Looking for a great forward-facing baby carrier? If so, you’re in luck as I am a big fan of forward-facing carriers and have spent quality time researching and picking the top options you can choose from.
Having used forward-facing carriers for more than 3 years, I know how uncomfortable forward-facing carriers can be because of poor baby positioning but we have found some recent brands that you and your baby will love.
What you should look for when picking the best forward-facing baby carrier;
Before the reviews, here are some of the tips to pick a good forward-facing baby carrier;
- Shoulder Straps: Each forward-facing baby carrier comes with two shoulder straps; make sure both are ergonomically designed to make your baby comfortable.
- Padding Level: The padding level in each carrier varies depending on its quality and design, some come with very little while others have enough padding for maximum comfort.
- Weight Limit: Each forward-facing baby carrier comes with a weight limit, make sure yours is comfortable enough to carry your kid.
The only thing to keep in mind is that this position is not for infants (less than six months) who have no head control because they won’t have much support.
Reviews of our Top Front-Facing Baby Carriers
1. Ergobaby Omni 360
Ergobaby Omni 360 is our best carrier for forward-facing positions. It is pricey ($150), but it gives you excellent value for your money because you can use it from day one (without an infant insert) all through to toddlerhood (from 7-45 pounds). It offers you four carry positions: front facing in, facing out, hip, and back
The quality is superb, has generous padding, and allows adjustments for a proper fit, so you and your baby are comfortable. For instance, instead of having a bulky insert, it has easy-to-use coded straps to adjust from infant to toddler’s seat.
It is also loaded with lots of features you won’t find in most other soft structured carriers such as lumbar support, a hood for sun protection and privacy, and two shoulder strap options (crossed or backpack style). It also has pockets to stash your small valuables when on the move.
It is also acknowledged as a hip-healthy product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, so your baby’s legs will not be dangling in the forward position like many other carriers do.
If you prefer a lighter version suitable for hot weather, you can buy the Cool Air Mesh instead, and you will get the same benefits.
Pros
- High quality and durable
- Provides maximum support and comfort
- Hip healthy, acknowledged by IHDI
- Easy care, machine washable
- Doesn’t need an infant insert
- Has a hood for neck support, protection from the sun and wind, and privacy
- Allows breastfeeding
- Adjustable fit for all
- Plus size friendly
Cons
- It’s bulky
- Not the easiest to wear, buckle between the shoulders may be tricky to access
- Not ideal for infants and preemies below 7 pounds
- Expensive
2. Beco Gemini
Beco Gemini gives you the comfort and versatility of high-end carriers like the Ergo Omni, but with more affordable pricing (from $ 75) that is why it ranks second on this list.
We love the sleek and simple design and the fact that they have a mesh version for hot weather.
Again, this carrier is very versatile with up to four carry positions: Front facing in, facing out, hip, and back carry. Additionally, it has a convertible seat that snaps to narrow or widen to accommodate infants and toddlers weighing from 7 to 35 pounds. The built-in headrest raises the height and doubles as head support and shade when the baby is napping.
Regarding comfort, you should have no straining or pain even after wearing for hours. The shoulders are wide with the option of wearing crisscrossed or backpack style, and the waist belt is wide and supportive to help distribute weight over your hips. It has adequate padding in all the right places, including around the leg holes so your baby can sit comfortably.
Other features to love include: universal sizing (XS to XXL) which can be further adjusted to fit larger wearers with belt extenders, adjustable buckles to allow breastfeeding, and a zippered pocket that can hold keys, wallet, and phone.
Pros
- Soft, lightweight, and breathable material
- Easy to put on and take off by yourself
- Excellent weight distribution with crisscrossed shoulder straps
- Allows breastfeeding
- Has foldable height increasing panel that doubles as a support
- Comfortable and supportive
- Certified ergonomic
- Great value for money
Cons
- It may feel too deep and uncomfortable for small babies
3. Lillebaby Complete All Season
Lillebaby All-season is a fantastic carrier. It is third on our list of best forward carriers because of its versatility and exceptional functionality.
The first thing to love is that you get so much use out of this carrier. It will accommodate your baby from 7 pounds (without an insert, side panels can be narrowed or widened) till they are 45 pounds in their toddlerhood. It allows you to carry your baby in six positions: fetal, front facing in, front facing out, toddler, hip, back. It is ergonomic in all positions.
The carrier provides superior comfort for daily use or long-wearing. The shoulder straps are thickly padded, and you can crisscross or have them backpack style, the waistband is wide and padded, and there is lumbar support. It also has a headrest, a hood for support and sun protection, zippered pocket, and allows breastfeeding.
