Best in Carriers

Welcome to the Honest Midwife Awards 2024, where we celebrate the top products that make parenting on the go easier than ever! In this year’s Best in Carriers category, we highlight the most trusted and comfortable solutions for keeping your baby close. From baby carriers that provide hands-free convenience to soft wraps and slings perfect for newborn snuggles, and sturdy walking/toddler carriers designed for growing adventurers—this category covers it all.

Whether you're looking for comfort, style, or ease of use, these award-winning carriers are recommended by parents and professionals for their superior design, safety, and support.

Discover the best baby carriers of 2024 that make every journey with your little one a breeze!

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A reliable baby carrier is a must-have for parents who want to keep their little one close while staying hands-free. From outdoor walks to indoor chores, a good carrier provides both comfort and support for both parent and baby. After evaluating top options based on parent feedback and expert reviews, we’re excited to reveal the top winners in the Best in Carriers: Baby Carriers category for 2024.

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🥇 Gold Winner: Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier

The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier takes the Gold Award for 2024. This all-in-one carrier can be used from newborn to toddler, offering multiple carrying positions and ample airflow with its mesh design.

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What's Good:

• Provides excellent ventilation, making it ideal for warm climates or long wear.
• Suitable from newborn (7 lbs) to toddler (45 lbs), this carrier adapts as your baby grows with multiple positions, including front inward, front outward, hip, and back carry.
• It’s fully adjustable, ensuring both parents and caregivers of different sizes can comfortably use the carrier.
• Offers excellent support for both baby and parent, with a padded waist belt and lumbar support for parents and a cushioned, ergonomic seat for the baby.
• Machine-washable

What's Not So Good:

• It’s on the pricier side compared to other carriers, though many parents feel the features justify the cost.
• Some of our tester parents mention that the carrier can be a bit bulky to pack or carry when not in use, especially for travel or outings where space is limited.

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🥈 Silver Winner: Najell Rise Baby Carrier

The Najell Rise Baby Carrier wins the Silver Award. Designed to be easy to use, this carrier allows for quick adjustments between different users, making it perfect for parents who want a hassle-free option.

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What's Good:

• The Najell Rise features quick adjustments, making it easy to switch between different users without hassle.
• This carrier is particularly praised for its lightweight construction, making it great for travel and everyday use.
• Available in neutral, stylish colors, the Najell Rise has a sleek, modern look that complements any outfit.
• Provides good head and neck support for newborns while also being suitable for babies up to 33 lbs, offering a decent range of use.
• The carrier is designed with buckles and straps, making it easy to put on and take off without assistance.

What's Not So Good:

• Unlike the Omni Breeze, the Najell Rise offers fewer carrying positions, which might not suit parents who want more flexibility (it primarily supports front inward and outward-facing positions).
• While comfortable for shorter wear periods, some of our tester parents noted that it lacks the lumbar support needed for longer sessions compared to higher-end models.

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🥉 Bronze Winner: Gaia Baby Soft Newborn Carrier

The Gaia Baby Soft Newborn Carrier takes the Bronze Award. This carrier is made from organic cotton, providing a soft, breathable option for newborns.

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What's Good:

• The carrier is both soft and sustainable, making it a great option for eco-conscious parents.
• Specifically designed for newborns and smaller babies, it offers a snug, womb-like fit.
• The soft fabric allows for airflow, keeping both parent and baby cool and comfortable.
• Easy to wear and adjust, making it a great option for first-time parents who want something uncomplicated.
• The minimalist design and neutral colors make it easy to pair with any outfit, and it folds compactly for easy storage.

What's Not So Good:

• Designed primarily for newborns and smaller babies, the Gaia Baby Carrier may not be as versatile or long-lasting as other carriers on this list, with a weight limit of around 20 lbs.
• It doesn’t offer multiple carrying positions or lumbar support, making it less suitable for extended wear or carrying heavier babies.

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Baby wraps and slings offer a cozy, secure way to keep your little one close while staying hands-free. These carriers are designed to offer maximum comfort for both baby and parent, allowing for bonding while keeping mobility easy. After reviewing a wide range of options based on parent feedback and expert testing, we’re thrilled to present the top winners in the Best in Carriers: Baby Wraps/Slings category for 2024.

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🥇 Gold Winner: Najell Wrap

The Najell Wrap takes home the Gold Award for 2024. Unlike traditional wraps that can be tricky to tie, the Najell Wrap offers a simple, pre-tied design that’s easy to slip on like a t-shirt, making it perfect for parents new to babywearing.

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What's Good:

• Eliminates the need for complicated wrapping techniques.
• The soft, breathable fabric keeps both parent and baby cool and comfortable.
• Offers great support for the baby’s hips and back, ensuring that your little one stays in a healthy, safe position.
• The sleek, minimalist design in neutral colors ensures it pairs well with any outfit.

What's Not So Good:

• The pre-tied design means it might not fit all body types equally well, and some of our parent testers have reported that it’s not as adjustable as traditional wraps.
• Some of our testers also found that the fit for newborns wasn’t as snug as they would prefer, requiring extra care to ensure proper positioning.

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🥈 Silver Winner: Gaia Baby Organic Stretchy Baby Wrap

The Gaia Baby Organic Stretchy Baby Wrap takes the Silver Award. Made from 100% organic cotton, this wrap is soft, breathable, and designed to offer a snug fit for newborns and small babies.

