The Ultimate Guide to Front Carriers for Babies & Toddlers

Why Front Carriers Are a City Parent’s Best Friend

We’re crushing on front carriers this February, as we know from experience how helpful they are when you want to get around your neighborhood or take a quick ride on the subway with your tot hassle free. Think the quick juice run, popping over to the bodega or dry cleaners, or just a taking lap around the block for some fresh air now that the temperature has risen to a balmy 32.

Besides the ease though, there are other perks of carrying: namely bonding. Being face to face with your little one is an incredible delight. Every expression you make, word you say is being absorbed and cherished. They’re learning your voice, gaining social-emotional skills and so much more. 

With all these benefits, it’s important that you give some thought to finding the right carrier for you. It should be comfortable, safe, and offer either best-of for the stage you’re carrying at or be an all-ages MVP.

Types of Carriers

When we talk about front carriers, there are several different types to consider. Here are a few. 

Soft Structured Carriers (SSCs)

Soft structured carriers tend to be a top choice for those who love to hear that click of a buckle and know your little one is safe and secure. These offer padded adjustable straps and, depending on the age range it serves, an ergonomic waist belt. 

Soft structured carriers are a great way to carry both newborns and toddlers. The simple adjustability also makes it easy if you have multiple caregivers carrying baby around. Some examples we love of these include the Baby Bjorn Mini, Free, and Harmony as well as the Ergo Embrace and Omni 360 and the LilleBaby 6 in 1 carrier.

Some soft structured carriers are hybrids, blending the softness of a wrap with the support of a soft structured carrier. These excel with newborns offering snuggly comfort at every turn.  The Yema by Cybex and the Tushbaby Pearl Wrap Carrier are examples.

Soft structured carriers can come in a range of fabrics from soft jersey and airy mesh to linen.

Wraps (Front‑Carry Style)

Front wraps are another option, often one large piece of fabric that you wrap in a special way to keep baby snug and secure against you. These work well for newborns, but as baby gets bigger, they may not offer enough support. This being said, it’s great to have one as they’re quite versatile, so even once baby outgrows it, you can use it as a nursing shield.

Wraps are super easy to pack or to put in a bag, making them great for travel. They also are a good choice if you have caregivers that are different sizes as these are extremely flexible. The Ergo Aura Wrap is a good example.

Hip Carriers

Hip Carriers are basically platforms or seats that are on belts so that your toddler (or with an extra attachment a younger child) can sit on. They give you support, balance, and comfort without the full strap in commitment of a front carrier. 

These meant to be a bit shorter term and can fit the bill if you have a little one who’s arms are always up in the air asking to be picked up.  These are simple for a quick cuddle, nursing or bottle feeding, picking up a fussy toddler. Hip carriers can be used from when baby's gained head and neck support (generally around 6 months) to about three years. If you would like to use one for a smaller baby, you'll need an extra attachment that gives them proper support.  

What to Look For in a Front Carrier

When you’re trying to decide on a carrier, there are a few things you’ll want to look for. Let’s take a look!

Ergonomics for Baby

First and most importantly, the carrier has to support your baby in a hip-healthy “M” or “frog” position. It also should have proper head and neck support as when babies are young, their neck muscles aren’t yet developed. If it’s going to be versatile for toddlers as well, it should also have a wide seat base for that stage. 

Comfort for the Wearer

In addition to your baby’s comfort, you have to think of your own. You are the one carrying your little bundle of joy! This means you should look for padded shoulder straps, lumbar support (the more weight the carrier carries, the more support you should have) and an even weight distribution. 

Adjustability

On top of comfort for you and baby, you’ll also want a carrier that has easy to use adjustments so that you can get baby in and fit it to your body in a snap. Consider everyone who might be carrying your little one – parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

Breathability & Fabric

You’ll also want to take a look at the fabric options, and make sure that they are breathable so your baby doesn’t overheat. If you live in a warm climate or plan on carrying during the summer, mesh is a great choice. If you’d rather a soft, buttery fabric, just make sure it’s nice and flexible. 

