JUNIOR TOP 10: Best Baby Carriers & Slings

There is a knack to putting on a BabyBjörn, but once you’ve cracked it – it’s just like a riding a bike. A very shiny one. The pedigree of Baby Bjorn, which works with paediatricians and medical experts on its designs, is superb. And once you have got to grips with where the straps go, the buckles are super easy to clip in, giving a very satisfying sense of security. Suitable from newborn up to 15kg (around age 3 years), the Harmony is extremely comfy with excellent lumbar support. The breathable fabric is a great for little ones in warmer months and feels reassuringly sturdy without being heavy. The unique double popper system makes the carrier length resizable for when your little one grows. The fabrics are skin kind and machine washable too.

Carrying your baby or toddler in a sling shouldn’t mean that your back is in for a rough ride – hence the PureHug’s emphasis on support and weight distribution. Carefully designed with an in built EVA lumbar support, padded shoulder straps and an X-shaped back design that evenly distributes weight, this carrier works hard to keep the wearer feeling less weary. Baby’s comfort is also front and centre (pun intended) with optimum positioning for healthy hip and spine development and padded leg openings. There are three materials to choose from, linen, cotton or mesh, and the carrier is suitable from 3 months to 20kg (toddler). Choose from a bold dogstooth check to classic plain colours

Ventilation is the name of the game for the PhysioCarrier 2, with its mesh sunshade, and all singing, all dancing four-season pouch – featuring mesh for spring summer and a cover-up for autumn winter. It also has a width adjustable seat, with the narrowest in its class of just 11cm for newborn babies. The cross-twill fabric gives it a more sturdy feeling than a carrier made of a jersey or knit fabric. Suitable for newborn to 20kg.

Ergo by name, ergonomic by nature, the Omni Deluxue Mesh is a titan of carriers with four ways to carry your newborn to toddler. The padded strap options (H or cross back), and waist belt are comfortable and made of breathable fabric. With its patented seat for hip alignment, cushion for head support and back panel for lumbar support – the carer’s mind will be as rested as the rider’s bottom. Clever built-in pockets and pouches for essentials make this sling even better for hands-free adventures.

If it’s likely that your baby will be carried by more than one carer, the Seren is a great option. With its adjustable waist and extendable shoulder straps this sling will suit carriers of all shapes and sizes, including anyone extra tall. The 3 carry positions  -inward facing, front facing and piggy back, mean this carrier can be used from 10 weeks to 24 months. We also love the supportive breathable fabric.

The Breeze looks something akin to a weighted running vest that just happens to have a baby in it and is oh so neatly designed. All the excess appears to have been trimmed away here, leaving an ultralight (just 480g), four-position carrier, beloved by NHS maternity teams. Breeze by name, ‘breezy’ by nature, its safety accreditation speaks for itself; but for extra cool points, go for the leopard print design.

If you are looking for a baby carrier that feels like wearing a jumper with a baby in it – the Flybaby made from 100% knitted recycled polyester yarn, is the one for you, . Contrary to popular opinion, when polyester fabric is made for breathability, its moisture-wicking properties allow air to circulate efficiently as well as providing warmth in the cold; and we do love a multitasker. Because the Flybaby is so light and agile, it also folds away neatly. Worth noting that the Flybaby is suitable for babies up to 15kg.

Cocooned in a wrap style carrier, the lucky baby tucked up in a Stokke Limas, can be carried front, back and on the hip. The emphasis here is on soft and secure with no bulky buckles or clips to dig in or irritate sensitive skin. The extra wide shoulder straps and cross back construction is also super comfy for parents. Made from 100% organic cotton, this is a great choice for parents who favour natural fibres. Worth noting that the Limas is suitable for babies up to 15kg.

Artipoppe carriers are probably, by now, almost as famous as the celebrities and influencers that use them.  The self-described ‘atelier’ offers an elegant carrier experience and credentials include being 100% cotton and ‘vegan’, as well as being machine washable for the win. Multiple ergonomic positions (front carry facing in, facing out, and back carry) give that much needed flexibility for even the fussiest of baby-sized customers. Pretty much every area of this sling is padded, giving a nice, comfortable ride for the carrier as well as the baby/toddler on board.

Offering just one sturdy and secure carrier design, the beauty of Somomu’s carrier is in the extensive menu of sunny fabric swatches to choose from; we love the wide stripes. Describing its carriers as ‘babywearing’ is a nod to the fact that these carriers are sweet fashion accessories, as well as a cosy place for your baby to ride – sorry, ‘be worn’. But surely one design is all that is needed, when it is this good? The Pilar is ergonomic, can be worn back and front, and (rather impressively) carries infants from 4-20kg.