TOP-5 Best Front-Facing Baby Carriers of 2022- Reviews and Buyer`s Guide

Top 5 Front-Facing Baby Carriers

• Omni 360 Ergobaby Carrier – Editor’s Choice
• Baby Tula Explore Baby Carrier
• BYBJORN New Baby Carrier One 2019 Edition
• Contours Journey 5-in-1 Baby Carrier
• LÍLLÉbaby The Complete All Seasons SIX-Position, 360°

Omni 360 Ergobaby Carrier – Editor’s Choice

Babies can be quite picky about how they are held. Fortunately, all-in-one baby carriers like the Omni offer convertible pouches that work in a wide variety of positions. The Omni is a strap-on baby carrier that allows you to position your baby on your hips or your back. What’s more, it lets you face your baby inward and outward. Its large pouch is even adjustable, enabling it to expand as your baby grows.

We also love how easy it is to make adjustments with a baby already strapped into the pouch. You only need one hand to tighten or loosen the carrier’s straps. What’s more, you can easily pass this carrier off from one adult to another. Even parents with completely different builds can benefit from sharing the same carrier, as the waist and shoulder straps can be adjusted to fit varying builds.

While many baby carriers leave you feeling sore and strained, the Ergo carrier manages to pull off impressive ergonomic feats in nearly every position. It even lets you adjust the alignment of the straps in order to find the most comfortable setting. As a matter of fact, the adjustability of this baby carrier makes it one of the few carriers that are suitable for C-section mommies on the mend. Since this carrier is made from machine-washable materials and boasts a lifetime guarantee, it’s a solid choice for parents who plan to have more than one child.

Baby Tula – Most Comfortable Front-Facing Baby Carrier

Coming in close behind the Ergo carrier, the Baby Tula is a solid option in the same price class. This front-facing baby carrier offers even more back carrying options. Not to mention, it lets you face your little one both inward and outward. We love that this carrier is super lightweight and easy to use. It even lacks the bulky padded panels used in most other carriers. What’s more, it’s made from 100% woven cotton material. We also love that the Tula comes in a range of hip colors and prints. These vibrant designs provide a mesmerizing visual for baby while upping mommy and daddy’s street cred. Overall, this carrier is designed to adapt to every milestone along the way. Whether you need to make momentary adjustments or want to ensure you won’t need to buy multiple carriers during a short period, the Tula has you covered.

Baby Bjorn- Most Practical Front-Facing Baby Carrier

With so many different styles of baby carriers on the market, it can be difficult for parents to find one that’s simple and straightforward. That’s why we love the fact that the 2019 edition of the Baby Bjorn adapts to children as they grow. It even boasts four ergonomic front and back positions What’s more, it fits babies from birth to 36 months. Parents can even choose between a lightweight, machine-washable cotton fabric or a breathable synthetic mesh.

The baby seat on the Bjorn also features an adjustable zipper that can be used to adjust a child’s hip position. What’s more, the carrier comes with a few helpful accessories, including a windproof hood, and an adsorbent teething bib. Furthermore, a built-in adjustable head support flap enables you to make minor adjustments to support your sleeping baby. With the Bjorn, babies can be faced outward at as early as 5 months.

Contours Journey 5-in-1 Baby Carrier- Most Affordable Front-Face Baby Carrier

Priced well under $150, it’s hard to believe the Contours Journey has much to offer. However, this cozy baby carrier offers five unique baby placements, including inward-facing, outward-facing, hip, and back positions. The Contours even manages to eliminate the need for an infant insert. As such, babies weighing 8 to 45 pounds can enjoy the comforts of this intimate carrier without any need for extra accessories. The Contours baby carrier supports healthy baby hip positioning. The manufacturer even provides consumers with clear and precise guidelines for healthy hip positions at different milestones, including 10 weeks, 6 months, and beyond. They are committed to providing customers with healthy hip position options. In fact, they even bost acertification from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Other perks include the carrier’s comfortable fit, which is backed by ample shoulder padding, adjustable back straps, and a flexible waistband. What’s more, the carrier boasts an extra-large UPF 25 removable sunshade as well as a built-in sunshade storage pocket. Two other zippered pockets enable caregivers to safely store essentials like sunglasses, wallets, and keys. With ample accessories and thoughtful designs, you’d be hard-pressed a better baby carrier in this price point.

Lillebaby Complete Baby Carrier – Best Temperature Regulation System in a front-Facing Baby Carrier

Starting things off, we couldn’t help but be blown away by the Lillebaby’s six positions. You can spin this carrier 360 degrees, choosing comfortable baby-wearing positions all along the circumference of your waist. What’s more, you can face your baby in or out depending on their and your personal preferences. There’s no doubt that the Lillebaby is one of the most versatile baby carriers on the market. It can support babies as little as 7 pounds without the need for any extra accessories. What’s more, it grows with your little one. As such, it supports infants and toddlers with the same standards.

The Lillebaby Complete offers ample baby comforts too. For one, the carrier boasts a temperature-regulating panel that zips down to reveal a breathable mesh sheet. What’s more, the carrier’s hip-healthy design has also been evaluated and approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. You don’t even need to worry about getting the carrier dirty, because it’s 100% machine-washable. On top of all this, it has built-in baby neck support and a pop-up sun hood.

