Best baby carriers and slings for 2024, tried and tested by parents

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When you become a parent, you’ll soon learn how to do things one-handed. From eating dinner with a baby in one hand and a fork in the other, to vacuuming the carpet while holding a little helper on your hip, you’ll find skills you never knew you had.

But if you want to give yourself a break from time to time, a baby carrier will allow you to keep your baby close and have two hands available for whatever you need to do. This is especially useful during the newborn phase when most babies need to be held constantly.

Studies have shown that babies who are carried regularly have more stable heart and breathing rates, spend less time crying and more time in a state of quiet alertness. All of that energy that isn’t wasted on crying and fussing can be spent on growing, learning and thriving instead.

Baby carriers are also a lifesaver for days out. There’s no need to collapse a pram into a car and then unfold it again at the other end. Simply strap the baby to your chest and you’re good to go. Public transport is also easier to navigate as you can step on and off escalators with ease and never have to worry about whether or not there’s room for your buggy on the bus.

Caroline Barber is a babywearing expert and runs a sling library in West London where she helps parents find a carrier or baby wrap that fits them the best. She says, “When looking for a carrier, it’s a good idea to try on several so that you can experience what feels best on your body.”

Describing the perfect fit, Caroline advises that your baby should be close enough to kiss, their spine supported and their hips are open and wide. She also adds that parents should “look for breathable material, especially in the summer, as babies can’t regulate their own temperature so it’s a parent’s job to make sure they stay cool.”

From stretchy slings for newborns to ones that can hold children up to the age of three, we’ve tested a lot of options and these are the best baby carriers to transport your baby in comfort.

How we tested the best baby carriers

We tested the baby carriers for comfort and back support with the help of a three-month-old, a nine-month-old and, where possible, a two-year-old. Each was tested by a 5ft 9in female and a 6ft male to see how easy it was to put on and adjust. We tried to wear the carriers for outings of over an hour as well as around the house to ensure the weight distribution and straps remained comfortable for extended periods of use.

The best baby carriers for 2024 are: