How to Choose a Baby Carrier

Among the many necessities for parents of babies and small children, many parents agree that baby carriers sit at the top. A good baby carrier allows busy, active parents to keep their little ones close while tackling any daily adventure hands-free. Whether running errands, exploring the outdoors, or soothing your baby at home, knowing how to choose a baby carrier is essential. With so many types, styles, and features available, how do you pick the right one? In this guide, we’ll walk through how to choose a baby carrier and cover everything from the different types to the important factors to consider, so you and your little one can explore the world in comfort and ease.(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

• Understanding the Different Types of Baby Carriers

• Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Carrier

• How to Choose an Osprey Baby Carrier

• Baby Carrier FAQs

• Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Baby Carrier

Understanding the Different Types of Baby Carriers

Wraps

Baby wraps, also called baby slings, are made of a single, long piece of fabric that wraps around both you and your baby and is tied to secure. Wraps are ideal for newborns and smaller infants, and are compact and easy to store. One of the primary benefits of baby wraps is their versatility; a single baby wrap may be worn on the front, back, or hip, depending on how you tie it. 

Baby wraps can be a great option for everyday wear. They’re secure enough for a variety of daily activities, such as walks or moving around the house, but can have a steep learning curve for tying and adjusting. Additionally, they might not be completely secure enough for higher-intensity activities like hiking or any other activity that can cause a lot of jostling or bouncing. 

Ring Slings

Ring slings, also known simply as baby slings, are a modification of the classic baby wrap with a bit of hardware to make the process easier. The fabric and rings are used to create a pocket for the baby, whose weight works with the rings to “lock” the sling in place. Unlike wraps, a ring sling can be taken off and put back on without needing to be re-tied, so many find it to be an easier option. 

Unlike baby wraps, ring slings offer less versatility in carrying methods and tend to put a significant amount of pressure on the shoulder, making them not ideal for long periods of wear. They’re also not recommended for high-intensity activities, as jostling and bouncing can risk your child’s safety with this baby carrier, too.

Soft-Structured Carriers 

Soft-structured carriers (SSC), also known as buckle baby carriers, are the most common choice for baby carrying. They’re comprised of adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable waist buckle, and a secure seat for your baby. Baby carriers are a much more simple solution to wraps and slings. Simply put the carrier on, sit your baby in the seat, and you’ll be on your way! Most soft-structured carriers also offer plenty of versatility. You can choose to wear them on your front or back, plus you can choose to face your baby toward you or out toward the world. 

Unlike baby wraps and ring slings, soft-structured baby carriers offer greater security for higher-intensity activities. They also accommodate babies and toddlers of all ages as long as they meet the weight limits. A soft-structured baby carrier can be great for everything from a seasonal wildflower hike(Se abre en una nueva ventana) to a day at the park.

Backpack Carriers

Backpack carriers are the most structured type of baby carrier. Like soft-structured carriers, they’re comprised of shoulder straps, a waist buckle, and a seat for your child, but these carriers also offer a lightweight frame that provides structure to the seat and helps support your child’s weight. As suggested by their name, backpack carriers are only worn on your back like a daypack(Se abre en una nueva ventana). 

While backpack carriers tend to be too bulky for everyday use, they’re a go-to for long hikes and excursions that require you to carry your baby for long periods of time. They distribute your baby’s weight much more evenly thanks to the metal frame, making them a more comfortable option for all-day wear. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Carrier 

Choosing a baby carrier can be a big decision. It’s important to carefully think through a range of factors to help guide you toward the right solution. When choosing a baby carrier, consider the following: 

• Baby’s age and weight: Some baby carriers can support your child from birth through early toddlerhood, whereas others may require your baby to be in a more precise age and weight range for use. Be sure to check the age and weight requirements of your specific baby carrier before purchasing. 

• Ease of use: While most baby carriers are easy to use with an extra set of hands, you should choose a carrier that you can easily put on and take off by yourself, too. Similarly, it’s important to consider the learning curve of each type of carrier and how easily they can be adjusted.

• Comfort: If you plan to use your baby carrier regularly, it’s important to find one that’s comfortable. Consider factors like the ergonomics of your baby carrier, whether it can be adjusted to your body’s measurements, and whether it includes padded straps, lumbar support, and weight distribution. 

• Safety: Of course, the safety of your baby in your carrier is of the utmost importance. Ensure that your baby carrier is from a reputable brand and meets safety standards.  

