The Best Toddler Carriers – I Tried Them All!

Let’s talk about toddler carriers. You know, those magical contraptions that allow you to carry your little one around while still having your hands free to juggle all the chaos life throws at you? Yeah, those.

I baby wore often when my little guy was small. The carreir was his happy place. I imagined we would grow out of that by the time he was walking around and saying his first words, but my toddler wants to be a “up” more than ever, and still loves a good carrier.

Now, I’ve tried my fair share of toddler carriers, and let me tell you, not all are created equal. But fear not! I’ve compiled a list of the absolute best ones out there, complete with prices, pros, cons, and why each one is great for toting around your toddler. So grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger – no judgment here) and let’s dive in!

1. Tushbaby Hip Carrier

Let’s start with what all my mom friends feel is a game-changer – the Tushbaby. This thing is like a fanny pack for your kid, but way cooler. It’s designed to evenly distribute your child’s weight across your hips, making it comfortable for both of you.

It also comes in a nice range of colors and materials, from canvas to faux leather and velvet. There are a bunch of pockets, so it can replace the need for a purse, and since your kid toddler isn’t strapped in, they can easily come up and down as they please. Read my full Tushbaby review.

Price: $79.99-$150 (Get 15% off with code BEMYTRAVELMUSE)

Pros:

• Easy to put on and take off, no complicated straps or buckles.
• Fits waist sizes up to 44 inches, so you don’t have to worry about it being too tight.
• Has pockets for your essentials – phone, keys, snacks, you name it.

Cons:

• Not ideal for long walks or hikes, as it doesn’t offer as much support as some other carriers.
• If you have a heavier toddler (like I do) it might put too much weight in your back and hips if worn for long periods of time.

2. Deuter Kid Carrier Pro

Next up, we have the Deuter Kid Carrier Pro – the Jeep of toddler carriers. I call it that since this carrier allows you to off-road, if you will, on trails, over Europe’s cobblestone, and over longer distances with more ease thanks to the metal frame and better weight distribution.

The Deuter Kid Carrier Pro is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking or camping. It provides excellent support for both you and your child, and is the best option for when you know you’ll be carrying for long distances or stretches of time. Some families even choose to travel with a hiking backpack carrier rather than a travel stroller!

If you are flying with the carrier, consider the Osprey Poco LT (read my full Osprey Poco review) as well, which is a bit shorter and easier to pack into a suitcase.

Price: $370.00

Pros:

• Adjustable straps and padded hip belt for comfort.
• Integrated sunshade to protect your little one from UV rays.
• Lots of storage space for diapers, wipes, snacks, and a water bladder.

Cons:

• It’s on the pricier side, but if you plan on hiking at all, a hiking backpack carrier is a must.
• It’s a bit bulky, so it might not be the best option for crowded places.

3. TrailMagik

If you’re looking for a carrier that can go hiking with you and folds up tiny, the TrailMagik could be perfect. Instead of having straps and a waist belt, this carrier can strap onto a normal hiking backpack, creating a quick carrier when your toddler needs to be up, but allowing for the possibility that they’ll want to hike a bit as well without having to tote a whole carrier.

It can also strap to a hiking backpack carrier, which allows for the possibility of carrying two kids on the trail at once!

Price: $99.99 (get 10% off here)

Pros:

• Rolls up small for easy portability.
• Makes carrying two children possible.
• Attaches to whatever backpack you already have.

Cons:

• Might not be as comfortable as a standard carrier for extended use.
• Can’t be used on its own.

4. Ergobaby Aerloom

The classic Ergobaby Aerloom carrier is like the little black dress of toddler carriers. It’s timeless, versatile, and always in style.

The Ergobaby Aerloom carrier is perfect for everyday use from when your child is an infant all the way up until toddlerhood. I’ve tried several Ergobaby carriers and I like this one best for toddlers since it’s got a nice, easy forward facing option, which I find my toddler really likes. As a baby, he was happy to nuzzle in and nap, but as a toddler, he wants to face the world and see what’s out there. It’s usually between the Ergobaby and Artipoppe for me when it comes to soft carriers.

Price: Around $249.00

Pros:

• Ergonomic design that promotes healthy hip development for your child.
• Multiple carrying positions – front, back, and hip.
• Machine washable for easy cleaning.

Cons:

• The shoulder straps can dig in a bit, especially during longer outings.
• It doesn’t come with a built-in sunshade, so you’ll need to bring your own if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period.

5. Artipoppe

Last but certainly not least, we have the Artipoppe carrier – the epitome of luxury and style. If you’re looking to make a fashion statement while toting around your toddler, this is the carrier for you.

I’ve owned four of these now since I love the patterns so much. It’s been a way to express my sense of style as a mom, and they hold their value well, so buying or selling an Artipoppe secondhand is easy. Once I realized that, I didn’t worry about the price tag as much, though you can look at this list of Artipoppe dupes if you like the patterns but don’t want to shell out $300+ for a toddler carrier.

What surprised me the most is my son’s attachment to these at 20 months old. When he sees the carrier, he wants to be in it. He leans right in for cuddles, and to be honest, I’m so glad, because I wasn’t quite done baby wearing yet!

Price: $370-$3700

Pros:

• Gorgeous designs that are sure to turn heads wherever you go.
• Made from high-quality, ethically sourced materials.
• Can be worn in multiple ways – front, back, and forward facing.

Cons:

• The price tag might be a bit steep for some budgets.
• I personally dislike the forward facing position. The insert is clunky and the Ergobaby is better for this scenario.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for something to make your daily outings a bit easier, there’s something on this list for everyone. Happy toddler carrying!

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