Another feature we love is that it’s all weather-ready. With the front panel zipped up heat is trapped keeping your baby warm in cold weather and when it’s hot, unzipping reveals mesh lining that allows airflow to keep you both from overheating.
Pros
- High quality and durable
- Supportive and comfortable for long-wearing
- Adjustable seat that grows with the baby
- Great for people with back problems
- Breathable with additional airflow provided by unzipping the front panel
- Has a hood for protection and privacy
- Easy to put on and remove
- Machine washable
Cons
- It’s bulky
- The long torso does not provide the best fit for petite wearers
- Reviewers remark that the mesh irritates the baby’s skin because of being rough
- Expensive
4. Baby Ktan
Baby Ktan takes the fourth position on our list owing to how easy it is to use. It gives you the feel of a wrap without the hectic wrapping process. Many parents love it because it provides skin-to-skin closeness and is super easy to put the baby in and out. It is for newborns up to 8 to 35 pounds.
Made from 100% cotton, the carrier is so soft, stretchy, and breathable. The compact design enables you to fold it and throw it into the diaper bag, making it always travel-ready. The wearing process is easy and straightforward. You wear it like a T-shirt through the patented double looped design in three easy steps in less than a minute. Wide shoulder panels help distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back, making it very comfortable even when wearing for long. An included sash provides extra support and doubles as a carry bag.
The carrier is versatile, allowing you to carry your baby in the front inward, front-outward and hip carry positions. And, it keeps your baby ergonomically supported in all positions.
It is individually sized, but it has sizes for all men and women from XXS to XL, so you will always find the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Provides the comfort and snugness of a wrap
- Easy and simple to use
- Allows breastfeeding
- Great for C-section moms as it keeps the baby high in the torso
- Easy care; machine washable and drier safe
Cons
- You can’t share with people of different sizes from you
5. Baby Tula Explore Carrier
This is such a beautiful carrier. Its unique prints and pattern designs make it stand out, but it is the top-notch quality and comfort that has us sold out to give it the fifth position on this list. It carries babies from 7 pounds to 45 pounds, so you know it’s a valuable investment that you will use beyond your child’s toddler years.
This carrier is very versatile; allows you to carry the baby from the front-facing out, front-facing in and back. Additionally, the panels are easily adjustable to convert the seat from infant to toddler.
This is one of the comfiest carriers in the market. It is made from 100% cotton that is breathable and feels so soft. It also has plush padding in all the necessary spots and a wide adjustable waistband to help distribute weight evenly. Even your little one gets a newborn pillow for neck support, a removable hood for sun protection, and very soft padded leg openings for additional comfort. It is customizable to fit anyone with a waist from 27 inches to 57 inches. There is also an easily accessible pocket on the waistband to keep small items like your phone and keys.
Pros
- Available in numerous stunning unique print designs
- Super soft fabrics
- Recognized by IHDI as hip-healthy product
- Breastfeeding friendly design
- Doesn’t need an infant insert
- Comes with a newborn pillow for neck support and a removable hood
- Machine washable
Cons
- Most expensive on this list ($170)
- Doesn’t have lumbar support
6. Infantino Flip 4-In-1 Convertible Carrier
Taking the sixth position is the Infantino Flip 4-in-1. Despite having cheap pricing (under $30), the quality and functionality are surprisingly impressive. You can use it with children from (8-32 pounds) and supports front inward, front-outward, and back carry positions.
Just like the pricey carriers, Infantino 4-in-1 is fully adjustable. Straps and waist belts are adjustable to fit wearers of all sizes. And, the convertible seat can be narrowed down to accommodate small babies and widened for a toddler.
If you live in places with sweltering heat, this is your perfect carrier; it is super lightweight and breathable so you and your baby will not be overheating. It is also easy to wear and take off and switch the carrying positions by yourself.
The carrier provides great support with a wide waist belt and padded shoulders. There is also foldable head support for when the baby is facing out and a bib to catch drool (a nice bonus feature, no other carrier has it).
