Best baby carriers and slings 2023: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Choosing the right baby carrier, sling or wrap is the key to getting to grips with baby wearing. It 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 handy guide, we've included everything you need to know before you buy a baby carrier – from the difference between carriers and slings, and the specifics of popular brands, 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.

Best baby slings 2023

Here's our pick of the Best Buy baby slings to keep an eye out for this year, including two Great Value products to keep your baby safe and secure without breaking the bank. 

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Best baby carriers 2023

See which soft-structured baby carriers were comfortable, sturdy and supportive enough to earn a Best Buy. Our favourite choices all had even weight distribution and many offered multiple seating positions.

Only logged-in Which? members can view our recommendations in the table below. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Tables last checked April 2023

See all our baby carrier and sling reviews to compare models and prices.

How to buy the best baby carrier or sling

1. Comfort

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

To check how comfortable a carrier or sling is for you, we recommend trying it before you buy. 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 (equivalent to a small 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 plant 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, or you don't want to spend time learning how to adjust a complicated wrap or carrier, 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, and 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.

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: Baby's weight is well distributed, making the wrap more comfortable over long time periods. It can also be folded and used as a blanket or changing mat, and there are numerous sizes, tying and carrying methods to try. Excess fabric can be used for discreet breast-feeding, too

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, or buckle carriers, are the most widely available type. Most are either two-way or three-way carriers, which reflects the number of positions you can carry your baby in.

The price can range from £30-100 or more, depending on features and brands. Most are appropriate for carrying from birth up to 18 months (or 12kg), but some can carry up to 20kg.

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

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 and folded to form a pocket in which your baby nestles. The sling goes over one shoulder like a sash, and your baby sits in the pouch on the front or back.

These can cost as little as £15, and are suitable for carrying a newborn up to a toddler. As most of the weight is concentrated on one shoulder, you may not want to use this as your child gets larger.

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'll likely need different sizes for each parent

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 between £30-60, and can carry newborns up to toddlers (or 15kg).

Pros: Easy to get on and off, one sling should fit both parents, 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 have a rucksack-style appearance and are usually supported by a light metal frame or rigid padding. You secure it using padded shoulder straps and a waist belt, and those with metal frames can stand upright, making it easier to get baby in and out.

Depending on the model and accessories included, these can range between £50-100 or more. They'll be suitable for carrying a six-month-old, up until they are about four years old (or 20kg).

Pros: Lots of adjustments possible, so both parents 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 can be worn by either parent

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

Decided on the type for you? Now browse all our slings and carrier reviews.

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.

If you're still not sure, you can compare baby carriers and baby slings with help from our expert reviews.

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 – pros and cons

Front baby carriers can be used from birth as long as your baby meets the minimum weight requirement, and most go up to 35lb (16kg), which is around three or four years. You can see eye-to-eye with baby, which is great for bonding, and breastfeed more discreetly. They're also useful if your baby needs to be kept upright after feeding, or doesn’t want to be put down.

However, not all front carriers are suitable from birth – for example, if your baby is premature or doesn't meet the minimum weight requirement. And older babies might 'grow out' of wanting to be carried on your front.

Back baby carriers – pros and cons

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.  

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How much do you need to spend on a baby carrier or sling?

We’ve found some of the Best Buy baby carriers and slings cost from around £40 upwards, so there's no need to spend a fortune. Generally, fabric wraps and slings are cheaper than soft-structured carriers, but the latter tend to last you for longer because they provide more support for older babies.

Be wary when looking at very cheap carriers and slings, though – our safety test uncovered serious failures with a range of cheap carriers and slings, all under £30, bought from Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress.

We now highlight Great Value baby carriers and slings – these carriers must have scored at least 70% in our testing, but are also at least 20% cheaper than the average price for baby carriers and slings we've tested. 

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What are the most important features when buying a baby sling or carrier?

In February 2022, we surveyed 2,004 parents with a child under five who own a sling or carrier, and asked them what their most important considerations were. 

Here are the top five:

1. Supportive for the child (53%)
2. Comfortable for the child (50%)
3. Safe and durable (43%)
4. Comfortable for the wearer (40%)
5. Easy to put on and take off (33%)

Our baby carrier and sling reviews check all of these features during our testing – find out more about how we test baby carriers and slings by reading our guide.

BabyBjorn, Ergobaby, Tula or Infantino – which brand is best for a baby carrier?

There are so many available options, it can be hard to know which brand is best for your needs.

BabyBjorn, Ergobaby, Tula and Infantino are some of the most searched-for brands of baby carriers at the time of writing. We've briefly summarised them below, so you can get a better idea of what they have to offer.

Make sure you check out all our baby carrier and sling reviews for the lowdown on different brands and prices.

BabyBjorn

BabyBjorn has been making baby carriers since the early 1970s. Its carriers are structured, and often feature a sturdy waist belt and straps that click together. They come in a range of patterns and colours, usually quite muted, in black, grey or beige.

Baby Bjorn carriers are pricier than average, with older versions available for around £90 and more recent models costing up to £200 or more. There are accessories available, too, such as attachable teething pads and a bib to protect the upper part of the carrier.

You can buy Baby Bjorn carriers direct from the BabyBjorn website, as well as other major retailers such as John Lewis and Mamas & Papas.

