The 5 Best Baby Carriers of 2025

Overall Best Baby Carrier

BabyBjorn One

Carry Positions	Facing In (0 - 36 mo./33 lbs) Facing Out (5 - 15 mo./26 lbs) Back Carry (12 - 36 mo./33 lbs)
Min/Max Weight	8 - 33 lbs
Fabric	Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam
Hood	No
Storage Options	None

The BabyBjorn One is a soft structured option with three carrying positions for little ones between 8-33 lbs. This product is a quality contender with multiple adjustment points, providing parents and babies with a custom fit for comfort and security. This BabyBjorn has safety buckles that work well and has forward pull adjustment straps for quick on-the-go alterations, and the seat width is adjustable depending on the baby's age or size. Our tester reports, “I think the One is easy to put on since most of it can be done before you pick up your baby.” You can attach it before you pick up your baby, making it significantly more straightforward (and potentially safer) than the wrap carriers we tested, which can require a secondary helper. From our testing experience, we appreciated how easy it was to get this carrier on solo, especially when dealing with a fussy baby who's ready to be held.

The BabyBjorn One is one of the most expensive in the review, which might put it lower on the list for parents with smaller budgets. However, its price point is average for a structured carrier compared to the competition. For those seeking long-term use, the Tula Free-to-Grow stands out as an appealing alternative, offering extended longevity compared to the Bjorn, making the investment feel more worthwhile. The One is also drip dry only, meaning it can take a while to fully dry after washing, depending on your climate (humidity is not your friend). This results in some downtime, which we think could be tricky for parents, as babies are often messy, and cleaning might be frequent. As one tester noted, “I was waiting for the carrier to dry after a wash, and it felt like it took forever. I can see this being a problem if you're juggling a fussy baby, and the carrier is your go-to tool to help keep them calm and close.” Aside from the less-than-ideal washing instructions, we think most parents will find that the One has the potential to be the “one” for them.

Read more: BabyBjorn One review

Our Favorite Baby Carrier for Infants to Toddlers

Tula Free-to-Grow

Carry Positions	Facing In (7 - 45 lbs) Back Carry (Head/Neck/Torso Control - 45 lbs)
Min/Max Weight	7 - 45 lbs
Fabric	100% Cotton
Hood	Yes
Storage Options	Velcro pouch on waist belt

The Tula Free-to-Grow is a soft, structured carrier with various possible adjustments so that it can grow with your baby, fitting babies from 7 to 45 lbs. This versatility means it should work for the lifetime of your babywearing years, potentially translating to a “one and done” choice, saving you money and hassle. Comfortable for parents to wear even on long outings, the Tula's strap style allows you to make minor adjustments on the fly for both comfort and fit. One mom tester said, “I really like the way the straps adjust because I could do them easily with my baby in the carrier.” The structured design gives babies a little more space to wiggle and breathe compared to wrap or sling carriers. We love how the Tula's flexibility takes the stress out of having to buy a new carrier as your baby gets bigger.

The Tula may not be the best choice for those looking to save money or those who want a variety of carrying styles. As one tester shared, “I feel the Tula is comfortable and well-made, but it offers only two carry positions (front facing-in and back carry). This might be too limiting for some users' needs.” Coupled with its higher price tag, some parents might be left wondering if it's really worth the investment. For parents after a more affordable and versatile alternative, the Nalakai Ring Sling is a strong contender. In our tests, we found that it's more affordable and still performs well. Depending on what you need, this high-quality sling could be a good alternative. That said, Tula might have fewer carry options, but its premium comfort and wide usage range set it apart. It's one of our favorite carriers, and it has the potential to last for the long haul.

