As a certified babywearing educator and mom of four, I’ve tried more carriers than I can count. But these 10 are the ones I reach for again and again. Each one has a special role in my daily life, whether it’s quick errands, hiking, pool days, or just cozying up at home.
Sestrice One
- From newborn (~7.7 lb / 3.5 kg) to toddlerhood
- Adjustable width and height for a growing baby
- Wide padded waistband with extra-long PFAs for custom fit
The Sestrice One is all about comfort and adjustability. The long PFAs (perfect fit adjusters) make breastfeeding in a carrier super easy and is unique to this carrier. It molds to different body types and grows beautifully with baby, making it one of my most dependable, cozy options.
Keep Closer comfort fit
- From newborn (~7.7 lb / 3.5 kg) to toddlerhood
- Adjustable width and height for a growing baby
- Wide padded waistband with extra-long PFAs for custom fit
I love the simplicity of this carrier. It’s also beautiful and soft. I find myself reaching for this carrier often.
trail magik
- Suitable for ages 1+ up to 43 lb
- Weighs less than 10 oz
- Clips directly onto a backpack’s hip belt
The Trail Magik is a hiking essential. It’s incredibly small and light, but when those little legs tire out mid-trail, I can pop a child up in seconds. No bulky frame, no extra pack, just freedom to keep adventuring without cutting the day short.
Hippie Joey
- Can be worn as a scarf when not in use
- Made with soft, durable fabric
- Designed for quick ups and downs
The Hippie Joey feels like a clever little secret weapon. It blends fashion and function, one minute it’s an accessory, the next it’s a secure carrier. I love it for days when my baby or toddler is in and out of my arms frequently.
mumsie
- Carrier built directly into clothing
- Wide, stretchy fabric panels
- Designed for 4 months and beyond
The Mumsie is one of the smartest ideas I’ve seen, babywearing integrated into stylish overalls. It means I don’t have to bring a separate carrier along, which is a game-changer for spontaneous outings or days when my hands are already juggling too much.
mini monkey
- Water-friendly mesh fabric
- Quick-drying, lightweight design
- Suitable from newborn up to 33 lb
Pool days are where the Mini Monkey shines. Its breathable mesh makes it perfect for water play, and I love that it dries in minutes. It’s secure enough that I can splash, swim, and still keep baby close, safe, and supported.
Weaverbirds woven wrap
- Handwoven, luxury wrap fabric
- Supportive and soft from the start
- Works for newborns through toddlers
Wrapping in a Weaverbirds is an experience. The fabric feels so luxurious in hand and supportive on the body. It’s a special piece in my collection, the one I reach for when I want carrying to feel like both an art and a cuddle.
Love Radius Hoodie Carrier
- SSC with soft, sweatshirt-like fabric
- Front, back, and newborn options with insert
- Cozy hood for extra comfort
The HoodieCarrier is my everyday, easygoing structured carrier. It feels like pulling on a favorite hoodie, soft, flexible, and cozy, while still giving great ergonomic support.
Lenny Lamb Half Buckle
- Wrap straps with buckle waistband
- Multiple fabric blends and beautiful prints
- Newborn through toddler
I love the half buckle because it blends the best of both worlds. The buckle waist gives the speed and ease I need, while the wrap straps mold softly around me and baby. Add in Lenny Lamb’s gorgeous patterns, and it’s a practical carrier that feels extra special.
Heritage Baby Ring Sling
- High-quality linen and cotton blends
- Strong aluminum rings
- Suitable from newborn into toddler years
A ring sling is a must-have in any babywearing collection, and Heritage makes some of the best. It’s quick to use, supportive, and endlessly versatile. Whether for a newborn snuggle or a quick hip carry with a busy toddler, it’s always in my arsenal.
final thoughts
Each of these carriers plays a unique role in my life — from luxurious woven wraps to water-friendly mesh, from hiking must-haves to stylish clothing-integrated options. Babywearing isn’t just about one perfect carrier; it’s about having the right tool for the right moment. And these 10? They’re the top carriers I use over and over again.
Hi!
I’ve been eyeing the Hippie Joey for a while now. I’ve also seen ads for the Zoberlo mama bonding comforter. Have you tried that one?
If you have, what are the differences? I’m sure it’s not quite as good of quality given the price difference, but on a budget would it be worth it?
I really appreciate your content!! Maybe someday I can afford all the baby carriers I want lol.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for you comment and asking about it! Yes, I have actually tried it and I’ve done a handful of videos on the differences between the Zoberlo (same as BeBe Amour, options found on Amazon, Mother’s Bonding Comforter and so many more knockoffs.) All of those are a cheap, drop shipped product meant to knock off the Hippie Joey. They do not provide the same support and a number I bought actually showed up with shredded fabric, fell apart upon first use, or had other significant issues. They (Zoberlo and other knockoffs) have actually stolen a number of my videos and videos from other content creators using a Hippie Joey and pretend that it’s their product- sometimes even going as far as claiming to be a verified seller of Hippie Joey. I highly recommend avoiding those (check out my @letstalkbabywearing on IG) and check out the pinned video to see the difference in quality and support! Then, buying on Hippie Joey directly alone! They do have a $15 discount right now on Water- just in case that specific one is an option that you’ve been looking at.
I’ve had a number of people message me concerned as to why I would recommend the Zoberlo (and other knockoffs) after seeing my stolen videos and then purchasing and finding the quality subpar and even dangerous. It can be somewhat doable for some people for very short periods, but the majority are incredibly unhappy with it- especially when anticipating they are getting a quality product.
Cassidy, thank you for this post!
Purely out of curiosity, I’m wondering why you don’t have an onbuhimo style carrier on this list? I don’t have one myself but have been wondering if I’d love one for years now. So as someone who baby-wears all the time and an educator, I’m super curious as to your thoughts and experiences with that type of carrier.
On a related subject – I would really love to find a carrier I can high-back carry. I currently have an ergo baby and a ring sling that I use regularly, but I feel like my almost-18 month old but would to be worn high on my back to have that close comfort but to also be able to see around and “be a part” of what I’m doing. I’d LOVE your thoughts and suggestions for your most recommended carrier for high-back carrying.
Thank you SO much!! I really appreciate your time and energy helping me out!
Best,
Lauren
Hey Lauren!
Such a great question and it’s 100% personal preference and comfort on my body. I just can’t utilize an onbuhimo for more than 10-20 minutes depending on the age/weight of baby and toddler. They are such a great option for so many (and were one I reached for a little more during pregnancy), but they just cause discomfort more quickly and I end up with significant back and neck issues due to an injury I had years ago. I also find they just take longer than other options for me personally- I wish I could use them for longer, they are so aesthetically nice!
I personally find more comfort and support with a meh dai/half buckle or woven wrap when I want to do a high back carry! But, if you don’t struggle with neck/shoulder issues, the onbuhimo might end up being perfect for you. I look forward to getting more reviews up on different onbuhimo carriers and why they might be the perfect option for different people!
Thank you,
Cassidy