Parents know you can never have enough hands when trying to carry a baby, whether in a sling or in your arms. The makers of the Jazsling Perfect Pouch Baby Sling took that into account when designing the sling, incorporating two well positioned, easy access pockets to stash things such as binkies, toys, even diapers and wipes. Made of 100% cotton, Jazslings are available in a wide variety of colors appropriate for Moms or Dads to wear. They sell for $76.14 at Jazslings.com.au.

This is a really unique baby carrier. The Mei Tai has four straps, two on the waist, two on the shoulders, and was traditionally used as a back carrier, but can also be used as a front carrier/sling, or even as a hip carrier (my personal favorite). Baby So Smart uses beautiful fabrics and will even custom-make a Mei Tai for you if you send them your fabric/style choice. The styles they already have available, however, are gorgeous. They also make a Toddler Mei-Tai (shown above), with extended body length, padded waist, fold down headrest with snap ties, and wider shoulder straps with extra padding. This could be very useful in crowds, when your squirmy toddler doesn’t want to hold your hand. The Mei Tais start at $75 (Toddler Mei Tai starts at $125) with other options extra, at BabySoSmart.com. From now through August 31, UpscaleBaby.com readers can take 20% off purchases (excluding sale items) by using discount code UBB at checkout.

This Zigo Leader Carrier Bicycle may be one of the most innovative products I’ve seen in quite some time. When my three year old was a young toddler, I wanted to ride my bike with her, but I don’t like the idea of her trailing behind me where I can’t see her. I bought a front mounting seat, which seemed like a good solution, but it just seemed so complicated to deal with that it is still in the package in my basement 3 years later.

This system seems like a perfect solution. The child pod can be detached from the bike in thirty seconds. You can ride the bike without the pod, or use the pod as a stroller. While the $1349 price is a bit hard to swallow, this looks like a great investment in your family’s health and entertainment.You can check this product out and purchase one at sparkability.net.

Once your baby is old enough to keep her head steady, a hip carry is one of the most practical holds around. It feels natural, it distributes weight well, and it seems to please little ones to no end. While I have several different carriers that offer a hip carry as one of several options, I often find them difficult to use. I’m therefore intrigued by this Scootababy Carrier, which is designed expressly for that purpose. Made for babies and toddlers from 5 months up to 40 pounds, this carrier is sturdy and attractive. It also allows for easy nursing. You can purchase one for $119 at heavenlyhold.com. Shipping is free. It would make a very generous gift for new parents.

 
The fourth item on my list of necessities for baby is a stroller. If you’re not into pushing your baby around in a buggy and you travel by foot as often as I do, I think a carrier of some sort is in order. You’ve got to have your hands free (and save your back and arms) at some point in time and for that, I have a Mei Tai. However, I also have Evenflo Congo Journey Travel System. We have dragged this thing through mud, muck, rain, snow, gravel and whatever else dares to cross our paths for over 3 years and it is still in good shape. The front tires had to be reinforced but otherwise, nothing is awry.

My favorite features are the bug net, relatively simple folding system, and smooth steering. It is rather bulky but great for long treks and durable (we’re on our second son.) The front piece lifts, making getting your child in and out simpler, and there’s even a detachable piece that stores away underneath to keep legs and feet protected until they’re too big to be kept in. The car seat attaches to the top and is a handy carrier and travel rocking chair for baby. It comes with a canopy and head cushions to keep baby’s head steady. We paid much more than the $129.99 price tag on Amazon.com but, happily, it was worth it.  

We have a heavy frame hiking backpack for our little ones, but I would very much like to have the option of back-wearing without quite so much weight. I haven’t yet ventured into the world of Mei Tais, but I am thinking that might be the way to go. I know my sister and several friends speak very positively of this style of carrier. I have been shopping around to see what is out there, and I really like this carrier from CatBird. Not only is it extremely functional, but the fabric options are gorgeous. I loved this Oasobi print, but there are many other options as well.

The carrier is made from 100% cotton and features an adjustable strap and a hideaway sleep hood which can be used to form a headrest. It can be used for newborns or older infants/toddlers. This is a carrier that will definitely grow with your child. You can purchase one for $89 at CatBirdBaby.com. Baby carriers also make great gifts.

Apaprently, the Portamee Baby Carrier, which bills itself as the “Prada” of baby carriers, is becoming the new favorite of celebrity dads such as Tom Cruise.  It is also receiving a lot of media attention, and has been featured on the Today Show. 

What makes this carrier so special? One distinguishing feature is that it is made with high end fabrics and leather trim.  It is also designed to help eliminate back fatigue with a lumbar support.  Its simple design is made to appeal to dads on the go (although it works perfectly for moms too).  Not only is the appearance very masculine, but the carrier comes with built-in features such as pockets for keys, cell phones, wallets, and other gadgets in addition to baby essentials.

The carrier is intended for use with children from about 4 months of age up to 35 pounds.  An optional headrest allows you to use the carrier with a newborn as well. The cost of this carrier is higher than most, but if it suits your style and money is no object, you can purchase one for $180 at LaLaLing.com.

The Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat includes EPP foam for energy absorption, a cozy infant insert, and a base that stays in the car. I noticed this car seat because it has a modern European style and a very chic look.

