10 Best Toddler Carriers Reviews
10 Best Toddler Carriers Reviews
You’ve been carrying your baby on hikes, shopping trips, and walks for months now. But now your baby is starting to grow out of that comfortable wrap and small carrier that you both love so much.
It can be especially hard to find a toddler carrier since so many toddlers like to switch back and forth between walking and being carried. Strollers are nice for the easy transitions, but sometimes they’re just too much to bring around with you. Where do you find a toddler carrier that’s easy to move your busy toddler in and out of?
Don’t worry about searching high and low for the perfect carrier, because we’ve done the work for you! We’ve looked at reviews of all the best toddler carriers on the market and have put together some easily accessible information about the best of the best. Each of the toddler carriers we’ve chosen to include are the best based on safety, comfort for both baby and user, and usability.
All these child carriers comply with safety regulations as outlined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of the United States.
You can compare the pros and cons of each toddler carrier and how they each meet your specific needs. Every parent and every toddler has different preferences, and we’ve put this together to help you find what will work best for you.
Best Toddler Carriers At A Glance
Before we get into the details about each different child carrier, take a look at this comparison chart to see some of the specifications side-by-side. This chart has been designed to help you figure out which carrier best meets your needs without having to scan through a whole bunch of text.
Ergobaby 360 Carrier
The Good
- Even the ergo forward facing position is ergonomic, unlike some of the carrier’s competitors
- There’s a hood you can pull out from its pocket to cover your toddler’s head while they sleep or if they need some extra protection from the sun
- Machine washable, making it so easy to clean after a busy, messy day
The Bad
- Velcro waistband can be loud and difficult to adjust
- The ergobaby weight limit is 33 pounds, so some toddlers may be too big for it
Expert Tip
You can purchase an additional infant insert if you want to use this carrier from the get-go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a toddler carrier that you can use for long outings, the ergo carrier is a solid option because of its great weight distribution. Its strong waist puts the weight of your toddler on your hips so you won’t feel that shoulder strain. Additionally, the ergo back carry position is more secure than some competitors’ back carry positions.
BabySteps Ergonomic Carrier
The Good
- You really can’t beat 6 different positions all in one carrier
- Large pocket on the front leaves enough room for your phone, keys, and wallet so you don’t have to worry about bringing a separate bag with you on shorter trips
- Breathable fabric keeps you and your toddler cool
The Bad
- Plastic buckles are very squeaky
- Adjustment can be difficult unless you have help
Expert Tip
Wear the toddler carrier with the one strap option which goes cross-body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re working within a budget, this toddler carrier is a fantastic choice. Both you and your baby will be comfortable for long and short trips, and you’ll never get bored with the 6 different carrying options.
Baby Tula Toddler Carrier
The Good
- The toddler Tula weight limit is 60lbs—higher than any competitor
- The material is lightweight and breathable, making hot days and long trips bearable
- Comfortable padding on straps and toddler’s leg area
The Bad
- More expensive than competitors with fewer features
- When front carrying, the strap between the shoulder blades is difficult to fasten alone
Expert Tip
You can adjust the upper buckle to a lower position by simply sliding them down the straps that it is attached to on either side.
Final Thoughts
If you want to carry your toddler for as long as possible (and look stylish while doing so!), then the Tula toddler carrier is an excellent option. It’s strong, lightweight, and comfortable, and a great candidate if you have the money to spend. It also makes a great toddler backpack carrier for hiking.
Bebamour 2in1
The Good
- The hip seat is comfortable both comfortable for your toddler and distributes their weight properly to your hips
- Breathable mesh is soft and comfortable for your baby
- Zippered pocket on the waistband to store your credit cards, keys, and phone securely
- Sleep hood can be used to give your little one some privacy and shade when needed and tucks away neatly when not in use
The Bad
- There are large gaps on the sides, so if you have a particularly wiggly little one they may be able to wriggle an arm out of the correct position
- Can be difficult to back carry if you don’t have someone helping you put it on
Expert Tip
If you are using the carrier for an infant between 0 and 3 months, only use the hip seat since they are not yet big enough to fit safely with the sling attached.
Final Thoughts
For a toddler carrier that is so versatile, comfortable, and secure, you cannot beat this price. The Bebamour 2in1 carrier is low-cost and is just as high-quality as other competitors on the market.
Clevr Cross Country Carrier
The Good
- Has a large storage pocket underneath the child seat to fit snacks, water, etc.