If you’re looking for a baby carrier that won’t break the bank, the Lillebaby is worth a look. It’s priced well under $200. Still, it boasts a design that’s equivalent if not better than far pricier alternatives. This is the kind of front-facing carrier you can wear through multiple children and even resell when your family has outgrown it. Overall, it beats heaving a heavy stroller around. Not to mention, it’s a great way to foster an intimate and cozy connection with your baby.

Buyer’s Guide

Are you wondering what to look for in a front-facing baby carrier? There are so many carrier options on the market that it can be frustrating for consumers to hone in on one that feels just right. Read along to learn about what to look for in a front-facing carrier. Then, discover more about the benefits of keeping your baby glued to your hip.

What to Consider When Choosing a Front-Facing Baby Carrier

For the purpose of this article, we chose to focus of our research onfront-facing carriers. This dynamic carriers let your little one see the world as you see it. At the same time, it enables them to feel your heartbeat and gentle touch.

Functions

The baby carrier world has made great strides in the last decade. As a result, single-use carriers have been replaced by multi-use carriers that can support babies from infancy to childhood. Unlike older models, the majority of these modern baby carriers don’t require extra accessories.

Look for a front-facing carrier that your baby won’t outgrow in a few short months. Seek out carriers that offer fetal tuck positioning as well as carrying positions that will comfortably take your baby into their toddler years. Many carriers enable you to easily switch between hip and back baby placements. What’s more, many carriers let you face your baby both inward and outward to foster both exploration, breastfeeding, and intermittent naps.

Materials

A carrier’s material makeup plays a big part in its comfort and longevity. The most superior carriers are made from machine-washable cotton and/or mesh. Often times, the materials are thin and flexible around the baby. Meanwhile, they are thick and padded along the waist, shoulder, and back.

A solid, breathable material ensures that babies can breathe comfortably and maintain a safe temperature. Of course, the success of material also comes down to its strength and durability. On top of that, the design and quality of a carrier’s seams and hardware have a huge impact on its performance.

Comfort and Ergonomics

The overall design, including placement and materials, also dramatically impacts a carrier’s comfort. One of the most common complaints regarding carriers is that a buckle or strap falls in the wrong place and interferes with a wearer’s natural movements. Inconsistencies such as this quickly convince users to ditch a carrier.

On the same note, it’s important to find a carrier that won’t inhibit your baby’s back and hip development. Your carrier should be capable of fostering a C-shaped spinal alignment. This is the position that is safest for infants. In it, a baby’s legs are tucked up rather than hanging below them. This position mimics the fetal position and is extremely important to a little one’s development. After the C-shaped fetal tuck, the carrier should adjust to adapt to an appropriate baby hip alignment. Babies that are 3 months and older should have their hips spread out with their legs at their sides.

On the other end, a carrier should provide substantial support for its wearer. The weight of a front-facing baby can put a strain on a wearer’s back and shoulders. Wide, padded straps that crisscross help redistribute weight more evenly. Though, it helps to have straps that can convert to backpack-style during rear-facing carrying sessions. Keep in mind that some carriers even have built-in lumbar support and reinforcement straps. What’s more, most modern-day carriers have large, padded waistbands that help reduce some of that inevitable upper-body strain.

Ease of Use

Baby carriers shouldn’t require an instruction book. Avoid carriers that have an excessive number of straps or an overcomplicated wrap process. You want to be able to put a carrier on and pop your baby in it in a matter of seconds. Adjustment points should be easy to locate. What’s more, they should be made to adjust with one-handed motions. Switching the carrier from one caregiver to another shouldn’t be a hassle. On another note, you want your carrier to be something you can take off and toss in the wash without having to worry.

Cost and Longevity

Most baby carriers range in price from around $30 to $200. We suggest hovering somewhere in the middle if you are looking for a budget-rate option. Of course, you don’t need to be afraid to pay too much more a carrier. The most superior options are usually backed by generous safety credentials and manufacturer’s warranties. In our own experience, this is one of the most essential purchases you will make for your little one.

Why Wear Your Baby?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of what to look for in a carrier, it’s time to share the benefits of the baby wearer. Overall, wearing your baby makes life easier. You can easily perform tasks without having to juggle your little one in your arms. More importantly, it gives your baby the chance to be close to you. In feeling your heartbeat, warmth, and rhythmic movements, your baby learns to feel safe and nurtured. Your baby is also at just the right height that they can look up at you and lock eyes.

On top of all this, your baby can use you as a pedestal to safely explore the world around them. They hear you talk, watch you move, and pick up on details they might otherwise miss. All this is imperative to a baby’s mental and social development.

Final Thoughts

When veteran parents remind you that the babyhood flies by in the blink of an eye, they’re right. Why waste precious bonding moments when you could have your baby snuggled up close to you as you navigate one parenting hurdle after another? Front-facing baby carriers offer a safe, secure way for parents to house their most precious cargo.

Most of the carriers on our list even offer multiple baby orientations, including ergonomic hip and back positions. What’s more, all of them are machine-washable, because instantaneous drool and poop situations are guaranteed during a baby’ first years. Of course, there are so different types of front-facing
carriers to choose from. When it comes to making a decision, it’s best to focus on
finding something that works for you rather than the masses. Overall, the carrier is just there foster the relationship between you and your baby. That and make life a whole lot easier!