Are you looking for the best baby carrier for nursing? Breastfeeding while babywearing is the ultimate hack! It definitely takes some practice, but can be the miracle you need on those days when your baby just won’t let you put them down. Or if you’re out and about and want to multi-task while carrying your baby and feeding!
We’ll go over the best baby carrier for nursing, as well as things to consider when choosing the right one for you and your baby!
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Baby Carrier for Nursing
Did you know the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) actually recommends babywearing! The AAP states babywearing promotes a healthy parent-infant attachment and baby development.
As a new mom, babywearing was life-changing for me! And even more so the second time around, when I had a toddler that also needed my attention.
Being hands-free not only gives you the opportunity to complete other tasks, but is also an incredible way to bond with your baby. Being able to babywear and breastfeed at the same time can be so comforting for your baby. And make life a bit easier for mama!
The baby carriers on this list aren’t just exclusive to nursing mothers. They are great quality carriers for anyone to use, but provide a little more ease of use for breastfeeding than other baby carriers.
Here are some important things to consider when choosing the right baby carrier for you and your family!
Safety
Of course any item you place your baby in should be designed to keep your baby safe. And should be the #1 priority when choosing the right carrier.
Be sure the carrier you use is designed for healthy hip development in infants with the proper positioning. You want your baby’s butt and legs to make an M shape when in the carrier. You DO NOT want to see your baby’s legs hanging straight down.
Look for baby carriers that are rated Hip Healthy Certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, so you know the carrier will support your baby’s hips in the safest position.
Also, be sure you check the size limits on the carrier you purchase. Some may not be compatible for newborns, while others may only carry up to a certain weight such as 35 pounds.
It’s also important to follow the wearing positions recommended by the specific manufacturer of your baby carrier. A structured carrier may have the ability to carry facing-in, facing-out, hip carry, and back carry. Newborn babies will need to always be facing in. But as your baby grows your carrier type will determine the criteria for when you can change to different positions.
Other safety issues to be aware of: making sure your baby’s airway is open properly for breathing and reducing overheating.
Support
Some baby carriers are more supportive than others. If you experience any back or neck pain, you may want to choose a carrier that has more built-in support. Some of them offer a lower back strap or lumbar pad and wider shoulder straps for extra support.
Comfort
Being that I live in Florida, I definitely have to consider the fabric when choosing my baby carrier. I prefer a fabric that has a bit more airflow, but that may not be as important to you.
Comfort also matters with the type of carrier you choose. You may find that you feel more comfortable with a wrap rather than a sling. If you’re really unsure, I recommend going to a store like Target or Buy Buy Baby that has baby carriers out for you to touch. You may be able to try them on so you can get a feel for them before making a purchase.
Style
There are a few different styles you will see when purchasing a baby carrier. Here’s a little breakdown so you can get a better idea of what they are.
- Baby Wrap Carrier: This is one long piece of fabric that you tie around your body to carry your baby in. These can provide good back support since they cross in the back and wrap around the lower back. They can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of them. There are also pre-wrapped carriers for people who really don’t want to deal with the tying, but still want that wrap feel.
- Ring Sling Carrier: A ring sling is similar to a wrap in that it uses a long piece of fabric, but it loops through a ring to provide support and carry the baby. The ring sling gives you a similar wrap-wearing feeling, but allows you to carry your baby or your chest, hip, or back.
- Mei Tai Carrier: Mei Tai is like a combination between a wrap and a buckle carrier. It provides the prepared body you place your baby in and then you tie the fabric around your body for extra support.
- Structured Carrier: A structured carrier or soft structured carrier is worn like a backpack. With shoulder straps and a padded carrying pack that can be placed on your chest, hip, or back. It includes buckles and straps to adjust. Some can carry from newborn babies up to toddler age, and provide a lot of support. They can however be a bit bulky and warmer when wearing.
Ease of Use
Ideally, you want to choose a baby carrier that you are able to properly put on without any help. You may not always have an extra hand when you need to put the carrier on. This may take some practice at first, but make sure you choose something that you know you’ll be able to master at some point.
Ability for Privacy
If you’re looking for a baby carrier to breastfeed in and you like to cover up while nursing in public, then a baby carrier that has the ability to provide privacy may be important to you! Some baby carriers have a fabric you can pull over your baby’s head for sun protection or cover up for privacy while nursing.
