When it comes to selecting a baby sling or a baby carrier, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted that there are tonnes online to choose from, all offering the same promise of comfort and ease of use.
That in mind, we know it can be essentially impossible to know which one to choose, and so we’ve compiled a list of the best baby carriers in Australia and assessed reviews and customer experience to help you choose a baby carrier.
It’s good to note that a good majority of these carriers and slings are comfortable and you’re in good hands with most of these, though, our list offers up the best of the best when it comes to baby carriers in Australia.
All of the products below get top marks for comfort, safety and ease of use.
Take a look at the best baby carriers below.
The Baby Carrier by Beco Gemini — Our Favourite
When it comes to the best of the best in baby carriers, the Beco Gemini baby carriers is our ultimate top choice.
You’re getting an ergonomic and comfortable carrier that’s safe, versatile and comfortable and easy to buckle and strap to the shoulders and waist. That in mind, it’s one of the easiest to get set up on the market today, so when it comes to getting from car to carrier, you’re done in just a few moments.
There’s a buckle design here that can be set up with just one hand, which is also a great perk for those times you’re having to hold baby and set up your carrier.
Available in black also means the carrier works well with all outfits and is quite stylish, so you’re getting a carrier that looks and feels great too.
When it comes to the safety features we mentioned, there’s a dual-level safety benefit built into the buckles which means if something does fail, there’s a second level of the buckle mechanism that prevents a complete unlatching of the carrier.
The carrier supports weights all the way up to toddlers from newborns, so you’re able to get a few years use out of the carrier.
For the use of the carrier, you’re able to strap it to the back, hip and front without having to rely on additional straps. That said, you can get the optimal fit, making this one of the more versatile models on the market today.
To end, the comfort on the carrier is great too. There’s an ultra-plush material here and it’s perforated on the interior which means it’s breathable and you’re more than able to wear it for a few hours or more.
Top Features
One of the More Comfortable Models
A Versatile Design with Multiple Fits
Designed for Newborns through to Toddlers
The Omni 360 Ergonomic Baby Carrier by Ergobaby
To the option that’s a little more all-encompassing and feature-packed now, the Omni 360 by Ergobaby is our top pick.
It’s one of the most dynamic and full-featured carriers on our list, which means it can seem a little more complex to use, though this model doesn’t skimp out on comfort or adaptability.
The Omni 360 works for babies from 0 to 48 months which means you’re getting a long while out of this baby carrier, and can rest assured it’s capable of safely and securely holding on to children that get progressively more weighty as they grow.
To add to the versatility, there’s a waist belt here which provides some essential back support for mum and dad as they’re carrying baby. That in mind, you’re able to use this carrier for a long while before you start feeling any sort of sore spots in the back or shoulders.
When it comes to putting the carrier on, there are a few different ways to do this and they include the cross-over style, the backpack style and there’s a quick slider here that can be used with one hand to easily change positions for the carrier.
One great perk is that there’s an air mesh here which makes this carrier one of the most well-ventilated out there. It’s the option we suggest if you’re a parent who likes to go on walks or hikes with baby and would like a carrier that’s going to keep you from sweating or getting sweat sores in the area where the straps crossover the body.
To end, this is one of the more secure, safe and feature-packed carriers out there.
Top Features
A Versatile Design for Multiple Ways to Wear
A High-quality and Durable Fabric Design
Providers Support for the Lower Back and Shoulders
The Baby Carrier by Manduca
When it comes to the baby carrier that can be used for years to come and shared among friends and family as a hand me down option, the Manduca Baby Carrier is by far our top choice.
Built like an old-school baby carrier that’s designed to last forever, the Manduca is your carrier for the newborns through to kids aged up to 5 years! This means you’re able to carry the young ones from 3.5kg all the way up to 20kg with this carrier, and not need to worry about straps failing or not being able to support the weight.
The design and materials of this carrier and cotton and hemp, which both come in to make a baby carrier that is going to last for years to come. This in mind, we’re confident you’ll be able to hand this carrier down to friends and family who have newborns they need to carry — so hold on to this carrier.
Designed to easily do up and attach with one hand, it’s a great model for those parents who often run errands solo, so there’s little time spent fiddling trying to get the carrier set up.
That in mind, this is a winner for our readers who are looking for a carrier that is going to support them when they’re alone.
When it comes to comfort and sizing, the straps are adjustable and suit parents of all sizes without issue. That in mind, if you’re swapping between mum and dad, the carrier can easily adjust to suit the size changes. This carrier is virtually a winner for those looking to find a product that will fit all family members.
To the design of the structure, the carrier has a rather firm design that holds its shape, though it’s still soft enough to be comfortable. It’s quite minimal and stylish to look at and comes in a few different colour tones to match outfits.
To end, there’s a hood here too, so keeping out the rain is no trouble at all.
Top Features
One of the More Comfortable Models Out There
Ultra-high-quality Materials and Design
Works for Parents of All Sizes
Comes with a Hoodie
The Baby Carrier One Air by BabyBjorn
When in hot climates, we know it was downright impossible to find a carrier that keeps you cool — until the One Air that is.
The BabyBjorn brand is known for their proprietary fabrics, and the One Air is the company’s best yet when it comes to keeping mum and dad cool when you’re all strapped up with your little one.
