I didn’t think I would use a baby carrier. I run a ton of errands every day, so I figured I’d be using a stroller most of the time and loading all my stuff on it. Then I had a baby and realized I was thinking about it all wrong. A carrier isn’t meant to replace a stroller when you’re out and about for hours… it serves totally different purposes!
First, holding a baby for HOURS is exhausting. Not only mentally, but my body got aches and pains all over. Six weeks in, I was walking as though I was 100 years old. I literally Googled “can you have full-body arthritis” because I couldn’t believe that as someone who has worked out pretty much every day of her life for the last two decades I was in so much pain from holding a baby! A baby carrier will help with that.
Next, it’s very hard to work holding a baby. Typing in one hand is not efficient! Also, bear in mind that a stroller with a bassinet is not practical to get into a car. It’s much easier to use a carrier to get baby to a car seat. And that’s not the end. Have you heard of baby-wearing workout classes or baby-wearing dance classes? They’re a thing and so fun for both parent and child!
Lastly, and most importantly, when a baby is crying and crying and he or she shows no imminent sign of stopping – a baby carrier will often get them to stop. It doesn’t work for every child, but most after a minute or so will settle in the carrier and even fall asleep.
For all these reasons I now tell all expecting parents that baby carriers are a “must,” and if you’re having a child with a partner I highly recommend each of you getting your own carrier. No matter which carrier you opt for, you’ll need to fit it to your body. Once it’s fitted to your body, you just clip baby in. The fitting process takes a few minutes – when baby is screaming bloody murder, you don’t have a few minutes to spare, which is why having a carrier just for you is helpful. Clipping baby in should take just a few seconds and the crying will hopefully quickly stop. If you opt for a wrap, which are practical when it’s very warm, there’s no need to get two because you’ll have to do the fitting process no matter what every time, which is why I never loved using a wrap.
Read on to learn more about some of the best baby carriers.
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I Tried "All" The Baby Carriers - These Are The Best
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Babybjörn Baby Carrier One
This carrier works from ages newborn (3.5 kg) to three (most carriers just go up to age 2). At about six months, no matter what carrier you opt for, you'll probably have to put baby on your back - there are four carrying options in front and behind with this style (most just have three). Th Carrier One comes in a few different color/pattern iterations. More things I love about this one - besides the leopard print which I'm obsessed with - is that it's very hip safe with its large and ergonomic leg positioning. It's easy to clip in and tighten and feels great on the body. This carrier works particularly well in cooler months as the thick fabric will keep baby nice and cozy.
Babybjörn Baby Carrier One, $189.99 at Babybjörn
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Cybex Yema Tie
The Yema Tie comes in some of the coolest designs! Including limited edition ones like Jeremy Scott's Cherubs. It fits 0-2, is certified hip safe and just as comfortable for parent as it is for baby.
$199.95 - $289.95 at Cybex
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Ergobaby Omni Breeze
Even when I was home blasting the AC I found that my baby would start sweating in the carrier unless I had him in this ultra breathable style from Ergobaby. If your little one is born in the summer, I highly recommend this option, which is vented all over. Plus, not only is the mesh highly functional, it's stylish. This carrier works from 0-2, comes in a few different color-ways and is comfortable and light on the body. Plus, it's machine washable.
$199 at Ergobaby
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Artipoppe Zeitgeist
This is the Maserati of baby carriers. The high fashion brand makes carriers in fabrics like velvet and cashmere and finished with gold button details. Every design is stunning. For added security the carriers have loops that you use along with their clips. Given the materials, you'll want to make sure that baby is well burped before putting him or her in to an Artipoppe! This carrier fits 0-2.
$340-$767 at Artipoppe