- Toddler is seated high enough to be able to see all around
- Metal kickstand makes it easy to put on and take off
The Bad
- Not a ton of leg support for your child
- No way to store the sun shade when not in use
Expert Tip
Extend the child seat further away from your body so they can rest their heads back against the seat for a nap!
Final Thoughts
If you are an avid hiker who is looking for a toddler carrier backpack to meet storage and carrying needs at once, then the Clevr baby backpack carrier is for you! The weight limit is lower than some competitors at only 33lbs, but if your toddler is smaller it should still be great.
Nimnyk Baby Sling Carrier
The Good
- Thick, sturdy waist strap distributes your toddler’s weight properly to your hips so you don’t strain your back or shoulders
- The sling’s mesh material is breathable and comfortable to make sure you and your baby don’t overheat
- Great quality and a variety of comfortable positions at a low price
- Mesh pockets for you to store some of your smaller belongings
The Bad
- The zipper connecting the hip seat with the sling is low quality and has been reported to break after minimal use (note: the manufacturer has been alerted of this issue and is trying to remove all in-stock product with a faulty zipper)
- The waist strap can only be tightened to 25”, so it may be too big for petite parents
Expert Tip
If you have problems with the zipper (or any other issues for that matter!), contact NimNyk directly and they will most likely replace the product for you for free. NimNyk’s customer service is great.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the NimNyk toddler carrier is potentially one of the best front facing baby carriers out there, especially given its great price. The hip seat is both comfortable for your baby and ensures that you’re carrying your little one’s weight safely and without strain.
Lumiere Baby 360 Carrier
The Good
- Adjustable seat to grow with your baby
- Panel on the front to zip up when it’s cold or unzip to expose breathable mesh on hot days
- Easy to nurse in thanks to adjustable chest straps
- Option to hip carry on your side
The Bad
- Confusing to use at first because of its many features (many snaps, buckles, etc.)
- The mesh material is a bit rough
Expert Tip
You can cross the shoulder straps for a more secure fit.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Lumiere toddler carrier offers everything you need in a carrier, from infancy to toddlerhood. It’s cheaper than a lot of the bigger brands and offers a 3-year replacement warranty, so you really can’t go wrong with this option!
Boba 4G Carrier
The Good
- Foot straps so your toddler’s legs don’t dangle
- Easy to nurse in discreetly
- Great for tall and plus-sized parents thanks to carrier’s adjustability
- Has a bag strap holder to snap your purse into securely so you don’t have to worry about it sliding off your shoulder
The Bad
- Not a great fit for petite parents, as even the tightest settings may be too large
- Bulky fit for some wearers
Expert Tip
Use the adjustable straps on the sides to pull your baby closer for breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
Although expensive, the Boba 4G child carrier seems to be worth every penny if you’re willing to spend it. It’s easily adjustable and easy to switch between wearers, and the little ones seem to love being snuggled up inside it.
LilleBaby Toddler Carrier
The Good
- This LilleBaby all seasons carrier has a panel on the front to zip up for warmth or unzip to expose breathable mesh to cool down
- Option to wear the straps like a regular backpack or crossed
- Great lumbar support to avoid straining your back or shoulders
- Comes in a variety of prints to suit your style
The Bad
- Petite parents might find the tightest adjustments to be too big
- Material is a bit rough in the leg area
Expert Tip
There are elastics on this toddler carrier so you can keep any extra length on the straps safely out of the way.
Final Thoughts
The Lillebaby forward facing position offers a great way for your toddler to see the world for long-term use. A less common position for carriers, the Lillebaby hip carry position gives you versatility to keep carrying fun and exciting for you and your toddler (or any of the 6 total carrying positions!). Well worth the money!
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking for a toddler carrier specifically or something you can use from the beginning of your journey with your newborn, we know you’ll find something to suit your needs in this list.
All of these child carriers are ergonomic and safe for your little one, and comply with the CPSC safety regulations. We’ve narrowed down these products as the best toddler carriers on the market based on their safety, comfort, and usability. Make sure you’ve gone through all the reviews carefully to ensure that you’ve found the carrier that best suits your needs.
For parents on a budget, the best forward facing baby carriers for you will be the BabySteps, Bebamour, or the NimNyk, all of which are affordable and will carry your little one from infancy to toddlerhood.
If your toddler is growing faster than you realize and are looking for something that can carry a bigger child, the Tula toddler carrier is a great pick with a weight limit of up to 60lbs.
No matter what your needs are in a toddler carrier, we know you will love being able to take your toddler on adventures to experience everything right there with you.
