Introduction
Having a child and raising them can be a wonderful and magical experience. Moreover, those precious little events that you associate with a child growing up are present right from the baby stage. Even though babies can’t talk, they form a strong and unquestionable bond with their parents in the early years. One great way of establishing this bond is simply by holding them in your arms. The simple act of holding your baby in your arms can become a very precious memory. However, holding your child in your arms for several hours a day is not feasible. Also, laying the baby on a cot may not be an option either. This is where baby carriers come in.
Baby carriers are a boon for working parents who also want to maintain close contact with their baby. While a baby carrier may be a no-brainer for some parents, choosing from the wide range of carriers available can be a daunting task. In this article, we aim to eliminate that hassle by giving you a detailed lowdown on the best baby carriers in India. Whether you are looking for the best baby carrier for active parents or the best active baby carrier in India, you will need to consider a few factors before you make your purchase. Our comprehensive buying guide lays out all those factors and will help you make an informed decision. We have covered every single type of carrier based on the baby’s age and requirements. Moreover, all the baby carriers listed in this article are available on Amazon.
Best Baby Carriers – Quick Comparison
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Types Of Baby Carriers
There are several kinds of baby carriers to choose from. Which one is suitable for your baby depends on your baby’s age, height, and so on. Most baby carriers also have a minimum weight requirement. Below, we have listed the major types of baby carriers and the situation each one is suitable for.
Front-Facing Baby Carrier
There are two types of the front-facing baby carrier, each one suitable for different developmental stages of the baby. The front inward-facing baby carrier is best used for newborns until they are around four months old. This is because newborn babies can’t support their own heads and need help. The inward-facing carrier helps achieve this because they can rest their head on the parent’s chest. Always make sure your baby’s posture is correct – their neck shouldn’t touch their chest, and their thighs should be parallel to the ground.
You can start using an outward-facing baby carrier when your baby is 4-6 months old. This is because at this stage, their neck is developed, and they have enough head control. However, some babies prefer the inward-facing position after reaching this age too. Watch your baby for cues that he/she is not comfortable in the current position. Also, front-facing carriers are usually not appropriate for active use.
Baby Carrier Backpack
Backpack carriers are a great option if you want to take your baby with you on hikes and camping trips. They usually have an aluminium frame that helps distribute the baby’s weight along your back and shoulders. These carriers don’t offer much neck support, so it is best to use them when your baby is at least six months old. When you are buying one, take the weight into consideration. Even if your baby is relatively light, the metal frame adds a couple of kilograms, and it can get tiring after a while. There is also the matter of the baby not being in your line of sight.
Baby Carrier Wrap
A baby wrap is essentially a simpler form of a carrier. It is a piece of fabric you wrap around your shoulders and waist to provide a snug space for your baby. It is most useful for newborns as the weight capacity is lower than that of regular carriers. Also, there aren’t any uncomfortable clasps or buckles. Due to the flimsiness of wraps, suffocation is a possibility if you don’t tie them right. You may need to watch a tutorial before using a baby wrap carrier.
Ring Sling Baby Carrier
A ring sling carrier consists of a long swathe of fabric that is threaded through two or more rings. It loops around one shoulder and the waist of the parent with the baby resting in the resultant space. You can use ring slings for your baby up to the age of 18 months. You can adjust the size and tightness of the ring sling using the rings. So it is quite versatile, and you can use it for babies of varying heights and weights. However, supporting a baby on one shoulder can get tiring.
Buckle Carrier Or Structured Carrier
The soft-structured baby carrier is also called the buckle carrier because of the extensive use of buckles to customise the wearing style according to your baby’s needs. It has plenty of straps and padding to ensure even distribution of weight. Also, depending on what you choose or need, you can carry your baby on your front, back, or at your hip. Due to its versatility, this type of carrier can be used for babies and toddlers of varying ages.
Mei Tai Baby Carrier
The Mei Tai baby carrier resembles a cross between a wrap and a buckle carrier. It consists of a soft padded panel with straps at all four corners. The panel supports your baby, and you tie the straps around yourself. This type is also versatile, and you can use it on your back, front, or hip.
Top Baby Carrier Brands In India
Below, we take a look at some of the top brands that offer baby carriers in India.
