9 Best Baby Carriers, Tested by Parents and Their Little Ones

The Bump takeaway: The Ergobaby Omni Deluxe is the Best of The Bump winner for overall best baby carrier for its exceptional back support, easy-to-follow adjustments, breathable material options and customizable fit for baby and parent.

A carrier can promise every carrying position under the sun, but the dream carrier for most is one that makes it easy to switch positions safely and stays comfortable in every one. The Omni Deluxe impressed our tester (and us) by delivering on both counts.

“It made babywearing feel effortless, even on long walks,” raves Tija, mom of a 5-month-old. “It’s comfortable, supportive, easy to use and thoughtfully designed for both babies and parents." We're not surprised; Ergobaby carriers have long been parent favorites, with forums and Bump survey respondents praising their comfort, ease of use and good lumbar support.

Ease of use and parent comfort
Right out of the packaging, the Omni Deluxe flattened the learning curve the often comes with using baby carriers. “[It] was easy to use, which surprised me since I’ve struggled with other carriers,” notes Tija. The Ergobaby is a masterclass in easing mental fatigue, with a combination of clear written instructions, video tutorials and strap indicator markings to make adjusting fit instantly intuitive. (“I loved that the sizing chart is stitched onto the carrier” Tija adds.)

As for putting it on and off, Tija found it straightforward with refreshingly uncomplicated buckles. “I could fasten most of it one-handed while holding my baby, which is a big plus,” she tells us. “And I didn’t need any help getting it on or adjusting it, although my husband did help the first time just to double-check the fit.

But what really impressed Tija—and The Bump editorial team—is the comfort and lumbar support the Omni Deluxe gave her, thanks to the sturdy waistband and cushioned strap design. “I have postpartum sciatica, which sometimes causes back pain,” she shares. “However, there was no strain or soreness during or after wearing it. The shoulder straps–which can be worn over the shoulders or crossed across the back–were padded well and just enough to feel cushioned and secure.”

Baby positioning and comfort
The Omni Deluxe is one of few in our product-tested guide that supports four different carry positions: front inward, front outward, hip and back. That range gives parents flexibility as baby grows.

When you do want to change up how you’re carrying your child, the carrier helps clearly guide you on proper positioning. Using the Velcro tabs and color-coded stripes on the waist belt, simply adjust the seat to align with baby’s length, which ensures that baby is ergonomically positioned in the hip-healthy M-position and at the right height. “Her legs naturally fell into the M-position, which gave me peace of mind that her hips were in the right spot,” shares Tija.

There’s also a one-step adjustment system of the shoulder and waist straps that made it effortless for Tija to follow the “kissable head rule,” which confirms that baby is at the proper carrying height.

So how did Tija’s daughter take to the Omni Deluxe? “My baby seemed content and well-supported every time,” Tija tells us. “It hugs her body just enough to feel secure without being too tight. I didn’t really need to reposition her while wearing it, which was nice.” And the biggest baby seal of approval: She fell asleep on several occasions.

Fit and swapping between wearers
“I really appreciated how customizable the fit was, and being able to tweak different parts of the carrier made a big difference in comfort,” our tester tells us. “I’m average height with a curvier build, and I was able to adjust all the straps and waistband easily to get a snug, secure and comfortable fit.”

One of the key upgrades from the Omni to the Omni Deluxe is the visual markings on the waist straps, designed to help caregivers easily remember the settings when switching between wearers. Tija’s husband, who’s taller and broader than she is, found it slightly tricky to adjust at first but soon got the hang of it, and both parents agreed it was extremely comfortable. “The back support was a standout feature for both of us,” she shares. “It really helped us carry our daughter longer without any discomfort.”

Design and materials
Tija tested the mesh version of the Omni Deluxe, which allows for maximum breathability in all sorts of weather (the carrier also comes in cotton or linen). “I didn’t get overly hot or sweaty during walks, and I liked the mesh that seemed to help with airflow,” she tells us. “The design definitely feels like it was made with comfort in mind for both baby and parent.”

