Monday, December 23, 2024

Our Guide To The Best Baby Carriers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them)

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If you’re not prepared, newborn babies can severely limit your ability to get things done. You won’t be able to multitask very effectively, and you might even find yourself unable or unwilling to leave the house while your baby is napping. Any disruptions might wake them up, after all!

But that’s why baby carriers exist. When you wear your baby, you have the opportunity to move about freely in the home, run errands, visit friends and family, and more. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your baby, encourage learning, and even improve their physical development. Baby-wearing can even help babies with reflux and other digestive problems, and help moms gently recover after birth!

If you agree that a baby carrier is the way to go with your newborn, we’d love to help you find the best fit. They’ll vary in things like material, compatible baby positions, weight range, type (sling vs. hybrid. vs carrier), machine washability, and more! And you’ll want to think about every single feature to make sure you find the perfect fit for your family.

This comprehensive guide will investigate the best baby carriers in Canada right now and outline the criteria you should consider while making your purchase decision. Let’s dive right into our top five products.

The Best Baby Carriers Right Now

Our Top Sling Pick for The Best Baby Carrier

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier Review

 

What We Think of the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

We are big fans of the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier. It offers pretty much everything you could want. With a super soft but stretchy cotton/spandex blend, it will be super soft on your skin (and the baby’s) and will offer a great amount of support…no sagging! Plus, you can easily throw it in the washer and dryer anytime it needs to be cleaned. Hello, convenience!

One of the great benefits of this wrap carrier is how adaptable it is to different body types — every adult in the baby’s life will be able to use the same wrap without any time-consuming adjustments. It’ll fit everybody as is! Plus, with three carry positions (front, rear, and hip), you’ll be able to take your baby along for every adventure and keep them safe and comfy. Even while nursing!

One of the only things you might not like about this wrap carrier is the complexity of putting it on. It’s not as straightforward as just securing a few buckles, so you will need to give yourself some grace (and extra time!) while you’re figuring out how it works. Also, your baby can only face inwards with this one, so it isn’t quite as versatile as other carriers.

All in all, the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is a pretty amazing thing to have on hand. Most parents use it as their primary carry method, and we bet you will too. It’s just too comfortable to resist! You really can’t beat the price considering the quality, either.

  • Performance: 5/5

  • Usability: 4.5/5

  • Price: 5/5

  • Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier

Reviewers have amazing things to say about the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier. It takes a bit of time to learn how to wrap it perfectly, but they all mastered it. The fabric is very breathable but still sturdy enough to support babies without sagging, and it gives parents tons of back support. They absolutely love being able to throw it in the washer and dryer, and it makes for very discreet nursing sessions too.

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier Pros and Cons

Buy If…

  • You want a baby carrier that can fit every adult without any adjustments

  • You’ll always want your baby facing inward

  • Easy cleaning is a priority

  • You want to maximize parent and baby comfort

Don’t Buy If…

Boba Baby Wrap Carrier Specifications

  • Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

  • Colour: 15 options

  • Weight: 1.5 lbs

  • Type: Sling

  • Baby Positions: 3

  • Compatible Weight Range: 7-35 lbs

  • Machine Washable: Yes

 

Our Budget Sling Pick

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier Review

 

What We Think of the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier comes with a great list of features to enjoy. Its unique proprietary fabric is one of the best things about it. Like all wraps, it will offer a great amount of support for your baby and will help protect your back and shoulders from strain and fatigue, but it’s also way more breathable than the average wrap. If you run hot or live in a warmer climate, you’ll love this one.

This wrap can support your baby on your back, hip, or front, so it’s great for a variety of tasks and outings. It can also fit adult bodies between XS and 3XL, so versatility isn’t an issue. This is our favourite option for parents who are new to baby-wearing, too, since it’s very forgiving (and still safe for your baby!) while you learn how to wrap it correctly.

As with most sling wraps, there is a learning curve attached to this one. If you aren’t interested in spending time learning how best to use your baby carrier, a different option will be ideal for you. Otherwise, the only potential downside is the more limited versatility in baby positions — your baby can’t face out with this one, so that will limit their learning and interactions a little bit.