LuvLap
LuvLap is a baby care product brand from Universal Corporation Limited. They have become well-known for providing high-quality products at very affordable prices.
Chinmay Kids
Chinmay Kids is an Indian brand that was established in 2014. Its USP is providing highly durable products that give you long-term value.
Infantino
The Infantino brand boasts a wide range of useful baby products. They offer some very sophisticated products with plenty of nifty features. However, these are naturally more expensive.
R For Rabbit
R For Rabbit is a brand that prides itself on the safety of its baby products. It offers innovative products at budget-friendly prices.
Mee Mee
Mee Mee is a sub-brand of the established Me ‘n’ Moms company which has more than a hundred stores across India. They have been in the business for more than two decades and as a result, have earned a good reputation.
Top Baby Carriers In India – Review
In this section, we take a look at the pros and cons of some of the best baby carriers in India. We have considered factors like quality of the material, age and weight limits, item weight, and cost. All these carriers are unisex. However, if the target gender mentioned is female, it means the model has additional design features that aid in breastfeeding.
LuvLap Elegant
The LuvLap Elegant baby carrier is an ergonomic product that has no shortage of padding and cushioning. The shoulder straps are made from breathable padded mesh fabric. There is also a waist strap that helps in better weight distribution by providing extra support to your back. All the arm and leg holes are well-cushioned to make sure your baby is as comfortable as possible. In addition, the straps have buckles that are fully adjustable. As a result, you can wear this carrier in four different positions according to your convenience. There is also a nifty front pocket. At just under Rs. 1900, it does not burn a hole through your wallet. Overall, the LuvLap Elegant baby carrier is one of the best baby carriers for everyday use.
Infantino Cuddle Up
The Infantino Cuddle Up baby carrier features a hoodie for the baby, which is a unique feature. The hoodie is just the right size to cover the baby’s head and still let the wearer be able to see their face. It does a great job of shielding the baby from the sun and also does passably well against rain for short periods. The fabric is very soft and comfortable.
This carrier can be worn on both front and back. Also, the hoodie is detachable, and the whole carrier is machine-washable. There are two pockets that can cover your hands while letting you support the baby too. Due to the hoodie, this carrier is easily one of the best baby carriers for all seasons. However, pricing is a significant downside. You can usually buy similar products at a much lower price, though they may be of lower quality.
Mama Cuddle Wrap Carrier
The Mama Cuddle baby wrap carrier consists of ultrasoft and lightweight cotton fabric. The fabric is very breathable, and as a result, it is quite suitable for hot Indian climates. It is also relatively stretchy, so you can adjust it and wear it however you and your baby desire. This also makes it easy to use while breastfeeding. This wrap provides the cosy warm feeling that is beneficial to newborns. As a result, newborns form the primary segment for this product. The pricing is also not too high, making this one of the best baby wraps in India.
Mee Mee Baby Carrier
The Mee Mee lightweight baby carrier is made of lightweight premium cotton that is quite soft to the touch. It has straps that are sturdy and provide adequate support at the same time. There is also additional padding to protect the baby’s neck and head. The fabric is breathable, ensuring that your baby can stay comfortable even in hot weather. In addition, the carrier can be worn in four different positions, thanks to the adjustable straps. On the other hand, due to the lack of a waist strap, it isn’t very comfortable wearing it for long periods of time. As a result, this is a decent product if you don’t carry your baby for extended periods of time.
Soulslings Aseema
Soulslings is an Indian brand that specialises in making high-quality indigenous baby products. The Soulslings AseemA is a soft-structured baby carrier that is fully customisable according to your baby’s needs. In the smallest configuration, you can use it for newborns. You can then adjust it as your infant grows into a toddler, meaning this is virtually the only carrier you will ever need to purchase. The fabric is 100% cotton and provides good cushioning. It also has a waist strap, a pouch and a hood, all of which are removable. The great adjustability means you can nurse your baby without too much hassle. At under 6000, it is among the costlier models on this list. However, you get a product that is fully adjustable and customisable.
Chinmay Kids 4-In-1 Baby Carrier
Chinmay Kids specialises in making affordable baby care products, and this 4-in-1 carrier is no different. The fabric is soft and comfortable for both the parent and the baby. The arm and leg holes have extra padding too. The shoulder and waist straps are wide and ensure even weight distribution for the wearer’s comfort. The adjustable straps mean that you can wear this carrier in four different positions. While the listed price is just under Rs. 1000, you can often get it at heavily discounted prices. That makes it one of the best affordable baby carriers in India.