The other key upgrade on the Deluxe model are the extra pockets (six in total), with dedicated areas for your phone, keys and wallet, which our tester loved. “I honestly don’t need to bring a purse or fanny pack when I’m out walking with my baby because there are several pockets and storage spots built right into the carrier,” enthuses Tija. “That feature alone makes outings feel so much simpler.” All the more impressive is how compact Tija found the carrier to be—she could fold it down and toss into a stroller basket or carry it in her hand without it feeling bulky.

Aside from wishing there were a few more colors to choose from, overall Tija couldn’t fault the Omni Deluxe. “It’s well-made, supportive and packed with thoughtful features like storage, adjustability and back support,” she sums up. “The quality matches what I’d expect from a higher-end product, and it definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort and convenience.”

Type: SSC | Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Age range: 0 to 4 years | Weight capacity: 7 to 45 lbs. | Material: 100% polyester mesh, 100% cotton or 100% linen | Carrying positions: Inwards, outwards, back, hip

The Bump takeaway: Of the four newborn carriers we tested, the BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini stood out due to its superior head and neck support and specialised newborn design, earning it a Best of The Bump award for best baby carrier for newborns.

Over 60 percent of the moms we surveyed started babywearing in the first four weeks after birth—and the newborn carrier you choose can make or break that experience, for both of you. After testing four dedicated newborn carriers with three different testers over two years, the BabyBjörn Mini stood out for making those early babywearing moments feel simple, secure and reassuring.

One of the most important features to look for in a newborn carrier? Head support. “For newborns, full head support is non-negotiable,” says Dr. Suma Metla, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist and founder of Three Little Ducks. “Whatever the style, the goal is the same: Baby's head should never be flopping backward or unsupported at the neck."

To that end, the Mini performed extremely well. “I felt [the carrier was] very safe and secure, and I loved the height of the back panel and how supportive it was for my newborn’s head,” notes our latest tester, Michelle, who tested it with her 8-week-old.

Ease of use and parent comfort
Our second tester Caitlin used this carrier with her 1-month-old, who was in the 5th percentile for size, and she found it to be intuitive and quick to set up. “I decided to try it when my newborn was screaming his head off, and I expected to struggle putting it together. But it literally took less than three minutes the first time,” she tells us. After that, she was able to put it on in under a minute—a record any babywearing parent would be happy to hold.

As for Michelle, any initial confusion evaporated once she got her eyes on the manual and the brand’s own tutorial video. “After practicing a couple times I was able to get the carrier on by myself while holding my baby and didn’t need to put her down while putting the carrier on,” says Michelle. Once adjusted, the new mom was pleased to find the Mini fit stayed in the right position. “The ease of the buckle style put this carrier above any other carriers I’ve tried in how simple it was to put on and buckle,” she adds.

Between the criss-cross back, the plastic adjuster that keeps it in place and the smooth fabric, the Baby Carrier Mini doesn't slack off on comfort. “I have worn the carrier for up to an hour at a time and it really does not get overwhelmingly heavy at any point,” says Caitlin.

Newborn positioning and comfort
Positioning was a breeze for Caitlin, thanks to the user-friendly straps and the sturdy, soft seat. “It’s very easy to get my newborn in his proper position. Normally once he is positioned and buckled in, I don’t need to adjust him at all,” she tells us.

In addition to flexible head support that keeps babies snug while they’re facing inwards, this carrier has adjustable leg openings for newborns between 7 to 10 pounds to ensure a secure fit. Michelle found getting her 8-week-old’s legs into the hip-safe M-position easy, and the head and neck support was just the right height “She’s not a baby who particularly likes a carrier (she prefers to be held or laid flat on her back), but she did well in it and fell asleep in it twice,” Michelle says.

It’s worth noting that because it’s specifically designed to fit newborns, this carrier offers a shorter lifespan than others: BabyBjörn recommends only using it until baby is 6 months old (or 15 pounds). Caregivers might take note of the higher price tag considering its relatively short window of usability, but both our testers felt the value. “By far it is the most comfortable, easiest carrier that I have ever tried on, so I do feel like the price is high for a reason,” explains Caitlin.

Design and materials
The BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini is available in three soft fabric options (including breathable mesh and jersey) and a range of stylish colors. And our testers both praise the gentle materials for keeping them and baby comfy. Caitlin was especially impressed by the ventilation this carrier offers, which is an essential quality for newborns who can’t yet regulate their body temperatures. “I’ve been wearing it in 100-degree summer weather, and it’s very breathable!” she shares. Ultimately, she says, “Every time I leave the house now, it’s the carrier I grab and will continue to grab.”

