Like nourishing food and rest, keeping your baby close is one of the most powerful things you can do during the postpartum period. Baby carriers make that closeness portable, hands-free, and sustainable. This guide covers everything you need to know about baby carriers: how to choose one, the different types, and my personal recommendations after years of babywearing two kids.
Why Babywearing Matters During the Fourth Trimester
Babywearing is more than just a convenience tool. It supports the healing and bonding process for both baby and caregiver. In warm weather, you even wrap a naked baby in a soft woven wrap while you are skin-to-skin. Skin-to-skin contact that comes naturally with many baby carriers has been shown to regulate a newborn’s heart rate, temperature, and cortisol levels, support breastfeeding and milk supply, and reduce crying and fussiness in the early weeks (Moore et al., 2016).
Babywearing has a rich global history that long predates modern baby gear. The Mei Tai (called Meh Dai in Cantonese or Bei Dai in Mandarin) is a traditional baby carrier originating in China, sometimes called the “origin of all baby carriers.” Made from a rectangular piece of fabric with four straps, it has been used for centuries across Asia to keep babies close and reduce infant crying and fussiness while mothers moved through daily life (Hunziker & Barr, 1986). Similar traditions exist across cultures worldwide — from the rebozo used in Mexico and Central America during La Cuarentena to the kanga wrap used in East Africa, babywearing has always been a cornerstone of the postpartum recovery period (Fidella.org).
In Heng Ou’s The First Forty Days, babywearing is described as one of the key ways to keep baby calm and content during the confinement period while allowing the mother to rest as much as possible. I couldn’t agree more.
Can I Wear My Baby During Zuo Yue Zi? What About After a C-Section?
Yes, baby carriers are generally compatible with the sitting the month period. Keeping your baby on your chest supports bonding and breastfeeding, both of which are central to postpartum recovery. The gentle movement of being worn also soothes newborns, which means less crying and more rest for everyone.
Here are my tips for babywearing after a C-section:
- Wait for pain-free mobility and start slow. Always get clearance from your doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist first. Once cleared, wait until you can comfortably stand and do light activities without pain. Start with 5- to 10-minute micro-sessions to see how your body responds, and do not lift anything else while wearing the baby. If it hurts, take the carrier off and try again in a few days.
- Position the carrier high above your incision. Avoiding any friction or downward pressure on your scar is your top priority. Waistless carriers (like onbuhimos), ring slings, or soft wraps (stretchy or woven) are fantastic early options because they mold to your shape without a rigid waistband. If you prefer a soft structured carrier, opt for an apron-style waistband which is meant to sit right at your bra line.
- Keep baby kissably high. Your baby should rest flat against your chest, high enough that the top of their head snuggles right under your chin (the “close enough to kiss” rule). When carrying that front-loaded weight, consciously avoid leaning backward. Leaning back stretches your lower abdomen and will pull painfully on your healing incision. Instead, keep your ribs stacked over your pelvis.
How to Choose a Baby Carrier
With so many baby carriers on the market, it can feel overwhelming. Before looking at specific products, think through these four questions:
1. Who are you carrying, and for how long?
Baby carriers can be used from the newborn stage well into toddlerhood — I still carry my almost-four-year-old on the walk to school when he’s feeling fussy! That said, different carriers are optimized for different ages and weights. If you want one carrier that grows with your baby from birth through toddlerhood, a woven wrap or ring sling offers the most versatility. If you want something quick and easy for everyday use, a soft structured carrier (SSC) is usually the better fit. Personally, I recommend getting a specialized carrier for the newborn stage and another one that will last through toddlerhood.
2. Where and how will you use it?
Are you babywearing around the house, on the school run, on hikes? Do you want something compact enough to stuff in a diaper bag, or are you willing to carry something bulkier in exchange for more support on long walks? Think about your daily routine before you commit. (Remember, you can get more than one if your budget allows!)
3. Will it fit multiple caregivers?
If you and a partner or co-caregiver plan to share the carrier, look for options with a wide adjustment range. Mei Tais and woven wraps are excellent for sharing between people with different body types. Many buckle carriers also have wide adjustment ranges, though fit can be trickier.
4. What climate do you live in?
Material matters more than you’d think. Linen is breathable and great for warmer climates. Cotton-wool blends are wonderfully cozy for winter babywearing. If you live somewhere with distinct seasons, you may find yourself reaching for different carriers at different times of year.
Types of Baby Carriers
Soft Structured Carriers (SSC) / Buckle Carriers
Buckle carriers are the most popular type of baby carrier for good reason: they’re easy to learn, comfortable to wear, and work for most body types. They consist of a padded waistband and two shoulder straps connected by buckles, and can be worn with baby on the front, back, or hip depending on the model.
Best for: Those who want something easy and quick to use, from-birth carrying, and comfortable back carries for hiking or long outings.
Things to consider:
- Waistband style: An apron waist (where the waistband is tucked between the wearer and baby) is generally more compact and works well for wearers with shorter torsos. A waterfall waist (where the waistband sits below baby and closer to the hip) provides more structure and lumbar support for heavy toddlers. I tend to prefer an apron waist for daily use, but switch to a waterfall style for long hikes.
