As toddlers are heavier than babies, carrying a toddler works a parent’s back a whole lot more and measures need to be added for support. The best toddler carriers provide support for the parent’s back while keeping the child’s legs in the M-position for healthy hip and back development. We’ve found the best toddler carriers to keep your hands free to move around with ease without destroying your back in the process.
Best Toddler Carriers
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is by far the highest-rated and best-selling baby carrier on the list compared to the other baby carriers. Unlike the Tulaand LILLEbaby carriers that can hold up to 60 pounds, the Ergobaby can only hold babies up to 45 pounds.
Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier
The Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier works for petite moms, plus size moms, and even big and tall dads. You also get four carry positions including front-facing parent, facing out, hip carry, and back carry.
First, choose from seventeen different colors to suit any family. Mind you this carrier costs a significant amount of money but comes with so many features you will love.
You can machine wash the carrier if it gets dirty. Trust us, with a baby the carrier will get dirty.
One of the best benefits is the carrier can support a baby 7 pounds and up which is perfect for most newborns. Also, it’s lightweight and breathable thanks to mesh.
A baby hood provides sun protection up to UPF 50+. It also adds privacy. It comes with a large back support for parents around the waist and a detachable pouch for storage too.
Next, the carrier is acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute to be hip healthy for your growing child. It can carry children up to 45 pounds too making it great for smaller toddlers.
The lumbar support on the back with crossable shoulder straps helps to keep your back from too much pain from carrying your tot. You can also easily switch from inward to forward-facing too. This versatile carrier can grow with your baby and help you explore the world with comfort and in style.
Issues
The mesh can leave imprints on your baby’s skin. Honestly, though the only concern is it may have too much room but that works well for older tots. It’s a bit of a pain to put on too but that’s true of most carriers.
LILLEbaby 3 in 1 CarryOn All Seasons Carrier
Leave the stroller at home and carry your toddler in the LLLbaby 3 in 1 CarryOn Carrier.
Many baby carriers hold a child up to 45 pounds but this fabric carrier holds 20 pounds up to 60 pounds comfortably. You can also keep your hands free and go places you can’t go with a stroller.
Use the carrier three different ways. First, use off to the side on either hip. Second, use the as a front carrier. Third, use it on your back.
Three-way adjustable buckles in various places allow the carrier to grow with your toddler and add extra room for comfort. A temperature control panel ensures your child doesn’t overheat. Other great features include a removable hood and two pockets.
Next, a wide padded band goes around your waist to provide lumbar support with an added cushion on the back to keep the adjustable strap from digging into your skin. The shoulders are padded too for extra comfort as children get heavy.
Finally, when your child spills apple juice or falls asleep and drools on the 100% cotton fabric, toss it in the wash for easy care. The carrier keeps your baby’s legs in an M-shape that’s better for their hip development. Comes in four colors, stone, dark gray, black, and dark coral.
Issues
Do not use this carrier for smaller or younger babies; use this with a baby at least 20 pounds. Also, the part that unzips to allow airflow does not tuck into anything and can annoy you while walking around.
The price may make you a little sad as it’s a rather high.
Tula Ergonomic Carrier
The Tula Ergonomic Carrier comes in 18 different colors and patterns to suit every personality.
Moreover, it comes in at about half the price of the LLLbaby toddler carriers, but cannot be worn on the hip like the other carrier. You can still carry on the front or the back.
Tula’s carrier is made of lightweight and breathable canvas. Not just any canvas, but 100% Oeko-tex standard 100 certified canvas. Although, some of the designs are 100% cotton if you find canvas scratchy. The toddler carrier can hold a child between 25 to 60 pounds.
The M-position supports proper development for little legs making this a comfortable place for a baby to rest for your child. For you, the carrier includes dual adjustable padded shoulders for neck and shoulder comfort and support. A removable hood can protect your child’s head from the sun.
Lastly, the wide adjustable front panel provides all-around support for mom. The band also helps to distribute your kid’s weight evenly. Meant for children 32 inches and up.
Issues
Despite 18 different colors, none of the patterns work for a guy. If you want dad to carry the tot you may want to find a more neutrally designed carrier.
Another problem, the carrier may be difficult to put on by yourself.
Beco Toddler Carrier
While the Beco Toddler Carrier costs a lot for a carrier, it’s one of the few options available for carrying a child who weighs 20-60 pounds.
Dad’s won’t mind carrying children in this carrier either as it comes in a dark gray. Although, if you like fun patterns there are two options, nebula, and geo teal and white.
Parents love the adjustable features as it can fit extra small adults up to those in size XXL. They can also carry three ways, front, back or on either hip. Crossable shoulder straps and a waist belt pocket add some new features not seen in other carriers.
Children 18 months and older will love the 3D mesh vented panel for added airflow. A built-in headrest as well as a detachable sleep hood that can also protect from the sun. Not to mention they can nurse in the carrier as well and hands-free! Toss in the wash if there is a leak.
Issues
The high price like with the LLLbaby may deter a lot of customers. Otherwise the carrier works great for carrying larger small children exactly as intended.