Type: SSC | Weight: 1.1 lbs. | Age range: Newborn to 1 year | Weight capacity: 7 to 24 lbs. | Material: 80% polyester/16% cotton/4% spandex | Carrying positions: Inwards, outwards

Our community says:

The Bump takeaway: The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier is the Best of The Bump winner for best budget-friendly baby carrier thanks to its low learning curve, four carrying positions and secure, comfortable fit for less than $40.

The best infant carriers don’t have to break the bank. Case in point: the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier. It rings in at under $40 at most retailers, making it the most affordable option on our list. Still, while this carrier may not have a high price tag, that doesn’t mean you’ll miss out on a standout performance. “The design of this carrier is amazing,” gushes our product tester Karly, who wore it with her 5-month-old. “With all of the adjustable buckles we are both able to feel secure and comfortable!”

That easy adjustment is far from just a nice-to-have. “From personal experience, if it’s complicated or difficult to adjust, are you going to use it?” asks Joanna Kreyling, a pediatric nurse practitioner and an international board-certified lactation consultant. That’s why we love the Infantino Flip. Not only does it stand out for its straight-forward ease of use, but its lightweight, comfortable fit and adjustability performed well where many other budget options we tested falter.

Ease of use and parent comfort
Our tester Karly couldn’t get over how easy to use this carrier was from the start. “Unlike wrap or sling carriers, the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 was incredibly easy to learn how to use since the instructions are easy to read and include detailed photos of each position the carrier can be in,” she tells us.

That low learning curve matters for a budget pick. Parents shopping at this price point may not want a carrier that requires a steep setup process, complicated wrapping or a long adjustment period. That said, it’s not without its friction points. The buckles and straps were a little stiff at first, but not enough to put Karly off. She says it was “a little tough to buckle and tighten,” though it loosened up easily enough for another caregiver to adjust the fit if needed. And once it was on? “The carrier is very light and comfortable so I do thoroughly enjoy it,” the mom of two tells us. “Especially for the price, I think it’s the best!”

Baby positioning and comfort
Comfort for Mom or Dad is one thing, but how does baby do in a carrier this inexpensive? “My baby prefers to face outwards, and unlike every other carrier I’ve tried, this is the only one that holds her securely without getting too tight on her neck,” says Karly. “She is so much more comfortable in this carrier because of that space, and it’s just the right amount to still keep her very secure without me having to worry if it’s too tight along her neck.”

The carrier’s four-position design also gives parents more flexibility as baby grows. Karly liked that she could switch between outward-facing when baby was awake and inward-facing when baby was sleepy. “It’s very quick and easy to make that adjustment,” she tells us. This, alongside the Infantino’s narrow and wide positions plus adjustable head support, gives the budget-friendly carry a touch more longevity than you might expect for the price point.

Design and value for money
The Infantino Flip keeps things simple. You won’t find storage pockets, a sun hood or a travel bag, and Karly found the buckles and buttons a little less stylish than the overall design. Still, she liked the neutral color and felt the carrier was one of the more stylish structured options she’d tried.

Where the design really impressed the mom of two was how easy the material is to clean. “You can just throw it in the wash, which I love since my baby spits up frequently. The fabric is great for easy clean up and wiping,” she tells us.

Of course, with a budget-friendly carrier, it’s important to be clear about the trade-offs. Karly did find the fabric lightweight but not especially breathable. And the Infantino Flip didn’t offer our tester the same level of long-wear weight distribution as higher-priced carriers she’s used. But for short outings, occasional wear or parents who want a simple, affordable alternative to wraps and slings, it performed impressively well.

Type: SSC | Weight: 1.3 lbs | Age range: Newborn to toddler | Weight capacity: 8 to 32 lbs. | Material: Polyester | Carrying positions: Inward-facing narrow seat, inward-facing wide seat, outward-facing, back carry

The Bump takeaway The Baby Tula Explore Carrier holds its Best of The Bump title as best baby carrier for plus-size parents for the second year in a row because of its generous waistband range, optional extender and highly adjustable fit.

