Best Baby Carriers and Wraps

Boasting a generous weight range, six carry positions, extra lumbar support, and a handy zippered pocket, the LILLEbaby Complete All Seasons baby carrier is hands-down the most versatile option on the market. And it's not even the most expensive.

But the LILLEbaby is best for short-term use since it hasn't been certified as "hip-friendly" by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.¹ It's also not the easiest to adjust or the one parents rave about when it comes to baby comfort.

For longer excursions with your baby, check out our other top picks below. 

The All Seasons is bulkier than most, so it may be harder to keep with you when you’re on the go. It also features a mesh design for breathability, but we read mixed reviews about the mesh fabric irritating babies' skin. 

This soft structured carrier also includes a hood to cover a napping baby. Durable and washable, the Ergobaby carrier can be used from your very first days with your newborn into early toddlerhood.

The biggest drawback is that it has no pockets, so you’ll have to carry another bag for even small things like your car keys. It does come with a higher price tag too, and some parents with shorter torsos mentioned it was hard to adjust for a good fit.

The Infantino Flip includes a bib to protect you and the carrier from spit-up, and it’s machine washable for those inevitable diaper blowouts. The biggest caution is this structured carrier isn’t as comfortable as some of the pricier models. If you’re wearing it for very long periods of time or to soothe your baby, it might not work for you.

But keep in mind that it doesn’t have any pockets, so you’ll have to grab a bag to carry things. And it isn’t designed to wear for long periods of time. If you’re planning on wearing your baby for more time than it takes to walk the dog or pick up some groceries, this isn’t the right carrier for you. But for quick errands requiring free hands, the  carrier is the easiest to get on and off.

Out of all the carriers, this is the one that makes breastfeeding while carrying easiest, but we read some reviews noting that it can still be awkward to position the baby correctly for breastfeeding when they're tucked so close to your chest. Be sure to check the adult sizing chart to make sure you get the right fit for the best support.

There's a lot to consider when buying a baby carrier or wrap, but the important thing is to find one that you feel confident using and that's comfortable for you and your child. We think you'll like the LILLEbaby, but all of the baby carriers on our list are excellent choices in their own right.

For our review of the best baby carriers and wraps, we looked for caregiver-friendly features like lumbar support, breathable cotton fabric, and even those elusive pockets. We also prioritized baby carriers with multiple positions and long weight ranges.

We also took into consideration third-party information like user reviews and the International Hip Dysplasia Institute's certifications. But the IHDI doesn't specify whether a product has been reviewed but failed to pass its inspection. We did not want to unfairly ding a product that hadn't been reviewed yet. Therefore, IDHI certification wasn't a primary factor in our ranking.

For more information about how we review products, visit the SafeWise methodology page.

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1. International Hip Dysplasia Institute, "Hip Healthy Products." Accessed December 22, 2021.
2. International Hip Dysplasia Institute, "Baby Carriers and Other Equipment." Accessed December 22, 2021.