Photo by Sharon McCutcheon

Originally Posted On: 10 Best Baby Carriers for 2021 – We Put Them To The Test | Love To Be Natural

 

Baby carriers are wonderful for babies and allow you to not only bond together, but to get on with everyday tasks hands-free – think tidying up after a toddler, or making dinner for your family. There is a wide choice, so which should you buy for your little one? Make choosing your baby sling easier with 10 of our top picks for 2021.

It’s a fact that babies love being carried in arms; if you have one (a baby that is), then you’ve probably figured this out already. It’s where your baby is most comfortable, it’s where you love to hold them, and it’s where you know they are happiest and safest. Thankfully, baby carriers make this so much easier!

 

But which is the best baby sling? Which sling would be best for you and your family? Which sling should you choose? These are the questions you’re likely asking yourself, and ultimately the best baby sling for you is one that your little one and you both find comfortable, one that will work for you and your family. There are a few things to take into account though, and a few things to think about. You can help to narrow your choice down by considering:

• your budget;
• your lifestyle;
• the age of your baby, and
• who will be using the sling.

You’re on this website, and you’re looking for information on carrying your baby. You know yourself and you know your baby. Allow those instincts to guide you – what style catches your eye? What seems like a good option for you, your little one, your whole family?

 

Choose a sling that you like – you’re far more likely to use a sling or carrier that you love the look of. Whether it’s a certain style, colour or pattern, choose the one you really love! Check out our introductions to each style for the specifics of each: Stretchy Wraps, Ring Slings, Buckle Carriers, Woven Wraps and Mei Dais. If you’d like more detailed advice, or you have a specific query, just ask. We love helping families to both start or continue their carrying journeys.

 

Do You Need A Baby Carrier?

Most parents say that a baby carrier or sling is the one parenting tool they can’t do without. They really do make parenting journey easier, whether you just use one in the first few months, or if you continue to carry into toddlerhood and preschool.

 

What Type of Baby Carrier is Right for Me?

While there are many styles to choose from and it ultimately comes down to your own personal preference, the age and size of your baby, your activity level, and where you’re planning to wear it all play a role in determining which type you should buy.

 

These are the most common baby carriers you’ll find:

 

Buckle Carriers: Supportive, easy to use, and available in a gorgeous selection of colours and designs, buckle carriers are fully adjustable to achieve a custom and comfortable fit.

 

Stretchy Wraps: Perfect for your newborn, a stretchy wrap offers a gentle transition from womb to world. They facilitate skin-to-skin, are completely soft, and thus very respectful of your newborn’s physiology. Stretchy wraps are a long piece of soft fabric which is wrapped around you before popping baby in. The advantage is that you can tie it in the morning and keep it on all day – you can also have it tied before you go out. Perfect for those precious first weeks and months.

 

Ring Slings: Wonderful for newborns and toddlers alike. For your newborn the single-layer carry is light, with little fuss, supporting them tucked up high and close. For older babies and toddlers at the ‘up and down’ stage, a ring sling is a quick and simple option, allowing you to meet your baby’s needs, then folding it up small and neat in your bag. A single shoulder option, baby can be carried on the front, off-centre, or on the hip.

 

Woven Wraps: Woven wraps are the most versatile carrying option – depending on the length of the wrap, they can be used for many different carrying positions. One woven wrap can be used to carry your newborn all the way to through to preschool; on your front, hip, and back. There are many different designs available from stripes, to jacquards, to self-colours.

 

Meh Dais: A lovely, less structured style; a super option for newborns and bigger babies too. They have all the softness and moldability of a wrap, but with some structure – a main panel with two pairs of straps. One pair ties around the waist, securing with a knot, and the other pair sits on the shoulders and crosses on the wearers back, tying either at the front, side or back. Super-adjustable for the wearer too.

 

Half Buckle Carriers: Halfway between a full buckle carrier and a meh dai. The Half Buckle carrier offers the ease of a clip buckle at the waist, with the adjustability of long shoulder straps for a truly snug fit, without the reaching for back or side clips. Front, hip and back carrying, most are suitable from newborn.

Our Best Baby Carriers For 2021

 

Tula Free To Grow

Tula Free To Grow – £118.95

Style – Buckle Carrier

Budget – £££

 

Why We Love It

As you welcome your baby to the world, the Tula Free To Grow baby carrier seamlessly adjusts and lets you hold them close from the very beginning. With the Tula Free-To-Grow Carrier you can comfortably carry your baby from newborn to toddlerhood (7 – 45 lbs). You can enjoy multiple ergonomic carry positions with an adaptable panel that adjusts in width and height to fit your baby at any stage, and fully adjustable shoulder straps and waistband for optimal comfort for you.

