Which Baby Carrier is Best for You?

Ask anybody, and they’ll tell you that Hong Kong isn’t exactly stroller friendly. As a result, many rely primarily on some type of baby carrier. From wraps and slings to structured carriers and even “hip seats”, there are a tonne of options in today’s market. But which baby carrier is best for you?

If there’s one baby item I can’t live without, it’s the baby carrier. Full disclosure – I have seven (three structured baby carriers, one hip seat carrier, one ring sling, and two wraps). Three of my carriers were handed down to me (including a 16+ year old BabyBjorn my mother used with my brother), the others were usually the desperate end-result of one of my middle of the night online shopping sprees while feeding).

Sure, some I like more than others, but they all have their place in our busy household. There’s the Konny wrap and Solly Baby wrap that saw me through the newborn phase, the ring sling that I relied upon on holiday, the Artipoppe I coveted for months before finally caving and splurging, and the pièce de résistance – my beloved Tushbaby. I’ll breakdown what I liked and disliked about these baby carriers in a bit, but first – let’s discuss the benefits of using a baby carrier and the main differences between the most popular types of baby carriers.

At What Age Can a Baby Use a Baby Carrier?

Generally, it’s safe to start using a baby carrier from birth, as long as your baby meets the minimum weight and size requirements specified by the carrier’s manufacturer.

Benefits of Using a Baby Carrier

There’s nothing new about the practice of babywearing. Mothers across many different cultures around the globe have been wearing their babies for thousands of years as a means of keeping their baby close and comfortable while they go about their day.

Here are some of the main benefits of using a baby carrier.

• Strengthens the bond between parent and baby
• Allows parents and caregivers to be “hands free” and get things done
• Aids in baby’s development, both physically and emotionally
• Happier babies (babies who are carried cry less)
• Helps soothe your baby to sleep, and enablenaps on the go
• Improves breastfeeding rates (encourages milk supply)
• Allows breastfeeding to be done on the go
• Reduces risk of plagiocephaly (flat head syndome)
• Decrease risk of postnatal depression

What to Look for in a Baby Carrier

There are many factors to consider when buying a baby carrier including:

• Fabric – Is it lightweight and breathable enough for Hong Kong weather? Is it durable (AKA will it last)?
• Comfort – Does it have adequate lumbar and shoulder support? Is the baby’s weight evenly distributed?
• Weight and age restrictions – How long will my baby be able to use it for? Is it safe for a newborn or a premie?
• Fit – Will it easily adjust to fit a number of caregivers of different sizes?
• Number of carry positions – Will it safely allow for front carry once my baby gets more adventurous? How about back carry or hip carry for when he/she’s heavier?
• Convenience – Is it quick to put on and put baby in and out? Does it fold easily into a backpack or diaper bag?
• Maintenance – Is it easy to clean?
• Safety tags – Is it certified hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute? Is it made of certified non-toxic fabric with OEKO-TEX certificate
• Price – Is it within my budget? If not, can I source it second-hand on local buy-sell-swap groups?

And you don’t need to be limited to just one carrier. Many families opt for two carriers: one for the newborn stage, like a wrap, and a soft structured carrier for older babies or toddlers. As mentioned earlier, in our household, we’re carrier-obsessed, so we have five carriers in total (zero regrets), suiting different caregivers preferences and stages of baby’s’ development.

What are the Most Common Types of Baby Carriers?

When it comes to carrying your baby, there are a variety of options. Which one you choose depends entirely on what you prefer and what fits your lifestyle, as well as the age of your child. Here, we delve into the most common types of baby carriers, from baby wraps and ring slings to structured baby carriers and hip seats.

A Baby Wrap – Perfect During the Newborn Phase

There are few feelings as special as having your little one cuddled close to your heart, and there’s no babywearing solution that does this better than a baby wrap.

A baby wrap is typically a long piece of fabric that you tie around your body to hold your baby. It can be a bit intimidating for parents new to babywearing, but are easy to use once you get the hang of it.

Baby wraps tend to either be stretchy or woven. Stretchy wraps are easier to get the hang of and are therefore a popular choice for beginners. However, due to this stretchiness, these carriers can only be worn on the front and have a shorter lifespan. Woven wraps, on the other hand, can be worn well into toddlerhood and beyond, and have endless possibilities in types of carries including front, back, and hip.