- Strap style: X-back straps cross over your back and buckle at your sides near your waist — easy to get on and off by yourself. H-back straps go on like a backpack and clip in the middle of your upper back. Some people find X-backs more comfortable; others prefer the feel of H-back. It’s a personal preference worth trying before you commit. As a petite wearer who’s not great at reaching the middle of my upper back, I prefer an X-back. Some people complain about “neck creep” (the straps in an X-back carry inching toward your neck), but that can be minimized by pulling the straps down and then across when putting the carrier on.
Half-Buckle Carriers and Mei Tais
The half-buckle is a hybrid between a woven wrap and a buckle carrier. The waistband clips around your waist for a secure fit, while the shoulder straps are long enough to wrap and tie — giving you some of the customizable fit of a wrap with the convenience of a clip.
The Mei Tai is the historical predecessor to both the buckle and half-buckle carrier, with roots in traditional Chinese babywearing culture. Like the half-buckle, it uses a rectangular body panel with four straps — two at the waist and two at the shoulders — tied securely around the caregiver’s body.
Best for: Sharing between caregivers with different body types, those who want the comfort of a wrap without the full learning curve, and extended carries with older babies and toddlers.
Consideration: Half buckles come with fanned shoulders or strap shoulders. My preference is fanned shoulders for better weight distribution, but some people prefer the greater range of motion that strap shoulders allow.
Woven Wraps
A woven wrap is a long piece of woven fabric that is tied securely around both the baby and the caregiver in a variety of carries. They have been used across cultures for centuries and remain one of the most versatile and comfortable options available.
Woven wraps have a steeper learning curve than buckle carriers, but the payoff is significant: they distribute weight evenly across your entire torso, making them one of the most back-friendly options for long carries. They can also be used for back carries at an earlier age than most buckle carriers, and allow for hands-free nursing.
Best for: Those with back or shoulder issues, those who want one carrier to use from birth through toddlerhood, and those who want the most versatile and customizable carry options. If I were to choose just one carrier for the newborn stage through toddlerhood, this would be it — though I’d recommend practicing before baby arrives.
Stretchy Wraps
Stretchy wraps are similar to woven wraps but made from a soft, stretchy jersey-like fabric. They are designed specifically for the newborn stage — the stretch makes it easy to pop baby in and out, and the soft fabric feels very womb-like and cozy.
One important note: Stretchy wraps are really only practical for the first three months or so. Once baby gets heavier, the fabric starts to sag and loses its supportive quality. If you’re looking for a carrier to grow with your baby, consider a woven wrap or SSC instead.
Onbuhimos
An onbuhimo is a traditional Japanese-inspired back carrier without a waistband, designed to be worn high on the back. Because there’s no waistband, it’s a wonderful option during pregnancy, after a C-section, or any time waist pressure is uncomfortable.
Onbuhimos are compact, fold up small, and fit a wide range of body types. Having an onbuhimo has genuinely saved me during morning school rush when both kids needed me at the same time — I can loop baby’s legs through and get her up on my back in seconds, which immediately stops the crying and frees my arms for my older child.
Best for: Older babies and toddlers, quick “up and down” moments, pregnant caregivers, post-C-section recovery, and anyone who wants a fast and easy back carry solution.
Note: Onbuhimos do use muscles that most people aren’t used to engaging, and may take some conditioning before they feel comfortable for longer carries.
Ring Slings
A ring sling is made from a length of woven fabric sewn to two aluminum rings. You thread the fabric through the rings to create an adjustable pouch for your baby, worn across one shoulder.
Ring slings are wonderfully quick to put on and take off, making them ideal for the “up and down phase” when your baby or toddler wants to be carried one minute and walking the next. They’re also excellent for breastfeeding on the go and for hip carrying curious older babies who want to see the world at your level.
One consideration: Because all the weight rests on one shoulder, ring slings are not ideal for extended carries. I find mine most useful for short outings and quick errands rather than long walks.
Safe Babywearing: The TICKS Guidelines
Regardless of which type of carrier you choose, always follow the TICKS guidelines for safe babywearing:
- Tight: The carrier should be snug enough that baby doesn’t slump
- In view at all times: You should always be able to see your baby’s face
- Close enough to kiss: Baby’s head should be close enough to kiss with a slight tilt of your head
- Keep chin off chest: Baby’s chin should never be tucked to their chest, which can restrict breathing
- Supported back: Baby’s back should be supported in a natural, slightly curved position
Is Forward-Facing (World-Facing) Safe?
Babywearing experts recommend inward-facing because it’s more ergonomic both for the baby and wearer, and because it gives babies a chance to tuck in if they feel overwhelmed (plus, it’s easier for baby to fall asleep, which is always a win). Forward-facing with a newborn that does not have good head and neck control is not safe or healthy for hip development (International Hip Dysplasia Institute). Forward-facing carrying is generally considered fine in moderation for babies after 6 months of age. It’s not the most ergonomic position for extended use, but if you have a baby who insists on facing outward (my firstborn was exactly this baby), it’s perfectly fine for shorter periods. Just make sure to scoop their bottom and thighs so they’re sitting rather than dangling by their crotch, and take breaks.