Piggyback Rider Explorer
The Piggyback Rider Explorer works for mom’s, but the camo print was made with dad in mind and maybe even a hiking trip.
However, what makes this carrier unique is that children stand on a metal platform attached to dad’s back. Of course, moms can wear the children too if they don’t mind the print.
The carrier comes in two pieces, one for dad with a back anchor to hold the straps together and the metal platform for a child to stand on. A second part holds a back anchor with straps for a child to attach to dad to keep him safe if he or she falls off the platform.
This carrying device works best for children 2-4 years old or children up to 50 pounds. Although, it can hold more depending on the parent and the child. Because the weight shifts with a child standing, the carrier setup works better for parents’ backs.
A child needs to stand to use this carrier. If a child becomes sleepy, they do not have an option to relax as their hands rest on their parent’s shoulders and their feet on the platform. This is not a good option for tots who spend a lot of downtime napping.
Next, All the straps are adjustable and you can purchase a HIP BELT for added comfort. The carrier is the lightest option available at under three pounds. Store the small device easily in an included bag.
Finally, the six-point military-grade safety harnesses ensure no one falls, and no one gets hurt. The rear pockets offer a little storage. The metal platform offers non-skid to optimize a child’s standing position.
Issues
The high price for such a small device seems almost unfair. However, you are paying for a tested device with premium parts meant to last for more than infant weights and work well.
Again, a child cannot rest on this device. While it offers a better option for parents back, it’s not more comfortable for children.
The Freeloader Child Carrier
Why is the The Freeloader Child Carrier named the Freeloader? Because your child gets to ride sitting down. That’s right. This carrier includes an actual seat for your baby instead of a panel to slip your baby into.
With a carrying capacity of 25-80 pounds, this carrier holds twenty pounds more than the other carriers. This works great for children who need to be carried longer because of injury, illness, or other problems. The extra carry allowance makes mom and dad’s job much easier and more comfortable. Make sure not to use it before two-and-a-half years old.
The Freeloader uses a unique buckle system that offers an ergonomic waist and seat as well as shoulders to distribute the weight evenly for both mom and baby. Stirrups and the seat position keep your baby’s body in the desired M-position and provides foot support.
The carrier includes a 5-point safety harness which makes this a very easy-to-use carrier. Buckle in your child and then buckle the carrier to yourself. Then off you go on your adventure with lots of open-air for you and your child.
Finally, the carrier sports padded shoulder straps for parents’ comfort too. Furthermore, you can store small items it the pockets on the sides and the back, but leave room for your child! Comes in three unisex colors.
Issues
As the child sits in a seat, this carrier is for back carrying only. Because the weight concentrates in the middle or smaller part of the parent’s back, it can cause pain.
Older children may find the seat uncomfortable as it can dig into their legs.
The price is extremely expensive.
Best Grownsy Baby Carrier
LÍLLÉbaby Ergonomic Baby Carrier
The LÍLLÉbaby Ergonomic Baby Carrier can support up to 45 pounds, meaning you can use it for years and for toddlers. Use it from 8 pounds all the way up to a child as long as it’s comfortable for you or necessary.
It also supports a larger lumbar area for extended spine comfort for parents. The breathable 3D mesh keeps both you and your child from overheating. An adjustable hip seat allows for good posture and a center of gravity at any angle.
Use the carrier offers six different ways to carry including facing-in, facing out, back carry, horizontal, and hip with a few other variations of each.
Even dads won’t mind carrying their babies in this comfortable carrier. Add in a storage bag and pocket for extra usefulness.
Lastly, the padded straps include a tether in the back help to provide support as you carry your child.
Issues
A very few customers found it did not provide enough support.
Best for dads and babies, although, but moms will enjoy the carrier as well. Also, this works best as a front carrier.
The Best Toddler Baby Carriers Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.The Freeloader Child Carrier 7.4 9.2 399.00 Omni 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier 9.9 9.4 143.77 LÍLLÉbaby Ergonomic Baby Carrier 9.8 - 99.99 Beco Toddler Carrier 9.7 9.0 99.99 Tula Ergonomic Carrier 6.9 10.0 - LILLEbaby 3 in 1 CarryOn All Seasons Carrier 3.9 9.4 - Piggyback Rider Explorer - 8.4 -
FAQs – Toddler Carriers
Will carrying a toddler in a carrier hurt my body?
Yes, carrying a toddler can give you a sore back or aching hips. However, most mom’s spend a lot of time carrying a child and with a carrier, you can more evenly distribute your child’s weight for some relief for your weary back. The best toddler carriers will provide relief not add to your pain.
Can a toddler carrier cause problems for my toddler?
As long as you use a carrier meant for a toddler that also uses the M-position for legs, the carrier can be a fabulous comfort for children. Make sure they do not overheat, they have space to breathe, and that they are comfortable and safe overall. Otherwise, the best toddler carriers will not harm your child.
Find great baby carriers too!
Which toddler carrier is better, a carrier or a wrap?
Carrier provides more support for the mother to help evenly distribute the weight. Wraps are more versatile and fit more both mom and dad without having to adjust all the buckles. However, a wrap does not offer as much support as other toddler carriers but make nursing a child much easier.