LuvLap Elite
LuvLap delivers on its reputation with the Elite baby carrier. It features breathable cotton fabric that promises maximum comfort and has a wide waist strap that provides good lumbar support. As the straps are adjustable, you can use it for babies from the age of 4 months. However, it is not suitable for newborns. It also has a detachable hood that can protect your baby’s delicate head from the sun, letting them sleep peacefully. There is also a front pocket that enables you to carry essential items. This product is not exactly budget, but it provides good value for the money you spend.
POLKA TOTS Sling Ring
The POLKA TOTS sling ring carrier is ideal for newborns. It is made of soft and stretchable cotton that ensures your baby fits snugly. You can adjust its size using the two rings present. As it is a sling ring, your baby rests in a natural position similar to how it would be if they were in your arms. This boosts the baby’s feeling of warmth and security. Also, it makes it easier for nursing parents. At just under 1800, it is a little pricey. In addition, it becomes hard to use beyond a certain age and weight.
Kol Kol Baby Carrier
The Kol Kol baby carrier is a handwoven carrier that uses 100% cotton fabric. The broad base of the carrier provides excellent support for the baby’s legs and prevents hip problems. The cotton is breathable and is suitable for Indian weather. As the carrier’s height can’t be adjusted, it has a minimum height requirement of 70 cm. It has a hood and a pocket for storing things. It also has a supportive waist strap, letting you use it comfortably for extended periods of time. For older babies, you can improvise and use it as a backpack. It is slightly expensive, so it may not be a good option for budget-conscious parents.
R For Rabbit Hug Me Elite
The R for Rabbit Hug Me Elite is a soft-structured baby carrier. It has generous amounts of padding that ensures that the baby is always in an ergonomic position. It gives plenty of support to the baby’s head, neck and back. In addition, it has a wide lumbar strap so that the wearer does not feel any strain either. All the straps are completely adjustable. You can use this carrier in a few different positions. One downside is that the carrier is slightly heavier than most other models. This can add to the stress a little bit. Another drawback is the price.
Infantino Convertible Carrier
The Infantino Convertible Carrier boasts an innovative feature that lets you switch out its base according to your baby’s needs. Usually, if the base is too large, you will need inserts. Here, you can simply switch between the narrow and broad bases. The adjustable shoulder and waist straps provide a comfortable fit for parents of all sizes. You get a Wonder Cover bib that attaches to the carrier and protects your clothing from the baby’s spit. On top of all these unique features, the carrier is ergonomic and very comfortable. However, its price is very high and at under Rs. 14,000, it is simply not a practical option. If the price were not an issue, it would easily be one of the best baby carriers for all ages.
Babymoon Sling Carrier
The Babymoon sling carrier wrap is targeted explicitly at breastfeeding moms. It is light and stretchy and designed so that your baby is in the perfect position to feed. You can adjust the single shoulder strap to fit bodies of different sizes. You can adjust the sling easily to ensure maximum comfort while nursing. While the recommended age is up to 9 months, the compact size of the carrier means that you can use it only till the age of around six months. On the bright side, however, it is relatively cheap and provides great value for money. This is the best baby carrier for breastfeeding.
R For Rabbit Upsy Daisy
The R for Rabbit Upsy Daisy baby carrier is an ergonomic carrier that lets you carry your baby either facing outwards or inwards. Its wide shoulder straps provide just the right amount of support for the wearer. The comfortable padding supports the baby’s head and neck and prevents any unwanted stress. The front of the carrier has a breathable mesh that makes sure your baby does not get sweaty even in hot weather. This model features a hip-carry seat. Due to this, it is not machine-washable. The pricing could be better – there are better options available at this price or lower.
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Baby Carrier – Buying Guide
There are several factors that you have to consider when buying a baby carrier. Buying the wrong type of carrier for your baby can have harmful effects. To make your choice easier, we have broken down the various factors involved in choosing the perfect carrier.
