Top 5 Baby Carriers in 2025 (Tested by Real Walking Mums)
Are you looking for the best baby carrier for newborns, toddlers or walks without the pram? Is hiking your escape and your need help with finding the best carrier for hiking to get back to the hills?
Whether you just want to make local walks easier, do the ironing or hike mountains, the right baby carrier makes life so much easier and comfier too.
At Walking Mums, we asked real parents in our community which carriers they love most and why. We ran a poll within our community WhatsApp – join here
The results are in, here are our top 5 babywearing favourites — all tried and tested by UK Walking Mums (and their babies!) See below ⬇️
And if you’d like the best advice to discover your perfect carrier, find your local Sling Library – the Warrington and surrounding areas library is 🔗 Supportive Sloths and you can find the one local to wherever you are in the UK here 🔗 Carrying Matters
The Winner Is…🥇
1. Ergobaby Omni 360 – Versatile and Long-Lasting
Our mums say its the Best Baby Carrier for Newborns in the UK (Ergobaby Embrace) additional highlights are:
-
-
Suitable from newborn to toddler
-
-
-
Multiple carry positions: front, back and hip
-
-
-
Supportive for long walks, hikes and daily wear
-
Really useful zip compartment for phone and keys
-
Best for: All-round use, pram-free walks, and longer hikes
Keywords: ergonomic baby carrier, hiking with baby carrier, newborn to toddler
💬 “I love baby wearing with my Ergobaby! It feels like your baby is completely safe & secure since its quite a structured design. I’ve had no fear that they are slipping down, or moving into an unsafe or uncomfortable position. The babies legs will sit in recommended M shape so their hips are in a safe position. It is super comfy for Mum too, with padding across the shoulder straps and a wide back support, so your babies weight is spread across your body. My baby seems to love it too, he definitely prefers it to a pram as he gets to cuddle you and look around too. A couple of the features I love are the zipped pocket which is perfect for your keys & phone, and the sun/rain cover for your babies head, which is conveniently tucked away until you need it and then secures into position with poppers so you can use it with one hand. I would 100% recommend to anyone.”
Walking Mum Amy
💬 “I absolutely love the Ergobaby Omni 360 — it’s been such a great transition as I move away from using a wrap. It feels supportive, comfortable for both me and baby, and I really appreciate how quick it is to fit, especially when I’ve got a toddler to keep an eye on too. Being able to breastfeed on the go has also made things a lot easier x”
Walking Mum Georgina
🥈 2. Tula Free-to-Grow – Comfy and Stylish
Our Mums say the Tula Free to Grow is the best carrier for hiking in the UK, additional highlights include:
-
-
Grows with your baby a newborn insert is available but after that point the carrier grows with baby
-
-
-
Padded support and lovely designs, you can match your carrier with your outfit ❤️
-
-
-
Easy to adjust for different wearers
-
Handy velcro pouch for phone (not as safe as the Ergo’s zipped pouch)
-
Best for: Everyday walks, hikes, fuss-free naps, duration of use.
Keywords: baby carrier UK, adjustable babywearing
💬 “I wore both of my girls in the Tula Free To Grow from newborn to 2.5yrs! It’s comfortable and supportive for both Mum and Baby, is quick on and off and has a handy phone pouch.
Walking Mum Rachael
🥉 3. Ergobaby Embrace – Perfect for Newborn Snuggles
Why mums love it:
-
-
Ultra-soft and easy to put on
-
-
-
Great alternative to a stretchy wrap
-
-
-
Ideal for the early weeks and months
-
💬 “Soft and squishy for newborns — and simple enough when you’re sleep-deprived.”
Best for: Newborn babywearing, quick pop-ins and slings for first-time mums
Keywords: baby carrier for newborn UK, best baby wrap alternative
4. Stretchy Wraps (e.g. Boba, Close Caboo)
Why mums love it:
-
-
Creates a womb-like, calming experience
-
-
-
Affordable and great for bonding
-
-
-
Ideal for baby’s first months
-
💬 “The wrap saved me in those early weeks. My baby would instantly calm down.”
