Baby Carriers for Newborns: 19 Picks for Safety & Style (2024)

Welcoming a new addition to the family is an exciting time, and as a new parent, you want to ensure the safety and comfort of your newborn.

Let’s take a closer look at the options available and find the perfect baby carrier for your newborn.

Best Stretchy Wrap Baby Carriers for Newborns

Stretchy wraps are very popular carriers, particularly for newborns; essentially, a long piece of jersey knit fabric, stretchy wraps securely hug your baby in snuggly softness.

The Boba Baby is also thinner than other stretchy wraps and less stretchy – meaning it’s not as hot as other options can be and unlike other stretchy wraps, it can be safely used for back carries. I’d also add that these wraps are truly beautiful works of art – beautiful and comfortable; what could be better?!

6 More Good Stretchy Wrap Options for Newborns

The Moby Wrap and Sleepy Wrap are the most popular options. You can also find good stretchy wraps on Etsy (for example, check out MaxAndSo brand).

The Baby K’tan and Momcozy are stretchy-like pre-wrapped carrier options that might work for you if you like the idea of a wrap but not the idea of wrapping. Both consist of two cotton knit loops worn like an X with a third band tied around you. They are sized carriers, so it may not be possible to share between wearers who are different sizes.

4 Main Benefits of Stretchy Wraps, Making Them #1 Choice Baby Carriers for Newborns

1. Inexpensive. Stretchy wraps are inexpensive and are very easy to find in both online and brick-and-mortar stores, which makes them an easy addition to a baby registry.
2. Soft right away. Many moms find the soft cotton knit of a stretchy wrap to be the perfect thing to cuddle a newborn in. These are soft right away like a blanket or a favorite t-shirt.
3. Great for all-size moms and dads. Wraps are great for all sizes and shapes; because they are tied on, you get a custom fit every time. This makes them easy to share between wearers. Stretchy wraps generally come in one size and should fit both petite and plus-size mamas.
4. Easy to care for. Baby spit-up, pee, and poop are easily dealt with – just toss them in the wash, and you are good to go!

4 Main Cons of Stretchy Wraps You Should Know

1. The biggest con of a stretchy wrap is the fact that most are really only usable for small babies and newborns. Although they are rated to 35 pounds, most moms find that after 15 pounds or so, the wrap begins to sag – which can become uncomfortable. This makes them not a great choice for older, heavier babies. The Boba, which does have less stretch, can comfortably be used with heavier babies.
2. Stretchy wraps should never be used for back carries – the stretch factor makes it too difficult to pull the wrap tight enough to ensure a safe back carry. The Boba is again an exception; it is far less stretchy (and only stretches one way), so it can safely be used for all carries.
3. For some, the idea of figuring out how to tie 5 yards of fabric around you may not be appealing. While wrapping does look complicated, it’s pretty straightforward with a bit of practice. A related concern is how to handle wrapping when out and about. Wraps can be pre-tied, but that may not be the most appealing option to all wearers.
4. Stretchy wraps can be rather warm – not the best choice for a summer newborn in a hot climate, although wonderful for a winter baby in a cold climate). The Moby is the warmest; the Boba Baby is the coolest/thinnest.

Best Woven Wraps for Newborns

There are lots of great woven wrap brands – it’s hard to pick the best, but I have the following leaders.

ZuBuBaby, Daiesu, and TekhniWovens are great options on Etsy.

4 Main Benefits of Woven Wraps for Newborns

1. Long lifespan. Woven wraps have a longer life span than their stretchy cousins as they are generally more supportive.  Toddlers can still be easily worn in a woven wrap.
2. Back carries. Wovens can be used in a wide array of carries, including back carries.  A woven wrap is one of the few carriers suitable for a newborn/young baby back carry as they allow you to get the baby very high on your back.
3. Custom fit. Woven wraps come in different sizes, although wearers of different sizes can still use the same wrap; like stretchy wraps, they always give a custom fit.
4. Any color & style. Woven wraps are available in a wide array of colors and styles – there’s something for every taste. Wovens also come in a variety of thicknesses; they may be a better choice for someone concerned about heat.

Woven Wraps Have Two Main Disadvantages

1. Woven wraps are among the more expensive options and can be hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores. There is a large market for used woven wraps. Try eBay for good deals on gently used woven wraps.
2. Like stretchy wraps, there is a bit of a learning curve with woven wraps. Although woven wraps can be pre-tied, they are somewhat less forgiving of a “poppable” carry than their stretchy cousins. Some do find the idea of wrapping in public a bit unappealing – it does tend to attract attention.