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What's Good:

• Made from organic cotton, this wrap is ideal for eco-conscious parents who want a sustainable option for babywearing.
• The wrap’s stretchy material provides a snug, comfortable fit, adapting easily to your baby’s movements while keeping them secure.
• It’s particularly well-suited for newborns providing that extra feeling of closeness and security in the early months.
• Can be tied in multiple ways to suit different carrying positions and preferences.

What's Not So Good:

• While many of our testers appreciated the versatility, the wrap requires learning how to tie it correctly, which can be a bit tricky for first-timers.
• As your baby grows, the stretchy fabric may not provide enough support for heavier babies.

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🥉 Bronze Winner: Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier

The Dreamgenii Snuggleroo Baby Carrier takes the Bronze Award. This baby carrier offers parents the comfort and closeness of a traditional wrap while incorporating support features more commonly found in structured carriers.

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What's Good:

• Combines the soft, snug feel of a wrap with the structured support of a carrier, offering the best of both worlds for parents who want more security.
• The adjustable design allows for a more customizable fit compared to traditional wraps, making it suitable for different body types.
• Offers extra support for both parent and baby, making it ideal for longer wear.
• Made from soft, breathable materials, it provides a comfortable fit for both baby and parent, ensuring neither overheats during wear.

What's Not So Good:

• Some of our testers found the hybrid design did not offer the same snugness or natural feel as traditional wraps.
• The combination of wrap and carrier features can make it slightly more complicated to put on compared to a simple wrap or structured carrier.

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When it comes to outdoor adventures with your little one, a walking/toddler carrier is essential for ensuring both comfort and safety on the go. Whether you're hiking trails or exploring the countryside, the right carrier will support your child while offering comfort for you too. After evaluating top carriers based on expert reviews and parent feedback, we’re excited to reveal the top winners in the Best in Carriers: Walking/Toddler Carriers category for 2024.

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🥇 Gold Winner: Osprey Poco Plus

The Osprey Poco Plus takes the Gold Award for 2024, making it the ideal carrier for long hikes and outdoor adventures. This well-constructed carrier is designed with both parent and child in mind, featuring a fully adjustable suspension system, built-in sunshade, and ample storage for essentials.

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What's Good:

• Adjustable torso length, hip belt, and padded shoulder straps provides comfort, ensuring the carrier fits various body types and reduces strain during long walks.
• Comes with an integrated sunshade (UPF 50), keeping your child protected from the sun’s rays without the need for an extra accessory.
• Includes multiple pockets, a large front compartment, and even a hydration sleeve, making it perfect for carrying snacks, gear, and personal items.
• Features a comfortable child seat with adjustable straps and foot stirrups to provide a secure position for your toddler.
• The AirSpeed™ back panel provides excellent breathability for both the parent and child, keeping you cool on warmer hikes.

What's Not So Good:

• The Osprey Poco Plus is more expensive compared to other carriers, which may be a barrier for parents on a budget.
• While the carrier provides excellent storage and comfort, its larger size can make it bulkier and heavier to carry on shorter trips or less rugged terrain.

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🥈 Silver Winner: LittleLife Cross Country S4

The LittleLife Cross Country S4 takes the Silver Award, making it a great choice for everyday walking or shorter hikes. It offers plenty of features that ensure both parent and child stay comfortable, while its lightweight frame makes it easier to carry during longer outings.

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What's Good:

• Its lightweight design (weighing only 2.5kg) reduces fatigue during longer walks.
• The fully adjustable back system allows parents of different heights to carry the carrier comfortably.
• Includes a large zipped pocket for storing essentials.
• Features a soft, padded child seat and adjustable safety harness to keep your toddler secure during the journey.
• The carrier has an easy-pull kickstand for quick setup, allowing you to set the carrier down safely when needed.

What's Not So Good:

• While comfortable, some of our testers mentioned that the ventilation could be improved, particularly for longer, warmer hikes.
• Unlike the Osprey Poco Plus, the Cross Country S4 does not come with a built-in sunshade, requiring you to purchase one separately.

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🥉 Bronze Winner: Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL

The Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL wins the Bronze Award. Specially designed for women with the SL (Slim Line) fit, this carrier ensures a snug and comfortable fit for female hikers.

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What's Good:

• The SL design is specifically tailored for women, offering a more customized and comfortable fit for female hikers.
• Weighing just 2.68 kg, it’s one of the lighter carriers on the market, ensuring parents won’t tire quickly during hikes.
• Features a ventilated back system and padded hip belt to reduce strain on the back and shoulders, making it comfortable for longer wear.
• The child seat is well-padded and adjustable, ensuring your toddler sits securely and comfortably.
• Includes a sturdy safety harness system and side entry, making it simple to get your child in and out of the carrier.

What's Not So Good:

• While it has a few pockets, it doesn’t offer as much storage space compared to the Osprey Poco Plus or LittleLife Cross Country S4, which may be a downside for parents who need more room for essentials.
• Similar to the Cross Country S4, the Deuter Kid Comfort Active SL does not come with a built-in sunshade, though you can purchase one separately.

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With these expertly designed babywearing solutions, you can confidently navigate parenting while keeping your baby close. Explore the top carriers of 2024 and enjoy hands-free moments that are as comfortable for you as they are for your little one!