I am a breastfeeding mom of two, soon to be three. I have been using baby carriers for more than 4 years now, and I also breastfeed while babywearing. I’ve been doing this for years and I know the best baby carriers for breastfeeding.
I am expecting a baby very soon and I think I will continue to do this for at least a couple more years. The thing I like most about babywearing is that you can breastfeed hands-free with a baby carrier. You can keep babies happy, feed them, put them to sleep, and move them around all at the same time. In case you doubt my credentials, here goes a picture of me breastfeeding my toddler in my Ergobaby baby carrier.
I have tried many different types and models of baby carriers over the years. Mostly because I use it so much that I really need it to be the best baby carrier for breastfeeding in different situations, ages, and weather. Here is my list of the best baby carriers for breastfeeding hands-free.
Which are the best baby carriers for breastfeeding a newborn?
1. Boba wrap
The boba wrap baby carrier is perfect when your baby is a newborn. It is stretchy and soft and comfortable for the baby but can give you enough support for being around the house and carrying your baby hands-free while you do other things.
This baby wrap can be worn in many different ways. On their website, they have many videos to learn how to use the Boba Wrap in different positions and some tips and tricks. My favorite: these videos to learn to breastfeed hands-free in the carrier.
I think similar-style baby carriers are going to be good for breastfeeding as well, but The Boba Wrap is the most popular one. I got it handed down from a friend, it has been used for three babies and is still in perfect shape after being washed many times.
Also, there are lots of different color options and even patterns available.
Approximate age use: newborn to 2 years
Weight limit: 7 – 35 lb
2. Baby K-Tan
The Baby K-Tan is very similar to a classic wrap baby carrier but easier to use and takes less space. I have to be honest and say that I have never used a real Baby K-Tan. I made one myself with a warm fabric to use in Norway’s winter. I wanted it to walk outside with my baby and I wanted it to be warm enough by itself, without a cover. It is fantastic.
The best thing about this is the design and shape. It is much less overwhelming than a classic wrap but the result is almost the same. It is a little less versatile because you don’t fit it to your body every time. Other people may not be able to use it because it is size specific. But if it fits you right, it is perfect for newborns. Check here their table of sizes to make sure you get one that fits you like a glove.
Approximate age use: newborn to 2 years
Weight limit: 7 – 35 lb
Even though the Boba Wrap and Baby K’tan are safe for toddlers, I would only use them for a few months and then move on to a more structured baby carrier.
Which are the best baby carriers for breastfeeding a toddler?
1. Ergobaby Omni 360
When babies get heavier, even though the wrap-style baby carriers can still be safe, I prefer to use more structured baby carriers.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 fits from birth until approximately 3 years, but even my 4-year-old can use it. I find it more comfortable when babies are a little bigger but they are perfectly good for newborns too.
I have used one in the front and one in the back and it gives enough support to go on a big hike.
It can be used in every position imaginable. Here are some videos from their website explaining exactly how to use it.
My favorite thing about this carrier is that you can carry your baby on your hip, and that is a very good position for breastfeeding a toddler in a baby carrier. Also, it is good to have the option to carry your toddler’s weight on your hip instead of the back and shoulders.
Here is a video showing how to nurse hands-free, and some tips for breastfeeding in an Ergobaby baby carrier.
For the winter, I use a baby carrier cover from Ergobaby.
Approximate age use: newborn to 3 years
Weight limit: 7 – 45 lb
What is the difference between Ergobaby 360 and Ergobaby Omni 360?
The main difference between these two is that the Ergobaby 360 needs a special newborn insert to be able to carry newborn babies, while the Ergobaby Omni 360 can adapt to an average-weight newborn baby without any extra pieces. Both can carry your toddler as well. My four-year-old could still fit in both if he was interested.
2. Tula Toddler Carrier
This brand of carriers is very popular for toddlers. Its design makes breastfeeding very comfortable, especially because it has a lot of room for the toddler.
This brand started with a mom not finding the perfect carrier for her and her baby. She asked grandma to make one and kept perfecting the design.
Tula has baby carriers specifically designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Even though there are other carriers that can carry bigger toddlers very comfortably, this one is specifically designed for this, and it shows.
The place where the toddler sits is very wide, which has them stay in a good position for their hips and also a very comfortable position for you to carry them. The straps are wide and padded and so is the hip piece.
They have a product finder quiz on their website to help you find exactly what would be best for you.
I have tried and loved the Toddler carrier and I will more than likely end up buying the Preschool Carrier.
What is the best baby carrier for travelling?
1. Minimonkey Mini Sling
This carrier is ABSOLUTELY PERFECT for traveling. I’m not even going to give you two options.
The Minimonkey Mini Sling is perfect for traveling and for very hot weather. Cold weather is easy to manage with a good babywearing jacket or a baby carrier cover for winter.
The Minimonkey Mini Sling is the only one I use in Spain’s summer. It is made of just a layer of very breathable mesh fabric and it doesn’t overheat the baby at all. It is so light and versatile that you can use it in the water at the beach and it dries in just a few minutes in the sun. Isn’t that awesome?
This sling is incredibly small and breathable, and it doesn’t even need a carrying bag because it folds into itself.
Since it is a sling-type carrier, it can carry the baby in the front or on the hip. This makes breastfeeding hands-free very easy: put baby to the side, breastfeed, move back to the chest when he is finished.
The front position is best when the baby is very small and can’t support the head yet. When the baby is small, he fits into the carrier and the fabric supports his head.
The hip position is also very good for when the baby or toddler is heavier. Even then, you can use some of the fabric to support their head against you when they fall asleep. Carrying the weight on the hip is much more comfortable than carrying all of the weight in the back and shoulders.
If you are a mom of twins, you can get their twin version of this carrier!
In case it isn’t obvious, I LOVE this carrier.
Approximate age use: newborn to 2 years (I have to say that my not particularly small 4 year old could still fit)
Weight limit: up to 33 lb
Unfortunately, this exact carrier is not available on Amazon in the US. Minimonkey is a European brand. There is, however, a very similar one available on Amazon that has great reviews and a lot of colors to choose from. It is not as portable, but it has a similar style and materials. I don’t particularly like the rings, I prefer a backpack kind of buckle, but I think that is just my preference. There is nothing wrong with rings.
Summary
If you only want to babywear for the first couple of months, get the Boba Wrap or Baby K’tan, depending on if you want to learn to wrap or not. If you plan to wear your baby into toddlerhood in and out of the house, get the Ergobaby Omni 360 or a Tula Toddler Carrier. If you travel, live in very hot weather, and want to use a carrier that is easy to carry around and breathable, get the Minimonkey Sling.
If you want to carry your children on hikes and other adventures, use soft-structured carriers. The Ergobaby Omni 360 and Tula Toddler carrier for bigger toddlers.
Check the weight limits and instructions for each of these products before using them. I’ve indicated the weight limits for the specific products but these sometimes change.
If you have large breasts as I do, some baby carriers are going to fit your body better than others. Here is my list of the 3 best baby carriers for large breasts, and all of them are great for breastfeeding hands-free too.
The 3 best baby carriers for large breasts
Here is my list of favorites for large breasts:
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