What is the best brand for baby carrier?

Being hands-free and able-bodied, is there anything sweeter? New parents will know that this is a rare pleasure when you’re dealing with a newborn and why we need to find you the best baby carrier!

There will be times when your baby doesn’t want to be put down anywhere - including the cot, the stroller and even the swing! A baby carrier allows parents to give babies the cuddles they require, while still being able to prepare food, run errands - and just generally have use of their limbs!

What you should look for when buying a baby carrier?

When it comes to choosing the right carrier for you and bub, there are a few things you need to need to consider, like safety and comfort - not just for bub - but for you, too!

- Safety

Most carriers can only carry babies up until a certain weight. Keep this in mind when selecting your carrier, as choosing one designed for babies under a certain weight may mean your carrier becomes unsafe as your baby gains weight. Ensure you choose a carrier that’s easy to tighten before you put your baby in it, and one that you can make more snug once your baby is inside. Ensure the sling allows you to position your baby’s head comfortably to the side, and that you can constantly monitor the position of their nose and mouth to ensure neither are covered at any time. Read more below...

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Always check that the carrier comes with easy-to-understand written, visual or video instructions that show you how to use it safely.

- Comfort

Broad, padded shoulder straps are a must if you’re planning to carry your bub past the newborn stage. A broad waist strap will help to distribute baby’s weight evenly. It also stops the carrier moving from side-to-side too much as you walk.

- Ease of use

You may also want to think about the type of clothing you like to wear, and how the design of your carrier will work with that clothing. This has a lot to do with comfort, but also with design. Some carriers with a tie instead of a broad waistband tend to ride up as you walk, this can be a problem if you’re wearing singlet tops or short dresses.

- Design

Try to find a carrier that allows you to complete most of the fitting before your baby is placed in the carrier, and is then easy to adjust for a snug fit with one hand once the carrier is on and secured.

- Breathability

If you’re looking to use your carrier year round, it may be worth selecting a carrier featuring mesh panels, or one made from a breathable material - nothing synthetic! This is because you’re able to dress your baby warmly in winter, but you don’t want them overheating in the carrier in the summer months.

- Longevity

If you’re hoping to have the option of using your carrier past the newborn stage, it’s worth opting for one that allows you to turn your baby around to face outwards. They prefer this as they get older, as they don’t need to be cuddled into your chest anymore - rather, they want to be able to see what’s going on! Some carriers even allow you to carry baby on your hip or back. Options are never a bad thing!

Baby carrier features to consider:

- Mesh panels

Create breathability for your baby by allowing air to travel through the carrier and reach your baby’s body.

- Easy-to-use toggles

Toggles with long straps that are easily reached with one hand and can be clipped and unclipped with one hand.

- Newborn insert

A newborn insert is often a pillow-like inclusion with carriers that cater to a wider age and weight bracket, as it allows your baby’s head to be in a safe position above the lip of the carrier when they’re a newborn, and are then able to use the carrier long term once they outgrow the newborn insert.

- Design

Simple, sturdy and breathable carriers with padded support straps are often the most safe and comfortable for you and baby. Anything too complex can mean you forget to tighten a toggle, and any materials with too much ‘give’ can mean that your baby’s head isn’t secured in an ideal - or safe - position whilst being carried.

1. Redsbaby CONNECT Collection (CONNECT Plus, from $209 and CONNECT Wrap, $79)

For your journey into parenthood, it's important to select a brand of carrier you can rely on to carry your precious bundle safely and comfortably. Redsbaby is committed to innovating, crafting and bringing to life the best in baby products and experiences.

What makes the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus and CONNECT Wrap different from other carriers?

The CONNECT Collection is thoughtfully crafted to nurture a true connection between parent and child. It is designed in Australia for our unique climate and lifestyle, providing and durability when you need it most. The Redsbaby CONNECT Plus' range of innovative features can't be found on any other carrier. Its three-layer design allows you to transition from breathable mesh to thermal layer and windbreaker in moments, providing comfort no matter where your adventures take you. Cool in summer and warm in winter, this all-seasons carrier is always comfortable.

The CONNECT Plus Carrier features an integrated, extendable head shade to provide head support, protection, and privacy for uninterrupted sleep and coverage while feeding. Its market-first CONNECT Pockets allow you to cradle your baby directly with your hands. This intimate connection deepens your bond with your child as you nurture them with direct skin-to-skin contact.

The CONNECT Collection is made from high-quality materials and is designed to last for years to come. The machine-washable CONNECT Wrap is made from OEKO-TEX® certified materials, meaning it is easy to clean, sustainable and chemical-free for your peace of mind.

Why try the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus and CONNECT Wrap?

