Don’t want a stroller? Your other option would be a baby carrier! Unlike strollers, carriers allow you to keep your little one closer to you as you go about your day.
There are mixed opinions on when it is safe to carry around your baby in a carrier. To be safe, it is best to only consider carrying your baby in a carrier once their neck muscles are strong enough to support their own head. That means no newborns should be left in a baby carrier on your back.
Though there are head support features available on many carriers, each baby is different and it would be better to monitor your baby to assess if they are individually ready for it!
Here are 10 of the best newborn carriers available on the Malaysian market:
Why It’s Our Top Pick:
Ergobaby has a number of carriers to choose from. Their Omni Dream Carrier however, is the dream carrier to keep your baby cozy! Your little one can relax in the seat made with comfy fabric, while being protected with safety features and have their body supported. This carrier is suitable for your newborn baby up till 48 months old (7-45lbs, 3.2-20.4kg).
Overview:
The Omni Dream Carrier seat is made of a gentle fabric, soothing your little one gently as they rest. There are 4 different carry positions this carrier can be used in, which includes: Front Inward, Front Outward, Back, and Hip. The slider adjustment is simple to use, making it easy to switch your baby’s position to face inwards or outwards. There are locking buckles to ensure that your baby is strapped in safely.
Its ergonomic seat design also ensures that your baby is comfortable. This carrier provides further comfort and support for your little one with its cushioned and crossable shoulder straps and a lumbar support waist belt. Aside from supporting your baby’s back, there is also a head and neck support pillow.
For easy storage, there are pacifier clip loops to hook your baby’s pacifier. There are also side pockets and a detachable pouch to fit in any extra belongings your baby needs! Finally, it is machine washable, making it easy to clean.
Testimonies:
Reviews mentioned that the Omni Dream Carrier functions well. If your little one easily sweats, Ergobaby’s Omni Breeze might be the better option instead of the Omni Dream’s cotton carrier.
Looking for a simple, yet stylish carrier? Infantino’s Flip Advanced Carrier with its easy-to-use convertible seat makes it a no-brainer option!
Overview:
The Flip Advanced Carrier is ideal for babies starting from infancy (from 8-32 lbs / 3.6-14.5 kg). Aside from the comfortable seat and padded head rest to ensure your baby is supported, the seat can also be switched to a narrow (for infant) or wide (as they grow older) position, based on what is suitable for your child.
With an ergonomic design, you have 4 different ways to carry your baby. This includes baby-facing in narrow seat for newborns, facing in wide seat for older babies, facing out narrow seat for babies with head control, and back carry wide seat for older babies. In fact, the seat, leg openings, straps, and belt are all adjustable. With this kind of a flexibility, you can customise the settings based on what suits each child!
This carrier seat is also machine washable. Finally, it comes with a Wonder Cover bib to protect your little one in the carrier.
Testimonies:
Reviews have praised that this carrier is of good quality for its price. It is comfy, but do note that parents of little ones who sweat easily should know that the material of this carrier seat can be a bit too warm.
Babybjorn carriers have a minimalistic design, which is crafted to focus on the comfort of your little one. If you’re looking for a comfy baby carrier, the Baby Carrier One Air is a great option!
Overview:
This carrier has an ergonomic design, ensuring that your baby’s back and head is supported well. It also has an adjustable head support.
A highlight of this carrier is its ventilation, which makes it suitable for those living in a hot climate. This is partly thanks to its airy 3D mesh which allows for better airflow and keeps your baby cool. The material is soft, flexible and it’s quick-drying.
Not only that, but the padded shoulder straps and waist belt reduces pressure and makes it more comfortable for you to carry your kiddo around. In fact, it is certified as ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. For your convenience, the carrier has two different height positions, letting you switch around your carrying position from front-facing to carrying on your back.
The Baby Carrier One Air is machine washable, making cleaning easy. It is best suited for babies from newborn up to 3 years old.
Testimonies:
Reviews commented that the breathable fabric of the Baby Carrier One Air is comfortable for their baby. However, some reviews mentioned that it takes some time getting used to buckling in the multiple straps of the carrier.
On the bright side, that means this carrier is safe as well as it is comfortable and easy to use.
If your baby gets sweaty easily, Ergobaby’s Omni Breeze may be the option for you!