However, if you find a baby carrier you love that doesn’t offer much privacy, you can always throw a nursing cover on top while breastfeeding.
And if you don’t mind nursing in public, don’t worry about this option and nurse on, mama!
Durability
Most well-known baby carrier brands on the market provide really durable materials to last for years. If you invest in a high-quality baby carrier, you can use it for multiple babies.
Cost
Baby carriers can range anywhere from $30-$250. Baby carrier wraps tend to be on the lower range and structured baby carriers will be a bit more costly.
Multiple Users
If you plan to have someone other than just yourself using the baby carrier, you may want to keep this in mind when deciding which one is right for your family.
Baby carrier wraps will be fairly easy to switch back and forth from different caretakers, since you can adjust the fabric to your body shape. If you’re choosing a structured baby carrier, find one that you can easily adjust the different straps and buckles when switching back and forth between different users.
Washing
Check if the baby carrier can be thrown in the washing machine, or if it needs to be hand-washed. Between drooling, spit-up, and breastfeeding, your carrier may get a bit dirty.
If you don’t mind hand-washing, then don’t worry about this. But if you’re a busy mom and don’t have the time, then throwing in the washing machine will be an important factor for you!
Best Baby Carrier Wraps
Best Baby Carrier Wrap: Solly Baby Wrap
Click to buy WRAP – Blush Swiss Dot | Click to buy WRAP – Harvest
Solly Baby wraps are hands down my favorite wraps in those early months with my babies. The signature fabric is buttery-soft and breathable, great for mom and baby! The fabric is sustainably made from 100% certified Lenzing modal that is sourced from the pulp of Austrian Beechwood trees.
Solly Baby wraps are made in the USA and sewn in Los Angeles. The fabric is really lightweight, which is helpful for the hot Florida climate I live in! It’s perfect for baby wearing year-round.
They provide a custom fit, perfect for petite or plus size! And it’s also machine washable! Throw it in on a cold gentle wash and tumble dry low and the quality remains the same.
All of the materials and dyes they use are environmentally friendly and clean, so you don’t have to worry about any chemicals here!
These wraps are designed for babies up to 25 pounds, and are Hip Healthy Certified.
As for breastfeeding in these wraps, the fabric is very stretchy yet secure. Because you can customize the fit by making the wrap as loose or tight as you’d like, you can place your baby in the wrap securely and then stretch to loosen and lower your baby to the breast.
The wraps come in over 20 different beautiful colors and patterns, and they come up with new designs often.
Runner Up: Boba Serenity Wrap
The Boba Serenity Wrap is a close second to the Solly Baby wraps. The wrap is made from a soft and breathable bamboo blend. The Boba Serenity Wraps are lightweight and provide more bounce and stretch than their original Classic Wraps.
The Boba wrap is made for one size fits all, great for petite moms to plus size moms. It’s also machine washable and Hip Healthy Certified!
Boba states the wrap is designed from birth up to 35 pounds, but works best up to 20 pounds.
Because it is a more stretchy wrap, it is also breastfeeding friendly and easily adjustable to drop your baby down to a supportive position at your breast for nursing.
More Affordable: CuddleBug Baby Wrap Carrier
The CuddleBug Wrap is a great, budget-friendly option! If you’re on the fence about babywearing or don’t plan to do it very often, this is a great option.
This wrap is made from a gentle fabric blend of 95% French Terry Cotton and 5% Spandex that feels like a T-shirt but is supportive for your baby. It’s also machine washable.
There is a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on the wrap, and they give back a portion of the purchase to the Guatemalan charity “Long Way Home” which provides self-sufficient schools for communities in need.
There are no claims that the wrap is Hip Healthy Certified, but they do state that the CuddleBug baby wrap ensures comfortable, ergonomic hip development.
The CuddleBug wrap is also great to breastfeed in, since the supportive stretchy fabric allows for adjusting to lower your baby to the breast while remaining supported.
Easiest: Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier
If you’re intimidated by the learning curve of tying a traditional wrap, then you might just love the Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier. This infant carrier is a no-wrap wrap that you just slip over your head like a T-shirt. No rings, belts, buckles, or excess fabric!
It’s made from a soft, breathable fabric that is 100% cotton. The wrap can be used for 5 different positions from a sling wrap for premies and newborns to an upright seated carrier for newborns up to 35 pounds.