Best for: Baby carrier for newborns, hands-free at home or on gentle walks
Keywords: babywearing for new mums, stretchy wrap for newborn
5. Tula Lite or Toddler Carrier – Lightweight and Practical
Why mums love it:
-
-
Compact and foldable for days out
-
-
-
Ideal when little legs get tired
-
-
-
Works for toddlers up to 22kg
-
💬 “I could easily pack the Tula away when my toddler wanted to walk, then get it out when he was done.”
Best for: Travel, toddler carriers, backup options for tired legs
Keywords: toddler carrier UK, compact baby carrier
My Carrier changed my life… (Rachael)
I got my first stretchy wrap from a local sling library when my eldest daughter was around four weeks old and honestly, it was life-changing. I had my hands back! I could cook dinner, hoover, and move around the house freely. But more than that, my baby was happy, calm, and would sleep soundly while being carried.
I had no idea at that point that there was research to prove that babies who are carried cry up to 43% less overall, and 51% less in the evening. The physical closeness mimics the womb, offering warmth, motion and the sound of your heartbeat, all of which help settle and soothe. It’s also brilliant for bonding; skin-to-skin contact supports emotional attachment, builds trust, and helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate.
It took me a while to move flow the wrap to a sturdier carrier (and I tried a few!) before discovering my beloved Tula and from around 3 months we started hiking mountains (well they were technically hills) with my daughter, just me and her out in nature, exploring. It was so good for my mental health, with every climb I developed confidence in my new role as Mum and built a feeling of strength that that me and my little one could conquer anything together ❤️
When my second daughter was born, she went straight into a carrier with a newborn insert no wasted hands-free time this time around and I’ve barely used a pram.
I’m genuinely so passionate about babywearing and the amazing benefits it brings for both mums and babies. I doubt there’d have been a Walking Mums if it hadn’t been for my carrier experiences, which is why I’m so pleased to share this list, based entirely on real feedback and insights from the Walking Mums community.
The first thing I would do when looking for your perfect carrier is find your local Sling Library – local to Warrington is 🔗 Supportive Sloths and you can find your local Sling Library here 🔗 Carrying Matters
You can loan stretchy wraps for FREE in many libraries and hire other carriers at low cost to ensure you find the carrier which is right for you and baby ✨
🤔 FAQs: Baby Carriers for Under-1s
What is the best baby carrier for newborns in 2025?
The Ergobaby Embrace and Tula Free-to-Grow were top picks by Walking Mums for newborns. They offer soft, close contact without the need for complicated wrapping, ideal for new parents looking for ease and comfort.
Can you use a baby carrier from birth?
Yes, many carriers are newborn-safe, especially those with ergonomic support and adjustable settings. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensure baby’s hips are in the recommended ‘M’ position.
Are baby carriers safe for long walks or hikes?
Absolutely. Carriers like the Ergobaby Omni 360 and Tula Explore offer excellent support for both baby and wearer, making them ideal for longer walks. Look for padded shoulder straps, lumbar support, and breathable fabric.
Can I breastfeed in a baby carrier?
Yes, with practice! Many mums successfully breastfeed while babywearing, especially in soft-structured carriers with adjustable straps or ring slings. Tip: wear a breastfeeding-friendly top and use a muslin or lightweight scarf for discretion if you want it.
Do airlines allow baby carriers on board?
Yes. Most airlines allow you to wear your baby through the airport and security (you may be asked to remove for screening), and carriers don’t count as separate luggage. They’re often a lifesaver during boarding and takeoff!
💬 Final Thought
No one gives you a handbook for this stage of life — but Walking Mums is here to change that. We’re not legal experts, but we’re real Mums sharing what we know to lift each other up. Because together, we figure it out.
💬 Got a favourite baby carrier not on this list? Let us know in the comments below ⬇️
👉 Come along to a Walking Mums meetup or join the chat in our WhatsApp! We share real advice, swap carriers info, and support each other every step of the way
Get involved
-
“Have we missed anything? Comment below!”
-
Share this resource Tag us on Instagram @walkingmumscheshire!”
Expecting baby 3 and ready to upgrade from my old, cheap carrier! Can’t wait to try these suggestions out at a sling library! Thanks WMs!