See how BabyBjorn carriers and slings performed in our tests.

Ergobaby

Ergobaby makes soft structured carriers (SSC) usually comprised of a sturdy waist belt and straps that buckle together. They also make a soft fabric sling – the Aura – which was launched at the end of 2017.

With more than 30 carriers in five different styles of categories, Ergobaby carriers are designed to carry your baby from birth up to age three. There's a range of patterns, colours and fabrics available, including a mesh-style option that's designed to keep you cooler in hot weather.

Ergobaby carriers are more expensive than average, retailing from around £80-200 or more, depending on the model. The Aura wrap costs around £50.

You can buy these carriers directly from the Ergobaby website, as well as John Lewis and other independent baby stores.

Discover how Ergobaby carriers and slings stand up to other brands.

Infantino

Infantino currently stocks a range of 12 different baby carriers, most of which are soft-structured carriers.

Some models, such as the Upscale Customizable Carrier, are designed to have multiple carrying positions for baby so you can find the most comfortable. There are Infantino models to accommodate babies from birth to up to toddlerhood, and many can adjust as your baby gets bigger. 

Infantino's carriers are more affordable than its competitors, with the cheapest model starting at around £25 and pricier options costing up to £70.

You can't buy directly from the Infantino website. Argos also sells a limited range of Infantino baby carriers.

See our take on Infantino carriers and slings.

Tula

Tula sells a large range of both soft-structured carriers and ring slings, which come in a huge variety of colours and patterns including florals, animals and neutral tones.

Its Free-to-Grow range is designed to fit snugly from newborn (3kg) to toddler (20kg), and each carrier costs around £120. Its Explore collection, which is designed to have multiple holding positions, is a little pricier at around £155. Ring Slings from Tula cost around £70, but can only hold up to around 16kg.

You can shop directly from the Tula website to find your perfect baby carrier or sling.

Find out more about Tula carriers and slings with our expert reviews.

Are baby slings safe for newborns?

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 from birth. 

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Babywearing safety 

Whether you're using a sling or carrier, or are new to both, you will need to make sure you're informed about how to carry your baby safely and comfortably.

Baby sling safety

The UK Sling Consortium recommends that baby sling wearers follow the 'T.I.C.K.S' rule for safe use. It's really important to follow these rules when using a baby carrier, especially for a young baby.

Baby carrier safety

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

Airways: Make sure your baby always has a clear and open airway by keeping their chin off their chest and allowing space for air to circulate around their face. Keep your baby high enough on your chest that you can kiss the top of their head, so that you can monitor their breathing and keep them in an upright position.

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: It's important to look out for your baby's comfort as well as your own at all times. Practise 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 is that if you decide to have your baby forward-facing, you must only do so when they have adequate head and neck control.

This may be around four months old, but could be much later, especially if your baby was premature or has low muscle tone. Follow the manufacturer's instructions – some may only recommend this position from five months or older, or they may suggest that you only put your baby in this position for limited periods of time.

Cradle position

Cradle carrying is not recommended, as the baby's head may become bent forward and compress their airway. Most reputable manufacturers will not recommend you carry your baby in this way.

Bag-style baby slings, where the baby is positioned lying down against the carrier's body, have been implicated in the deaths of several babies in the USA.

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How long can a baby stay in a carrier?

You can carry your child in a sling or baby carrier for as long as they are content and you’re happy carrying them. Make sure the sling is adjusted properly and that your baby is comfortable. 

We’d advise starting with a short 10-minute carry to let your baby get used to the carrier, then gradually extend this to longer periods. Always pay close attention to your child’s needs, and switch between the baby carrier and, for example, a pushchair or carrycot, as needed.

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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 you're buying from. Be cautious when buying from third parties or unfamiliar retailers, as these can sometimes be online scams.
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, all under £30, bought from Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress. 
3. Look closely at the use of branding. We heard from Moby, Beco and Ergo that unauthorised online retailers copy the promotional imagery and branding used in legitimate marketing material, which can make it more difficult to spot a dodgy retailer.
4. Check that the colours and designs being sold are legitimate. Counterfeits tend to sell a large range of colours and designs that aren't standard to the brand they are 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 misspellings in the text. 

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What should I do with an old baby carrier or sling?

The second-hand market for baby carriers and slings is massive, and if yours is in good condition, you may be able to sell it via an online marketplace such as eBay or Facebook, or via an NCT 'nearly new' sale. 

Charity shops and women's shelters also welcome donations, so long as the carrier or sling is clean and in good condition.

If the carrier or sling is in poor condition (frayed straps or missing parts), then it's best to dispose of it. It can be placed in household waste or, alternatively, you can purchase a Terracycle Zero Waste Box for old baby items. 

These boxes aren't cheap, but if you're getting rid of lots of stuff, they're a good way to ensure the materials get recycled rather than going into landfill.

How we test baby carriers and slings

Our baby carrier reviews are based on a combination of safety and durability (based on British standards) and comfort assessments from experienced ergonomists.

We also take data from our user trials, where we take into account real parents' experiences of using the baby carriers on a day-to-day basis.

Want to know more? Read about how we test safety and durability in our guide on how we test baby carriers and slings.