Baby K’tan Original Wrap is Hip Healthy Certified! And also comes in multiple different size options from XXS to XL (indicates size 0-24 on their sizing chart). The sizing range is awesome, but may not work for your family if you’re wanting to share the wrap with another family member who is a different size than you.
The wrap is machine washable and dryer safe!
Because of the stretchy fabric and adjustability, this wrap is also breastfeeding friendly!
Easiest Runner Up: Konny Baby Carrier
The Konny Baby Carrier is similar to the Baby K’tan because of the ease of no wrapping. You slip this one overtop just like a T-shirt as well. However, the Konny also includes a sash that you tie around yourself and your baby for a more supportive and snug fit.
The carrier is made from a Poly Cotton Span fabric and can hold a bit higher weight range, from newborn up to 44 pounds. The fabric also offers UPF 40 sun protection.
It’s completely hassle-free and very lightweight. The Konny Baby Carrier has wide shoulder straps that evenly distribute your baby’s weight across your upper body. So if you struggle with neck pain, this may be a good option for you!
The Konny Baby Carrier is Hip Healthy Certified and also comes in multiple different size options from 2XS to 5XL (indicates size 0-24 on their sizing chart). As with the Baby K’tan, it can be hard to share this wrap with a different body type caretaker. These wraps need to fit like a snug-fitting T-shirt so you may not be able to share.
The wrap can be machine washed, but must be washed separately and must dry naturally in the shade (due to color fading).
If you want to nurse in this carrier, you need to make sure you can pull the back of the wrap up high enough to get your baby lowered down to your breast. If you have a short torso or larger breasts, this may not be the best option for you.
Extended Breastfeeding Option: Solly Baby Loop Carrier
Click to buy LOOP CARRIER – Baltic Stitch | Click to buy LOOP CARRIER – Creamy Grid
If you’re looking for a baby carrier option for an older baby, or a baby weighing more than 25 pounds and love the feel of a wrap, then you will LOVE the Solly Baby Loop Carrier! It is similar to a sling with its hidden loop feature, but gives the feel of a wrap. And it is made of a more supportive fabric to hold more weight.
The Loop Carrier is made from 100% organic cotton and is woven for additional support. Because of this, the fabric is a bit stiffer and harder to adjust but with time and washing it gets softer.
It can hold babies from 15 to 45 pounds and comes in extended sizes, so perfect for many body types!
It’s machine washable, Hip Healthy Certified, and very supportive.
The Loop Carrier is perfect for a mama who is extended breastfeeding (breastfeeding beyond one year) and is on the go! Adjust the loop to drop your baby a bit lower to the breast and you’re good to go.
Best Ring Sling Baby Carriers
Best Ring Sling Baby Carrier: Wildbird Ring Sling
Click to buy Wildbird Ring Sling
These ring slings by Wildbird are so stunning and eye-catching! They were created and made by stay-at-home moms in Salt Lake City, Utah. The slings are made from 100% natural linen, woven with luxurious Belgian linen fibers. The fabric is pre-washed and softened, and becomes softer with each use and wash.
The linen is light and airy, making it more breathable. It’s also stronger and more durable than a cotton baby carrier. The ring slings are dyed using low-impact dyes, which are kind to the Earth and your baby’s delicate skin.
Designed to be safe for babies from newborn to 35 pounds. The cool thing about the ring slings is that you can wear your baby on the front, hip, or back. They are also Hip Healthy Certified!
Wildbird ring slings fold compactly and are multi-purpose. They can be used as a sunshade, blanket, nursing cover, and more.
The slings are offered in two sizes: standard (74″) and long (90″). Long is intended to fit plus-size or tall (6ft+) wearers. They also provide one-on-one babywearing education and support, which is pretty awesome!
The ring slings are offered in solid, pattern, or modal fabrics with so many beautiful options to choose from!
Washing can be a bit more time-consuming with these slings, but I believe it’s worth it! For the linen slings, hand wash or machine wash on gentle. And for the modal, it is recommended to hand or spot wash.
Ring slings also have a bit of a learning curve, but some wearers love them even more than wraps once they get the hang of them. The thicker fabric can make it a bit harder to adjust, but it remains supportive through carrying.
Runner Up: Nalakai Ring Slings
Nalakai ring slings (formerly known as Pura Vida ring slings) were created by a family in Costa Rica. The slings are made of a custom woven blend of sustainably sourced bamboo and linen. The bamboo makes the sling super soft and stretchy while the linen makes it durable and supportive.
