Best baby carriers and baby slings: tried and tested

A baby carrier needs to be comfortable, convenient and flexible for your little one, and the best fit for you and anyone else who'll be wearing it.

In this guide we've included everything you need to know before you buy – from the difference between carriers and slings to babywearing safety and how to spot a fake carrier.

You can also find out how we test baby carriers and slings with help from real parents, plus how much you should be spending.

The best baby carriers from our tests

Only logged-in Which? members can view the baby carrier test results below.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

The baby carriers we tested

All the baby slings we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best baby carriers from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Harmony 3D Mesh

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.2-15kg

Need to know 57.4 x 37.5 x 6.2cm (H x W x D, folded), buckles and clips fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding possible

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Cotton

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-15kg

Need to know 29 x 24 x 15cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding not possible

Beco 8

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3-20kg

Need to know 26.5 x 15.5 x 9.5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Beco Gemini

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? No

Min to max weight 3-16kg

Need to know 20.5 x 23 x 32.5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding possible

Boba X Carrier

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-20kg

Need to know 24 x 11 x 12.5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding possible

Chicco Boppy ComfyFit

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-15kg

Need to know 23.5 x 12.5 x 9.5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, two positions, front carry only, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Chicco Myamaki

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-15kg

Need to know 32 x 24 x 14cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, not machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding not possible

Cybex Maira Click

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Currently unavailable.

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-15kg

Need to know 29 x 21 x 15cm (H x W x L, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding not possible

Find out how to choose the best baby monitors

Ergobaby Embrace

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.2-11.3kg

Need to know 25.5 x 8 x 5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front carry only, breastfeeding possible

Infantino Upscale Customizable Baby Carrier

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-18.1kg

Need to know 33 x 19 x 16cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding not possible

Joie Savvy Baby Carrier

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-16kg

Need to know 64.5 x 37.8 x 4.1cm (H x W x D, folded), buckles, buttons and straps fasten mode, machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

LittleLife Acorn Baby Carrier

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-15kg

Need to know 54.3 x 33.1 x 5.4cm (H x W x D, folded), buckles and snaps fasten mode, not machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Nuna Cudl

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3-16kg

Need to know 29 x 22.5 x 17.5cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, four positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Stokke Limas Carrier

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.2-15kg

Need to know 26.1 x 66.4 x 2.3cm (H x W x D, folded), buckles and tying fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Tula Explore

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Available from Tula (£189).

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.2-20.4kg

Need to know 25 x 15 x 13cm (H x W x D, folded), buckle fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front and back carry, breastfeeding possible

Tula Free-to-Grow

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Available from Babipur (£111.92).

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.2-20.4kg

Need to know 52.7 x 42 x 4.3cm (H x W x D, folded), buckles and poppers fasten mode, machine washable, two positions, front and back carry, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

The best baby slings from our tests

Only logged-in Which? members can view the baby sling test results below.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

The baby slings we tested

All the baby slings we tested are listed in alphabetical order below.

Only logged-in Which? members can view the best baby slings from our tests.

Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below.

Amawrap Baby Sling Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Currently unavailable.

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.5-15kg

Need to know 514.5 x 46.8 x 0.1cm (H x W x D, folded), tie fasten mode, machine washable, three positions, front facing in only, breastfeeding possible

Close Caboo DX+

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Currently unavailable.

Suitable from birth? No

Min to max weight 2.3-14.5kg

Need to know 29 x 20 x 10cm (H x W x D, folded), wrap fasten mode, machine washable, five positions, front facing in and out, back carry, breastfeeding possible

Close Caboo Lite

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 2.3-14.5kg

Need to know 19 x 11 x 8cm (H x W x D, folded), wrap fasten mode, machine washable, two positions, front and hip carry, breastfeeding possible

Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Available from John Lewis (£49.90) and ErgoBaby (£59.90).

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-11.3kg

Need to know 21 x 20 x 5cm (H x W x D, folded), wrap fasten mode, machine washable, one position, front facing in only, breastfeeding possible

Freerider Co.