Read more: Tula Free-to-Grow review

Budget-friendly Baby Carrier Wrap

Baby K'tan Original

Carry Positions	Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs) Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs) Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs)
Min/Max Weight	8 - 35 lbs
Fabric	100% Cotton
Hood	No
Storage Options	Pouch on the belt

The Baby K'tan Original is a wrap “-ish” carrier without the convoluted wrap features that make them harder to master without assistance. This “special” wrap is two loops of fabric linked together, making it easier to put on without holding your baby and easy to put the baby in once the carrier is in place. We love this unique design, the soft, somewhat stretchy fabric, and the use of 100% cotton for little ones from 8 to 35 lbs. The K'tan's price is reasonable and ideal for tighter budgets, and the easy-to-use design makes the minimal price bump over ordinary wraps worth it. As one tester mentioned, “I was surprised at how simple it was to put on, especially compared to other wraps. It's great for when you need something quick and easy, but still comfy for baby.”

During our testing, we noticed that while the K'tan's design is convenient, it may not be the best option for parents who need a more customizable carrier for comfort and fit. Since it lacks adjustable straps or features, you can't modify the fit, leading one tester to say, “I can see how this option might not be the best fit for all body types.” Traditional wraps like the Boba Wrap offer more versatility for size and positioning. However, if you and your partner have similar shapes or don't plan to share, then the K'tan is an easy-to-use “wrap” we think you'll love.

Read more: Baby K'tan Original review

Affordable Structured Carrier

Momcozy Baby Carrier

Carry Positions	Front Facing In
Min/Max Weight	7 - 44 lbs
Fabric	100% Cotton
Hood	No
Storage Options	None

The Momcozy Baby Carrier may not claim a top spot in our review, but it stands out as a reliable, no-fuss soft structured carrier that's budget-friendly. During testing, we noticed it required less fiddling around compared to other structured carriers, making it ideal for parents who want to minimize the complicated adjustments and extra straps. It has padded shoulder straps that crisscross to ease the pressure, a supportive waistband to help distribute the load, and an adjustable seat that grows with your baby from 7 to 44 lbs. The 100% cotton fabric softens with each wash, so comfort improves over time. We believe the Momcozy provides great value for the cost. As one tester noted, "This carrier surprised me. It's not too fancy, but it's simple, comfy, and does what you need without any hassle.

That said, Momcozy comes with a few trade-offs. It lacks the plush padding and extra features that some higher-end carriers provide, and while the cotton softens over time, it starts out a bit stiff. One tester remarked, “I didn't love the fabric until I'd washed it a few times, and it softened up.” There's also some confusion around carrying positions; since the instructions only show the front inward-facing position and don't mention others, we're calling it a one-position carrier. If you're willing to spend more for versatility and ease of use, the BabyBjorn One might be a better fit as it offers multiple carrying positions and an easier adjustment system. But, if you seek a reliable carrier that doesn't dent your wallet, the Momcozy might be the carrier for you.

Read more: Momcozy Baby Carrier review

Best Sling Style Baby Carrier

Nalakai Ring Sling

Carry Positions	Facing In (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control)
Min/Max Weight	8 - 35 lbs
Fabric	58% Bamboo 42% Linen
Hood	No
Storage Options	Pocket on the tail

The Nalakai Ring Sling is a straightforward, comfortable sling that is easy to use and super cozy for little ones. It is a soft bamboo and linen blend that stretches slightly for comfort and has quick-drying properties for faster cleaning. In our testing, we noticed that adjusting the fit with the baby in the sling was a breeze, and it was easy to achieve a comfortable fit. You can even pull the fabric up for head support or tighten the sling to bring your baby closer to you for snuggling. This ability can make a huge difference when offering comfort to your baby by increasing close physical contact. One father teater said, “I like that my baby is so close, it feels like we are really bonding.” We love almost everything about this sling, including its budget-friendly price.

The Nalakai requires line drying, and while the fabric has quick-drying properties, it may still take a bit longer to be ready for use compared to carriers that can go in the dryer. Of course, climate plays a role, too, as humidity can slow things down even more. As one of our testers noted, “The line drying was a bit of a hassle at times, but it dried faster than I expected. So, this carrier is a good option if you're okay with a little extra drying time.” If you're looking for an easier-to-clean alternative, the Boba Wrap is worth considering. It's machine-washable and dryable, making it super convenient if you need a quick turnaround between uses. Overall, the Nalakai is reasonably priced, easy to use, and comfortable for most users. It's one of our favorite options for those who prefer a sling-style carrier.

