
- 12-month age limit.
Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier
10
The Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for men. This carrier offers the best of both worlds. That’s because it provides parents with the close comfort and flexibility of a wrap and the support and ease of a structured baby carrier. All parents and caregivers need to do are click the belt, secure the shoulder straps, and then tie and wrap the straps for a comfortable fit. This carrier is safe for babies weighing 8-35 lbs and can be used both outward and forward-facing. Finally, the carrier doesn’t unwrap or sag and is easy to put on as well. The best bit? The small zippered pocket.
Pros
- Head support.
- Outward and forward facing.
- Hybrid fit.
Cons
- Non-adjustable shoulder straps.
LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow Six-Position Baby Carrier
9
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete Airflow Six-Position Baby Carrier is one of the best hip seat and front-facing baby carriers. This baby carrier is stylish and functional, complete with adjustable straps, generous padding, and added lumbar support. What’s more, your infant will feel supported thanks to the special neck and back headrest, along with proper hip support adjustments. Besides all of the above, this carrier is versatile and can be carried in six ways. Plus, it accommodates babies weighing between 7 and 45 lbs. Finally, the front pocket is big enough to hold small items such as keys and phones, and there’s no insert required for parents and infants on the go either.
Pros
- Comfortable for infant and wearer.
- Large storage pockets.
- Six wearing positions.
Cons
- Slightly difficult to put on.
Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier
8
The Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for men. This carrier is perfect for parents and caregivers who’re on a budget. At the same time, it’s hard to believe that this budget-friendly choice offers such excellent versatility at such an affordable price point of USD 33. What’s more, it’s safe for babies weighing anywhere between 8 and 32 lbs. If that wasn’t enough, the carrier could be used in four ways; as a backpack, facing out, facing in with a wide seat, and facing in with a narrow seat.
Pros
- Affordable.
- Four wearing positions.
- Ergonomic for parents and babies.
Cons
- Limited padding.
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier
7
The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is one of the best hip seat baby carriers on the market today. This baby carrier is one of our top picks because it grows as your baby grows. What’s more, it’s suitable for babies weighing between 7 and 45 lbs so that it can be used for years together. Plus, it allows parents to carry the infant in many ways, including on their back, side, and front, both outward and inward. If that wasn’t enough, it’s made to work for all body kinds – tall, plus size, and petite – thanks to the adjustable straps. Finally, it’s thoughtfully designed with a tuck-away UPF 50+ hood for discreet breastfeeding and wind/sun protection and a storage pouch for all your on-the-go needs.
Pros
- Can be worn in many positions.
- Hood and storage pouch.
- Extended weight and age limits.
Cons
- Expensive.
Solly Baby Wrap Carrier
6
The Solly Baby Wrap Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for men. This traditional baby wrap is made from a single piece of fabric. All parents/caregivers need to do is wrap, tie and tuck the infant into this adjustable baby carrier. The carrier is made from soft modal and lightweight material, which is an absolute blessing for parents and babies in the summer. What’s more, parents also love the fact that this carrier allows cozy skin-to-skin contact with even the tiniest of babies. If that wasn’t enough, this carrier could be used for newborns until the baby reaches 25 lbs.
Pros
- Easy to travel with.
- Breathable.
- Can be machine washed.
Cons
- It takes time to get used to it.
- Only front carry.
Tula Explore Mesh Baby Carrier
5
The Tula Explore Mesh Baby Carrier is one of the best hip seat baby carriers. Are you looking for carriers that will be able to hold your baby well into toddlerhood? This Tula carrier does just that, and then some, as it can be used to carry babies as small as 7 lbs and up to 45 lbs without an insert. What’s more, the seating area is adjustable and stays ergonomic throughout the entire lifespan of the carrier. Plus, you could even put your baby in the back-carrying position once they have control over their neck and head muscles. Finally, the carrier is very comfortable for all sizes of caretakers, as well as for babies.
Pros
- Padded for additional comfort.
- Multiple carrying positions.
- Breathable material.
Cons
- Pricey.
Baby K’tan Original Carrier
4
The Baby K’tan Original Carrier is one of the best baby carriers for men. This might be a wrap carrier, but there’s very little actual wrapping involved. There’s a lot to like about this handy two-piece wrap, which comes with a security sash and a double-looped main section. So, it takes the hardest parts of the wrapping process out of the equation, allowing you to get your baby in and out in a flash. What’s more, this K’Tan carrier comes in a few different sizes, which means you can invest in more than one if all caregivers aren’t the same size. Finally, it can be used for preemies and newborns until the baby reaches all the way up to 35 lbs.
