Ultimate Guide To The Best Breastfeeding Baby Carrier 2021: Full Reviews

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Being a mom is hands-down one of the hardest jobs ever. Our little ones require everything on demand, especially breastfeeding. And it’s not always convenient to stop all you’re doing and feed your baby every time.

That’s why a baby carrier is helpful; baby wearing gives you a hands free way to look after your baby, and keep them close to your body. Breastfeeding moms will find that they provide easy access for the baby to breastfeed and can make your job as a mama so much easier.

As if breastfeeding at home isn’t hard enough in itself, everyone knows how much harder it is to breastfeed in public! As a new mama, figuring out the best breastfeeding habits and routine for you takes a lot of work, but if you want to feed your hungry little angel while you’re on the go, you need to find a suitable breastfeeding carrier that can get the job done while staying comfortable for both you and your little one. 

It can be so overwhelming because there are so many types, shapes and  sizes to choose from. But you won’t need to worry too much about looking for the right one anymore, because today, we’re going in depth into the different types of baby carriers, and how to find the best one for you. 

You’ll find out what to look for when purchasing a baby carrier, the pros and cons of each type, and the top 11 baby carriers available in the market.

Compare The 10 Best Baby Carriers for Breastfeeding 2021

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Different Types Of Breastfeeding Baby Carriers

Baby carriers come in different types, from wrap to sling to Mei Tai, and a variety of other types. Before making your purchase, it’s important to know about the pros and cons of each one and see what works best for your (and your baby’s) individual needs.

Stretchy Wrap

Like the name implies, a stretchy wrap style baby carrier is simply a long piece of stretchy fabric that you can wrap around your body and hold your baby close to you with. It’s especially great for newborns, since they love to be carried around all day. 

There are several types of carries, like back carry, front carry, and hip carry. These carries are life-saving when you need to do things around the house but want to keep your baby close. 

The stretchy wrap is not only easy to get the hang of, but also easy to wash! And since it’s just a fabric wrap, it’s conveniently stretchy and you can easily slip your baby in and pop them back out.

There are some things about the baby wrap, though, that you might not like. For example, it can be hot in summer; the fabric can be annoying and inconvenient since it’s long; it takes a bit of time to tie it (unlike the ring sling); and depending on the brand and style it may sag when your baby gets bigger. 

Sling

A sling, or a ring sling, is a good option to start with for breastfeeding and babywearing — it’s easily and fully adjustable, very breathable, easy to wash, and it features a tail that provides you with extra privacy. They are also the best options for small newborns, as there is no minimum weight limit. Even mums of preemie babies love ring slings.

Ring slings aren’t the best for all moms. It’s a one-shoulder carry, so it won’t be suitable for carrying heavier babies for too long if you want to avoid shoulder pain.

Also, it can dig into your shoulder if you don’t wear it probably. There are several sizes of slings in the market, so make sure to learn a bit about them before deciding to buy one! 

Soft Structured Carrier 

Also known as a buckled carrier, this type is suitable for both newborn babies and heavier babies. It comes with shoulder and waist straps that are fully padded and multiple buckles to provide safety. Not all, but some models feature a privacy hood. It’s a generally easy-to-use model with an upright breastfeeding position.

It, however, not all structured baby carriers work for petite and plus size women. Luckily there are a few brands that are perfect for petite or plus women.

Meh Dai (sometimes called Mai Tai)

This is basically a rectangular piece of fabric that comes with ties attached to corners. The straps will either be padded or not, depending on the brand. It’s great for newborn babies all the way up to toddlers since it offers dual support. 

It’s highly adjustable and accommodates all modes of carry (front carry, hip carries, back carries, and high back carries). It’s also a one-size-fits-all carrier that’s perfect for both petite and big moms.

Meh Dai’s are a bit easier to use than woven wraps, and have a shorter learning curve, but also less ways that can be worn.

On the other hand, its long straps may get annoying sometimes, especially if you’re outside. And it’s not highly-padded, so it can be challenging to carry a toddler of 20+ pounds for long periods of time. Plus, it’s not super comfortable to carry newborns using Meh Dai

Woven Wrap

A woven wrap shares many similarities with a stretchy wrap, but with a woven wrap, you don’t get so much stretchiness. In return, though, you get extra support. 

Baby wearing wraps have come a long way, and they have a very long history across all cultures. Nowadays, good quality wraps are easy to find. The best quality wraps are mostly hand-woven, which can make them more pricey, as opposed to other types. The beauty of hand woven wraps is that they are generally made by artisan suppliers, so you are supporting small fiber artists to continue creating.