Approved by Healthy Hips Australia, the Redsbaby CONNECT Plus provides four positions from newborn to 20kg, with flexible adjustment options for comfortable all-day wearing. Similarly, the Redsbaby CONNECT Wrap promotes healthy hip development and is made from soft and stretchy material, making it suitable for comfortable, all-day wearing from newborn up to 11kg.

The CONNECT Wrap features handy front hand pockets, which can be used to place your hands through the front of the Wrap and cradle your baby, or even to store your phone, keys and other valuables. Likewise, the CONNECT Plus Carrier also features storage pockets in the comfy waistband, providing quick access to your keys and phone, and eliminating the need for a handbag.

Better yet, Redsbaby is an Australian brand that makes sustainable and socially responsible decisions, with the entire CONNECT Collection using 100% plastic-free packaging.

Real customer reviews:

"My husband and I absolutely love this carrier! A well considered and practical design - you can see and feel the quality. The many features have us covered in every situation and its super comfortable to wear in any orientation. Plus it looks amazing!!" - Rochelle, September 2021

"Absolutely love it - comfortable and soft and perfect for newborn snuggles and contact carrier naps. I love the fabric and it's very good quality. Definitely happy with our purchase. Recommend!" - Michelle, September 2021

"I have used this carrier for 2 months for my now 10 month old, facing forward. Unlike other carriers, I can walk for long periods without shoulder or back aches which has been a life saver. Very light and comfortable on. Love the layers that can be removed for the warmer days." - Kaysh, August 2021

"The material quality feels secure and the straps at the back make your baby feel extra snug and secure. I like that it isn't bulky like other carriers. I have used to walking but also around the house while tending to jobs. My baby falls asleep every time! Highly recommend." - Brooke Gillon, September 2021

Shop Redsbaby here:

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2. BabyDink Classic Organic Baby Carrier, RRP: $159.00

BabyDink is the exceptionally comfy baby carrier that is worn like a T-shirt and keeps baby close, without any buckles or clips.

What makes BabyDink different?

BabyDink promise the same fit every time, and their Classic Organic Baby Carrier is designed to grow with you and your baby. The great think about the BabyDink Carrier, is that you won't find any buckles, clips, or need to learn any confusing wrapping techniques. It's just place it on, pop baby in - and off you go!

Why try BabyDink Classic Organic Baby Carrier?

Proudly Australian made, the BabyDink Carrier is super soft and breathable, unisex and appropriate for babies from birth to around six months of age. The Carrier is also made from organic cotton fabric, so is super soft and breathable.

Real customer reviews:

“My 3 week old loves going for walks in our BabyDink, he falls asleep immediately and it’s so easy and comfortable for me to wear! A bonus I have discovered is I can wear this around the house when he’s unsettled and he’ll settle or fall asleep straight away! It’s such a huge help especially with my husband working away and me not having family in the area. He legitimately just woke from a 3 hour sleep in the Dink while I prepped dinner, did the washing, dishes and I also ate breakfast before 12!!” - Kehley M, Babydink.com.au

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3. Zarpar Bebe Wrap Baby Carrier, RRP: $229

For those who love tradition and the snug and close feeling a wrap carry gives you. A simplified take on a traditional Baby Carrier design, ergonomically shaped, providing optimum support and security for baby and carer. Perfectly lightweight, these carriers are the ultimate accessory for summer adventures.

What makes Zarpar Bebe Wrap Baby Carrier different?

From Birth until well into toddlerhood, the tall body panel of the Zarpar Bebe Wrap Baby Carrier means your carrier grows as your baby grows. For smaller babies or newborns you simply need to fold the waist to shorten the body. You can also enjoy multiple ergonomic positions, including front newborn carry, front infant carry, forward facing carry, hip carry and back carry options to provide a natural, ergonomic position best for long term, comfortable carrying that promotes healthy hip and spine development for baby.

Why try Zarpar Bebe Wrap Baby Carrier?

The fully adjustable padded shoulder straps are made with a soft Bamboo padding through shoulder straps to create a carrier as close to nature as possible. These wide shoulder straps provide optimal neck and shoulder comfort and cross in an “X” across your back to help evenly distribute the weight of your baby promoting better posture for the wearer. Mums can also discreetly breastfeed on the go with a simple adjustment of the straps!

Zarpar Bebe carriers have been safety tested and approved to meet local and international safety standards. They have also been acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a “Hip Healthy” product to nurture the development of these small growing bodies.

Real customer reviews:

“This is the only carrier that has worked with my little one!! We love how soft and lightweight it is and it is by the far the best easiest carrier to put on - trust me we’ve tried so many!” - Janel. R, zarparbebe.com.au

4. Mumma Etc Ryder Sling, RRP: $99.90

Carry your baby from newborn through to toddlerhood in the Mumma Etc Ryder Sling, made from a single layer of 100% handwoven linen.

