Whether you are in an urban or suburban environment a baby carrier can be a helpful and/or necessary piece of baby gear. There are LOTS on the market and narrowing down the list can be daunting. We’ve put together four choices we think are can’t-go-wrong options – the Ergo Original Carrier, the BabyBjorn Classic Original, the Beco Gemini and the Moby Wrap. A few important things to consider when making your choice: the age of your child at the time of purchase, your lifestyle and what you’ll use your carrier for; as well as overall ease of use (it could be as simple as a matter of patience). As always we’d love to know, which carrier works best for you?
Ergo Orignal Carrier
Shown in Black/Camel
www.store.ergobaby.com
Weight Limitations: 7 pounds – 45 pounds
The Wise Baby Rating: 
Highlights: The Ergo Orignal carrier is popular among parents and for good reason. Its ample padding and ergonomic design expertly distribute weight between the hips and shoulders for a super comfortable fit. The Ergo can accommodate a child three ways – front carry, back carry and hip carry. The Ergo can be used with a child up to an incredible 45 pounds which certainly makes it a long term investment! The Ergo is consistently lauded for its ease of use with its effortless buckles and simple to adjust straps.
Lowlights: There is not terribly too much bad to say about the Ergo carrier. The biggest complaint we’ve heard is the child cannot face out when worn in the front – meaning the child must always face you. Parent feedback is that as a child grows, they prefer to face out and see the world. Another downside is the fact the newborn insert must be purchased separately ($25 – $38) which boosts the price of this carrier to the high end.
Bottom Line: The only reason the Ergo does not receive a five out of five is the fact your child cannot face out when carried in the front. However, if that is not important to you the Ergo is definitely beyond a five out of five for its overall quality, ease of use and thoughtful design. We’d consider this carrier a top pick for an active lifestyle and picked the Ergo for our Urban Registry Guide.
BabyBjorn Classic Orignal
Weight Limitations: Newborn – 22 pounds
The Wise Baby Rating:
Highlights: The BabyBjorn Original is one of the most popular carriers on the market and it’s no surprise. Parents love this light weight, easy to use carrier. Children can be carried in the front and can be worn facing either in or out. The Original has a the ability for you to snap off the front of the carrier to put a sleeping baby down in a crib undisturbed – love this feature! We picked this carrier for the General Registry Guide for its mass appeal and overall ease of use.
Lowlights: In comparison to other carriers the BabyBjorn Original gets low marks for parental comfort especially as children grow and get heavier. Many parents say the Original Bjorn does not distribute weight evenly and complain of back pain when the carrier is worn for extended periods of time. Further, the Original only goes up to 22 pounds and compared to others in its class the Bjorn falls short. Some parents report, their children don’t like this carrier – for no rhyme or reason but something worth mentioning.
Bottom Line: Despite its minor downfalls, we give the BabyBjorn Original a four out of five. Generally speaking, the Original carrier is a winner in our minds – its easy to use and offered at an affordable price.
Beco Gemini
Shown in Paige
www.becobabycarrier.com
Weight Limitations: 7 pounds – 35 pounds
The Wise Baby Rating: 
Highlights: The Beco Gemini consistently gets high praises from parents. This “4 in 1″ carrier can be worn a multitude of different ways – front carry (with the baby facing in or out) rear carry, hip carry or back carry. The Gemini comes with ample head support, so there is no purchasing of additional inserts for newborns. Parents rate this as one of the top carriers due to its quality construction and ergonomic design. The carrier has ample padding and back support along with a belt that goes across your waist for additional support all of which make this carrier code for baby and mama/papa alike.
Lowlights: Some parents feel their little one is more restricted in this carrier than others on the market (which not all consider a bad thing). The Gemini has suped up buckles which require two hands to unbuckle which can be challenging to get on/off when trying to balance a baby, etc. Lastly, the Gemini is a bit on the pricey side when compared with other comparable carriers.
Bottom Line: We give the Beco Gemini a five out of five with it’s quality design, ease of use, ample support, it’s tough to beat. Not to mention, we LOVE the ability to “wear” your baby four different ways.
Moby Wrap Orignal
Shown in Natural
www.mobywrap.com
Weight Limitations: Newborn – 35 pounds
The Wise Baby Rating:
Highlights: The Moby Wrap is slightly different than the other carriers in this review but certainly serves the same function. The Wrap can be worn with the child carried in the front (both in and out), on the back and on the hip. Parents often say their children seem to love the additional “closeness” this type of carrier provides over the more traditional types. Many parents say it has helps soothe fussy babies and is a helpful tool for getting a child to nap. In general the Moby Wrap is comfortable and distributes your child’s weight nicely – taking the strain off your back and shoulders.
Lowlights: Most parents biggest complaint is that the Moby Wrap can be difficult to learn to use and takes some time to put on (as opposed to other, more traditional carriers). The excess fabric that remains after a child is placed in the wrap is another common complaint by parents. Some say, it makes you less mobile which may not be ideal for active lifestyles or long walks around town.
Bottom Line: The Moby Wrap gets a four out of five rating in our book. There is LOTS to love – the price, the design, the closeness and soothing it provides your little one, etc. The only reason it doesn’t get five out of five is the learning curve associated with using it. But if you’re a smart cookie than this may be the one for you!
As with all our reviews – we’d love to know which ones we missed. We know there are lots of great carrier options out there!
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Great information………………..Wonderful, comfortable ways to carry your baby around…………..
The Moby is great for the newborn!!! As you pointed out, it is a challenge to learn how to correctly wrap the baby. It took both my daughter and I watching the video several times to figure out how to use the wrap (you may want a second pair of hands to help hold the baby when you are trying to learn how to do it). Once we got the wrapping down the Moby quickly became a favorite for both Mommy and her little guy.
Great feedback Betty! Its good to here sweet little Graham likes the Moby Wrap and that it is possible to get the hang of using the Moby Wrap! Thanks for sharing!
I have both the BabyBjorn and the Moby Wrap (and a ring sling). I love them both for different reasons! Your observations are dead on. My little Noah (2.5 months) loves them both, so no complaints there! I find the Moby Wrap more comfortable for general all day baby wearing. I think the weight feels more evenly distributed, and it is just a more comfortable material…it feels a little less bulky than the BabyBjorn. However, I prefer the BabyBjorn when we are out and about just for the ease of putting on or removing the carrier. The Moby Wrap is not so easy to get on and off.
Could you please review the mai tai baby carrier?