Best Baby Carriers, Wraps & Slings 2024

Posted: July 21, 2023

As a new parent, one of the most cherished moments is holding your little bundle of joy close to your heart. However, as your baby grows, carrying them for extended periods can strain your back and affect your posture.

That’s where baby carriers come to the rescue!

Not only do they provide a convenient and comfortable way to keep your baby close, but they also offer several benefits for both you and your little one.

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages of using a baby carrier and review some of the best options available in Australia, including the ever popular Baby K’tan, Hug-a-Bub, Ergobaby Embrace, Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini, and Baby Bjorn One Air Mesh.

Best Baby Carriers in Australia Rated by our Babyroad Experts

At Babyroad, we have been helping match parents to the right baby products to suit their families and lifestyles, for over 23 years. Our Perth Showroom is a haven for new parents, with over 15 nursery room displays and other handy demos, to help you choose correctly.

Our team have put together their list of the top baby carriers on the market in 2024, check out their top recommendations below:

1. Baby K’tan Baby Sling

The Baby K’tan lets you enjoy hands-free, hassle-free, buckle-free babywearing anytime, anywhere. This ready-to-wear cotton wrap slips on easily like a t-shirt and is individually sized XXS to XL for the perfect fit for any parent.

The Baby K’tan offers the perfect blend of versatility and comfort. With its innovative wrap-style design, it provides the cosiness of a sling combined with the ease of a structured carrier.

The adjustable sizing and multiple carrying positions make it suitable for newborns up to toddlers. Made from soft, breathable fabric, the Baby K’tan keeps both parent and baby comfortable and supported.

Baby K’tan features:

• No hardware! No buckles, rings, snaps, or zippers
• Hip healthy
• Ergonomic positioning for healthy infant development
• Evenly distributes weight across the back and shoulders
• Double-loop design slips on like a t-shirt
• 100% all-natural cotton baby carrier
• 5 wearing positions
• Carry newborns and infants from birth to 35lbs (consult paediatrician for preemies)
• Machine washable and dryer safe

2. Hug-a-Bub Baby Carrier

Hug-a-Bub is a popular choice for parents seeking a traditional wrap carrier. It offers excellent weight distribution and adjustability, allowing for a customised fit.

Crafted from organic cotton, Hug-a-Bub wraps are soft, breathable, and gentle on both parent and baby’s skin. This carrier is suitable for newborns and infants, providing a snug and secure environment.

The Hug-a-Bub organic pocket wrap carrier was designed in beautiful Byron Bay and 17 years on, is still proudly Australian. It is the only wrap carrier currently endorsed by the Australian Breastfeeding Association and has won many awards including Bronze in the 2014 Mother & Baby Magazine Awards.

Hug-a-Bub has long been recommended for both its’ comfort and safety by a myriad of baby and maternal healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, midwives, lactation consultants, occupational therapists, and early childhood nurses.

It is also frequently used in special care nurseries in Australian hospitals.

Hug-a-Bub features:

• Three different carrying positions
• Wide shoulder wraps provide secure support for baby’s head and neck
• Ideal for newborns, premature and sleeping babies
• Physiotherapists recommend Hug-a-Bub Wrap Carrier for parents with chronic back problems
• Firm and secure hold that allows you to have your hands completely free
• Easy to put on and off
• No clips or buckles that can break or seams that can come undone
• No weight limit for your baby

3. Ergobaby Embrace

Designed specifically for newborns, the Ergobaby Embrace is an ultra-soft and cosy carrier. It features a simple-to-use design that allows for quick and hassle-free babywearing.

The carrier’s ergonomic position supports your baby’s natural development while keeping them close and comfortable. With its lightweight and compact design, the Ergobaby Embrace is perfect for parents on the go.

Ergobaby Embrace features:

• Suitable for newborns 3.2 – 11.3kg
• Machine washable
• Suitable to breastfeed in carrier
• Cosy – Soft knit fabric nestles baby close to parent for a snug, supportive fit
• Simple – Easy buckling without the frustration of wrapping or excessive fabric
• Comfortable – Supportive waist belt and stretchable cross straps
• Compact – Easily rolls and tucks into a nappy bag
• Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified Fabric

4. Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini

The Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini is a compact and easy-to-use carrier suitable for newborns and young infants. Its simple design ensures quick and secure usage for frequent, short baby-wearing sessions.