What makes Mumma Etc Slings different?

While all Mumma Etc slings can carry babies up to 15.9kg, the single sling is ideal for first time sling mummas – as less fabric can make it easier to learn with versus a double sling.

Why try the Ryder Sling from Mumma Etc?

Ryder is the perfect, soft grey to carry your baby from modern city streets to the ocean shores. Bring a sense of calm and serenity to both your baby and your look.

Real customer reviews:

"This sling by mumma etc saved my life! Ha no really it's so soft, so handy and I could do anything with my babe sleeping soundly in my arms. Saved me! Thank you mumma etc." - Arabella S, 7 February 2020

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5. Aden + Anais Baby Bonding Top in Black, RRP: $89.95

The Aden + Anais Baby Bonding Top is perfect for mothers of newborns seeking skin-to-skin contact to bond with baby.

What makes Aden + Anais Baby Bonding Top different?

This intimate method of bonding with baby with the Aden + Anais Baby Bonding Top helps ease infants into life outside the womb by helping to promote breastfeeding, regulate their temperature, heart rate, breathing and sooth-fussiness – all of which helps to relax both mom and baby.

Why try Aden + Anais Baby Bonding Top?

The Aden + Anais Bonding Top is made from a soft cotton and spandex blend that gently hugs baby close to your chest. It also features a built-in pouch and snug-fitting waistband for additional support.

Real customer reviews:

“So glad I purchased. Much easier to use than the wrap style and perfect for wearing around at home and sitting on the couch, but also works as a first layer with baby if I'm popping outside. I do keep my arms around her/ wouldn't say it's tight enough to be totally hands-free. Does run a little small- I am normally a small and did a medium for this.” - Leah, amazon.com

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6. BabyBjorn One Air Baby Carrier, RRP: $299.99

What if you could enjoy the closeness of babywearing for longer — in a way that’s comfortable for both you and your little one? You can with the ergonomic Baby Carrier One Air crafted in cool and airy 3D mesh.

What makes the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air different?

The sturdy waist belt and padded shoulder straps of the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air relieve pressure on your back and shoulders and make baby wearing possible from newborn and up to the age of three.

Why try the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air?

The 3D mesh of the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air is made of 100% polyester; a supersoft, flexible fabric that dries quickly after washing. This is a high-tech, breathable fabric, so it stays pleasantly cool when you’re babywearing. The tactile qualities of our 3D mesh enhance the closeness between you and your baby, and the high quality of the fabric ensures that the baby carrier retains its shape, wash after wash.

Real customer reviews:

"This carrier is so comfortable to wear and my fussy baby seems absolutely delighted to be in it. I have twins so I bought 2. It has honestly been a game changer - my husband and I wear them around the house so we can get some things done (such as making and eating lunch!)" - Sienna's Mum, 5 October 2021

7. ErgoBaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier, RRP: $349.00

The all-in-one, newborn ready ErgoBaby Oxford Blue Omni 360 comes in a Cool Air Mesh option perfect for the Australian climate.

What makes ErgoBaby Omni 360 different?

The ErgoBaby Omni 360 Carrier grows with you from week 1 to 36 months. The crossable shoulder straps give a personalised, comfortable fit. You can have it all; an ergonomic, forward facing option and a carrier that is adjustable from newborn to toddler.

Why try the ErgoBaby Omni 360 Carrier?

The ErgoBaby Omni 360 Carrier features lumbar support for extra back comfort, includes detachable storage pouch and is made from breathable, lightweight mesh.

Real customer reviews:

"Extremely happy with this carrier. Very easy to use and bub is very comfortable in it! Have used it to go fishing on the boat, shopping and chores around the farm. Well made, sturdy, comfortable and breatheable. I live in a very hot humid climate (the Kimberley in northwest Australia) and this carrier is still useable in the heat. I recommend it to all my mum friends!" - Jennifer. R, ergobaby.com.au

8. Pognae Australia Step One Wrap Baby Carrier, RRP: $129.00

Comfort, style and versatility: this is the Pognae Step One Baby Wrap!

What makes the Pognae Step One different?

Pognae's latest innovation, integrating benefits of a baby wrap with a soft structured baby carrier, the Step One Baby Wrap is a wrap/carrier hybrid to help you navigate through the earliest stages of parenting.

Why try the Pognae Step One Baby Wrap?

No more trying to fumble through long, endless fabric trying to 'get it right'. No more confusing size charts. The Pognae Step One Baby Wrap is extremely easy and intuitive to wear and adjustable to fit both mums and dads.