Best Gauze Wrap Newborn Baby Carrier

Although not true wovens, gauze wraps share many of the same characteristics as woven wraps.

They are very thin and lightweight – making them great for hot weather.

They aren’t as soft as true wovens or stretchy wraps, but the coolness may outweigh that for you if you need something for outdoors in the summer.

Also, check out BeachfrontBaby Etsy shop for lightweight wraps great for the summer.

For more information on woven wrap brands and where to buy, see my 34 best baby wrap carriers overview.

Best Mei Tai Carriers for Newborn Babies

Mei Tais are essentially a square of fabric with waist straps and shoulder straps.

For more information on mei tai brands and wearing tips, check out my mei tai carriers guide.

Mei Tai as a Newborn Baby Carrier: 3 Main Benefits

• Less wrapping. Mei Tai is a nice option for someone who wants the custom fit of a wrap but without all the wrapping. You do have to tie the straps (which allows for the custom fit), but it’s a bit easier to get a mei tai on quickly than a wrap.
• One-size-fits-all for parents. Mei tais can be easily shared between users since they are tied on each time. Longer straps are available if needed, so they will fit all wearers’ sizes.
• Back carries. Mei tais can be used for front or back carries. Like woven wraps, they can be used in a high back carry, making it possible to wear even a very young baby on your back if you wish (by 2 or 3 months, some babies prefer the view of a back carry).

2 Meh Dai Cons You Should Know About

• The tying aspect of mei tais may not appeal to some who would rather have quick buckles with nothing to drag.
• Mei tais aren’t quite as easy to care for as wraps, as handwashing and line drying are recommended.

Best Ring Sling Carriers for Newborns

Ring Sling As a Newborn Carrier Pros

• Ring slings are a nice option if you need a quick in and out carrier.
• While you can learn to nurse in pretty much any carrier, a ring sling is easiest to learn to nurse in and quickest to “set up.”
• Ring slings are very compact, making them a nice choice for a car carrier or diaper bag carrier – never know when you may need to babywear!
• Ring slings are very adjustable, making them a better option than the commonly found pouch sling. They can be shared between wearers and adjusted to different positions easily.
• Versatile. Ring slings are wonderful for newborns but equally useful for bigger babies and even toddlers. We recommend an upright tummy to tummy carry for newborns instead of a cradle carry which can be difficult to correctly position.

Ring Sling As a Newborn Carrier Cons

• Because they are worn on only one shoulder, wearers with back problems may not find them to be a comfortable option. They also may not be as comfortable for long-term wearing, especially with a heavier baby.
• Ring slings may not feel quite as “hands-free” as other options because they aren’t a two-shouldered carry. That doesn’t mean they aren’t secure, of course! Just that you may find your one arm a bit restricted by the sling.

Best Newborn-Friendly Soft Structured Baby Carriers

Each of the three structured carriers listed above is a far better option than many other popular buckle-style carriers like the Bjorn, Infantino, or Snuggly (which we do not recommend). Here’s more on why we think they aren’t the best options: how to choose a baby carrier.

For more information on buckle carriers see our soft structured carriers guide.

Soft Structured Carriers for Newborns Pros

• Ease. Many parents find the ease of a buckle or soft structured carrier to be the biggest selling point – snap it on and go!  Nothing to tie and no tails to drag.
• Great for dads. Many daddies find buckle carriers more appealing because there’s nothing to tie – although some daddies like wrapping too 😉
• Easy to adjust. Structured carriers are generally easy to adjust – just pull the straps tight as needed.
• Back carries. Some find them less intimidating to use in back carries since they buckle on quickly.
• Ergonomic, supportive. Quality soft structured carriers provide good back support and a secure, two-shoulder carry.

Soft Structured Carriers For Newborns Cons

• Not the best option for newborns. Soft structured carriers may be the hardest to get a cozy newborn fit.  Some (like versions of the Beco) come with a built-in newborn harness.  Others (like the Ergo) have a separate insert.
• Legs in. Baby will have to ride legs in longer in a buckle carrier than in other carriers.  This may be an issue for babies that prefer to be legs out.
• Not the best option for high back carries. Buckle carriers can not be used for back carries until more like 6 months.  They also sit baby lower on the back meaning baby won’t get as good of a view – not an issue for some, but some babies are picky!
• Not a “fits everybody” option. Structured carriers may be harder to get a comfortable fit in.  Different brands fit differently, so you may find it best to try before you buy, especially if you are petite or plus-sized.  Check the manufacturers’ websites for local stores that carry each brand (usually, they have testers out).

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