All in all, the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier is a pretty awesome option for parents shopping on a budget. It’s one of the more breathable choices around right now and is still super soft and supportive. For nursing, bonding, naps, and low-energy chores/errands, this wrap will be your best friend.

  • Performance: 5/5

  • Usability: 4.5/5

  • Price: 5/5

  • Quality: 4.5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

Reviewers really like the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier. It’s more breathable than other wraps they’ve tried and super soft and supportive for their little ones. The length is perfect for pretty much every adult, and they were all very happy with the price too. It can feel like it takes a while to put on when the baby is crying, though, and some trial and error is required to find the best fit/tightness.

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier Pros and Cons

Buy If…

  • A beginner-friendly option is a must

  • You don’t want to spend a lot on a carrier

  • It needs to fit a variety of adult body types

  • Breathability is important to you

Don’t Buy If…

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier Specifications

 

Our Hybrid Pick

Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier Review

 

What We Think of the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier

The Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier boasts a lot of awesome features. It’s super easy to put on since it has shoulder straps and a waist belt, and since the straps crisscross at the back, you get excellent back support for walking. The buckles make it really easy to put on and take off by yourself too.

We’re also really happy with the breathability of this one, and that’s all thanks to the mesh pieces. It’s a perfect summer carrier. You’ll also appreciate that your baby can face you or the world depending on your outing — perfect for sleep or learning. Since this baby carrier weighs less than a pound, you’ll really only have to think about the weight of your child when planning your activities.

There are a few things we don’t quite love about this one, unfortunately. First of all, it has a lower weight capacity than other carriers, topping out at 25 lbs. That means you’ll need another option once your baby hits 18 months or so. This one also has to air dry after washing, so you’ll want to plan your day around that. Thirdly, the slightly high price tag might be a deterrent for you.

Overall, the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier is a great solution for parents who want a newborn-friendly carrier with excellent weight distribution and multiple positions for the baby. It’s super lightweight and breathable, too. You just won’t be able to use it past 18 months.

  • Performance: 5/5

  • Usability: 4/5

  • Price: 4/5

  • Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier

Reviewers like almost everything about the Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier. It’s really easy to put on and with the soft fabric blend, it’s super comfy for babies and parents. The integration of the mesh makes it a breathable option for summer, too. It gets a bit uncomfortable once kids are over 6 months old, though, and they don’t love that it has to air dry after washing.

Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier Pros and Cons

Buy If…

  • You want the convenience of buckles with the comfort of great weight distribution

  • You’d like your baby to enjoy front-facing and rear-facing positions

  • Breathability is important

  • You’d love a lightweight baby carrier

Don’t Buy If…

  • You want to use your carrier past 18 months

  • You want something super affordable

  • You want to use it right after washing

Ergobaby Embrace Cozy Baby Wrap Carrier Specifications

 

Our Top Carrier Pick

Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier Review

 

What We Think of the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier

We love pretty much everything about the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier, and we bet you will too. You can carry your baby in four different positions (back inward facing, front inward facing, front outward facing, and hip). Plus, to swap from front outward to front inward (and vice versa), you don’t even need to take off the carrier! How cool is that!?

This carrier is perfect for newborns all the way up to two-year-olds, and there are a ton of comfort-minded features in place for parent and baby — you can look forward to tons of padding and adjustability. It even comes with a removable storage pouch, baby sunshade, and privacy screen for nursing. You won’t have to worry about the heat in the summer either — mesh keeps it breathable!

Honestly, the only thing that might sway you towards another option is the price of this one. It’s one of the most expensive baby carriers out there, and while we strongly believe that you get all the value that you’d expect in return, it still might not be a feasible option for every parent. Just something to consider.

Overall, the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier is a fantastic, high-end baby carrier that will make your life so much easier with a newborn all the way up to a young toddler. You might not love the price tag, but we promise you’ll love everything else about it.

