A baby carrier is an invaluable piece of baby gear, especially for travel. In fact, we prefer it over all else when we travel. It’s not just for babies either, a good toddler carrier is a worthwhile investment. Who knew they had carriers specifically for toddlers? I didn’t…
Benefits of a Baby Carrier for Travel
So why is a baby carrier an essential for travel item for a baby or toddler? There are so many reasons, but just a few are:
- Having a free hand or two.
- 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 it for the airplane, trust me!
See our full post on Travel with a Baby Carrier vs Stroller here.
Let’s get into a little more detail on some of the key parts of travelling with a baby or toddler and why you’ll want a baby carrier:
For the airport
We 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 you won’t have to completely empty a stroller to put it through the x-ray.
For the airplane
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 you baby around or even just to not have to hold your baby the entire time will be a lifesaver. Your arms will thank me!
Don’t miss our post on how to entertain a baby on a plane!
Public Transport
We have regretted taking our stroller on public transit nearly every time we tried. Either we had to fold it up, or there wasn’t enough room or we couldn’t get it through the turnstiles. A baby carrier is so much better for these trips.
For sightseeing
There are plenty of places around the world where you either can not or will not want to use a stroller. Having a baby carrier will mean you won’t have to miss out!
Choosing between a wrap and a soft-structured 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.
Structured carriers can also be used from birth, but many of them require an infant insert. A structured carrier will have a much higher weight limit and some are even toddler specific.
You probably can do a back carry in a woven wrap, but it’s much easier to do in a structured carrier. A carrier likely will have a few pockets to carry keys, etc. Depending on who will be doing the baby carrying, Dads typically (obviously, not always) 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 options can be overwhelming. Our first recommendation would be to do your research (which we’ve done for you below) 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.
When it comes to choosing your baby or toddler carrier, these are the questions you need to ask yourself: How long do you hope to use it for? Will you want one without an infant insert? 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?
Know what type of baby carrier you are looking for? Skip to that section
- Benefits of a Baby Carrier for Travel
- Choosing between a wrap and a soft-structured carrier
- When to Choose a Ring Sling
- Considerations Before Buying a Baby Carrier
- Baby Carriers that Don’t Require an Infant Insert
- Baby carriers that DO require an infant insert
- Toddler Carriers
- Baby Wrap Options
- Ring Sling Options
- Baby Carrier for Twins
- Baby Carrier for Water
- Backpack Carrier for Baby or Toddler
- Our Baby Carrier Recommendation
This post contains compensated links.
Baby Carriers that Don’t Require an Infant Insert
Why wouldn’t you want to use an infant insert? From my own personal experience, I much preferred using our ergo when we didn’t need an infant insert anymore. It can be a lot hotter for your baby and it’s just one more item we had to pack (and they do take up more room than you would want to spare). It was great for colder temperatures though so this may be dependent on where you are going or where you live.
Tula Free-to-Grow
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs no infant insert required
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – front carry & back carry
Fabric: Made from breathable & lightweight twill.
Features:
- Variable width and height settings. Body panel has three width settings and 2 height settings.
- A lot of fun designs to choose from.
Click here to see the latest price for the Tula Free-to-Grow carrier
Ergo Omni 360
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs no infant insert required
Carrying positions: 4 Positions – front carry, front facing out carry, hip carry, back carry
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Features:
- Adjustable from newborn to toddler
- Strap buckles all the shoulder straps to be worn criss-cross in the back.
- Detachable pouch that can be worn in various places on the carrier.
- Baby Privacy Hood (UPF +50)
Click here to check the latest price for the Ergo Omni 360 on ErgoBaby.com
Prefer to shop on Amazon? Click here to check the latest price on the Ergo Omni 360
LÍLLÉbaby Complete
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs no infant insert required
Carrying positions: 6 positions – front-fetal, front-infant, front-outward, front-toddler, hip and back carry
Fabric: 100% cotton
Features:
- Can wear backpack style or with straps criss-crossed in the back.
- Extendable back panel folds down for front-outward, or easily buckles upwards for inward facing positions which provides extra head, neck and back support
- Large storage pocket.