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-13.6kg

Need to know 11 x 8 x 4cm (H x W x D, folded), wrap fasten mode, machine washable, one position, front facing in only, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Izmi Essential Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 2.3-9kg

Need to know 511.2 x 56.4 x 0.1cm (H x W x D, folded), tie fasten mode, not machine washable, one position, front facing in only, not stated if breastfeeding is possible

Moby Classic Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-15kg

Need to know 16 x 11.5 x 6.5cm (H x W x D, folded), tie fasten mode, machine washable, two positions, front facing in only, hip carry, breastfeeding possible

Moby Elements Baby Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight 3.6-15kg

Need to know 503.9 x 55.8 x 0.1cm (H x W x D, folded), tie fasten mode, machine washable, two positions, front facing in only, hip carry, breastfeeding possible

Tag Togs Sa-Be Wrap

Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal

Available from Tag Togs (£34).

Suitable from birth? Yes

Min to max weight Not stated

Need to know 551.5 x 51.2 x 0.6cm (H x W x D, folded), tie fasten mode, machine washable, one position, front facing in only, breastfeeding not possible

How we test baby slings and carriers

Our baby carrier and baby slings reviews are unique. They're based on a combination of different elements: safety and durability (based on British standards) and comfort assessments from highly experienced ergonomists.

These are then combined with the results from user trials. We used two different groups of parents and children, to take into account their experiences of using the slings on a day-to-day basis.

We help you answer questions like the following:

• Is the baby sling or carrier safe and durable? We rigorously test each baby sling and carrier for safety, durability, and potential hazards by subjecting them to 50,000 jolting cycles with a weighted test dummy, inspecting for choking risks, and ensuring secure leg openings. Additionally, we review instructions for proper safety guidance to ensure the carrier keeps your baby safe and secure.
• Is it comfortable for you and your baby? We assess each baby carrier and sling for both passenger and wearer comfort, ensuring proper support for the baby’s head, back and pelvis while evaluating fit, padding and weight distribution for different body types. Our parent testers and experts with 15+ years of experience also check ease of use, adjustments, and instructions to ensure the carrier is both practical and comfortable.
• How clear are the instructions? We look at each carrier’s instructions for clarity, accuracy, and ease of use, noting how quickly users can confidently fit the product without referring back. We also check for missing safety warnings, such as using the sling while bending over and household hazards.

How we score baby carriers and slings

To help you decide if you should buy a baby carrier or sling, we take the results of the tests above and combine them to give each baby sling or carrier a total test score, so you can easily see which are the best and worst, and directly compare models with each other.

The score we give each sling or carrier is made up of a combination of the elements of our unique tests, excluding price, and is broken down as follows:

• 50% – ergonomic and expert assessments
• 50% – parent-tester user trials

We regularly revisit the baby carriers and slings on sale to see if there are any more popular models that need testing and when we find them we do. 

Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent

Is a baby carrier better than a sling?

Ultimately, choosing between a baby carrier and sling will depend on you and your baby's needs, as well as their age and size.

A baby carrier is more straightforward to set up and adjust, but if you want to breastfeed discreetly while you're babywearing, or want a more multi-functional piece of fabric, a sling could be a better option.

What type of baby carrier and sling is best?

Choosing the right type of baby carrier for your needs is key for the comfort and safety of both you and your baby. There are many different types to choose from, each with their benefits and drawbacks, so make sure you do your research before you buy.

Wrap sling

A wrap sling is simply a piece of woven or stretchy jersey-type fabric that you wrap and tie around your body so your baby is held securely.

They usually cost around £40-£80, and are suitable from when your baby is born until they are about one year old (or up to 9kg).

Pros A wrap provides comfort, versatility and multiple sizes, plus a variety of tying and carrying methods. Excess fabric also makes it suitable for discreet breastfeeding

Cons Can be tricky to get the hang of. Forward-facing carrying isn't generally recommended with a woven sling, either

Soft structured baby carriers

Soft baby carriers, also known as buckle carriers, are widely available and can be two-way or three-way. They range in price from £30-£100 and are suitable for carrying babies from birth up to 18 months (or 12kg), with some capable of carrying up to 20kg.