Read more: Nalakai Ring Sling review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	87	Nalakai Ring Sling Best Sling Style Baby Carrier	$90
	71	BabyBjorn One Overall Best Baby Carrier	$200
	70	Tula Free-to-Grow Our Favorite Baby Carrier for Infants to Toddlers	$179
	69	Baby K'tan Original Budget-friendly Baby Carrier Wrap	$60
	66	Solly Baby Wrap	$74
	65	Wildbird Aerial	$178
	64	Boba Wrap	$45
	62	Ergobaby Omni 360	$180
	61	Momcozy Baby Carrier Affordable Structured Carrier	$70
	57	Boppy Comfyfit Hybrid Wrap	$50
	56	LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons	$100
	53	Beco Gemini	$80

How We Tested

BabyGearLab has tested more than 36 baby carriers since 2012, including various styles and types in the competition. Our testing protocol for baby carriers is extensive, and our tests show that baby carriers differ in performance and best application. We purchased each product ourselves, accepting no freebies from manufacturers to guarantee complete independence and unbiased deliberations. Next, we perform a series of tests to examine several factors.

Our testing of baby carries is divided into four rating metrics:

• Parent Comfort (35% of overall score weighting)
• Ease of Use (30% of weighting)
• Child Comfort (25% of weighting)
• Ease of Cleaning (10% of weighting)

Each metric's contribution to the overall score is based on what we believe influences most families' baby carrier decision.

Why Trust GearLab

Founder and board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Juliet Spurrier uses her background as a mother of two and a pediatric doctor to help her during product selection and test development, such as selecting products that are safe for developing hips and convenient for parents.

Senior Review Editor Wendy Schmitz began her carrier love after having her first child over ten years ago. With a closet containing more than ten carriers, she's tried every style and brand with her children and almost every carrier at BabyGearLab. The team also includes Senior Analyst Bob Wofford, father of 7, for the male perspective on child wearing. Bob has been professionally testing baby gear since 2014 and has a vast knowledge of baby carriers and their recent rise in popularity. Senior Review Editor, Abriah Wofford, a BabyGearLab contributor since 2015, rounds out the team.

Analysis and Test Results

Babywearing has been around for centuries (as long as babies), and with today's technology and design improvements, there are safer and more comfortable options than ever before. Baby carriers continue to evolve in their designs to meet the needs of modern parents. Our testing considered baby comfort, parent comfort, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and more.

What's the Best Value?

One of the nice things about carriers is the variety of prices, which means most families can find a suitable option within their budget. Alternatively, should the carrier of your dreams be outside your budget, you might consider putting it on your registry or skipping a stroller until your baby is older to postpone some of the gear spending. After thoroughly testing the competition, the Boba Wrap emerged as a straightforward, affordable option, while the Baby K'tan Original impressed with its higher score and simpler use. The Nalakai Ring Sling also stands out for its great value, delivering a solid performance without the hefty price tag seen in other carriers. In a nutshell, these carriers offer parents practical, comfortable options that don't break the bank, all while offering solid performance.

Want a structured carrier? High-quality soft structured carriers (SSCs) can last for years through multiple children, which we think justifies a more significant initial investment. Some parents even skip buying a stroller, opting for a baby carrier like the Tula Free-to-Grow. Though it has a higher list price, it's more affordable when compared to the cost of a quality stroller. Structured carriers often sport higher price tags, but their durability and longevity can make up for it. If you're working with a tighter budget, that's where the Momcozy steps in as an appealing alternative. It may not be the showstopper of the group, but it gets the job done, covering the essentials at a fraction of the cost.

Parent's Comfort

To get the most from babywearing and bonding time, comfort for parents is imperative or you might not want to or enjoy wearing your carrier. However, knowing that comfort can vary depending on the wearer's body shape and personal preferences, we approached this test metric with aspects of comfort in mind that we believe impact overall enjoyment and long-term comfort.