Of course, if this is unaffordable to you, you may prefer a machine woven and there is nothing wrong with that at all. You may find that they are a little stiffer at first but any good quality woven wrap will soften up and be kitten belly soft in no time at all.

It’s usually suitable for newborns and bigger babies and offers four different ways of carrying with two breastfeeding positions: upright and cradle hold.

Things To Look For In Baby Carriers For Breastfeeding

When it comes to purchasing a baby carrier for breastfeeding, there are some things you should consider first…

Breathable Material

When you hold your baby close to you for a long time, this is almost guaranteed to crank up your body’s temperature. Choose a sling or wrap that allows the air to flow easily. 

This can keep you and your child cool while you’re using the wrap or sling. Soft, lightweight materials are the best, look for 100% cotton materials or airy fabric that can make babywearing comfortable.

Comfortable Fabric

Because a baby’s skin is super sensitive and can easily get irritated by harsh fabrics like nylon or canvas, it’s your role as a loving mom to provide them with a comfortable carrier to curl up and eat in. 

Typically, you want a breastfeeding baby carrier that is mostly made of cotton. Spandex can also be a component in slings and wrap to be stretchy and adjustable.

Good Fit

It’s just like buying clothes; you have to pick the right fit for your body. When purchasing a wrap or a sling, keep your own size in mind, and be mindful of how well your baby will fit, too. 

Ease of Use

It’s important to know your own skill level to match it with the type of carrier you’re getting. If you think slings and wraps are hard to master, you can opt for structured carriers. Whatever type you’re purchasing, though, make sure it’s easy enough for you to safely use.

Healthy Baby Positioning 

Regardless of the type of carrier, newborn babies need to be in a frog-legged sitting position. So, it’s important to make sure the carrier you’re getting will allow your baby to be in this position, as well as switch positions, during nursing. 

The baby’s torso and back should be supported. When they get older, adjust the carrier if you want, allowing their legs to hang freely, supported by their backside. Make sure the baby is getting good air passage during nursing, and you want to be able to see the top of your baby’s head in periodic checks while breastfeeding to make sure nothing is blocking their nose.

Adequate Support

Breastfeeding isn’t an easy process, and you can often feel tired by the time you’re done, so you want to opt for a carrier that can do some lifting for you and won’t make breastfeeding even more exhausting.

Good Coverage

One of the first things women look for in a baby carrier is good coverage. You want a carrier that provides you and your little one with some privacy. You can, of course, use a nursing cover, but it’s great if the carrier comes with its own cover! 

Shape

When looking for the best baby carrier, take its shape into consideration. It should allow the infants and bigger babies to be in a comfortable position during nursing, switch between sides and adjust to an upright position that is best for digestion.

Best Baby Carriers Reviews

The infinite choices of carriers for breastfeeding can be truly overwhelming, so we’ve saved you some of your precious time as a mom and gathered a list of the 11 best baby carriers in the market! 

Boba Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Available in 13 different colors and patterns, this one-size-fits-most wrap is perfect for babies of 7 pounds and bigger babies up to 35 pounds. It’s made from soft, breathable cotton and includes spandex that offers a good stretch while keeping your baby close and cozy. 

Use the provided instructions to help you tie this wrap around your body, and when it needs a wash, you can always toss it into your washing machine. Finally, this wrap isn’t twin-friendly and can only hold one baby. 

Moby Moby Ring Sling

Wraps can sometimes be cumbersome, but this sling makes your life so much easier because it comes with a ring that you can easily secure your baby with. You can adjust the sling to fit your size and the size of your baby just perfectly. 

This sling will allow you to carry babies with weights ranging from 8-33 pounds in hip or cradled position. It’s made from breathable fabric that can be washed in your machine. Note that this sling is not recommended for you if your baby’s weight is below 8 pounds.

Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling 

This wrap is a standard, practical wrap. It can carry babies up to 35 pounds. It’s made of soft stretchy cotton that allows you to move everywhere while still feeling comfortable. You can also wear your baby in two directions, inwards and outwards.

It also features extra fabric and no buckles, meaning that you can nurse comfortably while staying more covered out in public. 

However, there are a few things you might not enjoy about this wrap. For example, it has no pockets or compartments for diapers, keys, etc, the shoulder straps might get twisted sometimes, and it takes some practice to tie the wrap. 

