Before buying a baby carrier, ask yourself these questions:
- How much are you willing to spend?
- What will you be using your baby carrier for? Do you plan on using it for the odd trip to the shops or for hiking, air travel and more adventurous activities?
- Do you want a single system that covers all needs or to buy products that fulfill different roles.
Best Baby Carrier: How Much to Spend?
With baby carriers, you get what you pay for. There are some basic designs out there but pricier models include better design, features and quality. They may also work out as better value in the long run.
However, if you’re on a really tight budget and want to spend less than £100 there are products that will deliver up to a point. Don’t expect versatility and comfort. Maybe you want something basic for quick trips without much in the way of adventure.
In that case, something like the LittleLife Discoverer S2 is going to suit you:
- LittleLife Discoverer S2 (buy it here)
It’s a basic version of the LittleLife baby carrier range which tend to be sturdy, outdoor orientated carriers. I’ve tried the Discoverer and although it is basic, the riding position and comfort are adequate for the price.
Best Baby Carrier: Outdoor Pursuits and Adventure?
What will you be using your baby carrier for? Will you be just popping to the shops and want a convenient way to transport your kids. Or will you be looking to go hiking or doing other more adventurous trips? When spending money on a baby carrier, these are important questions.
A front only carrier like the Baby Bjorn (pictured above) will give you the ability to take young babies to the shops or on public transport but hiking is probably out of the question.
Toddler hiking is an activity that needs special planning as I explain in this post: How to take a Toddler Hiking
There are baby carriers that are designed or well suited to hiking and mini outdoor adventures. I personally use both the LittleLife Cross Country (pictured top) and the new JACS Baby Carrier which is light weight and versatile. The JACS also comes with a lifetime guarantee so presents excellent value for money.
The best place to buy one of the baby carriers described above is from one of these links:
- Baby Bjorn ‘Miracle’ (click here)
- LittleLife Cross Country S3 (click here)
- JACS Baby Carrier Complete (click here)
Once you’ve bought a baby carrier, it’s time to go exploring!
Best Baby Carrier: How Versatile is It?
Having a baby carrier that is versatile is important. You don’t want to have to buy two carriers if one can do all the jobs you want it to.
Versatility means:
- Being suitable for babies of an early age
- Having the option of back pack and front carry
- Useful for hiking, geocaching and less adventurous activities
The JACS represents a win in all of these categories. It’s easy to switch between back and front carry. Babies can be carried from three months and the design is suitable for longer trips into the outdoors.
Although the JACS is the most expensive of the carriers in this article, it offers a complete package of front carry and back carry. There is also a range of accessories and lifetime warranty all for £150. That’s less than buying the two cheapest options together.
Best Baby Carrier: Air Travel in Style
The JACS comes into its own for air travel. Instead of carrying bulky push chairs, you could have real freedom in any airport. Imagine going through security without a buggy or pram. Bliss, right?
On a recent air trip, I used the JACS baby carrier on a cramped Saab 340 propeller plane. I could have two hands free to climb the ladder and carry my cabin luggage at the same time.
Best Baby Carrier: Conclusion
In my opinion, the best four baby carriers are:
- JACS Baby Carrier Complete (click here)
- LittleLife Cross Country S3 (click here)
- Baby Bjorn ‘Miracle’ (click here)
- LittleLife Discoverer S2 (click here)
Once you’ve bought the baby carrier that’s right for you, get out there and show your baby the world!