3 baby carriers you should try with your newborn

My absolute favorite carriers for the newborn stage!

Being a new parent or parent-to-be can be overwhelming, even before the baby is born!  And you know what doesn’t help?  Trying to choose between a million and one options of everything from strollers to cribs to diaper bags to baby carriers.  One of the most common emails I get is from expectant moms who are completely overwhelmed with choices and are wondering what carriers to try first.  I totally get it – there are indeed a lot of choices out there!  As babywearing is become more and more popular in the last ten years, the number of brands and styles has multiplied.

So if you’re an expectant parent, or you have a newborn baby but haven’t chosen a carrier yet, this post is for you.  if you have no clue how to begin, start your babywearing journey with one of these three carriers.

A Stretchy Wrap

A wrap with some stretch in it is one of my favorite carriers to introduce to new parents.  While wraps can seem intimidating at first, stretchy wraps are actually beautifully simple once you get over the fact that the carrier is six yards of fabric.  Yes, you’ll have to practice tying it on you a few times initially, but once you do, you’ll find it easy to pop baby in and out of the wrap without even untying it.  A wrap keeps your baby super snuggly and secure against you, making it easy to get on with other tasks of your life while keeping your little one close.  With a little practice, they can also be used for very secure breastfeeding.  And, since stretchy wraps are typically one size fits all, they will work for just about anyone in your family who wants to wear them!

Two wraps I highly recommend: the Moby Wrap and the Wrapsody Hybrid.  Moby Wraps come in mostly solid colors and in a range of fabrics, including organic cotton and bamboo (which has natural UV protection in it).  Mobys are a great starter wrap because of their lower price.  We recommend them up until 4-6 months of age.

Wrapsody Hybrid wraps are slightly less stretchy and offer more support, so they can be used for a longer period of time (up to at least a year or longer) and can also be used for back carries.  Wrapsody wraps are hand-dyed so they come in unique patterns and colorways.

Note: if it’s super hot/summer where you live, consider the Wrapsody Duo instead.  It is very stretchy, but very cool, dries quickly and can be used in the water!

A Ring Sling

Ring slings are also super snuggly, and they are quite simple  to put on.  I think ring slings are especially lovely for quick errands and for those times when you need to get baby cuddled up fast.  A ring sling is a great value because it works well when baby is little, but is also wonderful for hip carriers when they get bigger and have head control.  Ring slings are one-shouldered, so I think you need to include a two-shouldered carrier as well, for the sake of your body and also for when you need to be active (chasing a toddler or doing heavy housework) .  But no other carriers beats the ease and simplicity of a ring sling so definitely consider adding one to your parenting tool kit!

Two ring slings to consider: the Sakura Bloom Classic Linen and the Maya Wrap.   These are both great slings and you can’t go wrong with either one.  Plus-sized parents over size 18 or so should consider the Maya Wrap, as it has sizes (SBs are one-size).  Both of these ring slings are comfortable, light and good workhorse slings.   If you need a budget option, the Beco Ring Sling is getting great reviews from the CMA Mom Squad!

A Buckle Carrier that doesn’t need an infant insert

I’m including a buckle carrier in this list because about 80% of our customers are looking for one!

While a buckle carrier doesn’t have the snuggliness of a wrap, most of us have seen a buckle carrier and feel comfortable with the concept – that makes a buckle carrier one of the easier carriers to get started with.  Buckle carriers are also the most dad-friendly (although of course there are dads who wrap and sling their babies!).

If you want to start with a buckle carrier, I strongly recommend one that doesn’t require an infant insert.  Infant inserts can and certainly do work, but many customers find them hot and bulky and sometimes a bit challenging to position properly.  Most of the carriers that use infant inserts were designed as carriers for babies six months and older – the inserts are simply a way to make the carrier usable for a newborn.

My favorite baby carriers for the first six months are the Tula Free-to-Grow, the Beco Gemini and the Boba Carrier.  All three of these carriers can be used without an infant insert and can be used up to 35 or 45 lbs, so they will last well into the second year of your child’s life.  They can also be used on your back once baby is older.   The Beco Gemini has a more padded body and a headrest that flips up and down.  It can also face forward.  The Boba has a thinner fabric on the body, making it cooler in the heat.  The Tula Free-to-Grow has a soft cotton body and three positions to adjust from newborn to the same size as the Standard Tula.

The Lillebaby Complete is another one to consider, but some new babywearers find all the positions/options a bit confusing!  The Lillebaby Complete Airflow is a great choice if you live in a hot climate (or have your baby during the summer).  Lillebabys are also great if you are on a budget and need an extremely versatile carrier.

So there you have it: my top three recommendations for newborn carriers.  Now all you have to do is choose a color!