In choosing a carrier, “A plus-size parent should pay attention to the waistband lengths and finding one that fits with room for adjustments,” says Dr. Bonnie Soto, a pediatric physical therapist and certified babywearing consultant.

With a waistband that extends up to 57 inches—and an optional 10-inch extender available for purchase—the Baby Tula Explore Carrier is an ideal choice for larger-bodied caregivers seeking both comfort and versatility in a carrier. Of all the carriers we tested this year specifically for plus-size parents, the Baby Tula continues to stand out precisely for its range of adjustability for different sized bodies.

Fit and parent comfort
The Baby Tula Explore is frequently recommended in parenting communities for plus-size parents, and, based on the glowing feedback we received after testing, it’s easy to see why. “There are places all around the carrier that are adjustable so you can pretty much adjust it exactly to your body type,” shares our product tester Nina. “I think if you are a plus-sized mama like me, this is a great option because of how big the straps will go without making you feel like a stuffed sausage when you clip them all together.”

For our second tester, Karina, mom of a 3-month-old and a toddler, Baby Tula’s padded straps and waistband made all the difference for her babywearing experience. “The carrier is cushioned so it’s super comfortable on all parts of my body and doesn’t cause any strain or pain like I’ve experienced from other baby carriers,” she tells us.

Ease of use
The same adjustability that makes the Baby Tula Explore so customizable can also mean there’s a little more to figure out at first. “I really needed to look at the directions to understand where all the clips went and how exactly to put it around my body and neck,” explains our plus-size tester Nina, who enlisted her mom to help her get hand on adjusting everything. But once she did, “it was much easier to reposition baby or reposition how I was going to hold baby within the carrier.”

Karina also had to recruit some help, working with her husband to make sense of the setup. “Now I do it myself, quick, no problem,” she tells us. “I love that there are many adjustable pieces so it fits my body perfectly when my husband and I switch.”

Baby positioning and comfort
The Baby Tula Explore supports three carry positions: inward-facing, outward-facing and back carry. Plus, its adjustable seat settings and neck pillow help the carrier work from the newborn stage through toddlerhood. For Nina, the ergonomic design proved especially helpful for easily placing her 5-month-old securely in the recommended M-position. “I feel like her head and neck were super supported,” Nina observes. “And I could even add more support with a little detachable support flap. My daughter seemed to love being in it and always seemed very comfortable and content.”

The Baby Tula’s structure also distributes weight evenly, and its generous 45-pound capacity makes it a durable pick for multi-year use. “I love this carrier because it makes my kid feel so light, especially when I’m wearing my toddler on my back,” notes Karina. “It just feels like a backpack.”

Design and materials
Made from 100 percent cotton, the Explore carrier is machine-washable and, most refreshingly, comes in a range of prints and colors. “I got the Agate Tula and it’s so stylish,” gushes Karina. “There’s so many different prints Tula offers, it makes me want to get more just because of all the styles and it's so comfy.”

For Nina, the real appeal was the extra pocket. “I liked that it was big enough that I could slip my iPhone or maybe a few dollars into the front pocket without having to worry about also carrying a purse,” she tells us. And then there’s the extra head covering for baby that offers that little bit more protection if your baby is the type to throw their head back.

Between the generous fit range, thoughtful adjustability and added extras, the Baby Tula Explore offers the kind of comfort and flexibility that plus-size caregivers often need but don’t always find in a standard carrier.

Type: SSC | Weight: 1.7 lbs. | Age range: Newborn to 3 years | Material: 100% cotton | Weight capacity: 7 to 45 lbs. | Carrying positions: Inwards, outwards, back

The Bump takeaway The LÍLLÉbaby Elevate 6-in-1 Carrier is the Best of The Bump winner for best baby carrier for long torsos thanks to its 15.5-inch back panel and comfortable, supportive fit on our long-torso tester.

For caregivers with longer torsos, finding a baby carrier that fits well and supports baby in the proper position can be tricky. “It’s not uncommon to see caregivers with longer torsos make the same mistake: wearing the waistband of a buckle carrier too low on their body,” notes Dr. Soto. “Caregivers with long torsos should make sure the waistband of the carrier is up high on their natural waist, or even right below their chest for a smaller baby, so that baby is at that easily kissable height.”