- Baby privacy hood.
Click here to check the latest price for the LÍLLÉbaby COMPLETE on LilleBaby.com
Prefer to shop on Amazon? Click to check the latest price for here
Wondering which baby carriers will work best for plus size parents? Many of the ones we’ve listed here are also the best baby carriers for plus size parents.
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One
Weight Range: 8-33 lbs with built-in infant insert
Carrying positions: 3 Positions – front carry, front facing out & back carry (front carry facing in has two height positions)
Fabric: Made of cotton
Features:
- Has a sturdy, flexible head support that to support your newborns neck but no privacy hood.
Click here to check the latest price for the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier One
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier We
Weight Range: 8-33 lbs with built-in infant insert
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – Front carry & back carry
Fabric: Made of cotton
Features:
- Has a sturdy, flexible head support that to support your newborns neck but no privacy hood.
Click here to check the latest price for the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier We
BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle
Weight Range: 8-26 lbs no extra infant insert required
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – front carry (facing in or out)
Fabric: Made of cotton
Features:
- Has a sturdy, flexible head support that to support your newborns neck but no privacy hood.
Click here to check the latest price on the BabyBjorn Baby Carrier Miracle
Baby carriers that DO require an infant insert
Why would you get one of these instead of getting one of the baby carriers that don’t require an infant insert? Perhaps your baby is on the large size and you don’t need to use the infant insert for that long or you won’t be using the carrier right away. Or maybe you are looking for one that has an integrated seat, like the Onya Baby carriers.
You can save yourself some money by going for one of these options, instead of paying for one that has all the extra features.
Tula Standard Baby Carrier
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (but infants 7-15 lbs must use infant insert sold separately)
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – front carry & back carry
Fabric: Made from 100% cotton
Features:
- Dual adjustment padded straps.
- So many fun designs to choose from.
Click here to check the latest price on the Tula Standard Carrier
LÍLLÉbaby ESSENTIALS Original
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (but infants 7-15lbs with infant insert sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 Positions – front carry, hip carry, back carry
Fabric: 100% cotton exterior & lining
Features:
- Sleeping hood
- Dual adjustment buckles for easy adjustments and simpler breastfeeding
- Carry “backpack style” or with straps crossed in the back
Click here to check the latest price for the LÍLLÉbaby ESSENTIALS Original on LilleBaby.com
Prefer to shop on Amazon? Click here to check the latest price
Ergo 360
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (but infants 7-12 lbs must use infant insert sold separately)
Carrying positions: 4 Positions – front carry, front facing out carry, hip carry, back carry
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Features:
- Baby Privacy Hood (UPF +50)
- Ergonomic in all positions
Click here to check the latest price for the Ergo 360 on ErgoBaby.com
Prefer to shop on Amazon? Click here to get the latest price
Ergo Original
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (but infants 7-12 lbs must use infant insert sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 Positions – front carry, hip carry & back carry
Fabric: 100% cotton
Features:
- Baby Privacy Hood (UPF +50)
Click here to check the latest price for the Ergo Original on ErgoBaby.com
Click here for the latest price on the Ergo Original on Amazon
BOBA 4G Baby Carrier
Weight Range: 7-45lbs (infant insert included)
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – front & back carry
Fabric: 100% cotton
Features:
- Includes sleeping hood & footstraps
Click here to check the latest price for the Boba 4G Baby Carrier
Onya Baby Outback
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (7-15 lbs use infant booster sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 carrying positions – front carry, back carry & hip carry
Fabric: Water-resistant, rip-stop nylon exterior and air-mesh lining
Features:
- Materials make it perfect for hot weather or hiking
- Integrated seat that fits on most chairs
- Sleeping/rain/sun hood with UPF 50 + sun protection
Click here to check the latest price for the Onya Baby Outback
Onya Baby Cruiser
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (7-15 lbs use infant booster sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 carrying positions – front carry, back carry & hip carry
Fabric: 100% Brushed cotton
Features:
- Integrated seat that fits on most chairs
- Sleeping/rain/sun hood with UPF 50 + sun protection
Click here to check the latest price for the Onya Baby Cruiser
Onya Baby NexStep
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (7-15 lbs use infant booster sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 carrying positions – front carry, back carry & hip carry
Fabric: 100% recycled brushed polyester twill fabric with air-mesh lining
Features:
- For those that want to go with a more “green” option
- Integrated seat that fits on most chairs
- Sleeping/rain/sun hood with UPF 50 + sun protection
Click here to check the latest price for the Onya Baby NexStep
You can read all about our adventures using the Onya Baby NexStep while visiting the Coba Ruins in Mexico with a toddler.