And don’t worry: when winter comes there are covers for these carriers if you need!

Safety Features

Of course safety features are a must, and you want a carrier that is quick and easy for you to put it on and adjust it to be safe. This means secure buckles (we love to hear a click!), clear weight and age guidelines, ideally printed on the carrier itself, and OEKO-TEX certified materials. Be sure to look for certification from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute that the carrier is hip-healthy, as well as compliance to American ASTM F2236.

Versatility

Lastly you should look at your carrier’s versatility. Some parents love the “one and done” feel of a newborn-to-toddler carrier that offers lots of different carry positions like front-facing, parent-facing, hip and back. 

Other parents want the best and simplest option for a certain stage of carry — for example something that’s great for newborns — with the thought that they’ll cross the toddler carry situation when they get there. 

Whatever you choose, it’s great to opt for something travel friendly, and if there are pockets  or other storage options and drool bibs, even better!

Speaking of drool, check the washing instructions of your carrier. Generally, you should be able to wash in the washing machine and let air dry. Performance materials can dry quickly. Unless it states otherwise, skip the dryer and the iron as these could damage the material.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing

Here are some questions you’ll want to ask yourself before deciding on your carrier.

• How old is my baby, and how long do I want this carrier to last?

• Will multiple caregivers use it?

• Do I run hot — or live in a warm climate?

• Do I need something super lightweight for travel?

• Do I prefer buckles or fabric‑based carriers?

• Will I be wearing it for long stretches (commutes, travel days)?

• Do I want forward‑facing capability?

• Am I OK getting another carrier later on or do I want a one-and-done?

How to Choose the Right Carrier for Your Lifestyle

For City Parents

If you’re a city parent, look for something that’s versatile for you and your partner and caregiver, simple to adjust. And if you’ve experienced any summers in NYC, we say a breathable mesh is the way to go!

For Frequent Travelers

If you’re traveling a lot with a carrier, look for a model that’s lightweight, easy to fold up and pack, and simple to get on and off. A bit of storage is nice too!

For Newborn‑Focused Use

If you want a carrier optimized for newborns, look for soft fabrics and strong head support. Newborn only structured carriers are some of the simplest to put on and use, as there are limited adjustments needed. Models for 0-12 month olds offer just a couple positions, facing parent and facing the world. 

For One and Done

If you’re a one and done person, look for a structured carrier with adjustment instructions printed on the fabric to make it as easy as possible for you. Make sure it has both newborn friendly features like strong head support as well as a wide seat when configured for toddlers. A back carry option is also nice.

 For Toddler Focused Use

If you’re picking up a carrier for your toddler, often a hip carrier or a lightweight toddler only carrier can be good choices. Check the weight guidelines - some carriers can carry up to 40lbs comfortably, though generally speaking you don’t want to do that for super long stretches if you can help it. Time to walk!

Find Your Perfect Carrier at Babesta

Now that you have an idea about the world of carriers, it’s time to pick the one for you. Choose from the most trusted brands in carriers like Baby Bjorn, Ergo Baby, and LilleBaby. (and for hip carriers, Tush Baby!)

At Babesta we offer carrier fittings, so you can try them out with our weighted baby. This way you can build the confidence you need and know exactly how it feels before your little one is in the passenger’s seat. 

We won’t let you lose your cool shopping the baby and kids market. Babesta's got your back.

FAQs

When can my baby face outward in a front carrier?

Generally speaking babies can face outwards as soon as they get head and neck control. This happens at about four to six months. Be sure to follow the carrier’s guidelines before turning your baby out to see the world. 

How long can I wear my baby in a front carrier?

The short answer: If your child has head and neck control, as long as you’re both comfortable, and baby is safe and properly positioned, you’re good to go.However, if your child is young and doesn’t have full head and neck control, don’t go more than a few hours at a time and always check that their breathing is unobstructed.

Are front carriers safe for newborns?

Yes a front carrier is safe for newborns as long as it’s used properly and the carrier is designed for newborn use, offering proper head, neck, and hip support.