Soft Baby Carriers

BabyBjorn is best, but Ergo is a good alternative

Front carriers, which support babies vertically, fit like a snug, front-facing backpack. We found the shoulder straps for most front carrier models are adjustable, with higher quality carriers offering better weight distribution.

Experts and parents consistently praise BabyBjorn. Users appreciate the Baby Bjorn Original (*Est. $70)f for its adjustable leg openings (the manufacturer guarantees that the baby's arms are in a physiologically correct position), fuss-free design (users simply unsnap the front section to remove sleeping babies) and extra versatility (babies can face in or out).

A more expensive variation the BabyBjorn Active (*Est. $95), offers an adjustable lumbar support, an extra parent waist strap (to distribute the baby's weight more evenly) and contoured shoulder straps for added comfort. The BabyBjorn Original and Active carriers can hold newborns, as long they weigh at least 8 pounds and are 21 inches long (maximum weight is 25 pounds for the Original and 26 pounds for the Active).

Reside in a place with warmer weather? You may want to consider the BabyBjorn Air (*Est. $90) (based on the Original) or the BabyBjorn Synergy (*Est. $145), which has the features of the Active. Both products are made with a breathable mesh fabric to keep users cool. Though more expensive, many users rave about both the Air and the Synergy, saying they love their ability to easily fold into an attached pouch for storage. Both the Baby Bjorn Original and Baby Bjorn Synergy are selected as favorites in a review on Tibesti.com by baby-planning experts Melissa Gould and Ellie Miller.

The most common complaint about BabyBjorn carriers: price. However, many parents say these carriers are worth the extra money. In fact, several users on Amazon.com and Epinions.com say they started with a less expensive carrier, but were ultimately happier with their BabyBjorn after first suffering through the cheaper option.

A slightly less expensive alternative to the BabyBjorn Active is the Kelty Kangaroo Carrier (*Est. $80). Like the BabyBjorn Active, the Kangaroo has a back-support pad with a waist belt, which is designed to transfer stress from the shoulders to the hips in an effort to ease the load for parents. Reviews available on consumer sites such as Amazon.com and TheBabyWearer.com are mixed: One reviewer on TheBabyWearer.com notes that Kangaroo carrier's waist belt can ride up during use, painfully transferring the weight of the carrier and the baby to the parent's shoulders. Despite this, fans say they appreciate the Kangaroo's unique additional features like its rain/sun/privacy hood (a favorite of nursing moms) and convenient storage pouch.

The Ergo Baby Carrier (*Est. $105) gets excellent scores from parents and professionals alike (it is recognized by both Tibesti.com and Cookie magazine). Owners of the Ergo baby carrier posting to consumer-review sites say it's easy to put on and adjust. Like the BabyBjorn carriers, the Ergo carrier has a foam-padded waist belt and shoulder straps to help distribute a baby's weight more evenly to reduce back and shoulder strain. Unlike the BabyBjorn carriers, the Ergo can be converted into a backpack carrier. The downside: Some reviewers say Ergo's heavier fabric, extra padding and high-density foam make it too warm to wear in hot weather. Babies also can't face forward when riding in the front position. The Ergo Baby Carrier is designed to accommodate bigger children who weigh between 16 and 40 pounds. Newborns and young babies from birth to 4 months can only use the product with an infant seat insert (*Est. $23).

If you want a reversible soft carrier so your baby can ride in front or on your back, we also read good reviews for the Beco Baby Carrier (*Est. $140), which can be used by babies up to 45 pounds. The Beco baby carrier can be used with newborns up to 15 pounds with an included, removable infant insert. The fabrics and colors are Hawaiian or Japanese in style, which makes these baby carriers stand out. While there are only a few reviews for the Beco carrier on Amazon.com, users note its ease of use and comfy design. Reviews on TheBabyWearer.com are more mixed. Some parents say the shoulder buckles can be uncomfortable, digging into the skin, while others complain that the carrier is difficult to adjust. We thought reviews for the Ergo reversible carrier were better overall.

The Playtex Hip Hammock (*Est. $30) looks similar to a soft-structured front carrier, except that it's designed to be worn over a shoulder and on the opposite hip rather than over both shoulders like most soft carriers. The Hip Hammock gets fair marks in owner reviews, with an average rating of four out five stars based on over 80 reviews on Amazon.com. You'll have to try this type of carrier yourself to see if you prefer your baby riding on your hip in this manner. Most parents posting to Amazon.com say it feels secure and is easy to use. There are several complaints, though, that the Hip Hammock isn't a good fit for shorter adults, who have a shorter shoulder-to-hip measurement. And while many parents say it's comfortable to use for extended periods, others counter by saying it starts to painfully dig into their shoulders after an hour. This is definitely one you might want to try before you buy.