Pros of a Wrap

• Can be used from birth, even with premature babies
• Offers close contact between parent and baby, enhancing the bond and fulfilling a newborn’s primal need for physical closeness
• Soft and supportive
• The fabric spreads across your whole back without digging in, making it comfortable for long carries
• Offer more versatility in terms of carrying positions
• Practical to take with you wherever you go as it takes up little space and is lightweight.

Cons of a Wrap

• Steep learning curve
• Takes longer to put on
• It can be restrictive for older babies

Some popular brands of baby wraps include Moby Wrap and Solly Baby.

Ring Sling – Our Pick for Tropical Holidays

A ring sling is a long piece of fabric containing two rings at the shoulder, which you can use to create a pouch for your baby to sit inside.

Slings are easier to use compared to wraps and aren’t as hot as soft-structured carriers in hot Hong Kong weather.

Some popular brands of ring slings include Maya Wrap and Sakura Bloom.

Pros of a Ring Sling

• Great for small babies, and good for quick up and downs of toddlers
• Convenient and quick to put on
• Can alternate between front, hip and back for wearing
• Light and breathable fabric, making it perfect for hotter climates like Hong Kong
• Compact and great for travel

Cons of a Ring Sling

• Moderate learning curve
• Not ideal for very long carries
• They don’t evenly distribute weight, as all the pressure is on your shoulder
• Less secure than a soft structured carrier

Soft Structured Carrier – Our Go-To Around Town & on Hikes

This is the most common type of carrier that you’ll see when walking the streets of Hong Kong. Somewhat resembling a backpack worn on the front, soft structured baby carriers are usually designed with older babies in mind, although some can be adapted for newborns by using extra padding or adjusting the straps.

Unlike baby wraps and slings, soft structured carriers come with padded, adjustable straps and buckles that can be customised to your body. Many find these types of carriers to be the most comfortable for the wearer as they are more cushioned and allow for even weight distribution. They’re also the easiest to learn and put on.

Some popular brands of soft structured carriers include Ergobaby, BabyBjorn, and Tula.

Pros of a Soft Structured Carrier

• Easy to use and adjust
• Quick to put on and off
• Often designed for healthy weight distribution over the shoulders, back, and hips, making it more comfortable for longer wears
• Most accessible babywearing style to learn
• More durable than wraps as they are made of sturdy materials and can withstand frequent use and washing

Cons of a Soft Structured Carrier

• Generally, not suitable for newborns or very small babies
• More expensive than other types of carriers
• Bulkier than other methods of babywearing
• Traps more heat than alternatives

Hip Seat Carriers – For Quick Ups and Downs of Older Babies

A hip seat carrier is a type of carrier which allows you to hold your toddler comfortably on either side of your body in the hip carry position – a position best suited for babies who are more steady and stable and have better control and support of the head and neck (usually around 6 months old).

Hip seat carriers work by evenly distributing pressure across your hips and waist, making them the most comfortable method of carrying one’s child over a long period of time. They’re fantastic for older babies who want to be picked up then put down then picked up and put down, over and over and over again.

Some popular brands of hip seat carriers include: Ergobaby, Tushbaby, and I-Angel.

Pros of a Hip Seat Carrier

• Easy ups and downs
• Takes pressure off your back and shoulders, making it more comfortable to baby wear for longer
• Puts your baby’s hips in the “M” position, making it healthy for your child’s physical development
• Allows for close contact with baby without complicated straps
• Great for carrying bigger kids

Cons of a Hip Seat Carrier

• Tend to be pretty bulky
• They usually aren’t hands-free (unless you buy an attachment), meaning you’ll have to secure baby with one arm
• Not everyone finds them comfortable to wear

Our Favourite Baby Carriers

Best Carrier Overall – Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier – Cool Air Mesh

A versatile soft structured baby carrier that’s been designed to carry children from infancy to toddlerhood, the Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier is durable, easy to put on and take off, and a popular choice for forward-facing (from 5 – 12 months and from 6-10 kg). Though a little on the bulky side, it is exceptionally comfortable and surprisingly lightweight.