The LÍLLÉbaby Elevate 6-in-1 Carrier solves that problem with one of the longest back panels on the market at 15.5 inches. Our tester Shelby, mom of a 6-month-old, found that this carrier worked well thanks to the fit. “I’m 5 feet 4 inches with a long torso, and this carrier fit well on my shape,” she says. “It was easy to adjust the straps so that it felt secure on my waist and my baby was in an excellent position.”

Ease of use and parent comfort
Shelby found the Elevate really stood out for being easy to put on and adjust when on her own with baby. “I was so excited that there was a magnetic closure, and once I figured out how to use it, I found it really easy to open and close with one hand, even with a wiggly baby in my carrier, “ she tells us. “This is honestly the easiest carrier I have used—and we’ve tried many.”

For our second tester, Sydney, the learning curve was steeper. “I unfortunately had the hardest time making this carrier work for me,” she tells us, noting that the included instructions are not the easiest to follow. However, where the carrier still earned praise was the level of support it gave—for both her and her husband.

To this, Shelby absolutely agrees. “I have to say that this carrier is extremely comfortable,” she tells us. “I felt like it was adequately padded on my shoulders and the design evenly distributed my baby’s weight, so I didn’t feel any pressure on my back. The straps also didn’t dig into my shoulders the entire time.”

Baby positioning and comfort
The LÍLLÉbaby Elevate proved to be a hit with Shelby’s petite 6-month-old. “I took my daughter on a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood, and she was comfortable enough that she fell asleep,” she tells us.

As for getting baby into position, the mom of one praises the carrier’s adjustable features. “I love having the option to widen or narrow the seat with a simple zip down and tuck into the pockets,” she shares. “My daughter preferred the narrow option because it’s what she's used to."

What’s more, Shelby was able to do everything solo, making quick adjustments to ensure she was positioned comfortably and securely. “I really appreciate that I can open, close and get it on all by myself because I don’t always have someone around to help me when I need to wear my daughter,” she tells us.

Design and materials
That level of comfort for both parent and baby means Shelby is looking forward to taking it with her on their next family trip—so it's a good thing it comes with a carry bag. “I was so excited to see the carrier was in a bag because we travel a lot as a family,” she shares. “It was quick to fold back up and put it back inside for easy and compact storage.”

She also appreciated the extra features, including a front storage pocket, a spot for a baby bottle and vegan leather details that gave the carrier a more polished look. For Sydney, the features were a particular sweet spot too. “The added sun protection was nice for things like walks and afternoons at the park,” she tells us. “I also liked that they have the temperature control panel. Although that did add to the bulky look of the carrier, it does help to keep baby cooler on hot days. Overall I think that the features were a really nice touch to making the carrier more functional for most parents.”

While this baby carrier is frequently praised in parenting forums as a go-to pick for longer torsos, it’s worth noting that it may not extend to all body shapes. “I was hopeful that my 6 foot 5 inch husband would be able to wear this carrier because the waist strap seemed to extend quite a bit and snapped close easily,” Shelby explains. However, like many other carriers they’ve tried to switch between them, the couple struggled to get the carrier to close on his back. So while this is a tried-and-tested strong pick for long-torso caregivers based on panel height, adjustability and tester fit, it’s not a universal tall-parent solution.

Type: SSC | Weight: 2.6 lbs. | Age range: Newborn to toddler | Material: Linen-blend exterior/100% cotton lining | Weight capacity: 7 to 45 lbs. | Carrying positions: Inwards, outwards, back, hip

The Bump takeaway: The hope & plum Lark Baby Carrier is the Best of the Bump winner for best baby carrier for short torsos thanks to its non-bulky design, petite length option and comfortable waistband with 23-inch adjustability.

A surprisingly common babywearing pitfall? Choosing a carrier that technically fits but takes up too much space on your body. For parents with short torsos, the issue isn’t necessarily height, it’s having less room between the ribs and hips, which can make some baby carriers feel hard to position comfortably. “Some structured carriers have a stiffer and taller waistband that takes up more room on the wearer's body,” notes Dr. Soto. “This could be a cause of discomfort or poor fit on the body of someone with a short torso.”