Pros Usually easy to use and adjust, so they can be used by more than one person

Cons It can be harder to breastfeed, and some types require an additional insert with newborns

Pouch sling

A pouch sling is a piece of fabric sewn together at the ends to form a pocket for a baby to nestle in. These can cost as little as £15, and are suitable for babies from newborn to toddler. The sling sits on one shoulder, but due to the weight concentrated on one shoulder, it may not be suitable for larger children.

Pros Quick to get on and off, reasonably priced and portable

Cons Most aren't adjustable, so it's hard to get a snug carrying position. You might need to buy different sizes if multiple people will be using it

Ring sling

A ring sling is a piece of fabric that threads through two rings, forming a loop. The sling goes over one shoulder, and you fasten it by pulling the fabric through the rings.

They tend to cost £30-£60, and can carry newborns through to toddlers (15kg).

Pros Easy to get on and off, one sling should fit multiple users, great for discreet breastfeeding

Cons Ring slings can be uncomfortable to wear long-term because the weight is all on one shoulder. Some padded models can also be bulky and hard to adjust

Baby backpacks

Baby backpacks, with a rucksack-style design and lightweight metal frames or rigid padding, are suitable for carrying a child from six months old up to four years, or 20kg. Secured with shoulder straps and a waist belt, they can stand upright for easy access. Prices range from £50-£100, depending on model and accessories. 

Pros Lots of adjustments possible, so different people can use the same carrier. Great for long walks or journeys, and the child can see the world from up high

Cons Height and size are the main drawbacks – take care going through low doorways and smaller spaces. The metal parts can also get uncomfortably hot or cold to touch

Hip-seat carrier

This type of carrier lets you carry your child on your hip without causing hip pain and backache. It’s essentially a back-supporting belt with an integral padded foam shelf that your child sits on.

These typically cost around £40, and are suitable from when your child is six months up to three years old (or 20kg).

Pros Quick and easy to put on and adjust, and should fit multiple people

Cons No straps to hold your child in place, so it's not a hands-free option

See our selection of the best pushchairs to find out which buggies passed our tests with flying colours

Features to look for in a baby carrier or sling

1. Comfort

Look for thick, padded straps and sturdy fabrics, as well as good leg and back support for your baby. 

We recommend trying before you buy to check how comfortable a carrier or sling is for you. Head to a sling library, which will have a range of products to try out. 

2. Weight

A lightweight sling can weigh as little as 400g (less than a standard bag of sugar), while a structured baby carrier can be a lot heavier, as well as being big and bulky to carry around. 

3. Bulk

If you plan to use your baby carrier when you're out and about, you'll want one that's light and folds up neatly when not in use. 

For outdoors, consider a canopy to help protect your baby's head from the sun. Some carriers also come with sleep hoods. Both of these will add bulk, but are handy extra features.

4. Ease of use

If multiple people are going to be using your carrier or sling, it’s worth choosing one that's straightforward to use and easily adjustable, to ensure a snug fit. 

For those who don't feel confident in working out how to carry a baby in a wrap, a more structured carrier might be a better option. 

Our baby carrier and sling reviews assess ease of use based on parent trials and expert assessments. We also look at the clarity of the instructions that come with each carrier.

5. Easy cleaning

A sling or baby carrier is bound to get dribbled on, or worse. Check whether the one you've set your heart on is machine washable rather than sponge-clean only, or comes with handy features such as dribble pads.

Get our expert tips for making smarter consumer choices. Sign up for our free Weekly Scoop newsletter

Front or back baby carrier – which should you choose?

When babywearing, you can choose to carry your baby on your front or on your back. Front baby carriers are most popular, but some baby carriers and slings have the option to hip-carry, too.

Front baby carriers are suitable from birth up to 35lb (16kg), which is around three or four years old. They provide eye-to-eye contact, discreet breastfeeding and upright positioning. However, not all carriers are suitable for premature or weight-restricted babies. 

