How To Choose A Baby Carrier
Buckles or straps? Newborn or standard size? Linen or cotton? There isn't one "best" baby carrier — there's the carrier that works best for you, your baby, and the way you actually plan to use it. This guide is about choosing your first one.
From our Certified Babywearing Consultants — based on 10+ years of hands-on experience and 20,000+ carriers tried free through our Try Before You Buy program.
↑Not Sure Where to Start?
The short version. Full details on each are just below.
Why Babywear?
A good carrier keeps your baby close while giving you your hands back — walks, errands, travel, naps, school pickup, meals, everyday life.
The Main Types of Baby Carriers
Any of these can be the right choice — but they don't all make the same kind of first carrier. Here's what to know when you're starting out.
Adjustable shoulder straps, a waistband, and buckles create a secure, supportive fit. Quick to learn, easy on and off.
As a first carrier
One of the easiest places to start for everyday use. The catch: buckle carriers are not one-size-fits-all. Waistbands, straps, and panel shapes vary a lot between brands, which is why one person loves a carrier another finds uncomfortable. The challenge is finding the one that fits your body.
One long piece of woven fabric that you wrap and tie around yourself and your baby. Endlessly adjustable.
As a first carrier
Absolutely can be — especially if adjustability and long-term versatility matter more to you than the shortest possible learning curve. The same wrap often works from newborn well into toddlerhood, and you can change how you tie it depending on your baby, your body, and the day.
A shorter piece of woven fabric secured with two rings, worn over one shoulder. Packs down small.
As a first carrier
A great first choice if you value portability and quick carries — perfect when your baby wants up, then down, then up again five minutes later. Because the weight sits mainly on one shoulder, some people prefer a two-shouldered carrier for longer stretches. Fantastic for hip carries once baby is ready.
A structured body panel and buckle waistband, paired with long shoulder straps you tie around your body.
As a first carrier
An excellent middle ground for beginners who want more adjustability than a buckle carrier without starting with a full woven wrap. You get the quick, secure feel of a buckle waist plus wrap-like shoulders you can spread across your back — no wrapping from scratch required.
A structured body panel where everything ties — two waist straps around your middle, two shoulder straps around you and your baby.
As a first carrier
Very beginner-friendly if you're comfortable tying straps. Adjusts easily between caregivers of different sizes, which makes it a great shared carrier. Some people simply prefer the feel of a tie waist to a padded buckle waistband.
A waistless carrier supported entirely through the shoulder straps — light, compact, and especially popular for high back carries.
As a first carrier
Usually not our first suggestion for a newborn, or for someone who wants one carrier to cover every stage. But it can be a great first carrier for an older baby or toddler if a waistless, packable option fits your life. Always check the manufacturer's age, size, and developmental requirements.
Quick Comparison
| Carrier | Easy to Learn | Adjustability | Packability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckle | ●●●●● | ●●●○○ | ●●●○○ | Everyday, errands, quick on/off |
| Woven Wrap | ●●○○○ | ●●●●● | ●●●○○ | Newborn to toddler, custom fit |
| Ring Sling | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●● | Quick carries, travel, hip carries |
| Half Buckle | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●○○ | Wrap comfort, shorter learning curve |
| Mei Tai | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | Sharing between wearers, tie waist |
| Onbuhimo | ●●●●○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●●● | Older babies & toddlers, back carries |
How to Choose Your First Carrier
Think about what you actually picture yourself doing while babywearing — not the fanciest option, the one you'll reach for.
Up, Down, Up Again
Try a ring sling, buckle carrier, or onbuhimo
Fast in and out for older babies and toddlers
Long Walks
Try a two-shouldered carrier — buckle, half buckle, or wrap
Weight spread across both shoulders and your waist
Newborn Through Toddler
Try a woven wrap, half buckle, or highly adjustable buckle
Adapts from newborn snuggles to back carries later
💡 Pro Tip: There's no bonus prize for choosing the fanciest carrier. Choose the one you're likely to actually reach for on a Tuesday morning.
Fit: Your Baby and You
Two things decide whether a carrier works — and only one of them is the baby.
