What is the best baby carrier? Well, it really depends on your personal preference, body type, and budget. But I’ve done my fair share of research and hopefully I can help guide you in your purchase decision.
After much research and trying on various brands like BabyBjorn, Ergo Baby 360, and many wrap styles, I decided to purchase the Stokke MyCarrier. But once baby was born and I actually used the Stokke carrier, I quickly realized I needed a softer carrier that held baby tightly and closer to my chest. That’s when I found the Baby K’Tan wrap – Mina and I both loved it! The Baby K’Tan suited us well, but I realized I wanted a carrier where I could easily put Mina down without waking her up. That’s when I discovered the Happy Baby carrier! Of the 3, the HAPPY BABY CARRIER is my favorite and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. It as a HOLY GRAIL item for sure!
Below, I outline the benefits of babywearing and the pros and cons of each of the carriers I purchased and my personal experiences with them.
Benefits of Using A Baby Carrier
A good baby carrier is an essential item in my opinion. Babywearing is a great way to bond with your baby and build that security and attachment. It’s also a great way to multitask and get some work done! It allows you to use both hands freely, and provides good support and comfort while carrying your baby.
A baby carrier is also great for hiking, running errands, and going on walks. If your baby loves to contact nap, then a baby carrier is truly a MUST HAVE item.
Here’s a list of the many benefits to babywearing for both mama and baby.
Personally, for the first 6 months, I was constantly wearing a baby carrier for hours at a time, every single day. It was essential for contact naps, which was the only way Mina would nap, and very convenient for daily outings. If she got fussy, I would put her in the carrier and she would instantly become calm and relaxed. She seriously loves being in a baby carrier.
My Baby Carrier Review
THE STOKKE MYCARRIER
When I was pregnant, my husband and I tested out baby gear at BuyBuy Baby and picked the Stokke MyCarrier. I liked it because the racer back straps fit my narrow frame better than the ErgoBaby 360 carrier. I tried the Baby Bjorn carriers, but preferred Stokke because it seemed more secure. At the time, I thought “the more harnesses, straps, and buckles, the better!” – figuring baby would be more secure and that’s all that mattered. Once baby came, I soon realized the Stokke was a bit too bulky and rough for my newborn. It felt a bit cumbersome and there was too much going on. Mina seemed okay in the carrier, but she didn’t look too comfortable. Fast forward 4-5 months, and this carrier is great for front facing strolls with older babies. However, once Mina got heavier (at 9-10 months and about 20 lbs), the carrier became uncomfortable rather quickly, after about 15 minutes of wear. Here’s a video on how to use the carrier.
Pros:
- The front and back version allows you to carry both from the front and on your back, providing more versatility in a single carrier. It also allows for both forward and backward facing when carried on the front.
- Baby definitely feels securely tucked in, due to the multiple straps and buckles harnessing baby in
Cons:
- Slightly on the heavier side, due to the sturdier fabric, buckles and overall construction
- Does not pack well or fold up compactly
THE BABY K’TAN WRAP
I decided I wanted the complete opposite of the Stokke – a wrap carrier that’s super soft and tightly wraps baby against me – but I wasn’t too keen on the wraps that I had to maneuver around my body and tie into a knot. It didn’t feel quite secure for me (even though I knew they were), and I didn’t want to deal with the hassle. That’s when I found the Baby K’Tan wrap, which is SO easy to use! You can watch these videos on how to use the wrap. Mina loved this carrier. She would stop fussing and her face would light up every time I brought it out. We primarily used it from 2-5 months. It was perfect for snuggles, walks, and nap time. It looks a little loose in the pictures because Mina is 10 months in those and her weight brings her down a bit, but it’s actually very snug. If you have a newborn to 6 month baby, they will be close to your chest and nice and cuddly. For sizing reference, I got the XXS.
Pros:
- Much easier to use than traditional open ended wraps
- Baby is snug and secure
- Allows for various configurations – front facing, chest facing, sling
- Fabric is soft, but also sturdy
- Rolls up compactly, can easily fit in a diaper bag
- Cute gender neutral colors and designs
Cons:
- One size fits one. They have various sizes (like a t-shirt) that you can choose from. If you and your partner are different sizes, you both can’t use the same carrier. It might be worth purchasing one for each of you since it’s relatively affordable. For reference, I got the XXS.
- It does stretch out a little over time – I’d say after about 10 days of use. But just pop it in the washer and dryer and it’s good as new. You want to wash it often anyway because the baby tends to gnaw on the cloth and it gets soaked with drool.
THE HAPPY BABY CARRIER
Mina would easily fall asleep in the carrier for naps so we were always babywearing. But at a certain point, I wondered if there was a different carrier where I could transition her off of me after she fell asleep. That’s when the Happy Baby Carrier came into my life. And let me tell you…TRUE LOVE. It has all the benefits of a wrap, but with the added security of a structured carrier. We used it constantly for hours at a time and it was always very comfortable. My shoulders and back didn’t ache (other than the expected fatigue after carrying Mina for 2+ hours) and Mina was always so comfortable in it. Even at 10 months and 20 lbs, I could comfortably carry Mina for long stretches.
I LOVE this carrier so much. I can’t live without it.
Here’s why:
- It’s a structured carrier that is lightweight and soft. Not bulky or heavy like many traditional carriers. Soft and snug like a wrap, but without the hassle!
- Super comfortable & easy to use! Just one main buckle around the waist and simple padded shoulder straps. You can easily put this on without the help of another person.
- Great for travel/airport! Doesn’t have any metal parts so you can walk through the metal detector with baby on (don’t go through the x-ray machine w/ baby). Easily folds in your diaper bag.
- You can easily breastfeed with baby in carrier! Just loosen the shoulder straps so baby is lower. There is also a hidden hood you can pull out to use as a cover.
- Can transition baby to bed/flat surface more easily without waking them up (nap transition)
- Comes in so many cute colors with new drops every season!
- It’s a small family-owned business with great customer service. I love supporting small businesses because they’re hustling to live out their dreams.
- They also have a private Facebook group where you can buy, sell and trade Happy Baby Carriers. Many limited edition and high demand colors come back on resale on this site. The owners also post updates and discount codes, although they are rare! For example, they had 15% off during Black Friday. which was first disclosed on the Facebook page, and then finally on their Instagram only a couple days before the sale.
Final Recommendation
If I had to choose between the 3, I would definitely pick the Happy Baby Carrier because it’s the best of both worlds. If you’re looking for just a wrap carrier, then the Baby K’tan is a great option! Let me know if you have any questions – always happy to help!
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