The bamboo is sustainably grown without harsh chemicals or fertilizers and is even UV reflective. And it doesn’t require breaking in like linen-only baby carriers.
They are easily adjustable to achieve the right support, and breastfeed your baby! The ring sling will fit everyone, from petite to plus size. They are not Hip Healthy Certified, but they are compliant with CPSIA 2008 and ASTM safety standards and have a large focus on healthy hips to reduce hip dysplasia.
They come in many different beautiful colors. And 5% of the profits go to Cepia, a charity supporting low-income families in Costa Rica.
Nalakai slings are all machine washable. Just wash on gentle and hang dry!
The stretchier fabric may make it easier to adjust, but can at times feel not as supportive and may need some adjusting to get better support.
Best Structured Baby Carriers
Best Structured Baby Carrier: LilleBaby 6-in-1 Complete
Click to buy Complete All Seasons | Click to buy Complete AirFlow
LilleBaby offers two different types of Complete Carriers – the Complete All Seasons and the Complete AirFlow. The Complete All Seasons offers a zip-down front panel that is mesh and allows for better control of your baby’s temperature. The Complete AirFlow is great for families living in warm climates, or babies that get warm really easily as the whole carrier is mesh.
With the LilleBaby Complete Carrier, you can carry your baby six different ways: fetal position (0-3 months), infant inward (0-12M), ergonomic outward (6-18M), hip (6M+), toddler inward (6M+), and back (6M+).
Features a storage pocket for your essentials and a customizable fit. Two-way adjustable straps, extendable back panel, lumbar support, and adaptable seat. Perfect for switching back and forth between multiple caretakers. You can also wear the straps crossed in the back for even more support.
They are generously padded with an extra-wide waistband to reduce strain on your shoulders and back. It also includes a really nice extendable back panel that folds down when your baby is forward-facing. Or can be buckled upward when your baby is facing inward to provide extra head and neck support.
LilleBaby Complete Carrier is Hip Healthy Certified. This carrier can be used with infants and toddlers from 7-45 pounds, and does not require an infant insert.
All Complete Carriers are machine washable, and need to be hung to dry.
Lillebaby Carriers also come with an adjustable and removable stow-away sleeping hood that goes up over your baby’s head onto your shoulders. This provides sun and rain protection, support for your baby’s head and shade while sleeping, and privacy for nursing!
The LilleBaby carriers are extremely durable and will last you forever! I’ve been using mine for almost 4 years now! They do take up more space than a wrap or sling when not in use, but will last from baby to large toddler age. I absolutely love mine.
Runner Up: ErgoBaby Omni 360 All Position Baby Carrier
The ErgoBaby Omni 360 is very similar to the LilleBaby Complete Carriers. However, they are a bit more pricey.
They include a lot of the same great features such as padded lumbar back support and padded shoulder straps that can also be crossed. Large removable storage pouch, and UPF hood for sun protection and privacy while nursing.
The ErgoBaby Carrier includes carry positions inward, front-outward, hip, and back. Grows with baby from newborn to toddler (7-45 pounds). The Ergo Omni 360 does not require a newborn insert. (Just be careful when buying because the Ergo 360 does)
The ErgoBaby Omni 360 is made from 100% premium cotton. This makes the carrier really soft but can also get a bit hot in warmer climates.
ErgoBaby is Hip Healthy Certified and completely adjustable for a customized fit. Perfect for switching back and forth between different caretakers.
These carriers are also extremely durable and can last for years and multiple babies.
Best for Plus Size Moms: Tula Explore Baby Carrier
Click to buy Linen Rain | Click to buy Coast Graphite
Tula has a wide range of baby carriers to choose from, all the way up to preschool age.
The Explore Baby Carrier is made from 100% cotton and includes a large mesh panel to improve ventilation and breathability. It includes padded shoulders and a padded waistband to be comfortable for the wearer.
The body panel where the baby sits is also less bulky than most carriers. And includes an easier design to adjust the width settings as your baby grows from newborn to toddler.
The carry positions include front facing out, facing in, and back. If you want to hip carry with your carrier, then you may want to select a different option on the list. The Tula can be used from newborn to toddler (7-45 pounds), and no infant insert is required.
This carrier is great for plus-sized moms due to the additional webbing on the hip belt that allows the waistband to extend a total of 57″ long.
It also includes the removable mesh hood which provides sun protection and privacy while nursing.