Safety
While wearing a baby carrier, it is important to remember that babies, especially newborns, require extra support for the head and neck. Always make sure that there is at least an inch of space between the baby’s chin and chest. Make sure that the baby’s legs are in an’M’ shape. Depending on your baby’s age and weight, there are different carriers that help maintain maximum safety. It is advisable not to bend when wearing a carrier. If you absolutely have to, supporting the baby should be your priority. If you plan to take part in any activity involving a lot of movement, use a carrier that is designed for the purpose, such as a backpack carrier.
Age
The choice of carrier depends a lot on your baby’s age. Babies usually develop good neck support by the age of four months. If you wish to use a carrier before that, choose one that provides adequate support. Some models have extra foam inserts that provide extra cushioning. Every baby carrier also has a weight limit and requirement. Whenever you zero in on a certain model, make sure to read the manual and do some thorough research. If there’s ever something you aren’t sure about, consult a doctor.
Comfort
Using a baby carrier should be comfortable for not only the baby but also the parent. Some types of carriers provide less support by design. These usually have lower weight limits. Using the wrong kind of carrier can be quite detrimental to both parent and baby. If your baby is in the age range of 12-18 months, look for a carrier that provides extra lumbar support and padding. This distributes the weight uniformly and prevents any undue stress. In the long run, this prevents muscle and joint problems.
Use
A major advantage of a baby carrier is that it is a lot more convenient than a stroller, especially in public spaces. However, each type of carrier has its own purpose and limitations. A wrap that has minimal padding is likely best used at home. Outdoor carriers sport a lot more padding to counter any unexpected jolts. For instance, backpack carriers usually have metal frames that provide almost complete stability. You can even go jogging or running, though it is not advisable to do so with newborns.
Nursing-Friendliness
If you need to nurse your baby in a carrier, you will need a carrier that is adjustable and isn’t too tight. A sling ring carrier fits this requirement well as you can easily adjust it using its rings. A wrap is also a good option as the snug fit closely resembles the womb, which is great for newborns. There are a few carriers that have nursing-specific features. For example, a few models have additional flaps that provide privacy while breastfeeding in public.
Price
Just as with any other product, baby carriers are available at a wide range of price points. Your choice depends largely on your budget. There are plenty of budget options that justify a year or two of use. Some of the more expensive models can last longer. Certain brands have better designs. In the end, what’s most important is choosing what’s best for your baby. Sometimes, spending a little more may be worth it for your child’s well-being.
Baby Carrier – Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about baby carriers.
Why should I use a baby carrier?
A baby carrier is most useful when you want to maintain skin-to-skin contact with your baby but need to do something else with your hands.
Which baby carriers are best for newborns?
Baby wraps are the most popular for newborns, mainly because they provide a cocoon of warmth that newborns love and they also help support the baby’s head quite well.
Can baby carriers cause hip problems?
If used incorrectly, yes, they can. Always ensure that your baby’s legs are spread apart and form a rough’M’ shape.
Why should I choose an ergonomic baby carrier?
Ergonomic baby carriers provide maximum support for the baby’s natural posture. They also help in healthy hip development and prevent hip dysplasia.
What baby carriers are safe?
Any baby carrier is safe as long as the baby’s legs are spread apart, their neck has ample support, and their airways aren’t constricted.
What baby carrier is best for breastfeeding?
Sling rings and wraps are the most comfortable carriers for breastfeeding moms. In addition, some models have extra flaps for privacy.
Does a baby carrier count as a carry-on?
Yes, you can take a baby carrier as carry-on luggage. However, you can’t wear it when the seatbelt sign is on.
Can baby carriers cause mastitis?
This differs from person to person. If you are already prone to blocked ducts, the extra pressure from a baby carrier can aggravate it. Consult a doctor.
Till what age can baby carriers be used?
You can use a baby carrier until around 24-36 months of age. Usually, your baby will grow tired of a carrier at some point in this period.
Which baby carrier is best in India?
There are several good options available on the market. In our opinion, the LuvLap Elite baby carrier makes the best tradeoff between budget and quality.
Conclusion
Overall, the baby carrier you choose depends on several factors, most importantly, your baby’s needs. Your baby’s comfort and safety should always be your first priority. Whenever you feel unsure about something even after doing research, make sure to ask a doctor for advice. That being said, the single best value-for-money option from our list above is the LuvLap Elite . It provides premium features which you would definitely want for your baby while managing to remain affordable.
