Apr 26

Apr 26 Which Baby Carrier is Best for Travel? 3 Popular Baby Carriers Tested by a New Mom and Travel Writer

It was the end of August, and my husband and I were hiking to the Top of the World overlook to soak up the last of summer’s sun and enjoy our last hike as a twosome. As I schlepped myself to the top, belly and all, I wondered how we’d keep doing stuff like this. Turns out, you just need a good baby carrier to keep you traveling and help with the heavy lifting.

Hiking in Marquette the day before Fern was born.

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What baby carriers have we used?

Fern is about 8 months old now and I have used three popular baby carriers extensively. We registered for and received the Omni 360 by Ergobaby because many friends and family raved about it for traveling. Some friends gifted us the Moby Wrap, and I purchased a Wildbird Ring Sling after seeing it all over Instagram. Clearly this isn’t an exhaustive list of the options out there but these are really popular brands and styles that I hope will help you make a decision.

Those first six weeks were an absolute blur. I knew I wouldn’t travel right away but I was eager to get back out on the trail, feel something familiar, and test out our new gear. Once I was cleared by my doctor I started slow with stroller walks and then got back some favorite hikes near home.

What I’ve learned about the Moby Wrap

Perfect great for newborns because the wrap is completely adjustable. You can be completely hands-free for sightseeing or running errands around town while your babe is snug as a bug.
The fabric is 100% cotton and super soft.
Easy to pack! I kept mine folded up in this backpack diaper bag and doubles as a changing pad in a pinch.
Putting it on correctly is a little intimidating so practice at home when you’re not in a hurry. Trust me, you don’t want to be in the grocery store parking lot frantically folding and wrapping the fabric before it starts raining. Once you do it a few times you’ll be able to throw it on more quickly and drop your baby in with confidence.

I used this wrap all the time in the beginning because my daughter was quite small and the wrap completely adjustable to your frame and baby. We used it hiking and going out for drinks often because it kept her comfortable and quiet. It also became my go-to carrier around the house. She loved being snuggled up against me and sometimes she’d even take a quick nap in the wrap while I worked on my computer. As Fern grew and became more mobile, I got frustrated with this one. She is a very wiggly baby and I feel like she wriggles herself loose in this one.

What I’ve learned about the Omni 360 Ergobaby

The size is customizable to a point. There are adjustable leg openings for baby and adjustable straps and waist belt for you. Fern didn’t meet the weight requirements for this one until she was about two months old.
The shoulder straps and waist belt make for a simple set up, like putting on a backward backpack. Once the child is older and has more head control, this one can be worn on your back and hip.
The waist belt is nice and wide with lots of cushion, almost like a lower back pillow. I prefer this one for a long excursion like a long day of sightseeing or hustling through airports. It was so helpful on travel days to and from Maui because I knew Fern was secure and I could have my hands free to get coffee, refill my water bottle, wash hands, the list goes on.
The detachable pouch is handy for things like a phone and keys.
There’s a sunshade that snaps onto the straps which is great if you’re going to be outside for a while.
It is on the bulkier side when you’re trying to stuff it into a diaper bag.

The start of a very long travel day to Maui

Parenting is already back-breaking work so I’m all for a carrier that helps with that burden. The lumbar support of the Omni 360 makes it the Cadillac of baby carriers.

What I’ve learned about the Wildbird Sling

It is so easy to use. It’s a single piece of fabric so there’s no tying or wrapping. All you have to do is learn how to thread the fabric through the rings and you’re good to go. I leave mine threaded all the time and hang it on our coat rack or tuck into the diaper bag.
It is totally customizable. You can tighten or loosen the pouch with one hand using the double rings.
It is good looking. The simple design and beautiful colors and patterns make this one feel stylish. I love our Ergobaby carrier but I didn’t want to wear it for hours over cocktail attire at the wedding. The sling was perfect because I could get her in and out easily when a family member wanted to hold her. It also kept my hands free to drink my cocktail, take pictures, and eat hor’s d’ oeuvres.
They’re a woman-owned business and made in the USA. I love supporting small businesses whenever I can and I love that these are made in Utah by other moms.
The one downside is one of your arms will have only so much mobility because the sling creates kind of a cap sleeve over your shoulder.

This sling was with me at all times in Maui. I wore it to the coffee shop in the morning, shopping around town, and to restaurants in the evening so Fern had a cozy spot to sleep.

So which baby carrier is best for travel?

As someone who hikes a lot and often travels alone, the best all-around carrier for us is the Omni 360. The sturdy construction, straps, and buckles make it easy to put on and keep your baby secure. The back support alone is a major plus and it is easy for anyone to wear it. Ryan and I share this one and my sister loves borrowing it when she visits to help carry Fern. If you know you’ll wear your baby often and plan on doing lots of traveling, it is worth every penny ($180).

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Which baby carrier is best for travel? 3 popular baby carriers tested and reviewed by a new mom and travel blogger

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emily hines

Raised in the South with a love of Spanish moss, craftsman bungalows and front porches, I am Emily Hines, writer, dreamer and beer drinker. You can find me strolling down a century old city block snapping iPhone photos of colorful facades and searching for flea market treasures.

With my burly husband Ryan, I enjoy searching for edible mushrooms to escape the hum of the city. He proudly donned the beard and man bun way before it reached the masses – a critical point he’ll remind you of whenever he sees an Urban Outfitters.

Dog mom to two wild black lab pups: Junebug, in honor of the summer beetles she’d follow around as a puppy and Lula, my swimmer who was named after the Tallulah river in Georgia. Both constant companions.

My traveling goal is to find the hidden gems. There are stories everywhere, you just have to find them. Let’s hit the road.

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