A good baby carrier is a total game-changer, allowing us to safely tote our kiddos while also freeing up our hands for multi-tasking.
However, not all carriers are equal when it comes to size — a struggle that plus-size parents know all too well. Carriers that aren’t stretchy and have minimal capacity for adjustment can make babywearing uncomfortable.
Fortunately for parents, there are some great baby carriers available with features that make them friendly to all body types.
We had a look at what makes the best baby carrier for plus-size wearers and which ones have the features parents want, so read on!
In this article:
What types of carriers are best for plus-size wearers?
In order for baby-wearing to be a successful, joyful experience, both parent and baby should be comfortable and safe.1 Anisfeld, E., Casper, V., Nozyce, M., & Cunningham, N. (1990). Does infant carrying promote attachment? An experimental study of the effects of increased physical contact on the development of attachment.Child development, 61(5), 1617-1627.
PubMed.org
A good carrier for a plus-size wearer should accommodate both parent and baby in a way that’s snug and secure, without cutting off circulation or causing discomfort to the parent.
Thankfully, some companies now acknowledge that parents come in all shapes and sizes, so, no matter what kind of carrier you prefer, you can now find one that works for a larger frame.
Wondering what qualities make a carrier plus-size friendly?
Related: The Best Baby Carriers For Dads in 2021
- Stretchy fabric
An old favorite, stretchy wraps are simple to use once parents master them and easy to share between wearers of all sizes. They’re also one of the least expensive carriers. Avoid inexpensive knockoffs, however, which are often made with synthetic fabrics that are less durable or easy to clean than trusted name brands. - Adjustable straps
Look for carriers that use their adjustability as a selling point, and read weight ranges and measurements carefully. Some carriers claim to be adjustable, though the differences are fractional when in use. Helpful YouTube videos can show how different carrier picks can be adjusted and worn, saving you a trip to the store while showing you how much they really adjust. - Lumbar support
Some picks stand firm on the issue of lumbar support, while others minimize or disregard it. Back pain is one of the most common complaints amongst new moms, and plus-size parents may struggle to get comfortable. A carrier that shifts baby’s weight distribution in a way that makes your body feel more relaxed can drastically improve your baby-wearing experience.
Editor’s note
It’s important to have a solid center of gravity, with the baby close to your torso and high enough that you can kiss their head. Always make sure their nose and face is visible, so their airways remain unblocked while you’re babywearing.
Related: Lillebaby Airflow vs All Seasons (2021 Comparison Guide)
Some tips for remaining comfortable while wearing your baby
Even with a good carrier, wearing a baby for long periods can occasionally be uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are precautions that parents can take to ensure their experience is a pleasant one.
Naturally, a good experience starts with a carrier designed for comfort and which adjusts easily. Wondering what else you can do to improve your baby-wearing experience?
- Wear cool, breathable clothing. During summer, or on particularly warm days, wearing baby can sometimes resemble having a cuddly space-heater strapped to your chest! This can become a sweaty experience for you both, but choosing breathable clothing or athletic wear with moisture-wicking capabilities will help you both cool down and stay dry.
- Avoid bulky clothes under the straps or wrap. When it gets colder outside, concern naturally shifts from staying cool to keeping warm. Bulky sweaters or sweatshirts can be uncomfortable when worn under a carrier, making it feel excessively snug. Instead, when wearing baby in a front-carry position, opt for a light jacket or shrug once baby is secured.
Editor’s note
If you’re comfortable with the carrier and wear accessible clothes you can breastfeed your little one while wearing your baby.
Our top picks of the best plus-size baby carriers
Editor’s choice
Our opinion
Age range: 0 – 48 months
Weight limit: 7 – 45 lbs.
Materials: Mesh
Color and pattern options: Oxford blue
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, hip, back
The Ergobaby Omni 360 (check price on Walmart) allows parents to carry their baby with ease. Ergobaby delivers here with a lightweight/breathable mesh that’s soft and durable for babies, keeping them cooler in warm weather.
It has easy breastfeeding access and a UPF 50+ tuckaway baby hood for sun & wind protection.
Fits multiple wearers from petite to large body types (waistbelt adjusts 26″ – 52″, shoulder straps 28¾” – 48¾”) and has easy-to-reach buckles for making adjustments.
Ergobaby, true to its name, is ergonomic for both parents’ and baby’s hips.
What we love
- Accommodates a wide range of wearers, features extra padding for comfort, and has a large, convenient, storage pocket and baby weather hood
Watch for
- Adjusting the carrier to your comfort level can take time, so practice at home with help before you take it out
Best ring sling carrier
Our opinion
Age range: Newborn – 3 years
Weight limit: 8 – 35 lbs.
Materials: Cotton
Color and pattern options: Bright stripes
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, hip
Ring slings are an ideal pick for plus-size wearers, being very adjustable and comfortable.
The Maya Wrap Ring Sling (check price on eBay) is made from breathable 100% cotton and features a lightly padded shoulder that adds comfort to baby-wearing with no extra bulk.
Ring slings are one of the easiest styles to learn as there’s no complicated tying, and this pick has the added bonus of a zippered pocket for on-the-go storage.
The wrap’s tail is great for breastfeeding too, as it can be draped up over mom and baby for extra discretion.
