Keep Your Newborn Close with These 10 Hands-Free Baby Carriers

There’s nothing babies love more than being right next to you. Of course, sometimes, parents have to be able to use their hands, too. These 10 handy baby carriers give your arms a break, while still keeping your kiddo safe and sound against your body.

Not only are these picks more sensible for parents, but they’re also comfy for babies! And the best part is there’s one to suit any preference or budget.

Best Overall: BabyBjörn One

One of the most famous baby brands on the market, BabyBjörn is known for its high-quality carriers and bouncers, which follow babies through their development.

The BabyBjörn One is made of soft cotton fabric and has an ergonomic design. The sturdy waist belt and padded shoulder straps relieve pressure on your back and shoulders. It’s lightweight, easy to adjust, and incredibly easy to wash—just pop it in the washing machine on cold!

This carrier is suitable for newborns and up to age 3. It’s also versatile, offering several carrying positions from front to back.

Best Lumbar Support: Ergobaby Omni 360

A winner of numerous awards, the Ergobaby Omni 360 baby carrier is a customer favorite. It covers all carrying positions, including in- or outward, back, and hip. It also grows with baby until she’s about 45 lbs.

It comes equipped with lumbar back padding and extra cushioned shoulder straps which can even be worn crossed for extra support. Parents love it because it’s comfortable and easy to adjust. The soft mesh material also makes it cool and breathable.

The hardest thing about this one is choosing your favorite color.

Easiest to Use: Baby K’Tan Original

This awesome hybrid baby carrier comes with all the benefits of a wrap without the actual need for wrapping. The Baby K’Tan Original makes getting your baby in and out of it a breeze. The double-looped main section and security sash add another level of stability to this two-piece wrap.

The Baby K’Tan is sturdy, soft, comfortable, affordable. It also doesn’t have any complicated rings, belts, buckles, or excess fabric. It’s suitable for babies up to 35 lbs. and can be worn five different ways.

Note: This item comes in different sizes, so you can get two and choose the right fit for both parents if you prefer.

Most Eco-Friendly: Happy! Original

If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly and lightweight, then the Happy! Original Baby carrier is the right choice for you. Made from soft, sustainably sourced linen, this comfortable baby carrier is breathable, soft, and ideal for those who live in warmer climates. It supports newborns, as well as toddlers up to 45 lbs. It doesn’t even require an infant insert.

It also features some cool extras, like a hidden pocket with a sun cover and extra room for essentials, like keys. This carrier also folds down to a compact size you can fit in a diaper bag. You can choose from eight gorgeous colors, and be both environmentally conscious and stylish.

Best Wrap Hybrid: Boppy ComfyChic

Another amazing hybrid baby carrier comes from Boppy, the same brand that makes those nursing pillows that are always on the baby registry. The Boppy ComfyChic is part soft-structured baby carrier and part wrap, which makes it suitable for carrying in all possible positions.

It can fit babies from 8-35 lbs. The mesh snuggle screen panel offers protection from the sun and also works as a nursing cover when you need one. It creates a super cozy environment for your baby, hugging her close to your chest.

Best Budget: Infantino 4-in-1 Flip

Play Video

Parents who are looking for something affordable, yet durable and high-quality need to give this Infantino 4-in-1 Flip Convertible Carrier a shot.

Don’t let the low price point fool you—the Infantino is comfortable and adjustable. The smart design features ergonomic padding, which makes transitioning between the four different carrying positions quick and easy. Check out the video above for intructions on how to switch carrying positions.

Best for Toddlers: Baby TULA Coast Explore

The Baby TULA Coast Explore is not only fashionable, it’s also a long-lasting, lightweight, and extremely comfortable baby carrier. Made of 100% cotton, it’s super easy to wash and maintain.

Baby Tula fits babies up to 45 lbs., so it grows with her from tiny newborn to 3-year-old toddler. The only downside mentioned in some of the reviews is it can be hard to put on by yourself. If you usually have an extra pair of hands around, though, it’s perfect!

Best All-Weather: LÍLLÉbaby 6-in-1 Pursuit All Seasons

If you live somewhere that has all four seasons, this LÍLLÉbaby 6-in-1 Pursuit All Seasons baby carrier is the perfect choice. It comes with a water-resistant shell, several reflective details, and seven storage pockets. Made with a special kind of fabric, it will keep your baby warm, dry, and comfy.

The multiple straps also allow for six different carrying positions and can hold a toddler up to 45 lbs., so you’ll never have to buy a new carrier.

Best for Hikers: Deuter Kid Comfort Pro

The Deuter Kid Comfort Pro is the perfect carrier for parents who love spending time exploring the great outdoors. With an adjustable hip belt, shoulder straps, and torso section, it ranks high in every category, including fit, comfort, and storage space.

It’s specifically designed to carry your baby for long stretches of time, so you can expect perfect weight distribution and a ton of modalities to personalize it to fit your needs. It also comes with a built-in backpack, safety harness, and even a locking kickstand so it will remain upright when you’re not wearing it.

Best Luxury: Artipoppe Zeitgeist

For all you fashionista moms, who can’t wait to jump on the next Instagram trend, there’s Artipoppe. The amazing designs combined with top-notch fabrics and ultra-comfortable, ergonomic features might make the price less of an issue.

It can also easily grow with your baby, so you’ll be using it for quite some time. The advanced cushioning is adjustable for a variety of carrying positions. There are also a ton of prints and colors available, so you can choose one that’s just your style.

---

Most babies love to be held and cuddled. That’s why a carrier that allows you to hold them close, while leaving your hands free for other tasks is perfect for both of you! Hopefully, one of the carriers above will make your life easier.