Enter the hope & plum Lark Baby Carrier, which Dr. Soto herself recommends. With its apron-style design, this expert-loved baby carrier swaps the bulk and structure for a flexible design that cradles baby close to your body without drowning you in fabric.

Fit and parent comfort
hope & plum’s Lark is a popular choice in online forums, thanks to its two sizes: short and long. And our tester, Zia, a 5-foot mom of a 5-month-old baby, loved how the former option fit her shorter-torso frame. “I was able to get the perfect fit around my waist due to there being less fabric at the waist compared to other standard-fit carriers.”

Zia also appreciated the padded straps and waistband and noted that they added a lot of comfort compared to other carriers she has tried. “The padding makes it to where I don't feel that pressure, which is really a game changer. Same with the padding around the waist, I don't feel the pressure on my stomach like I would with others.”

Baby positioning and comfort
For Zia, the short size proved to be ideal, not just for her own comfort but for getting baby into position too. “It's easy to get my baby into the kissable zone because I was able to get my perfect size [rather than] a standard-fit carrier,” she tells us. “I also noticed I have no trouble getting him in the M-shaped position as well.”

The difference is night and day compared to the other carrier she owns, which can feel a little awkward to the point of baby sitting lopsided. But with the Lark carrier, being able to adjust the fabric at the waist makes positioning that much easier. “He actually falls asleep in it and the panel hits at the perfect spot to keep his head and neck secure as well,” she tells us.

Type: SSC | Weight: 1 lb | Age range: 3 to 6+ months | Material: 55-45% hemp cotton | Weight capacity: 10 to 45 lbs. | Carrying positions: Inwards, back

The Bump takeaway: The MOBY Duet Carrier is the Best of The Bump winner for best baby carrier for forward-facing thanks to its V-shaped front panel, adjustable padded seat and comfortable weight distribution for both baby and wearer.

Forward-facing babywearing is popular with parents in general but can be a polarizing topic in the babywearing community. The key is timing, moderation and the right carrier structure. Babywearing expert Brown tells us parents should wait until babies demonstrate “perfect head and neck control and [can] fit the panel of the carrier properly with [their] chin over the top and supported well against the wearer.”

The MOBY Duet's V-shaped front panel, which accommodates forward-facing well, was one of the biggest reasons the carrier stood out to our tester Ashleigh, mom of a 6-month-old. “We used the outward-facing position mostly since my baby met the age and neck strength requirements, and it was a great way for them to engage with the world,” she says. “I really loved that the front is a ‘V’ shape so baby isn't covered. I have two other carriers that are not like that.”

Forward-facing positioning
“When a family is considering utilizing the forward-facing position with their baby in a baby carrier, the carrier set-up is important,” says babywearing consultant Dr. Soto. “Because forward-facing puts the adult and baby's body at a disadvantage, when we are looking at ergonomic positioning, the support from the carrier and caregivers’ bodies becomes that much more important.”

The MOBY Duet impressed our tester for the sheer quantity of ways it met those needs. The V-shaped panel allowed her baby to see clearly without pressing against fabric, a feature that enhances both comfort and baby’s interaction with their surroundings. “He stayed in the carrier facing me for only about 20 min, but world-facing he lasted much much longer,” Ashleigh tells us. “I had no safety concerns while using the MOBY Duet, which made the experience even more reassuring.”

Ashleigh found positioning “relatively easy” not least of all due to the hybrid carrier’s soft-yet-structured design. “Ensuring the baby's legs were in the recommended M-position was straightforward due to the wide, padded seat area that naturally encouraged healthy hip placement,” she tells us.

“The M-shape hip position is supportive of hip development, but it also just aids in proper postural control for baby, which is particularly important when they are world-facing because they have less postural control,” says Dr. Soto. “There is no caregiver body for them to brace against and a lot of unpredictable movement.”

Fit and parent comfort
Safe forward-facing carrying doesn’t stop at baby’s positioning; the parent’s comfort is just as critical to get right. “World-facing puts more strain on the caregiver's body and changes the center of mass,” explains Dr. Soto, who recommends a structured waistband (or a waistband with lumbar support) over a structured seat to ease the stress.

For Ashleigh, the MOBY Duet’s hybrid design struck a helpful balance. “The back support was impressive, as the structured waistband and adjustable straps helped maintain a snug and ergonomic fit,” she shares. In particular she praises how well the carrier distributed baby's weight across her shoulders and hips.