Overview:
The main highlight of the Omni Breeze is the airy material utilised by the carrier seat. Compared to other mesh carriers, this was highly rated at the top of many online lists for its airflow. The carrier uses SoftFlex Mesh fabric, which allows for better airflow and keeps your baby comfortable.
In terms of usability, the Omni Breeze is designed for babies starting from newborn up to toddler years (7-45lbs / 3.2 - 20.4 kg). There are 4 carry positions available, which includes Inward facing, Outward facing, Hip carry, and Back carry. With whatever position you choose, the carrier ensures that your baby’s back is supported.
For extra comfort and safety, your baby will be strapped in with the padded shoulder straps and padded lumbar support. The Omni Breeze has a privacy hood to keep your little one sheltered from the sun and heat.
Additionally, breastfeeding is also made easy in this carrier. For maintenance purpose, the carrier is machine washable, making it easy to clean.
Testimonies:
Reviews commended the Omni Breeze for its quality. Not only is it lightweight but it is also made of a breathable mesh material. As it’s more airy, this carrier is also suitable when you and your little one are exploring the outdoors.
Looking forward to travelling and going outdoors with your baby? This lightweight yet comfortable cotton material of Joie’s Savvy baby carrier makes it a great option for your child!
Overview:
Joie’s Savvy baby carrier is suitable from newborn up to 3 years old (3.5-16 kg). There are 4 carrying positions available, all of which are suitable and will fully support any fussy baby!Its ergonomic positions are also certified by the hip dysplasia institute, as the carrier will cradle around your baby’s spine securely.
The material of Joie’s Savvy baby carrier is made of an airy, breathable fabric that keeps your baby cool and comfy. Furthermore, your little one will be protected during sunny days with the carrier’s sun hood, which is made with a windshield that’ll be useful for the windy days! Not only that, but there’s the removable infant bib, hence you can choose to use it when it is convenient.
With its secure shoulder straps that are easily adjustable, Joie’s Savvy baby carrier also makes sure that both you and your little one are comfortable! The shoulder straps are padded as well. Not only that, but the magnetic buckles on the shoulder straps makes it easy to put on and take off the carrier.
Testimonies:
Joie’s Savvy Baby Carrier is made of a lightweight, breathable fabric which is suitable even when you’re in a warmer climate. However, the length of the straps are longer for some parents/adults and that there isn’t a compartment to fold up the excess length.
Looking for a simple to use, all-rounder, quality baby carrier? Ergobaby’s Omni 360 has four carry positions, keeps your baby protected both in safety and in their environment!
Overview:
Ergobaby’s Omni 360 carrier is suitable for babies starting from newborn up to toddler years, and so no additional infant insert is required! Having an ergonomic design, this provides proper support for your baby. With its lumbar support and padded crossable shoulder straps, this carrier ensures that both you and your baby are comfortable while having the support you need!
The Omni 360 has been acknowledged as "hip healthy" product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. To note, there are 4 carry positions you can carry your baby in, which includes: Front-inward, front-outward, hip carry, and back carry. The width of the seat and the back panel are also adjustable, making it easy to adapt it to your baby as they grow.
Not only that, but the carrier has an adjustable hood that supports your baby’s head, shielding your baby from the sun, and that it doubles as a privacy hood while breastfeeding. Additionally, there is a detachable pouch for you to store additional belongings your baby needs. Adding a cherry on top is that this carrier is machine washable, making cleaning easier.
Testimonies:
Most reviewers shared that the cotton material of the Omni 360 is comfortable for their little ones to rest in. However, note that it can feel warm for your babies due to its sturdy thick material, so please take care to only wear this at selected situations such as in cool or air conditioned settings.
Want to keep your little one close to you? The PITTARi Baby Wrap keeps your baby safe and secure, and close to your chest!
Features:
PITTARi’s Baby Wrap is a newborn wrap carrier, recommended from newborn up to 36 months. The fabric (made of 100% cotton) is super soft and stretchable, yet it can also be folded away into a compact-sized belt to store into its own pouch. It is also easy to wear on and operate. For easier use, the belt acts as the base of the sling to safely support your baby.
There are 3 different carrying positions that the PITTARi Baby Wrap, which includes: Newborn Carrying, Face-To-Face Carrying, and Hip-Carrying. The material of the wrap is also breathable, keeping your baby cool.
To help make things comfortable, the carrier curls around your baby’s C-shaped spine and also folds in an M shape for your baby's legs. Not confident about safety? IHDI certified the PITTARi Baby Wrap as a “hip-healthy” product.