Product details:

• Newborn to toddler (3.2-20 kg), no infant insert needed
• All carry positions: front facing you, front facing out, hip and back
• Cooler for baby with breathable 3D Air Mesh panel, ideal for warmer temperatures or active lifestyle
• Lumbar support waist belt for long wearing comfort (66cm –140cm)
• Extra cushioned shoulder straps, crossable for a custom fit comfort, with buckles on front for easy adjustability (adjusts 73 cm – 124 cm)
• Comfortable and ergonomic for baby with a hip-healthy “M” shape position at all stages and in all carry positions including forward-facing
• Machine washable

The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier – Cool Air Mesh is available for $1,521 at Baby Central

Thoughts on Other Popular Baby Carriers:

Tula Free-To-Grow Baby Carrier
Coming in close second is the Tula Free-To-Grow Baby Carrier. Easy to use and comfortable to wear, the Tula comes in a huge variety of patterns and colours compared to the Ergobaby and is SUPER soft. With that said, it doesn’t have lumbar support which is a big differentiating factor.

BabyBjorn One Air Mesh
My husband used the BabyBjorn One Air Mesh and liked it. Personally, I found it far too cumbersome to put on, what with all the straps. This also meant that swapping between different sized caregivers was a ball ache (hence palming it off to dad). I also didn’t find it as comfortable or “cool” as other options on the market, despite being mesh.

Best Carrier for Newborns – The Solly Baby Wrap

The Solly Baby Wrap was a total lifesaver in those early months when all I wanted was for my little one to be snuggled up as close as possible to my chest. It also happened to be the only carrier that I felt comfortable wearing him in as his lack of neck strength made my larger, soft structured carriers feel far too precarious. Sure, the first couple of times you attempt the wrap can be a bit daunting, but it very quickly becomes muscle memory (I recommend wrapping it in front of a mirror while you try and get the hang of it).

Coming in a variety of colours and patterns, the Solly Baby Wrap is easily the softest carrier I’ve come across, and our choice for babywearing around the house. With that said, it wasn’t long before I felt my baby had outgrown it (as a larger baby, we moved on to more structured carriers by 3-4 months. It was also around this time that he simply craved more freedom than the wrap could offer).

Product details:

• Designed for babies 3.6kg to 11.3kg
• Upright, facing-in carrying only
• One size, universal fit (ideal for petite + plus size!)
• Sustainably sourced and biodegradable
• Comes with a step-by-step tutorial, as well as the instructional videos that walk you through safe babywearing techniques
• Machine washable and can be tumbled dry on low
• Meets US CPSC Safety Requirements
• Made from 100%-certified TENCEL Modal fabric

The Solly Baby Wrap is available for HKD 577 at Solly Baby 

Other Popular Baby Wraps:

Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier
If you’re looking for something a little less “fussy”, you may consider the Baby K’tan Carrier. Marketed as ‘the wrap without all the wrapping’, the Baby K’tan slips on like a T-shirt, and allows babies to be carried in six different ways depending on their age and stage. While I personally wouldn’t recommend it to any parents of larger babies, as it gets a LOT less comfortable once your baby passes that 8kg mark. Also, do note that both the Baby K’tan and the Konny (see below) are sized, and therefore does not adjust to fit different sized caregivers.

Konny Baby Carrier
I picked up an older model of the Konny Baby Carrier on sale at Retykle before my little one was born (and before I decided to give the Solly Baby Wrap a go). The intent was to use it during those early months and for mooching around the house. Unfortunately, my baby didn’t really take to the Konny. He hated having his head tucked in the rather stiff fabric, but was too floppy at the time for any alternative. I also wasn’t the biggest fan as my movement felt quite restricted in it. Perhaps newer models are more comfortable (I’ve read that they come with adjustable straps now which is a big improvement), but personally I think there are better options on the market.

Most Stylish Baby Carrier – Artipoppe

If you’re anything like us, you’ve likely already been seduced by the iconic Artipoppe Zeitgeist baby carriers seen all over Instagram and are simply looking for an excuse to splurge.

With prices ranging from HKD 2,779 to HKD 28,000+ (yes, you read that right…), the Zeitgeist is the height of luxury. Made from a range of different materials including silk, cashmere, cotton, velvet, the Artipoppe carrier truly complements every outfit. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it actually makes an outfit, which made going outside with my baby all the more appealing in those early months.