  • Performance: 5/5

  • Usability: 5/5

  • Price: 2/5

  • Quality: 5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier

Reviewers have a very high opinion of the Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier. Its versatility is truly unbeatable, and the comfort is top-tier for both babies and adults. They absolutely love that they can swap their baby’s position without taking the carrier off, and most of them use it straight from birth right up to 2 years without any problems.

Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier Pros and Cons

Buy If…

  • You’d love to use the same carrier for a long time (up to 2 years)

  • Versatile carry options are a must-have

  • You want to maximize parent comfort

  • You’ll be carrying your baby around outdoors a lot

Don’t Buy If…

Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier Specifications

 

Our Budget Carrier Pick

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier Review

 

What We Think of the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier

The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier has a surprising number of advantages considering its low price. Who doesn’t love quality on a budget? One of the things we like most is how versatile it is. There are four options for baby positions thanks to a two-position seat and optional headrest, which we love. And since the straps and waist belt are super inclusive, this carrier will fit most adults regardless of their body type.

This carrier also boasts an excellent cleaning process — you can throw it in the washer and dryer just like a sling carrier so you have no downtime. Convenient, eh? Parent comfort isn’t forgotten, either. With a wide waist belt for lumbar support and well-padded shoulder straps, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favourite activities and run all of your errands hands-free.

We only really have two things to warn you about before we wrap this up. First of all, this carrier’s minimum weight recommendation is 8 lbs, so if you have a preemie, you’ll need to find another option for the first little while. Also, this carrier cannot be worn in a hip position, so if you like to carry babies that way, this won’t be a good fit.

Overall, the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier is a really high-quality option priced way below what you’d expect. It’s versatile, comfortable, easy to use, and easy to clean. What more could you ask for, right?

  • Performance: 5/5

  • Usability: 4.5/5

  • Price: 5/5

  • Quality: 4.5/5

What Reviewers Are Saying About the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier

Reviewers are really happy with the quality of the Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier. It suits a range of body types without compromising on comfort, and it provides an extra-secure place for babies to rest. Most people are happy with the range of carry positions (some would prefer a hip position, though), and the price was right for everybody.

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier Pros and Cons

Buy If…

  • You want a carrier that will suit every activity

  • Affordability is super important to you

  • Your carrier needs to suit a range of adult body types

  • You want a carrier that’s easy to clean

Don’t Buy If…

Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Ergonomic Carrier Specifications

 

How to Properly Choose Your Baby Carrier

Price

Some baby carriers cost less than $50, others cost more than $300. Most people won’t need to spend more than $150 to get an excellent option, though. In general, more expensive baby carriers will be compatible with a wider weight range, will be more comfortable for parent and baby, and will offer more baby positions than less expensive options.

Baby Positions

Most baby carriers will offer at least two baby positions, with some offering as many as four. The positions won’t be the same across different models, though, so you’ll want to double-check what the options are before you buy to make sure you don’t miss out on a favourite.

Type

There are three different types of baby carriers out there — traditional carriers, sling carriers, and hybrid carriers. Traditional carriers are the most versatile and can hold the most weight, whereas sling carriers are better for newborns and are extremely adjustable. Hybrid carriers offer a blend of both benefits.

Compatible Weight Range

Every baby carrier will come have a compatible weight range listed. Sling carriers are the only ones that can safely be used with preemies, but they’ll also have the lowest weight capacity overall. Traditional carriers will offer a wider weight range and can usually be used from birth to 2 years of age or more.

Machine Washable

Everyone knows that babies come with messes, so we highly recommend you look for a baby carrier that can be washed in a machine. Not all of them will be dryer-safe, though, so that’s another thing to look for while you’re shopping around.

Weight Distribution/Parent Comfort

Slings do the best job of distributing a baby’s weight across shoulders, backs, and hips, so that’s the best option for many parents while they get used to baby-wearing. If you’re more interested in a traditional carrier, you’ll want to look for things like wide lumbar belts, criss-cross shoulder straps, and lots of padding to make sure you’re as comfortable as your baby.

 

Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We’ll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes. The products in this list are ranked by independent third parties. Rankings are based on both reviews and independent testing.

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