Real customer reviews:

“This is my 3rd different type of baby carrier. My baby hasn’t liked the others. Pognae is by far the best. So easy to put on, comfortable, supportive, lightweight and folds easily to fit in my nappy bag. My baby loves it. She has more freedom to move her arms. She loves to suck on the hand and this carrier allows her to do so. Bonus is that you can also wear baby forward facing. Amazing!!” - Jess Anderson, pognae.com.au

9. LilleBaby Complete Airflow Mist, RRP: $179.00

The LilleBaby Complete Airflow Mist is a multi-position ergonomic baby carrier for infants and babies, as well as toddlers.

What makes LilleBaby Complete Airflow Mist different?

This top-rated baby carrier includes EVERYTHING: six ways to carry your baby, unique lumbar support, headrest, sleeping hood for support & sun protection (UPF 50+), zippered pocket, dual adjustable straps for easier breastfeeding, generous padding and more.

Why try LilleBaby Complete Airflow Mist Carrier?

Safe for baby’s hips, and acknowledged as a HIP HEALTHY carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Adjustable seat and leg openings facilitates proper hip support, frog-leg seating, and curved C-spine position. Adjustable back panel grows with your child and provides support for baby’s neck and head. Endlessly adjustable straps and waist belt for a completely customised fit form petite to tall parents, and makes for an exceptionally comfortable child carrier. Straps have dual adjustments and allows for both H-style or X-style.

Use year-round, just zip down the air panel to reveal cool, BREATHABLE, 3D mesh or close it up for warmth.

Real customer reviews:

"I recently purchased the toddler size carry on. I am so happy to have found a product for larger/older child. 2018 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She was born with congenital muscular dystrophy due a to a rare (and first reported) recessive gene mutations (means mom and dad carried a mutation, I had the unreported mutation). If you’ve never seen someone with this condition on a severe level, it becomes increasingly hard to carry them even if they only weigh 20ish lbs. Imagine carrying a bag filled with sand (and parts that slip off and swing around - i.e arms and legs). We had wraps when she was young, and a harness. Even still it was difficult bc there was little to no neck support. Finding this harness will be a game changer. Ill be able to carry my daughter like Ive wished for many months. She is long enough her head can rest on my chest. There is so far no comparison in the medical device community to which I have found to use. Thank for creating a product such as this! I genuinely am so happy!" - Linz, February 2021

10. Nuna Cudl Baby Carrier, RRP: $199

You can’t hold your baby all the time. Even though you may want to. CUDL makes it easy to keep baby close and secure, all while keeping your hands free.

What makes Nuna CUDL Carrier different?

The Nuna CUDL Baby Carrier is comfortable and customisable with breathable mesh fabric and padded shoulder and waist straps. Keep your baby facing in and snuggled up starting with an integrated infant booster for newborns, which then easily unzips as your child grows. As your baby wants to explore the world, have them face out or switch to backpack mode for growing toddlers.

Why try the Nuna CUDL Carrier?

The Nuna CUDL Baby Carrier features four carry positions provide optimal support as your child grows—for healthy body positioning necessary in spine and hip development. The four ergonomic magnetic buckles ensure an easy and secure attachment.

Perfect for:

Anyone looking for a carrier that is breathable for baby and feels comfortable and secure as you wear it.

IMPORTANT: Always follow the T.I.C.K.S. rule

To ensure your baby’s safety in the carrier, you should always follow The T.I.C.K.S. rule to help you remember how to position your baby safely in a baby sling, as per raisingchildren.net.au:

- Tight: the sling should be tight, with the baby positioned high and upright with head support. Any loose fabric might cause your baby to slump down, which could restrict breathing.

- In view at all times: always be able to see your baby’s face by simply looking down. Ensure your baby’s face, nose and mouth remain uncovered by the sling and/or your body.

- Close enough to kiss: your baby should be close enough to your chin that by tipping her head forward you can easily kiss the head.

- Keep chin off the chest: ensure your baby’s chin is up and away from their body. Your baby should never be curled so that the chin is forced onto their chest. This can restrict breathing. Regularly check your baby. Babies can be in distress without making any noise or movement.

- Supported back: your baby’s back should be supported in a natural position with their tummy and chest against you. When bending over, support your baby with one hand behind their back. Bend at the knees, not at the waist.

Real customer reviews:

“So glad I purchased. Much easier to use than the wrap style and perfect for wearing around at home and sitting on the couch, but also works as a first layer with baby if I'm popping outside. I do keep my arms around her/ wouldn't say it's tight enough to be totally hands-free. Does run a little small- I am normally a small and did a medium for this.” - Leah, amazon.com

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