I was gifted the Artipoope Zeitgeist carrier in denim last Christmas, and it’s probably my second favourite baby item ever (falling just behind the Tushbaby – more on that later). I find it easy to put on, adjust, and take off, and consider it to be secure, durable, and yes – worth the money. Hong Kong mummies should note, however, that depending on which material you go for, it does get pretty warm during the summer months. Also, the stiff waistband doesn’t make for comfortable sitting.

Product details:

• Easily adjustable for every baby from newborn to toddler (3.2 kg – 20 kg)
• Adjustable to four sizing positions meeting your baby’s growth
• One-size-fits all (can be worn by multiple caregivers)
• Multiple ergonomic positions (front carry facing in, front carry facing out, and back carry)
• Acknowledged “hip-healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
• Machine washable

The Artipoppe Zeitgeist Baby Carrier starts at HKD 2,779 on Artipoppe

Other Stylish Baby Carriers:

Portier Baby Carrier
Keen on the Artipoppe Zeitgeist carrier but can’t stomach the cost? Fusing fashion with function, Australian brand Portier offers a stylish range of baby carriers at a fraction of the price. Suitable for babies from 3.2kg to 16kg, the carrier is both comfortable and supportive, though there’s some debate over the quality and softness of fabrics. Prices start at HKD 1,749.

The Armadillo Baby Carrier by Bumpsuit
In full transparency, we haven’t yet had the pleasure of trying this particular baby carrier as it always seems to be out of stock (ever since being included in that Vogue article on “must-have baby items”) – but on looks alone we had to include it. Now at HKD 2,450, it isn’t the most wallet friendly, but if you’re looking for the same aesthetic effect that Artipoppe gives but at slightly less cost, then The Armadillo Baby Carrier by Bumpsuit could be the way to go. It’s reportedly does a good job of evenly distributing weight, making it a very comfortable wear. However, do take into consideration the visibly heavier fabric if planning on babywearing Hong Kong.

Best Baby Carrier for Travel – The Wildbird Ring Sling

There’s no two ways about it, baby gear takes up a lot of luggage space. But one item that doesn’t have to take up a lot of space is the carrier. Light, compact, and great for tropical weather, the Wildbird Ring Sling is a no-brainer when travelling somewhere hot. Not only that, but it’s super convenient for quick ups and downs, and is great for contact napping on the flight.

And it’s not just great for travel. I used mine a lot at home, too. The pre-tied knot made it extremely easy to quickly slip my baby in and out while I got things done around the house, and my little one really loved the view and freedom that being carried in the hip position afforded him. While the Wildbird Ring Sling is marketed as suiting all babies from newborn to toddler, I personally felt more comfortable introducing it to my little one once he had more control of his neck.

Product Details:

• Safe for babies from newborn to 15 kg
• Wear baby on the front, hip, or back
• 100% natural linen. Woven with luxurious European linen fibers
• Pre-washed and softened fabric that becomes softer with each use and wash
• Dyed using low-impact dyes – for colour that’s kind to our planet and sensitive onto baby’s skin
• Light and airy, linen is the optimal solution for breathability
• Folds compactly and can be used as a sunshade, nursing cover, blanket
• CPSIA Certified non-toxic
• Acknowledged as “Hip-Healthy” by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute

Prices start at HKD 531, available on Wildbird.

Alternate Baby Carriers for Travel

BabyBjorn Baby Carrier MINI
Not sold on the whole ring sling thing? Depending on the size of your baby, you might consider the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier MINI. As the name suggests, this is a lightweight version of the classic carrier, that’s suitable for babies under 11kg. It’s really portable and foldable, and is a lot more straightforward to put on than its classic counterpart. One drawback though, however, is that it was not designed for long wears. Available on BabyBjorn for HKD 899.

Mumma etc. Daily Carrier
Suitable from newborn through to toddlerhood, the Mumma etc. Daily Carrier is not only super stylish but snug, comfy, and supportive to boot! We loved that there are drawstrings to adjust for baby’s size, and the carrier itself can be easily folded up and popped into a bag. Carriers start at HKD 1,397 on Mumma etc.

Best Hip Seat Carrier – Tushbaby

Don’t hesitate – get the damn hip seat! And make it the Tushbaby.

