Based upon my years of traveling with babies, I can confidently say that a baby carrier is an invaluable piece of baby travel gear. In fact, on my list of essential baby travel gear, a baby carrier is my #1 choice.
While I have occasionally traveled with a stroller, I have used a baby carrier for travel significantly more. I have tried many types and brands of baby carriers for travel and am happy to share my experience-based recommendations with you.
There are many reasons why I recommend a baby carrier for travel:
Firstly, a baby carrier frees up your hands, which allows you to carry other things and/or deal with your baby. This is such a major benefit, especially when you are at the airport, maneuvering luggage, and flying with a baby. Wearing a baby carrier while traveling is also very handy when you are out sightseeing, since not all cities or attractions are stroller-friendly.
Additionally, babies love being in their mom and dad’s arms at all times, which makes naptime so much easier when on the go. After all, a happy, well-rested baby makes for good travel days. Finding the right travel baby carrier is a worthwhile use of your time!
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A baby carrier is #1 on my list of baby gear I travel with. See what else made my list of recommended baby travel gear!
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Best Baby Travel Carriers
I’ve prepared this list of the best travel baby carriers based on my personal experiences. My guide provides you with a clear overview of the best baby carriers for travel to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
I’ve long recommended Ergobaby carriers for travel, and the Omni Breeze is the one I’d buy now.
The Ergobaby Omni Breeze covers all carry positions from newborn to toddler without an insert, supports 7 - 45 lbs, and uses SoftFlex mesh that breathes on hot travel days and long airport connections. The padded lumbar belt helps on city walks and hikes, and the removable pouch fits snacks and a phone.
If you want one carrier for flights, sightseeing, and naps on the go, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze is it. For more information, don't miss my full review of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze.
- All carry positions from newborn without insert
- Breathable mesh for hot weather travel
- Supportive lumbar belt for longer wear
- Removable storage pouch for travel essentials
- Pricier than budget options
- Bulkier than a simple wrap in a day bag
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons has been one of my top baby carrier recommendations for years. It spans 7 - 45 lbs with six carry positions, adds lumbar support for parents, and includes a zip-down panel to modulate airflow in warm or cool weather.
Multiple pockets, a hood, and two-way strap adjustments make the LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons dependable for airports, naps on the go, and full days of sightseeing.
- Wide 7 to 45 lb range
- Six carry positions for long use
- Zip-down temperature panel
- Good lumbar support for parents
- Heavier than a wrap
- Takes more room in a daypack
If you want fewer parts and an easy fit as baby grows, the Baby Tula Free-to-Grow is an excellent baby carrier for travel.
It’s 100 percent cotton, machine washable, and adjusts at the panel so you can skip an infant insert while still getting a comfortable seat from 7 - 45 lb. It’s supportive for daily walking tours and cozy enough for in-flight naps.
- No infant insert required
- Simple panel adjustments
- Comfortable from newborn to toddler
- Lots of prints to choose from
- No zip pocket up front
For early travel months, I like the Ergobaby Embrace because it blends the softness of a wrap with the simplicity of a buckle carrier. It’s newborn-ready at 7 - 25 lbs, packs small in a carry-on, and is easy to put on at the gate without long fabric tails.
I recommend using the Ergobaby Embrace carrier for flights and city walks, then move up to an Omni or LÍLLÉbaby once your baby gets heavier.
- Newborn-ready without inserts
- Compact and easy to pack
- Supportive waist belt and cross straps
- Machine washable
- Maxes out at 25 lbs
- Fewer storage features
The BabyBjörn Mini is a simple, soft carrier that shines for short stints with young babies, especially around airports and hotels. It offers face-in and face-out once baby meets readiness, with adjustable head support and options in 3D mesh, cotton, or jersey.
I treat the BabyBjörn Mini as an early-months travel helper rather than a long-hike solution.
- Very quick on and off
- Light and compact for carry-ons
- Face-out option when baby is ready
- Multiple fabric choices
- Lower upper weight limit than soft-structured carriers
- Less supportive for long walks
The Beco Gemini is a solid, travel-friendly soft-structured carrier with newborn-ready settings, front-in, front-out, hip, and back carry. The seat width adjusts, straps can cross, and it’s supportive without being bulky, which makes it a good compromise when you want one carrier that still packs fairly flat.
- Newborn-friendly settings
- Crossable straps for comfort
- Multiple carry positions
- Simple panel adjustments
- Fewer storage features
- Less ventilation than mesh-first models
For under the cost of a checked bag, this is the budget soft-structured carrier I recommend. It covers face-in, face-out, and back carry up to 32 lbs.
Important safety note: If you are buying used, be aware that the Infantino had a 2020 recall for specific lots of different models; buyers should check the CPSC notice and Infantino’s recall page.
The current Infantino Flip 4-in-1 listing remains one of the best values for occasional travel use.