My Recommendations (Not Sponsored)
These are carriers I’ve personally used. All opinions are my own.
Soft Structured Carriers
Ergobaby Embrace — My top recommendation for the newborn stage. I had the mesh version and carried my firstborn in it until 18 months. Easy to use, comfortable, and widely available.
Happy Baby Haven — Similar to the Ergobaby Embrace but without a waistband, making it a great post-C-section option. X-back, slightly stretchy, and incredibly soft. Very easy to put on alone.
Hope and Plum Lark — Currently my most-used carrier. Structured similarly to the Ergobaby Embrace with an apron-style X-back, but with a larger panel that fits babies from about 6 months to 3 years. Compact enough to fit in a diaper bag.
Oscha Bairn — Similar structure to the Hope and Plum Lark, slightly more compact, and made from Oscha’s beautiful woven fabric. If you love a water elemental, Lord of the Rings, or highland cow aesthetic, explore Oscha’s fabrics — they’re stunning. Some people (me) find the webbing straps a bit uncomfortable, and you lose some support for how compact it is.
Beco Gemini — My budget pick. You can often find it used locally for around $20. Waterfall-style waistband, X-back, and can do front, back, hip, and forward-facing carries. Versatile and durable. The panel is a bit smaller than some other carriers, so I’d say it maxes out around 2 years.
Onya Outback — My recommendation for hiking with from about 6 months through 3 years. Made from packable nylon ripstop fabric, with a large sunshade and a built-in pocket for diapers and wipes. It even has a built in highchair?? (I’ve never used that feature). I never see this one mentioned in babywearing groups, but I think it’s excellent. Waterfall waistband, can be worn X-back or H-back. It packs down pretty small.
Can you tell I prefer X-back? Many people who prefer H-back enjoy the Happy Baby OG, which is made of linen, apron-style, and extremely compact. The Lenny Light and Didyfix are popular options that can be used both H-back and X-back. The Lenny Light comes in really beautiful woven fabrics, and I think their look rivals the expensive Artipoppe carriers for a more reasonable price.
Half-Buckle Carriers
Oscha Cairis — Beautiful, comfortable, and extremely supportive. The fabric quality is exceptional. I don’t personally own one because I was a little intimidated by the amount of fabric, but the babywearing community raves about it.
Lenny Lamb Hybrid — I prefer the fanned shoulder straps to the Oscha Cairis’s strap-style shoulders, and the woven material is soft and cozy. The waistband is slightly more structured than I’d prefer, but it has a handy pocket for a phone or wallet.
Girasol Wrapmysol — My second most-used carrier. I love this thing. It works as either a waterfall or apron waistband, the waistband is genuinely comfortable, and the wrap-style shoulder straps make it excellent for extended carries. You can get a higher back carry than with a typical SSC. It can also be converted into an onbuhimo by removing the waistband and threading the straps through — and it can even be used for tandem wearing.
Ring Sling
Double Linen Ring Sling — I enjoy hip carrying my curious toddler in a double linen ring sling so she can experience things at my level (the double layers make it stronger for carrying toddlers). Ring slings are great for both newborns and toddlers. However, they have more of a learning curve than I expected. With summer coming, I think I’ll appreciate the breathable linen, though I might prefer a woven wrap material for cooler months.
Onbuhimo
Didymos Onbuhimo — It’s soft, beautiful, and has just the right amount of padding. Getting baby into a back carry is so fast, which is great when baby starts fussing and you need to cook or take care of a sibling. For longer carries (like the 20-minute walk to school), I find my Wrapmysol more comfortable, but for quick ups and downs, nothing beats the onbuhimo.
Happy Baby and Lenny Lamb also make great onbuhimos. Happy Baby has less padding than Didymos and Lenny Lamb has more. I find Didymos to be a good happy medium.
A Note on Trying Before You Buy
Carrier preferences are deeply personal — what works beautifully for one body type or lifestyle may not work for another. If possible, try carriers before committing. Check whether your area has a babywearing lending library, ask neighbors who babywear, or look for try-before-you-buy programs at local baby boutiques. It’s worth the extra step. Little Zen One has a free try before you buy program where you just pay to ship the carrier you try to the next person on the waiting list, and you get a discount if you buy the carrier you try. It’s an awesome program with a great community!
What’s your favorite carrier? Leave a comment below!
References
Hunziker, U. A., & Barr, R. G. (1986). Increased carrying reduces infant crying: A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics, 77(5), 641–648. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3517799/
Moore, E. R., Bergman, N., Anderson, G. C., & Medley, N. (2016). Early skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their healthy newborn infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27885658/
International Hip Dysplasia Institute. (n.d.). Babywearing. https://hipdysplasia.org/baby-wearing/
