The Best... Baby Carriers

October 17, 2:49 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Ellerie & I hiking in the Orange Blossom Belle Baby Carrier.

Babywearing is one of the best ways to stay active when you have little ones. There are all types of ways to wear your baby: wraps, slings, and carriers are the most popular.

I used to favor the Baby Bjorn carrier. (I have the original Bjorn carrier in City Black.) It was practical and I feel I got my money out of it. I've had it for 2.5 years now and it still looks like new despite almost daily use for a good year.

But I was always looking for something better. I've tried about a dozen carriers and now can say that the Bjorn, while still practical and useful, is not my fav. Far from it. Instead, I'd recommend these.

Best Front Carrier

Belle Baby Carriers ($89.95-$99.95, BelleBabyCarriers.com)

This is my favorite all around carrier for everything from hiking to running errands.

My husband actually likes this one so much that he offered to wear our one year old all around Disneyland in this carrier. He said it actually made his back feel BETTER.

The reasons I like the Belle carrier:

• It is very comfortable. No back strain at all, even on hour plus long hikes up and down hills and mountains (We're not talking backpacking trips. I'm talking gentle hikes with the kids.)
• It folds up small, about half of the size of my Baby Bjorn. It is easy to tuck inside your diaper bag or in your car.
• They're pretty and cool looking. The Belle Baby Carriers come in about a dozen styles, all of which are fashionable. A few of the styles are made from organic material. The style are great for both moms and dads too.

The drawbacks... this is only a front carrier. However, that's the way I prefer to carry my baby most of the time. Also, the Belle website says their carriers are best for babies under 25 pounds.

Watch videos of how to use the Belle carriers HERE.

Best Back Carrier

ERGO Baby Carriers ($105, ergobabycarriers.com)

I love this carrier because you can wear your baby on your back, side or front. I used the ERGO all around our half day at Disney's California Adventure on rides and walking around. I easily moved my one year old from the front to the back positions in about a minute!

Once you figure out how to put the straps on with baby on your back by yourself (or if you have an assistant), it's so easy to use and even easy to turn baby from the back to the front and vice versa. It only takes a few tries to get comfortable with holding your baby with one hand while putting the straps on your shoulders for back carriers. 

In the front, baby can snuggle right in. You can even use the ERGO with a newborn baby in the front position! You do need to buy the added infant insert for that though. But that's a big bonus!

ERGOs can be used as long as you want to carry your baby. They're recommended for up to 40 pounds, but their website says they've been tested to hold up to 90 pounds. I have worn my 31 pound toddler on my back in it with no problems.

There's a ton of padding on the straps and waist of this carrier. It's really comfortable and I love the special tuck away sun shade -slash- sleeping hood to cover baby while she's sleeping... and she will sleep in this easily. Every time I use the ERGO my little one falls asleep in both the front and back positions. It is hard to put the sleep hood on if you're wearing baby on your back and you're alone.

ERGO's drawback, in the front position, baby can't face forward. She has to be looking at you. It's fine with me, but my daughter has other preferences.

Ergo has a great pocket on the carrier to store keys and a cell phone too. You can also accessorize it even more with a special backpack that hooks onto the carrier and a waist pouch. They all come in coordinating materials.

The ERGO comes in black with three different linings, a camel color and a Hawaiian print  - which I have (see photo).

Watch a detailed instructional video that describes all of the features and how to use the ERGO carrier HERE. Every ERGO comes with an instructional DVD too.

Best Side Carrier

Scootababy ($119, scootababy.com) 

This is the most comfortable side carrier I've worn. I was actually surprised by its softness and cushiness on my shoulder.

The Scootababy is made with microfiber lining and a polar fleece shoulder strap. It is really easy to put on and both my girls liked being carried in it.

This is a great carrier for getting stuff done around the house or shopping trips because you tot isn't right in front of you. That makes it easier to type on the computer and hold baby as I'm doing right now.

Scootababys are recommended for babies five months old and up with a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds.

Read instructions on how to use this carrier HERE.

Most Innovative Carrier

Sidekick Diaper Bag by Kemby ($172, kemby.com)

This is the most unique diaper bag I've ever come across. It is fantastic for shopping! It is a little odd to put on at first but once you get the hang of it, goes on super fast. Among the reasons I like the Sidekick:

• It is a diaper bag and a carrier in one, complete with a matching changing pad, wipes case, and insulated snack/bottle bag.
• It has lots of pockets for cell phones, keys, a wallet, and anything else you could need.
• But it's not big and bulky!

The Kemby website says its carriers are best for children who can sit up unaided with good head control through 35 pounds. Watch a video of using a Kemby HERE.