While there are plenty of hip seat carriers on the market, none (in our humble opinion) come close in function and style as the viral Tushbaby. Not only does it offer four main carry positions (side, facing out, face-to-face and baby-feeding), but its ample amount of storage space means that it also doubles as a diaper bag.

To top it all off, Tushbaby recently released the snug attachment – a soft wrap designed to be used exclusively with the Tushbaby so that mums can now carry and cuddle their little ones hands-free and worry-free.

This is the absolute favourite baby product of quite literally every member of my family and extended family, and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. It’s super quick to put on and – as mentioned earlier – fits a ridonkulous amount of stuff in the pockets, meaning I rarely have to bring another bag with me. An added bonus? My baby gets oh-so excited whenever he sees me strapping it on, making it a great soother during times of need – even when he’s at peak fussiness. My only caveat would be that it does get hot around my middle during the summer months, but I’ll take that band of sweat for a happy baby and comfortable back.

Product Details:

• Fits newborns to 36 months, and up to 22kg (can also be used for feeding support)
• Four carry positions
• Five storage pockets with bottle holder – eliminating the need to bring a diaper bag
• Carrier can be used for breastfeeding and nursing support
• Recommended by pediatricians, chiropractors, physical therapists, orthopedists, pelvic floor therapists, and spine surgeons
• Meets CPSC Standards
• Stain-resistant and machine-washable

The Tushbaby Hip Seat Carrier is available for HKD 680+ on Tushbaby.

Other Hip Seat Carriers on the Market

Ergobaby Alta Hip Seat Baby Carrier – SoftFlex™ Mesh
This is one carrier I see all the time while walking around Hong Kong. It allows for hands-free carry and an assisted one-hand hold – all in one carrier! I’ve been told that it’s extremely comfortable to wear for long periods, simple to put on and adjust, and that the mesh provides additional breathability which is always welcome. Buy it now on BabyCentral for HKD 1,341

Chicco Hip Seat Baby Carrier
If all you need is a hip seat without all that extra storage, then you may opt for The Chicco Hip Seat Carrier. It’s an ergonomic and multifunctional baby carrier consisting of two elements – a rigid base and a baby carrier – that can be either used together or separately. Personally, I thought this product paled in comparison to the competition in both looks and function, with some even complaining that the design meant that their child tended to slide right off of it. You can find the Chicco Hip Seat Baby Carrier on Chicco for HKD 1,198

Final Thoughts

Overall, the choice between a baby carrier, wrap or ring sling depends on your individual preferences and needs, as well as the age of your child.

Before making a final decision on which baby carrier you want, ask yourself these questions:

• Does it correctly support the child’s neck and back?
• How many positions does the baby sling allow?
• Will you need help putting the baby carrier on and off?
• Is the material appropriate for Hong Kong’s hot climate?
• How long will the baby carrier last?
• Will it be hard to maintain? Is it machine washable?
• Is the baby carrier suitable for the father and other caregivers as well?

And whichever sling, wrap, or carrier you choose, make sure you check the manufacturer’s instructions before you use it and always follow the T.I.C.K.S. rule for safe babywearing.

Finally, for a good deal, be sure to keep an eye out on your local buy/sell mum groups, whether that be on Facebook or WhatsApp, as well as Resell shops like Retykle. Happy babywearing!

Feature photo courtesy of Kelly Sikkema  via Unsplash; photo 1 courtesy of Doraj Mandal via Unsplash; photo 2 courtesy of Uriel Venegas via Pexels; photo 3 courtesy of Solly Baby; photo 4 courtesy of Kyle Nieber via Unsplash; photo 5 courtesy of Marcin Jozwiak via Unsplash; photo 6 courtesy of Tushbaby, photo 7 courtesy of Ergobaby, photo 8 courtesy of Tula, photo 9 courtesy of BabyBjorn, photo 10 courtesy of Solly baby; photo 11 courtesy of Baby K’tan; photo 12 courtesy of Konny; photo 13 courtesy of Artipoppe; photo 14 courtesy of Portier; photo 15 courtesy of Bumpsuit; photo 16 courtesy of Wildbird; photo 167courtesy of BabyBjorn, photo 18 courtesy of Mumma etc., photo 19 courtesy of Tushbaby; photo 20 courtesy of Ergobaby; photo 21 courtesy of Chicco

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