Newborns require a lot of close bonding, and need to be with you most of the time when they get home.
Baby carriers are a practical way to get some hands-free time to do jobs around the house, and every day chores on the run, while remaining close to your little one.
The best baby carriers need to be comfy for you and your mini-me, and can come in the form of wraps and slings or backpack style that you can use on the front or the back.
Small babies love to cuddle up near your chest and feel calmed by your heartbeat, and these carriers provide the comfiest and most stylish way of doing it.
Whether you want a carrier for around the house, running into town or going on hikes, we've rounded up the best picks below.
Best baby carriers for newborns
1. Ergobaby Omni 360 Mesh Baby Carrier
This baby carrier may not be the cheapest, but it's a great investment that will take you from newborn all the way to 48 months.
It has a breathable air mesh panel to make it comfy for baby, and is acknowledged as a "hip-healthy" product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, meaning it supports the “M” shape position for healthy ergonomics.
There's four possible carrying positions (front-facing you, front-facing outward, hip and back), for versatility to keep you both comfy, and a baby hood with UV50+ to protect the baby and give you privacy while nursing.
For parents? There's cushioned shoulder straps and a lumbar support waist belt, as well as being easy to switch the baby to facing in or out while on the go.
Price: £154.90, John Lewis - buy here now
2. BabyBjörn One Air Baby Carrier
Developed with paediatricians, this baby carrier provides the right amount of support for your child's head, hips and spine, and will from newborn to toddler-hood.
It's ideal for optimal newborn position (high on your chest, close to your heart) and also offers inward-facing, outward-facing and back-carrying comfort as your baby grows.
It's easy to put on and off yourself, and boasts an ergonomic design so baby and parents are comfy (we'll take those padded straps and that breathable mesh).
Price: £159, John Lewis - buy here now
3. Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier Black Denim
Small budget? No problem. This affordable baby carrier offers you four ways to hold your baby, as well as boasting a headrest to support the head and nape of newborns.
The ergonomic seat gives you adjustable width and there's adjustable padded shoulder straps for your comfort and your child's.
The two-in-one bib protects your clothing and the carrier, while the supportive waist belt offers optimised comfort for you. What's more, it's machine washable and you can use it until your mini-me is three years old. A great-value buy.
Price: £34.99, Argos - buy here now
4. Red Kite Embrace Baby Carrier
If you're looking for a reliable baby carrier to get you through the first year, this is another brilliant value option.
You can carry your newborn close to your heart, but also in the front inward and outward positions as well as on your back.
It has a foldable head support, is machine washable, and has extra-wide comfy shoulder straps.
One happy customer wrote: "It’s made so well, I feel so safe when carrying my little girl and she loves it, well worth the money and for anyone considering getting it, honestly go for it it’s a brilliant purchase!"
Price: £24.99, Argos - buy here now
5. CuddleBug Baby Wrap Sling + Carrier
With over 5,000 reviews on Amazon, it's safe to say this baby carrier for newborns is a bestseller.
The wrap sling is preferred by some new mums for its ability to get really close with baby and bond while you're getting things done. It's a great newborn hold, as well as working as a breastfeeding sling and offering multiple ways to carry your new arrival.
It's super-comfortable, with the cotton being infused with 5% spandex for a little stretch.
Price: £29.95, Amazon - buy here now
6. Joy and Joe Baby Wrap Sling Organic Stretchy Premium Carrier
Another fantastic wrap baby carrier is this Joy and Joe option, offering organic cotton at a great price point.
Crafted in the UK, it's lightweight, super-soft, breathable, eco-friendly and perfect for newborns.
The nature of the design and textile quality allows the weight of the baby to be evenly distributed across your back, reducing back or shoulder pain that sometimes comes with carriers, and it also allows you to position their babies in an ergonomic position that won’t predispose babies to hip dislocation. It's also machine washable.
Price: £19.99, Amazon - buy here now
7. Ergobaby Embrace Baby Carrier for Newborns
Get cosy, comfortable snuggles with your baby in this bestselling newborn baby.
Crafted from a lightweight soft-jersey fabric, it distributes baby's weight evenly and supports the ergonomic frog-leg, M-shaped position that's healthy for your baby's hips.
Offering handy head support, it's designed with the softness of a wrap and the structured support of a carrier for the best of both worlds.
Price: £79, Amazon - buy here now
8. Viedouce Baby Carrier Ergonomic
This pure cotton baby carrier not only feels luxurious but looks stylish too.
It's an ergonomic carrier to keep the baby close and in the natural C position and M shape for the legs. A supportive waist belt and adjustable, wide straps offer optimum comfort.
It's lightweight and secure, offering three different ways to carry your baby.
There's a handy removable hood to protect against the weather, and head support for newborns. A lovely option to get your more hands-free time.