 

Pro Tip

The Free To Grow comes in a wide range of prints and designs so you’re sure to find a design you really love.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“I purchased my Tula Free To Grow carrier after having tested one at a local sling library, and liking it best of all the carriers I tried on. Apart from fantastic usability, it is really stylish with beautiful design and fabric prints. My baby tends to fuss being put into any carrier or sling, but the Tula is so easy to put on and adjust I am able to get out and about with minimal disruption and zero fussing from my baby. I can even take him out of it without waking him up! I absolutely love it, and it has made everything so much easier in these early days of parenthood. Can’t recommend highly enough.” – Stefanie

 

Love & Carry One+

Love & Carry One+ – From £94.95

Style – Buckle Carrier

Budget – ££

 

Why We Love It

We are really impressed with this carrier. The One+ ticks all the boxes we expect and want from a good buckle carrier – the quality is outstanding, it’s well-designed and with thought; the fabrics are gorgeous; and it’s super comfy for baby and you. We love the thoughtful touches such the lower buckle attachment for young babies. Fastening the shoulder strap webbing lower down means that there is no webbing or buckles touching baby – they are surrounded by the soft cotton fabric only. The buckles can be tucked away and webbing rolled up neatly so it’s easier to fasten and use.

 

Pro Tip

The One+ comes in a Cool version – the main panel can be rolled down and neatly tucked away to reveal a mesh panel, to help keep you both cool on hot days!

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“I have had quite a few carriers over the years but recently had a newborn again after giving away most of the carriers a few years back. I have a Caboo which I love but wanted a buckles that hubby would also use.. I sent Beth a message asking for recommendations and got a super quick detailed response with 3 suggestions that best met my criteria. Read more about review stating My new favourite carriervwith great customer serviceThis was first on the list so opted for it. Really loving it. It’s excellent quality, material is soft and there is lots of attention to detail. My 3 week old is super comfy in it.. It also seems very adjustable and should last for a long time…” – Emily

 

Didymos Didyklick

Didymos Didyklick – From £119.95

Style – Half Buckle Carrier

Budget – £££

 

Why We Love It

The Didymos Didyklick combines the comfort, support and mouldability of a woven wrap with the simplicity and practicality of a buckle carrier. It’s easily adjustable – the padded waist belt is secured with a clip-buckle (just like a regular buckle carrier) ensuring support around the waist. The large, adjustable body panel made of wrap fabric creates a soft pouch offering a safe place for your little one. For newborns it provides a snug cocoon which is easily adjustable to their size. The wide shoulder straps can be tied in a variety of ways to mould around your shoulders allowing a high degree of adjustability and support for all shapes and sizes. Plus it’s made from organic cotton and is suitable from newborn. Perfect!

 

Pro Tip

Use the wide shoulder straps to extend the seat width for toddlers.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

” The waistband has just enough padding, and I love how wide the straps are and that they can be spread out over my shoulders for that extra bit of support. It’s very well made, very high quality, and I like the fact that the fabric is organic cotton.” – Jenn

 

Coracor Baby Wrap

Coracor Baby Wrap – £69.95

Style – Stretchy Wrap

Budget – ££

 

Why We Love It

These wraps are soft, lightweight, durable and organic; not only that, the designs are stunning! Easy to wear colours, and designs that wouldn’t be out of place in a boutique clothing store. Made with organic certified cotton the Coracor baby wrap is a two-way stretch wrap, which is soft, thin but durable, beautiful and safe. The exclusive fabric is breathable and keeps both you and your baby comfortable and close.

 

Pro Tip

A superb option for newborn babies.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“Fantastic quality product and wonderful contemporary fabric print. Very clear little booklet with instructions how to wrap and care for the product plus safety measures. Loved the eco friendly packaging.” – Laura

 

Didymos Didysling

Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier – From £49.95

Style – Ring Sling

Budget – £ – ££££

 

Why We Love It

The Didysling comprises a long piece of woven wrap fabric with 2 aluminium rings sewn into one end, approx 1.8m in length. They ​are made from Didymos woven wrap fabrics, and they are simply wonderful. The quality is outstanding, the designs beautiful. They have been producing ring slings since the 1970s in both classic and contemporary jacquard and crossweave designs. They only use GOTS Certified organic cotton.

 

Pro Tip

A great option for breastfeeding on the go. Also great for toddlers at the up and down stage, a ring sling can be easily carried folded in your bag and used as and when needed.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“Absolutely stunning, a really beautiful colour, particularly for summer. I really love it, and so does my 12 week old!quot; – Alison

 

Love & Carry AIR X

Love & Carry AIR X – £89.95

Style – Buckle Carrier

Budget – ££

 

Why We Love It

A superb buckle carrier with extra lumbar-support, the Air X is fully adjustable and will grow with your little one from 4 months to 3 years thanks to the width-adjustable body panel. Comes with an integrated neck support, sleephood and a large, detachable zip pouch. The AIR X has has a roll away and mesh panel to help keep you cool in warmer weather. We love the 3 position setting for adjusting the carrier as your baby gets bigger, and we love the storage pouch too! Handy for keeping all your bits and bobs in when you’re out and about.

