I have always been a ring sling carrier fan, though it wouldn’t be my pick for best baby carriers for back support. I love the idea of how a piece of fabric and some metal rings can keep my baby snug against me.
The breathability and lightweight nature of ring slings have always appealed to my on-the-go and no-fuss lifestyle preference. If not in use, I can roll it and shove it into my purse, then just whip it out if I need to carry my baby around.
With a lot of practice, it is fairly easy to use a ring sling. However, one down-side I found with it is that it gives poor back support to the parent. My little one is safe, snug, and comfy in his sling-swing but at the expense of his mommy’s back!
As much as I loved my ring sling and made use of it with both of my boys, I wouldn’t wish the same back pain I experienced on other innocent new parents. If I could turn back time, I would definitely look for other more ergonomic options. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled here some of the best baby carriers that provide excellent back support:
Ergobaby Carrier
Ergobaby carriers were built especially for ergonomics. The name itself says so. Each model has an adjustable bucket seat that places your baby’s hips and legs in a natural M position which is the optimal position for comfort and spinal health.
As promised, it is also built with your comfort in mind. It has a wide wrap-around waistband that supports your lower back and distributes the weight across your entire torso instead of just the shoulders like a backpack would. Additionally, its shoulder straps are padded and adjustable to custom fit any built.
What parents think: C-section mamas are particularly fond of Ergobaby’s wide waistband as it provides much-needed support and pressure on their incision site. Parents also love that it is adjustable to fit both petite mommas and giant dads.
Infantino
Infantino boasts of its carriers’ durability, quality material, support, and most importantly, versatility. It is so versatile that you can use it for newborns, babies, and toddlers with its 4-way carry: narrow seat facing in for newborns, wide seat facing in, facing out, and backpack carry.
Despite of all of its features, it is one of the most cost-effective baby carriers out there. You’re definitely getting a bang for your buck with an Infantino carrier because it offers all of the functionalities of an ergonomic baby carrier at a very affordable price.
What parents think: For less than $30, you already get a fully ergonomic and lightweight baby carrier. Parents who are in the fence about getting a soft carrier, or don’t want to spend a lot on a carrier can test out with this one. Being so lightweight, it is also a lot less hot compared to other carriers. If you live somewhere warm and humid, your baby (and your back) will thank you for it.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier
Swedish functionality and style meet in this simple yet sophisticated Baby Bjorn carrier. They have three available fabric options to cater to you and your baby’s needs: a mesh material that is breathable and fresh, jersey cloth for elasticity and snug and soft fit, and cotton for that ultimate softness against your baby’s delicate skin.
The materials themselves are especially cut and sewn to support the natural curve of your baby’s spine. It hugs them where they need it most -around the back, the legs, and the hips. It’s just as though you are giving them a tender and loving hug.
What parents think: Parents really love how soft and supportive this baby carrier is. It’s like the perfect crossover between a padded carrier and a cloth wrap. It’s lightweight and breathable, at the same time it’s super easy to put on and use once you’ve tried it. What’s more, is that it is the perfect support for newborn babies. Not a lot of ergonomic carriers are specially built with newborns in mind.
I-angel Miracle Baby Carrier
The I-angel is designed and made in Korea with special attention to quality and comfort. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it makes up for it because it is actually a baby wrap, hip seat carrier, and a hip seat in one, with an option to switch between two types of carriers depending on you or your baby’s preference.
It is made with pure cotton while being water-resistant so that it does not stain easily with spills and drools. It is also fully ergonomically built with thickly padded shoulder straps to add support and stability to the hip seat. It is also made to carry your baby from one month of age until three years, so you get your money’s worth.
What parents think: Parents who use the I-angel are impressed by its clever design. It really is an all-around carrier, and is probably the only carrier you and your baby will ever need until they reach the end of toddler age. If you are the type who prefers to splurge on a good carrier and your baby prefers the closeness of a carrier than a stroller, the I-angel is a good investment.
Boba Wrap Baby Carrier
If you’re like me and prefer pure and simple cloth as your carrier, you can get good balance and ergonomic support with a Boba Wrap. This simple but innovative carrier is the original stretchy carrier that was designed to custom-fit every child and carrier down to every inch.
The Boba Wrap comes in so many colors and designs so you can choose on e that best fits your style. You may even choose several designs to fit your wardrobe. At only about $40 each, owning several is truly a possibility. It is the perfect wrap for newborn infants up until they reach about 18 months.
What parents think: The Boba wrap is a crowd favorite among the baby-wearing community. The material is soft, stretchy, and hugs you and your baby in all the right places. Several parents report that their newborns find comfort and are easily soothed when worn in the Boba. The snug and comfy feel replicates the snug and warm feeling of the womb which provides a comfortable and familiar feeling for newborns.
For bigger kids, the company offers the Boba Baby Carrier which can carry kids up to 45 pounds heavy. It still offer the same comfort of a wrap, but in a more structured ergonomic carrier that provides sturdier support.
Tula Baby Carrier
A carrier that looks as simple and as lightweight as the Tula baby carrier might seem like an unexpected winner among ergonomic carriers, but lots of parents swear by it. It promises sheer ergonomic support, superb material strength to bear kids up until toddlerhood, and a wide variety of stylish designs to choose from.
What parents think: It is a straightforward carrier with no bells and whistles, but a lot of parents love it more for its simplicity. A lot of feedback notes that even their bigger kids seem a lot lighter in the Tula. Parents of smaller babies also note that their little ones fit just perfectly. And just as it fits a wide range of babies, it also fits parents of different body types.
LÍLLÉbaby
The LÍLLÉbaby is one of Amazon’s Choice products because of its excellent price and high ratings. It is a true value-for-money carrier. It boasts of six available carrying options and a zip-down front so that you can control your baby’s temperature depending on the weather.
It has a large storage pocket so you don’t have to bring a separate purse for your essentials, a removable sleeping hood to protect your little one from the glare of the sun or splashes, and it also has an extendable torso for when your child grows taller. It is the only carrier you will ever need for your little one.
What parents think: Parents really like the extended options that this baby carrier gives them. It is also a perfect carrier for parents who want back support and comfort when carrying their babies. There have been a couple of complaints about the fit and comfort for babies, so approach the product with caution. All in all, its features are quite impressive and the price is a big bargain, so it’s worth the try.
Baby Hip Seat Carrier Waist Stool
Another super simple yet practical baby carrier is the baby hip seat. This would probably be my pick for the best baby carriers for back support. It is purely a hit seat carrier that allows you to carry your baby comfortably with minimal manual support. It is made with high quality and durable materials that can carry babies from newborn to toddler.
Unlike other plain hip seat, this one comes with a shoulder strap for added security. The shoulder strap also allows you to balance your baby’s weight throughout the entire torso as well as the hip.
What parents think: The hip seat carrier is so simple to use. It is probably the carrier that takes the least time to put on and use. There is no fuss in buckling and unbuckling your baby onto it and it gives them an instant place at your hip. It will not allow you to freely use both your hands for other work, but it will at least free up one hand and allow you to carry your child with superb comfort and support.
Best Carriers for Back Support: My Favorites
I’m such a sucker for fabric babywearing that I might reach for the Boba Wrap until my baby hits the 18-month mark.
Since toddlers are notorious for their desire for independence, I would probably go for the hip seat carrier once they graduate out of the wrap since the hip seat can make it easier to put them on and take them off whenever they feel like walking.
This post was about the best way to travel with your baby, without back pain. You might also enjoy our post on the best car seats for your baby, for every age. If you found this post helpful, please share with anyone else who would benefit from reading it.
