Choose from the 5 Best 2020 Baby Carriers

If you're trying to decide on the best baby carrier to buy, consider your personal preferences along with factors like safety, adjustability and ease of washing. There are various types of carriers available to meet your needs. Soft structured carriers include adjustable buckles and straps which allow you to carry a larger baby (some up to 20kg) but they may not be as comfortable for smaller babies. Ring slings and tie-on wrap carriers are one-size-fits-all, but they're adjustable to fit each individual's shape. The best baby carrier is the one you feel most comfortable wearing and that gives your baby adequate support.

Wearing Your Baby

Using a baby carrier gives you the freedom to use both hands when necessary, and wearing your baby benefits you both. It's much easier to support your precious bundle when the carrier is doing most of the work, preventing excess strain on your shoulder and back muscles. You'll have more mobility, and your baby will love snuggling right next to you. Some wearable baby carrier designs even facilitate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby.

Safety Measures

Australia doesn't have official baby carrier standards, so look for a tag that says US ASTM F2236-08 or EU 13209-2:2005 to ensure your carrier complies with safety regulations. When wearing a carrier, you should be able to see your baby at all times. Make sure the infant's head is between your chest and chin, and their body in direct contact with yours.

In wrap carriers and ring slings, your baby should be inward-facing and always in an upright position. It's important not to let an infant's legs dangle straight down from the carrier which would put a strain on their hips, your baby's bum should be lower than their knees, putting the legs in an 'M' position, also known as the 'froggy' position.

Carrier Styles

There are plenty of designs and fabric choices, but the best baby carrier to buy is the one that feels the most comfortable and supports your infant the best. You also want to find a carrier that lets you wear your baby for long stretches without undue muscle strain.

Many people find that adjustable slings and tie-on wraps are the most ergonomic carriers for spreading out the weight and supporting both parent and baby. Buckle carriers can be easily adjusted, but some take longer to dry after washing.

Best Qualities in a Carrier

When deciding which baby carrier is best for you, start with assessing the level of comfort you have when wearing each type. The carrier should be easy to put on and take off and, while wraps can take some getting used to, many helpful videos show how to put them on and tie them properly. Some carriers are best for newborns, while others can be used well into the toddler years. Finally, try to choose a carrier that's easy to care for and durable.

5 Top Baby Carriers

Below, we've selected some of the best baby carriers for 2020 to help parents in Australia choose the carrier that best suits their needs. We've categorised carriers according to type, and we selected each product because it's a safe and effective baby carrier and has excellent reviews from users. We rated the following five types of baby carriers for ease of use, versatility, comfort, toughness and cost.

Ring Sling
Buckle
Wrap
Lightweight Wrap
Backpack

Ring Slings
Hug-a-Bub Organic Reversible Ring Sling

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Ring slings support your infant from head to toe, and they're easy to tighten while wearing by simply adjusting the ring. Mums who use them also report that ring slings provide convenient coverage for breastfeeding. Later, your toddler will have the boost they need to hang on tightly, making them easier to carry. Hug-a-Bub slings come in a variety of patterns and colours, and their reversible sling is a fashion statement for mums with flair.

5 - Ease of Use

5 - Versatility

5 - Comfort

5 - Toughness

5 - Cost
Manduca Carrier
Pure Cotton Limited Edition Manduca Carrier

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Perfect for small babies from 3.5 kg to small children of 20 kg, Manduca XT is made of 100% organic cotton. Made for comfort and functionality, Manduca carrier has an adjustable seat width from 16cm to 50cm and an adjustable back panel for 3 different heights. Manduca works well in warm climates - is made from natural fibres that are breathable and naturally promote moisture wicking. It has a hood/sunshade that will help shade your baby too.

5 - Ease of Use

5 - Versatility

4 - Comfort

5 - Toughness

4 - Cost
Wrap Carriers
Hug-a-Bub Organic Cotton Pocket Wrap

Rating: 4.6/5.0

The Hug-a-Bub wrap carrier has a pocket for storage when the wrap isn't being used. There's a technique for putting on a wrap carrier, and the company website provides videos to help you learn how to tie it efficiently. Mums like the ability to adjust the tightness and the fabric provide support for an infant's head, shoulders and legs. Parents rate this wrap highly as a comfortable, hands-free baby carrier.

4 - Ease of Use

4 - Versatility

5 - Comfort

5 - Toughness

5 - Cost
Lightweight Wrap Carriers
Hug-a-Bub Organic Lightweight Baby Wrap

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Made entirely of breathable, lightweight fabric, this carrier is perfect for the heat of an Australian summer. Lighter than the original Hug-a-Bub model, it has a nice balance of stretch and support. Mums like this carrier because it swaddles their babies, and several parents said the lightweight wrap had a calming effect on their infants. The Hug-a-Bub is comfortable to wear and can be adjusted to cradle your baby in the best orthopaedic position for hip support.

4 - Ease of Use

4 - Versatility

5 - Comfort

5 - Toughness

5 - Cost
Backpack Carriers
Osprey Poco AG Child Carrier Backpack

Rating: 4.4/5.0

The Osprey Poco has an aluminium frame, keeping the weight down to just over 3 kg, despite extra features like a kickstand and wide base. Extras include a removable drool pad and a built-in sunshade, and you can buy a rain cover that keeps the carrier and baby dry. Parents remark on the comfort most of all, and they also like the adjustability of the backpack. Hiking carriers are pricey, but they make it much easier to carry older babies and toddlers on long walks.

4 - Ease of Use

5 - Versatility

5 - Comfort

5 - Toughness

3 - Cost