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Best baby carriers and slings 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Find the best baby carrier – we compare slings, wraps and structured carriers and share the pros and cons of each. Plus see what brands such as Ergobaby and BabyBjorn have to offer
Kwane SisuluResearcher/Writer
Baby in a baby carrier

A baby carrier 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 guide we've included everything you need to know before you buy – from the difference between carriers and slings 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.

Compare all 50 baby carriers and baby slings we've tested in our lab

Best baby slings 2024

Our pick of the best baby slings includes two Best Buys, one of which is also Great Value 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


  • Top rated

    • best buy
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
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    • best buy
    • great value
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
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    • Support for adult
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    • Ease of use
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    • Support for adult
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    • Support for adult
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    • Ease of use
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Best baby carriers 2024

See which soft-structured baby carriers were comfortable, sturdy and supportive enough to get our Best Buy recommendation. 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


  • Top rated

    • best buy
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in
    • best buy
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in
    • best buy
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in
    • best buy
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in
    • best buy
    • great value
    • Support for adult
    • Support for child
    • Ease of use
    Test score
    Sign up to reveal

    Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

    Already a member?Log in

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 and sturdy fabrics, as well as good leg and back support for your baby. 

We recommend trying before you buy to check how comfortable a carrier or sling is for you. 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 (less than 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, 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. 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.

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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

Wrap sling baby carrier

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: A wrap provides comfort, versatility and multiple sizes, plus a variety of tying and carrying methods. Excess fabric also makes it suitable for discreet breastfeeding

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, also known as buckle carriers, are widely available and can be two-way or three-way. They range in price from £30-£100 and are suitable for carrying babies from birth up to 18 months (or 12kg), with some capable of carrying up to 20kg.

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

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 to form a pocket for a baby to nestle in. These can cost as little as £15, and are suitable for babies from newborn to toddler. The sling sits on one shoulder, but due to the weight concentrated on one shoulder, it may not be suitable for larger children.

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 might need to buy different sizes if multiple people will be using it

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

Pros: Easy to get on and off, one sling should fit multiple users, 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, with a rucksack-style design and lightweight metal frames or rigid padding, are suitable for carrying a child from six months old up to four years, or 20kg. Secured with shoulder straps and a waist belt, they can stand upright for easy access. Prices range from £50-£100, depending on model and accessories. 

Pros: Lots of adjustments possible, so different people 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 should fit multiple people

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 are suitable from birth up to 35lb (16kg), which is around three or four years old. They provide eye-to-eye contact, discreet breastfeeding and upright positioning. However, not all carriers are suitable for premature or weight-restricted babies. 

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.  

See our selection of the best pushchairs to find out which buggies passed our tests with flying colours

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

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 structured carriers 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 costing less than £30 and 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 owned 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, Infantino or Tula – 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, Infantino and Tula 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.

Check out all our baby carrier and sling reviews for the lowdown on different brands and prices.

BabyBjorn

BabyBjorn baby carrier

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 Mamas & Papas and John Lewis.

See how BabyBjorn carriers and slings fared in our tests.

Ergobaby

Ergobaby baby carrier

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

The brand offers more than 30 carriers in five different styles with a range of patterns, colours and fabrics – such as a mesh-style carrier best suited for hot weather. All are suitable for babies from birth to age three. 

Ergobaby carriers retail prices range from £80-£200 or more, making them more expensive than the average carrier. 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 baby carrier

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 cheaper than rivals, 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 sells a limited range of Infantino baby carriers.

See our take on Infantino carriers and slings.

Tula

Tula baby carrier

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 babies weighing 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?

Whether you're using a sling or a carrier, or are new to both, you'll need to make sure you're informed about how to carry your baby safely and comfortably. This applies to both newborn and older babies. See the T.I.C.K.S and ABC safety principles below.

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 for newborn babies.

T.I.C.K.S safety rules

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.

ABC principles

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

Airways: Maintain a clear airway for your baby by keeping their chin off their chest, keeping them high enough on your chest for monitoring and upright positioning. 

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: Look out for your baby's comfort as well as your own at all times. Practice 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 when deciding to have your baby forward-facing is to ensure they have adequate head and neck control (around four months old) and follow manufacturer's instructions, which may recommend this position from five months or older. 

Cradle position

Cradle carrying is not recommended by most reputable manufacturers due to potential head compressions and airway issues. Bag-style baby slings have been linked to several baby deaths in the USA.

How to tie a baby sling

  1. Find the middle of your sling – many have a label or marker to help with this.
  2. Place in the centre of your torso and wrap the material around to your back.
  3. Cross the two ends of the material over at the back.
  4. Pull up each end of the wrap over your shoulders, ensuring the material is spread evenly across the tops of your shoulders.
  5. Thread the two ends of the material behind the part of the wrap that’s sitting across your stomach.
  6. Cross the ends over and wrap around your back again before tying on your front.
  7. Identify the part of the wrap which is forming the inside panel, nearest to your chest.
  8. Pick up your baby, resting him or her on the opposite shoulder to this inside panel.
  9. Place one of their legs through the material panel, then pull the material up and over the bottom, ensuring it’s pulled right up the thigh to the knees.
  10. Place their other leg through the other material panel and repeat the process.
  11. Your baby’s legs should form an ‘M’ shape.
  12. Thread both your baby’s legs through the horizontal bit of wrap, then pull it up and over their back.
  13. Make sure the material is pulled across so their legs are still forming an ‘M’ shape.
  14. If your baby can't support their own head, turn their head to the side and pull some of the sling material over part of the head for support. Don't completely cover their head, and ensure there’s space for adequate airflow.
  15. Check you’ve followed the T.I.C.K.S. guidance:
  • T: Tight
  • I: In view at all times
  • C: Close enough to kiss
  • K: Keep chin off the chest
  • S: Supported back

If you're struggling to get to grips with written instructions or an online tutorial, a visit to your local sling library could help. As well as having a range of carriers and slings to try out, they can offer tailored advice on how to tie your sling safely and comfortably. Find a sling library near you

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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're 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. Be cautious when buying from third parties or unfamiliar retailers.
  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 from Amazon, eBay and Aliexpress. 
  3. Pay attention to branding. According to Beco, Ergo and Moby, unauthorised online retailers often copy promotional imagery and branding used in legitimate marketing material. 
  4. Check that the colours and designs being sold are legitimate. Counterfeits tend to come in a large range of colours and designs that aren't standard to the brand they're 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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Can I sell my old baby carrier or sling?

Yes, if its still in good condition. The second-hand market is massive, with potential for selling on online marketplaces such as eBay and Facebook, plus NCT 'nearly new' sales. Alternatively, you could donate it to a charity shop or women's shelter.

If carriers or slings are in poor condition, dispose of them in household waste. Alternatively, you can buy a Terracycle Zero Waste Box for old baby items. Although not cheap, they ensure materials are recycled and not disposed of in landfills.

How we test baby carriers and slings

Baby in a baby carrier

Our baby carrier reviews are based on a combination of safety and durability tests (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