We evaluated the competition for design, looking at components like adjustability for a custom fit, padding for enhanced comfort, and weight distribution to minimize strain. Things that make a difference for us are padding (especially in the shoulders), strap width, lumbar support, and waist strap adjustability. Offering more than one carrying position can be helpful, too, so you can switch things up. Lastly, we looked at the fabric, prioritizing those with soft and breathable materials, as opposed to stiff or uncomfortable fabrics, which could lead to unnecessary discomfort.

After comparing options, we think the BabyBjorn One is one of the most comfortable carriers for parents, earning a top score in this metric. It offers nicely padded shoulder straps and a supportive waistband that helps distribute your baby's weight evenly for a comfortable fit. The Nalakai Ring Sling and the Tula Free-to-Grow come close to the BabyBjorn One. Whether you prefer a soft structured carrier or a shoulder sling, there is a carrier that works for your needs.

The Boppy Comfyfit Hybrid Wrap falls short in this department. It has armholes that sit awkwardly under your armpits, and there's no way to adjust them.

Ease of Use

The level of effort a baby carrier requires can make or break whether you use it daily or let it collect dust. We evaluated several elements to capture a product's complete ease of use experience.

Ease of Use Performance Ratings

Product	Usability	Put On	Put Baby In
Maya Wrap ComfortFit	9.0	9.0	10.0
Nalakai Ring Sling	9.0	9.0	10.0
BabyBjorn Mini	8.0	9.0	10.0
BabyBjorn One	5.0	7.0	8.0
Ergobaby Omni 360	6.0	7.0	7.0
Momcozy	7.0	7.0	5.0
Boppy Comfyfit	5.0	7.0	7.0
You+Me 4-in-1	5.0	7.0	6.0
Baby K\'tan	6.0	6.0	6.0
Wildbird Aerial	5.0	7.0	6.0
Infantino Flip	6.0	5.0	5.0
Boba X	6.0	5.0	5.0
Beco Gemini	6.0	5.0	5.0
LILLEbaby All Seasons	5.0	5.0	5.0
Tula Explore	4.0	5.0	5.0
Tula Free-to-Grow	7.0	5.0	2.0
Solly Wrap	3.0	3.0	4.0
Moby Wrap Classic	3.0	2.0	3.0
Boba Wrap	3.0	2.0	3.0

We started by unboxing each carrier before assessing and comparing how easy it is to grab and go without needing assistance. We asked ourselves: Does it fit inside a top-ranked diaper bag? How quickly can you get it on? Is it easy to adjust? We also considered each product's manual. We prefer those with clear illustrations and directions.

The slings have only one ring adjustment point and one end to pull or loosen, making them the easiest to put on, use, and fit. The Nalakai Ring Sling earned impressive results in this metric.

Most of the soft structured carriers vary for ease of use, and the number of straps and adjustments correlate to how hard they were to use with the baby on board. The wraps are more complicated, with a giant swath of fabric that requires wrapping skills while holding your baby as you put it on. The learning curve is high, including remembering how to perform the wraps and holding the baby while you do it. For instance, the Solly Baby Wrap and the Boba Wrap function similarly with the same challenges.

Baby's Comfort

Wearing your baby isn't going to work for long if they're uncomfortable. That's why we focused on core comfort factors: seat width and adjustability, head and neck support, cushioning that enhances comfort, and material quality. We also gave higher scores to carriers with soft, breathable fabrics that elevate comfort, while those that felt too hot, caused chafing, or lacked sufficient or proper support scored lower. These elements can make a big difference in your child's comfort and impact how enjoyable the babywearing experience is for both of you.

