There comes a time in every new parent’s life when you want (and need) to get out of the house. Whether it’s for a stroll around the park, to get some groceries, picnic with friends, or hey, maybe even go on holiday! You’re going to want to find an easy way to do it with baby in tow. Drum roll please. That’s where a baby carrier comes in. Keep reading to find out why you need one, what to look for in a baby carrier wrap, and our top 4 picks.

What are baby carriers?

Also fondly known as ‘baby wearing’, a baby carrier is a piece of gear that allows you to hold a baby against your body. They can be made from a range of materials including mesh, cotton or other kinds of fabrics that are durable enough to support your child and allow you to go hands-free. They are available in a range of styles, including:

• Wraps: This is a fabric carrier that is tied around your shoulders and tummy with bub strapped in. It works well for newborn babies.
• Slings: Slings are similar to wraps in that they’re made from fabric and tie over one shoulder and across your mid-section. They can be a little uncomfortable if wearing for longer periods of time.
• Structured carriers: this includes a baby chest carrier, baby front carrier, or even a backpack style. They are ergonomically designed and ideal from newborn to toddler age.

What’s the benefit of using a baby wrap?

We love using a carrier because it allows us to keep our babies close yet go hands-free at the same time. If you’re more of a skim reader, we’ve broken down the key benefits:

• Can be used from newborn age to toddler years
• Allows you to keep baby close
• Give tired arms a break from holding baby
• Ergonomically designed (adios sore backs!)
• More compact than a stroller
• Ideal for hiking

Do I actually need a baby carrier?

They’re not an absolute essential as you can do most baby travel stuff with a stroller. However, if you want something more compact than a pram, are a frequent traveller, enjoy hiking, or want to carry your baby around the house without your arms falling off, then a baby carrier is ideal.

What to look for in a baby carrier?

The best baby carrier depends on your individual needs and lifestyle. Let us break down some of the most important questions to ask trying to decide which baby carrier is right for you:

• How long do you want to carry your child? If you only want to hold them close for the first year, then you can get away with a mini or fabric baby carrier.
• How important is ease of cleaning? Consider if you want something ultra easy to clean like mesh or prefer a warmer cotton knit.
• How do you want to carry your baby? Do you want to carry your child on your front, back, hip? This will influence whether you opt for a carrier with 3 or 4 positions.
• Who will mainly wear the carrier? This is important to consider if you’d like to get something more unisex as well as considering the height of the main wearer so your carrier isn’t wearing you!

4 Best Baby Carriers in 2022