Baby carriers are a handy way to safely and securely transport your little one around, but, which ones are worth your money? Our soon-to-be first-time mum tries them out…
There are a lot of things you might need to buy when you’re having a baby, especially if it’s your first: buggy, car seat, cot, endless nappies… Another item that might make life easier for you is a baby carrier, allowing you to carry your little one hands-free both in the home and when out and about.
Soon to become a mum for the first time (and so completely new to all the baby paraphernalia needed), I’ve been testing out a few of the most popular ones on the market – from a £24 Amazon bargain to the celebs’ favourite – to see which ones are easy to wear, feel secure and also look good on.
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One tip I’d suggest is giving the instructions a thorough read before attempting it with your newborn; although most designs are fairly similar, the various straps and clips are quite confusing if, like me, you’re totally new to all this.
In the absence of a real baby to try them with, I had to use a teddy bear as my model here – do excuse the woolly hat poking out the top. But, roughly the same size as a three-month-old baby, I’m hoping it’s a good enough indication of how they’ll function in real life. Here are the ones I’d recommend…
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Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier
£370 from Harrods
You’ll no doubt have seen Artipoppes before, either sported by the stylist set on social media or celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, Emily Ratajkowski and Princess Eugenie. While almost certainly at the upper end of the price range for baby carriers, Artipoppes are super popular for their soft, comfy designs and range of fashionable fabrics they come in; lots of my friends own them, and I’ve chipped in with other to but them as baby shower presents for pals.
I opted for this cream colour, while the leopard print was a close second choice; they’re available to buy from Harrods, or you’ll find the biggest choice on the Artipoppe website.
Immediately, I could see that this is a cut above your average baby sling. It comes beautifully presented in a luxe-looking box that you’ll want to keep, and it the fabric looks and feels really premium. The instructions are simple and it’s easy to fit onto yourself, fastening – like most – around the waist then over each shoulder. There are also a number of different neck cushion positions and bottom widths you can set it to, depending on the age or size of your baby.
However, although Artipoppe says its Zeitgeist can be used from birth, but even on its smallest fitting it looks like it’ll be a little big for tiny babies; I’d estimate it’ll be good from three months old, with a friend of mine finding that it really comes into its own from one year old onwards. And although machine-washable, it’s not especially weather-proof, or wipe-clean.
One other feature I appreciated is the elastic security straps around each buckle, in case these come undone. Really what you’re paying for, however, is an incredibly cool and comfy way to carry your baby – I honestly felt great wearing this. It would make a lovely gift for any fashionable friend.
Momcozy PureHug Baby Carrier
£49.99 from Momcozy
If you like some of Artipoppe designs but don’t want to spend that much money, Momcozy’s are well worth looking at; this leopard print one in particular grabbed my eye. Fit-wise it’s also similar, and with an adjustable bottom section and neck support that can be fastened up or down (although it doesn’t have as many elastic safety straps as the Artipoppe).
Momcozy says it’s suitable for babies aged 3-24 months, so again, not one for newborns, but the fit and the fabric are really comfy, making this an excellent more affordable option.
Carifit Core
£195 from Carifit
Unlike some of the others here, this one is more practical-looking than pretty (more appealing to dads, perhaps?), with lots of smart features, including breathable fabric, adaptive sizing, a zip-up pouch on the back for essentials, and a Carifit app you can pair with it. It attaches slightly differently too, going over the head than fastening under the arms, and looks like it might be a little more supportive when carrying something other than a teddy than some of the other here, especially if you have back problems.
Although the fabric isn’t the softest, out of all of the ones I tested here I feel like this one is most suitable for newborns, and I’ll definitely be trying it out properly when my little one arrives.
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
Currently from £24 from Amazon (usual price £36.99)
This one is an excellent price – especially as it’s currently on sale – comes in several nice designs, and has tens of thousands of rave reviews on Amazon.
However, I’m afraid I couldn’t get on board with it; I found the instructions very hard to grasp and the various straps and fastenings confusing, and the fabric feels plasticky and potentially uncomfortable against delicate skin (on the plus side, it’s clearly water-resistant and wipeable).
Although this wouldn’t be my first choice, it’s obviously completely safe to use with your little one, and if you’re on a budget this could be a good choice.
