Baby Carriers, Baby Wraps, Baby Slings Reviews, Info.

Best front baby carrier.
Both professionals and parents give the Baby Bjorn Original consistently outstanding ratings. Babies can face in or out, and the carrier allows parents to simply unsnap the front section to remove sleeping babies. The straps adjust easily and take pressure off of the back. The Baby Bjorn can hold newborns if they are at least 21-inches long and weigh eight pounds, with a maximum weight of 22 pounds. The biggest drawback is the relatively high price for a carrier that can’t be used once your baby reaches 22 pounds, which could be less than a year.

Basic front baby carrier.
When it comes to baby carriers, reviews say parents are really better off spending the money on the Baby Bjorn. Even though they look a lot alike, reviews say the Baby Bjorn is more comfortable and convenient than the Evenflo Snugli. Still the Evenflo Snugli Comfort Vent does have a zippered vent to keep the baby cool. Parents posting to opinion sites appreciate the low price and say the Snugli is fine for short trips. Neither the Snugli nor the original Baby Bjorn has much back support for the parent, however. The Snugli can accommodate babies from 7 to 26 pounds.

Activity baby carrier.
The Kangaroo can hold a baby facing towards you or towards the front. Designed for longer trips, the Kangaroo has a suspension system to take the stress from the shoulders to the hips. Reviewers are impressed with the Kangaroo’s design, tough build and features. The Kelty baby carrier is bulkier than others, but it comes with a storage pouch, reflectors and a rain/sun hood. The Kelty Kangaroo Carrier can hold newborns up to 28 pounds. It is considerably less expensive than the competing Baby Bjorn Active (*est. $120), which also gets good scores.

Best baby sling.
Reviews agree the Maya Wrap is a great choice if you want a sling, which is worn over one shoulder. Slings are very versatile and can be worn in the front, on the hip or on your back. Baby can sit, recline or nurse comfortably, and the Maya can support babies up to 35 pounds. It can be individually adjusted to each wearer and comes in many colors and patterns. Some parents say that slings take some getting used to, so it might be good to try one first in a store.

Backpack carrier with frame.
Backpack baby carriers are especially recommended for hiking and long trips. Since the child’s weight is shifted onto the parent’s back and hips, the adult feels better balanced. Only children old enough to support their heads should be carried in a backpack carrier. Reviews say the four-pound Kid Carrier is the best backpack carrier, with a 5-point harness, high-padded sides, a kickstand, storage pouches and a rain/sun canopy. Reviews say it adjusts for different-sized parents and is extremely comfortable. The Tough Traveler can support babies up to 50 pounds.

Budget backpack carrier.

Those looking for a less costly backpack carrier with some of the same features as the Tough Traveler can consider the Evenflo Snugli Cross Country. This backpack carrier has a 5-point harness, three hip-belt positions (accommodating parents 5’ to 6’2”) and a large storage compartment for other baby gear. This backpack carrier can accommodate children 6 months to 40 pounds, giving it less range than the higher priced Tough Traveler. Some parents mentioned that while this carrier has wonderful features, it’s less durable than they’d hoped.