Testimonies:
Most users have praised the PITTARi Wrap for being easy to use. A reviewer also mentioned that having their baby in this wrap allowed them be hands-free and multi-task.
Worried about the hassle of complicated carriers? Ergobaby’s Embrace Carrier does not involve any complex wrapping or tying, yet keeps your little one close to you!
Overview:
Ergobaby’s Embrace Carrier has 3 different carrying modes that can be adapted to your baby’s growth: Newborn (0-2 months), Baby Facing In (2 Months+), and Baby Facing Out (5-6 months). The adjustable waistbelt also makes the process of changing between different positions easier!
Its ergonomic and hip-healthy certified design also provides your baby with the support they need. There is also a padded head and neck support, providing further comfort for your baby. To add, the carrier is also breastfeeding-friendly.
As it has spreadable shoulder straps, this keeps your baby close and holds your baby’s head up. Not only that, but the seat is adjustable in order to be adaptable to your little one’s growth! Finally, the machine washable Embrace Carrier is also compact in size, making maintenance and storage convenient.
Testimonies:
Ergobaby’s Embrace carrier is easy to wear on and take off, it is also easy to switch between newborn to baby seating modes. A popular feature pointed out by reviewers is the good padded neckline of the carrier which gives your baby additional support for their head.
Worried about your baby sweating as you travel together? Ergobaby’s Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh carrier keeps your baby comfortable in several carry positions to choose from, and the material of the carrier provides ventilation to keep your baby cool!
Overview:
Ergobaby’s Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh carrier is suitable for babies through toddlerhood (3.2-20kg). The seat and back panel are adjustable, keeping up with your baby’s growth! This carrier keeps your baby comfortable and properly supported in the different carry positions available (front-inward, front-outward, hip carry, and back carry).
When it comes to quality, it is made of a breathable mesh material that ensures proper ventilation and prevents heatiness. The sliders of this carrier also makes it easy to switch between carrying positions to fit your baby, without any additional infant insert needed.
There’s also proper lumbar support to offer extra back comfort for your little one. Not only that, but the extra-cushioned crossable shoulder straps makes it comfortable for you as you carry your baby around!
As we all tend to be out and about, this carrier is breastfeeding-friendly, providing you with the privacy you need! If you have anything extra to carry along with you, there is a detachable pouch available. Finally, for ease of cleaning, the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh is machine-washable!
Testimonies:
Reviewers commented that the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh lives up to its name, as it is made of an airy material. Overall, it is comfy and made of a sturdy material.
However, one customer mentioned that the air mesh near the baby’s thighs can feel a bit rough so that’s something to look out when you’re securing your little one into the carrier.
Looking for a newborn carrier in a more affordable price range? Sweet Cherry’s SC650 newborn carrier is an affordable steal!
Features:
Sweet Cherry’s Newborn Carrier is suitable for babies from 0-12 months old (less than 12kg). This baby carrier is lightweight, making it easy for parents to carry around! Do note that this carrier is meant for light, day-to-day strolling and is thus not a suitable carrier for outdoor activities or intense travelling.
Rest assure that the Sweet Cherry Newborn Carrier is designed to securely support your baby’s back, hips, legs, and knees on a daily basis. In fact, its ergonomic design is certified by SGS. There are 4 carrying positions that you can carry your baby in, which includes front face-inward, front face-forward, backpack ways, and horizontal ways.
And because the back support board is removable, this makes it easy to carry your baby in a horizontal way.
With its adjustable, crossable padded shoulder straps and a thick waistband, these features help to alleviate some of the pressure off the parent’s shoulders and back. Moreover, the Sweet Cherry Newborn Carrier also comes with a hood to shield your baby from sun and wind.
Testimonies:
The SC650 is a decent quality carrier for its price. However, some customer have debated on the extent of the weight limit supported by this carrier.
Is it OK for Newborns to Sleep in Carriers?
Experts have been divided on this subject. To be safe, your baby should only be allowed short, supervised naps in their carrier. They should not be sleeping for long hours or overnight, unsupervised, in a carrier.
In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface.
While your baby is resting in their carrier, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure that your baby is supervised or monitor at all times
- Short, daytime naps in the carrier would be different from your baby’s nighttime sleep
- Observe which napping position is suitable for your baby (might be different for those who suffer from reflux or colic)