Bable 6-in-1 Baby Carrier

There are many great features in this CBMC-winning structured carrier. This “Swiss-Army” carrier features a cotton bib, a breastfeeding cover, a special hood for privacy, a phone pocket, a bottle holder, and an ergonomic waist bbelt that eases some of the strain off your back and stomach. 

Since it has an adjustable strap, this carrier is suitable for plus size moms. In addition, you won’t have to worry about overheating thanks to its breathable mesh back. And finally, the baby can face both sides, inward and outward. 

Note that it doesn’t feature infant insert, so it’s not suitable for newborn babies. It’s also not as compact when compared to other structured carriers.

4 in 1 Baby Wrap Carrier and Ring Sling 

This product is super versatile — it’s a postpartum belly belt, a sling, and a wrap, all at the same time. It makes it easy for your baby to access, so it’s great for breastfeeding on demand. 

Its soft, stretchy fabric is suitable even for the smallest infants. Probably one of the best things about this product is that it offers a lifetime guarantee. On the other hand, some petite moms report that it has too much extra fabric, and it requires some practice to wrap it right, but thankfully, there are instructions included, with pictures, to help you learn to use it.  

Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier

If you’re looking for a hands-free baby carrier experience, this one is an excellent option. The structure of this carrier offers support to your baby’s head and neck, while the double-loop (better than traditional designs) helps to evenly distribute your baby’s weight across your shoulders and back. 

This award-winning carrier comes in several sizes to suit all moms. It’s a“no wrap” wrap that can accommodate babies of all ages and at all stages. 

In fact, it’s accredited by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a “hip-healthy” carrier. It’s worth noting, though, that you might have an uncomfortable experience with this carrier if you have a big bust. 

Baby K’tan Organic Baby Wrap Carrier

If you prefer natural options, this baby carrier is made from 100% organic cotton. As expected, it’s soft, breathable, stretchy, and it’s machine-washable. 

Unlike most wraps, this one slips over the mom’s head. It comes in extra small and extra large sizes, too, though it may not be plus-size friendly. 

There are five different positions this carrier offers, depending on the size and development of the baby. This carrier does a great job of distributing the baby’s weight evenly. Note that this carrier isn’t recommended for infants whose weights are under 8 pounds.

SOLLY BABY Baby Wrap

The reason why this carrier, of all the others on the list, comes with the heftiest price tag, is that it’s made from 100% Lenzing modal, which gives a soft and silky texture to the wrap. It’s generally safe for babies up to 25 pounds, and on one end, it features a little self-enclosing pocket so you can pack it up easily after use.

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

Available in 11 different colors, this carrier can safely carry newborns and babies up to 35 pounds. It’s made out of jersey fabric, which is breathable, machine washable,  and stretchy enough to be comfortable and hold your baby in place. 

You can convert it and wear the baby in multiple positions. In each one, the weight of the baby is evenly distributed and supports the back of the parent. 

One downside about this product is that you need to purchase the rings separately to use the sling. 

Baby K’tan Breeze Baby Wrap Carrier

If you’re looking for something that’ll literally make babywearing a breeze, the Baby K’tan Breeze is perfect! It doesn’t have buckles or extra fabric for body wrapping. In fact, in only 3 simple steps, you can easily slip it on like a T-shirt. It’s suitable for babies between 8 and 35 pounds, and you can use it in different positions, as a sling or a carrier. 

You can ensure your baby is cool and comfortable while you’re out with them, as this wrap is made with mesh and cotton. It also features an adjustable back band. However, it might be a little costly for some, so keep that in mind.

Konny Konny Baby Carrier

Babywearing can be pretty exhausting, especially in hot weather. This is why we think the Konny Konny Baby Carrier fits perfectly on this list. Made of cotton and weighing less than half pound, this carrier is so light that you might not feel it on you. 

It’s breathable and suitable for parents of all sizes, even plus size. It can also safely carry heavier babies up to 44 pounds.

You’ll love its small pocket, which can carry a pacifier, burp clothes, or even baby wipes. It’s also machine washable, so you can always toss it into your washing machine when needed. Be careful, though, this carrier isn’t dryer safe, so it’s better to leave it out to dry instead.

Final Thoughts

Baby carriers have always been a valuable tool for new mamas. They – literally – carry some of the weight off of our shoulders and allow us to carry out our everyday activities while ensuring our little angels are getting the food they need. 

But you have to consider a few things first if you want to get the baby that works best for you. These things include support, breathability, ease of use, and baby positioning. You have to also consider what type of baby carrier fits your needs, whether wrap, sling, soft structured, or Mei Tai. 

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