What we love
- Breathable, supportive and easy to learn, moms can breastfeed discreetly, and the zippered pocket offers storage that makes life easier
Watch for
- Moms with larger busts may need a little extra adjusting and practice before finding a comfortable ring position
Best budget buy
Our opinion
Age range: Newborn – 12 months
Weight limit: 8 – 20 lbs.
Materials: Cotton, polyester
Color and pattern options: Grey/black
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, back
Parents looking for a breathable, comfortable carrier for their baby’s first year will love this pick from Bable.
The Bable Baby Carrier (check price on Amazon) combines heat-friendly fabric with intelligent construction, allowing wearers to roll down the front panel when it’s hot, and roll it back up if things cool down.
It’s ergonomic for babies and is certified hip-healthy in all three of its carrying positions.
Extra padding around the leg openings protects the baby’s thighs from chafing or discomfort and the economical carrier opens at the sides, making it easy to remove your sleeping baby without commotion.
What we love
- Offers all-season comfort for parents and baby at a budget price
Watch for
- Long periods of baby-wearing can cause shoulder discomfort with this carrier
Best for multi position
Our opinion
Age range: Newborn – 4 years
Weight limit: 7 – 45 lbs.
Materials: Cotton
Color and pattern options: Bloom, Discover, Everblue, French Marigold, Mint Chip, Sleepy Dust
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, back
It’s not hard to see why this super-adjustable carrier from Tula (check price on Amazon) is a favorite among parents.
Not only does it accommodate wearers of all sizes, but it’s also great for newborns, without an insert, and is usable all the way up to age four.
This trusted pick is good for the skeletal health of everyone involved, keeping the baby in a healthy ‘M’ position and offering padded neck and shoulder support for the wearer.
The carrier panel has no extra bulk, so it’ll be easy to stay cool in this multi-position favorite.
What we love
- Great for wearers of all sizes and accommodates baby up to age four with no extra purchases needed
Watch for
- It’s a carrier that needs practice to put on alone, so you may need help the first few times
Most adjustable
Our opinion
Age range: Newborn – 12 months
Weight limit: 8 – 20 lbs.
Materials: Cotton, polyester
Color and pattern options: Grey/black
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, back
Stretchy wraps are great for creating a personalized wearing experience.
They offer massive comfort when performing front and hip carries, and, when tied properly, they’re one of the easiest carriers to securely and discreetly breastfeed in.
The Cutie Carry Cotton-Blend Wrap (check price on Amazon) has just the right amount of stretch, and it’s extra soft, so there’s loads of comfort here for both parents and baby.
It’s an ideal carrier for their first year as it’s easy to wash, transport and share, all of which make life easier while learning to look after a newborn.
It also offers frequent touch and skin-to-skin contact, which are essential for the baby’s healthy, happy development.
What we love
- It’s soft, stretchy and fits almost all wearers easily
Watch for
- Tied wraps have a learning curve, so be prepared to spend some time getting the hang of it
Most comfortable
Our opinion
Age range: Newborn – 3 years
Weight limit: 8 – 36 lbs.
Materials: Cotton, polyester
Color and pattern options: Black/grey, Ikat
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, hip, back
Finding a way to combine the structure of a carrier with the comfort of a wrap is remarkable, so it’s not hard to see why the Infantino Sash Wrap and Tie Carrier (check price on Amazon) is so well-loved.
It’s great for front, hip and back carries, and, instead of a bulky waistband, it fastens with an adjustable sash for optimum lumbar support.
The front, structured portion of the carrier features a detachable hood that’s great for protecting the baby from sun, wind, and rain.
The comfortable shoulder straps feature extra padding, so don’t dig in and cause discomfort during baby-wearing.
What we love
- Combines the structure, security, and ease of a carrier with the comfort and support of a wrap
Watch for
- The sashes are long to allow for wearers of varying sizes, but can drag if you’re not careful
Best carrier with hip seat
Our opinion
Age range: 4 months – 4 years
Weight limit: 11 – 55 lbs.
Materials: Cotton, Polyester
Color and pattern options: Blue, red
Machine washable: Yes
Carry positions: Front, back
Carriers that are hip healthy for babies are essential, as they help to prevent painful, life-altering problems like hip dysplasia.
The Diggold All Position Carrier (check price on Amazon) features a structured bucket seat that ensures that, no matter what carrying position parents choose, the baby stays in the ergonomic ‘M’ position essential to their ongoing skeletal health.
It also offers comfort and easy adjustment to wearers, and a back panel that can be rolled up or down which is ideal for head support and warmth.
What we love
- Designed to support baby’s skeletal health, plus comfortable and breathable in all positions for wearers
Watch for
- Straps may require adjusting for comfort when the wrap is shared between two (or more) people, which can be time consuming
And the winner is…
Ergobaby Multi-Position Baby Carrier (check price on Amazon) is our top pick. It’s comfortable, adjustable, washable, and not too bulky, while the Sash Wrap and Tie Carrier are also crowd-pleasers.
It’s great for wearers from small to large sizes and packs the sturdy dependability and comfort of traditional carriers with the versatility of wraps.
It’s based on a long-favored Eastern style of baby wearing called Mei Tai, and we can certainly see why it’s stood the test of time.
It’s exceptionally comfortable and secure for both parent and baby.
