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Travelling with children Baby carriers

Mother using a baby carrier

Using a baby carrier can give you extra freedom when out and about

A baby carrier can give you more freedom to undertake tasks like shopping, negotiating public transport and loading up the car.

The main types are detailed below - read our comprehensive guide to slings and baby carriers for more in-depth information on each of these baby carrier types, plus help choosing the right one for you.

Soft carriers

These are the simplest and most widely available carriers. Most are two-way carriers that will let you carry your baby both facing you – most suited to very young babies – or facing outwards to view the world.

For babies who can't support their heads, the carrier should have a padded headrest that can normally be folded down for an older baby. These carriers are generally suitable for babies up to about nine months. Soft carriers should be marked with BS EN 13209 Part 2:2005 to show they comply with safety standards.

  • Pros Tend to be cheaper than the alternatives, two positions are sufficient for most parents and younger babies
  • Cons Not as versatile as other carriers

Multi-way carriers

Many models offer three positions – to carry your baby on your front, back or in a 'nursing' position. Four-way carriers let your baby go on your front or back, or in the nursing or hip position.

Most multi-way carriers are of a similar design to the soft carrier and have a harness-style appearance. Others are more like traditional slings. Multi-way carriers tend to be designed for babies from birth to either 12 months, 18 months or to a 14kg (31lb) toddler.

  • Pros More versatile than two-way carriers, longer lifespan, those offering a nursing position can be handy for breast-feeding
  • Cons Tend to be more expensive than soft carriers, can take a bit of practise to use correctly

Framed carriers

These are generally aimed at babies from six months, because they need to be able to support themselves sitting up. The carriers have a rucksack-style appearance: your baby sits in a harness, supported either by a lightweight metal frame or rigid rucksack-style padding, and the carrier is put on using padded shoulder straps and a waist belt.

Those models at the top end of the market are made by outdoor clothing and equipment specialists. Some have a fair amount of storage space, for clothing and food, for example, and with some models you can buy extras such as sun and rain covers.

As long as your child is willing, and your back can take it, you can use most models until the age of three.

  • Pros Babies and toddlers are high enough to get a grown-up view of the world, some come with special features, carriers with a metal frame are usually designed so you can stand the carrier upright on its own – making it easier to get your child in and out
  • Cons You may need another person to help you put it on and take it off, the most expensive type of carrier available, need to allow extra head space when going through doorways etc, some babies will never tire of pulling your hair and ears

Find out more about each of these types of baby carriers, see our top buying tips and features to look out for, plus read important baby carrier safety advice in our full guide to choosing a sling or baby carrier.