The adjustable head support provides crucial neck and head support for your baby, and the carrier’s ergonomic design ensures proper hip positioning. The mesh fabric allows for excellent breathability, making it ideal for warmer climates.

Baby Bjorn Carrier Mini features:

• Small and easy to use for newborns
• Supersoft fabric
• Good support so your newborn sits in a comfy, ergonomic position
• Carry facing in or facing out on your front

5. Baby Bjorn One Air Mesh

The Baby Bjorn One Air Mesh is a lightweight and breathable carrier designed to keep both parent and baby cool in warm weather. Its ergonomic design provides excellent support for your baby’s developing hips and spine.

The wide shoulder straps distribute weight evenly for enhanced comfort. The carrier offers various carrying positions, ensuring a cosy and secure fit for your little one.

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Air Mesh features:

• From newborn to approx. 3 years. Min. 3.5 kg/53 cm. Max. 15 kg/100 cm.
• 4 front and back carrying positions
• Ergonomic leg position
• Padded shoulder straps for superior carrying comfort
• Pressure-relieving waist belt
• Inbuilt infant insert
• Adjustable head support
• Back carrying for your toddler
• Hip-friendly baby carrier
• Unique baby carrier fabric
• Child-friendly materials

Top Health Benefits of Using a Baby Carrier

Babywearing has many emotional and physical health benefits for both you and your baby. From hands-free bonding time with your child, to back and posture support, check out our favorite benefits of using a baby carrier below:

Relieve Back Pain and Improve Posture

One of the primary advantages of using a baby carrier is the relief it offers to your back and spine. Traditional methods of carrying your baby, such as using your arms or a stroller, can lead to backaches and strained muscles.

By distributing your baby’s weight evenly across your shoulders and hips, a baby carrier takes the pressure off your back, preventing discomfort and potential long-term issues.

It encourages proper spinal alignment, which helps improve your posture and reduces the risk of developing postural problems.

Enhance Bonding and Emotional Development

The physical closeness provided by a baby carrier fosters a strong bond between parent and child. The warmth, security, and constant contact create an environment that promotes emotional development and strengthens the parent-child connection.

This proximity also enables parents to better understand their baby’s needs and respond promptly, leading to enhanced communication and a sense of security for your child.

Hands-Free Convenience and Mobility

With a baby carrier, you can enjoy the freedom of having your hands available for other tasks while keeping your baby close. Whether you’re cleaning the house, preparing dinner, running errands, or simply taking a walk, a carrier allows you to multitask with ease.

Additionally, navigating crowded places or uneven terrain becomes less challenging, as the carrier keeps your baby secure and stable, providing you both with a safe and comfortable experience.

Stimulate Physical and Cognitive Development

When you carry your baby in a carrier, they are exposed to a stimulating environment. As you move, your baby experiences gentle motions that can mimic the feeling of being in the womb, providing a sense of familiarity and calmness.

These movements also stimulate their vestibular system, promoting balance and coordination. Furthermore, being at eye level with you allows your baby to observe and engage with their surroundings, stimulating their cognitive development.

Visit Babyroad or Shop Online Today!

Using a baby carrier offers numerous benefits for both parents and babies. From relieving back pain and improving posture to promoting bonding and stimulating development, baby carriers and slings are a practical and comfortable solution.

So, embrace the joy of babywearing and create beautiful memories while keeping both you and your baby happy and healthy!

Our recommended baby carriers are available at Babyroad, and we would love for you to visit us in our Perth showroom, which also has everything else you need for pregnancy, birth, and beyond, including nursery room displays, pram and car seat demos and so much more.

We also offer Australia-wide delivery, so feel free to shop our wide range of baby carriers and other postpartum essentials online today.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using a baby carrier or making any decisions regarding your child’s health and well-being.