October is my favorite month, because: hot cider, changing leaves, and sweater weather. And let’s go ahead and add International Babywearing Month to that list of loves too. As a new mom, I had plenty of unwelcome advice from strangers to not “spoil” my babies by holding them too much (which, if you were wondering, is not a real thing), but I just let that roll right off my back. Keeping them close to me was a huge comfort to us both, and sometimes, even now, I miss those months of snuggling all day long.
So, in honor of babywearers everywhere, we wanted to share our favorite carriers — from the most supportive to the most stylish. Keep on wearing those babies proudly, moms and dads. It’s a short window, so we say cuddle your baby as much as you can.
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Most supportive: Ergobaby ADAPT
Ergobaby’s mission is all about providing great back support while you’re wearing your babies, and their ADAPT is our favorite model yet. This one goes back to the clip closure at the waist, which I love so much more than the big velcro panel. You can wear it in multiple positions front and back, with the straps crossed in the back or backpack style (like is shown in the photo). In the seat of the carrier, where your baby’s booty goes, there are velcro patches that adjust so that you can use this carrier from newborn up to 45 lbs. In other words, this is the only carrier you’ll ever need to buy.
Best for dads: Baby Björn Carrier One
Our dad friends swear that the Baby Björn Carrier One is their favorite baby carrier, and the fact that they’re awesome babywearers makes us trust them completely on this one. Although, thanks to adjustable height straps, it’s a comfy fit for most men, women can comfortably wear it too. And it will safely hold your child from newborn to age 3 in four different positions — front and back. This is a versatile carrier that’s a good fit for the whole family.
Related: 3 of the best baby carriers for dads. Because dads are awesome babywearers too.
Most portable: Boba Air
I think the Boba Air is so brilliant, because this sling-carrier hybrid folds down small enough to fit in a ziplock bag. You don’t even need the ziplock though, because the protective hood doubles as a storage pouch. This means you can stuff it in a diaper bag and have it with you at all times, which is so handy in case your child suddenly rejects the stroller mid-outing (or you decide you actually need the stroller to carry bags instead of a baby). Hey, it happens.
Easiest-to-figure-out sling: Baby K’tan Active
I never quite mastered the baby wrap technique, which is why I love the Baby K’tan Active sling. The sling just slides over your head like a t-shirt, with no complicated looping and tying. The machine washable, moisture-wicking fabric provides some temperature control as well as UV protection. Easy to wear, super affordable, and it keeps babies’ sensitive skin a little safer? I’m in!
Edgiest style: LÍLLÉbaby’s partnership with tokidoki
We’re huge fans of the funky animé patterns created by LA’s graphic design company tokidoki. Their limited-edition partnership with another favorite of ours, LÍLLÉbaby, has turned into a full-fledged collection of carriers, and we couldn’t be happier. Their All Seasons carrier can be worn in six different positions and has a temperature-control panel that zips up for warmth and down to cool (hence the all seasons name). They even have this pattern in their Carry On model (shown above), which is designed for kids 12 months and older — a great alternative to a hiking backpack for those trips when your little ones just can’t walk the whole time.
Most stylish: Budu Baby Carrier
When your baby carrier comes packaged in a gift box and has its own dust bag to keep it protected, you know you’re getting something really special. This gorgeous bamboo and leather baby carrier by Australia’s Budu certainly delivers. The grey version is made from a mixture of bamboo, hemp, and yak wool (not kidding), while the navy switches out the wool and hemp for polyester. Either way, it’s antibacterial and breathable, which we love. But what really makes this one a standout (aside from its price, eep!) is how fabulous you’ll look for those special babywearing events…you know, like a playdate with Princess Charlotte, maybe?