- Very affordable price
- Multiple carry positions
- Machine washable
- Fits a wide range of bodies
- Lower weight ceiling than premium baby carriers for travel
- Less padding and airflow than higher-end models
A classic for the first months, the Boba Baby Wrap Carrier is soft, stretchy, and supportive up to 35 lbs. It’s great for in-flight naps and hotel strolls, though it is warmer and takes longer to tie than a buckle carrier.
I like the Boba Baby Wrap as a newborn travel solution before moving to a more structured carrier for longer days.
- Soft and cozy for newborns
- One size fits most
- Machine washable
- Wide color selection
- Warmer in hot climates
- Learning curve to tie well
I’ve used the Baby K’tan for travel and love how quickly it goes on without long fabric tails. It’s size-specific, which is great for fit but harder to share between parents. For airport days and short walks in warm weather, the Baby K’tan is a super convenient newborn carrier option up to 35 lbs.
- No tying required
- Packs small in a carry-on
- Breathable cotton options
- Great for short airport stints
- Size-specific, not easily shared
- Less supportive as baby gets heavier
If you want a straightforward soft-structured baby carrier with a hood and a supportive seat up to 45 lbs, the Boba Classic is a dependable travel pick. It’s comfortable, durable, and easy to use, though it’s bulkier than wraps and lacks fancy storage.
- Supportive seat and hood
- High 45 lbs rating
- Durable cotton build
- Straightforward to use
- Bulkier in a daypack
- Less ventilation than mesh carriers
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If you have older kids, I’ve also written a post with my recommended toddler carriers for travel.
Best Baby Carriers for Traveling – Our Recommendations
As mentioned, I’ve used many different baby carriers when traveling with my kids. For instance, I have used a Baby K’tan, Ergo Original, Ergo Performance Original with & without infant insert, Onya Baby Nexstep, LILLEBaby CarryOn Toddler Carrier, Deuter Kid Comfort III, and the Piggyback Rider. I’ve used our carriers for around the house, hiking, city sightseeing and everything in between.
Best Carrier for Infants
I do the majority of the babywearing, but my husband does it quite frequently too. I loved our Baby K’tan when each of our kids was itty bitty and would buy it again. I didn’t use it for very long though (maybe 9 months).
Best Long-Term Baby Carrier
I am frugal by nature and also don’t like to have to carry extra pieces, plus I didn’t really love using the infant insert with our Ergo (especially when it was hot out), so if I was buying a carrier now I would buy one that could be used the longest with the most options.
My choice would be the Ergobaby Breeze or the LÍLLÉbaby Complete. They don’t require an infant insert, they have the most carrying options and I’m familiar enough with their other products, that I know the quality would be great. Both of these options also have mesh fabric options making them some of the best baby carriers for hot weather.
Best Carrier for Older Toddlers
If carrying is still an option once your toddler is 2.5 – 3 yrs old, I would highly recommend a toddler carrier, like the LÍLLÉbaby Carryon Toddler Carrier. Though most baby carriers are rated to 45 lbs, this toddler carrier is wider and taller, making it so much more comfortable for both toddler and parent.
I’ve carried my 4 year old in my Ergo and was surprised how much more comfortable the LÍLLÉbaby Carryon Toddler Carrier was. I love being able to carry it around my waist or in my backpack and throw my toddler in it easily on-the-go. When he chooses to walk, I’m not still pushing around a stroller. I’m free to chase him!
Best Baby Carrier for Both Mom and Dad
The best baby carriers for dad are the ones that will fit both parents. While I loved the Baby K’tan, my husband and I couldn’t share it. We both found the Ergobaby carrier to be comfortable for carrying both babies and toddlers. Any of the baby carriers with adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt will be the best baby carriers for men.
Best Baby Carrier for Air Travel
The best baby carriers for air travel are the ones that you can easily pack up. To be honest, I think any of the soft-structured carriers are a good fit for older babies and toddlers. When flying with an infant, the Baby K’tan and the BabyBjörn Mini are both good options.
Best Baby Carrier for Hiking
Finally, if you plan to spend a lot of time hiking with a baby or toddler, look into a hiking backpack carrier. Both of my kids were happier for so much longer in the backpack carrier. They sat up higher, could see more and were cooler.
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If you are interested in more information, check out my post with my recommended hiking backpack carriers for toddlers.
Benefits of a Baby Carrier for Travel
I often hear from parents asking if a baby carrier or a stroller would be better for travel. In many instances I’ve found our travel baby carrier to be the clear winner. Here are the main reasons I’ve preferred to travel with one of the baby carrier instead of a travel stroller:
- Being hands free.
- The benefits of babywearing still apply on vacation.
- Your baby may sleep easier in a carrier.
- Not all attractions are stroller accessible.
- Not all cities are stroller friendly.
- You will want a baby carrier for the airplane, trust me!
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I cover the whole stroller vs. carrier debate in more detail in my post on traveling with a stroller or a carrier.