Car seats are very necessary and you can’t skimp on the quality because of safety hazards. However, most are cumbersome and time-consuming.The Maxi-Cosi Mico Car Seat, on the other hand, is very attractive. It reminds me of an egg shape which goes along with the idea of new life. That’s a perfect fit for your child.

The Mico’s weighted base (included) installs in a rear-facing configuration with LATCH connectors, but you can also install the car seat using only your vehicle’s safety belts and the carrier’s special belt guides. It weighs 8.65 lbs. (without the base) and is designed for infants 5-22 lbs. and up to 29 inches long. This unique car seat comes in a variety of colors and sells for $169 at PoshTots.com.

My two year old is currently obsessed with bags and backpacks.  She likes to hoard small toys in them and carry them around with her.  It is actually quite cute to watch–I just have to make sure she doesn’t run off with my keys or cell phone.  Because she is having so much fun with this game, I think I may feed our Haba addiction with this great Solemio Little Bag for the holidays.

I love the gorgeous colors–the red is so deep and luxurious and the contrast between the red, pink, and green is really attractive.  The bag has a magnetic closure and pockets for all your little one’s treasures.  It is also machine washable.

You can purchase this bag for $7.99 at oompa.com.

The Kanoe Baby Hammock is an 100% organic cotton hammock with a unique canoe shape that safely cradles and comforts a baby. This hammock by Kanoe is a lovely design, constructed from the finest quality certified 100% organic cotton canvas. The Kanoes are dyed using low impact, non-toxic dyes.

The Kanoe comes with its strap/spreader bar assembly, custom spring KS-002 (calibrated for infants 10 to 30 pounds), 2 eye lags for ceiling mount, and a canvas carrying bag made from the same beautiful organic cotton canvas. KANOE LLC uses cotton certified organic by SKAL. Low impact dyes certified by OEKO TEX-100.

You can purchase this unique baby hammock for $289.95 at bambinoland.com.

The Gucci Baby Carrier, a favorite of celebrity parents such as Gwen Stefani (above), is shaped to snugly fit baby’s body (up to 20lbs). It has adjustable shoulder straps and comes in the signatory beige/ebony GG fabric with dark brown or white leather trim.

This is a bit extravagant for the casual buyer, but if you have the means, you can purchase this item, priced at $850.00 at  Gucci.com.

Mamma’s Milk has sold its famous baby carriers/baby slings to celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Naomi Watts. This particular design is promoted as a “fabulous combination of function and style.”

At one time, the baby carrier was considered to be a novelty item. Now, it’s become a must-have accessory for all parents, not just celebrities. Mamma’s Milk offers its baby carriers and slings in many fabrics and colors, ranging in price from $45.00 to $85.00. You can view the many styles available and photos of celebrities who have purchased them at MammasMilk.com

All three of my children are close in age. So while I was running after my two toddler boys I was also trying to hold onto my infant girl! Someone had given me a metal-framed baby carrier (almost like a hiker’s backpack) but it was just too bulky and cumbersome for everyday use.

Coming across the Karma Baby Sling online I immediately recognized how useful this product would have been with its soft, natural materials and unique shape. Mykarmababy.com offers a wide variety of fabrics and patterns to fit your personal needs and tastes. When you visit this site, take time to read the “About” page.

The creator of the Karma Baby shares some very helpful and insightful information about the true benefits of the the Karma Baby Sling. Prices begin at $46.95 and up.

I think we all know the benefits of baby wearing, so deciding to buy a carrier is a pretty easy decision. Wading through the many carriers on the market is a little more difficult. The My Baby Nest carrier offers some unique features that make it worth considering.

Unlike many slings, it is made with two loops. This means that it distributes weight more evenly, making it easier on the wearer’s back. The last sling I bought wasn’t adjustable, which was a big downside for me. I therefore really like the fact the My Baby Nest is highly adjustable—all without requiring any wrapping, which is another huge plus in my book. It also has a convenient storage bag, so it is easy to carry it with you.

My Baby Nest can be used in a number of holds (see the Web site for illustrations), and can support a toddler up to 35 pounds. There are a number of color options to choose from, and the sling is machine washable.

Three sizes are available to give you the best fit possible.
This sling has received a lot of positive press. It won an iParenting Media Excellence award earlier this year, has been included in celebrity gift bags, and has been featured in a number of national publications.

You can purchase one at mybabynest.com. Prices range from $59.90-$62.90. Best of all, for each sling purchased this month, the company will donate one to the March of Dimes.

If you’re in the market for a great baby carrier, you may be overwhelmed with all the options out there. The Baby Bjorn carriers are probably the most well known, and with good reason. The carriers are comfortable for both baby and parent, are easy to use, and look sleek.

While the original carrier is on the pricey side for a basic model, you’ll find as I have that it’s worth the cost. I’ve put mine through several washings and it’s just as sturdy as it was brand new. I also appreciate that the style is timeless.

I bought mine several years ago, and I still think it’s one of the best-looking carriers I’ve seen. The fact that such stars as Marcia Cross, Salma Hayek and Angelina Jolie have used different varieties of the Baby Bjorn may be enough for you to consider getting one.

Apart from the celeb connection, however, the long-term investment in the timeless style and functionality of an Original Baby Bjorn will prove to be a wise one. For product information and store locator, visit babybjorn.com.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the Baby Bjorn carrier check out our review of the Belle baby carrier. Our baby blog also reviewed the Guci baby carrier.