Child Comfort Performance Ratings

Product	Fabric	Adjustment	General
Nalakai Ring Sling	9.0	10.0	8.0
Solly Wrap	9.0	7.0	8.0
Tula Free-to-Grow	10.0	7.0	6.0
Boba Wrap	9.0	7.0	7.0
Wildbird Aerial	7.0	7.0	7.0
Moby Wrap Classic	7.0	7.0	7.0
Maya Wrap ComfortFit	1.0	10.0	9.0
LILLEbaby All Seasons	7.0	6.0	6.0
Momcozy	6.0	6.0	6.0
Baby K\'tan	5.0	6.0	7.0
BabyBjorn One	6.0	4.0	7.0
Ergobaby Omni 360	5.0	6.0	6.0
Tula Explore	5.0	6.0	6.0
Beco Gemini	8.0	5.0	4.0
Boppy Comfyfit	4.0	6.0	6.0
Infantino Flip	5.0	6.0	4.0
Boba X	5.0	5.0	5.0
You+Me 4-in-1	4.0	3.0	6.0
BabyBjorn Mini	4.0	2.0	6.0

In our tests, little testers were happiest in options with the most adjustability and softer, somewhat stretchy fabrics that allowed natural body postures without compromising support.

For instance, the Boba Wrap and Solly Baby Wrap excel in this area, with their soft, flexible fabrics offering a gentle, cozy, and swaddle-like feel. We consider these carriers ideal for the newborn stage. We also appreciated the Nalakai Ring Sling for its comfort and adaptability to achieve natural positioning and a secure fit.

While structured carriers tend to be more rigid and don't conform to a baby's body the same way wrap or sling carriers do, not all of them lack comfort. Based on our experience, the Wildbird Aerial and Tula Free-to-Grow were among the better options in this category, providing a comfortable seat, good adjustability, and soft fabrics that worked well for little ones.

However, not all structured carriers scored as well. The Beco Gemini struggled to provide the same level of comfort. It suffered from a general lack of seat adjustability, which meant it was more challenging to find a comfortable position for every baby size and parent combination.

Ease of Cleaning

Carriers go through a lot. They are often grabbed, stuffed, dragged, chewed on, drooled on, covered in spit-up, or victims of accidental blow-outs. So, ease of cleaning is a big deal. A carrier that holds up well to frequent washing and wear makes life a lot easier.

When scoring this metric, we considered cleaning instructions, fabric content, and whether or not it has padding since this detail can impact dry time and potentially distort from laundering, no longer feeling the same as when it first came out of the box.

Carriers that can be machine-washed in cold water and tumble-dried are top contenders for ease of cleaning. This includes slings and wraps like the Baby K'tan Original, Boba Wrap, and Solly Baby Wrap. Next up are carriers that can go in the wash but require air drying, such as the Nalakai Ring Sling. While air drying can prevent potential shrinking and damage, it does mean more downtime between uses. Also, humidity and padding can impact dry time, which can be a hassle if you need your carrier ASAP.

The LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons has very thick padding compared to the group, which means it takes longer to dry. Also, from our testing experience, frequent washing of the Ergobaby Omni 360 can lead to the padding losing its original feel over time. This doesn't make the product ineffective, but it's something to note. We think this is a risk you run with any padded carrier you regularly launder. In general, we recommend spot-cleaning whenever possible to extend the life of your carrier. If a full wash is necessary, always follow the manufacturer's instructions, but try not to overdo it. This helps preserve the product's integrity.

Previous Contenders

In the past, we've tested many other carriers. Some have been discontinued, but others are still available and didn't make the cut for our recent update. The following is a list of the baby carriers we cut and why.