Let’s get into a little more detail on some of the key parts of travelling with a baby and why you’ll want a baby carrier:
Advantages of a Baby Carrier for the Airport
I always chose to use a baby carrier at the airport (often without even bringing a stroller on our trip with us and choosing to rent baby equipment at our destination instead). It doesn’t happen all the time, but often you’ll get right through security without even taking your baby out of the carrier.
And if your baby isn’t sleeping, it’s not really a big deal to take them out if you have to. Going through security with free hands is invaluable. Plus, with a baby carrier you won’t have to completely empty a stroller to put it through the x-ray.
Benefits of a Baby Carrier for Air Travel
Every parents dream is that their baby will sleep through the flight. You’ll save your arms (and maybe even be able to hold up a book or feed yourself) if your baby falls asleep on you in the carrier.
If your baby is having trouble sleeping or it’s just not nap time, having a carrier to walk your baby around or even just to not have to hold your baby the entire time will be a lifesaver. I highly recommend a baby carrier for plane travel. Your arms will thank me!
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For those moments when your little one is awake on the flight, keep them entertained with these great baby travel toys!
Advantages of a Baby Carrier for Public Transport
I have regretted taking a stroller on public transit almost every single time we tried. Either we had to fold it up, or it was too crowded on the bus or subway, or we couldn’t get it through the turnstiles. A baby carrier is so much better if you plan on getting around with public transportation.
Benefits of a Baby Carrier for Sightseeing
There are plenty of places around the world where you either cannot or will not want to use a stroller, even the most lightweight travel stroller. Having a baby carrier will mean you won’t have to miss out!
Choosing Between a Wrap and a Soft-Structured Baby Carrier
Wraps are excellent for infants and very small babies (typically from birth until about 20 lbs). They don’t require any type of infant insert. If you get a true wrap (as opposed to a carrier like the Baby K’tan) then it’s a one size fits all. They are a soft without any buckles, like wrapping your baby in a blanket.
A wrap will require some practice to get it right. A soft-structured baby carrier can also be used from birth.
A soft structured carrier will have a much higher weight limit and some can be used into the early toddler years. Soft-structured baby carriers also have a much smaller learning curve. They’ll often have padded shoulder straps for added comfort.
You probably can do a back carry in a woven wrap, but it’s much easier to do in soft structured carriers. A carrier will also have a few pockets to carry keys, etc. Depending on who will be doing the baby carrying, dads typically prefer the carriers over wraps.
When to Choose a Ring Sling
A ring sling will be easier to put on than a wrap, as the techniques to wrap must be mastered before it’s easy to take your baby in and out. Your baby will outgrow the wrap quicker. A ring sling can still be used with a toddler. Ring slings are smaller than a wrap so can easily be put into a bag or pocket, additionally they are easier to change your baby’s position.
Considerations Before Buying a Baby Carrier
So now that I’ve hopefully convinced you that a baby carrier is a must for travel, which one should you get? The number of baby carriers to choose from can be overwhelming.
My first recommendation would be to do your research then try them out before you buy. How can you do this? See if you can borrow from a friend, visit a babywearing lending library or join a babywearing group. Alternatively, check return policies and see if you can order more than one to try before you commit.
When it comes to choosing the best baby carrier for you, these are the questions you need to ask yourself:
How long do you hope to use it for?
What age will you start using it with your baby?
How many carrying positions would you like to have?
Do you have any back, neck or shoulder issues?
How important is the fabric and/or the option to have fun patterns?
Do you plan to use it mostly in warm destinations?
What types of activities will you use for most: sightseeing or hiking?
And finally, what is your budget?
What to do if Baby Hates the Carrier?
What if you’ve bought the best baby carrier for travel you could find and your baby hates being in it. It’s true, some babies don’t like the carrier. Some babies have only a certain amount of time they will tolerate being in it. And then some babies love being in a baby carrier. All babies are different.
The best advice I can give here is to try it at home before you plan to travel with it. Then you’ll know how your baby feels before you go on your trip.
If you have an infant baby carrier or one that works for newborns, start using it right away. Regardless of when you start using your baby carrier, try using it for small stretches of time every day even just around the house, especially if your baby isn’t a fan.
If your baby is old enough, try different positions. If your baby just isn’t having it, put it away for a few weeks then try again. Babies are constantly changing!
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This post was written & edited by:
Celine Brewer is the owner of Baby Can Travel. Not only does she have years of experience traveling with babies & toddlers, but she's helped millions of new parents travel with their babies and toddlers for over a decade. In addition to writing on her baby travel blog, she has shared her expertise on traveling with a baby or toddler by contributing to articles about traveling with a baby with the Washington Post, USA Today, the Lonely Planet magazine and Pregnancy & Newborn magazine.
Celine also writes about family travel on the site FamilyCanTravel.com, which she co-owns with her husband. Being from the Canadian Rockies, she shares her passion about her home and travel to Banff National Park and area on their site TravelBanffCanada.com.