Onya Baby Pure
Weight Range: 7-45 lbs (7-15 lbs use infant booster sold separately)
Carrying positions: 3 carrying positions – front carry, back carry & hip carry
Fabric: Water-resistant, rip-stop nylon exterior
Features:
- Front panel rolls up to reveal mesh panel to keep baby cooler
- Sleeping/rain/sun hood with UPF 50 + sun protection
- *No integrated seat in this model*
Click here to check the latest price for the Onya Baby Pure
Toddler Carriers
Why would I want a toddler carrier when I can just continue to carry my toddler in the regular baby carrier? The toddler carriers are made specifically for toddlers. They are wider and taller making it more comfortable for your toddler. When your toddler is well supported, it’s also much more comfortable for you.
I can speak from experience when I say, if you still carry your toddler frequently you won’t regret getting an appropriate carrier! What I love most is that I can bring it along, just in case my toddler gets tired. I throw him up on my back and we are on our way.
I also like either of these two options below because they can be used the longest with a weight range that goes to 60+ lbs.
Toddler Carrier Comparison Chart
LÍLLÉbaby CARRYON Toddler Carrier
Weight Range: 20-60 lbs
Carrying positions: 3 Positions – front carry, hip carry & back carry
Fabric: Breathable 3D Mesh
Features:
- Wider and padded support for baby’s legs. Seat Width 16.5″ (42cm)
- Tall torso that reaches higher up on your toddler. Torso Length 18.5″ (47cm)
- Large storage pocket
- Removable sleeping hood
Options: All Seasons line – Temperature-control panel that easily zips-up for warmth and zips-down to expose cool, breathable, 3D mesh.
Click here to check the latest price for the LÍLLÉbaby CARRYON Toddler on LilleBaby.com
Prefer Amazon? Click here to check the latest price
See our list of 10 Toddler Travel Essentials here
Tula Toddler Carrier
Weight Range: 25-60lbs
Carrying positions: 2 Positions – Front carry & back carry
Fabric: Choice of either cotton or canvas
Features:
- Large seat width and longer torso than regular soft-structured carrier
- Seat Width 18.5″ (47cm)
- Torso Length 17.5″ (44cm)
- Removable hood to support head while sleeping
Options: Coast Mesh line has a breathable mesh panel
Click to check the latest price for the Tula Toddler Carrier
Baby Wrap Options
Wraps have this feeling of keeping your baby close with a blanket wrapped around them. I personally preferred this over a soft-structured carrier with an infant insert when mine were very small.
I was intimidated by needing to learn the techniques of the wrap, so I went with the Baby K’Tan which had a similar end result, but was much easier to put on and get baby in. I could also carry my baby facing out which was a nice benefit, although I didn’t use it that much as I found it hard on my back.
The downside of the Baby K’Tan is that it’s based on your t-shirt size, so my husband couldn’t use it. The other downside was that by about 9 months, I was done with it and ready to move on to a soft-structured baby carrier full time. Here are some options for wraps:
- Baby K’Tan – Click to check latest price
- Boba Wrap- Click to check latest price
- LILLEbaby – Click to check latest price
Ring Sling Options
Ring slings are easier to get on and off than a wrap. They come in a myriad of fabrics and patterns. If the ring sling is for you, it will be up to you which fabric will work best for you and your baby. What I like about them for travel is their size, especially if you won’t be using all the time. Some options are:
- Beco Ring Sling – Click to check latest price
- LILLEBaby Ring Sling – Click to check latest price
- Baby Tula Ring Sling – Click to check latest price
Baby Carrier for Twins
The TwinGo carrier comes as a personal recommendation from our friends at The Wandering Chaos who are no strangers to travel with toddlers (including twins).