• BabyBjorn Mini — This is a smaller but similar structured carrier to the BabyBjorn One. While we liked it, it has a shorter lifespan than the One as it is designed with newborns and smaller babies in mind.
• Boba X — This is a structured soft carrier from Boba. In our tests, it ranked very low for parent comfort, which resulted in one of the lowest scores overall, making it a less compelling choice in a vast market of options.
• Infantino Flip Advanced — While the Infantino is an inexpensive option and might work for occasional use or shorter durations, we don't think it has the comfort or quality to be a long-term or regular solution for baby carrying.
• Maya Wrap ComfortFit Sling — We love this sling, but slings in general have fallen out of favor and the Nalakai Ring Sling performed better during testing. Given that wraps and structured carriers are more popular and allow for more of a hands-free experience for most parents, we made the hard decision to limit our sling winners to one.
• Moby Wrap Classic — This wrap is a fine choice but very similar in almost every way to the Boba Wrap, which earned a higher overall score. While we think most parents would be pleased with either wrap, we had to give the nod to our higher-ranking wrap.
• Tula Explore — This structured carrier did not perform as well in our tests as its cheaper brother, the Tula Free-to-Grow. Given the better performance of the Free-to-Grow and the potential savings, we chose it over the Explore.
• You+Me 4-in-1 — Beyond the lower price tag of this choice, there isn't a lot to love. It is an average carrier that can get the job done, but it lacks any great features for convenience or comfort.

How to Pick the Best Baby Carrier

Choosing the right baby carrier will play a large role in whether or not it gets used and becomes a loved piece of gear or a forgotten waste of money. There a a few questions to ask yourself before making a choice that can help you ensure you find the right option for your goals.

Types of Baby Carriers

There are three main types of carriers with some cross-over hybrids also making the scene. They are: a sling, wrap, and soft-structured carrier.

Sling -— A sling is a big swath of fabric that goes over one shoulder and your head, with the tail end on the opposite hip. It is highly adjustable and great for bodies of different sizes. Little ones love the comfort of the sling, but it can be hard on the wearer over time, and it is less hands-free than other options. Most slings are easy to use and clean.

• Wrap — A wrap is a large swatch of fabric that is wrapped around the wearer's body in different configurations depending on the desired hold and sometimes the age or size of the baby. The fabrics are usually soft and somewhat stretchy and give a snug but flexible fit that parents and babies find comfortable. Wraps are also convoluted and harder to use than other carrier types with most parents requiring help getting them on and even a cheat sheet placard or video how-to. We think they are best for newborns and younger infants and become more of a hassle as babies get bigger.

• Soft structured carrier — Structured carriers have more shape and form than the other types. They typically include backpack-style padded shoulder straps and a wider supportive waist belt to help p distribute the baby's weight. They are soft fabric with adjustable seating spaces and sometimes hoods or head and neck support. Most allow for wearing frontside or backside and often are easier to use when you don't have help. We like structured carriers for long term use and find they are the easiest to wear and keep your hands free for other things. However, they usually are harder to clean and take a long time to dry if they can't be thrown in a dryer.

How Often Will You Use It?

If you plan to use your carrier daily or for long stretches of time, then a high-quality carrier is important. You want one that will stand the test of time for multiple years and perhaps through multiple children. Having a hands-free carrier can also be helpful since you can get more done while wearing it. Many parents feel a structured carrier is the most versatile, with front and back wearing options and a truly hands-free design, as opposed to a sling that requires some adjusting and holding or a wrap that can get in the way while doing chores or running errands.

Consider Comfort

Comfort is job one when carrying a baby who will only get heavier. While a wrap might be an excellent choice for newborns and infants, they tend to stretch over time and often end up less supportive for parents and toddlers. True comfort will be a personal choice, and some parents like the one-side shoulder of a sling, while others prefer padded shoulder straps like a backpack. We recommend considering your body and any limitations you might already have before purchasing. In our experience, two shoulder straps with padding and a clip between them to keep them positioned were the most comfortable when doing other things or wearing the carrier for long periods.

How Much Effort Does it Take?

While you might be willing to mess with a long fabric wrap to snuggle your newborn infant, we think complicated products become less appealing over time. As your baby becomes acclimated to a carrier it can be useful to have one that is quick to put on, take off, and get baby situated. Fastening a couple of clips is more straightforward than wrapping fabric around your body using an instruction card.

Conclusion

After hours of research and hands-on testing, we've made your search for the best baby carrier easier. With so many options on the market, we've done the heavy lifting, so you don't have to. Regardless of your babywearing needs or budget, our lineup, including top-rated carriers, has something to match your goals. Our experience and testing ensure you're making an informed choice for both you and your baby.