Back baby carriers are great for extended carrying, especially older toddlers or children who may get too big to go on your front.

They are only suitable to use only once your baby is able to sit upright (from around six months), and may take two people to get the child into place, which can be quite tricky.  

Some carriers can be used in both configurations so they'll last longer than front-only types, such as the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One Cotton.

Are baby slings safe?

Whether you're using a sling or a carrier, or are new to both, you'll need to make sure you're informed about how to carry your baby safely and comfortably. This applies to both newborn and older babies. See the T.I.C.K.S and ABC safety principles below.

Many slings and carriers are designed to be used with newborns. You may have to put a special insert into the carrier, which helps to raise your newborn higher on your chest. The top of your newborn's head should be close enough to kiss. 

Check the product specs or instructions to find out if the sling or carrier is suitable for newborn babies.

T.I.C.K.S safety rules

The UK Sling Consortium recommends that baby sling wearers follow the 'T.I.C.K.S' rule for safe use. 

• T: Tight
• I: In view at all times
• C: Close enough to kiss
• K: Keep chin off the chest
• S: Supported back

It's really important to follow these rules when using a baby carrier, especially for a young baby.

ABC principles

The ABC principles from Babywearing International for carrying your baby safely in a front or back carrier are also very useful.

Airways: Maintain a clear airway for your baby by keeping their chin off their chest, keeping them high enough on your chest for monitoring and upright positioning. 

Body positioning: It's important that the baby's spine is supported adequately and that their legs aren't dangling. The baby's knees should be propped up higher than their bum and slightly bent (known as the 'M', 'squat' or 'frog' position). 

Comfort: Look out for your baby's comfort as well as your own at all times. Practice all carrying positions – especially back carries – with someone else to help you until you're confident. 

Carrying forward-facing

The most important thing to remember when deciding to have your baby forward-facing is to ensure they have adequate head and neck control (around four months old) and follow manufacturer's instructions, which may recommend this position from five months or older. 

Cradle position

Cradle carrying is not recommended by most reputable manufacturers due to potential head compressions and airway issues. Bag-style baby slings have been linked to several baby deaths in the USA.

Find the best stair gates for your home and avoid our Don't Buys

6 ways to spot a fake baby carrier

Carrying your baby in a counterfeit carrier or sling could be putting their safety at risk.

There is currently no legal requirement for a sling or baby carrier to meet the British safety standards for construction and testing of baby carriers. Big brands undertake this testing to make sure their products meet the standards, but counterfeit carriers don't, which leaves you and your baby vulnerable.

Follow our top tips for spotting a fake baby carrier:

1. Investigate the retailer. Be cautious when buying from third parties or unfamiliar retailers.
2. Be wary of very cheap baby carriers. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Our safety test uncovered serious failures with a range of cheap carriers and slings from Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress. 
3. Pay attention to branding. According to Beco, Ergo and Moby, unauthorised online retailers often copy promotional imagery and branding used in legitimate marketing material. 
4. Check that the colours and designs being sold are legitimate. Counterfeits tend to come in a large range of colours and designs that aren't standard to the brand they're impersonating. 
5. Check for bad stitching, poor-quality materials and flimsy construction. It may be hard to see at first, but check the stitching and construction of the carrier for inconsistencies. You may notice shoddy parts such as cheaper buckles, and the carrier may feel lighter than it should.
6. Look at the label. On a fake, the label is usually only in one or two languages, but on a real one there will be three to five languages. Also, look out for mis-spellings in the text. 

Is there a second-hand market for baby carriers and slings?

Yes, if its still in good condition. The second-hand market is massive, with potential for buying and selling on online marketplaces such as eBay and Facebook, plus NCT 'nearly new' sales. Alternatively, you could donate it to a charity shop or women's shelter.

If carriers or slings are in poor condition, dispose of them in household waste. Alternatively, you can buy a Terracycle Zero Waste Box for old baby items. Although not cheap, they ensure materials are recycled and not disposed of in landfills.

Second-hand and pre-loved baby products: what's safe and what's not?