5 Types of Baby Carriers: Which One is Right for You?

5 Types of Baby Carriers: Which One is Right for You?

Newborns are the cutest, most delicious little things on the planet. But their strictly milk diet can plump them up real fast, and before you know it, you feel like you’re carrying a little bowling ball around with you. Your arms hurt, your back hurts, you need two free hands. So, what’s a mama to do? Baby carriers are an absolute must for any registry, they’ll really come in handy during the first few months, even up to a year +, and it’s a great way to bond with your baby while being able to multitask. 

There are 5 popular versions of the baby carrier, and buying all 5 would get really pricey, so which one is right for you? Here’s our breakdown to help you choose: 

Wrap Carrier

The Wrap. There’s a few different brands out there that do the baby wrap really well, one of my personal favorites is the Boba Wrap. It’s basically a really long, durable piece of fabric that you use to wrap around your waist and shoulders and you slide your baby inside. It’s newborn size friendly and you really feel like you have your little piece of heaven so close to your chest.

PRO: It’s definitely the most comfortable of them all. It’s adjustable for all baby sizes and it comes in a lot of different fabrics to help with the warmer and cooler months. 

CON: Can take a while to get used to getting the wrap wrapped correctly. It takes some practice, but it’s worth it. 


Soft Structured Carrier

Soft carriers come with shoulder pads and a thick waistband to help you carry your baby for longer stretches. The baby is resting on your chest in the frog position, which is a position they’re really comfortable in. This is a popular carrier for babies 3-12 months old. 

PRO: Baby is carried in the proper position with no adjustments- hips bent and spread. It helps promote healthy hip development and the baby is in a comfortable position. 

CON: Price. They usually start at $99+. Most soft carriers are designed for infants 3 months or older so if you need it for a newborn, you’ll have to purchase the additional newborn insert. 

Ring Sling

The Ring Sling is another popular one, although it’s not our favorite pick. It looks a little like a sideway large bag with a baby in it. The problem with the ring sling is that most of the baby’s weight is shifted on one shoulder, so if you wear it for too long, you can get shoulder and back pain. 

PRO: Easy to use, and suitable for newborns. 

CON: You can get shoulder and back pain from carrying your baby around for too long.

Backpack Carrier

If you’re a big outdoorsy person, the backpack carrier is a great option for you. This is a good option for babies who are 6 months + and have strong head and neck muscles and can support themselves upright. 

PRO: Great for active parents. It typically has tons of storage space and zippers. 

CON: It’s huge. And expensive. 

Structured Front Carrier

The nice thing about structured baby carriers (like the ergobaby carrier) is that you have a lot of options. You can wear your baby forward facing, back facing and with an insert, you can accommodate a newborn. The baby positioning helps promote healthy hip development, and allows you to wear your baby for longer stretches of time without pain. 

PRO: It feels really sturdy, there’s no way your baby is slipping out of that thing. 

CON: Price. It can get pricey. And they don't make really cute looking ones.

Back to blog

Best Sellers

  • Snugababe™ Sleep Pod
  • Norani Baby Footed zipper onesie in colorful cars

    Footies
  • Norani Baby Pajamas Pink Balloons

    Kids Pajamas
  • Norani Baby Butterflies Layered Dress with Biker Shorts

    Dresses
  • Norani Baby Changing Pad Cover in Colorful Street Cars

    Changing Pad Covers
  • Norani Baby Fitted Crib Sheet in blue and white cherry blossom flowers

    Crib Sheets

What Makes the Snugababe Sleep Pod Different?

The Norani Baby Snugababe Swaddle Sleep Pod features unique arm inserts, a silent velcro and a zipper for easy nighttime diaper changes. Our pods are made from 95% Organic Cotton, 5% Spandex, providing soft breathable fabric with a hint of stretch to make swaddling a breeze. The clever zipper design enables easy diaper changes without disturbing your sleeping baby, promoting longer and more restful sleep for both baby and parents. With its thoughtful design and attention to detail, the Norani Baby Snugababe Sleep Pod is a must-have for parents seeking a comfortable and secure sleep environment for their little ones.

Why is Swaddling So Important?

Swaddling is super important because it makes babies feel safe and cozy, just like they were in mommy's tummy. It helps them sleep better by preventing startle reflex and keeps them warm without overheating. Swaddling is like giving them a gentle hug that calms and comforts them. But remember, make sure to swaddle correctly, leaving room for their little legs and hips to move freely.

Sleep Experts Love Us!

We are so excited that Cara Dumaplin from Taking Cara Babies, an expert sleep trainer, has recommended our Snugababe Swaddle Sleep Pod to new parents looking to promote healthy sleep patterns in their infants. Sleep trainers are experts in the field of infant sleep and can offer valuable advice and guidance to parents struggling with sleep issues. They can also recommend products, like our swaddles, that have been proven to be effective at helping babies sleep more soundly, especially if you have a notorious baby Houdini.