The Tula Explore does not include the extra lumbar support. But if you love this carrier and that’s important to you, it can be purchased separately.
Best for Newborns: ErgoBaby Embrace Baby Carrier
The ErgoBaby Embrace Baby Carrier was designed just for newborns, carrying from 7 to 25 pounds. Even though the Embrace is perfect for newborns, it can still hold a baby up to 12-18 months old depending upon their size.
The Embrace Carrier is made from Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Knit fabric that is resistant to pilling or fading, and is resilient and ultra-soft.
This carrier is more compact and easily rolls up and fits in a diaper bag! It contains cross straps in the back for more support and cushioned neck support for the baby.
It’s Hip Healthy Certified and fits from petite to plus size! This carrier is perfect for switching back and forth between different users.
It includes three carry positions: newborn, baby facing in, and baby facing out. And you can machine wash and hang dry!
Breastfeeding is a breeze in this carrier. The only con is there is no hood to pull over your baby, so there is not as much privacy in this carrier (and no sun protection). However, if that’s something you’re concerned about you can always drape a lightweight blanket or breastfeeding cover over your shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you breastfeed with a baby carrier?
Yes! This can be done with a baby carrier that will remain supportive while carrying your baby at a lower position at the breast. You want to ensure that once your baby is done nursing, you adjust your carrier and bring them back up to the safe and appropriate position.
How do you breastfeed and carry a baby?
Be sure to wear clothing that provides easy nursing access. Pulling up a shirt while your baby is in the carrier would be extremely difficult. So wear something with buttons, V-neck, or a stretchy neckline to pull down to nurse.
Adjust your baby carrier of choosing until your baby is dropped down closer to your breast. You want them to remain in a supported, upright position with the ability to move their head and neck. Once your baby has a good latch, you can tighten the carrier for more support if possible, ensuring your baby’s face isn’t pressed into your breast.
How long can you carry baby in a carrier?
You can carry your baby for about an hour to two at a time. After that, take your baby out to allow their hips to move around and take a break from the carrier. After a short break, you can return your baby to the carrier if you wish.
When to start using a baby carrier?
You can start wearing your baby as soon as you’re home from the hospital, depending upon the carrier you choose. Most brands recommend your baby be at least 7 pounds, so make sure to follow the manufacturer of your baby carrier’s recommendations.
Nursing may be difficult with a brand new newborn, as you both are still learning. I recommend waiting until breastfeeding is more established to start nursing your baby in the carrier.
Can you wear your baby too much?
There is no such thing as holding your baby too much! The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) even states that holding your baby won’t spoil them, and will meet your infant’s basic needs to feel safe.
Which baby carriers are best for newborns?
Any carrier that meets their weight limit and positions their head, neck, and hips safely. I prefer wraps for my newborns as they feel more secure with the comfort of a hug.
Are baby slings safe for newborns?
Yes! As long as they meet the same safety criteria like weight limit and healthy positions for their head, neck, and hips. It’s best to keep babies in an upright position, supporting their head and neck to not close off their airways.
And be sure the extra fabric with the sling isn’t covering their nose and mouth at all.
Can you breastfeed with a baby wrap?
Yes, you can breastfeed with a baby wrap! This will definitely take some patience and practice adjusting. With older babies, it will get easier. But if you’re doing it with a new baby, you may want to use one hand to help support your baby’s head and neck until you get the hang of it.
Can you breastfeed with a baby sling?
Yes, you can breastfeed with a baby sling! Baby slings are easier to carry baby at a recline, which makes it easier to get them to the breast. You can also use the tail of the ring sling for privacy while nursing.
Can you breastfeed with a baby carrier?
Yes, you can breastfeed with a baby carrier! These are probably the easiest to adjust to lower your baby down to the breast and bring them back up when they’re finished. They aren’t the most comfortable and are a bit more bulky. However, they will last your baby from newborn to toddler.
You can’t go wrong with any baby carrier option on this list! It’s just a matter of finding something that works for you and your baby! I hope this list helped you find the perfect baby carrier. Enjoy those baby snuggles, mama!
Other Posts You May Like:
- Creative Ideas for What to Do with Extra Breast Milk
- How to Use a Haakaa Pump: Tips for Breastfeeding Moms
- How Many Baby Bottles Do I Need?: Guide for New Moms
- Complete Guide for How Often to Replace Your Breast Pump Parts
- The Best Proven Ways to Increase Your Breastfeeding Milk Supply