Ashleigh also appreciated how easy it was to adjust the carrier to fit and support her and her baby. “[It] fit my body shape very well and offered a good level of personalization. I was able to adjust multiple parts of the carrier—including the waistband, shoulder straps and side buckles—to suit my size and shape,” she tells us. This level of flexibility made it a great fit for her partner too. “My husband also tried the carrier and found it easy to adjust and wear, with the same level of comfort and support,” she says.

Ease of use and design
With so much versatility built in, you may be pleasantly surprised to hear how low Ashleigh found the learning curve to be. “Putting the carrier on was fairly easy. The straps required minor adjustments, but that is necessary for every carrier,” she tells us. That said, the print instructions were not extremely clear, so the mom of one recommends consulting the video instruction off the bat. For your first wear, expect a little bit of trial and error, especially when threading the main belt strap through the safety elastic.

Adjustability and adaptability is truly built into every facet of the MOBY Duet’s design, with an adjustable seat area designed to widen as baby grows, alongside customizable strap length and panel height. And yet, the hybrid carrier is still fairly compact and lightweight. “[It’s easy to fold and carry in a diaper bag or under a stroller, making it convenient for travel or outings,” shares Ashleigh. “When I'm at home, I have a hook on the wall that I just hang it from!”

But the real selling point here is the carrier’s easy flexibility between inward and outward-facing carrying, while still offering secure positioning and solid wearer support. That said, Dr. Soto recommends using forward-facing only for short periods of time. “Watch closely for cues of fatigue or overstimulation and then return baby to those wonderful, inward-facing snuggles,” she says. And with a carrier like the MOBY Duet, that switch is easy.

Type: Half-buckle | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Age range: Newborn to 2 years | Material: 100% cotton | Weight capacity: 8 to 33 lbs. | Carrying positions: Inwards, outwards

The Bump takeaway: The Neko Up & Down is the Best of The Bump winner for best carry assist for quick ups and downs thanks to its deep adjustable seat, two-way straps and padded shoulder support.

For parents of older babies and toddlers who love to be constantly picked up, put down and picked up again, a carry assist can be a good alternative to a traditional baby carrier. Unlike a soft structured carrier, these “toddler slings” aren’t designed for long, hands-free babywearing sessions. Instead, they’re what babywearing educator Jordan Morillo calls “shorter-duration carry tools” that lend you extra support when your child wants to be held, but not enough to be fully buckled into a carrier. And the Neko Up & Down is one of her expert recommendations for this purpose.

Morillo praises the Neko Up & Down for its “ergonomic shoulder, two-way adjustable straps for better customized tightness and a much deeper seat pocket with drawstrings that allow for a more supportive and safe fit for baby.” Our tester Lynsey, a mom of 11-month-old twins as well as a 3-year-old, found that combination to be a valuable support for juggling her three kids daily. “This carrier was great for quick uses like carrying my child into the doctors office from the car as well as to a birthday party where he wanted up and down,” she beams. “One of my twins that doesn't like the front carrier enjoyed this sling carrier a lot more!”

Fit and parent comfort
The Neko Up & Down uses an over-the-shoulder design with a supportive seat for baby and an adjustable strap for the wearer. For Lynsey, the padded shoulder strap was the highlight of this carrier. “The padded strap relieved any pressure that I otherwise might have felt from using a sling carrier,” she tells us, though she does add that over prolonged stretches she would start to feel it. That said, “Nothing was sharp or piercing because the wide, cushioned strap dispersed the weight,” she adds.

As for fit, the Neko adjusted well considering its simple design. “I didn't realize that I had a short torso until I had the straps tightened practically as far as they would go,” Lynsey shares. “In that position my child fit very comfortably against my hip and the carrier stayed in place.”

Another great design feature is the buckle on the front and back of the carrier, allowing it to be worn on either hip and still have the safety stoppers properly positioned. It’s a not-so-small detail that makes switching with her husband especially easy. “I am right-handed and he is left-handed, so our preferred side for carrying babies is opposite,” she tells us. “The straps are very easy to adjust, so switching the carrier between caregivers was very simple. I think this carrier would fit a wide variety of body types due to being able to adjust it on both the front and the back.”

