Best Infant Carrier (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022

If you have a little one in your life, you know just how difficult it is to try to get anything done while keeping them safe and within reach. No matter what you’re trying to do, from running errands to working in the garage, your infant needs to be nearby. Fortunately, infant carriers make this both easy and convenient to accomplish.

With an infant carrier, you can easily wear (well, carry) your baby right on your chest. Picking out the perfect infant carrier isn’t so easy, though. With carriers available in many different styles, fits, and even sizes, it can be tough to choose one that suits both your precious infant and your comfort. We’re here to help — check out our picks for the best infant carriers right here.

Best Overall

Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier

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Best Value

Evenflo Infant Soft Carrier

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Honorable Mention

u0026nbsp;Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier

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Benefits of Infant Carriers

Stop fussing and crying. If you’re having trouble getting your infant comfortable and quiet, an infant carrier can often do the trick. Research studies point to infant carriers as a great solution for crying, fussing babies, allowing them to stay close to their parents for comfort and security.
Freedom and flexibility for parents. It’s difficult to go about your everyday tasks — or any tasks, really — when you’re dealing with a little one who just wants to be held. An infant carrier allows you to accomplish both, giving you the freedom and flexibility to move around, perform tasks, and more without putting your baby down.
Keeps parents and babies close. Skin-to-skin contact is critical for forging bonds and closeness between infants and their parents. Using an infant carrier helps you continue to bond, as a carrier allows moms and dads to keep babies right on their chests. Some may even be open enough to provide actual skin-to-skin contact.
Adaptable as kids grow. While infant carriers are designed for newborns and young babies, they can also be used as your child grows. Many infant carriers are adjustable and able to be altered or adapted to carry kids through their toddler years too.

Types of Infant Carriers

Wraps

Wraps are one of the most traditional and common kinds of infant carriers. They’re simple — they’re made with nothing more than a long piece of fabric. You wrap that fabric around your body, tie it snugly, and can carry your baby right against your chest. Infant carrier wraps are typically made with materials like cotton, linen, or stretchy fabrics like cotton jersey. Available in a wide range of materials and sizes, there’s a lot of versatility in a wrap. However, these types of carriers tend to be difficult to master, and they require some practice to wear correctly.

Ring Slings

A ring sling infant carrier is similar to a wrap. This kind of carrier is also made out of materials like cotton or linen, including stretchy varieties. It’s made with a single piece of long fabric, but there are two large rings at one end. Ring slings are a bit easier to wear snugly, as you thread the free end of the fabric through one ring, then tuck it under the other. You can then adjust the material to your body and baby. It’s also a more secure alternative, as an infant’s weight prevents the rings and fabric from slipping.

Soft Structured Carriers

Soft-structured infant carriers are the most common type you’ll come across. These carriers have a defined, structured shape that supports an infant’s body. They also feature padded shoulder straps and thickly padded waistbands so you can comfortably strap your baby onto your body. These carriers can evenly distribute the baby’s weight and keep parents comfortable. A soft structured carrier requires little adjustment, and it offers great stability for both parents and infants. However, smaller infants may require infant inserts until they reach four to five months; this kind of carrier may not otherwise offer enough head support for newborns.

Backpack Carriers

Another option is a backpack infant carrier. Designed for little ones who have head and neck control, these carriers are more structured and a great option for wearing your infant on your back. This kind of carrier typically features a framed seat, with padded shoulder straps and additional chest and waist straps to offer support for the wearer. A backpack carrier is an excellent option if you’re headed outdoors; they’re great for hiking and long walks, as they can keep parents and kids comfortable for longer periods. Some even include sun shields or overhead shade for protection.

Top Brands

Infantino

First founded in 1978, Infantino is a brand that’s all about babies. The company creates products that are intelligently designed for both infants and their parents, offering great solutions for common parenting needs. Infantino carriers, like the Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier and the Cuddle Up Carrier, offer great quality and convenience.

Ergobaby

Created by a mother seeking a new solution for carrying her baby, Ergobaby was founded in 2002 with its very first infant carrier. Today, the brand features several revolutionary carriers that offer comfort and ergonomics both for babies and parents — like the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier, which can be used in multiple ways.