There aren’t other notable features, but not surprising at the price point. Reviewers with smaller babies have complained of poor circulation to the legs, but some have remedied that by placing a small rolled towel underneath to act as a booster. Also, it may not be the most comfortable to wear for long hours, especially with a heavy toddler- the shoulder padding is a bit thin, but it will do for occasional use.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and breathable
- Easy to wear and take out
- Adjustable panels don’t need an infant insert
- Includes a removable bib
- Easy to clean, machine washable
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Not the most comfortable for long babywearing
- Doesn’t have an ergonomic seating position for small babies
7. Moby Fit Wrap
On number seven, is the Moby Fit Wrap. This hybrid carrier is designed to provide you with the comfort and fit of a wrap and the ease of a carrier. Like the Baby K’tan, you don’t get into complicated wrapping techniques or have to deal with excess material that drags to the floor, the two common stressors aspects of ordinary wraps. You wear like a t-shirt, and then tug the fabric through easily adjustable rings and fasten. Slip the baby inside and secure with the sash, and you are good to go. The fabric is high quality and stretchy to accommodate your growing child up to 33 pounds and fit all body types regardless of their size.
Unlike other wraps that can only support a front-facing carrying position, the Moby Fit also allows front-facing out position because the material is extra supportive. It is also very comfortable to use for prolonged periods because it distributes the weight evenly between your shoulders and waist and there is no digging at all.
It’s basically weightless and compact and stores easily in your diaper bag or stroller.
Pros
- Soft and stretchy material
- Keeps baby snug and secure
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and compact
- Machine washable
Cons
- Wearing is not as fast as you would expect; you have to adjust and fasten every time
8. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Mini
Closing on our list of eight best carriers for forward-facing is the Baby Bjorn Mini. It is a very simple but fantastic carrier for parents with small babies of up to 24 pounds. It costs about $80, which is a lot considering you will only use it for less than a year, but you will love the convenience.
Its most shining feature is the ease of use. It is incredibly simple to put on and doesn’t have multiple adjustment points and straps that are confusing and time-consuming. It has only one buckle on the side to use when putting the baby in or out.
The carrier is very comfortable for both the parent and the baby. The fabrics are soft, and breathable with just the right padding. It is also lightweight and compact enough to throw in your diaper bag. There is also a mesh version if you want more breathability.
The carrier allows front inward and front-outward carrying positions. Check out our selection and reviews of the best Baby Bjorn Baby carriers
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Soft material
- It’s a breeze to put the baby on and off
Cons
- Your baby will outgrow it fast
- Doesn’t have a waistband so you might have back and shoulder pain if worn for too long
Forward-Facing Carriers Buying Guide
When looking for the best forward-facing carrier for your family, here are some important factors to consider:
The type of carrier
There are two types of carriers that offer the forward-facing position you can choose from soft structured carriers and wraps.
- Soft-structured carriers: These are designed more like a backpack, with shoulder straps, buckles, and waist belts. They are very supportive and can allow many carrying styles and have a high weight capacity.
- Wraps: these are basically very long pieces of stretchy fabric that you tie around your torso, and over your shoulders to create a carrier for your baby. They require skill or practice to tie correctly, but the payoff is the closeness of skin-to-skin contact that infants and preemies thrive on. They are also super soft and adjust to all body shapes. Although they stretch to grow with your baby, they may not be supportive enough for toddlers over 30 pounds.
Ergonomic seating position
Ensure that the carrier provides a wide seat separating the legs and supporting the thighs so that your baby’s hips develop normally to avoid hip dysplasia. Choose a hip-healthy certified carrier.
Comfort
Check to see if it has padding on all pressure points such as shoulder straps, leg holes and that the fabric is soft not to irritate your baby’s gentle skin. The waist belt should be wide and supportive, distributing weight evenly around your hips as you carry your baby.
Also, choose a carrier with breathable material to avoid overheating, especially if you live in hot areas.
Ease of use
Read the instructions on how to wear and remove the carrier and determine if it works for you. The best carrier is one that you can manage to wear unassisted or even when seated.
Usability
Different carriers have different weight limits. Some carriers are designed for infants and small babies, others for toddlers, still others can be adjusted to carry both infants and toddlers. A carrier that you can use from birth into toddlerhood would give you the best value for your money.
Budget
A good carrier doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It is possible to get a quality carrier with great functionality at cheaper pricing. So, compare the pricing and read reviews of parents who have had experience with the product to see how reliable it is before you settle for the carrier.
Ease of cleaning
Be prepared for the spit-up, blowouts, and occasional spills by buying a machine and dryer-friendly carrier to wash out the mess without much hassle.
Conclusion:
I hope that my reviews of the best forward-facing carriers helped you find one that is perfect for your needs. Remember to make sure it has ergonomic shoulder straps and enough padding for comfort. Which carrier did you end up picking? Let us know in the comments below!
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