1. Your Baby's Age and Size
A carrier that works beautifully for a newborn isn't necessarily the one you'll want for a three-year-old. For a newborn, look for a carrier designed to create an appropriately sized seat — baby supported comfortably from knee to knee, without forcing their legs wider than they naturally go.
Always check the manufacturer's size and developmental recommendations for the specific carrier you're considering.
2. Your Body
This matters just as much. Two people can try the exact same carrier and come to completely opposite conclusions.
This is exactly why we created Try Before You Buy. You can wear a carrier in your real life, with your own baby, before deciding whether it's the one.
What About Fabric?
You'll see everything from simple cotton to linen, hemp, wool, silk, and specialty blends. Cotton is a popular place to start — comfortable, easy to care for, and available in a huge range of carriers.
Babywearing Safety: T.I.C.K.S.
Whatever carrier you choose, the same safety basics apply. Run through this quick check every single time you put your baby up.
T — Tight
The carrier should hold your baby snugly against you, with no slack that lets them slump. Snug, not squashed.
I — In View
You should be able to see your baby's face just by glancing down. Nothing should cover their face.
C — Close Enough to Kiss
Baby's head should be close enough that you can tip your chin and kiss the top of their head.
K — Keep Chin Off Chest
At least a finger's width of space under your baby's chin, so their airway stays open.
S — Supported Back
Baby's back supported in its natural position, tummy and chest against you, no room to curl over.
If in doubt
Always OKTake your baby out and start again. Adjusting is completely normal, and it gets faster with practice.
A Few Things to Remember
A carrier should fit both your baby and you · Bigger does not mean better — toddler and preschool carriers are for children who actually fit them · Comfort is personal, and a carrier your friend adores may not be your favourite · You do not need to get it perfect on your first try. Care instructions →
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest carrier to start with?
For most people, a buckle carrier or half buckle. Both are quick to learn and quick to put on. That said, "easiest" isn't the only thing that matters — a woven wrap takes longer to learn but adjusts to fit almost anyone, at almost any stage.
Can I use one carrier from newborn all the way to toddler?
Often, yes. Woven wraps are the most adaptable, and many half buckles and adjustable buckle carriers cover a wide range too. Always check the specific carrier's size and developmental recommendations rather than assuming.
Do I need a special newborn carrier?
Not necessarily — you need a carrier that can create an appropriately sized seat for a small baby and support them properly. Some carriers do this with an insert or adjustment; others are sized for newborns from the start. What matters is knee-to-knee support without forcing baby's legs wider than they naturally go.
Why do people say a carrier is uncomfortable when others love it?
Because fit is personal. Torso length, shoulder shape, body shape, and where you like your waistband to sit all change how a carrier feels. This is the single biggest reason we run Try Before You Buy — reviews can't tell you how something will feel on your body.
How many carriers do I actually need?
One good one is plenty to start. That said, lots of people end up with more than one because different carriers are useful for different jobs — a ring sling for quick errands, a buckle carrier for long walks. We know a few people like that around here.
What if I choose wrong?
Then you try another one. That's the whole point of Try Before You Buy — try it with your own baby, on your own body, in your actual life, and keep only what works.
Learn More
New to babywearing or looking for hands-on help? These guides have you covered.
Full Comparison Guide
An at-a-glance, side-by-side overview of every carrier style we carry.
Compare Carriers →Weave & GSM Guide
What weave, floats, and fabric weight actually mean for how a carrier feels.
Read the Guide →How-To Video Tutorials
Step-by-step videos for beginners through advanced — front carries, back carries, ring slings.
Watch Tutorials →Wrap Sizing Guide
Find your size based on your body and the carries you want to do.
Find Your Size →Care Instructions
How to wash and care for every carrier type so it lasts.
Care Guides →Instruction Manuals
Brand-specific manuals for Didymos, LennyLamb, Girasol, Beachfront Baby, and more.
Find Your Manual →Still Have No Idea?
Try Before You Buy, at home
Instead of guessing from measurements and other people's reviews, try carriers with your own baby, on your own body, in your actual life. Keep what you love, send back what you don't.
Try Before You Buy →