• Durability: Baby carriers will undergo a lot of wear over time, especially if you’re planning on using yours daily or for high-intensity activities. Choose a baby carrier made of durable materials designed to last. 

• Lifestyle: Will you be using your baby carrier for daily errands, traveling, hiking, or any other activity? The best baby carrier is one that fits into your lifestyle and supports your needs. 

How to Choose an Osprey Baby Carrier

Osprey offers a range of the best baby carriers on the market for active parents with a love for nature. Osprey baby carriers are made with bluesign® fabric, the gold standard for sustainable textiles. Choose from the best child carrier backpacks and soft-structured carriers designed for everyday wear, family adventures, and so much more. 

Osprey Poco™ LT(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

The Poco LT is a backpack carrier that’s compact enough for tight spaces and crowded cities and supportive enough to make it among the best baby carriers for shorter hikes and adventures. Its lightweight frame folds flat for storage, making it a great option for travel. You’ll love the adjustable fit and breezy AirScape suspension, and your baby will love the built-in sunshade that provides UPF 50 sun protection. 

Osprey Poco™ SLT(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

For an even more streamlined backpack carrier option, shop the Poco SLT. This is one of our best hiking baby carriers, with the same foldable, lightweight frame, adjustable fit, and AirScape suspension available with the Poco LT. To make this baby carrier more low-profile, we’ve made the sunshade optional. Add it on when you’ll be spending significant time outdoors, and skip it for less bulk when it isn’t needed. 

Osprey Poco™ Soft Child Carrier(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

For daily use, shop the Poco Soft Child Carrier. Enjoy 3 different carry positions to support you and your child as they grow. Plus, you’ll love the support of the extra-wide padded hipbelt and ventilated foam shoulder harness. This pack has just about everything—we’ve even added a removable drool pad! 

Osprey Poco™ Soft Child Carrier LT(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

Looking for a soft-structured baby carrier designed for longer wear? Check out the Poco Soft Child Carrier LT. At just 1.44 lbs, it is even lighter without sacrificing the comfort or functionality of our Poco Soft Child Carrier. 

Osprey Poco™ Child Carrier(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

Whatever your outdoor adventure has in store, the Poco Child Carrier is there to support you. Thanks to a Double Halo harness with front-facing arm loops, loading your child is even easier. Plus, the carrier's adjustable torso length makes it comfortable for both short and tall parents. 

Osprey Poco™ Premium Child Carrier(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

Things can get messy when you’re growing up outdoors(Se abre en una nueva ventana). That’s why we’ve designed the Poco Premium Child Carrier with all the functionality of the Poco Child Carrier, plus a completely removable and machine-washable child cockpit. A little mess should never get in the way of adventure. 

Osprey Poco™(Se abre en una nueva ventana)

For the ultimate in comfort, shop the foundation of our line of baby carriers: the Poco. To keep your baby comfortable all day long, this backpack carrier offers a deluxe child cockpit with ventilation, padding, and anatomical fit. For you, we’ve added a ventilated back panel, aluminum tubing suspension, a seamless structure for unrestricted movement, and a breathable hip wrap to keep air flowing all day long. 

Baby Carrier FAQs

Our baby carrier accessories(Se abre en una nueva ventana) include add-ons to make your life easier. Enjoy an optional sunshade for compatible backpacks, changing backpacks and totes to carry diapers, wipes, and more, and even a carry case to keep any generation of Poco Child Carrier safe. 

Keep your Poco Child Carrier clean by spot-cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For a full refresh, wash soft-structured carriers in cold water on a delicate cycle and allow them to air dry completely before storing them. Never tumble-dry your baby carrier, as it can damage its buckles and fabric. 

Generally speaking, baby carriers should sit tightly on your hips and securely on your shoulders, but never so tight that they’re uncomfortable or painful. Refer to your baby carrier’s manufacturer’s instructions to find exact fit information. 

Wrapping Up: Choosing the Best Baby Carrier

Baby carriers are a must-have for busy parents. Choosing the right carrier can open up the world to you and your baby. For the best baby carriers for active parents, there’s no better choice than Osprey. Explore our line of premium baby carriers, designed to take on whatever your day has in store. Or, use our Packfinder(Se abre en una nueva ventana) to determine the ultimate baby carrier for your needs.