Baby K’tan

Baby K’tan was founded in 2007 by two families who needed a new, convenient, and comfortable solution for carrying their little ones. Designed with style, functionality, and ease of use in mind, it all started with the Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier. Today, this infant wrap is a favorite and a classic for many parents.

Infant Carrier Pricing

Under $30: For under $30, you can find a wealth of quality carrier choices. From simple stretchy wraps to lightweight soft structured carriers, there are many different options.
$50 to $100: Most soft structured carriers fall within this price range, giving you plenty of options. It’s where most adaptable or adjustable options are also priced.
$100 and up: You’ll find primarily soft structured carriers and backpack carriers within this price range. These premium infant carriers tend to offer the most extras, like sunshades and specialized inserts for increased adaptability or functionality.

Key Features

Wide Waist Strap

A wide waist strap, or base support, is critical for parents. The infant carrier will support your baby and their weight with the strap or material that wraps around your waist as the wearer. Wider, thicker straps offer more support, and they can also help distribute your little one’s weight more evenly. This can prevent aches, pain, and general discomfort as you carry your child.

Padding for Baby and Parent

Padding is also very important — both for infants and their parents. Features like a padded headrest and padded seat for babies help them sit in the proper position comfortably. For parents, details like padded straps and a padded structure offer comfort and better weight distribution. Padding should offer cushioning as well as good ergonomics for everyone involved.

Adjustable Straps or Closures

Every quality infant carrier will feature some kind of adjustment, usually in its straps or closures. Wrap carriers allow you to customize their fit by tying the material however you’d like (and however tightly you’d like). Soft-structured carriers tend to have buckles and straps that can be lengthened or tightened. The more adjustable options there are, the better and more secure your infant carrier will fit both you and your baby.

Infant Head Support

Lastly, you can’t forget about head support for your infant. Newborns need structures, like padding and adjustable head cushioning, to support their heads and necks. As babies grow, they may need less support, but it’s still important to consider the headrest and any surrounding support. You want your child to be in a comfortable position that doesn’t cause pain or a loss of support.

Other Considerations

Consider How Quickly Your Child Will Grow. Babies grow quickly, which means a carrier that was perfectly cozy and supportive for a newborn becomes tight and uncomfortable in mere months. Consider how much — and how fast — your child will grow, and look for a carrier that’ll last you for longer than a short time.
Adjustable or Convertible Carriers Can Be a Smart Investment. Convertible infant carriers, or adjustable models that can suit children at many different ages and stages, can offer great value. If you’re able to alter or adjust the carrier as your child grows, you’ll get far more use and save yourself some money in the long run.
Consider Durability Before Buying. Generally, infant carriers with structure tend to offer a better long-term durability. You can even find outdoor-ready carriers with extra-sturdy frames and supports that are built to handle rugged, rough use. The more durable a carrier is, the longer it’s likely to last you.

Best Infant Carriers Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Tips

Some infant carriers allow little ones to be carried front- or rear-facing only. Others, however, offer the ability to carry your child either way, which provides more versatility.
Opt for a carrier that’s machine-washable. It’s the best way to handle issues like spit ups, stains, and spills without tossing the entire carrier out.
Need more support? You can always add an infant insert into a soft structured carrier for increased head and neck support. These inserts can also make larger carriers snugger, creating a better and more secure fit.

FAQs

Q: Which baby carrier is best for newborns?

Our top pick, the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier, is an excellent choice for any newborn. This carrier offers four different adjustable seating options that suit newborns and babies up to 32 pounds.

Q: At what age should a baby be carried with a baby carrier?

Babies can be carried in an infant carrier at any age. Many carriers are perfectly suitable for newborns. As your child grows in size and weight, make sure you double-check the carrier’s recommendations to ensure it’ll support your little one properly.

Q: Are carriers safe for newborns?

Most carriers are perfectly safe for newborns. When buying an infant carrier, make sure to check the sizing and look for head and neck support. These details will help you determine whether or not a particular carrier is suitable for your newborn baby.

Final Thoughts

The Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Carrier is our top pick because it’s versatile and well-suited for infants both from an early age until they reach toddler age. If you’re looking for great value, you’ll want to consider the Evenflo Infant Soft Carrier, another excellent option at an affordable price. Which infant carrier is your favorite of the bunch?