My Favourite Newborn Baby Carriers
“You know what the great thing about babies is? They are like little bundles of hope. Like the future in a basket.” - Lish McBride
Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous yet demanding experience. One of the best ways to keep your little one close while having your hands free is by using a baby carrier. The right newborn carrier can foster bonding, support your baby’s physiological needs, and provide comfort for both the caregiver and the child. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one?
Key Features of an Ideal Newborn Carrier
Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s important to understand the essential features that make a baby carrier ideal for a newborn:
Ergonomic Positioning: Newborns should be carried in the M-position (knees higher than the bum, legs supported) which supports a baby's natural physiology and promotes healthy development.
Head and Neck Support: Since newborns have little to no head control, a good carrier should provide adequate support from the nape of their neck to the back of their knees to keep their airway clear and their head in a natural position.
Adjustability: A carrier should fit both the baby and the caregiver comfortably and allow easy adjustments as the baby grows.
Soft, Breathable Fabric: Newborns have sensitive skin and need a carrier made of gentle, breathable material. Whenever possible, choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp, etc... which are also easy care. Although machine washing is convenient and often recommended, air drying is the best option to extend the longevity and preserve the quality of your carrier. Natural fibres also do very well with steam ironing which can help with the breaking in process and softening of the carrier.
Ease of Use: New parents often appreciate a carrier that’s simple to put on and adjust without assistance. In fact most can be used solo once you learn how.
Now that we know what to look for, let’s explore my favourite newborn baby carriers available today. These are carriers I've used with my very own babies. I'll list them in alphabetical order for you!
1. Stretchy Wraps
Stretchy wraps are a popular choice for newborns due to their snug fit and womb-like feel. They are made of soft, stretchy fabric and wrap around the caregiver’s body to create a custom fit. They are once size fits most and one wrap can be used by all of baby's caregivers. These are typically easy care as you can machine wash them.
My Top Picks:
2. Ring Slings
Ring slings are a versatile option made from woven fabric and secured with aluminium sling rings. They are excellent for quick ups and downs, making them ideal for busy parents. These will last your whole babywearing journey as most can be used from newborn to toddler hood. They are compact so you can conveniently take them everywhere and some are even water friendly which makes them so versatile. I always recommend you get a water sling as it makes taking showers with baby much safer and simpler in those early days but also through that first year for reducing fevers, going to the pool, beach or splashpad. They are wonderful to have in your parenting toolkit.
My Top Picks:
Heritage Baby Designs (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
Oh Sew Baby (second hand)
Pavo Textiles (second hand)
3. Woven Wraps
Woven wraps are an excellent carrier option for newborns due to their versatility, comfort, and support. They offer a custom fit every time even as your baby grows there are not snaps, buttons or buckles just soft fabric that wraps around you and your baby in a multitude of ways. This means that you can easily adjust the way you carry your baby and can carry on the front, hip and back. Also, a woven wrap will last you your whole babywearing journey.
My Top Picks:
Gustine (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
Oh Sew Baby (second hand)
4. Soft-Structured Carriers (SSCs)
SSCs are designed with buckles, a padded waist band and padded straps, making them a convenient and comfortable option for both newborns and their caregivers. If possible, avoid carriers that require an infant inserts as they are not adjustable, can lead to overheating and most parents find them cumbersome. Look for a carrier that has an adjustable panel in both width and height so that it will support your baby through various stages of growth.
My Top Picks:
5. Meh Dai & Half Buckles
A Meh Dai is a traditional Asian-style carrier that offers a mix of structure and adaptability. It consists of a panel with long fabric shoulder straps and waist straps that wrap around the caregiver’s body. Traditionally it is not very structured and the straps are narrow however you can find some that have a padded waist band and padded shoulder straps as well. In order for it to fit a newborn baby it needs to be adjustable so the simple and unpadded ones are easy to manipulate by rolling the waistband or flipping the shoulder straps to make the carrier fit a newborn. Others have adjustable panels that cinch down in height and width to truly fit a small baby and grow with them. A half buckle like the Meh Dai consists of a panel with long fabric shoulder straps but has a buckle at the waist.
My Top Picks:
BabueBaby Mbereko (half buckle)
BabyHawk (second hand)
Fidella (i have used the half buckle but they also have a Meh Dai)
Heritage Baby Designs Kin (half buckle)
Hope and Plum (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
Infantino Sash (second hand)
Lenny Lamb (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
Tula Half Buckle (second hand) (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
6. Hybrid Carriers
Hybrid carriers combine the best features of two or more carriers such as the support of soft-structured carriers and the moldability of wraps, offering comfort, ease of use, and ergonomic support. They are designed to support newborns right from birth without extra accessories. Made of soft, stretchy materials that mimic the snug, womb-like feel of a wrap while still providing structure and support. Unlike traditional wraps that require tying, hybrids feature buckles or rings that make them simple to put on and adjust. Adjustability is key, avoid carriers that are sized and cannot be loosened or tightened.
My Top Picks:
Boba Bliss (no personal experience but love this brand and their other carriers)
Ergobaby Embrace (no personal experience but it's a very popular brand)
7. Traditional Baby Carriers
Traditional baby carriers offer unparalleled convenience, comfort, and practicality, making them an invaluable tool for new parents. Designed with generations of wisdom, these carriers allow caregivers to keep their baby close while remaining hands-free, making daily tasks easier and strengthening the parent-child bond. Their ergonomic designs distribute weight evenly, providing comfort for both baby and wearer, while their adaptability ensures a perfect fit for different stages of infancy and toddler hood. Beyond their functionality, traditional carriers connect families to their cultural heritage, carrying forward time-honoured parenting practices. I encourage all new parents to explore and learn how to use the carriers that are part of their heritage, embracing both the deep-rooted traditions and the modern benefits they offer.
Choosing the Right Carrier for You
When choosing the best newborn carrier, consider your lifestyle, comfort level, and climate. If you prefer a snug, womb-like feel, a wrap or hybrid carrier may be ideal. If you want something quick and easy, a ring sling or soft-structured carrier might be the best fit. Ultimately, the best carrier is the one that you find comfortable and convenient to use.
If possible, try before purchasing. Whether it's through a rental program, a lending library or from family and friends, trying out a carrier before committing to a purchase will give you a good idea of how it works and feels and if it's a good fit for you. For those of you who love in the Lower Mainland, the V2V Lending Library in Vancouver is a great resource for this!
Conclusion
Babywearing is a wonderful way to bond with your newborn while keeping your hands free. Each type of carrier has unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences and needs. By prioritizing comfort, support, and ease of use, you’ll find the perfect newborn carrier that makes life with a little one more enjoyable and convenient.
If you need more support please reach out! I'm just a click away. Email me, or message me through my contact form or via social media.
Happy babywearing!
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