The 3D Mesh fabric is what comes into offer superior cooling here, and that means you’re not seeing sweat patches forming under the straps when it gets warm out.
As one of the more versatile carriers, you can expect to find four comfortable carrying positions here, which means you’re getting the comfort you need to wear the carrier for a few hours without feeling the need to take it off or swap with your partner.
The ergonomic design also means you and baby are both kept comfortable and supported with long-term use. There’s even an included head support here too, which means you’re keeping the little one comfortable.
To end, the height of the built-in seat is also adjustable here, which means you’re in control of the height of the carrier and the comfort level of yourself and the baby. If things getting a little off centre or you’re getting a little tired of the current weight distribution, you can quickly adjust and move things around without issue.
Top Features
Designed for Optimal Coolness
High-end Design and Materials
Adjustable and Adaptable Seat Height and Waist Belt
The Pocket Wrap Carrier by Hug-A-Bub
To a traditionally designed baby carrier now, the Hug-A-Bub model is a pocket wrap type of carrier which is one of the more comfortable when it comes to getting the weight off your shoulders.
You can rely on this carrier to keep your baby snuggly wrapped close to your body and you’re free to use your hands and go about your day without needing to keep a close or solid grip on the carrier at all times.
It’s good to note that this carrier is an organic cotton model, which means you’re keeping things as pure and safe as possible. It’s also made ultra-plush by using this material too, so there’s little to worry about when it comes to comfort here.
The way you wrap the carrier around the body is also ideal for back and joint support as you can only really wrap the carrier around the body in a safe and ergonomic way. The weight distribution of your Bub is kept to being quite wide-spread which means you’re not seeing any hot spots or pressure being added to the body.
In line with weight, the wrap is also going to place most of the weight on the core and torso which means you’re not going to feel too much strain, if any at all.
We would suggest this carrier for the parents who want to keep their baby with them throughout the majority of the day whilst also getting on with doing chores or house work. You’ll have your hands free, little to no weight distribution issues and plenty of comfort to go about your day.
Top Features
Designed to Take Weight off the Shoulders
An Entirely Organic Cotton Material
Keeps Your Child Suspended in a Healthy Position
The Bundle Of Joy Baby Carrier by Ergobaby
A second model coming from Ergobaby, the Bundle of Joy Carrier is the model if you’re looking for a performance focused carrier. This is the model we would select for those parents who are relatively active and have lifestyles and jobs that demand a lot of movement and action.
This carrier comes with support for three positions which means you’re able to adjust and adapt based on the activities you’re doing, and with the easy latch mechanisms you can switch these positions in just a few seconds.
The weight supported by this carrier is from 3kg all the way up to 20kg which means that newborns and toddlers will be equally supported here.
It’s good to note that these carriers can be easily washed in the machine to go hand in hand with an active lifestyle. If there’s any sweat or simple impurities from outdoor and active use, you can wash them off as easy as you would with other clothing items.
Like the 3D Mesh we mentioned above, the aerated fabric design allows for ventilation and breathability, so whatever you’re doing you can rest assured you’ll be kept cool.
When it comes to the strap design, there’s a chest strap here that’s easily adjustable, along with shoulder straps that can be altered to reduce the strain on the upper body. For baby, there’s a neck support option as well, which can be adjusted along with a hood for rain, sun and wind protection.
For practicality, there’s also a huge pocket on the carrier’s front panel which gives you plenty of space for all baby’s needs.
Top Features
An Active and Outdoor Focused Design
Adjustable Toggles and Straps for Comfort
An Included Storage Space on the Front Panel
The All Seasons Baby Carrier by LILLEbaby
To end our list, we have Lillebaby’s Essential carrier that’s been designed to offer a sturdy carry experience along with being optimally flexible and adaptable.
This model is a little more versatile when it comes to temperature control as you’re able to adjust the temperature panel with a zipper to help cool and regulate you and your baby’s temperature when out and about.
With this temperature control in mind, we’re confident in saying this is another top option for those outdoorsy parents who love to take a walk with their baby in a carrier rather than a pram. You’re comfortable, cool and have your hands free.
The model is flexible and secure enough to stay adhered to the body when running errands and being entirely cotton, it’s one of the more durable and soft models out there, so keeping comfortable with long periods of use isn’t too much trouble at all.
To add, this carrier is also able to support children up to 20 kilograms, which means from baby to toddler, you can continue to use this carrier without issue.
One key point to keep in mind is that all of the straps and shoulder straps are adjustable, so getting comfortable and staying comfortable when out and about isn’t too much of an issue at all.
To end, there’s a hood included here too and the design is machine washable, making it easy to keep the model clean.
Top Features
A Sturdy Design and Little Movement from the Body
A Stylish Design
Breathability and Temperature Adjustment Zip
Things to Keep in Mind for a Carrier
With all of those carriers out of the way, it’s important to keep in mind that the best baby carrier out there is one that leaves you as comfortable as possible. We suggest you place your lifestyle requirements and comfort level above all else when choosing a baby carrier.
In hotter climates, our models with breathability and airflow should land at the top of your list, and for active parents, the study and grippy options.
Keep in mind the position you’d like to wear your carrier. The most common options are the front position and the back position. These will determine the design of the carrier and you and your child’s comfort level.
In all, the carriers we’ve listed above are great for all parents, though depending on your lifestyle you may need a carrier that offers some more active features or comfort-focused ones.