 

Pro Tip

The shoulder straps on the AIR X can be crossed to add extra support and comfort when carrying.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“Really good! I absolutely love it, makes outings so much easier; even just going to the shops. Our little man never wants to be put down, and now I can carry him around and get on with things while he naps :)” – Dave

 

Didymos Woven Wraps

Didymos Woven Wraps – From £64.95

Style – Woven Wraps

Budget – ££ – ££££

 

Why We Love It

Didymos are the gold standard in woven wraps . Gorgeous designs woven in organic cotton, the ideal carrier from newborn to preschool. Easy to use, versatile and beautiful too. Didymos have woven the world’s finest wraps for 45 years. We have been a dedicated Didymos specialist for over 10 years. Didymos wraps are ethically woven in Germany using organic cotton. Woven wraps themselves are incredibly versatile – depending on the length of the wrap, they can be used for many different carrying positions on the front, hip, and back and from newborn through to toddlers.

 

Pro Tip

There is a learning curve with woven wraps, but it’s definitely worth it. They are the most versatile of all babywearing options can be used from newborn all the way to preschool.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“Really luxurious wrap beautifully made. Super soft straight out of the box.” – Hester

 

Little Frog Ring Sling

Little Frog Ring Slings – From £44.95

Style – Ring Sling

Budget – £

 

Why We Love It

Little Frog ring slings are a wonderful option for both newborns and toddlers alike. The quality is superb, and there is a huge range of colours and designs to suit every taste. Each ring sling is dyed and woven in the EU to OEKO-TEX standard. We love these ring slings – the price is superb, they soften up really quickly, and the striped designs can be very helpful when learning to use it.

 

Pro Tip

A ring sling allows you to welcome baby in and out quickly and easily – great for those amazing newborn snuggles, and equally great for toddlers at the up-and-down stage.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“A stunning ring sling, particularly for the price. I went for the ring sling as I like how easy it is to use and light especially for coming into the warmer weather.” – Emma

 

Tula Explore

Tula Explore – £149.95

Buckle Carrier – Buckle Carrier

Budget – £

 

Why We Love It

This carrier brings together the newborn-suitable features of the Tula Free To Grow Carrier, and the world-facing features that many parents desire, in a single, fantastic carrier. The seat area narrows across the width and height for younger babies and adjusts with them as they grow. The Explore can also be used in the world-facing position. It’s Tula’s first carrier that allows you to use it in an ergonomic front facing position. It offers all the features you and baby need: variable width settings for use from newborn to toddler, adjustable head support, and multiple carry positions including forward-facing and back carry.

 

Pro Tip

Before beginning to use the Explore Carrier in the facing out position, your baby should have head and neck control and their chin should clear the top of the panel when facing out.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“This is an absolute essential. I love it and couldn’t live without it! It’s comfortable and easy to use and my little man falls asleep happily too.” – Debbie

 

ISARA The One

Isara The One – From £138.95

Buckle Carrier – Buckle Carrier

Budget – £££

 

Why We Love It

The Isara The One is a truly singular carrier that is so ingeniously designed it is suitable from newborn right through to preschool, and fits all parents, too. Completely and fully adjustable, it enables the wearer to adjust the height and length to fit a newborn snug and safe, and as little one grows, the carrier can be adjusted in order to fit all shapes and sizes to toddlers and even preschoolers. Transitioning from newborn to preschooler is done in just one step. We’re often asked to suggest a carrier which will work for a newborn up to preschool, which we’ve always described this as a bit of a unicorn. Until now though; the Isara The One Carrier actually does this, and it does it really well. The superb design really does fit snug and safe from newborn and yup, you really can carry a 4 year old in it too. Even better, it’s now available in organic cotton twill (prints & plain) which makes the price absolutely fantastic.

 

Pro Tip

Make sure you tuck baby’s pelvis forward so that their bottom fills the base of the carrier, helping to ensure great positioning.

 

What LTBN Parents Say

“The straps are quite narrow, more than other carriers but I find them nice and comfy, again lovely soft padding so not too stiff. The straps have the option to wear them straight or crossed and all the straps are easy to adjust. On the whole this is a lovely carrier and has become one of our favourite buckle carriers.” – Laurna

 

Choosing What’s Right For You

 

So there you have it – our best baby carriers for 2021. Remember, choose a carrier that you like – you’re far more likely to use a sling or carrier that you love the look of. Whether it’s a certain style, colour or pattern, choose the one you really love! If you’d like more detailed advice, or you have a specific query, just ask. We love helping families to both start and continue their babywearing journeys!