Weight Range: 10-45lbs (infant insert available for babies starting at 7lbs)
Fabric: 100% cotton
Features:
- Can carry two kids of different ages.
- Can split the carrier so each parent can carry a child.
Click to check latest price of the TwinGo Carrier
Baby Carrier for Water
You aren’t going to find a lot of options for baby carriers made for the water, but this is a great product if you frequent the beach. This carrier will allow you to keep your baby close while also playing in the water with your older child.
Beachfront Baby Wrap
Weight Range: 8-30 lbs
3 Sizes Available; One Size, Petite & XL
Sling also available
Backpack Carrier for Baby or Toddler
The two most popular hiking backpack carriers are the Osprey Poco & Deuter Kid Comfort 3. Important features to look for in a backpack carrier are how adjustable they are, the carrying capacity, how much room you have for snacks, gear, etc, is there a hydration pocket and how much does it weigh.
After you find ones that meet your criteria for all the above, you should try them on. Like every carrier, it will fit everyone differently. We’ve included the Piggyback rider as a lightweight option, in case you don’t need something as big as a backpack carrier when traveling with a toddler.
Deuter Kid Comfort III
Storage Capacity: 18L
Weight of carrier: 7 lbs 11 oz
Max Weight (including baby & gear): 48.5 lbs
Features:
- Adjustable torso for wearer
- Hydration pocket (bladder not included)
- Side-entry buckle, height adjustable seat and 5 point harness
- Integrated Sun shield
- Rain cover sold separately
Click to check the latest price on the Deuter Kid Comfort III
Similar Option: Deuter Kid Comfort Air is less expensive
We like this carrier so much, we own one for each kid. Read more about why we love the Deuter Kid Comfort III for travel with a toddler here.
Osprey Poco
Storage Capacity: 20L
Weight of carrier: 6 lbs 14 oz
Max Weight (including baby & gear): 48.5 lbs
Features:
- Adjustable torso for wearer
- Hydration pocket (bladder not included)
- Side-entry buckle, height adjustable seat and 5 point harness
- Built in sun shade
- Rain cover sold separately
Click to check the latest price on the Osprey Poco
Similar Options: Poco AG Plus & Poco AG Premium each have more storage capacity and weight but with the same overall max weight of 48.5 lbs
Piggyback Rider
Storage Capacity: n/a
Weight of carrier:
Max Weight: 50 lbs
Features:
- Begin use at 2 years old and up to 50 lbs (max age should be 6 years old).
- 6-point safety contact with 2 secure hand holds and sturdy non-slip aluminum bar.
- Packs small to the size of a rolled bath towel.
Click to check the latest price on the Piggyback Rider
Our Baby Carrier Recommendation
We 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. We also rented a Kelty backpack carrier, but it wasn’t clear what model it was (or we forgot to check). We’ve used our carriers for around the house, hiking, city sightseeing and everything in between.
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).
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 probably go for one that could be used the longest with the most options. My choice would be the Ergo Omni 360 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.
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 the baby carriers are rated to 45 lbs, the 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!
If you are active and travel to warm destinations, then the Onya Baby Outback is worth considering. I also really like that the Onya Baby carriers (except the Pure) come with a built in “high chair” so that I wouldn’t have had to carry along my MyLittleSeat fabric high chair.
Finally, if you plan to spend a lot of time hiking with a baby or toddler, look into a 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.
See our full review of the Deuter Kid Comfort III here.
If traveling with a backpack carrier is out of the question or you don’t plan to carry your toddler for extended periods, the Piggyback Rider is a great option. This standing carrier for toddlers packs up small, so you don’t have to worry about how much space it will take and it’s easy to carry around for the day.
It’s great for toddlers or preschoolers who want to do the majority of the walking but still need to be picked up every once in a while.
Need baby gear for your trip? We recommend our favorites in our Shop.
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