Ease of use and baby positioning
Lynsey notes a bit of a learning curve, but once she got the hang of it by placing the carrier over her child’s head rather than placing her child in from the top, she found it to be second nature for both her and her kids. “As a mom of twins and a toddler, I'm frequently holding a child on my hip, so I found it very intuitive to get them in the proper position in this carrier,” she tells us. “Once they were in it, they also felt secure against my hip, and they felt like they were in a safe seated position with their legs wrapped around me.”

Lynsey tried the carry assist with all three of her children and found it worked well for them all, noting that her twins never liked traditional structured carriers. “They all seemed comfortable, like they could stay there all day if I let them,” she says. “The seat of the carrier was plenty large and suited both my 11-month-old twins and my 3-year-old. The carrier has safety stoppers that you tighten for smaller babies, but my children didn't need for it to be tightened.”

For Lynsey, the Neko wasn’t necessarily easier to use than the front carrier she already owns, but it was better suited when her very mobile children wanted to get up and down frequently. As she puts it, “It makes carrying your children less straining on your body and the ups and downs a breeze."

Type: Carry assist | Weight: N/S | Age range: 6 to 36 months | Material: Cotton | Weight capacity: 18 to 49 lbs | Carrying positions: Hip

The Bump takeaway: The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is once again the Best of the Bump winner for best hip carrier, for its ergonomic and easy-to-use design that gives a solution for parents who want to comfortably carry their little one without the bulk of a full carrier.

While carry assists like the Neko Up & Down are growing in popularity, traditional hip carriers still have a loyal fan base in the babywearing community—over 17 percent of the moms we surveyed use them. The Tushbaby Hip Carrier is designed to support baby’s weight while relieving strain on your back and hips, so it’s ideal for around-the-house carrying or quick outings.

It features a memory foam-lined hip seat that supports baby’s hips by encouraging them to sit in the M-position, and can be adjusted to face-to-face, side-carrying or front-facing carrying styles. It can even offer support during breastfeeding sessions. “I received the Tushbaby as a gift when my youngest was about 9 months old,” shares Christine, mom of two and contributing editor at The Bump. “Being on the heavier side, he’d become tough to carry for long periods, but this carrier took a lot of the pressure off my back and was perfect for those frequent pick-ups throughout the day."

Fit and parent comfort
The Tushbaby’s unique design also quickly made a believer out of our tester Ariana, mom of a 9-month-old. “I was not expecting it to be as comfortable as it was,” she says. “It took all the pressure off my back when I held my baby. I wore it to a girls' lunch—a total of two to three hours—and he felt like a feather the whole time.”

Natalie, mom of one and senior editor at The Bump, agrees, saying it’s much more comfortable than she thought it would be. “When I carry [my 2-year-old] for long periods of time without a carrier, I often resort to jutting out one hip and messing up my posture, which puts a lot of strain on my lower back and pelvic muscles. The Tushbaby helps me avoid this chiropractic nightmare,” she shares. (Read more in her in-depth Tushbaby review.)

Ease of use and design
Due to its simple, fanny pack-like design, Ariana found the Tushbaby straightforward to strap on. “It’s very easy to put on and take off; it’s a simple Velcro and clip,” she explains, adding that it could also be adjusted in seconds when on. Natalie reminds parents to wear the carrier above their natural waist (as per the product’s instruction manual) to alleviate potential back and shoulder pressure and for an optimal babywearing experience.

On-the-go parents will appreciate how this versatile baby carrier doubles as a fanny pack diaper bag. Complete with five pockets and a hideable bottle holder, the clever style allows you to seamlessly tote all of your daily essentials. “I love how it had so much storage. I could have left my purse at home and just worn the carrier because it had a spot for my keys, phone, bottles and more,” Ariana tells us.

Plus, the Tushbaby comes in several fabrics and colorways, so you can find your perfect match. “It’s super stylish and goes with every outfit,” she gushes. “I even got a compliment on it from another mom at the splash park!”

Weight: 1 lb. | Age range: Newborn to 3 years old | Weight capacity: 8 to 45 lbs. | Material: Polyester/polyurethane/foam | Carrying positions: Hip

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