Pros
- Multiple carrying positions.
- Made from 100 percent cotton.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- One size doesn’t fit all.
Sakura Bloom Ring Sling
3
The Sakura Bloom Ring Sling might not be one of the best hip seat baby carriers, but it’s an excellent baby carrier nonetheless. If keeping it as simple as possible is your main carrier concern, then this ring sling is an excellent choice. What’s more, this brand’s sling is made from soft linen that keeps you and your baby comfortable in all seasons. All parents/caregivers need to do is thread the material through the rings before tucking the baby into the little hammock created. So, your babe in arms is close enough for you to kiss the top of their head but without stretching. Plus, the ring sling can carry babies weighing between 7 and 35 lbs. Finally, this ring sling can carry your babies until they turn from infants to toddlers in many different ways.
Pros
- Adjustable.
- Easy to wear.
- Comes in many colors.
Cons
- Expensive.
Moby Fit Hybrid
2
The Moby Fit Hybrid is one of the best baby carriers for men. This carrier combines the security of a soft-structured carrier, the adjustability of a ring sling, and the versatility and comfort of a wrap carrier into one. What’s more, it’s made from a super-soft and machine-washable material that’s as comfortable as it gets, both for parents and babies. Besides the two carry positions of front outward and inward, it also offers the flexibility that multiple caretakers can use. Finally, the carrier can be used for babies weighing between 8 and 33 lbs.
Pros
- Adjusts for the perfect fit.
- Soft fabric material.
- Versatile and comfortable.
Cons
- Not very supportive for older babies.
Babybjörn Baby Carrier Harmony
1
There’s yet another Babybjörn carrier on this list; this time, it’s the Babybjörn Baby Carrier Harmony. It might not be a hip seat baby carrier, but it’s well-known and loved by parents and babies both. For one, it’s one of the most comfortable and softest structured carriers on this list. What’s more, it’s made from a unique 3D mesh that’s both supportive and breathable. Like other carriers from the brand, the Harmony is easy to wear and ergonomic for many different body types. Finally, the carrier has lots of padding and three different carry positions, allowing you to wear your baby for long times without feeling pressure on your back or shoulders.
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Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Three carrying positions.
- Comfortable and soft.
Cons
- None, really.
How To Choose The Best Baby Carriers?
Types of baby carriers
There are many kinds of baby carriers on the market. What’s more, knowing all the styles available helps parents and caregivers choose the right kind for their needs. The commonest ones are wraps and slings, which are unstructured fabric carriers that act as a pouch to hold your infant. What’s more, some are padded, some have rings, and some have neither. On the other hand, there are soft structured carriers, which are secure carriers that can be worn for a long while. What’s more, you can hold the infant sideways, facing backward, facing front, or more. Basically, structured carriers can be adjusted and are easy to put on. Finally, there are backpack carriers, which are the most structured, the heaviest of the lot, and worn on the back.
Fit and size
Choosing baby carriers is a lot like choosing baby sleep sacks or baby life jackets. How it fits depends both on your baby’s preferences as well as yours and also on your body shape. For instance, petite mums or those with large breasts should usually avoid bulky carriers with internal harnesses. Also, look for carriers, both front, and back-facing ones, that will fit both men and women. So, you won’t have to invest in two carriers.
Additionally, a carrier should be well fitted, even if it’s not the most high-end or fanciest of the lot. However, if it’s not well-designed, then it could put a strain on your shoulders and back and not offer optimal safety for your baby either. So, ensure that you choose carriers that offer the most comfortable fit and are ideal for your body type.
Weight requirements
Finally, look for weight specifications and limits depending on how long you plan to use the carrier. For instance, snugger carriers make discreet nursing and skin-to-skin contact possible and could be better for smaller babies too. Also, if you plan on using the carriers beyond a year, then go for one with an extended age and weight limit.
Are baby carriers safe for my baby’s hips?
Yes, baby carriers designed to support the baby’s legs are safe. Don’t go for ones where the baby’s legs dangle, as it could pose a risk of hip dysplasia.
Is it safe for a baby to sleep in a carrier?
Yes. Babies can sleep safely in carriers when it’s fastened the right way.
How long can a baby be in a carrier?
As long as they’re comfortable, a baby can be in a carrier as long as they feel okay.